Jane Austenesque novels to sink into...

“This Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself.”
Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Prize review

“Harriet is an intriguing and original "take" on Jane Austen's immortal Emma”
Publishers Weekly's 2021 BookLife Prize

Available now from all good booksellers.

Meet the author

Author at Orion/Hachette in contemporary fiction.

Author at UK’s Unbound in speculative fiction.

Author at Warleigh Hall Press in historical fiction.

Some editorial reviews

“A dynamic take on a revered classic. Readers will rarely find the words 'page-turner' and 'Jane Austen' in the same sentence, but McVeigh's impeccably written Harriet certainly fits the bill.”

“A highly engrossing novel that captures the spirit of Austen and celebrates all the best qualities of her work from new and innovative angles. McVeigh hits the mark spot-on.”

“A highly engrossing novel that captures the spirit of Austen and celebrates all the best qualities of her work from new and innovative angles… The characters are vibrant and full of life - McVeigh hits the mark spot-on.”

“McVeigh's prose and plotting are pitch-perfect, and many readers will forget they're reading a contemporary novelist.”

“McVeigh displays a brilliant, spot-on command of Austen's diction and tone.”

“Readers who enjoy a well-told tale in the classic Austen style will be enchanted…There is no bodice-ripping; instead, the slow burn of suppressed passion and desperate romance.”

“Regency readers will find Susan both enjoyable and entertaining; her naughty flouting of the rules walks the tightrope of remaining cheeky and endearing while hinting at the colder, self-centered woman that is depicted by Austen in Lady Susan.”

“Extremely beautiful and charming, yet openly rebellious ... [Susan] causes quite the headache for her relatives.The writing style is witty, fun, and has all the hallmarks of an Austen novel. It will likely appeal to those who seek a modern continuation of British gentry romance and intrigue.”

“McVeigh has created a strong character unwilling to conform to the expectations for women of the early 1800s. Susan's charm and beauty allures many, giving her the freedom that other women would not have had during the period. The writing style is witty, fun, and has all the hallmarks of an Austen novel. It will likely appeal to those who seek a modern continuation of British gentry romance and intrigue.”

“Fans of Jane Austen are in for an indulgent treat with the brilliantly crafted novel, Susan. Alice McVeigh has truly mastered the period parlance, immersing readers fully in this charming historical romance. The story features a few familiar characters... but the ever impertinent Susan is the unmistakable star in this polished novel...”

“This book contains a charming awareness of Jane Austen’s novels that careful readers can collect like small tokens....Emma mingles with Pride and Prejudice in a delightful confrontation between the two books' worlds. 10 stars.”

“Novelist, editor, and ghostwriter McVeigh offers an outstanding addition to the canon of Jane Austen-inspired fiction with this utterly charming period novel, a prequel to Austen’s sharp-elbowed Lady Susan… Susan is a mischievous and clever heroine ... McVeigh populates her story with a cast of first-rate supporting characters, especially Susan’s cousin Alicia, who in the end provides the biggest surprise of the tale.”

“While this title will be catnip to dedicated Austen fans, even new initiates into her work will be captivated by this lively tale.”