A Studious Heiress

A Victorian historical mystery set in 1899 Oxford, A Studious Heiress follows Isabella Hartwell, a Gilded Age American heiress whose sharp mind and impertinent curiosity draw her into murder, academic ambition, and a dangerous university scandal.

Isabella Hartwell has crossed paths with English aristocracy often enough to know that old families are rarely as secure as they appear. Oxford, however, presents a different sort of danger: quieter, more scholarly, and even more certain of its own importance. Invited to visit one of Oxford’s women’s halls, Isabella expects intellectual conversation, polished manners, and perhaps a little condescension from the men who believe education belongs to them by right. She does not expect murder. When one of those men is found dead, suspicion quickly turns towards a young woman with everything to lose. Isabella cannot stand aside while a convenient suspect is ruined by whispers, prejudice, and unfortunate timing. Her investigation leads her from college gardens to great libraries, and from academic ambition to an old secret someone has already killed to protect. Oxford prides itself on truth, learning, and honour. Isabella is about to discover how many lies can be hidden beneath all three. Perfect for readers who enjoy Gilded Age heiresses, witty female sleuths, Victorian historical mysteries, Oxford mysteries, and murder beneath the polish of respectable society.

© 2026 Simon Maverick (Audiobook): 9798347210046

Release date

Audiobook: 17 November 2026