Prequel Story: Pride & Prejudice & Potions

Jane Austen Cozy Mysteries: Pride & Prejudice & Potions #0.5

by Laura M. Drake, J. Ann Curtis, Michelle Cowart

The guests won’t say a word. The plants won’t stop talking.

Hosting her family’s annual All Hallow’s Eve masquerade ball is Georgiana’s responsibility, but attending is her chance to unmask her secret admirer. But when a guest is murdered, the evening turns from a magical night into a high-society whodunit. To make matters worse, the prime suspect is none other than George Wickham—the man she’s loved for years. He’s charming, infuriating, and swears he’s innocent.

With reputations on the line and secrets hidden behind every mask, Georgiana steps into the role of amateur sleuth, determined to uncover the truth. Fortunately, she has a secret weapon: her fae ability to communicate with plants. And her most talkative witness? A hopelessly romantic potted rose who might have seen everything.

Can Georgiana solve the mystery, clear Wickham’s name, and finally get him to see her as more than his best friend’s little sister, or will she discover that love—and murder—are rarely what they seem?

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

My name is Laura M. Drake, and I'm the youngest of five kids. I grew up in Arkansas and moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University. After spending three summers abroad in France, Japan, and China, I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and began teaching 4th grade near Salt Lake City. A few years later I moved back to Japan to fulfill a life-long dream of living there. When Covid got bad, I came back to America and have been living in Arkansas and writing full-time ever since. I'll soon be moving to UT and look forward to the new adventures that await me there. When I'm not writing (which isn't very often--I should probably get a life haha) I love playing ultimate frisbee, board games, writing in my journal, and spending time with friends and family.

Reviews

[Marie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting version of Pride and Prejudice, with fae, witches, and other magical beings in a modern world, but with the well-known characters from Austen's classic book. Here is what I assume is this version's take on Georgiana and Wickham's intended elopement, getting the characters together and then splitting them apart before the beginning of the original story. The murder mystery was short and simple, but gave us a good starting point for the characters and setting. I'm excited to see what these authors do with the rest of the series.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRIDE & PREJUDICE &POTIONS
JANE AUSTIN COZY MYSTERY
THE PREQUEL STORY BY LAURA M DRAKE, J. ANN CURTIS, MICHELLE COWART, REBECCA YOCKEY
Out now and free on kindle
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
The cover is stunning.
This prequel story is just perfect.
I love Georgiana and I love the whole setting, the storyline and everything about it.
🌹 Rosie and Vanda are just delightful.
I've read LIZZYS story which is book 1 last month and I'm going to be jumping straight into book 2 which is Caroline's story and I'm so blooming excited to get started.
This magical book series is going to be absolutely EPIC

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This short was enjoyable but a bit underwhelming. Being short I realize the authors didn’t have time to fully develop all the characters but it felt rushed all the same.

The premise of the story is intriguing and I’m planning on reading the next in the series to see how things continue. Hoping a longer tale will bring more depth.

[Patricia Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy murder mystery using the setting and characters from pride and prejudice but set in today’s time with magic. Georgiana a high fae decides to host a Halloween masquerade ball in the absence of her brother Darcy. This is the first party she has put on without her brother. The night is perfect until someone is murdered. Follow Georgiana as she try’s to help the detectives solve the mystery with the help of some unexpected witnesses.

[Cj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Such a fun read. A really different take on Jane Austin stories in a fantasy way.

Murder mystery, secret admirers, fae, vampires - just a perfect quick read.

Looking forward to reading more of the series.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern Pride and Prejudice magic variation where Georgiana Darcy is hosting an All Hallows Eve Ball when a man is killed. But he is only the first. Unfortunately for Georgiana Wickham, a man she loves, is a suspect.
An enjoyable story

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This prequel story introduces a brand new series that reimagines "Pride and Prejudice" with a mysterious and magical twist!

Georgiana is about to throw the masquerade ball of a lifetime. With her brother Darcy out of town, the responsibility falls on her to host the annual All Hallow's Eve ball in his place. When one of her guests is found murdered, Georgiana takes it upon herself to discover who the killer is before any of her other guests turn up dead.

This is a fun intro that brings a very intriguing concept to the table. In this series, the characters of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" are reimagined as witches, fae, vampires, and other magical beings that inhabit the town of Austen Heights. This short novelette introduces us to Georgiana and Wickham, who are obviously integral parts in the original "P&P." Watching Georgiana make short work of this case has me intrigued about what the rest of this series will entail.

The magical system in this world has me very curious. Georgiana has the ability to commune with plants, so I presume the other characters will also have unique abilities. And it turns out, creatures such as werewolves and vampires are illegal, so I'm pretty sure that's going to blow up in someone's face at some point.

One of the minor mysteries in this one involves who Georgiana's secret admirer is. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly Georgiana's role is in the original, so I am looking forward to reading Georgiana's book down the road and discovering how she'll get her happily ever after in the end.

Overall, "Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story" has me greatly intrigued about the rest of this series. The masquerade ball element was quite fun and added an air of mystery, even if this story wasn't terribly long or full of depth. Georgiana was a fun character to follow, and I look forward to seeing how the authors decide to portray each character. Also, the magic system and politics of this world has me asking a ton of questions already that I want answered ASAP. It's no surprise that I'll be diving into "Lizzy's Story" next now that I've finished the prequel.

[my.selected.stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4/5] ⭐️ Masquerade, Magic & Murder

Here’s my short review:

📖 Plot
Georgiana takes charge of her family’s annual Halloween masquerade, hoping to finally discover her secret admirer. But the night turns deadly when a guest is murdered, and suspicion falls on George Wickham. With her unique ability to talk to plants, Georgiana dives into sleuthing, uncovering hidden motives, untangling high-society secrets, and racing to prove Wickham’s innocence. The story mixes magical whimsy with cozy mystery, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

📖 Characters
Georgiana is clever, determined, and delightfully charming, especially with her witty rapport with the magical plants. Wickham is equal parts exasperating and magnetic, making their interactions lively and entertaining. The supporting cast, including enchanted flora and party guests, adds humor, mystery, and heart to the tale.

📖 Worldbuilding & Setting
The masquerade ball, sprinkled with magical elements and hints of regency elegance, gives the story a unique atmosphere. It feels both familiar and fresh, blending the charm of Austen-inspired society with a modern magical twist.

📖 Writing Style
The narrative is fast-paced and easy to follow, with a whimsical tone that balances magic, mystery, and humor. The prequel length makes it a quick, satisfying read for cozy mystery lovers.

📖 Recommendation
For readers who enjoy clever sleuths, magical twists, and Austen-inspired characters in a cozy, enchanting mystery, this prequel is a charming and delightful introduction to the series.

[Josie Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wasn’t sure what it said about me that I was asking for an orchid’s opinion, but I’d always loved plants." 🪴

I had such a delightful time reading Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story!  From the very first page, I was charmed by the cozy mystery vibes mixed with a clever Jane Austen-style retelling.  Laura M. Drake’s writing is exactly the kind of witty, engaging prose I adore, and she seamlessly blends classic romance sensibilities with whimsical magical elements.

This novella felt both familiar and refreshingly new.  The characters are wonderfully well-drawn, and I loved seeing the Austen-inspired personalities navigate a world where potions, spells, and fantasy twists are part of everyday life.  The plot is cleverly constructed with just the right amount of intrigue, keeping me guessing while still feeling cozy and satisfying.

The story’s tropes are everything I could hope for in a fantasy-meets-classic romance:

✨ Regency Retelling / Classic Literature Inspiration
✨ Cozy Mystery / Whodunit Elements
✨ Magical Realism / Fantasy Twist
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers / Romantic Tension
✨ Witty Banter / Clever Dialogue
✨ Small-Town / Close-Knit Community

Even as a short read, it packs a punch of charm, magic, and clever plotting.  I finished it with a smile, already looking forward to what the authors will conjure up next in this whimsical universe.  This novella is a perfect treat for fans of Austen, fantasy, and cozy mysteries alike.

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.75☆

I am so excited to continue this series after reading Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story.

Georgiana is hosting her first masquerade ball without her brother Darcy. Everyone is having a lovely time until someone is murdered. Luckily for Georgiana, she can talk to plants, and her rose bush, Rosie, might have seen the killer. On the suspect list is Wickham, the man Georgiana has loved since she was a child. She is determined to clear Wickham's name and prove to herself and everyone else just how capable she is.

This was an incredible prequel story! It did just what it needed to; I can't wait to continue the series.

Georgiana is adorable. She's the little sister, a young woman but the people close to her see her as a child who must be protected. She's determined to prove herself. She is also a high fae who can communicate with her plants. I love her. I can't wait to read her story.

If you're looking for a cute and cozy read perfect for autumn, this is it.

closed door romance • cozy fantasy • cozy mystery • cozy romance • fae • magic • murder mystery • novella • retelling • vampire

[beccy clish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky enough to read this as a beta for the series and omg guys this series is amazing!!!!!

I just love how we start out with Georgina and her ability to communicate with the plants because those plants have some attitude lol

If you love classical romances and Jane Austin is one of your faves then this modern telling with a twist is just what you need. Sprinkle in fantasy and a dust of magic and you get the Pride, Prejudice and Potion series, it’s a cosy murder mystery series full of twists and turns and the writing will draw you in from the start. You will be part of the community experiencing the sights, sounds and smells as you join in on the quest to solve each one. Trust me you will fall in love with the fae, witches and so many more quirky characters as you make your way through the books

[Jocelyn Reddoch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Okay so I might’ve read this book after finishing up Jane’s story (5 books later) but I had so much fun reading it!

Georgiana is so sweet and innocent, trying to prove to everyone that she’s not just Darcy’s little sister who needs constant protection and help, but when she threw her first masquerade ball and someone dies… it’s up to her to figure out who did it and FAST.

I thought that her ability to speak to plants was SO CUTE and actually turned out to be VERY helpful in the investigation! I literally read this all on one sitting, it was cute, quick, mysterious, and kept me wondering “WHO?”
Can’t wait to get back into the series with Charlotte’s Story next!☺️

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and prejudice is my absolute guilty pleasure, so this was delightfully charming with a twist on the characters, plus magical additions and a murder mystery plot. It's 100 pages of cosy crime solving, brewing romance, and a masquerade ball. This prequel features Georgiana and Wickham, and some helpful plant sidekicks as they work together to find a murderer, and prove wickham's innocence or uncover what he's hiding.
I love the atmosphere and how it still gives that regency vibe but with modern touches.
Excited to see more of this series and the other characters.

[Rachel Maze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it. it reminded me of reading an old Nancy Drew mystery. I love how the author incorporated fae, magic and the characters from Austen we love so well. it is set in a more modern setting and to be honest that was one of the only things I struggled with. I love escaping back in time with my favorite Austen classics like Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice. that part of it was hard to wrap my head around but otherwise it was well thought out and an easy read.

[Samanta Simão · Rating 5 out of 5]

The masks fall as Georgiana grows up. She discovers that being an adult is not always a fairy tale: expectations can dissolve like enchantments, problems do not vanish at the end of a dance, and even friends change more than we do. Yet hope remains: adult life may not offer perfect endings, but it always makes room for new beginnings.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely written prequel story with a cozy murder mystery. I can’t wait to read more of Georgiana’s story I so want to know who the secret admirer is.

I am really enjoying how Laura has taken Pride & Prejudice and given it a magical twist.

Laura M. Drake

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, humours cozy murder mystery with magical take on Pride and Prejudice. Georgiana is hosting an hollows eve masquerade ball when a man gets killed. To make matters worse the man she loves is a suspect in the murder. Georgiana takes matter is her own hands & try’s to help the detectives solve the mystery.

Can she do it?
Will it clear his name, or did he do it?

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible read brings pride and prejudice into modern times with supernatural, magic, witches and fae etc….. Gripping, enthralling and brimming with mystery, suspense, romance and fantasy, this is one hell of a cozy mystery with incredible characters and with humour, twists and turns throughout and murder! Absolutely loved it!

[Noëmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool little Prequel into the whole Jane Austen anthology. A snippet into Georgiana' story.

We get to see a glimpse into her personality and what Wickham really is. What their backstory is about, why Darcy might not really like him.

And of course another mystery to solve. I love those mysteries!

I've been hooked since the first book and can't wait to read more about Georgiana!

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it's said to be a prequel, reading it after atleast a book or 2 in the series will be more helpful. Since it's a short story, the world building is missing and the plot focuses on the murder and hence might confuse the readers about the background.

The plot in itself was good and since I read it after Book 3 of the series, I was able to piece things up quickly.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me for my birthday as a "funny" present but when I brought it along with me for a weekend road trip, I ended up reading it so fast and enjoyed the whole thing. I have since started reading Lizzy's Story and am genuinely looking forward to reading the rest of them as they come out.

[Lindy Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew this is what happened with Georgina and Wickham? I would have never guessed vampires and murders were involved. Love it! This was such a fun cozy read and a wonderful start to this fun series. Can’t wait to see what magical abilities and adventures the other Pride and Prejudice characters have.

[Shannon Crider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel and I am thoroughly looking forward to the rest of the story coming out. I am excited to see this story with this fantasy, cozy murder mystery twist added to it. Well done, I'm hooked!

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Georgiana's character here and loved the setting & magical atmosphere buuuuttt... Wickham is just not dastardly (that is just not Wickham). While I guess that makes him kinda likeable, it strayed too far away from the original for me.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, short read

This was a fun take on Pride and Prejudice. It seems like it's the same characters in a paranormal/fantasy setting with some murder mystery mixed in. Since it was just the prequel, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Beth DeLong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute intro to the series! I'm all about some Pride & Prejudice retellings, and a cozy series with murder mysteries and paranormal creatures is a fun take on the original classic.

Excited to see where the rest of the series takes us!

⚠️ No cursing
🫑 Kisses only

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy prequel to the P&P&P series. Having Georgiana and Wickham.work together to solve a murder was a great idea. And msking.it during an. All Hallows Eve Masquerade Ball was just as amazing. I also liked Georgiana's fae power over plants.

[Christine Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book! It was pretty silly and definitely felt like a JF book but my hubby and I read it together and enjoyed it.

[Christina Biasca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Such a great spin on the Jane Austen’s classic meets a magical world leaves you with a sense that anything can happen.

[Rebecca Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and cute little mystery. I cant wait to read the rest of the series!