The Jane Wunderly Series in Order

About the Jane Wunderly series

Series Premise

The premise follows Jane Wunderly, a thoroughly modern American widow in her late twenties or early thirties, who embraces post-war freedom by traveling abroad and encountering murders wherever she goes. After losing her husband in the war (or related circumstances), Jane rejects conventional expectations of widowhood and embarks on adventures—staying at opulent hotels, visiting English manors, crossing oceans on luxury liners, or exploring historic cities. In each installment, a suspicious death (poisoning, stabbing, or other clever methods) disrupts the setting, often involving a colorful cast of international guests, aristocrats, or locals with hidden motives. Jane, armed with sharp intelligence, observational skills, and a refusal to be sidelined by gender norms, investigates reluctantly at first—drawn in by personal connections, injustice, or suspicion falling on innocents (including herself). She teams up with allies like the enigmatic Redvers (a security expert or investigator) to uncover clues, navigate red herrings, and expose killers motivated by greed, jealousy, inheritance, espionage, or old grudges. The stories blend 1920s glamour (flapper-era fashion, exotic locales, emerging independence for women) with classic mystery elements: locked-room puzzles, alibis, and satisfying reveals. Overarching threads include Jane's evolving romance, personal growth, and embrace of a life unbound by tradition.

Main Characters

Jane Wunderly: The protagonist and amateur detective. A fiercely independent, intelligent American widow—modern, resourceful, and unafraid to speak her mind. She travels for adventure and freedom, using her wit and empathy to solve crimes. Her arc includes romance, self-discovery, and defying societal norms.
- Redvers (often a key ally/romantic interest): A mysterious, capable Englishman (security consultant or investigator) who frequently crosses paths with Jane. Charming, competent, and protective, he provides partnership, banter, and slow-burn romance that evolves across books—culminating in marriage/honeymoon in later entries.
- Supporting cast: Varies per book—eccentric hotel guests, aristocratic hosts, fellow travelers, local guides, or family connections. Recurring elements include Jane's aunt or friends offering support, colorful suspects (wealthy heirs, shady businessmen, jealous rivals), and police figures who grudgingly respect Jane's involvement. The ensemble reflects 1920s diversity: international mix, class contrasts, and strong secondary women.

Setting

The settings are exotic and glamorous 1920s locales that capture the era's wanderlust and post-war optimism. The debut unfolds at the iconic Mena House hotel in Cairo, Egypt—overlooking the pyramids, with desert heat, colonial elegance, and archaeological vibes. Subsequent books shift to a secluded English manor (Wedgefield), a luxurious transatlantic ocean liner (with class divides and isolation at sea), the bustling, historic streets of Istanbul (blending East and West), a misty Scottish isle (with ancient ruins and Highland charm), holiday estates for Christmas intrigue, American Indian Hills (rural or resort settings), and romantic Venice (canals, gondolas, and honeymoon allure).

The 1920s backdrop shines through period details: jazz-age fashion, emerging aviation, luxury travel (trains, ships, early planes), colonial influences, and societal transitions (women's suffrage echoes, flapper independence). Each location feels immersive—opulent hotels, grand estates, foggy coasts—enhancing the armchair-travel appeal while amplifying mystery through isolation, cultural contrasts, and hidden secrets.

Tone & Themes

The tone is witty, sophisticated, and warmly cozy—historical mystery with a light touch, emphasizing clever plotting and character charm over darkness. Murders are handled tastefully (off-page or discovered discreetly), with no graphic violence; the focus is on intellectual deduction, social intrigue, and gentle humor from Jane's dry observations, cultural clashes, and eccentric suspects. Neubauer infuses empowerment and optimism—Jane defies expectations as a capable, independent woman in a changing world—while delivering escapism through vivid travel descriptions and romantic tension. It's uplifting and engaging, perfect for readers seeking Agatha Christie-style elegance with a feminist twist, humor, and the satisfaction of justice served amid stunning backdrops.

Erica Ruth Neubauer's A Jane Wunderly Mystery series transports readers to the dazzling 1920s with elegant, globe-trotting cozies that blend sharp mysteries, empowering heroines, and breathtaking locales. Through 7+ books (and counting), Jane Wunderly emerges as a standout sleuth—modern, witty, and unapologetically independent—solving crimes amid pyramids, ocean voyages, ancient cities, and romantic canals. With Agatha-winning craftsmanship, vivid historical texture, and heartfelt romance, the series offers addictive escapism for fans of golden-age style with contemporary flair. Whether unraveling a desert murder or a Venetian vendetta, Jane proves that curiosity, courage, and a good hat can conquer any intrigue—making this a charming, wanderlust-fueled gem in the cozy historical mystery genre.