Debut, highly praised, big-five published novel by Alice McVeigh. (Orion Publishing in hardback and paperback.) See www.alicemcveigh.com for details.

Highly rated sequel, 'big five' published contemporary fiction (Orion Publishing, hardback and paperback). See www.alicemcveigh.com for reviews.

Published by UK's Unbound in Feb. 2021, in the past three weeks it has wobbled between being ranked 10th and 34th in Amazon's 'hot new releases'.

Reviews below:


"A dauntless soldier’s epic tale of rebellion, escape, and redemption, Last Star Standing is a dazzling and chilling vision of the future...The writing has a sharp, post-apocalyptic edge with plenty of dark humor. Memorable characters leap off the page, the action is visceral and exciting, and Taylor’s unleashed imagination makes this novel a deeply addictive read." (SPR)

“Taylor melds original worldbuilding, dramatic flair and a lively storytelling style, bringing late twenty-first-century Earth to vivid life… Last Star Standing spurs readers to understand the juxtaposition of inner desire and outer reality that serves to obstruct and to shape humanity. (US Review of Books)

Readers receive a fine blend of fast-paced action and confrontations, and will find Aiden's special brand of reflection and irony compelling… Last Star Standing is a gritty, unique sci-fi drama powered by an unlikely hero and unexpected humor. Its encounters and progression will keep even seasoned sci-fi readers engrossed and involved in this world-saving effort that goes awry in the most unexpected ways. (Midwest Book Review)

"Taylor displays a masterful touch at bringing his characters to life, making this action-packed and thought-provoking offering a rare and engrossing treat." (Jack Magnus, editorial review for Reader’s Favorite)

“Aiden is a fiery protagonist, making this outlandishly creative novel a pleasure to read. Last Star Standing is refreshingly unpredictable, while holding to classic form.” (Independent Review of Books)

"Intriguing science-fiction with a post-apocalyptic flavor... the story captures and holds the imagination. The individual characters are artistic and original, giving a realistic feel. An extraordinary tale with a dynamic storyline. (Susan Sewell, editorial review for Reader’s Favorite)

"The writing is crisp and the novel graced by a compelling protagonist. Last Star Standing is fast-paced, riveting, and an enjoyable read." (G. Masso, editorial review for Reader’s Favorite)

Susan is a Jane Austen Prequel (or Pride and Prejudice Variation) brilliantly capturing Austen's own Lady Susan as a young girl.

A BookLife 2021 Quarterfinalist, Susan has won the Gold Medal/First Place in the PenCraft, Global, eLit and Historical Fiction Company Book Awards, along with numerous other awards.

Publishers Weekly starred review: "McVeigh's prose and plotting are pitch-perfect. Emma mingles with Pride and Prejudice in a delightful confrontation between the two books' worlds... This Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself."

Familiar characters abound - Frank Churchill, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy himself - but Susan - mischievous and manipulative - is the star. This is Austen that even Austen might have loved, with a touch of Georgette Heyer in the romantic sections. Fans of Bridgerton will also relish this classic regency romance, the first in a six-book series.

Sixteen-year-old Susan Smithson - pretty but poor, clever but capricious - has just been expelled from a school for young ladies in London.

At the mansion of the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, she attracts a raffish young nobleman. But, at the first hint of scandal, her guardian dispatches her to her uncle Collins' rectory in Kent, where her sensible cousin Alicia lives and "where nothing ever happens."

Here Susan mischievously inspires the local squire to put on a play, with consequences no one could possibly have foreseen. What with the unexpected arrival of Frank Churchill, Alicia's falling in love and a tumultuous elopement, rural Kent will surely never seem safe again...

“A young woman of no fortune and immense wit manoeuvres her way into the good graces of landed gentry in Alice McVeigh’s novel of manners. Characters from Pride and Prejudice appear…Their incorporation is clever: Mr. Collins is Susan’s uncle; Colonel Fitzwilliam had the misfortune of having killed Susan’s father in duel; Lady Catherine becomes her benefactress. Susan’s personality does break through the rigid strictures of Regency society, helping to make this an engaging historical novel with classic influences.” Clarion/Foreword Review

“Fans of Jane Austen are in for an indulgent treat with the brilliantly crafted novel. Alice McVeigh has mastered the period parlance, immersing readers fully in this charming historical romance. The polished story features a few familiar characters, such as the hard-to-please Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and the unending perorations of one Mr. Collins. But the impertinent Susan is the unmistakable star.”
Indies Today (editorial review)

“Fans of Jane Austen will be enraptured by Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel. Honoring the original voice of characters more than two centuries old and capturing the subtle tension and emotional complexity of youthful independence, this stylistic gem is an ambitious and memorable homage… McVeigh has set a strong foundation for a stunning six-book series”
SPR editorial review

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

Harriet is an intriguing and original take on Jane Austen's immortal Emma - told from the viewpoints of Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax.

* starred Editor's Pick on Publishers Weekly
*honorable mention/ finalist for Foreword Indies' Book of the Year
*finalist for Chanticleer's Chatelaine Award
*gold medallist, Global Book Awards
*selected as one of the top 100 books of 2022, Shelf Unbound magazine


Emma, a privileged young heiress, decides to mentor Harriet Smith, a pretty boarding-school pupil, and to matchmake her as eligibly as she can… But how is she to guess that Harriet has a secret?

Meanwhile, the brilliant, penniless Jane Fairfax consents to a clandestine engagement with Frank Churchill – though not daring to confess, even to him, that she is being relentlessly pursued by her best friend’s husband.

Harriet sidelines Emma herself in favour of the ingenious Harriet and the fascinating Jane Fairfax. It is Emma – but an Emma with a surprisingly believable twist in its tail.

“McVeigh draws inspiration from her love of Jane Fairfax, and she certainly paints a fuller, more complete picture that gives welcome complexity to the musically talented and fragile young woman with an uncertain future. Harriet, though, is the character who shines brightest in this reimagining . In Austen's original, Harriet is willing to do anything to please Emma, but here she is a character of great depth, hiding facets of her personality and skills, often catching what those around her miss, and ultimately facing a compelling romantic decision. McVeigh again is on point with both the writing style, language, and consistency in Austen's characters, making this a treat for anyone who loves the originals.”

Publishers Weekly, starred review


“Novelist 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 in the tradition of Austen’s pluckiest characters, and 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.”

Booklife Prize review


McVeigh offers plenty of wry insight, sparkling chatter, and domestic intrigue that will please readers, particularly loyal Austen fans. Jane Fairfax faces a precarious situation involving her closest friend, Caroline, and her new husband, Mr. Dixon. An escape comes when she meets Frank Churchill and the two fall for each other…In tone and language McVeigh successfully recreates Jane Austen's world. Readers will find Harriet an enjoyable, intelligent, reimagining of a well-loved story.”

Blueink Review

“A dynamic take on a revered classic. This is still Austen’s Emma—but the story that unfolds through the recollections of these two ‘side’ characters feels remarkably fresh… 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.”

IndieReader (editorial review)

“Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in yet another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. Swirling rumors, sardonic asides and complex romantic geometry make for a saucy read, but there are also profound commentaries on gender roles, friendship and heartbreak laced within the prose… McVeigh delivers a remarkably engaging tale of love, loss, and learning from one's mistakes, skilfully capturing the essence of Austen's world, but adding fresh dimensions.”

SPR (editorial review)

"Sparkling, witty and delectable" - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"Catnip for Austen fans... A joy to read!" - READER'S FAVORITE EDITORIAL REVIEW

Starred Editor's Pick ("outstanding") on PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
GOLD MEDAL: PENCRAFT'S "Best Books" (summer 2023)
GOLD MEDAL: Global Book Awards (historical fiction, 2023)
Longlisted for the CIBA Chatelaine International Book Awards (finalists to be announced in Dec.)


“Should she reject me again, I shall have to wed - as I swore I never would - for dynasty alone. I can only ever love Elizabeth Bennet.”

(NOTE FROM WARLEIGH HALL PRESS: "DARCY is classic fiction and NOT primarily a romance - though there IS romance included.")

Take a deep dive into Darcy.

McVeigh puts the spotlight on Darcy in this imaginative re-telling of Austen’s classic tale. In a timeless story of love amid the clash of social classes, Darcy is faced with a terrible choice: to stay in London to force Wickham’s hand – or to go to Rome, to salvage his family’s reputation.

With a new Darcyesque slant, omitted scenes from the original, and an extra helping of humour – including excerpts from The Wisdom and Wit of Miss Mary Bennet – this is a fresh new Pride and Prejudice with (wedding) bells on!

“McVeigh has a remarkable sense of the literary world Austen established, and is able to recreate it with masterly skill. Specifically, she reproduces Austen’s prose style with great fidelity, in all of its charming sophistication and clever wit.” – Kirkus Reviews

"One of the best expansions that I have ever come across, thanks to prose that sings with intelligent wit….The period details, dialogue, and storytelling are all spectacular: McVeigh’s Darcy was an absolute joy to read."
- Readers Favorite editorial review

“Austen enthusiasts will enjoy a style faithful to the original, while those looking for a new twist will appreciate the post-modern perspectives showcasing character motivation from a fresh standpoint.”
– IndieReader recommended 4.5/5