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Jane Austen Mysteries #1
Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor
For everyone who loves Jane Austen...a marvelously entertaining new series that turns the incomparable author into an extraordinary sleuth! On a visit to the estate of her friend, the young and beautiful Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave, Jane bears witness to a tragedy. Isobel's husband--a gentleman of mature years--is felled by a mysterious and agonizing ailment. The Earl's death seems a cruel blow of fate for the newly married Isobel. Yet the bereaved widow soon finds that it's only the beginning of her misfortune...as she receives a sinister missive accusing her and the Earl's nephew of adultery--and murder. Desperately afraid that the letter will expose her to the worst sort of scandal, Isobel begs Jane for help. And Jane finds herself embroiled in a perilous investigation that will soon have her following a trail of clues that leads all the way to Newgate Prison and the House of Lords--a trail that may well place Jane's own person in the gravest jeopardy.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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9587 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Barron
45 books877 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephanie Barron was born Francine Stephanie Barron in Binghamton, NY in 1963, the last of six girls. Her father was a retired general in the Air Force, her mother a beautiful woman who loved to dance. The family spent their summers on Cape Cod, where two of the Barron girls now live with their families; Francine's passion for Nantucket and the New England shoreline dates from her earliest memories. She grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, a two hundred year-old Catholic school for girls that shares a wall with Georgetown University. Her father died of a heart attack during her freshman year.
In 1981, she started college at Princeton – one of the most formative experiences of her life. There she fenced for the club varsity team and learned to write news stories for The Daily Princetonian – a hobby that led to two part-time jobs as a journalist for The Miami Herald and The San Jose Mercury News. Francine majored in European History, studying Napoleonic France, and won an Arthur W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship in the Humanities in her senior year. But the course she remembers most vividly from her time at Princeton is "The Literature of Fact," taught by John McPhee, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and staff writer for The New Yorker. John influenced Francine's writing more than even she knows and certainly more than she is able to say. If there were an altar erected to the man in Colorado, she'd place offerings there daily. He's her personal god of craft.
Francine spent three years at Stanford pursuing a doctorate in history; she failed to write her dissertation (on the Brazilian Bar Association under authoritarianism; can you blame her?) and left with a Masters. She applied to the CIA, spent a year temping in Northern Virginia while the FBI asked inconvenient questions of everyone she had ever known, passed a polygraph test on her twenty-sixth birthday, and was immediately thrown into the Career Trainee program: Boot Camp for the Agency's Best and Brightest. Four years as an intelligence analyst at the CIA were profoundly fulfilling, the highlights being Francine's work on the Counterterrorism Center's investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, and sleeping on a horsehair mattress in a Spectre-era casino in the middle of Bratislava. Another peak moment was her chance to debrief ex-President George Bush in Houston in 1993. But what she remembers most about the place are the extraordinary intelligence and dedication of most of the staff – many of them women – many of whom cannot be named.
She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Fifteen books have followed, along with sundry children, dogs, and houses. When she's not writing, she likes to ski, garden, needlepoint, and buy art. Her phone number is definitely unlisted.
Stephanie Barron was born Francine Stephanie Barron in Binghamton, NY in 1963, the last of six girls. Her father was a retired general in the Air Force, her mother a beautiful woman who loved to dance. The family spent their summers on Cape Cod, where two of the Barron girls now live with their families; Francine's passion for Nantucket and the New England shoreline dates from her earliest memories. She grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, a two hundred year-old Catholic school for girls that shares a wall with Georgetown University. Her father died of a heart attack during her freshman year.
In 1981, she started college at Princeton – one of the most formative experiences of her life. There she fenced for the club varsity team and learned to write news stories for The Daily Princetonian – a hobby that led to two part-time jobs as a journalist for The Miami Herald and The San Jose Mercury News. Francine majored in European History, studying Napoleonic France, and won an Arthur W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship in the Humanities in her senior year. But the course she remembers most vividly from her time at Princeton is "The Literature of Fact," taught by John McPhee, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and staff writer for The New Yorker. John influenced Francine's writing more than even she knows and certainly more than she is able to say. If there were an altar erected to the man in Colorado, she'd place offerings there daily. He's her personal god of craft.
Francine spent three years at Stanford pursuing a doctorate in history; she failed to write her dissertation (on the Brazilian Bar Association under authoritarianism; can you blame her?) and left with a Masters. She applied to the CIA, spent a year temping in Northern Virginia while the FBI asked inconvenient questions of everyone she had ever known, passed a polygraph test on her twenty-sixth birthday, and was immediately thrown into the Career Trainee program: Boot Camp for the Agency's Best and Brightest. Four years as an intelligence analyst at the CIA were profoundly fulfilling, the highlights being Francine's work on the Counterterrorism Center's investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, and sleeping on a horsehair mattress in a Spectre-era casino in the middle of Bratislava. Another peak moment was her chance to debrief ex-President George Bush in Houston in 1993. But what she remembers most about the place are the extraordinary intelligence and dedication of most of the staff – many of them women – many of whom cannot be named.
She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Fifteen books have followed, along with sundry children, dogs, and houses. When she's not writing, she likes to ski, garden, needlepoint, and buy art. Her phone number is definitely unlisted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 882 reviews
February 9, 2016
Jane Austen, having recently refused Mr. Biggs-Whiter (24 hours after accepting him), goes to visit a "dearest friend", the Countess of Scargrave. While celebrating her friend's marriage, the Earl of Scargrave DIES. Followed a few days later by the Countess's maid. And everyone knows what that means: JANE AUSTEN, ON THE CASE.
1. omg wtf this book.
2. There's an intro chapter that tries to introduce the idea that in a locked trunk in someone's attic are all the missing papers of Jane Austen's life: letters to her sister Cassandra, detailed journals, etc. This chapter, honestly, was kind of mistake and set me against the book from the beginning.
3. The first half of the book is all setup: The Earl dies, the maid writes threatening letters, Jane learns horseback riding, the maid is found murdered, which leads to an investigation of the Countess and the new Earl.
FINALLY, FINALLY, 3/5 of the way through the book, after the Countess (who is looking EXTRAORDINARILY GUILTY of MURDER) begs her too, Jane FINALLY starts investigating the deaths. For a woman allegedly clever, she takes an awfully long time to begin examining the situation. Which makes her look like a fool.
AND JANE AUSTEN IS NO FOOL.
4. The actual events of the story, excusing Jane entirely, are amazingly stilted. The villain of the piece basically turns into a Scooby-Doo baddie when caught, screeching that she would have gotten away with it if not for that meddling Miss Austen!! Truly horrific, violent things (the murder of the maid, the death of another character) feel off-kilter in comparison to the rest of the book.
5. The characters are just as bad. Barron relies on helpful footnotes comparing characters to Austen's own characters in order to complete characterization. For example, the new Earl of Scargrave is a dour, cold, distant man who Barron helpfully explains "may have been the inspiration for Mr. Darcy". From that we are to gather that he is reserved but ultimately a good man. There is not much additional evidence of his goodness--just that one footnote likening him to a beloved universal hero. It's sloppy and lazy.
6. And, again, because characterization is hard, Jane Austen is turned into the Average White Girl, one who is "awkward" and "smart" and "not pretty per say even though all the approved markers of European standards of beauty meet in her aspect and her eyes". And to add to the hot mess, ALL THE MEN (if they have any actual sense) are in love with her. (If they neglect sense, then they're in love with the cliche, pretty cousin, OF COURSE.)
I mean, multiple men get the privilege of seeing Jane Austen in her nightclothes. Imagine if Elizabeth Bennet had been given THAT particular honor. There's even hints of a multi-book UST-off with a BRITISH SPY who calls Jane his "light Angel"???
My head hurts.
7. Overall, the mystery was shoddy, the characterization sloppy, and worse, I KIND OF WANT TO READ THE NEXT ONE???
1. omg wtf this book.
2. There's an intro chapter that tries to introduce the idea that in a locked trunk in someone's attic are all the missing papers of Jane Austen's life: letters to her sister Cassandra, detailed journals, etc. This chapter, honestly, was kind of mistake and set me against the book from the beginning.
3. The first half of the book is all setup: The Earl dies, the maid writes threatening letters, Jane learns horseback riding, the maid is found murdered, which leads to an investigation of the Countess and the new Earl.
FINALLY, FINALLY, 3/5 of the way through the book, after the Countess (who is looking EXTRAORDINARILY GUILTY of MURDER) begs her too, Jane FINALLY starts investigating the deaths. For a woman allegedly clever, she takes an awfully long time to begin examining the situation. Which makes her look like a fool.
AND JANE AUSTEN IS NO FOOL.
4. The actual events of the story, excusing Jane entirely, are amazingly stilted. The villain of the piece basically turns into a Scooby-Doo baddie when caught, screeching that she would have gotten away with it if not for that meddling Miss Austen!! Truly horrific, violent things (the murder of the maid, the death of another character) feel off-kilter in comparison to the rest of the book.
5. The characters are just as bad. Barron relies on helpful footnotes comparing characters to Austen's own characters in order to complete characterization. For example, the new Earl of Scargrave is a dour, cold, distant man who Barron helpfully explains "may have been the inspiration for Mr. Darcy". From that we are to gather that he is reserved but ultimately a good man. There is not much additional evidence of his goodness--just that one footnote likening him to a beloved universal hero. It's sloppy and lazy.
6. And, again, because characterization is hard, Jane Austen is turned into the Average White Girl, one who is "awkward" and "smart" and "not pretty per say even though all the approved markers of European standards of beauty meet in her aspect and her eyes". And to add to the hot mess, ALL THE MEN (if they have any actual sense) are in love with her. (If they neglect sense, then they're in love with the cliche, pretty cousin, OF COURSE.)
I mean, multiple men get the privilege of seeing Jane Austen in her nightclothes. Imagine if Elizabeth Bennet had been given THAT particular honor. There's even hints of a multi-book UST-off with a BRITISH SPY who calls Jane his "light Angel"???
My head hurts.
7. Overall, the mystery was shoddy, the characterization sloppy, and worse, I KIND OF WANT TO READ THE NEXT ONE???
January 11, 2016
Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor- Jane Austen Mysteries # 1 by Stephanie Barron is a 1996 Crimeline publication.
Although I am a big fan of Jane Austen, I have steadfastly avoided all novels that feature the author as a sleuth or any other sort of fictional character. However, I picked one of these mysteries up at a library sale, thinking that for fifty cents I could at least give it a try.
As fate would have it, the book I picked up was the third book in the series. Hoping against hope, I checked my overdrive library to see if any of the previous books were available, and was happy see that, indeed, they did have most of the books in the series. So, thankfully, I was able to start at the beginning!
The story begins with the suggestion that some of Miss Austen’s journals had been discovered and the editor here has published some the adventures Jane enjoyed by solving a mystery once in while during her lifetime.
This first book sees Jane looking to avoid local society after calling off her engagement. Staying with her recently married friend Isobel, she learns that her friend married a much older man due to her father’s debts, but is actually in love with her husband’s nephew.
When the old Earl dies rather suddenly, the accusations of poisoning begin to swirl. With Isobel’s financial gain and her obvious love for another man, she could face a murder charge.
Can Jane find the truth before her friend is thrown in prison?
I admit to being skeptical about these types of mysteries, because I fear the stories will cast a much esteemed person, like Jane Austen, in a role that doesn’t do them justice, or makes them look ridiculous.
But, I found myself enjoying the setting, imagining Jane in social situations with men, being a loyal friend, and coming to the rescue. This is the first book in the series, and a little extra time was spent on the setup, but once the investigation got rolling, I was pleasantly surprised at how clever the plot was and how the author stuck to the strictures of the time period by using the first person accounting of events from Jane Austen herself, via her letters and journals. The ‘editor’ took time at the end of each chapter to expound upon certain laws or rules of society, making Jane’s actions understandable, and words clearer. These brief snippets of history were fun and interesting and I thought it was a nice touch.
Overall, I liked this story well enough to continue on with the series.
4 stars
Although I am a big fan of Jane Austen, I have steadfastly avoided all novels that feature the author as a sleuth or any other sort of fictional character. However, I picked one of these mysteries up at a library sale, thinking that for fifty cents I could at least give it a try.
As fate would have it, the book I picked up was the third book in the series. Hoping against hope, I checked my overdrive library to see if any of the previous books were available, and was happy see that, indeed, they did have most of the books in the series. So, thankfully, I was able to start at the beginning!
The story begins with the suggestion that some of Miss Austen’s journals had been discovered and the editor here has published some the adventures Jane enjoyed by solving a mystery once in while during her lifetime.
This first book sees Jane looking to avoid local society after calling off her engagement. Staying with her recently married friend Isobel, she learns that her friend married a much older man due to her father’s debts, but is actually in love with her husband’s nephew.
When the old Earl dies rather suddenly, the accusations of poisoning begin to swirl. With Isobel’s financial gain and her obvious love for another man, she could face a murder charge.
Can Jane find the truth before her friend is thrown in prison?
I admit to being skeptical about these types of mysteries, because I fear the stories will cast a much esteemed person, like Jane Austen, in a role that doesn’t do them justice, or makes them look ridiculous.
But, I found myself enjoying the setting, imagining Jane in social situations with men, being a loyal friend, and coming to the rescue. This is the first book in the series, and a little extra time was spent on the setup, but once the investigation got rolling, I was pleasantly surprised at how clever the plot was and how the author stuck to the strictures of the time period by using the first person accounting of events from Jane Austen herself, via her letters and journals. The ‘editor’ took time at the end of each chapter to expound upon certain laws or rules of society, making Jane’s actions understandable, and words clearer. These brief snippets of history were fun and interesting and I thought it was a nice touch.
Overall, I liked this story well enough to continue on with the series.
4 stars
March 21, 2007
This series of fictional mysteries solved by Jane Austen are charming and witty and a whole lot of fun for people who can't get enough Jane Austen. You need a healthy dose of girl-geekness to love these, but luckily I have plenty to spare. Usually I dislike mysteries, but these have enough Austen flair to gloss over the fact that they're all whodunnits.
July 26, 2018
love this book. The idea of Jane Austen being a amateur detective is so cool
August 2, 2023
Having previously enjoyed a couple of other titles from this series, I finally got around to reading Stephanie Barron's first book featuring 19th century author Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth.
It's December 1802, and Jane Austen has recently broken her (real life) short-lived engagement to Harris Bigg-Wither. To escape social embarrassment and her family's disapproval of her decision, Jane travels from her family home in Bath to stay with her friend Isobel, recently married to the much older Earl of Scargrave. Jane arrives in time to attend the ball celebrating the Earl and Countess's marriage, but by the next morning, the bridegroom is dead. In the midst of comforting the new widow, Jane begins to sense that all is not as it appears, and she calls on the assistance of her old friend Sir William Reynolds, who happens to be the local magistrate. The plot thickens as another member of the household is brutally killed, and Jane's friend Isobel, Countess of Scargrave is accused of being implicated in both crimes. Can Jane navigate the social conventions of the early 19th century and use her wits to solve the murder before Isobel is condemned?
In a brief prologue to the body of the novel entitled "Editor's Foreword", Stephanie Barron introduces a fictional device whereby the plot of this novel - and its series successors - is based on a lost cache of Austen letters and journals discovered beneath the foundations of a Maryland barn. This is, of course, a product of the author's imagination, but sets the stories in a parallel universe in which the reader may follow the adventures of the great author outside of her writing endeavours.
I felt that the pace of the book lagged a little in the second quarter, but this improved in the second half of the book, in which Miss Austen accompanies the Scargrave entourage to London, where her efforts to save the hapless Isobel enter a more urgent phase. I don't profess to be any more than a keen reader of Austen's novels, and am no expert in the social nuances or intricacies of character and language that other reviewers have commented upon. To me, the style of the book felt consistent with the language and preoccupations of Austen's own work, and I enjoyed the frequent references to personalities, settings and events that presage those that the real-life Austen would go on to depict in her work. Barron characterises Austen as a lively, intelligent and principled young woman, very much constrained by her gender and her comparative lack of financial means. I don't know whether the real Austen had so many friends and acquaintances in the upper echelons of society, but these mysteries offer a tantalising glimpse of what she may have been like to know.
I'd recommend Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor and the series generally to readers who love and are relatively familiar with the works of Jane Austen, but are willing to suspend disbelief a little as to historical verisimilitude. Also, any reader who enjoys cosy mysteries set in historical time periods and/or amongst the English aristocracy is likely to enjoy these mysteries.
It's December 1802, and Jane Austen has recently broken her (real life) short-lived engagement to Harris Bigg-Wither. To escape social embarrassment and her family's disapproval of her decision, Jane travels from her family home in Bath to stay with her friend Isobel, recently married to the much older Earl of Scargrave. Jane arrives in time to attend the ball celebrating the Earl and Countess's marriage, but by the next morning, the bridegroom is dead. In the midst of comforting the new widow, Jane begins to sense that all is not as it appears, and she calls on the assistance of her old friend Sir William Reynolds, who happens to be the local magistrate. The plot thickens as another member of the household is brutally killed, and Jane's friend Isobel, Countess of Scargrave is accused of being implicated in both crimes. Can Jane navigate the social conventions of the early 19th century and use her wits to solve the murder before Isobel is condemned?
In a brief prologue to the body of the novel entitled "Editor's Foreword", Stephanie Barron introduces a fictional device whereby the plot of this novel - and its series successors - is based on a lost cache of Austen letters and journals discovered beneath the foundations of a Maryland barn. This is, of course, a product of the author's imagination, but sets the stories in a parallel universe in which the reader may follow the adventures of the great author outside of her writing endeavours.
I felt that the pace of the book lagged a little in the second quarter, but this improved in the second half of the book, in which Miss Austen accompanies the Scargrave entourage to London, where her efforts to save the hapless Isobel enter a more urgent phase. I don't profess to be any more than a keen reader of Austen's novels, and am no expert in the social nuances or intricacies of character and language that other reviewers have commented upon. To me, the style of the book felt consistent with the language and preoccupations of Austen's own work, and I enjoyed the frequent references to personalities, settings and events that presage those that the real-life Austen would go on to depict in her work. Barron characterises Austen as a lively, intelligent and principled young woman, very much constrained by her gender and her comparative lack of financial means. I don't know whether the real Austen had so many friends and acquaintances in the upper echelons of society, but these mysteries offer a tantalising glimpse of what she may have been like to know.
I'd recommend Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor and the series generally to readers who love and are relatively familiar with the works of Jane Austen, but are willing to suspend disbelief a little as to historical verisimilitude. Also, any reader who enjoys cosy mysteries set in historical time periods and/or amongst the English aristocracy is likely to enjoy these mysteries.
February 4, 2017
This is the first of the Jane Austen Mystery series and I was very much entertained and delighted with it. I do love a good historical mystery series and I do love Jane Austen, so for me it was a match made in book heaven. Why it has taken me so long to start this series is beyond me!
The basic premise of the book is well explained in the description, however, there is an interesting tidbit not explained. Namely, Jane has accepted and then refused the offer of marriage from Mr. Bigg-Wither of Manydown Park which sets the stage in her accepting the invitation to her dear friend's ball at Scargrave Manor. I enjoyed being inside Miss Austen's head as she tries to assist her friend, Isobel Payne, the Countess of Scargrave during and after the death of her husband, the Earl of Scargrave. I found the murder mystery intriguing, well researched, ominous at times and the characters well drawn. Through it all, is Miss Austen's unwavering trust as she sallies forth to help and defend her friend.
The dialogue and writing to me was well written and at times had me laughing.
"Colonel Buchanan was, as his name suggests, a Scot. With his bandy legs and greying red hair, he reminded me for all the world of the old cock at Steventon, who ran crowing about the farmyard with such importance that Cook soon lost patience and put him in the soup kettle."
Miss Austen's ability to observe and form opinions of those around her is well executed in this mystery. I also enjoyed that one could pick out certain characters from her novels. Trying to figure out, along with Miss Austen, who the actual suspect/suspects were, was cleverly done. I had my suspicions but didn't fully figure it out until near the end.
I will state that, though Miss Austen was of independent thought and actions, I don't feel she would have gone against propriety by taking off in a hansom cab by herself or with a gentleman without at least a chaperone or maid. There are areas where propriety was given over for the story to move forward. That being said, I did thoroughly enjoy it and look forward to reading Book 2 in the series in the very near future!
The basic premise of the book is well explained in the description, however, there is an interesting tidbit not explained. Namely, Jane has accepted and then refused the offer of marriage from Mr. Bigg-Wither of Manydown Park which sets the stage in her accepting the invitation to her dear friend's ball at Scargrave Manor. I enjoyed being inside Miss Austen's head as she tries to assist her friend, Isobel Payne, the Countess of Scargrave during and after the death of her husband, the Earl of Scargrave. I found the murder mystery intriguing, well researched, ominous at times and the characters well drawn. Through it all, is Miss Austen's unwavering trust as she sallies forth to help and defend her friend.
The dialogue and writing to me was well written and at times had me laughing.
"Colonel Buchanan was, as his name suggests, a Scot. With his bandy legs and greying red hair, he reminded me for all the world of the old cock at Steventon, who ran crowing about the farmyard with such importance that Cook soon lost patience and put him in the soup kettle."
Miss Austen's ability to observe and form opinions of those around her is well executed in this mystery. I also enjoyed that one could pick out certain characters from her novels. Trying to figure out, along with Miss Austen, who the actual suspect/suspects were, was cleverly done. I had my suspicions but didn't fully figure it out until near the end.
I will state that, though Miss Austen was of independent thought and actions, I don't feel she would have gone against propriety by taking off in a hansom cab by herself or with a gentleman without at least a chaperone or maid. There are areas where propriety was given over for the story to move forward. That being said, I did thoroughly enjoy it and look forward to reading Book 2 in the series in the very near future!
February 3, 2022
3.5 stars.
While i did enjoy losing myself in Jane Austen's world and felt that the 'footnotes' were of great help in understanding more of her world, i think i lost some interest in the book because of its length.
I wasn't expecting it to be fast paced but i feel that the book would have worked better for me if it were some fifty pages or so shorter. Because by the time the mystery was revealed, i just wanted the book to end. Don't get me wrong- it wasn't a bad mystery and i did enjoy myself time and again while reading it. But the overall effect for me was spoiled because of its length and pacing which made an unfortunate combination for the book.
Will i still be reading the other books in the series? I will, but perhaps not for some time.
While i did enjoy losing myself in Jane Austen's world and felt that the 'footnotes' were of great help in understanding more of her world, i think i lost some interest in the book because of its length.
I wasn't expecting it to be fast paced but i feel that the book would have worked better for me if it were some fifty pages or so shorter. Because by the time the mystery was revealed, i just wanted the book to end. Don't get me wrong- it wasn't a bad mystery and i did enjoy myself time and again while reading it. But the overall effect for me was spoiled because of its length and pacing which made an unfortunate combination for the book.
Will i still be reading the other books in the series? I will, but perhaps not for some time.
September 8, 2024
09-01-24: Started reading today. This is the first quote at the beginning of Chapter 1:
"When a young lady of more fashion than means has the good sense to win the affection of an older gentleman, a widower of high estate and easy circumstances, it is generally observed that the match is an intelligent one on both sides."
Is it possible that Stephanie Barron is Jane Austen reincarnated! Think I'm going to love this!
Finished 09-07-24. Rated 4 stars. Delightful historical mystery with Jane Austen as the "detective" who must help to solve two murders or her dear friend will be found guilty and hang. Looking forward to reading more adventures with Miss Austen.
"When a young lady of more fashion than means has the good sense to win the affection of an older gentleman, a widower of high estate and easy circumstances, it is generally observed that the match is an intelligent one on both sides."
Is it possible that Stephanie Barron is Jane Austen reincarnated! Think I'm going to love this!
Finished 09-07-24. Rated 4 stars. Delightful historical mystery with Jane Austen as the "detective" who must help to solve two murders or her dear friend will be found guilty and hang. Looking forward to reading more adventures with Miss Austen.
December 3, 2022
Miss Jane Austen, spinster, of Bath is visiting her dear friend Isobel, the new Countess of Scargrave during the holiday season. Jane looks forward to enjoying a holiday house party celebrating her friend's recent nuptials to the older Earl of Scargrave, only something is amiss. Isobel seems unhappy. She is being pestered to sell her land in the West Indies to Lord Harold Towbridge, a disreputable seeming character. Lord Scargrave's haughty heir, Lord Fitzroy Payne, looks at Isobel in a very un-relative like fashion. Isobel's young cousin Fanny flirts with the charming roguish Lieutenant Thomas Hearst much to the dismay of her Mama who wishes her to marry Fitzroy. Rounding out the party is the Lieutenant's gloomy elder brother George, a clergyman farmer. When dear Isobel's husband is murdered it seems that everyone is a suspect. Isobel and Fitzroy's relationship is suspect and when Isobel's Creole maid meets an unhappy end, the young nobles are sent to London to await the Assizes in jail. Jane is positive her friend is innocent and determined to prove it. She has only a few days to collect evidence and find the true murderer. Everyone has a motive but whodunnit?
This story resembles the board game Clue. Was it Fanny in the stable yard with a rope? Was it George in the study with poison? Sleuth Jane to the rescue. I enjoyed this story a lot. Jane works within the boundaries of her world with the help of some men to solve the mystery. I had three chief suspects and figured out who the murderer was but not the motive. Everyone seemed to have an obvious motive and the actual motive came as a bit of a surprise out of nowhere. Jane learns a lot of things about people that make it into her stories. I dislike the use of dialogue and situations from her novels being put into her life story. This is the best written of the mysteries I have read so far and the most realistic for a woman of Jane Austen's time and situation.
******************************Reread Nov. 2022*******************************
I knew I had read this one before but I grabbed it at the library book sale because I knew I would want to reread it before passing it on. I remembered absolutlely NOTHING about the plot of the novel. I only remembered Lord Harold Trowbridge, Jane's dark angel, who is certainly very memorable! The story was a little slow to begin with and it was hard to keep track of all the characters. I needed a family tree to keep them all straight, especially as some have more than one name. One of the red herring mysteries was easy enough to figure out. I would have thought Jane would have realized what was going on. Again I figured out who the murderer was but not the motive. Jane needed help from her brothers, some lawyers and other men, plus assistance from her sister-in-law to figure out the clues. Sadly, Jane nearly lost her life in the process!
What I really like about this series is the journal format. It sounds like Jane Austen could have written it and the footnotes make it more believable.
None of the characters, except for Jane, were wholly likable. I disliked how Jane blushed all the time and how she rushed to pass judgment on people based on heresay or what they told her. That doesn't sound like Jane to me. I know this is her first case and she gets better at solving mysteries over time so I'll cut her some slack. I did not, however, expect her to show an excess of sensibility. I guess she's still youngish and hopeful here and not as jaded as she'll become in middle age.
Isobel has a fair amount of sensibility herself. She acts like a heroine in a melodrama even before circumstances force her into a real life melodrama. She didn't really explain why she was so dead set against selling her family's plantation in Barbadoes. I can see why she didn't want to sell it for a song but if it's encumbered by debt and unethical to begin with, just get rid of it and let Lord Harold deal with it. No one likes him or trusts him to begin with. Even though I found Isobel annoying at times and didn't entirely trust she was telling Jane the truth, I didn't think she was the murderer. I didn't want her to be and I felt so bad for her.
Marguerite, Isobel's maid, is portrayed as silly, ignorant and superstitious. She's apparently Catholic so I can see Jane, as the daughter of a clergyman in the Church of England, being snooty and prejudiced about her, the portryal of the maid made me a bit uncomfortable. I have to mention that Jane never brings up that Isobel and her maid, Marguerite are "French Creole." Isobel's father was English so that makes her English and White, I guess but what about Marguerite? Is she a woman of color or mixed race? That would explain a lot about the treatment of these two women. I think if the author were to revise this novel now, she would probably address that or make the characters wholly English or French. Marguerite was a young woman far from home in a very unfamiliar, somewhat hostile environment and possibly more empathy could have been shown towards her. Given that the book was published in 1996 and set in 1803, the lack of empathy is understandable. Marguerite's story is pretty sad and I do have some sympathy for her yet people have free will and what she chooses to do with her life is not all that it should be.
Frederick, Lord Scargrave, seemed kind and besotted with his pretty young bride. I can't imagine being married to a man 26 years older than myself. There's no indication the marriage was consumated, at least. No one thinks to wait and see if Isobel is pregnant. No one asks! In the short time they were married, Frederick was kind and lavished money and attention on his bride so maybe he was also considerate of her youth and inexperience. He didn't deserve to be murdered. Fitzroy, Viscount Payne, his heir, is the model for Mr. Darcy. He seems aloof and cold to strangers but to those he knows well, he's thoughtful and considerate. He does sometimes act like he's in the middle of a play or a novel - noble and self-sacrificing. Then some things about him are revealed that make him less Darcyish and more maybe Wickhamish. I like him a lot and I don't believe the gossip about him at all. His cousin, Mr. George Hearst, manages the Home Farm but wants to take Holy Orders. George is solemn and sober as befits a clergyman but Jane observes he also has a bad temper and isn't good with people. Would he make a good clergyman? Did he murder his uncle to get his own way? Mr. Hearst's younger brother, Lieutenant Thomas Hearst is the model for a certain character in Pride and Prejudice. He's a charming rogue who loves to flirt, gamble and ride. He always gets what he wants - except for Jane. He meets a formiddable foe in her resistance. She DID grow up with 6 brothers + bonus boys in the house. She's not naive.
Unlike Fanny Dalhoussaye. Fanny is naive and ignorant. She's flirtatious, light-hearted (Jane would say "gay" but apparently the original meaning of that word has been lost so I won't use it) and certainly the model for Lydia Bennet. Fanny is a spoiled heiress who thinks of nothing but her own wants, her own pleasure. Yet I feel slightly bad for her because it's obvious what's going on. I don't feel too badly because I suspect she might be a murderer. I think Marguerite was helping Fanny and things got out of control. A more likely candidate is her mother, Madame Dalhoussaye, Isobel's former guardian and lioness guarding her cub Fanny. Mme D wants Fanny to marry the Darcyish heir. What would she do to get what she wants? Did she murder the Earl to bump her choice suitor up? Lord Harold Trowbridge is Jane's adversary. He's a rogue and perhaps worse. He enjoys bantering with Jane and baiting her to make her lose her temper at him. He seems evil and set on bothering Isobel on what should be the happiest time of her life. Jane doesn't trust him and enlists the aid of her siblings to find out what's going on!
Sir William Reynolds, the magistrate and Jane's family friend, is a wise and shrewed man. He pretends to be visiting Jane on social calls but he's pumping her for information, which she gives freely. He's a formiddable foe in the courtroom but all the evidence is on his side. He's unable to consider other possibilities because he's bound by the law to prove the suspect guilty. Mr. Cranley, the barrister for the defense, is young and untried. He's friendly and willing to accept Jane's help in proving his clients are innocent. It's a tough job. I don't see him being alone with Jane though and not causing gossip. If the residents of Scargrave are gossipping about Sir William visiting Jane, then why not gossip about Jane and Mr. Cranley?
We meet the real life figure of Jane's charming sister-in-law, Eliza. Eliza, being a Countess, knows everyone in Society and Eliza, being a flirt, can charm anyone into offering up information even when they don't realize it. Eliza is fun but rather like a more worldly grown-up Fanny. We briefly see Henry Austen as the cautious older brother and get a letter from Frank at sea. It's fun to incorporate the real Austens into the story but I remember thinking, as the series went on, it would have been better to do the same thing about a fictional family. (Especially since Jane is now dying so the series will come to an end after the next book!)
This series isn't for everyone. If you read and reread Jane's novels for her beautiful language and masterful plots, you will enjoy this series. If you watch the movies solely to sigh over the romance, this is not the series for you.
This story resembles the board game Clue. Was it Fanny in the stable yard with a rope? Was it George in the study with poison? Sleuth Jane to the rescue. I enjoyed this story a lot. Jane works within the boundaries of her world with the help of some men to solve the mystery. I had three chief suspects and figured out who the murderer was but not the motive. Everyone seemed to have an obvious motive and the actual motive came as a bit of a surprise out of nowhere. Jane learns a lot of things about people that make it into her stories. I dislike the use of dialogue and situations from her novels being put into her life story. This is the best written of the mysteries I have read so far and the most realistic for a woman of Jane Austen's time and situation.
******************************Reread Nov. 2022*******************************
I knew I had read this one before but I grabbed it at the library book sale because I knew I would want to reread it before passing it on. I remembered absolutlely NOTHING about the plot of the novel. I only remembered Lord Harold Trowbridge, Jane's dark angel, who is certainly very memorable! The story was a little slow to begin with and it was hard to keep track of all the characters. I needed a family tree to keep them all straight, especially as some have more than one name. One of the red herring mysteries was easy enough to figure out. I would have thought Jane would have realized what was going on. Again I figured out who the murderer was but not the motive. Jane needed help from her brothers, some lawyers and other men, plus assistance from her sister-in-law to figure out the clues. Sadly, Jane nearly lost her life in the process!
What I really like about this series is the journal format. It sounds like Jane Austen could have written it and the footnotes make it more believable.
None of the characters, except for Jane, were wholly likable. I disliked how Jane blushed all the time and how she rushed to pass judgment on people based on heresay or what they told her. That doesn't sound like Jane to me. I know this is her first case and she gets better at solving mysteries over time so I'll cut her some slack. I did not, however, expect her to show an excess of sensibility. I guess she's still youngish and hopeful here and not as jaded as she'll become in middle age.
Isobel has a fair amount of sensibility herself. She acts like a heroine in a melodrama even before circumstances force her into a real life melodrama. She didn't really explain why she was so dead set against selling her family's plantation in Barbadoes. I can see why she didn't want to sell it for a song but if it's encumbered by debt and unethical to begin with, just get rid of it and let Lord Harold deal with it. No one likes him or trusts him to begin with. Even though I found Isobel annoying at times and didn't entirely trust she was telling Jane the truth, I didn't think she was the murderer. I didn't want her to be and I felt so bad for her.
Marguerite, Isobel's maid, is portrayed as silly, ignorant and superstitious. She's apparently Catholic so I can see Jane, as the daughter of a clergyman in the Church of England, being snooty and prejudiced about her, the portryal of the maid made me a bit uncomfortable. I have to mention that Jane never brings up that Isobel and her maid, Marguerite are "French Creole." Isobel's father was English so that makes her English and White, I guess but what about Marguerite? Is she a woman of color or mixed race? That would explain a lot about the treatment of these two women. I think if the author were to revise this novel now, she would probably address that or make the characters wholly English or French. Marguerite was a young woman far from home in a very unfamiliar, somewhat hostile environment and possibly more empathy could have been shown towards her. Given that the book was published in 1996 and set in 1803, the lack of empathy is understandable. Marguerite's story is pretty sad and I do have some sympathy for her yet people have free will and what she chooses to do with her life is not all that it should be.
Frederick, Lord Scargrave, seemed kind and besotted with his pretty young bride. I can't imagine being married to a man 26 years older than myself. There's no indication the marriage was consumated, at least. No one thinks to wait and see if Isobel is pregnant. No one asks! In the short time they were married, Frederick was kind and lavished money and attention on his bride so maybe he was also considerate of her youth and inexperience. He didn't deserve to be murdered. Fitzroy, Viscount Payne, his heir, is the model for Mr. Darcy. He seems aloof and cold to strangers but to those he knows well, he's thoughtful and considerate. He does sometimes act like he's in the middle of a play or a novel - noble and self-sacrificing. Then some things about him are revealed that make him less Darcyish and more maybe Wickhamish. I like him a lot and I don't believe the gossip about him at all. His cousin, Mr. George Hearst, manages the Home Farm but wants to take Holy Orders. George is solemn and sober as befits a clergyman but Jane observes he also has a bad temper and isn't good with people. Would he make a good clergyman? Did he murder his uncle to get his own way? Mr. Hearst's younger brother, Lieutenant Thomas Hearst is the model for a certain character in Pride and Prejudice. He's a charming rogue who loves to flirt, gamble and ride. He always gets what he wants - except for Jane. He meets a formiddable foe in her resistance. She DID grow up with 6 brothers + bonus boys in the house. She's not naive.
Unlike Fanny Dalhoussaye. Fanny is naive and ignorant. She's flirtatious, light-hearted (Jane would say "gay" but apparently the original meaning of that word has been lost so I won't use it) and certainly the model for Lydia Bennet. Fanny is a spoiled heiress who thinks of nothing but her own wants, her own pleasure. Yet I feel slightly bad for her because it's obvious what's going on. I don't feel too badly because I suspect she might be a murderer. I think Marguerite was helping Fanny and things got out of control. A more likely candidate is her mother, Madame Dalhoussaye, Isobel's former guardian and lioness guarding her cub Fanny. Mme D wants Fanny to marry the Darcyish heir. What would she do to get what she wants? Did she murder the Earl to bump her choice suitor up? Lord Harold Trowbridge is Jane's adversary. He's a rogue and perhaps worse. He enjoys bantering with Jane and baiting her to make her lose her temper at him. He seems evil and set on bothering Isobel on what should be the happiest time of her life. Jane doesn't trust him and enlists the aid of her siblings to find out what's going on!
Sir William Reynolds, the magistrate and Jane's family friend, is a wise and shrewed man. He pretends to be visiting Jane on social calls but he's pumping her for information, which she gives freely. He's a formiddable foe in the courtroom but all the evidence is on his side. He's unable to consider other possibilities because he's bound by the law to prove the suspect guilty. Mr. Cranley, the barrister for the defense, is young and untried. He's friendly and willing to accept Jane's help in proving his clients are innocent. It's a tough job. I don't see him being alone with Jane though and not causing gossip. If the residents of Scargrave are gossipping about Sir William visiting Jane, then why not gossip about Jane and Mr. Cranley?
We meet the real life figure of Jane's charming sister-in-law, Eliza. Eliza, being a Countess, knows everyone in Society and Eliza, being a flirt, can charm anyone into offering up information even when they don't realize it. Eliza is fun but rather like a more worldly grown-up Fanny. We briefly see Henry Austen as the cautious older brother and get a letter from Frank at sea. It's fun to incorporate the real Austens into the story but I remember thinking, as the series went on, it would have been better to do the same thing about a fictional family. (Especially since Jane is now dying so the series will come to an end after the next book!)
This series isn't for everyone. If you read and reread Jane's novels for her beautiful language and masterful plots, you will enjoy this series. If you watch the movies solely to sigh over the romance, this is not the series for you.
December 5, 2017
This mystery started a bit slowly, but I quickly found it to be quite compelling. Jane Austen is invited to spend the holidays with a dear friend who was lately married when a tragic death occurs. It was soon discovered to be murder, and Jane's friend the Countess is accused of killing her much-older husband of only three months. The Countess charges Jane to discover the identity of the real murderer, and Jane discovers clue after clue which seemingly leads to greater confusion than greater clarity. But in the end, Jane helps to unmask the real killer, solving not only the Earl's murder but also the murder of a young maid as well.
I enjoyed this fictitious portrayal of Jane Austen, a woman mired in genteel poverty who just refused the hand of a Mr. Collins-like suitor and escapes Bath and her family only to find herself at the center of a murder investigation. Her keen observations, her quick wit, and her dogged determination make this mystery intriguing and compelling. A wonderful read!
I enjoyed this fictitious portrayal of Jane Austen, a woman mired in genteel poverty who just refused the hand of a Mr. Collins-like suitor and escapes Bath and her family only to find herself at the center of a murder investigation. Her keen observations, her quick wit, and her dogged determination make this mystery intriguing and compelling. A wonderful read!
January 22, 2009
Definitely not my favorite book at all. I think it's ridiculous the author takes Jane Austen and turns her into the character of a mystery novel, all the while trying to write as if she was Jane Austen. The effort falls flat on its face - it would have been better if she would have created her own character, instead of suffocating the book in I-wish-I-could-write-like-Austen prose. It should be illegal to take anything from Jane Austen - whether it be her characters or herself - and turn it in to your own novel.
October 20, 2022
This is not a book I would have picked out without the short-story from the author in Jane Austen Made Me Do It: Original Stories Inspired by Literature's Most Astute Observer of the Human Heart. I avoid most books with real historical people as fictional characters and all books with Jane Austen as a fictional character. Except now, I guess.
While as a mystery I can't say this was the most riveting story, I did enjoy the world building it set up. If something felt a little too on the nose-Austenish, it still worked because yeah, the author would sound like the author. It isn't as cringey as say, Mr. Collins spouting a Mr. Darcy line.
I enjoyed the historical research that plainly went into this book and the different dynamics of Austen interacting with her many siblings. This made for an easy audiobook, a little corny, but comfortable and fun. I've already grabbed the sequel.
While as a mystery I can't say this was the most riveting story, I did enjoy the world building it set up. If something felt a little too on the nose-Austenish, it still worked because yeah, the author would sound like the author. It isn't as cringey as say, Mr. Collins spouting a Mr. Darcy line.
I enjoyed the historical research that plainly went into this book and the different dynamics of Austen interacting with her many siblings. This made for an easy audiobook, a little corny, but comfortable and fun. I've already grabbed the sequel.
January 14, 2011
Even after 15 years in print and 10 novels in the series, this first effort shines
Imagine being present when Jane Austen’s unknown personal journals are discovered in an outbuilding on an ancient Maryland estate, Dunready Manor. Your friends the Westmoreland’s are distantly related to the authoress, and after restoration they place the manuscripts in your care before they are donated to a major library. They recount years of Jane Austen’s life and personal experiences that we know little of, the lost years after 1801 when she, her sister Cassandra and her parents move from their lifelong home at Steventon rectory in Hampshire to Bath. Filling in gaps in life events, missing letters thought destroyed by her sister after her death, and mysteries that she encountered and solved in her lifetime, you are mesmerized. You are allowed to study, edit and transcribe the journals. What unfolds is an intimate and highly intelligent account, blending Jane’s personal life and criminal observations as an amateur detective.
In 1802, fleeing a broken engagement with Harris Bigg-Wither of Manydown Park, Jane seeks to forget her troubles in a ‘whirlwind of frivolity’ accepting an invitation to visit her newly married friend Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave. Isobel has recently returned from her wedding trip to the Continent with her husband Frederick, Earl of Scargrave, a gentleman of mature years. To celebrate their recent nuptials the Earl is throwing a bridal Ball in his wife’s honor at their estate in Hertfordshire. In attendance is the Earl’s nephew and heir Fitzroy, Viscount Payne, the only son of his younger brother. Jane observes, ‘As a single man in possession of a good fortune, he must be want of a wife.’ Decidedly handsome, but proud and aloof, she instead spends a good deal of the evening dancing with a young cavalry officer, Lieutenant Thomas Hearst, the second son of the Earl’s deceased sister. Jane learns from a young lady, Miss Fanny Delahoussaye, that Hearst has a bit of reputation having recently killed a man in a duel of honor. She also reveals that Hearst is also a rake, prompting Jane to proceed cautiously. ‘My wordless confession made him hesitate to utter a syllable; and thus laboured in profound stupidity, for fully half a dance’s span. But all things detestable, I most detest a silent partner – and thrusting aside my horror of pistols at dawn, I took refuge in a lady’s light banter. “I have profited from your absence, Lieutenant, to inquire of your character,”’ and so begins and tête à tête between the Lieutenant that must have inspired Jane in her later writing. ;-)
Even though this is a festive and joyful event, trouble is brewing. Jane is concerned for her friend when Isobel is alarmed by the uninvited arrival of Lord Harold Trowbridge who is pressing her to purchase Crosswinds, her father’s troubled estate in Barbados. She also overhears an argument involving George Hearst, Thomas’ elder brother, and the Earl over a woman. Within minutes after the heated discussion, the Earl toasts his bride to his guests, downs his drink and doubles over in acute pain. He would never recover. Isobel is a now widow. A cruel twist of fate for a young bride, however, bereavement is the least of her worries after she receives cryptic missives accusing her and the Earl’s heir, Viscount Payne, of adultery and murder. Terrified of scandal Isobel entreats her dear friend Jane for help. Top on Jane’s list of suspects are the many guests in attendance at the Ball, a collection of characters that all seem to benefit from the Earl’s death. Like any good detective, Jane follows the clues which lead to Isobel’s former maid, Marguerite. Soon, she too is dead, her neck cut in one of the outbuildings on the Scargrave estate. With a second death, most definitely a murder, the authorities are also involved and Isobel is facing murder charges. The investigation will call upon all of Jane’s perceptive acumen leading her to the House of Lords and Newgate Prison, a place fit for no clergyman’s daughter, unless it is in pursuit of the real murderer to free her dear friend.
It has been fifteen years since I first was introduced to Jane Austen detective when this novel took me quite unawares in 1996. The notion of “my” Jane as a sleuth is still surprising, even after reading ten novels in the series, but it only takes a page or two before I am smiling and in total awe of Barron’s skill at channeling my favorite author. And channel she does. I know of no other that can rival her skill at early nineteenth-century language and humor. Blending events from Jane Austen’s actual life with fictional narrative, this detective story is in itself a mystery as I hunt for clues to known facts from Jane’s life and allusions to her future characters in her novels. Anyone with a passing knowledge of Austen’s famous romantic icon Mr. Darcy will recognize Barron’s gentle nod to him in Viscount Fitzroy Payne. Possessed of aloof pride and haughty silence, ‘Everyone wants to know him, but few truly like him.’ Barron has Jane play her future heroine Elizabeth Bennet by taunting her Darcy-like character. “I detect a similarity in the turn of our minds, Viscount Payne,” I persisted, in some exasperation. “We are both of a taciturn, ungenerous nature and would rather be silent until we may say what is certain to astonish all the world.” There are several passages of dialogue that will send a spark of recognition with other characters too, but the story is entirely Barron’s own darling child. This is after all, an homage, a pastiche to Austen, her life and her works. In total respect and with perfect pitch, Barron blends our Jane with a cleverly crafted mystery, infused with historical detail and cutting wit. Jane Austen may have only written six major novels in her short life, but Barron can certainly be credited as the next best thing to perfection.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Imagine being present when Jane Austen’s unknown personal journals are discovered in an outbuilding on an ancient Maryland estate, Dunready Manor. Your friends the Westmoreland’s are distantly related to the authoress, and after restoration they place the manuscripts in your care before they are donated to a major library. They recount years of Jane Austen’s life and personal experiences that we know little of, the lost years after 1801 when she, her sister Cassandra and her parents move from their lifelong home at Steventon rectory in Hampshire to Bath. Filling in gaps in life events, missing letters thought destroyed by her sister after her death, and mysteries that she encountered and solved in her lifetime, you are mesmerized. You are allowed to study, edit and transcribe the journals. What unfolds is an intimate and highly intelligent account, blending Jane’s personal life and criminal observations as an amateur detective.
In 1802, fleeing a broken engagement with Harris Bigg-Wither of Manydown Park, Jane seeks to forget her troubles in a ‘whirlwind of frivolity’ accepting an invitation to visit her newly married friend Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave. Isobel has recently returned from her wedding trip to the Continent with her husband Frederick, Earl of Scargrave, a gentleman of mature years. To celebrate their recent nuptials the Earl is throwing a bridal Ball in his wife’s honor at their estate in Hertfordshire. In attendance is the Earl’s nephew and heir Fitzroy, Viscount Payne, the only son of his younger brother. Jane observes, ‘As a single man in possession of a good fortune, he must be want of a wife.’ Decidedly handsome, but proud and aloof, she instead spends a good deal of the evening dancing with a young cavalry officer, Lieutenant Thomas Hearst, the second son of the Earl’s deceased sister. Jane learns from a young lady, Miss Fanny Delahoussaye, that Hearst has a bit of reputation having recently killed a man in a duel of honor. She also reveals that Hearst is also a rake, prompting Jane to proceed cautiously. ‘My wordless confession made him hesitate to utter a syllable; and thus laboured in profound stupidity, for fully half a dance’s span. But all things detestable, I most detest a silent partner – and thrusting aside my horror of pistols at dawn, I took refuge in a lady’s light banter. “I have profited from your absence, Lieutenant, to inquire of your character,”’ and so begins and tête à tête between the Lieutenant that must have inspired Jane in her later writing. ;-)
Even though this is a festive and joyful event, trouble is brewing. Jane is concerned for her friend when Isobel is alarmed by the uninvited arrival of Lord Harold Trowbridge who is pressing her to purchase Crosswinds, her father’s troubled estate in Barbados. She also overhears an argument involving George Hearst, Thomas’ elder brother, and the Earl over a woman. Within minutes after the heated discussion, the Earl toasts his bride to his guests, downs his drink and doubles over in acute pain. He would never recover. Isobel is a now widow. A cruel twist of fate for a young bride, however, bereavement is the least of her worries after she receives cryptic missives accusing her and the Earl’s heir, Viscount Payne, of adultery and murder. Terrified of scandal Isobel entreats her dear friend Jane for help. Top on Jane’s list of suspects are the many guests in attendance at the Ball, a collection of characters that all seem to benefit from the Earl’s death. Like any good detective, Jane follows the clues which lead to Isobel’s former maid, Marguerite. Soon, she too is dead, her neck cut in one of the outbuildings on the Scargrave estate. With a second death, most definitely a murder, the authorities are also involved and Isobel is facing murder charges. The investigation will call upon all of Jane’s perceptive acumen leading her to the House of Lords and Newgate Prison, a place fit for no clergyman’s daughter, unless it is in pursuit of the real murderer to free her dear friend.
It has been fifteen years since I first was introduced to Jane Austen detective when this novel took me quite unawares in 1996. The notion of “my” Jane as a sleuth is still surprising, even after reading ten novels in the series, but it only takes a page or two before I am smiling and in total awe of Barron’s skill at channeling my favorite author. And channel she does. I know of no other that can rival her skill at early nineteenth-century language and humor. Blending events from Jane Austen’s actual life with fictional narrative, this detective story is in itself a mystery as I hunt for clues to known facts from Jane’s life and allusions to her future characters in her novels. Anyone with a passing knowledge of Austen’s famous romantic icon Mr. Darcy will recognize Barron’s gentle nod to him in Viscount Fitzroy Payne. Possessed of aloof pride and haughty silence, ‘Everyone wants to know him, but few truly like him.’ Barron has Jane play her future heroine Elizabeth Bennet by taunting her Darcy-like character. “I detect a similarity in the turn of our minds, Viscount Payne,” I persisted, in some exasperation. “We are both of a taciturn, ungenerous nature and would rather be silent until we may say what is certain to astonish all the world.” There are several passages of dialogue that will send a spark of recognition with other characters too, but the story is entirely Barron’s own darling child. This is after all, an homage, a pastiche to Austen, her life and her works. In total respect and with perfect pitch, Barron blends our Jane with a cleverly crafted mystery, infused with historical detail and cutting wit. Jane Austen may have only written six major novels in her short life, but Barron can certainly be credited as the next best thing to perfection.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
February 7, 2017
Ponderous, cumbersome, slow-witted. This is not Miss Austen. Barron has given it a go but, like most others, she has failed. There were a couple of passages that almost showed an Austen-like crispness & amusement, but they were few & far between. The Jane Austen in these pages showed very little in the way of wit & perspicacity. None of the characters showed much merit, particularly Isobel - ugh!
I have to agree with Kris' review, except for the wanting to read the next one. I'll have to think about that for a while.
I have to agree with Kris' review, except for the wanting to read the next one. I'll have to think about that for a while.
August 27, 2009
Stephanie Barron has created a series where Jane Austen, our heroine, gets caught up in continuous mayhem, murder, and mystery. Tthis first book of the series takes place right after Jane accepted and then the next day rejected a marriage proposal from Harris Bigg-Wither. And so she leaves their home and instead visits her dear friend of 18 months Countess Isobel Payne at Scargrave Manor. Isobel is newly married and her husband is hosting a ball in her honor. Jane comes to be of support to Isobel and intends on enjoying a few weeks in her company. What she doesn't count on is two mysterious deaths plaguing Scargrave Manor and that the evidence of them both intimate Isobel's involvement and point to her as the perpetrator.
This book is more along the lines of Nancy Drew meets Jane Austen. I do think Jane Austen is believable as a sleuth; she has a keen mind, isn't a simpering female who faints at the talk of death, and a good observer of human nature and folly.
One thing I liked about this book is how it was a well constructive mystery, you have all sorts of suspicious and intriguing characters that keep you guessing and it was difficult to predict which one was the culprit until the very end. In addition, the author keeps within the manners of Regency times and includes frequent footnotes to help the readers in thte 21st Century along. Sometimes though, the manners or social rules were broken, like Jane Austen is often in the company of a man alone and that is very unlikely to have occurred so frequently during her time. However, this does not take away from the story nor does it hinder the enjoyment of it. And finally, any book where Jane Austen is our heroine is worth a read!
I would recommend that you have an open-mind when reading this and go in expecting some light fun and fluff. Jane Austen in real life this is not, Stephanie Barron's attempt to emulate Jane Austen as a Regency Sleuth this is. I wouldn't expect to learn more about Jane Austen's biography through this book, but I would expect to see how she might handle a mystery and a house full of suspects!
This book is more along the lines of Nancy Drew meets Jane Austen. I do think Jane Austen is believable as a sleuth; she has a keen mind, isn't a simpering female who faints at the talk of death, and a good observer of human nature and folly.
One thing I liked about this book is how it was a well constructive mystery, you have all sorts of suspicious and intriguing characters that keep you guessing and it was difficult to predict which one was the culprit until the very end. In addition, the author keeps within the manners of Regency times and includes frequent footnotes to help the readers in thte 21st Century along. Sometimes though, the manners or social rules were broken, like Jane Austen is often in the company of a man alone and that is very unlikely to have occurred so frequently during her time. However, this does not take away from the story nor does it hinder the enjoyment of it. And finally, any book where Jane Austen is our heroine is worth a read!
I would recommend that you have an open-mind when reading this and go in expecting some light fun and fluff. Jane Austen in real life this is not, Stephanie Barron's attempt to emulate Jane Austen as a Regency Sleuth this is. I wouldn't expect to learn more about Jane Austen's biography through this book, but I would expect to see how she might handle a mystery and a house full of suspects!
January 6, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was well-written and fast-paced, with lots of lovely Georgian detail about dress, manners, and events. The footnotes explain some of the more arcane terms. I will probably end up reading all of these novels in which Jane Austen herself turns sleuth.
So, why the 3-star review?
In short, the character of Jane does not ring true with what is known of the real Jane's relatively quiet life. In one scene, the reader is told that an assembly of the Lords was a once in a generation event; surely, someone as unassuming as Jane would never have been present at an event like this without it coloring her writing. Also, her reactions to the other characters in the book put some of them clearly in the "Jane doesn't like" category. The Jane Austen that I've read and loved might've laughed at the foibles of those around her, but they would ultimately still be worthy of her. Except, of course, her villains.
If you forget this is supposed to be Jane's journal, it was a very satisfying mystery. But if you were an English major...
So, why the 3-star review?
In short, the character of Jane does not ring true with what is known of the real Jane's relatively quiet life. In one scene, the reader is told that an assembly of the Lords was a once in a generation event; surely, someone as unassuming as Jane would never have been present at an event like this without it coloring her writing. Also, her reactions to the other characters in the book put some of them clearly in the "Jane doesn't like" category. The Jane Austen that I've read and loved might've laughed at the foibles of those around her, but they would ultimately still be worthy of her. Except, of course, her villains.
If you forget this is supposed to be Jane's journal, it was a very satisfying mystery. But if you were an English major...
January 15, 2008
Jane Austen solves mysteries! The first half is very stilted and badly written. The author is clearly nervous and uncomfortable writing Regency-era dialog. The characters are boring cliches. Everyone compliments Austen on her wit, but she never said anything remotely clever. In the second half, Austen races around London trying to solve a murder mystery. Unfortunately, it's a stupid murder and an even stupider murderer (upon being caught, the person actually rants about how they'd have gotten away with it if it weren't for Miss Austen's intelligence and perspicacity, and then confesses to everything). I'd recommend reading Madeleine Robbins instead.
April 28, 2015
To be honest, I only persevered with this book because a good friend of mine highly recommended it - & Chris & I have similar tastes in literature. The first third of the book felt like Barron had taken sentences of Austen & Georgette Heyer & strung them them together in an attempt to make a story. & throughout the book the intrepid Jane does things that I don't think a gently bred woman of her era would do. For example:
The book had a good ending & murder solution, so because of that I will attempt another of Barron's books - but not for a while!
The book had a good ending & murder solution, so because of that I will attempt another of Barron's books - but not for a while!
January 24, 2023
I was skeptical about the notion of Jane Austen becoming an amateur detective, but this first effort by Stephanie Barron was well done. She has a good ear for the vocabulary and cadence of Georgian England, at least as we have experienced it via Austen's books.
Kate Reading is one of the best narrators in the business, so I was surprised to hear a somewhat flat performance here. Until I realized that this production was in 1997, so not surprisingly she has honed her skills in the past 25 years.
June 28, 2021
Protagonista di questo giallo è nientepopodimenoche Jane Austen!
Siamo a cavallo tra il 1802 e il 1803, quando la scrittrice viene invitata dall’amica Isobel a Scargrave manor, dove si terrà la festa per le sue nozze con il conte Scargrave, di diversi anni più anziano.
Subito dopo la festa però il marito muore, in preda a dolori lancinanti allo stomaco. Delle lettere misteriose, che vengono fatte risalire alla cameriera Marguerite, improvvisamente scomparsa, iniziano ad arrivare alla contessa, con pesanti accuse quali quella di omicidio, ipotizzando che abbia avvelenato il marito, e di tradimento con il nipote del defunto.
Diversi elementi faranno credere ai sospetti avanzati e sarà perciò Jane, convinta dell’innocenza dell’amica e del nuovo conte Scargrave, Fitzroy, a indagare per svelare il vero colpevole, laddove sembra che ogni componente della famiglia avesse un movente.
Ho semplicemente adorato questo libro.
Non so se ciò che l’autrice spiega nell’intro sia reale, cioè che i romanzi di questa serie si basano su delle lettere manoscritte ritrovate in una soffitta di una parente, ad opera proprio di Jane Austen, o se sia solo una trovata geniale ma davvero non fatico a vedere la mia autrice classica preferita in queste vesti di detective.
Il caso è molto molto ben costruito, al punto da portarmi a paragonarlo più volte ad uno dei migliori casi della Christie.
Gli aspetti storici sono curati e anche spiegati benissimo con note brevi, che non appesantiscono la narrazione, ma anzi la arricchiscono con curiosità relative a quegli anni che io conosco poco.
I protagonisti sono tutti tratteggiati molto molto bene: dalla cugina Fanny, sciocca e frivola, che però non riesce a non strapparmi un po’ di pietà a un certo punto, subito cancellata dall’epilogo🙄; alla madre madame Delhaoussaye, fredda e calcolatrice, in cerca del partito giusto per il matrimonio della figlia; dai fratelli George e Tom Hurst, aspirante reverendo il primo, in cerca di un beneficio ecclesiastico, e tenente delle Royal guards, il secondo; al conte Fitzroy Payne, sospettato di omicidio e complicità della contessa, superbo ma dal contegno perfetto.
Perfino sir William, l’avvocato e storico amico della famiglia Austen, risulta da un lato affettuoso e bonario con Jane, dall’altro profondamente ligio al dovere di far rispettare la legge, e temibile avversario in tribunale.
Ho apprezzato davvero tanto la parte più legale, compresa la discussione del caso alla Corte dei Pari, dove la Barron fornisce anche elementi sulla procedura dei processi allora, molto diversa da oggi, e in cui la presunzione di innocenza non era contemplata.
Da un certo punto in poi cominciano a susseguirsi una serie di rivelazioni che hanno l’effetto di spostare il focus ora sull’uno ora sull’altro dei personaggi, facendo credere che sia sicuramente quello il colpevole, senza ombra di dubbio, fino alla scoperta successiva che rimescola le carte in tavola.
Il finale è mozzafiato e spero e credo che un certo personaggio maschile lo ritroveremo anche in seguito, negli altri capitoli.
Siamo a cavallo tra il 1802 e il 1803, quando la scrittrice viene invitata dall’amica Isobel a Scargrave manor, dove si terrà la festa per le sue nozze con il conte Scargrave, di diversi anni più anziano.
Subito dopo la festa però il marito muore, in preda a dolori lancinanti allo stomaco. Delle lettere misteriose, che vengono fatte risalire alla cameriera Marguerite, improvvisamente scomparsa, iniziano ad arrivare alla contessa, con pesanti accuse quali quella di omicidio, ipotizzando che abbia avvelenato il marito, e di tradimento con il nipote del defunto.
Diversi elementi faranno credere ai sospetti avanzati e sarà perciò Jane, convinta dell’innocenza dell’amica e del nuovo conte Scargrave, Fitzroy, a indagare per svelare il vero colpevole, laddove sembra che ogni componente della famiglia avesse un movente.
Ho semplicemente adorato questo libro.
Non so se ciò che l’autrice spiega nell’intro sia reale, cioè che i romanzi di questa serie si basano su delle lettere manoscritte ritrovate in una soffitta di una parente, ad opera proprio di Jane Austen, o se sia solo una trovata geniale ma davvero non fatico a vedere la mia autrice classica preferita in queste vesti di detective.
Il caso è molto molto ben costruito, al punto da portarmi a paragonarlo più volte ad uno dei migliori casi della Christie.
Gli aspetti storici sono curati e anche spiegati benissimo con note brevi, che non appesantiscono la narrazione, ma anzi la arricchiscono con curiosità relative a quegli anni che io conosco poco.
I protagonisti sono tutti tratteggiati molto molto bene: dalla cugina Fanny, sciocca e frivola, che però non riesce a non strapparmi un po’ di pietà a un certo punto, subito cancellata dall’epilogo🙄; alla madre madame Delhaoussaye, fredda e calcolatrice, in cerca del partito giusto per il matrimonio della figlia; dai fratelli George e Tom Hurst, aspirante reverendo il primo, in cerca di un beneficio ecclesiastico, e tenente delle Royal guards, il secondo; al conte Fitzroy Payne, sospettato di omicidio e complicità della contessa, superbo ma dal contegno perfetto.
Perfino sir William, l’avvocato e storico amico della famiglia Austen, risulta da un lato affettuoso e bonario con Jane, dall’altro profondamente ligio al dovere di far rispettare la legge, e temibile avversario in tribunale.
Ho apprezzato davvero tanto la parte più legale, compresa la discussione del caso alla Corte dei Pari, dove la Barron fornisce anche elementi sulla procedura dei processi allora, molto diversa da oggi, e in cui la presunzione di innocenza non era contemplata.
Da un certo punto in poi cominciano a susseguirsi una serie di rivelazioni che hanno l’effetto di spostare il focus ora sull’uno ora sull’altro dei personaggi, facendo credere che sia sicuramente quello il colpevole, senza ombra di dubbio, fino alla scoperta successiva che rimescola le carte in tavola.
Il finale è mozzafiato e spero e credo che un certo personaggio maschile lo ritroveremo anche in seguito, negli altri capitoli.
January 11, 2023
This is the first in author Stephanie Barron's series of mysteries written from the point of view of a fictional version of Jane Austen, who finds herself in the middle of murder mysteries. This first book in the series involves her young friend Isobel, who has recently married an earl. Isobel invites Jane, soon after Jane's change of mind about marrying Harris Bigg-Wither, to attend a ball the earl is giving in honor of his new bride at their country house, Scargrave Manor. She hopes Jane will stay for some weeks. But during the ball, the earl is suddenly taken ill, and he dies later that night. Jane has her suspicions about the manner of his death. The plot becomes quite complicated after this, with threats, various characters who seem as if they might be responsible for the earl's death, and yet another murder.
It took me a while to become as impressed by this story and the crafting of it as I was by the time I finished reading it. Mostly that's due to how I feel about Jane Austen herself as well as her actual stories. Mostly I see her as lighter in tone, romantic, and hopeful in spite of being a bit cynical about the workings of society. The mood of this story is from the beginning rather dark. I had trouble not feeling it to be oppressive, and it is after all a murder mystery, definitely not a cozy one.
There was a point at which I almost decided not to finish. But that would have been a shame, because it is well crafted. It's in the end quite gripping, and the historical research as well as the plotting of the mystery are impeccable. I have no problem with the outcome, either. Though it's a tragic story, all is puzzled out in the end, and it even ends with several marriages, as a Jane Austen story tends to do. I'm glad I finished it, and now I think I might very well read more in this series, after all. Considering the intelligence and thoughtfulness that went into its creation, I don't hesitate to give it 5 stars.
It took me a while to become as impressed by this story and the crafting of it as I was by the time I finished reading it. Mostly that's due to how I feel about Jane Austen herself as well as her actual stories. Mostly I see her as lighter in tone, romantic, and hopeful in spite of being a bit cynical about the workings of society. The mood of this story is from the beginning rather dark. I had trouble not feeling it to be oppressive, and it is after all a murder mystery, definitely not a cozy one.
There was a point at which I almost decided not to finish. But that would have been a shame, because it is well crafted. It's in the end quite gripping, and the historical research as well as the plotting of the mystery are impeccable. I have no problem with the outcome, either. Though it's a tragic story, all is puzzled out in the end, and it even ends with several marriages, as a Jane Austen story tends to do. I'm glad I finished it, and now I think I might very well read more in this series, after all. Considering the intelligence and thoughtfulness that went into its creation, I don't hesitate to give it 5 stars.
January 2, 2023
As good as I expected and a good end to my 2022 book journey. So wonderful to lose myself in Jane Austen country/period. When a mystery is added to the the mix it is even better. My only regret is that it is so difficult for me to find copies of these books. Only 1 or 2 are available in Scribd and shipping costs of hard copies to my country are prohibitive :-( But I keep hoping I will find more of these.
January 16, 2023
I always enjoy a good mystery and this one fit the bill.
February 26, 2020
I guess the book was... OK?! I kinda lost interest in it at about the 60% mark and scanned through the rest of it. The mystery was not very engaging, the twists were not super twisty, but I'll give it to the author that my initial guesses for the murderer were wrong.
I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen and also really enjoy classic British literature from that time period, so I'm not unfamiliar with how convoluted English writing could be from that era. However, the author dialed it up to 11 when she was trying to replicate that style. It felt overdone and stilted, and really screamed, "This is trying very hard to write like Jane Austen" rather than replicating her style.
The author seems to have a penchant for replacing a perfectly regular "had" for "did".
Regular sentence: "Had she arrived in a Scargrave carriage, she would have caused a commotion."
Author's sentence: "Did she arrive in a Scargrave carriage, she would have caused a commotion."
I'm not entirely sure if it's an accurate use, but even if so, she used it so many times that I actually got really annoyed with it after a bit.
None of the characters were particularly endearing, unfortunately not even our narrator Jane. As someone invested in finding out the solutions to the mystery, she jumps to a ton of conclusions and also gets led on super easily by the worst of characters. In fact, every plot twist that comes to her in the end takes her entirely by surprise. I get that she can't know too much, or it would be spoiling the twists for the reader, but then why even make her the "detective" of this series?
There are definite P&P elements in the plot here, and frankly that was a little annoying too. As the author notes in the preface, First Impressions was written way before the time period of this book so it wouldn't make sense to say that, in an alternate universe, the events of this book inspired the events of P&P. Along with some iconic quotes directly lifted from P&P and attributed to some of the characters in this book, it just felt like a cheap homage to P&P. Don't get me wrong, I love P&P but don't shoehorn elements of it into something that's meant to be completely irrelevant. Don't copy and paste quotes from another novel and add it in here just so that we can all have a nudge nudge wink wink, I know that's from P&P moment. It's just a pet peeve for me as a Jane Austen fangirl.
I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen and also really enjoy classic British literature from that time period, so I'm not unfamiliar with how convoluted English writing could be from that era. However, the author dialed it up to 11 when she was trying to replicate that style. It felt overdone and stilted, and really screamed, "This is trying very hard to write like Jane Austen" rather than replicating her style.
The author seems to have a penchant for replacing a perfectly regular "had" for "did".
Regular sentence: "Had she arrived in a Scargrave carriage, she would have caused a commotion."
Author's sentence: "Did she arrive in a Scargrave carriage, she would have caused a commotion."
I'm not entirely sure if it's an accurate use, but even if so, she used it so many times that I actually got really annoyed with it after a bit.
None of the characters were particularly endearing, unfortunately not even our narrator Jane. As someone invested in finding out the solutions to the mystery, she jumps to a ton of conclusions and also gets led on super easily by the worst of characters. In fact, every plot twist that comes to her in the end takes her entirely by surprise. I get that she can't know too much, or it would be spoiling the twists for the reader, but then why even make her the "detective" of this series?
There are definite P&P elements in the plot here, and frankly that was a little annoying too. As the author notes in the preface, First Impressions was written way before the time period of this book so it wouldn't make sense to say that, in an alternate universe, the events of this book inspired the events of P&P. Along with some iconic quotes directly lifted from P&P and attributed to some of the characters in this book, it just felt like a cheap homage to P&P. Don't get me wrong, I love P&P but don't shoehorn elements of it into something that's meant to be completely irrelevant. Don't copy and paste quotes from another novel and add it in here just so that we can all have a nudge nudge wink wink, I know that's from P&P moment. It's just a pet peeve for me as a Jane Austen fangirl.
January 9, 2011
The Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor is the first in a series of novels that purports to be based on "long lost" Austen journals -- journals where, shockingly enough, Jane is revealed to have an aptitude for solving crimes. Perhaps even more shocking is how well the concept works in Barron's execution of the story. Through novels like Pride and Prejudice and Emma, Austen revealed herself possess a masterful understanding of human nature and all its foibles, and this skill lends itself well to casting Austen as an unconventional investigator with a flair for understanding the criminal mind.
Since relatively little is known of Austen's life, there's plenty of opportunity for an Barron's imagination to fill in the gaps. She grounds her stories in what little is known of Austen's life. In the case of Scargrave Manor, the fact that Austen had once received and refused a proposal from a Harris Bigg-Wither serves as the impetus that allows Barron to send Jane to the home of a beloved -- but entirely fictitious -- friend in order to recover. Soon after her arrival, Jane finds herself embroiled in not one, but two cases of murder most foul, with her beloved friend Isobel standing accused of murdering her husband. Isobel begs Jane to employ her acute powers of observation in order to discover the truth of the matter, and so the chase is on for Jane to discover the truth before Isobel is brought to trial before the House of Lords.
Barron's first novel featuring Jane Austen in the role of sleuth succeeds on all fronts -- it's an incredibly engaging, fast-paced read, rich with historical detail (supplemented by select footnotes which aid in giving credence to the assertion that the story is an edited "journal"). Most enjoyable of all is the experience of seeing inside Jane Austen's head, albeit a fictitious Austen. The story's prose is rich with the language and customs of the early nineteenth century, and it's an enjoyable escape to read a novel that pretends to flesh out the character of one of the most beloved, but mysterious, novelists of all time. All in all it's a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read.
Since relatively little is known of Austen's life, there's plenty of opportunity for an Barron's imagination to fill in the gaps. She grounds her stories in what little is known of Austen's life. In the case of Scargrave Manor, the fact that Austen had once received and refused a proposal from a Harris Bigg-Wither serves as the impetus that allows Barron to send Jane to the home of a beloved -- but entirely fictitious -- friend in order to recover. Soon after her arrival, Jane finds herself embroiled in not one, but two cases of murder most foul, with her beloved friend Isobel standing accused of murdering her husband. Isobel begs Jane to employ her acute powers of observation in order to discover the truth of the matter, and so the chase is on for Jane to discover the truth before Isobel is brought to trial before the House of Lords.
Barron's first novel featuring Jane Austen in the role of sleuth succeeds on all fronts -- it's an incredibly engaging, fast-paced read, rich with historical detail (supplemented by select footnotes which aid in giving credence to the assertion that the story is an edited "journal"). Most enjoyable of all is the experience of seeing inside Jane Austen's head, albeit a fictitious Austen. The story's prose is rich with the language and customs of the early nineteenth century, and it's an enjoyable escape to read a novel that pretends to flesh out the character of one of the most beloved, but mysterious, novelists of all time. All in all it's a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read.
April 16, 2011
Devo dire che ero piuttosto diffidente riguardo alle indagini di Jane Austen, invece mi sono completamente ricreduta. Infatti l'autrice ricorre ad un espediente: per giustificare dei romanzi scritti in prima persona dalla stessa Austen, dice di aver ritrovato, durante una ristrutturazione, nel seminterrato di una antica tenuta americana, appartenente ad un ramo di lontani parenti di Jane Austen suoi amici, un baule pieno di diari e lettere della scrittrice (ecco spiegata la loro MISTERIOSA SCOMPARSA!!!).
La Barron sarebbe dunque soltanto la 'curatrice' di memorie che Jane Austen aveva voluto preservare solo per le sue nipoti. I personaggi, che sono ispirati a quelli della scrittrice vengono pertanto presentati, con un azzeccatissimo capovolgimento dei ruoli, come gli ispiratori dei personaggi dei suoi romanzi!!!
E' molto interessante ritrovare nel corso della lettura le note della 'curatrice'-Barron, che spiega curiosità di carattere storico o letterario, per coloro che conoscono meno 'intimamente' la nostra scrittrice preferita.
Il giallo è un giallo vero, ma lo stile è 'Austeniano' puro, sembra di leggere davvero diari e lettere di Jane!
La Barron sarebbe dunque soltanto la 'curatrice' di memorie che Jane Austen aveva voluto preservare solo per le sue nipoti. I personaggi, che sono ispirati a quelli della scrittrice vengono pertanto presentati, con un azzeccatissimo capovolgimento dei ruoli, come gli ispiratori dei personaggi dei suoi romanzi!!!
E' molto interessante ritrovare nel corso della lettura le note della 'curatrice'-Barron, che spiega curiosità di carattere storico o letterario, per coloro che conoscono meno 'intimamente' la nostra scrittrice preferita.
Il giallo è un giallo vero, ma lo stile è 'Austeniano' puro, sembra di leggere davvero diari e lettere di Jane!
April 15, 2017
I have found my new favorite British cozy mystery series! To say that I absolutely loved this book is an understatement! Jane Austen as an amateur detective, what's not to love?!? The novel is a delight furthermore for its historical accuracy and footnotes that educate the reader about Regency England. What's cool to boot is that the author is American! It is so great to find a series that combines my obsessions with Jane Austen and mysteries that is so well written. I cannot wait to read all of the novels in the series!
January 18, 2009
I think the later volumes are of a slightly higher quality than the first two (this one being the first). There is not as much depth to Jane here, which does make sense considering her acquaintance with mystery and violent death only begins with this book. But it is delightful to see her encounter Lord Harold first as an antagonist here (since I read later volumes first, it was quite entertaining).
June 3, 2022
I mean, it's Austen fan fic where Jane is an amateur detective. It's pretty well written, appeals to only certain literary geeks such as myself, and is ridiculous, but fun. Austen only wrote five books - we fans need other things to amuse ourselves with. This fits the bill nicely.
July 23, 2019
I read this after stumbling upon a later book in the series at a Friends of the Library $1/bag day of a book sale. I was so stunned at how much I liked it that I had my library borrow this first book of the series for me and was not disappointed. They’re wonderful! Being a big Jane Austen fan, I was very skeptical and feared it might rely too heavily on the gimmick of its premise or chafe my eyes with pretentious dialogue and failed attempts to mimic Miss A’s wit, but I was pleased, if surprised, to find it committed neither sin. These books are fun, well-researched, intriguing, and well-written. I’m prepared to devour the whole series and am glad to know it is a large one.
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