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The Janna Mysteries #2
Rue For Repentance
The second medieval mystery in the deliciously readable Janna Mysteries
After her mother dies and her home is burned to the ground, Janna is forced to flee for her life. She is given shelter at a manor farm, but all is not as it seems. A child goes missing and Janna puts her life on the line to find him, but who can she turn to for help—Edwin, the outlaw who stole from her in the forest; the villain Godric, who has turned against her; or Hugh, the handsome nobleman, who stands to gain everything if the child dies? Janna needs all her courage, wit, and common sense to solve the mystery of the child's disappearance, but time is running out.
After her mother dies and her home is burned to the ground, Janna is forced to flee for her life. She is given shelter at a manor farm, but all is not as it seems. A child goes missing and Janna puts her life on the line to find him, but who can she turn to for help—Edwin, the outlaw who stole from her in the forest; the villain Godric, who has turned against her; or Hugh, the handsome nobleman, who stands to gain everything if the child dies? Janna needs all her courage, wit, and common sense to solve the mystery of the child's disappearance, but time is running out.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
111 people want to read
About the author
Felicity Pulman
30 books70 followersI grew up (a long time ago!) in a small bush town in Africa. No TV, iPods, computer games and surfing the internet – you could say I had a very deprived childhood! Not so. Instead, for entertainment I learned to read. Books became my windows to the world: they told me about dragons and fairies and magic. They told me about other countries and other cultures. They told me about myself. And I have never stopped reading, because I love stories.
I guess I always did things back to front – the hard way! In Africa, when I ran out of books to read, I wrote my own. I love writing stories, but I never thought about it as a grownup occupation. As a grownup, I had to go back to school to find out that I really was a writer. After doing the HSC at the age of 40, I went on to do a BA (Communications) degree at UTS. My major was creative writing, and suddenly I found myself experimenting with all sorts of genres and, in particular, writing the sorts of stories that I love to read – crime and timeslip fantasy back into the past.
I guess I always did things back to front – the hard way! In Africa, when I ran out of books to read, I wrote my own. I love writing stories, but I never thought about it as a grownup occupation. As a grownup, I had to go back to school to find out that I really was a writer. After doing the HSC at the age of 40, I went on to do a BA (Communications) degree at UTS. My major was creative writing, and suddenly I found myself experimenting with all sorts of genres and, in particular, writing the sorts of stories that I love to read – crime and timeslip fantasy back into the past.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 21, 2017
historically accurate and well written. on to number 3
March 13, 2015
The second book in this series following the life and adventures of Janna, a young and inquisitive orphan in the Medieval period. The story continues from the first book and portrays the new troubles that plague her as she flees from the dangers that surround her. The character is continuing to grow and develops her aptitude for healing and detective skills along the way. She has a likeable quality, but her constant distrust of everyone around her, even those that treat her well, can be a little tedious at times.
The plot and characterisation will appeal to younger readers, particularly young teenage, rebellious girls with an interest in history and elements of subterfuge. For those liking a mystery with a relatively easy pace, this is the book for you. There are a number of sub-plots beginning to emerge, which hold the reader's attention adequately, though there is a danger that some of it is dragged out a little more than is strictly necessary. Despite this, it is a pleasant read and not too taxing. The pace is manageable and flows easily, so it is worth a go.
The story ends with an obvious link onto the third book of the series and it is not hard to guess where it is going - clearly, she is becoming something of a Medieval teenage Miss Marple, whilst also possessing keen skills as a healer. A nice read for those wanting to believe that it is possible to be a strong young woman in the Medieval ages and still manage to come out on top.
The plot and characterisation will appeal to younger readers, particularly young teenage, rebellious girls with an interest in history and elements of subterfuge. For those liking a mystery with a relatively easy pace, this is the book for you. There are a number of sub-plots beginning to emerge, which hold the reader's attention adequately, though there is a danger that some of it is dragged out a little more than is strictly necessary. Despite this, it is a pleasant read and not too taxing. The pace is manageable and flows easily, so it is worth a go.
The story ends with an obvious link onto the third book of the series and it is not hard to guess where it is going - clearly, she is becoming something of a Medieval teenage Miss Marple, whilst also possessing keen skills as a healer. A nice read for those wanting to believe that it is possible to be a strong young woman in the Medieval ages and still manage to come out on top.
April 14, 2015
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It appears to have been renamed 'Unholy Murder'.
This novel is fascinating – not from a plot perspective, but because of the details the author provides about the lives of nuns in the middle ages, and the knowledge she shares about early medicine. From the little I know of these things, they appeared to be accurate and well-researched.
There was one thing that bugged me all the way through, and this is the premise the book hinges on – Janna being unable to read her father’s letter. As I worked my way through the story I kept asking myself why on earth she didn’t simply ask Sister Ursula to read it to her. The author did provide Janna’s reasoning behind not doing so, but that reasoning didn’t feel to me to be strong enough. And the same for her mother… I’m certain she could have asked someone, somewhere to read it to her.
Unless Janna’s ability to read becomes an integral part of a future novel, I think the whole process and need became a mountain, rather than the molehill it should have been.
In spite of this, I did enjoy the story, though another issue for me (and one I hadn’t noticed in a previous book by the same author) was using US spellings, when the novel is set wholly in Britain and with British characters. Once it came to my attention, I found I was looking for these anomalies, and it detracted from my losing myself in the book.
This novel is fascinating – not from a plot perspective, but because of the details the author provides about the lives of nuns in the middle ages, and the knowledge she shares about early medicine. From the little I know of these things, they appeared to be accurate and well-researched.
There was one thing that bugged me all the way through, and this is the premise the book hinges on – Janna being unable to read her father’s letter. As I worked my way through the story I kept asking myself why on earth she didn’t simply ask Sister Ursula to read it to her. The author did provide Janna’s reasoning behind not doing so, but that reasoning didn’t feel to me to be strong enough. And the same for her mother… I’m certain she could have asked someone, somewhere to read it to her.
Unless Janna’s ability to read becomes an integral part of a future novel, I think the whole process and need became a mountain, rather than the molehill it should have been.
In spite of this, I did enjoy the story, though another issue for me (and one I hadn’t noticed in a previous book by the same author) was using US spellings, when the novel is set wholly in Britain and with British characters. Once it came to my attention, I found I was looking for these anomalies, and it detracted from my losing myself in the book.
July 18, 2016
This is the second book in the Janna Mysteries.
After her mother dies and her home is burnt to the ground, Janna is forced to flee for her life. She is given shelter at a manor farm, but all is not as it seems. A child goes missing, and Janna puts her life on the line to find him, but who can she turn to for help? Edwin, the outlaw who stole from her in the forest? The villein Godric, who has turned against her? Or Hugh, the handsome nobleman, who stands to gain everything if the child dies? Janna needs all her courage, wit and commonsense to solve the mystery of the child's disappearance, but time is running out - for both of them.
I really love it.
Janna is now on the run from her mother's murderer. She has to dress up as a youth and work like a villein at Lord Hugh's manor.
After her mother dies and her home is burnt to the ground, Janna is forced to flee for her life. She is given shelter at a manor farm, but all is not as it seems. A child goes missing, and Janna puts her life on the line to find him, but who can she turn to for help? Edwin, the outlaw who stole from her in the forest? The villein Godric, who has turned against her? Or Hugh, the handsome nobleman, who stands to gain everything if the child dies? Janna needs all her courage, wit and commonsense to solve the mystery of the child's disappearance, but time is running out - for both of them.
I really love it.
Janna is now on the run from her mother's murderer. She has to dress up as a youth and work like a villein at Lord Hugh's manor.
September 3, 2016
[Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review]
I also received the first book in this series from netgalley, which I read back in January 2015 and, i'm not going to lie, I didn't remember a whole lot of details from that book when I picked up this second installment. Having said that, I did still really enjoy this story.
I really enjoy the setting of the story and I think the author has done a good job of immersing you in Janna's world. I also enjoyed the mystery of the story and I like Janna as a character.
I will say that I do think Janna's romantic relationships are a little underdeveloped but there is definitely room for this to grow as the series goes on.
I look forward to continuing on with the series in future.
I also received the first book in this series from netgalley, which I read back in January 2015 and, i'm not going to lie, I didn't remember a whole lot of details from that book when I picked up this second installment. Having said that, I did still really enjoy this story.
I really enjoy the setting of the story and I think the author has done a good job of immersing you in Janna's world. I also enjoyed the mystery of the story and I like Janna as a character.
I will say that I do think Janna's romantic relationships are a little underdeveloped but there is definitely room for this to grow as the series goes on.
I look forward to continuing on with the series in future.
November 16, 2012
This second book in the series sees Janna disguised as a boy, trying to solve the mystery of a missing child and finding herself in even more danger. Although this story doesn't bring her any closer to finding her father, it does strengthen her relationships with other characters, including Hugh and Godric. A good mystery and love triangle to keep the reader turning the pages. I look forward to reading more in the series.
August 15, 2016
Johanna's quest to find her father continues but she is sidetracked as she is held in service to Reeve Serlo. Further mysteries unfold which need to be solved before Janna can journey on to Wiltshere.
In this second instalment of The Janna Chronicles we see the return of great characters from Blood Oath, namely Godric, Hugh, Lord Robert and Dame Alice.
Excited to continue reading and dive into Unholy Murder.
In this second instalment of The Janna Chronicles we see the return of great characters from Blood Oath, namely Godric, Hugh, Lord Robert and Dame Alice.
Excited to continue reading and dive into Unholy Murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2016
Janna is again facing enemies and solving mysteries in the second book in the series. She is suspicious of everybody, which gets a bit annoying at times, but I guess she can't solve the mystery TOO quickly. A child and a dog feature in this story, also some broken fences she has to mend. Title of the book here in Australia is "Stolen Child".
December 21, 2015
Once agauin, the author has turned out a great book. It was very interesting, and well written. The only thing I didn't really like was that she didn't really do much. Sure, she was finding the kid, but she's supposed to be finding her father. I think she should get on with it!
December 21, 2011
Once agauin, the author has turned out a great book. It was very interesting, and well written. The only thing I didn't really like was that she didn't really do much. Sure, she was finding the kid, but she's supposed to be finding her father. I think she should get on with it!
April 27, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Stolen Child. This is the first I have read anything by this author and it definitely will not be the last. I have already added all of the books of the series on my wish list.
Great book!
5 stars
Great book!
5 stars
November 16, 2009
:) I love this series
April 26, 2015
This story was a little too drawn out but I still found the plot and characters interesting enough to keep me reading a bit each night.
June 27, 2015
What an exciting book! I was completely shocked and excited to see where Janna went on her journey in the second instalment. I now can not wait to read the next book.
April 14, 2009
this is something i would do,dress as a boy
August 18, 2010
loved it. 3.5 stars.
March 1, 2011
Book 2 in Janna' s struggle to find her Father. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews