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Jane Austen Mysteries #14
Jane and the Year Without a Summer
"If you have a Jane Austen-would-have-been-my-best-friend complex, look no further . . . [Barron] has painstakingly sifted through the famed author's letters and writings, as well as extensive biographical information, to create a finely detailed portrait of Austen's life—with a dash of fictional murder . . . Some of the most enjoyable, well-written fanfic ever created." —O Magazine
May 1816: Jane Austen is feeling unwell, with an uneasy stomach, constant fatigue, rashes, fevers and aches. She attributes her poor condition to the stress of family burdens, which even the drafting of her latest manuscript—about a baronet's daughter nursing a broken heart for a daring naval captain—cannot alleviate. Her apothecary recommends a trial of the curative waters at Cheltenham Spa, in Gloucestershire. Jane decides to use some of the profits earned from her last novel, Emma , and treat herself to a period of rest and reflection at the spa, in the company of her sister, Cassandra.
Cheltenham Spa hardly turns out to be the relaxing sojourn Jane and Cassandra envisaged, however. It is immediately obvious that other boarders at the guest house where the Misses Austen are staying have come to Cheltenham with stresses of their own—some of them deadly. But perhaps with Jane’s interference a terrible crime might be prevented. Set during the Year without a Summer, when the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific caused a volcanic winter that shrouded the entire planet for sixteen months, this fourteenth installment in Stephanie Barron’s critically acclaimed series brings a forgotten moment of Regency history to life.
May 1816: Jane Austen is feeling unwell, with an uneasy stomach, constant fatigue, rashes, fevers and aches. She attributes her poor condition to the stress of family burdens, which even the drafting of her latest manuscript—about a baronet's daughter nursing a broken heart for a daring naval captain—cannot alleviate. Her apothecary recommends a trial of the curative waters at Cheltenham Spa, in Gloucestershire. Jane decides to use some of the profits earned from her last novel, Emma , and treat herself to a period of rest and reflection at the spa, in the company of her sister, Cassandra.
Cheltenham Spa hardly turns out to be the relaxing sojourn Jane and Cassandra envisaged, however. It is immediately obvious that other boarders at the guest house where the Misses Austen are staying have come to Cheltenham with stresses of their own—some of them deadly. But perhaps with Jane’s interference a terrible crime might be prevented. Set during the Year without a Summer, when the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific caused a volcanic winter that shrouded the entire planet for sixteen months, this fourteenth installment in Stephanie Barron’s critically acclaimed series brings a forgotten moment of Regency history to life.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2022
182 people are currently reading
4890 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Barron
36 books881 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 279 reviews
September 8, 2022
This is the fourteenth and final book in the series depicting Jane Austen as a sleuth solving murder mysteries. I knew it had to end soon as poor Miss Austen died so very young and as she was working on two unfinished masterpieces. Why do great novelists die before their time? It's heartbreaking.
The year before her death was interesting. In 1816, there was a volcano that erupted in Indonesia that blotted out the sun for that whole summer in Europe. It was this summer of darkness that created Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Lord Byron had rented a villa in Switzerland, there, he, Shelley, Mary, and other writers and friends gathered to enjoy the sunshine. There was no sunshine, instead they got heavy rain and storms. In this gloomy environment, Byron asked each person to come up with a horror story. Mary Shelley dreamed of a monster that night that a year later became the classic book.
But I digress, 1816 also saw a downturn in Jane's brothers fortunes as Henry's bank had failed. All the family suffered from this terrible loss. To get away from turmoil at home, Jane and Cassandra go on a little trip, as Jane hasn't been feeling well and they hope to find a cure. They find much, but no cure This was a fitting ending to the series and Miss Austen continued to outshine everyone else in the room.
The year before her death was interesting. In 1816, there was a volcano that erupted in Indonesia that blotted out the sun for that whole summer in Europe. It was this summer of darkness that created Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Lord Byron had rented a villa in Switzerland, there, he, Shelley, Mary, and other writers and friends gathered to enjoy the sunshine. There was no sunshine, instead they got heavy rain and storms. In this gloomy environment, Byron asked each person to come up with a horror story. Mary Shelley dreamed of a monster that night that a year later became the classic book.
But I digress, 1816 also saw a downturn in Jane's brothers fortunes as Henry's bank had failed. All the family suffered from this terrible loss. To get away from turmoil at home, Jane and Cassandra go on a little trip, as Jane hasn't been feeling well and they hope to find a cure. They find much, but no cure This was a fitting ending to the series and Miss Austen continued to outshine everyone else in the room.
February 3, 2022
This is one of my favorite mystery series, so it made me so happy to see that Stephanie Barron had written the 14th book in the series. The last one was released more than five years ago in 2016 and had a Waterloo theme. This new book takes place in Cheltenham. Jane and Cassandra have gone to this bargain version of Bath to take a summer vacation and for Jane to benefit from the local water pumps. As they get to know the other guests at their local inn, things start to get interesting -- even deadly. Raphael West is back as Jane's gentleman friend and the romantic tension is at an appropriate Jane level. Stephanie Barron clearly does extensive research to make the time and place details as authentic as possible. Sadly, since we know when Jane passed it is clear that the series is on borrowed time. For me, the writing and the character studies are just delightful. If you have not tried this series yet, do yourself a favor and begin with Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor.
A big thank you to Soho Crime and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Soho Crime and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2022
In May 1816, just over a year before her death, Jane Austen is not feeling well and is advised by her doctor to spend two weeks taking the waters at Cheltenham. With her sister Cassandra for company they settle into a comfortable boarding house in the spa town and set about exploring their surroundings. Due to the recent eruption of Mt Tambora in Java, the world is experiencing a brief change in climate due to the extensive dust in the atmosphere, reducing temperatures and causing crops to fail. Due to the dreary weather Jane and Cassandra are often forced into spending time in the boarding house sitting room, where they meet a most unusual assortment of fellow boarders. Strange poisonings and a murder will propel Jane into on the role of amateur investigator.
This is the fourteenth novel in Stephanie Barron's series of cosy mysteries featuring Jane Austen. I Although it is the only one I have read (so far), it works well as a stand alone novel. Based on Austen's life, it is clearly well researched with a perfect blend of fact and fiction and written in an Austenesque style and language, displaying all Austen's charm, intelligence and sense of humour. I very much enjoyed her character studies and their interactions with each other, with many of them hiding who they really were. The murder mystery is almost a bonus in this delightful re-imagining of Jane Austen's visit to Cheltenham.
with thanks to Soho Press and Netgalley for a copy to read
This is the fourteenth novel in Stephanie Barron's series of cosy mysteries featuring Jane Austen. I Although it is the only one I have read (so far), it works well as a stand alone novel. Based on Austen's life, it is clearly well researched with a perfect blend of fact and fiction and written in an Austenesque style and language, displaying all Austen's charm, intelligence and sense of humour. I very much enjoyed her character studies and their interactions with each other, with many of them hiding who they really were. The murder mystery is almost a bonus in this delightful re-imagining of Jane Austen's visit to Cheltenham.
with thanks to Soho Press and Netgalley for a copy to read
October 18, 2021
Exceptionally researched and written, Jane and the Year Without a Summer is absolute perfection. Stephanie Barron expertly weaves fact and fiction, crafting a story that is authentically Austen in its elegance, charm, and wit. The characters and setting will enchant you, and the mystery will keep you guessing to the last page. This Regency-set gem is truly a diamond of the first water.
January 28, 2022
A PASSIVE SLEUTH IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
Passive might just be the most abt description of this book that I can think of. I wasn't exactly expecting action. But I was expecting some sort of involvement and activity. I am torn between being disappointed and wanting more and the one hand and still being a fan solely because of Jane Austen and Regency England on the other.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Austen: Anything Austen almost guarantees a positive reception from me. I love her novels, the lightness of them and the witticism. The Austen of this book delivered some witty singers every now and them and demonstrated her keen mind. It was delightful to have her as a character.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Slow: This is, as the title of the series suggests, a historical mystery with Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth. So, naturally, I was expecting a mystery to occur and be solved. Sadly, it took a long time to actually introduce the mystery. Sure, what led up to it was just fine, but it still felt annoyingly slow paced.
Passive: Once the mystery was actually introduced, I then looked forward to witnessing Jane throw her intelligence at the problem and make it go away. But it never really happened. She was, in my opinion, oddly passive. More like a spectator than an active participant in the events of the story. It wasn't until the last quarter of the story that she started sleuthing, which seemed like a waste to me...
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Passive might just be the most abt description of this book that I can think of. I wasn't exactly expecting action. But I was expecting some sort of involvement and activity. I am torn between being disappointed and wanting more and the one hand and still being a fan solely because of Jane Austen and Regency England on the other.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Austen: Anything Austen almost guarantees a positive reception from me. I love her novels, the lightness of them and the witticism. The Austen of this book delivered some witty singers every now and them and demonstrated her keen mind. It was delightful to have her as a character.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Slow: This is, as the title of the series suggests, a historical mystery with Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth. So, naturally, I was expecting a mystery to occur and be solved. Sadly, it took a long time to actually introduce the mystery. Sure, what led up to it was just fine, but it still felt annoyingly slow paced.
Passive: Once the mystery was actually introduced, I then looked forward to witnessing Jane throw her intelligence at the problem and make it go away. But it never really happened. She was, in my opinion, oddly passive. More like a spectator than an active participant in the events of the story. It wasn't until the last quarter of the story that she started sleuthing, which seemed like a waste to me...
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 10 Criminally Underrated YA Books with an LGBTQ Twist
November 12, 2022
The first thing to stand out to me when I started this book was the manner of narration and speaking- it so closely reflected Austen's own writing style, and it made me slow down and concentrate on each sentence rather than reading at my usual speed. I believe this enhanced my enjoyment and I felt immersed in the life of Jane Austen with real historical elements woven in to the fictional mystery. I'm not one to try to figure out the answers before the characters- I prefer taking the ride with them, and this was a journey that was nuanced with details from the author's research of Austen's life and untimely passing. Highly recommend to fans of Austen and Austenesque stories!
February 13, 2022
4.5 stars
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is my first introduction to Barron's Jane Austen Mysteries (though I've been eying the series for a while), but I definitely want to go back and start from the beginning now. Not because I felt lost by jumping in on book 14 (because I didn't at all) but because I was so charmed by the author's writing voice and by her portrayal of Jane Austen.
I love cozy mysteries. I love historical mysteries. I love British mysteries. So, a book that combines all three is definitely on my 'must read' list. And while I heartily enjoyed those aspects of this novel, surprisingly (to me) that's not what kept me so captivated while reading Jane and the Year Without a Summer. Rather, it was the way Barron captured such a beloved character in Jane Austen, seamlessly weaving historical fact into the fictional narrative and leaving readers with the sense that they have spent time with the lady herself. Understanding her as a person, rather than a one-dimensional caricature, perhaps a bit better.
With this increased knowledge also comes a bittersweet tone - realizing as we immerse ourselves in both the history and the mystery that we are walking with Jane through the beginning of her last year of life. Getting to spend time with her on these pages, to see her as a 'real person' and not just the author of our favorite classics, makes the awareness of her ever-nearing and too-soon death all the more tragic. Yet, even with this insight, the overall mood of the book remains light and cozy with dashes of romance and fascinating history.
Bottom Line: Jane and the Year Without a Summer by Stephanie Barron is everything lovely about a historical British cozy, with little touches that take it from a good book to a great one. Charming and witty, despite the bittersweet foreshadowing, the story is full of eccentric supporting characters and a clever mystery. Readers will fall in love with Jane Austen all over again, and the backdrop of such a unique season of history proves intriguing all on its own. It performs quite well as a standalone but certainly captures one's curiosity to read all the preceding and any following installments to the series. The engaging writing voice draws you in and immediately immerses you in Jane Austen's world. A delightful way to spend your weekend!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advanced copy of this book)
also reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is my first introduction to Barron's Jane Austen Mysteries (though I've been eying the series for a while), but I definitely want to go back and start from the beginning now. Not because I felt lost by jumping in on book 14 (because I didn't at all) but because I was so charmed by the author's writing voice and by her portrayal of Jane Austen.
I love cozy mysteries. I love historical mysteries. I love British mysteries. So, a book that combines all three is definitely on my 'must read' list. And while I heartily enjoyed those aspects of this novel, surprisingly (to me) that's not what kept me so captivated while reading Jane and the Year Without a Summer. Rather, it was the way Barron captured such a beloved character in Jane Austen, seamlessly weaving historical fact into the fictional narrative and leaving readers with the sense that they have spent time with the lady herself. Understanding her as a person, rather than a one-dimensional caricature, perhaps a bit better.
With this increased knowledge also comes a bittersweet tone - realizing as we immerse ourselves in both the history and the mystery that we are walking with Jane through the beginning of her last year of life. Getting to spend time with her on these pages, to see her as a 'real person' and not just the author of our favorite classics, makes the awareness of her ever-nearing and too-soon death all the more tragic. Yet, even with this insight, the overall mood of the book remains light and cozy with dashes of romance and fascinating history.
Bottom Line: Jane and the Year Without a Summer by Stephanie Barron is everything lovely about a historical British cozy, with little touches that take it from a good book to a great one. Charming and witty, despite the bittersweet foreshadowing, the story is full of eccentric supporting characters and a clever mystery. Readers will fall in love with Jane Austen all over again, and the backdrop of such a unique season of history proves intriguing all on its own. It performs quite well as a standalone but certainly captures one's curiosity to read all the preceding and any following installments to the series. The engaging writing voice draws you in and immediately immerses you in Jane Austen's world. A delightful way to spend your weekend!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advanced copy of this book)
also reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 11, 2022
Bringing to vibrant life a novelist who was obscure in her own time, but is now renowned the world-over for her witty and insightful glances into people set against her own time of Regency England at war, the Being a Jane Austen Mysteries series have melded real life chronicling with fictitious detecting ventures to a superb degree. Each installment offers a clever mystery and a well-researched immersion into the life of Jane Austen and her family and friends set against the places and events Austen was known to have been and seen. When I delve into these first person stories, I do not find it difficult at all to believe I am privy to the thoughts, words, and doings of Austen herself and it was no different for this latest venture.
It was with pleasure and a little trepidation that I took up this fourteenth book in a series that really should be enjoyed in order. As regular series readers know and I mentioned above, the series follows the life of Austen and Austen lovers know that May of 1816 is uncomfortably close to the end of Austen’s stay on earth. I wondered if this latest would feel dreary and morbid, but I am happy to report that it was no such thing though, yes, the author was faithful to Jane’s life story and it is obvious the dear lady is terribly ill.
The mystery occurs when Jane and her beloved sister Cassandra venture to Cheltenham for a fortnight of pampering and holidaying in the spa town using the proceeds from Jane’s recent well-sold Emma. Jane’s family has seen a great many reversals of late from a few brothers’ finances and her own worsening health so she decides that getting away with just Cassandra and consulting the town’s renowned physician while enjoying some jollying activities in the off season and maybe getting some time to work on her latest novel about a ill-used Baronet’s daughter and a sea captain will be just the thing.
Not long there and they find that their fellow lodgers are an eclectic group who aren’t exactly relaxing and some have some rather shocking secrets- one of which leads to a dangerous mystery Jane chooses to investigate with a surprise arrival at the spa town for her able-bodied assistant.
Jane and Year Without Summer was solid and meticulous in historical and biological detail, layered with engaging and curious characters, and complex with character storylines and a murder mystery that slowly built and resolved. I thought the author did a stellar job of portraying Jane as she faced a devastating and mysterious complaint coming to terms with the likelihood she won’t survive her illness. This personal story was heartwrenching, but she was so plucky and went about it with dignity so that the story never got maudlin. It was quite easy to lose myself in the story and I wanted to devour it in one sitting even while also desiring to prolong my enjoyment. I fingered the culprit early, the motive and means as well, but that did not diminish the book in the least.
All in all, it was as fabulous as I anticipated and I was sad to leave the Jane Austen Mystery world. Those who enjoy clever, historical mysteries should definitely take up this series and I warn you that binging will likely take place.
I rec'd a print copy through Austenprose PR from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was with pleasure and a little trepidation that I took up this fourteenth book in a series that really should be enjoyed in order. As regular series readers know and I mentioned above, the series follows the life of Austen and Austen lovers know that May of 1816 is uncomfortably close to the end of Austen’s stay on earth. I wondered if this latest would feel dreary and morbid, but I am happy to report that it was no such thing though, yes, the author was faithful to Jane’s life story and it is obvious the dear lady is terribly ill.
The mystery occurs when Jane and her beloved sister Cassandra venture to Cheltenham for a fortnight of pampering and holidaying in the spa town using the proceeds from Jane’s recent well-sold Emma. Jane’s family has seen a great many reversals of late from a few brothers’ finances and her own worsening health so she decides that getting away with just Cassandra and consulting the town’s renowned physician while enjoying some jollying activities in the off season and maybe getting some time to work on her latest novel about a ill-used Baronet’s daughter and a sea captain will be just the thing.
Not long there and they find that their fellow lodgers are an eclectic group who aren’t exactly relaxing and some have some rather shocking secrets- one of which leads to a dangerous mystery Jane chooses to investigate with a surprise arrival at the spa town for her able-bodied assistant.
Jane and Year Without Summer was solid and meticulous in historical and biological detail, layered with engaging and curious characters, and complex with character storylines and a murder mystery that slowly built and resolved. I thought the author did a stellar job of portraying Jane as she faced a devastating and mysterious complaint coming to terms with the likelihood she won’t survive her illness. This personal story was heartwrenching, but she was so plucky and went about it with dignity so that the story never got maudlin. It was quite easy to lose myself in the story and I wanted to devour it in one sitting even while also desiring to prolong my enjoyment. I fingered the culprit early, the motive and means as well, but that did not diminish the book in the least.
All in all, it was as fabulous as I anticipated and I was sad to leave the Jane Austen Mystery world. Those who enjoy clever, historical mysteries should definitely take up this series and I warn you that binging will likely take place.
I rec'd a print copy through Austenprose PR from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2022
I adore the author's writing and this 14th in her Jane Austen Mystery series can easily be read as a standalone, but made me want to go back and savor each title. What I especially love about the author's work is her meticulous research and deftly written characters, who live on long after the last page is turned.
Here, Jane is ill and heads with her sister to the healing waters at Cheltenham Spa in Gloucestershire. They find not rest but a tense atmosphere where murder occurs and the skies are dark due to the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in the Dutch East Indies. Taking place one year before Jane's death, Barron's readers will take pause knowing the series' end is near.
Highly recommended for avid Janeites and lovers of fine histfic mysteries. Out Feb. 8.
Thanks to the author, Soho Press, Soho Crime, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#JaneandtheYearwithoutaSummer #NetGalley
Here, Jane is ill and heads with her sister to the healing waters at Cheltenham Spa in Gloucestershire. They find not rest but a tense atmosphere where murder occurs and the skies are dark due to the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in the Dutch East Indies. Taking place one year before Jane's death, Barron's readers will take pause knowing the series' end is near.
Highly recommended for avid Janeites and lovers of fine histfic mysteries. Out Feb. 8.
Thanks to the author, Soho Press, Soho Crime, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#JaneandtheYearwithoutaSummer #NetGalley
July 21, 2023
I'm shocked at how much I liked this😆
November 8, 2021
The 14th novel in the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series takes Jane to the spa-city of of Cheltenham for a rest cure. While there she stays at an Inn with an interesting collection of fellow travelers, one of which may be a murderer! Jane is on the case, using her keen observation skills and brilliant mind to discover the culprit.
This highly anticipated new novel in the series did not disappoint. I have read all of the books in the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series and each one presents a unique mystery set in Regency times. I know of no other author who can get into the head of Jane Austen like Stephanie Barron can. Her research into Austen's life and Regency times is impeccable and her mystery plots are clever and twisty. She is a word master and her Jane is the bomb!
I highly recommend this new installment in a classic mystery series that will thrill and delight.
This highly anticipated new novel in the series did not disappoint. I have read all of the books in the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series and each one presents a unique mystery set in Regency times. I know of no other author who can get into the head of Jane Austen like Stephanie Barron can. Her research into Austen's life and Regency times is impeccable and her mystery plots are clever and twisty. She is a word master and her Jane is the bomb!
I highly recommend this new installment in a classic mystery series that will thrill and delight.
February 22, 2022
A favorite series over 26 years now? Wow. Just 14 books over that period but each special and appreciated.
I bought a set of paperbacks for my sister a number of years ago so she could enjoy the books along with me. It has been wonderful reading, so a big thank you to the author for all the enjoyment of her story construction and lively characters throughout.
I bought a set of paperbacks for my sister a number of years ago so she could enjoy the books along with me. It has been wonderful reading, so a big thank you to the author for all the enjoyment of her story construction and lively characters throughout.
February 28, 2022
The summer of 1816 has brought no end of troubles to the Austen family. The rain has been endless, Henry's bank failed, Edward's foster parents' lateral heirs are suing for the Hampshire properites; Charles not only lost his wife but also his ship and must appear before the Admirality. Poor Jane has not been feeling very well and when the apothecary in Alton suggests rest and refreshement Jane decides to use money from the sales of Emma to treat Cassandra and herself to a frvilous fortnight in Cheltenham Spa. Jane's stay is anything but restful with a boarding house full of people at odds with each other. Perhaps it's the rain making people cranky? The Austen sisters meet an evangelical scientist with religious melancholia and his peevish sister who doesn't approve of any of the other guests: a spinster actress (or theater person), a young lady in a wheeled basket chair and her nurse/companion, and an injured Naval captain. Jane has occassion to observe her fellow guests and perhaps she will work one or some of them into her next novel, tentatively titled The Elliots. Then Jane's powers of observation come in handy when things start to go terribly wrong. Assisted by her handsome gentleman friend, Rapahel West, who is also visiting Cheltenham, Jane endevors to make sense of all she's seen and heard. Can she get to the bottom of the mysteries before she must return home?
No one captures Jane Austen's voice like Stephanie Barron. Janeites will delight in the little "Easter eggs", Jane's phrases from her novels and letters that work their way into the dialogue. Even the narration sounds as if Jane herself is telling the story. This is one book that is not about a modern woman running around in period costume in the 19th-century. Even the spelling is authentic to Jane. If a reader can not handle the language of the original novels, I suggest they do not try this series. I don't usually have a problem and truly appreciate the authentic voice but this time I struggled a bit because I was tired and the first half of the book is pretty slow. The death upset me very much and was unecessary even though it was an important clue. The story picked up just as I should have put it down to go to sleep. I read a few more chapters and then finished it the next day. By then it was difficult to put down. Another shocking death and then a third occures before our sleuth figures things out. I wasn't entirely surprised but I didn't come to my conclusion in the same way Jane did. I guessed and my motive was wrong but I had the right person.
I liked learning about Cheltenham Spa and how it compares to Bath. I also appreciated how the story revolved around so many childless by choice women. It hammers home how few legal rights women had at that time and how most women had little to no control over their own bodies. I'm certain this played a factor in Jane's decision never to marry.
Jane is as clever and witty as she appears in her novels. The voice here is her own, the voice we know and love so much. She's intelligent and unmarried so naturally the doctor thinks her womb is disordered because of her single state. He prescribes rest and refreshment but you know Jane, she had a brain and couldn't NOT use it. Jane is clever without being catty and mean about it. She's sympathetic, compassionate and tactful even when dealing with suspected murderers. Jane's powers of observation make her an excellent sleuth. She notices things others don't and because she's unwell, she's awake at night to hear things no one else does because they're sleeping. She tries to keep an open mind although unlike her sister, she doesn't automatically see the best in people. When pushed, both Austen sisters have backbones of steel though and hold their ground. It was nice to see Cassandra show some spunk for a change.
I'm not a fan of Raphael West. He's a doting father and caring friend but seems kind of dull to me. I couldn't find anything about him online, just a few of his paintings. He seems kind, caring and respectful of Jane's intelligence but rather Colonel Brandonish. Mr. West isn't that much older than Jane but he seems much older the way he has to jump in and try to assist damsels in distress. Mr. West is friends with Mr. Dinsdale, a fellow artist who is planning a big protype multimedia presetation in honor of King George III's birthday and Princess Charlotte's marriage. He uses innovate techniques to create prints of the royal family but I can forsee his plan for a giant magic lantern type show in a pavillion using lit candles could go horribly wrong! This seems to be a fictional artist based on the unknown artists creating transparencies in the Georgian era. Too bad because I wanted to know more and I found Mr. Dinsdale's art fascinating. He's also very kind and patriotic and I liked him. Plus, any friend of Jane's friend has to be a friend of hers and Cassandra's too. He seemed quite taken with Cassandra and shared an interest in the royal family.
In Cheltenham Jane consults with Dr. Hargate. He rudely tells her that her ill health is caused by her unmarried state. "The unemcombered, untried womb releases all manner of poisonus humours into the blood, weakening the female brain and body." as if THAT didn't make me see red, he continues "Denying the organ its proper function of childbearing precipitates a fouling of the internal matter and eventual decline." GRRRR! What about all of Jane's sisters-in-law who died in childbirth or from childbirth related causes? Hmm? What about Eliza who only bore one sickly child? She and Henry didn't seem to be able to have children. Send this guy back to the Middle Ages because sensible doctors stopped believing in humours in the previous century. Dr. Hargate recommends the sulfur waters to treat Jane's illness. I do think perhaps the iron could have done her some good but three glasses a day sounds super gross. To be fair to Dr. Hargate, when he pops up again and again he is a man of science and concerned about the first mysterious death. He's stressed with all the stuff that happens and snaps at nosy spinsters but he does seem to be devoted to helping heal even if he doesn't understand women.
Captain Pellew is an injured naval officer in Cheltenham for the waters much like Jane. He is friendly, kind and helpful but seems to be in love with either the beautiful invalid, Miss Williams or her nurse, Miss Fox. He also has mysterious ties to the woman who works in the theater, Mrs. Smith. What is their connection? He seems determined to protect her identity and keep her secrets - very gallant. Faithful readers of Austen's novels will recognize shades of my hero of choice, Captain Wentworth. I like Wenworth better. Captain Pellew does not have ocassion to write a love letter. I really like Captain Pellew and if his heart is not engaged, he could be a good suitor for Jane or Cassandra. Maybe Cassandra because he's very protective and enjoys assisting ladies in need of protection.
The beautiful Miss Rose Williams is confined to a wheeled basket chair. She can not (or does not) eat. She's frail and assisted only by her faithful friend, Miss Fox. Readers of this volume of Jane's journal, reading from a perspective of 200 years later will instantly recognize Miss Williams's complaint as anorexia nervosa. My heart went out to her as I wondered what was causing her anxiety that brought her to such a state. We soon discover the cause and I was horrified. I kept reading and reading, rooting for Miss Williams only to discover that my opinion of her chanaged over time. My feelings about her are conflicted and complicated as she shows her personality does not match her looks. She may be an invalid but that gives her no cause for being rude and mean to everyone, especially her companion. Miss Fox, an old friend, is a devoted nurse. She pushes the wheelchair, helps carry it up and down stairs and protects her friend. A Quaker woman, she dresses plainly and is no match for the frail beauty of Miss Williams. Yet, I sense that Captain Pellew admires her and that does NOT please Miss Williams.
Mrs. Potter, the landlady, is kindly and keeps a nice house. She's used to moderating the spats of guests but she does give in to certain people a little more often than she should. Mrs. Potter offers good advice, good food (although Jane can't stomach more than toast and tea) and a clean house. Why, then, are dead rats found outside a guest's room? EEW! I bet they taste the nasty waters and crawl into Mrs. Potter's house and die. She has a cat in the kitchen so perhaps the cat is dragging them in. I don't believe she's guilty of any crime except trying to please her guests.
If I were Mrs. Potter, I would not bend over backwards trying to please the unpleasable Miss Garthwaite and her brother. Miss Garthwaite has a nasty tongue and loves to gossip. She would deny her penchant for gossip, disdaining anyone who does enjoy gossip and be rude and snooty to those who do. She's hypocritical in that respect. I hate women like her. She's trying to keep her brother sane and safe which I understand but to do so, she's rude to Jane and Jane's illness isn't noticable yet so she thinks Jane is one of those useless malingerers. Miss G has a little pug, Thucydides, who is so cute but so spoiled! (Not quite as bad as Lady Bertram's Pug) Jane preferred cats so I probably wouldn't have included a cute little dog but the dedication indicates Stephanie Barron recently lost a furry canine child so I understand her need to include a dog. I prefer dogs so bring them on! Mr. Garthwaite has what I believe was known as religious melancholia. He's a man of science who is aware of the eruption of Mount Tambora but to him, it's a sign of doomsday that it's been raining non-stop, crops have failed and famine is on the horizon. I can see why all that would cause anxiety in someone of an evangelical bent but he keeps preaching at people and calling innocent people evil. Can he be the one to die? He's so tiresome.
I really like Mrs. Smith. She seems to be a woman who wants to make her own way in the world even if it's unconventional. She won't rely on any man to help her. She's a bit reserved otherwise I think Mrs. Smith and dear Jane would have a lot in common. I like how Jane and Cassandra dont judge her by her profession in spite of being a clergyman's daughters. I want to be friends with her. Yet Mrs. Smith is hiding something. She doesn't share her life story with anyone but Captain Pellew seems to know her. He is discreet most of the time but he is the one who lets it slip he knows her by using her first name. When all is revealed, her story illuminates the gender inequalities of the early 19th-century and the impossibly high standards women were expected to live up to. I didn't see a problem with what she did but I did think the reaction was overblown.
The villains of this Cheltenham tragedy seem to be Lord Portreath and Mrs. Williams. Lord Portreath is a nasty man who thinks nothing of using women for his own purposes. He's very entitled and spoiled for an ex-military man and used to getting his own way. It's hinted he gambles too much and is always in need of money. His temper is terrifying and he doesn't care who he hurts in the process of getting what he wants. Mrs. Williams seems nice enough but I think she's deep and sly. Her story doesn't match that of the other party. Which one is telling the truth? Is she wrongly malinged because she's a young widow traveling with a man who is not related to her by blood? As much as I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt, I think she's up to no good.
Which guests are not who they say they are? Which ones are telling the truth? Why do dead rats keep appearing? What is going on? It's up to Miss Austen to figure out.
This book was the hardest of all to read because we know it's Jane's last full year on earth. She's already showing signs of her illness and knowing what's to come made me want to drag this one out sllowwwlly. Jane receives some bad news at the end and I started crying. I was hoping Stephanie Barron would leave it more open-ended with Jane refreshed and ready to return home even though we all know what's to come.
Getting to know this Jane, the sleuth, has been a pleasure and I shall miss her terribly. I must go back and reread the entire series.
No one captures Jane Austen's voice like Stephanie Barron. Janeites will delight in the little "Easter eggs", Jane's phrases from her novels and letters that work their way into the dialogue. Even the narration sounds as if Jane herself is telling the story. This is one book that is not about a modern woman running around in period costume in the 19th-century. Even the spelling is authentic to Jane. If a reader can not handle the language of the original novels, I suggest they do not try this series. I don't usually have a problem and truly appreciate the authentic voice but this time I struggled a bit because I was tired and the first half of the book is pretty slow. The death upset me very much and was unecessary even though it was an important clue. The story picked up just as I should have put it down to go to sleep. I read a few more chapters and then finished it the next day. By then it was difficult to put down. Another shocking death and then a third occures before our sleuth figures things out. I wasn't entirely surprised but I didn't come to my conclusion in the same way Jane did. I guessed and my motive was wrong but I had the right person.
I liked learning about Cheltenham Spa and how it compares to Bath. I also appreciated how the story revolved around so many childless by choice women. It hammers home how few legal rights women had at that time and how most women had little to no control over their own bodies. I'm certain this played a factor in Jane's decision never to marry.
Jane is as clever and witty as she appears in her novels. The voice here is her own, the voice we know and love so much. She's intelligent and unmarried so naturally the doctor thinks her womb is disordered because of her single state. He prescribes rest and refreshment but you know Jane, she had a brain and couldn't NOT use it. Jane is clever without being catty and mean about it. She's sympathetic, compassionate and tactful even when dealing with suspected murderers. Jane's powers of observation make her an excellent sleuth. She notices things others don't and because she's unwell, she's awake at night to hear things no one else does because they're sleeping. She tries to keep an open mind although unlike her sister, she doesn't automatically see the best in people. When pushed, both Austen sisters have backbones of steel though and hold their ground. It was nice to see Cassandra show some spunk for a change.
I'm not a fan of Raphael West. He's a doting father and caring friend but seems kind of dull to me. I couldn't find anything about him online, just a few of his paintings. He seems kind, caring and respectful of Jane's intelligence but rather Colonel Brandonish. Mr. West isn't that much older than Jane but he seems much older the way he has to jump in and try to assist damsels in distress. Mr. West is friends with Mr. Dinsdale, a fellow artist who is planning a big protype multimedia presetation in honor of King George III's birthday and Princess Charlotte's marriage. He uses innovate techniques to create prints of the royal family but I can forsee his plan for a giant magic lantern type show in a pavillion using lit candles could go horribly wrong! This seems to be a fictional artist based on the unknown artists creating transparencies in the Georgian era. Too bad because I wanted to know more and I found Mr. Dinsdale's art fascinating. He's also very kind and patriotic and I liked him. Plus, any friend of Jane's friend has to be a friend of hers and Cassandra's too. He seemed quite taken with Cassandra and shared an interest in the royal family.
In Cheltenham Jane consults with Dr. Hargate. He rudely tells her that her ill health is caused by her unmarried state. "The unemcombered, untried womb releases all manner of poisonus humours into the blood, weakening the female brain and body." as if THAT didn't make me see red, he continues "Denying the organ its proper function of childbearing precipitates a fouling of the internal matter and eventual decline." GRRRR! What about all of Jane's sisters-in-law who died in childbirth or from childbirth related causes? Hmm? What about Eliza who only bore one sickly child? She and Henry didn't seem to be able to have children. Send this guy back to the Middle Ages because sensible doctors stopped believing in humours in the previous century. Dr. Hargate recommends the sulfur waters to treat Jane's illness. I do think perhaps the iron could have done her some good but three glasses a day sounds super gross. To be fair to Dr. Hargate, when he pops up again and again he is a man of science and concerned about the first mysterious death. He's stressed with all the stuff that happens and snaps at nosy spinsters but he does seem to be devoted to helping heal even if he doesn't understand women.
Captain Pellew is an injured naval officer in Cheltenham for the waters much like Jane. He is friendly, kind and helpful but seems to be in love with either the beautiful invalid, Miss Williams or her nurse, Miss Fox. He also has mysterious ties to the woman who works in the theater, Mrs. Smith. What is their connection? He seems determined to protect her identity and keep her secrets - very gallant. Faithful readers of Austen's novels will recognize shades of my hero of choice, Captain Wentworth. I like Wenworth better. Captain Pellew does not have ocassion to write a love letter. I really like Captain Pellew and if his heart is not engaged, he could be a good suitor for Jane or Cassandra. Maybe Cassandra because he's very protective and enjoys assisting ladies in need of protection.
The beautiful Miss Rose Williams is confined to a wheeled basket chair. She can not (or does not) eat. She's frail and assisted only by her faithful friend, Miss Fox. Readers of this volume of Jane's journal, reading from a perspective of 200 years later will instantly recognize Miss Williams's complaint as anorexia nervosa. My heart went out to her as I wondered what was causing her anxiety that brought her to such a state. We soon discover the cause and I was horrified. I kept reading and reading, rooting for Miss Williams only to discover that my opinion of her chanaged over time. My feelings about her are conflicted and complicated as she shows her personality does not match her looks. She may be an invalid but that gives her no cause for being rude and mean to everyone, especially her companion. Miss Fox, an old friend, is a devoted nurse. She pushes the wheelchair, helps carry it up and down stairs and protects her friend. A Quaker woman, she dresses plainly and is no match for the frail beauty of Miss Williams. Yet, I sense that Captain Pellew admires her and that does NOT please Miss Williams.
Mrs. Potter, the landlady, is kindly and keeps a nice house. She's used to moderating the spats of guests but she does give in to certain people a little more often than she should. Mrs. Potter offers good advice, good food (although Jane can't stomach more than toast and tea) and a clean house. Why, then, are dead rats found outside a guest's room? EEW! I bet they taste the nasty waters and crawl into Mrs. Potter's house and die. She has a cat in the kitchen so perhaps the cat is dragging them in. I don't believe she's guilty of any crime except trying to please her guests.
If I were Mrs. Potter, I would not bend over backwards trying to please the unpleasable Miss Garthwaite and her brother. Miss Garthwaite has a nasty tongue and loves to gossip. She would deny her penchant for gossip, disdaining anyone who does enjoy gossip and be rude and snooty to those who do. She's hypocritical in that respect. I hate women like her. She's trying to keep her brother sane and safe which I understand but to do so, she's rude to Jane and Jane's illness isn't noticable yet so she thinks Jane is one of those useless malingerers. Miss G has a little pug, Thucydides, who is so cute but so spoiled! (Not quite as bad as Lady Bertram's Pug) Jane preferred cats so I probably wouldn't have included a cute little dog but the dedication indicates Stephanie Barron recently lost a furry canine child so I understand her need to include a dog. I prefer dogs so bring them on! Mr. Garthwaite has what I believe was known as religious melancholia. He's a man of science who is aware of the eruption of Mount Tambora but to him, it's a sign of doomsday that it's been raining non-stop, crops have failed and famine is on the horizon. I can see why all that would cause anxiety in someone of an evangelical bent but he keeps preaching at people and calling innocent people evil. Can he be the one to die? He's so tiresome.
I really like Mrs. Smith. She seems to be a woman who wants to make her own way in the world even if it's unconventional. She won't rely on any man to help her. She's a bit reserved otherwise I think Mrs. Smith and dear Jane would have a lot in common. I like how Jane and Cassandra dont judge her by her profession in spite of being a clergyman's daughters. I want to be friends with her. Yet Mrs. Smith is hiding something. She doesn't share her life story with anyone but Captain Pellew seems to know her. He is discreet most of the time but he is the one who lets it slip he knows her by using her first name. When all is revealed, her story illuminates the gender inequalities of the early 19th-century and the impossibly high standards women were expected to live up to. I didn't see a problem with what she did but I did think the reaction was overblown.
The villains of this Cheltenham tragedy seem to be Lord Portreath and Mrs. Williams. Lord Portreath is a nasty man who thinks nothing of using women for his own purposes. He's very entitled and spoiled for an ex-military man and used to getting his own way. It's hinted he gambles too much and is always in need of money. His temper is terrifying and he doesn't care who he hurts in the process of getting what he wants. Mrs. Williams seems nice enough but I think she's deep and sly. Her story doesn't match that of the other party. Which one is telling the truth? Is she wrongly malinged because she's a young widow traveling with a man who is not related to her by blood? As much as I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt, I think she's up to no good.
Which guests are not who they say they are? Which ones are telling the truth? Why do dead rats keep appearing? What is going on? It's up to Miss Austen to figure out.
This book was the hardest of all to read because we know it's Jane's last full year on earth. She's already showing signs of her illness and knowing what's to come made me want to drag this one out sllowwwlly. Jane receives some bad news at the end and I started crying. I was hoping Stephanie Barron would leave it more open-ended with Jane refreshed and ready to return home even though we all know what's to come.
Getting to know this Jane, the sleuth, has been a pleasure and I shall miss her terribly. I must go back and reread the entire series.
December 15, 2021
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is the 14th book in the Jane Austen Mystery Series, and it is a page-turner full of mystery, romance, and historical authenticity! Now, I haven’t read the previous books (although now I will!), but that didn’t deter me from absolutely loving this Regency mystery. It works as a standalone but will make you want to read the rest of the brilliant series.
Stephanie Barron writes Austen with intelligence, wit, and charm while creating a mystery worthy of Agatha Christie with proper twists and turns.
THE STORY:
It’s the summer of 1816, and Jane Austen is feeling poorly. She and her sister, Cassandra, head to Cheltenham Spa to regain her health. But everything does not go as planned. The weather isn’t exactly ideal, and soon, Jane’s caught up in a murder mystery amid a group of intriguing and mysterious lodgers.
With Jane’s cleverness and observational skills, she sets out to solve the mystery while also spending time with the handsome (and swoony) Raphael West!
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
What I loved about this book is just how well Barron captures Jane Austen’s voice. Not only in her narrating style but as a person. The research into her life is incredible. And her writing style mirrors Austen’s own writing – while also creating a deliciously good mystery.
Romance fans will also appreciate the love story between Jane and Mr. West. The fictional romance fits well into Jane’s actual timeline, and Barron creates a Romantic Hero worthy of Jane Austen.
While there is a bittersweet tone to the story and romance (historically, we know as readers Austen does not have much longer to live), it still leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough. While I expected a fun read, I didn’t expect it to be as enjoyable and well-written as it was. It’s now one of my personal favorites, and I think fans of Austen or Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries will love it.
Adaptation Recommendation: The Jane Austen Mysteries (that could even be its title) needs to be a TV show as soon as possible. So, someone out there, please make this happen!
Overall Rating: 5
Romance Rating: 5
(Disclosure: I received a free advanced copy of the novel from the publisher and publicist. All opinions are my own.)
Stephanie Barron writes Austen with intelligence, wit, and charm while creating a mystery worthy of Agatha Christie with proper twists and turns.
THE STORY:
It’s the summer of 1816, and Jane Austen is feeling poorly. She and her sister, Cassandra, head to Cheltenham Spa to regain her health. But everything does not go as planned. The weather isn’t exactly ideal, and soon, Jane’s caught up in a murder mystery amid a group of intriguing and mysterious lodgers.
With Jane’s cleverness and observational skills, she sets out to solve the mystery while also spending time with the handsome (and swoony) Raphael West!
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
What I loved about this book is just how well Barron captures Jane Austen’s voice. Not only in her narrating style but as a person. The research into her life is incredible. And her writing style mirrors Austen’s own writing – while also creating a deliciously good mystery.
Romance fans will also appreciate the love story between Jane and Mr. West. The fictional romance fits well into Jane’s actual timeline, and Barron creates a Romantic Hero worthy of Jane Austen.
While there is a bittersweet tone to the story and romance (historically, we know as readers Austen does not have much longer to live), it still leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book enough. While I expected a fun read, I didn’t expect it to be as enjoyable and well-written as it was. It’s now one of my personal favorites, and I think fans of Austen or Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries will love it.
Adaptation Recommendation: The Jane Austen Mysteries (that could even be its title) needs to be a TV show as soon as possible. So, someone out there, please make this happen!
Overall Rating: 5
Romance Rating: 5
(Disclosure: I received a free advanced copy of the novel from the publisher and publicist. All opinions are my own.)
March 27, 2022
This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm: https://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot...
Although this is a series of fourteen books I’ve actually only read the last three, including this one. The ‘Being a Jane Austen Mystery’ series puts Jane Austen as a sleuth, intermingling fictional murder mysteries into her known real-life movements.
The first thing to know is that the year without a summer is not a bit of dramatic embellishment by the author but actually a real event; 1816 had a colder than usual summer globally, due to volcanic ash. There were crop failures due to the cold summer. Another thing to bear in mind with this novel is the timeline. Jane Austen died in July 1817, just over a year after this novel is set (May-June 1816, during a trip Austen took with her sister Cassandra, to Cheltenham Spa, as she had been feeling unwell with the disease that would eventually take her life). So in a way the incessant bad weather provides a sympathetic background as the reader knows that Austen is beginning to face her last days:
I spoke with determined cheerfulness, for in all truth I have not been feeling very stout of late, and at my sister Cassandra’s urging had at last sought the advice of the Alton apothecary. Lassitude, a want of spirits, and a persistent pain in my back dogged me throughout the winter months.
At the spa, Jane will come to meet a mix of characters and get involved in a mystery. The characters that she meets are actually quite an unlikeable bunch! She will also become reacquainted with Mr Raphael West, an artist who has featured in the last few ‘Being a Jane Austen Mystery’ books. Surprisingly he was a real person, although I am not aware of him having known Miss Austen, much less having a friendship with her.
As for the mystery, I really enjoyed it. The pace is relatively slow but even and in keeping with a realistic course of events. Although I was pretty certain what had happened before the reveal, that wasn’t really the point of the exercise, I felt like I was enjoying the mystery along the way with Jane.
The big bonus with these books is that they are told in Jane’s voice and I really enjoyed Ms Barron’s take on her character. She is humorous, self-deprecating and very sharp; I loved Jane’s ‘voice’.
There were nods in some of the text to Austen’s works. Some of these worked better than others for me. There is some wording used which came from Austen’s books which were published at this time and in some cases didn’t feel natural, but there were some resemblances to some of her characters which I enjoyed. In one of the previous books in the series I thought that Austen’s sister in law Mary bore a strong resemblance to Mary Musgrove from Persuasion. In this book Jane’s brother James could have been the model for Mr Collins from Pride & Prejudice:
“I blame my father—may he rest in peace, poor soul. He ought never to have encouraged your writing; the female mind is too weak to support the rigors of composition, and must necessarily fall into vice.”
“I apprehend you have been composing your sermon, James.” I beamed at him with unruffled serenity.
This episode of the series was a little bit melancholy, which was inevitable as the reader knows that Jane’s time is running out. On the flip side many of the characters were quite unlikeable, so I didn’t mind the bad things happening to them so much – if I’d have liked them more I might have struggled, so I thought the balance was good!
One thing I really appreciated were the notes added in by the author to highlight things which were facts. I love learning history through stories but sometimes you can’t tell what is fact and what is fiction, so having the facts highlighted for me saves me looking it up later!
There appears to be scope for at least one more book, which is another sad thought, because I like this series. I’d recommend reading Jane and the Year Without a Summer if you enjoy mysteries and Jane Austen as a character. Although it’s part of a series you could read it as stand alone with few difficulties. This is my favourite one I’ve read so far and I’ll rate it as a 5 star read.
Although this is a series of fourteen books I’ve actually only read the last three, including this one. The ‘Being a Jane Austen Mystery’ series puts Jane Austen as a sleuth, intermingling fictional murder mysteries into her known real-life movements.
The first thing to know is that the year without a summer is not a bit of dramatic embellishment by the author but actually a real event; 1816 had a colder than usual summer globally, due to volcanic ash. There were crop failures due to the cold summer. Another thing to bear in mind with this novel is the timeline. Jane Austen died in July 1817, just over a year after this novel is set (May-June 1816, during a trip Austen took with her sister Cassandra, to Cheltenham Spa, as she had been feeling unwell with the disease that would eventually take her life). So in a way the incessant bad weather provides a sympathetic background as the reader knows that Austen is beginning to face her last days:
I spoke with determined cheerfulness, for in all truth I have not been feeling very stout of late, and at my sister Cassandra’s urging had at last sought the advice of the Alton apothecary. Lassitude, a want of spirits, and a persistent pain in my back dogged me throughout the winter months.
At the spa, Jane will come to meet a mix of characters and get involved in a mystery. The characters that she meets are actually quite an unlikeable bunch! She will also become reacquainted with Mr Raphael West, an artist who has featured in the last few ‘Being a Jane Austen Mystery’ books. Surprisingly he was a real person, although I am not aware of him having known Miss Austen, much less having a friendship with her.
As for the mystery, I really enjoyed it. The pace is relatively slow but even and in keeping with a realistic course of events. Although I was pretty certain what had happened before the reveal, that wasn’t really the point of the exercise, I felt like I was enjoying the mystery along the way with Jane.
The big bonus with these books is that they are told in Jane’s voice and I really enjoyed Ms Barron’s take on her character. She is humorous, self-deprecating and very sharp; I loved Jane’s ‘voice’.
There were nods in some of the text to Austen’s works. Some of these worked better than others for me. There is some wording used which came from Austen’s books which were published at this time and in some cases didn’t feel natural, but there were some resemblances to some of her characters which I enjoyed. In one of the previous books in the series I thought that Austen’s sister in law Mary bore a strong resemblance to Mary Musgrove from Persuasion. In this book Jane’s brother James could have been the model for Mr Collins from Pride & Prejudice:
“I blame my father—may he rest in peace, poor soul. He ought never to have encouraged your writing; the female mind is too weak to support the rigors of composition, and must necessarily fall into vice.”
“I apprehend you have been composing your sermon, James.” I beamed at him with unruffled serenity.
This episode of the series was a little bit melancholy, which was inevitable as the reader knows that Jane’s time is running out. On the flip side many of the characters were quite unlikeable, so I didn’t mind the bad things happening to them so much – if I’d have liked them more I might have struggled, so I thought the balance was good!
One thing I really appreciated were the notes added in by the author to highlight things which were facts. I love learning history through stories but sometimes you can’t tell what is fact and what is fiction, so having the facts highlighted for me saves me looking it up later!
There appears to be scope for at least one more book, which is another sad thought, because I like this series. I’d recommend reading Jane and the Year Without a Summer if you enjoy mysteries and Jane Austen as a character. Although it’s part of a series you could read it as stand alone with few difficulties. This is my favourite one I’ve read so far and I’ll rate it as a 5 star read.
July 8, 2024
Jane and her sister Cassandra are visiting Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. They hope that by sampling the sulfurous waters, Jane's health might improve. They stay at a boarding house and are very curious about the other guests. One of the boarders is Miss Williams, a young lady confined to a wheelchair, who is constantly fussed over and spoiled by her faithful friend. A married couple are always complaining and making things unpleasant for everyone. Jane is surprised to find that her friend Raphael West appears to know another one of the boarders, Mrs. Smith, who works with a theater company. But when a murder occurs at a masquerade ball, Jane realizes there must be some connection to the people at their boardinghouse.
I really liked this story and the history behind it. There is quite a lot of real history woven into the story with Jane's family and her acquaintances, but of course the murder mystery and Jane's involvement in the investigation are entirely fictional. I loved learning more about the Regency Era!
I enjoyed seeing more of Jane's sister, Cassandra. Jane thinks it's hilarious how Cassandra pretends not to care about gossip, when really she is very eager and curious to know about people. It's really interesting to imagine what their family might have been like, how they might have talked with one another, and how they would have interacted.
The murder mystery is really good! I was completely fooled by the red herrings, and had no idea who the murderer could be right up until the big reveal at the end. I was totally surprised and shocked, but it all made sense.
I love the formal writing style that mimics the Regency era language. The dialogue is fairly close to what a real conversation might have been like in that time period. It really immerses you in the history.
I really liked this story and the history behind it. There is quite a lot of real history woven into the story with Jane's family and her acquaintances, but of course the murder mystery and Jane's involvement in the investigation are entirely fictional. I loved learning more about the Regency Era!
I enjoyed seeing more of Jane's sister, Cassandra. Jane thinks it's hilarious how Cassandra pretends not to care about gossip, when really she is very eager and curious to know about people. It's really interesting to imagine what their family might have been like, how they might have talked with one another, and how they would have interacted.
The murder mystery is really good! I was completely fooled by the red herrings, and had no idea who the murderer could be right up until the big reveal at the end. I was totally surprised and shocked, but it all made sense.
I love the formal writing style that mimics the Regency era language. The dialogue is fairly close to what a real conversation might have been like in that time period. It really immerses you in the history.
January 1, 2022
“Jane & The Year Without a Summer” is Book 14 in Stephanie Barron’s “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series. Having read the entire series and knowing Barron writes her mysteries parallel to Austen’s real life timeline, I had assumed this novel was about Austen’s death in July 1817. Blessedly, I was incorrect.
The year is 1816. Jane Austen is forty and beginning to suffer the sickness that will end her life in the coming year. She has been advised by her doctor to take the waters in Cheltenham and away she and her sister, Cassandra, go.
They stay at a guesthouse full of diverting characters providing much for the sisters to ponder as their mysteries unfurl (and maybe Jane observes, too, for future characters in coming novels.)
Barron’s gift of Austenesque prose sets the scene after an historical environmental event, a volcanic eruption a world away, that did result in an unusually cool and non-existent summer.
“My brother Frank had exclaimed over the disaster, I vaguely recalled, when he learned of it from a fellow officer; a horrific explosion and lava flow near Java, in the Dutch East Indies.” pp. 44.
Barron’s research, as always, is perfection, leading one to wonder what is fact or fiction. A murder mystery after a ball and the reappearance of Jane’s handsome artist friend, Mr Rafael West from “Jane & the Waterloo Map” (Book 13), increased the pacing and it did not stop until the mystery was solved, murderer revealed.
“‘I grasped West’s hand in my own and stepped down to the paving. He bowed low, brushing his lips over the back of my glove. ‘We should drive out more often, Jane,’ he said. ‘The wind has whipped color into your cheeks. Indeed—I should like to paint them.’” pp. 175.
I confess to have shed a tear or two over this cozy mystery. The romantic elements always pull at my sentimental heartstrings but especially knowing what is Jane’s future... Le sigh. “Jane and the Year Without a Summer” is a terrific read! “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” is an ambitious, imaginative series, and, even at Book 14, still remains entertaining and full of eye opening, heart-pounding moments. Why isn’t this a NetFlix series!?
*Also, though it’s a series, each book can stand on its own. Though you’re cheating yourself if you don’t read them all.
The year is 1816. Jane Austen is forty and beginning to suffer the sickness that will end her life in the coming year. She has been advised by her doctor to take the waters in Cheltenham and away she and her sister, Cassandra, go.
They stay at a guesthouse full of diverting characters providing much for the sisters to ponder as their mysteries unfurl (and maybe Jane observes, too, for future characters in coming novels.)
Barron’s gift of Austenesque prose sets the scene after an historical environmental event, a volcanic eruption a world away, that did result in an unusually cool and non-existent summer.
“My brother Frank had exclaimed over the disaster, I vaguely recalled, when he learned of it from a fellow officer; a horrific explosion and lava flow near Java, in the Dutch East Indies.” pp. 44.
Barron’s research, as always, is perfection, leading one to wonder what is fact or fiction. A murder mystery after a ball and the reappearance of Jane’s handsome artist friend, Mr Rafael West from “Jane & the Waterloo Map” (Book 13), increased the pacing and it did not stop until the mystery was solved, murderer revealed.
“‘I grasped West’s hand in my own and stepped down to the paving. He bowed low, brushing his lips over the back of my glove. ‘We should drive out more often, Jane,’ he said. ‘The wind has whipped color into your cheeks. Indeed—I should like to paint them.’” pp. 175.
I confess to have shed a tear or two over this cozy mystery. The romantic elements always pull at my sentimental heartstrings but especially knowing what is Jane’s future... Le sigh. “Jane and the Year Without a Summer” is a terrific read! “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” is an ambitious, imaginative series, and, even at Book 14, still remains entertaining and full of eye opening, heart-pounding moments. Why isn’t this a NetFlix series!?
*Also, though it’s a series, each book can stand on its own. Though you’re cheating yourself if you don’t read them all.
December 6, 2021
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is like Nancy Drew set during the time of Jane Austen's life. I loved that Barron stayed true to the whereabouts (based on historic record) of Austen and her sister, Cassandra, when they took a trip to Cheltenham Spa in Gloucestershire. I loved that Austen used her keen observation skills to unearth the truth of the mysteries within these pages. All of the characters have their own secrets, and there is even a bit of romance for Jane herself.
**highly recommend for Jane Austen readers and those who love a good mystery!
**highly recommend for Jane Austen readers and those who love a good mystery!
July 16, 2022
Mysterious Maladies, Masquerades, and Mayhem
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour
TYPE OF NOVEL: Mystery, Jane Austen as a Main Character
SERIES: Being A Jane Austen Mystery #14 (while it is a much richer experience to read these novels in order, they can easily be read out-of-order and standalone).
THE PREMISE: In need of some rest and self-care Jane Austen arranges for her and Cassandra to spend a two-week holiday in the spa town of Cheltenham. Hoping to witness the restorative properties of taking the waters in Cheltenham firsthand, Jane Austen instead witnesses some strange and intriguing goings-on with the other guests at their lodgings…
WHAT I LOVED:
- So Factual!: With setting her story during an actual two-week holiday that Jane Austen took with Cassandra, incorporating pertinent and known events about Jane Austen’s family and life, and framing it all within relevant historical details of Regency England in 1816, this story feels like it is just as much a biographical work as it is a work of fiction. Throughout this entire series Stephanie Barron has been meticulous and thorough with her research and attention to detail. And yet, I’m still always in awe with how many details of this story originate from true events, and how seamlessly and effortlessly they are woven into the storyline.
- Intrigue Is All Around: For some, this might be an everyday assortment of guesthouse borders, but for Jane Austen’s acute powers of observation – there is plenty to imagine and suppose about these new acquaintances. I loved seeing Jane Austen’s mind at work as she encounters these new characters – how she tries to infer their relationships, backgrounds, and purposes. Even before there is a mystery to solve or suspicions to follow, Jane Austen is practicing sketching the characters of all that surround her.
- Brilliantly Balanced: With the mystery, story-lines about Jane Austen’s health and the fate of her brother, Charles hanging in the balance, and a possible romance or two, there were so many interesting and important components to combine in this tale. And Stephanie Barron balanced and blended all these components together beautifully. I loved the touches of romance found with some couples, especially with Jane Austen and Mr. Raphael West.
- Deft and Delicate: I absolutely adore Stephanie Barron’s writing style. To write in Jane Austen’s style is already a daunting task, but to also emulate her tone and portray events from her perspective firsthand, is something that only the bravest and most skilled authors can undertake. And I think many of us would agree that Stephanie Barron excels at it. She has mastered both Jane Austen’s elegance and economy with words. Her writing is wonderfully succinct yet revealing. I loved spotting some familiar phrases or nods to Jane Austen’s own quotes periodically inserted into the narrative, it always happens with delicate subtlety and was never pretentious or contrived.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: My only small quibbles would be that it took awhile for the actual mystery to begin (which maybe can’t be helped because of the story’s timeline) and that I had some unanswered questions in the end (mostly to do with the guilt and/or innocence of some characters).
CONCLUSION:
With Jane and the Year Without a Summer, Stephanie Barron delivers another enthralling and expertly-executed mystery for our beloved authoress to use her keen insight and astute knowledge of human nature to solve. The Being a Jane Austen Mystery series is a fascinating and illuminating series that divulges all the unknown intrigues of Jane Austen’s life, and I highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t done so already. It is heartrending to think about this series coming to an end, and I hope we are not there just yet! 15 or better yet, 16 is a much more round number on which to end…
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Blog Tour
TYPE OF NOVEL: Mystery, Jane Austen as a Main Character
SERIES: Being A Jane Austen Mystery #14 (while it is a much richer experience to read these novels in order, they can easily be read out-of-order and standalone).
THE PREMISE: In need of some rest and self-care Jane Austen arranges for her and Cassandra to spend a two-week holiday in the spa town of Cheltenham. Hoping to witness the restorative properties of taking the waters in Cheltenham firsthand, Jane Austen instead witnesses some strange and intriguing goings-on with the other guests at their lodgings…
WHAT I LOVED:
- So Factual!: With setting her story during an actual two-week holiday that Jane Austen took with Cassandra, incorporating pertinent and known events about Jane Austen’s family and life, and framing it all within relevant historical details of Regency England in 1816, this story feels like it is just as much a biographical work as it is a work of fiction. Throughout this entire series Stephanie Barron has been meticulous and thorough with her research and attention to detail. And yet, I’m still always in awe with how many details of this story originate from true events, and how seamlessly and effortlessly they are woven into the storyline.
- Intrigue Is All Around: For some, this might be an everyday assortment of guesthouse borders, but for Jane Austen’s acute powers of observation – there is plenty to imagine and suppose about these new acquaintances. I loved seeing Jane Austen’s mind at work as she encounters these new characters – how she tries to infer their relationships, backgrounds, and purposes. Even before there is a mystery to solve or suspicions to follow, Jane Austen is practicing sketching the characters of all that surround her.
- Brilliantly Balanced: With the mystery, story-lines about Jane Austen’s health and the fate of her brother, Charles hanging in the balance, and a possible romance or two, there were so many interesting and important components to combine in this tale. And Stephanie Barron balanced and blended all these components together beautifully. I loved the touches of romance found with some couples, especially with Jane Austen and Mr. Raphael West.
- Deft and Delicate: I absolutely adore Stephanie Barron’s writing style. To write in Jane Austen’s style is already a daunting task, but to also emulate her tone and portray events from her perspective firsthand, is something that only the bravest and most skilled authors can undertake. And I think many of us would agree that Stephanie Barron excels at it. She has mastered both Jane Austen’s elegance and economy with words. Her writing is wonderfully succinct yet revealing. I loved spotting some familiar phrases or nods to Jane Austen’s own quotes periodically inserted into the narrative, it always happens with delicate subtlety and was never pretentious or contrived.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: My only small quibbles would be that it took awhile for the actual mystery to begin (which maybe can’t be helped because of the story’s timeline) and that I had some unanswered questions in the end (mostly to do with the guilt and/or innocence of some characters).
CONCLUSION:
With Jane and the Year Without a Summer, Stephanie Barron delivers another enthralling and expertly-executed mystery for our beloved authoress to use her keen insight and astute knowledge of human nature to solve. The Being a Jane Austen Mystery series is a fascinating and illuminating series that divulges all the unknown intrigues of Jane Austen’s life, and I highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t done so already. It is heartrending to think about this series coming to an end, and I hope we are not there just yet! 15 or better yet, 16 is a much more round number on which to end…
Austenesque Reviews
April 14, 2024
I believe this is the first book in this series I have rated so poorly, but I cannot do otherwise. It felt to me, on several levels, lazy and beneath the author’s considerable talents.
First, there were errors—errors of period language as well as typos—marring the text with disturbing frequency. I have been accustomed to regard Stephanie Barron’s novels, especially in the second half of this series, as meticulous in their re-creation of Jane Austen’s language as she deploys it in her letters, but in this book there were few of the moments of joyful recognition at the turn of a perfect phrase I have been accustomed to expect. It felt more generically Austenesque, the type of prose churned out by many fans. And one crucial scene had several typos in short succession, including a moment in which, by the substitution of “Miss” for “Mrs.,” a character is simultaneously settled in a Bath chair and walking away on her husband’s arm.
There are echoes of Austen’s novel Persuasion early on, but they are not followed through in the storyline or themes in any systematic way. Barron uses occasional echoes of lines from Austen’s novels in her books, usually to good effect, but when , I had to cry bullroar.
Then there’s the mystery plot, which absorbed me well enough while I was reading it but in retrospect seemed full of implausibilities. Perhaps this is the carping of a reader who was writing the outcome very differently in her head, but in general I found the characters’ motivations implausible, Cassandra’s included
Finally, while I was touched by the final scenes, in which Jane Austen is forced to confront bad news, the deliverer of the bad news had been so relentlessly depicted as incompetent that his sudden shift toward keenness distracted me from the emotional impact of the moment. And .
Overall, this book felt to me like the product of a writer who had already moved on from the series but was forced into continuing when her heart was no longer in it. A half-hearted effort by a person of great ability.
First, there were errors—errors of period language as well as typos—marring the text with disturbing frequency. I have been accustomed to regard Stephanie Barron’s novels, especially in the second half of this series, as meticulous in their re-creation of Jane Austen’s language as she deploys it in her letters, but in this book there were few of the moments of joyful recognition at the turn of a perfect phrase I have been accustomed to expect. It felt more generically Austenesque, the type of prose churned out by many fans. And one crucial scene had several typos in short succession, including a moment in which, by the substitution of “Miss” for “Mrs.,” a character is simultaneously settled in a Bath chair and walking away on her husband’s arm.
There are echoes of Austen’s novel Persuasion early on, but they are not followed through in the storyline or themes in any systematic way. Barron uses occasional echoes of lines from Austen’s novels in her books, usually to good effect, but when , I had to cry bullroar.
Then there’s the mystery plot, which absorbed me well enough while I was reading it but in retrospect seemed full of implausibilities. Perhaps this is the carping of a reader who was writing the outcome very differently in her head, but in general I found the characters’ motivations implausible, Cassandra’s included
Finally, while I was touched by the final scenes, in which Jane Austen is forced to confront bad news, the deliverer of the bad news had been so relentlessly depicted as incompetent that his sudden shift toward keenness distracted me from the emotional impact of the moment. And .
Overall, this book felt to me like the product of a writer who had already moved on from the series but was forced into continuing when her heart was no longer in it. A half-hearted effort by a person of great ability.
November 29, 2021
I have a soft spot in my heart for the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series by Stephanie Barron. Reading them is a bit like time traveling back in time. The books are all expertly researched, a seamless blend of fact and fiction full of fascinating period and personal details. Because they are written in the first person, and because Austen’s voice is so impeccably done, we have the great pleasure of living for a little while inside Jane Austen’s mind.
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is the 14th book in the series, and a welcome addition to the canon. The title refers to the bleak state of the weather that affected the entire planet that year, caused by a distant volcanic eruption. It is the summer of 1816 and Jane, not feeling up to snuff, visits the spa town of Cheltenham to try its curative waters (which prove to be undrinkable). Having been to Bath many times myself but never to Cheltenham, I was intrigued to learn about this city, and to recognize the many similarities between the two places.
While in Cheltenham, Jane of course has a series of adventures that involve murder and mayhem and the solving of mysteries. We are treated to a reappearance of Mr. Raphael West, a charming gentleman and romantic interest of Jane’s, as well as a cast of new, intriguing characters, most of whom are entirely the product of Barron’s imagination—and all so realistically depicted that they come to brilliant life on the page.
We get among other things a pugnacious pug named Thucydides, a Doomsday-predicting Evangelist, a gallant Royal Navy Captain, a Viscount who formerly served in Her Majesty’s Dragoons, a beautiful but petulant Wollstonecraft devotee, a mysterious theatre dialect coach named Mrs. Smith (you know that has to be an alias, right?), an eventful masquerade ball in honor of the King’s birthday and Princess Charlotte’s nuptials, and enough secrets to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what Ms. Barron has up her sleeve.
I really enjoyed this novel. It is, I suppose necessarily, a bittersweet read because Jane’s illness permeates the story, and it’s hard not to think about the fact that she is going to die from that same illness about a year later. It’s always a delight, however, to spend time with Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen, a woman whose cleverness and wit goes beyond the writing of novels, and who employs her gifts and talents to the solving of mysteries. I will be so sorry to see this series end!
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a page-turning story, imbued with fascinating historical detail, a cast of beautifully realized characters, a pitch-perfect Jane Austen, and an intriguing mystery. Highly recommended.
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is the 14th book in the series, and a welcome addition to the canon. The title refers to the bleak state of the weather that affected the entire planet that year, caused by a distant volcanic eruption. It is the summer of 1816 and Jane, not feeling up to snuff, visits the spa town of Cheltenham to try its curative waters (which prove to be undrinkable). Having been to Bath many times myself but never to Cheltenham, I was intrigued to learn about this city, and to recognize the many similarities between the two places.
While in Cheltenham, Jane of course has a series of adventures that involve murder and mayhem and the solving of mysteries. We are treated to a reappearance of Mr. Raphael West, a charming gentleman and romantic interest of Jane’s, as well as a cast of new, intriguing characters, most of whom are entirely the product of Barron’s imagination—and all so realistically depicted that they come to brilliant life on the page.
We get among other things a pugnacious pug named Thucydides, a Doomsday-predicting Evangelist, a gallant Royal Navy Captain, a Viscount who formerly served in Her Majesty’s Dragoons, a beautiful but petulant Wollstonecraft devotee, a mysterious theatre dialect coach named Mrs. Smith (you know that has to be an alias, right?), an eventful masquerade ball in honor of the King’s birthday and Princess Charlotte’s nuptials, and enough secrets to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what Ms. Barron has up her sleeve.
I really enjoyed this novel. It is, I suppose necessarily, a bittersweet read because Jane’s illness permeates the story, and it’s hard not to think about the fact that she is going to die from that same illness about a year later. It’s always a delight, however, to spend time with Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen, a woman whose cleverness and wit goes beyond the writing of novels, and who employs her gifts and talents to the solving of mysteries. I will be so sorry to see this series end!
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a page-turning story, imbued with fascinating historical detail, a cast of beautifully realized characters, a pitch-perfect Jane Austen, and an intriguing mystery. Highly recommended.
December 14, 2021
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is the 14th book in Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mysteries series and the first one I have read! Saying that I can tell you that I found this to be an excellent stand-alone. So don’t worry, you can read them in any order!
I was very impressed with Barron’s research into Jane Austen’s life and how she combines real and fictional to write a remarkable story. The mystery was well done with some nice twists.
Jane and her sister Cassandra take a trip to Cheltenham Spa to drink the waters and consult a doctor concerning Jane’s ill health. While there, they meet some interesting people and find a mystery to unravel! I love how tenacious Jane is - she notices the small details that seem to go unnoticed by everyone else.
I did find the first half (really, the first third) of the book slow, but I loved the second half! I’m also a fan of footnotes and was happy to see them sprinkled throughout the story!
Knowing what we know about Jane’s health and that Barron follows Jane’s life pretty accurately makes the ending bittersweet.
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a delightful read! If you love Jane Austen mixed with a bit of murder, masquerade, and intrigue, this is the book for you (and probably the series as well)!
FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the story from the publisher for my honest review.
I was very impressed with Barron’s research into Jane Austen’s life and how she combines real and fictional to write a remarkable story. The mystery was well done with some nice twists.
Jane and her sister Cassandra take a trip to Cheltenham Spa to drink the waters and consult a doctor concerning Jane’s ill health. While there, they meet some interesting people and find a mystery to unravel! I love how tenacious Jane is - she notices the small details that seem to go unnoticed by everyone else.
I did find the first half (really, the first third) of the book slow, but I loved the second half! I’m also a fan of footnotes and was happy to see them sprinkled throughout the story!
Knowing what we know about Jane’s health and that Barron follows Jane’s life pretty accurately makes the ending bittersweet.
Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a delightful read! If you love Jane Austen mixed with a bit of murder, masquerade, and intrigue, this is the book for you (and probably the series as well)!
FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the story from the publisher for my honest review.
December 15, 2021
So, I'm going to admit that I was a little nervous that, because this is the 14th book in the Jane Austen Mystery series, that I would have a difficult time getting into it.
Nothing could be further from the truth. This mystery, featuring an amazingly relatable portrayal of Jane Austen, had me from the very first page.
How is it that this book, about a fictional Jane Austen, can make me fall even more in love with Jane Austen? I don't know, but--I'll just call it magic.
This cozy mystery was just what I didn't know that I wanted. Poor Jane's health is suffering in this book, so she heads to find healing at Chaltenham Spa with her sister.
From this point, the plot takes a dive towards murder and intrigue that just brings out the author's strength--keeping Jane Austen alive. With her wit and smarts, I know that I have no choice now but to read every other book in this series.
Nothing could be further from the truth. This mystery, featuring an amazingly relatable portrayal of Jane Austen, had me from the very first page.
How is it that this book, about a fictional Jane Austen, can make me fall even more in love with Jane Austen? I don't know, but--I'll just call it magic.
This cozy mystery was just what I didn't know that I wanted. Poor Jane's health is suffering in this book, so she heads to find healing at Chaltenham Spa with her sister.
From this point, the plot takes a dive towards murder and intrigue that just brings out the author's strength--keeping Jane Austen alive. With her wit and smarts, I know that I have no choice now but to read every other book in this series.
February 18, 2022
This is the first book I read by Stephanie Barron but it will not be the last one. I am curious about the other Jane Austen mysteries to also compare with this one.
I have to start saying that I have enjoyed the book but I believe it was too slow at the beginning. I understand that we need to get things sorted before the engaging mystery appears but I would say that it was around 40% of the book until I got more engaged. After that, there was more "movement". Despite its slow start, there are many good points in this mystery.
Regarding the characters: I loved how Cassandra behaves and her love of gossip, it is quite funny but eventually useful too. I have liked to be reminded of Jane Austen's family with all her brothers and their children.
Captain Pellew and Mr West are two characters that I have enjoyed for different reasons. Mr West is in a way the romantic hero but we can read that he is kind and protective of everyone he loves, not only romantically love. Captain Pellew is a bit Captain Wentworth, do not try to make her jealous :D
I did not really like a certain lady: too annoying and too entitled, and treating her friend/carer pretty badly, really badly! Let's face it, that was the idea and Stephanie wrote her very well.
When it comes to similarities to bits and bobs of Jane Austen's works, be it words used on her speech or resemblances of characters, I have found quite a few and I have enjoyed them immensely even if it may have been more my "obsession" than anything. As I have mentioned, Captain Pellew has that point of Captain Wentworth for instance.
I got a ebook copy on NetGalley.
I have to start saying that I have enjoyed the book but I believe it was too slow at the beginning. I understand that we need to get things sorted before the engaging mystery appears but I would say that it was around 40% of the book until I got more engaged. After that, there was more "movement". Despite its slow start, there are many good points in this mystery.
Regarding the characters: I loved how Cassandra behaves and her love of gossip, it is quite funny but eventually useful too. I have liked to be reminded of Jane Austen's family with all her brothers and their children.
Captain Pellew and Mr West are two characters that I have enjoyed for different reasons. Mr West is in a way the romantic hero but we can read that he is kind and protective of everyone he loves, not only romantically love. Captain Pellew is a bit Captain Wentworth, do not try to make her jealous :D
I did not really like a certain lady: too annoying and too entitled, and treating her friend/carer pretty badly, really badly! Let's face it, that was the idea and Stephanie wrote her very well.
When it comes to similarities to bits and bobs of Jane Austen's works, be it words used on her speech or resemblances of characters, I have found quite a few and I have enjoyed them immensely even if it may have been more my "obsession" than anything. As I have mentioned, Captain Pellew has that point of Captain Wentworth for instance.
I got a ebook copy on NetGalley.
January 23, 2022
WOW! This book is SO GOOD! It is full of twists and turns, intriguing, gripping, romantic, mysterious, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "Jane and the Year Without a Summer", I was whisked back in time to the Regency Era, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.
This is the fourteenth book in Stephanie Barron's "Being a Jane Austen Mystery" series, but I think it can be read as a stand-alone novel too. Ms. Barron's writing style is visceral, vivid, detailed, INCREDIBLY well-researched, and each and every moment jumps right off of the page. I can only imagine the amount of research she must have done, as all aspects of this book felt authentic to the era it is set in. Ms. Barron seamlessly and brilliantly weaves history and fiction, and the result is a mystery that is impossible to put down. I felt that some of the characters in the book resemble Jane Austen's own characters in her books in some ways, and I had such a difficult time putting this novel down.
Jane Austen's health is getting worse, and she and her sister Cassandra travel to Cheltenham Spa in the hopes that being at the spa will help Jane's health. Not long after arriving, they begin to meet the other people who are also there, and soon, tensions and threats start to come to the forefront. I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will simply say, this book kept me on the edge of my seat guessing what might happen next. With poisonings, a fire, and murders, will Jane be able to figure out what is going on, and who is guilty? Are these crimes connected? If so, how? You will just have to read to find out.
I felt that the various puzzle pieces of the clues and mysteries were revealed in exactly the moment they needed to be in order to push the plot forward. I do wish at some points in the story that the plot moved a little bit faster, but, this in no way impacted me wanting to find out what would happen next.
As this book takes place in 1816, and Jane sadly passed away in 1817, the ending of this book was heartbreaking to read. Knowing historically what happens, it was in the back of my mind throughout, but, reading Jane's perseverance, hope, and love for those she cares about is absolutely beautiful.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend this book. It found myself reading into the early hours of the morning, and I found myself guessing up until the very end. I so look forward to reading what Ms. Barron writes next.
Thank you so much to Stephanie Barron, Soho Press-Soho Crime, Austenprose, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it is incredible. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the fourteenth book in Stephanie Barron's "Being a Jane Austen Mystery" series, but I think it can be read as a stand-alone novel too. Ms. Barron's writing style is visceral, vivid, detailed, INCREDIBLY well-researched, and each and every moment jumps right off of the page. I can only imagine the amount of research she must have done, as all aspects of this book felt authentic to the era it is set in. Ms. Barron seamlessly and brilliantly weaves history and fiction, and the result is a mystery that is impossible to put down. I felt that some of the characters in the book resemble Jane Austen's own characters in her books in some ways, and I had such a difficult time putting this novel down.
Jane Austen's health is getting worse, and she and her sister Cassandra travel to Cheltenham Spa in the hopes that being at the spa will help Jane's health. Not long after arriving, they begin to meet the other people who are also there, and soon, tensions and threats start to come to the forefront. I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will simply say, this book kept me on the edge of my seat guessing what might happen next. With poisonings, a fire, and murders, will Jane be able to figure out what is going on, and who is guilty? Are these crimes connected? If so, how? You will just have to read to find out.
I felt that the various puzzle pieces of the clues and mysteries were revealed in exactly the moment they needed to be in order to push the plot forward. I do wish at some points in the story that the plot moved a little bit faster, but, this in no way impacted me wanting to find out what would happen next.
As this book takes place in 1816, and Jane sadly passed away in 1817, the ending of this book was heartbreaking to read. Knowing historically what happens, it was in the back of my mind throughout, but, reading Jane's perseverance, hope, and love for those she cares about is absolutely beautiful.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend this book. It found myself reading into the early hours of the morning, and I found myself guessing up until the very end. I so look forward to reading what Ms. Barron writes next.
Thank you so much to Stephanie Barron, Soho Press-Soho Crime, Austenprose, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it is incredible. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 14, 2021
Jane Austen is feeling poorly, so at her apothecary’s suggestion she quits Chawton Cottage with her sister Cassandra (and her niece who will be left off with her brother James and his wife), and heads to Cheltenham Spa in Gloucestershire for a fortnight. Drinking the curative waters there is expected to restore the unwell back to good health. Even though this is a financially precarious time for Jane and her family, she uses the proceeds from her book, Emma, to spend the time away to acquire some rest and relaxation, and to hopefully be cured from what ails her. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to encounter mischief, mayhem and murder amongst the lodgers and acquaintances in her midst.
I LOVED this book!! It is masterfully written!! There’s all the makings of a classic British whodunnit suffused with wit, excellent characters, atmospheric charm and an intriguing plot. Jane Austen narrates this tale. Her detailed account of the mystery in the making sent me into chuckles and brought a mature Jane Austen to life in the most delightful way. I adored the characters which consisted of a doomsday cleric and his judgmental, gossipmonger wife and their little pug, Thucydides; a young invalid prone to swooning and hysterics; a theater instructor with secrets; a Captain with a dodgy leg, amongst others, and even a formerly acquainted suitor for Jane who makes an appearance in Gloucestershire to Jane’s astonishment and delight.
The language was reminiscent of the era and I employed my dictionary on several occasions to more fully understand certain words and phrases. My knowledge grew and I benefited greatly whilst reading this book. Even the title of the book was an education. The Year Without a Summer refers to 1816, the year following the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific which occurred in 1815 and caused average global temperatures to decrease resulting in severe climate anomalies. Jane’s trip to Cheltenham is affected by this weather phenomenon. It is continually raining. A clever backdrop to this mystery.
I became so enamored with this book that I looked into the author’s backlist to add others of hers to my future reading. I can’t imagine anyone who has an affinity for Jane Austen or mysteries to be disappointed by this book. It is splendid, and very highly recommended!!
Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose PR, Stephanie Barron and Soho Press, Inc., for a complimentary copy of Jane and the Year Without A Summer. My opinions of it are exclusively my own.
I LOVED this book!! It is masterfully written!! There’s all the makings of a classic British whodunnit suffused with wit, excellent characters, atmospheric charm and an intriguing plot. Jane Austen narrates this tale. Her detailed account of the mystery in the making sent me into chuckles and brought a mature Jane Austen to life in the most delightful way. I adored the characters which consisted of a doomsday cleric and his judgmental, gossipmonger wife and their little pug, Thucydides; a young invalid prone to swooning and hysterics; a theater instructor with secrets; a Captain with a dodgy leg, amongst others, and even a formerly acquainted suitor for Jane who makes an appearance in Gloucestershire to Jane’s astonishment and delight.
The language was reminiscent of the era and I employed my dictionary on several occasions to more fully understand certain words and phrases. My knowledge grew and I benefited greatly whilst reading this book. Even the title of the book was an education. The Year Without a Summer refers to 1816, the year following the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific which occurred in 1815 and caused average global temperatures to decrease resulting in severe climate anomalies. Jane’s trip to Cheltenham is affected by this weather phenomenon. It is continually raining. A clever backdrop to this mystery.
I became so enamored with this book that I looked into the author’s backlist to add others of hers to my future reading. I can’t imagine anyone who has an affinity for Jane Austen or mysteries to be disappointed by this book. It is splendid, and very highly recommended!!
Special thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose PR, Stephanie Barron and Soho Press, Inc., for a complimentary copy of Jane and the Year Without A Summer. My opinions of it are exclusively my own.
November 20, 2021
Stephanie Barron’s newest Jane Austen mystery turned me into an instant fan. I enjoyed Jane Austen and the Year Without a Summer immensely. I’ve loved Jane for a long time, and this mystery series gives you a peek into her life.
This book’s research was phenomenal. I’ve yet to read a novel with footnotes, but this one has them. I know it’s a bit strange, but footnotes are so much fun! This edition is my first Be a Jane Austen Mystery book. This one is the 14th volume in the series, and now I’m hooked. I can’t wait to read more of them.
I award Jane Austen and the Year Without a Summer 5 out of 5 stars. The mystery is cozy and fun, though I guessed the culprit from the start. However, that doesn’t diminish the history and the suspense at all. I recommend this to anyone who loves Jane Austen or cozy mysteries. In this novel, we get both, and there is nothing better than that.
I received a free copy of this book with a request for an honest review.
This book’s research was phenomenal. I’ve yet to read a novel with footnotes, but this one has them. I know it’s a bit strange, but footnotes are so much fun! This edition is my first Be a Jane Austen Mystery book. This one is the 14th volume in the series, and now I’m hooked. I can’t wait to read more of them.
I award Jane Austen and the Year Without a Summer 5 out of 5 stars. The mystery is cozy and fun, though I guessed the culprit from the start. However, that doesn’t diminish the history and the suspense at all. I recommend this to anyone who loves Jane Austen or cozy mysteries. In this novel, we get both, and there is nothing better than that.
I received a free copy of this book with a request for an honest review.
December 5, 2021
JATYWS is the fourteenth installment in the Jane Austen Mystery Series written by Stephanie Barron. Set during the Sumer of 1816 when Jane’s sudden onset ailments leads to seeking an apothecary’s advice - so off to Chaltenham Spa Jane goes for its curative waters with her sister Cassandra. While there m, the sisters are faced with some difficult boarders who may have a taste for murder.
I really enjoyed the superlative writing and extensive research without distracting and overwhelming the story. As a nurse, I really appreciated the medical historical facts sprinkled throughout the novel - including history about vaccines and also the determination of some physicians blaming the uterus for much of female maladies and discomforts.
Overall, an enjoyable quick read perfect for fans of Jane Austen, who will devour this Historical Regency Murder Mystery read.
Thank you Austen Prose for having me in the tour.
I really enjoyed the superlative writing and extensive research without distracting and overwhelming the story. As a nurse, I really appreciated the medical historical facts sprinkled throughout the novel - including history about vaccines and also the determination of some physicians blaming the uterus for much of female maladies and discomforts.
Overall, an enjoyable quick read perfect for fans of Jane Austen, who will devour this Historical Regency Murder Mystery read.
Thank you Austen Prose for having me in the tour.
December 11, 2021
I have long been delighted by Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mysteries series, though as it continues and the timeline grows closer to the fateful year of 1817, I find myself wondering, how will it end? For end it must, as Jane Austen’s own life ended, much too soon, to the grief of her family, her friends, and her fans over the past two centuries. But if Jane must leave us, Stephanie Barron has determined she shall do so with style.
When we last left Jane Austen in Jane and the Waterloo Map, it was late 1815 and Jane was in London seeing her Emma through publication, nursing her brother Henry back to health after a severe fever, and oh yeah, solving a murder on the side, with the fascinating painter Raphael West in close attendance. Mr. West’s feelings about our Jane seem clear, though his intentions are anything but. Jane tries to protect herself by putting him off a bit at the end—but one suspects this—can we call it a romance?--is not quite over.
At the beginning of Jane and the Year Without a Summer, it is the early summer of 1816, and the citizens of the United Kingdom await the return of summer, though this year in vain. They don’t realize it, but the explosion of the volcano Mount Tambora in distant Indonesia in 1815 caused a “volcanic winter,” meaning the big damp foggy island nor-nor’east of Ushant* is a great deal damper and foggier than usual. The rain is unremitting, and the reader feels the wet chill of it as Jane and Cassandra travel to the spa town of Cheltenham so that Jane can take the waters. Her family is concerned that such a course was recommended by her physician, but Jane breezily makes little of it, though she has been feeling ill for some time: fatigue, pain in her back, disordered bowels, and loss of appetite. The knowledgeable reader will read these signs with alarm. Time is growing ever shorter.
*A quotation from Robert Lindsay as Sir Edward Pellew in the episode “The Duchess and the Devil” from the first season of the Hornblower TV series. That my mind turns to the delightful Sir Edward will make sense later in this review.
Nonetheless the sisters travel to Cheltenham, Jane happy to spend a little of her profits from Emma to give them a fortnight's treat, and to perhaps feel better herself. (The Austen sisters did indeed make this trip in real life.) As all the biographies mention, they take a room at Mrs. Potter’s establishment. Their fellow lodgers are a mixed group, just fit for an observer of human nature such as Jane Austen to enjoy: a fire-and-brimstone preacher who insists The End Is Near and seems perfectly delighted about it, accompanied by his snobby, nosy sister; a beautiful, young but sickly woman and her companion; a Royal Navy captain named Pellew (a distant relation of Sir Edward Pellew, who was a real-life naval hero as well as a character in the Hornblower series); and a young woman calling herself Mrs. Smith, who works with actresses at the town theater who need help with attaining an aristocratic accent and demeanor. And then Raphael West also arrives in Cheltenham to take Jane (and Cassandra, of course) to the theater, and to dine, and for walks in the rain, and eventually to dance at a public assembly. Everything is delightfully arranged; if only the sun would come out!
Several people, unsurprisingly, turn out to not be who they seem; various creatures are sadly poisoned, and then people, which is not good. It’s a murder mystery, so we must needs have a body, and one turns up. Is it murder? It is, and Jane turns her still-considerable talents to finding out who was responsible, ably assisted by the attentive Mr. West.
This series really gets better with every book, and I loved every word of this one. It’s a delightful story, and an interesting mystery, and it’s always fun to stand behind Jane Austen’s eyes and see what she might have. Of course it’s fiction; one can lose oneself in the story and forget that, but ultimately it is one writer’s version of Jane Austen, and each reader must decide if it works for them. If I were writing it, would I make some different decisions? Possibly; but Barron’s Jane is delightful, intelligent, witty, everything a fan could want in her Jane Austen; and as a fan I am so happy to read her having a romance, even so very late in her life; even when it rips my heart out at the end (and stomps on it, and sets it on fire, and kicks it down the street, and oh dear I may have issues). We're not sure where Barron will take the series from here; perhaps this is the end, and if so, the series ends with a flourish. This is the best book yet in the series.
I expected the book to be good, but I didn’t expect it to be so darned entertaining. I feel like Dog Rates on Twitter and want to give it the elusive 15/10. I was reading it on the train and didn’t realize that we had reached my station (the last one on the line, so I didn’t miss it) and the train had stopped until the conductor came in and said, “Um, you have to get off the train now.” I apologized and explained, “I was really into my book.” He said, “I guess you were!” I guess I was. Five very enthusiastic stars.
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The book will be released in February 2022.
When we last left Jane Austen in Jane and the Waterloo Map, it was late 1815 and Jane was in London seeing her Emma through publication, nursing her brother Henry back to health after a severe fever, and oh yeah, solving a murder on the side, with the fascinating painter Raphael West in close attendance. Mr. West’s feelings about our Jane seem clear, though his intentions are anything but. Jane tries to protect herself by putting him off a bit at the end—but one suspects this—can we call it a romance?--is not quite over.
At the beginning of Jane and the Year Without a Summer, it is the early summer of 1816, and the citizens of the United Kingdom await the return of summer, though this year in vain. They don’t realize it, but the explosion of the volcano Mount Tambora in distant Indonesia in 1815 caused a “volcanic winter,” meaning the big damp foggy island nor-nor’east of Ushant* is a great deal damper and foggier than usual. The rain is unremitting, and the reader feels the wet chill of it as Jane and Cassandra travel to the spa town of Cheltenham so that Jane can take the waters. Her family is concerned that such a course was recommended by her physician, but Jane breezily makes little of it, though she has been feeling ill for some time: fatigue, pain in her back, disordered bowels, and loss of appetite. The knowledgeable reader will read these signs with alarm. Time is growing ever shorter.
*A quotation from Robert Lindsay as Sir Edward Pellew in the episode “The Duchess and the Devil” from the first season of the Hornblower TV series. That my mind turns to the delightful Sir Edward will make sense later in this review.
Nonetheless the sisters travel to Cheltenham, Jane happy to spend a little of her profits from Emma to give them a fortnight's treat, and to perhaps feel better herself. (The Austen sisters did indeed make this trip in real life.) As all the biographies mention, they take a room at Mrs. Potter’s establishment. Their fellow lodgers are a mixed group, just fit for an observer of human nature such as Jane Austen to enjoy: a fire-and-brimstone preacher who insists The End Is Near and seems perfectly delighted about it, accompanied by his snobby, nosy sister; a beautiful, young but sickly woman and her companion; a Royal Navy captain named Pellew (a distant relation of Sir Edward Pellew, who was a real-life naval hero as well as a character in the Hornblower series); and a young woman calling herself Mrs. Smith, who works with actresses at the town theater who need help with attaining an aristocratic accent and demeanor. And then Raphael West also arrives in Cheltenham to take Jane (and Cassandra, of course) to the theater, and to dine, and for walks in the rain, and eventually to dance at a public assembly. Everything is delightfully arranged; if only the sun would come out!
Several people, unsurprisingly, turn out to not be who they seem; various creatures are sadly poisoned, and then people, which is not good. It’s a murder mystery, so we must needs have a body, and one turns up. Is it murder? It is, and Jane turns her still-considerable talents to finding out who was responsible, ably assisted by the attentive Mr. West.
This series really gets better with every book, and I loved every word of this one. It’s a delightful story, and an interesting mystery, and it’s always fun to stand behind Jane Austen’s eyes and see what she might have. Of course it’s fiction; one can lose oneself in the story and forget that, but ultimately it is one writer’s version of Jane Austen, and each reader must decide if it works for them. If I were writing it, would I make some different decisions? Possibly; but Barron’s Jane is delightful, intelligent, witty, everything a fan could want in her Jane Austen; and as a fan I am so happy to read her having a romance, even so very late in her life; even when it rips my heart out at the end (and stomps on it, and sets it on fire, and kicks it down the street, and oh dear I may have issues). We're not sure where Barron will take the series from here; perhaps this is the end, and if so, the series ends with a flourish. This is the best book yet in the series.
I expected the book to be good, but I didn’t expect it to be so darned entertaining. I feel like Dog Rates on Twitter and want to give it the elusive 15/10. I was reading it on the train and didn’t realize that we had reached my station (the last one on the line, so I didn’t miss it) and the train had stopped until the conductor came in and said, “Um, you have to get off the train now.” I apologized and explained, “I was really into my book.” He said, “I guess you were!” I guess I was. Five very enthusiastic stars.
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The book will be released in February 2022.
November 13, 2021
Here is the reality: since Barron is following so closely the trajectory of Jane Austen's life, it's a fact that the series will naturally have to wind down. This book brings to light Jane's failing health and so has a melancholy feeling. That aside, the title has all of the characteristics I've come to love in this series: authentic period details, writing that mimics well Austen's style, and an enjoyably twisty mystery. Because so many characters come directly from Jane's own life, this is an easy series for readers to begin at any point, although once reading one title, I highly recommend going back to earlier series entries.
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