What do you think?
Rate this book
Jane Darrowfield #2
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door
Jane Darrowfield is using her retirement years to work as a professional busybody, with most of her business coming from her West Cambridge, Massachusetts, community. This time her client is right next door . . . JANE DARROWFIELD AND THE MADWOMAN NEXT DOOR Megan, who’s purchased the house next to Jane’s, needs some help from her snooping neighbor. Megan’s been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone’s following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she’s in danger? Considering the extensive security system in Megan’s house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air. Some think she’s run away, but would this ambitious young lawyer on the partner track really miss a meeting with an important client? And where’s Megan’s cat? The mystery is about to deepen when the cat is finally located in a hidden panic room—and as Jane and the police look into Megan’s friends, family, and past, it may be time to sound the alarm . . .
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
37 people are currently reading
2098 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ross
39 books1,141 followersBarbara Ross is the author of twelve Maine Clambake Mystery novellas and six novellas. Her books have been nominated for multiple Agatha Awards for Best Contemporary Novel and have won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction. Barbara and her husband live in Portland, Maine. Readers can visit her website at Maine Clambake Mysteries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
December 12, 2021
So, the 2nd book is better than the 1st, and I enjoyed them both. Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door is the latest installment from Barbara Ross, and by finishing this one, I'm fully current on both of the author's series. I am now ready for her new releases in 2022.
I chose this book because I enjoyed the author's initial series, Maine Clambake Mysteries, and I read the first in this collection earlier in the week. I received this book from NetGalley last month, and I devoured both within a few days.
Massachusetts. A retired woman who is estranged from her son and divorced from a lousy husband. She's organized and direct. And she plays cards. Of course, I'd love the setup. When a neighbor begs for help, I'm all in. Let's solve this together. A panic room, a lost cat, and a string of confusing stories. When it all comes together, it makes sense and I am thrilled with the progress of the tale.
I have a few niggles, as a friend would say. We find out what happened to the neighbor, but we don't get much time post crime resolution to reflect. The house seems not to fit with the neighborhood. The woman's family is distant yet excruciatingly focused on finding her. I think the book needed some massaging, and then it would be a 5-star for me.
I am thirsty for more from the author, and I will definitely be first in line to read the next one.
I chose this book because I enjoyed the author's initial series, Maine Clambake Mysteries, and I read the first in this collection earlier in the week. I received this book from NetGalley last month, and I devoured both within a few days.
Massachusetts. A retired woman who is estranged from her son and divorced from a lousy husband. She's organized and direct. And she plays cards. Of course, I'd love the setup. When a neighbor begs for help, I'm all in. Let's solve this together. A panic room, a lost cat, and a string of confusing stories. When it all comes together, it makes sense and I am thrilled with the progress of the tale.
I have a few niggles, as a friend would say. We find out what happened to the neighbor, but we don't get much time post crime resolution to reflect. The house seems not to fit with the neighborhood. The woman's family is distant yet excruciatingly focused on finding her. I think the book needed some massaging, and then it would be a 5-star for me.
I am thirsty for more from the author, and I will definitely be first in line to read the next one.
December 27, 2021
This book was so much fun! Jane Darrowfield is an older woman who likes to keep active and has set herself up as a "Professional Busybody." She is there to help others with life's little problems and certainly has her work cut out when her next door neighbour drops by.
Megan is a single professional woman who has recently moved in next door. She asks Jane to decide for her whether she is going mad. There are certainly indicators - she hears voices, she wakes up sweating in the night even when it is not hot, she 'loses' time. Jane takes her job seriously and quickly comes up with some alternative reasons for these issues other than madness.
I really liked Jane and her friends. The author writes well and she provided several good possibilities for the perpetrator of the crimes. She led me up the garden path - I suspected completely the wrong person! Everything tied up neatly at the end and I was left with a warm, comfortable feeling. This is a cosy after all! Now let me get at book 1!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Megan is a single professional woman who has recently moved in next door. She asks Jane to decide for her whether she is going mad. There are certainly indicators - she hears voices, she wakes up sweating in the night even when it is not hot, she 'loses' time. Jane takes her job seriously and quickly comes up with some alternative reasons for these issues other than madness.
I really liked Jane and her friends. The author writes well and she provided several good possibilities for the perpetrator of the crimes. She led me up the garden path - I suspected completely the wrong person! Everything tied up neatly at the end and I was left with a warm, comfortable feeling. This is a cosy after all! Now let me get at book 1!
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 3, 2023
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door (Jane Darrowfield, #2) by Barbara Ross
Synopsis /
Jane Darrowfield is using her retirement years to work as a professional busybody, with most of her business coming from her West Cambridge, Massachusetts, community. This time her client is right next door…
Megan, who's purchased the house next to Jane's, needs some help from her snooping neighbour. Megan's been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone's following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she's in danger?
Considering the extensive security system in Megan's house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air. Some think she's run away, but would this ambitious young lawyer on the partner track really miss a meeting with an important client? And where's Megan's cat?
The mystery is about to deepen when the cat is finally located in a hidden panic room—and as Jane and the police look into Megan's friends, family, and past, it may be time to sound the alarm…
My Thoughts /
For the month of July, read a book that begins with 'J'.
It was only last month for my calendar challenge for June (read a book that begins with the first letter of the month) that I read the first book in Barbara Ross's Jane Darrowfield series, Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody. So for my July book, I couldn't pass up the chance to read her sequel, Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door. So let's get cosy with this mystery!
Firstly, a round of applause for Barbara Ross please, as she manages to deliver - in just under 300 pages - a tightly drawn, interesting story, which has, as its main character, someone who displays empathy and sensitivity while delivering positive results for her clients. You see authors, it can be done! Hurrah.
I was drawn to the title of this one. 'Madwoman next door'. It conjures up a wide range of possibilities…..and believe me, my imagination does run wild. But I was not expecting this storyline and I must say, yours Ms Ross was so much sweeter.
Our 'madwoman' in question is Megan Larsen. A high-powered attorney on the fast track to make partner. She bought 'the Baxter's old place' - the house next door to Janes in West Cambridge. Jane had moved into the neighbourhood more than forty years ago. Then it was mostly young professionals and their families. Nowadays, most of the houses on her street were either empty or being sold off to foreign investors who were using them as vacation homes.
The big houses were perfect for families. The curving streets, dead-ends, and cul-de-sacs were made for Hot Wheels races, street hockey games, and parents standing out on a summer evening visiting and gossiping, perhaps with a cold beverage.
When Megan knocks on Jane's 'office' door one morning wanting to hire her services Jane was a little surprised. But as Megan explains her predicament, Jane's surprise morphs into bewilderment. For the last couple of months, Megan has been experiencing strange occurrences - these occurrences have been making her question her sanity. She wants Jane to find out whether there is an innocent explanation as to what's been happening or whether she is in fact 'going mad'. Jane didn't think she could help Megan - what she was wanting didn't come under her remit of 'professional busybody', but Megan was adamant she needed Jane's help.
Jane didn’t try to hide her surprise, though she consciously softened her features with a pleasant smile before she spoke. “I’m afraid I’m not that kind of professional. My practice involves fixing small problems that require discreet handling. Things that, while vexing, aren’t appropriate for the police. I have no therapeutic credentials whatsoever. I’d be happy to give you some names.”
Nevertheless, Jane soon acquiesced, as she could see Megan was quite stressed. When Megan disappeared several days later, Jane knew something wasn't right. She sensed this was more than just the ramblings of someone under severe stress - and she was right.
There are a couple of other parallel threads going on, but the main investigation is working out what happened to her neighbour, Megan. This is another well written cosy. A terrific plot, interspersed with humour, filled with a string of red herrings, a missing neighbour, a panic room, a cat called Wembley, and Jane's dearest group of friends, who all have their own ideas about what happened to Megan!
You will want to devour this in one sitting.
Synopsis /
Jane Darrowfield is using her retirement years to work as a professional busybody, with most of her business coming from her West Cambridge, Massachusetts, community. This time her client is right next door…
Megan, who's purchased the house next to Jane's, needs some help from her snooping neighbour. Megan's been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone's following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she's in danger?
Considering the extensive security system in Megan's house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air. Some think she's run away, but would this ambitious young lawyer on the partner track really miss a meeting with an important client? And where's Megan's cat?
The mystery is about to deepen when the cat is finally located in a hidden panic room—and as Jane and the police look into Megan's friends, family, and past, it may be time to sound the alarm…
My Thoughts /
For the month of July, read a book that begins with 'J'.
It was only last month for my calendar challenge for June (read a book that begins with the first letter of the month) that I read the first book in Barbara Ross's Jane Darrowfield series, Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody. So for my July book, I couldn't pass up the chance to read her sequel, Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door. So let's get cosy with this mystery!
Firstly, a round of applause for Barbara Ross please, as she manages to deliver - in just under 300 pages - a tightly drawn, interesting story, which has, as its main character, someone who displays empathy and sensitivity while delivering positive results for her clients. You see authors, it can be done! Hurrah.
I was drawn to the title of this one. 'Madwoman next door'. It conjures up a wide range of possibilities…..and believe me, my imagination does run wild. But I was not expecting this storyline and I must say, yours Ms Ross was so much sweeter.
Our 'madwoman' in question is Megan Larsen. A high-powered attorney on the fast track to make partner. She bought 'the Baxter's old place' - the house next door to Janes in West Cambridge. Jane had moved into the neighbourhood more than forty years ago. Then it was mostly young professionals and their families. Nowadays, most of the houses on her street were either empty or being sold off to foreign investors who were using them as vacation homes.
The big houses were perfect for families. The curving streets, dead-ends, and cul-de-sacs were made for Hot Wheels races, street hockey games, and parents standing out on a summer evening visiting and gossiping, perhaps with a cold beverage.
When Megan knocks on Jane's 'office' door one morning wanting to hire her services Jane was a little surprised. But as Megan explains her predicament, Jane's surprise morphs into bewilderment. For the last couple of months, Megan has been experiencing strange occurrences - these occurrences have been making her question her sanity. She wants Jane to find out whether there is an innocent explanation as to what's been happening or whether she is in fact 'going mad'. Jane didn't think she could help Megan - what she was wanting didn't come under her remit of 'professional busybody', but Megan was adamant she needed Jane's help.
Jane didn’t try to hide her surprise, though she consciously softened her features with a pleasant smile before she spoke. “I’m afraid I’m not that kind of professional. My practice involves fixing small problems that require discreet handling. Things that, while vexing, aren’t appropriate for the police. I have no therapeutic credentials whatsoever. I’d be happy to give you some names.”
Nevertheless, Jane soon acquiesced, as she could see Megan was quite stressed. When Megan disappeared several days later, Jane knew something wasn't right. She sensed this was more than just the ramblings of someone under severe stress - and she was right.
There are a couple of other parallel threads going on, but the main investigation is working out what happened to her neighbour, Megan. This is another well written cosy. A terrific plot, interspersed with humour, filled with a string of red herrings, a missing neighbour, a panic room, a cat called Wembley, and Jane's dearest group of friends, who all have their own ideas about what happened to Megan!
You will want to devour this in one sitting.
January 10, 2022
Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody and Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door by Barbara Ross are the first and second books in the cozy Jane Darrowfield mystery series. As with most cozy mystery series each book in the Jane Darrowfield series will contain it’s own mystery to be solved within the book so they can all be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There will be of course character development that carries over from book to book for those who follow the series from the beginning.
Like most Jane Darrowfield had been looking forward to her retirement and those golden years after working. However, in her first year after retirement Jane has already traveled, organized and planted a garden so now she wonders what next. After helping a friend with a personal problem Jane comes up with the idea to become a personal busybody, someone to go to when you need a hand with things that police or lawyers and such can’t help you out.
Word gets around about Jane’s new busybody persona and she is asked to come to a retirement community and help with some hostilities among the residents. However soon after arriving one of the residents is bludgeoned to death with a golf club and Jane finds herself looking for a murderer. After things are wrapped up at the golf club Jane takes on a new case with her neighbor, a young lawyer who feels as if she might be going crazy. As Jane is looking into all the events in the young woman’s life things take a drastic turn when she goes missing.
The Jane Darrowfield mystery series gained my interest by having an older protagonist in this one and I was happy to find I actually enjoyed getting to know Jane and her new “profession”. This series is another that I’d classify as quirky just due to the whole idea of a professional busybody and it definitely came with some laughs along the way so I really enjoyed the first two books of this series and will look forward to coming back to it in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Like most Jane Darrowfield had been looking forward to her retirement and those golden years after working. However, in her first year after retirement Jane has already traveled, organized and planted a garden so now she wonders what next. After helping a friend with a personal problem Jane comes up with the idea to become a personal busybody, someone to go to when you need a hand with things that police or lawyers and such can’t help you out.
Word gets around about Jane’s new busybody persona and she is asked to come to a retirement community and help with some hostilities among the residents. However soon after arriving one of the residents is bludgeoned to death with a golf club and Jane finds herself looking for a murderer. After things are wrapped up at the golf club Jane takes on a new case with her neighbor, a young lawyer who feels as if she might be going crazy. As Jane is looking into all the events in the young woman’s life things take a drastic turn when she goes missing.
The Jane Darrowfield mystery series gained my interest by having an older protagonist in this one and I was happy to find I actually enjoyed getting to know Jane and her new “profession”. This series is another that I’d classify as quirky just due to the whole idea of a professional busybody and it definitely came with some laughs along the way so I really enjoyed the first two books of this series and will look forward to coming back to it in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 30, 2020
Jane Darrowfield’s newest client is Megan Larsen, her next door neighbor. Megan is a single, mid-30s lawyer on track to become a partner in her firm. However, she begins to suspect that something might be wrong with her. She’s hearing voices and having blackouts among other symptoms. Either she’s going crazy, or someone is out to make her think she is. Jane quickly comes up with a diagnosis, but then something happens that makes Jane question everything she thought she knew. Is Megan in danger? Or is Jane really living next to a madwoman?
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
NOTE 2: Like the first in the series, this is a Barnes and Nobel exclusive for the first year, and only available as a physical book from them until late in 2021.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
NOTE 2: Like the first in the series, this is a Barnes and Nobel exclusive for the first year, and only available as a physical book from them until late in 2021.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 17, 2025
Thanks to her success in Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody, Jane has set up shop as — well, not quite a detective, but more than a busybody. Jane’s newest client is her neighbor, pretty Megan Larsen, a Harvard Law graduate and a real-estate lawyer on the verge of making partner at her Boston law firm. Megan can’t decide if she’s going mad or if someone is gaslighting her, and she hires Jane to find out.
Spoiler alert: But what is going on turns to be even more horrific. Thanks to Jane, the police get on the case earlier than they otherwise would. To tell any more would ruin the fun of this thrilling page-turner that I read in less than a day. Highly, highly recommended.
Spoiler alert: But what is going on turns to be even more horrific. Thanks to Jane, the police get on the case earlier than they otherwise would. To tell any more would ruin the fun of this thrilling page-turner that I read in less than a day. Highly, highly recommended.
January 6, 2022
Jane is the type of character that I love. She is intelligent, funny, easy to get along with, full of questions and life. In the newest addition to the “A Jane Darrowfield Mystery” series, Jane Darrowfield and The Madwoman Next Door we find Jane doing what she does best, putting her nose in other people’s business. But what would you expect from a professional busybody? The difference this time, it's Jane's business to stick her nose in, and her client, Megan, actually came to her for help.
When Megan asks Jane to help her find out if she is a madwoman, Jane isn’t sure that being a busybody is the kind of help she needs, but Megan talks her into investigating. Unfortunately, before Jane gets started, the client disappears into thin air. But Jane doesn’t believe that Megan disappeared willingly or is a madwoman. With the help of several people and hindrances from others, Jane comes to believe that her client was being gaslighted. Unless she finds out who the culprit is, she may end up investigating a murder.
There are several suspects that have various reasons to want Megan out of the way or maybe even believe that she is a madwoman. These suspects range from family to co-workers to ex-partners. Jane sniffs out the clues and uses her busybody tendencies to get answers. Evidence is easy to find and follow, but putting all the pieces together puts Jane in danger. After some tense action, Jane discovers the villain, and with the help of her friends and boyfriend, she brings the investigation to its ultimate conclusion.
Jane Darrowfield and The Madwoman Next Door is a fun, easy-to-read story that will make readers crave more. Jane may not be young, and that’s okay. She has a boyfriend, a busybody business that’s paying off, and friends who love her. She has personal relationship issues that need to be resolved but isn’t sure how to fix them. But she has a life ahead of her that holds promise. I hope she figures out how to fix her problems in book three. I can’t wait to find out. I am happy to recommend this book and series to readers of all genres.
When Megan asks Jane to help her find out if she is a madwoman, Jane isn’t sure that being a busybody is the kind of help she needs, but Megan talks her into investigating. Unfortunately, before Jane gets started, the client disappears into thin air. But Jane doesn’t believe that Megan disappeared willingly or is a madwoman. With the help of several people and hindrances from others, Jane comes to believe that her client was being gaslighted. Unless she finds out who the culprit is, she may end up investigating a murder.
There are several suspects that have various reasons to want Megan out of the way or maybe even believe that she is a madwoman. These suspects range from family to co-workers to ex-partners. Jane sniffs out the clues and uses her busybody tendencies to get answers. Evidence is easy to find and follow, but putting all the pieces together puts Jane in danger. After some tense action, Jane discovers the villain, and with the help of her friends and boyfriend, she brings the investigation to its ultimate conclusion.
Jane Darrowfield and The Madwoman Next Door is a fun, easy-to-read story that will make readers crave more. Jane may not be young, and that’s okay. She has a boyfriend, a busybody business that’s paying off, and friends who love her. She has personal relationship issues that need to be resolved but isn’t sure how to fix them. But she has a life ahead of her that holds promise. I hope she figures out how to fix her problems in book three. I can’t wait to find out. I am happy to recommend this book and series to readers of all genres.
August 6, 2021
This is the second book in the Jane Darrowfield series. Jane's neighbor, Megan Larson, comes to her asking for help. She wants Jane to find out if some is harrassing her or if she is imagining things. Jane starts asking questions to the people in Megan's life. Before Jane can make an assessment on Megan's health, Megan disappears. Jane works with Detective Alvarez to help find Megan.
I love Jane as a character. She is a smart character. I like how she works the the police and how she doesn't try to do the police's job for them, just help them. The mystery was good even though the killer was predictable. This is a series I will definitely continue.
I love Jane as a character. She is a smart character. I like how she works the the police and how she doesn't try to do the police's job for them, just help them. The mystery was good even though the killer was predictable. This is a series I will definitely continue.
October 1, 2020
This is another enjoyable and entertaining book in the Jane Darrowfield Mysteries series. It’s fun to watch Jane as she comes up with clues to solve the mysteries she finds herself involved in as a result of someone asking her for help. This book took an interesting turn toward the end of the book that I wasn’t expecting, so there ended up being two mysteries in the one story. I thought I knew the guilty party but I often had some doubt too. Anyone who likes cozy mysteries should read this book, and better yet, the series. The main characters, Jane, Henry and Detective Alvarez, are fun and likable characters, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an ARC of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 17, 2025
Barbara Ross's Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door is another one of those cozies with a cat on the cover that ends up not being a cat mystery. This time there is not even a murder. Jane is a busybody and not a PI. She describes her practice as "fixing small problems that require discreet handling." Typical problems involve things like cats that prefer visiting neighbors to staying home. Her latest client Megan wants her to help her figure out whether she is going crazy or being stalked. Her high tech house might be the problem. Readers might have reason to be concerned about their own high tech houses. Recently, I called my own neighbor at work to let her know her garage door had been open all morning. I asked if she wanted me to close it, but she said she could do it with her phone. Megan's security system is even more sophisticated. Jane realizes she is being victimized and tells her to turn the system off. Megan vanishes. Who is behind it and how are they doing it? What is the motive? Where is Megan? A creative and suspenseful read. Jane is a good detective who cares about her clients.
January 10, 2022
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwomen Next Door by Barbara Ross is the 2nd book in the Jane Darrowfield series, and another great addition. First of all I wanted to say I love Ms. Ross Maine Clambake Mystery Series, so I was anxious to read this series, and I have not been disappointed. Jane Darrowfield has been retired for a year, and had to find something to do. After Jane helped a friend with a personal problem, she became known in West Cambridge, Massachusetts as the go-to-person for discreet problems. Jane is hired by her next door neighbor to see if she is going crazy. And than the neighbor disappears. This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading. The plot and characters are well developed, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book/series if you enjoy cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 17, 2020
I’ve been a fan of Barbara Ross’s since the first Maine Clambake mystery and I was so excited when I heard that she was starting another series as well. It’s always great to be able to read more books from one of my favorite authors. I thought the first Jane Darrowfield was great and I’m happy to say that the second book was just as good.
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door centers around Jane trying to help her next door neighbor, a successful, mid-thirties lawyer, who asks her to help determine if someone is stalking her or if she’s going crazy. Jane begins investigating and starts to come up with a theory about what is going on with her neighbor. Unfortunately, before she can begin to act on her theory, her neighbor disappears. What unfolds next is horrifying, however, I was enthralled with the story and trying to figure out what was going on. The resolution was definitely surprising but I thought everything was well resolved and logically tied together.
I thought this book was great and can’t wait to read more Barbara Ross books. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book ASAP. This is a Barnes & Noble exclusive book for one year but it’s well worth the trip.
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door centers around Jane trying to help her next door neighbor, a successful, mid-thirties lawyer, who asks her to help determine if someone is stalking her or if she’s going crazy. Jane begins investigating and starts to come up with a theory about what is going on with her neighbor. Unfortunately, before she can begin to act on her theory, her neighbor disappears. What unfolds next is horrifying, however, I was enthralled with the story and trying to figure out what was going on. The resolution was definitely surprising but I thought everything was well resolved and logically tied together.
I thought this book was great and can’t wait to read more Barbara Ross books. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book ASAP. This is a Barnes & Noble exclusive book for one year but it’s well worth the trip.
November 14, 2020
A smart and well-written series. I love the characters and the author doesn't dumb down the story to fit. I will definitely read more of these.
Jane Darrowfield is using her retirement years to work as a professional busybody, with most of her business coming from her West Cambridge, Massachusetts, community. This time her client is right next door…
Megan, who's purchased the house next to Jane's, needs some help from her snooping neighbor. Megan's been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone's following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she's in danger?
Considering the extensive security system in Megan's house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air. Some think she's run away, but would this ambitious young lawyer on the partner track really miss a meeting with an important client? And where's Megan's cat?
The mystery is about to deepen when the cat is finally located in a hidden panic room—and as Jane and the police look into Megan's friends, family, and past, it may be time to sound the alarm
Jane Darrowfield is using her retirement years to work as a professional busybody, with most of her business coming from her West Cambridge, Massachusetts, community. This time her client is right next door…
Megan, who's purchased the house next to Jane's, needs some help from her snooping neighbor. Megan's been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone's following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she's in danger?
Considering the extensive security system in Megan's house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air. Some think she's run away, but would this ambitious young lawyer on the partner track really miss a meeting with an important client? And where's Megan's cat?
The mystery is about to deepen when the cat is finally located in a hidden panic room—and as Jane and the police look into Megan's friends, family, and past, it may be time to sound the alarm
October 3, 2021
I always thought it would be efficient, and fun, to have a "smart" house. Well, after reading this latest Jane Darrowfield mystery, I think my "average" house is just fine! The trouble starts, when Megan Larsen, a young, upwardly mobile lawyer who lives next door, asks Jane for her help. Megan thinks she is losing her sanity as she begins experiencing blackouts, lights coming on in the middle of the night, strange sounds and things not being where they should be. Megan has a"smart" security system and no one should be able to enter her home. Jane is hired to determine if Megan is paranoid or if there someone or thing out to drive her mad. Jane's second case, a "catnapped" feline named Roo is heartwarming and special.
What a perfect cozy mystery! Jane is a "busybody" you'd love to know. I appreciate the fact that Jane is very relatable and has issues she deals with that echo parts of her case with Megan. I'm a fan of "closed room" mysteries and while a bit different, the book has the same twists and turns, The mystery was spooky by it's setting and I loved every minute of it! How does Jane deal with a "murderous" house, you'll be amazed as the mystery unfolds and the pieces fall neatly into place. Along with helping Megan, Jane finds herself in the middle of a " catnapping" where the lovable feline has "catnapped" himself!
I enjoy the "Busbody" Mysteries because Jane is a mature character who has faced struggles in her life and has risen above them. She is kind hearted and wants to help people, but she's also tough and determined to find the truth. Jane is the type of person I'd love to have coffee and a pastry (of course) with and hear about her cases. I only have to wait for the next book....I may eat the pastry!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What a perfect cozy mystery! Jane is a "busybody" you'd love to know. I appreciate the fact that Jane is very relatable and has issues she deals with that echo parts of her case with Megan. I'm a fan of "closed room" mysteries and while a bit different, the book has the same twists and turns, The mystery was spooky by it's setting and I loved every minute of it! How does Jane deal with a "murderous" house, you'll be amazed as the mystery unfolds and the pieces fall neatly into place. Along with helping Megan, Jane finds herself in the middle of a " catnapping" where the lovable feline has "catnapped" himself!
I enjoy the "Busbody" Mysteries because Jane is a mature character who has faced struggles in her life and has risen above them. She is kind hearted and wants to help people, but she's also tough and determined to find the truth. Jane is the type of person I'd love to have coffee and a pastry (of course) with and hear about her cases. I only have to wait for the next book....I may eat the pastry!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 5, 2021
Meet Jane Darrowfield, a professional busybody with the business cards to prove it.After retiring, her innate commonsense and skill at negociating obstacles led her to this second career resolving problems too small for the police. Her neighbor hires her to see if she is going mad or if she may have a stalker. From the outset this unusual story captured my interest. Fast paced and intriguing, it also kept me guessing. Highly recommended. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
Jane Darrowfield And The Madwoman Next Door is the second book in the Jane Darrowfield series by Barbara Ross.
Jane Darrowfield is a sixty-something retired woman. Jane may be a busy body, but she is a busy body that I would love to know and be her friend.
Jane’s next-door neighbor, Megan, asks Jane to help her find out if she is crazy. Jane tells her that that is above her job description. Megan, who has recently moved into her renovated house and since moving in, has been experiencing flashing lights, lost periods of time, thermostat settings being changed, garage door opening and closing at different times, and other disturbing things. Megan explains that she doesn’t want to undergo a medical examination as she is up for a partner in the law firm where she works, and that would undoubtedly put an end to becoming a partnership. After Megan shares her life story, Jane agrees to help.
When Jane tries to contact Megan a day or two later, she cannot reach her. Megan has shared her security codes with Jane, so Jane enters the house to see if Megan is alright. She finds that Megan has left in a rush along with her much-loved cat. Jane calls Detective Alvarez, who Jane has worked with before, to report her missing. He explains that the police need something more than Jane’s feeling that something has been kidnapped. Jane starts looking for information that she can use to convince the police to look into Megan’s having gone missing. Jane soon learns about digital gaslighting, where someone can hack into a resident’s security system. Jane soon learns that Megan was relatively free with sharing her codes and has many suspects to investigate.
I’m really enjoying this new series, and I found this book more interesting than the first. The book is well-written and plotted. The story contains an enjoyable, well-developed, and believable cast of characters. There were enough red herrings that kept guessing until the end of the book to the identity of the guilty person.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this entertaining series.
Jane Darrowfield is a sixty-something retired woman. Jane may be a busy body, but she is a busy body that I would love to know and be her friend.
Jane’s next-door neighbor, Megan, asks Jane to help her find out if she is crazy. Jane tells her that that is above her job description. Megan, who has recently moved into her renovated house and since moving in, has been experiencing flashing lights, lost periods of time, thermostat settings being changed, garage door opening and closing at different times, and other disturbing things. Megan explains that she doesn’t want to undergo a medical examination as she is up for a partner in the law firm where she works, and that would undoubtedly put an end to becoming a partnership. After Megan shares her life story, Jane agrees to help.
When Jane tries to contact Megan a day or two later, she cannot reach her. Megan has shared her security codes with Jane, so Jane enters the house to see if Megan is alright. She finds that Megan has left in a rush along with her much-loved cat. Jane calls Detective Alvarez, who Jane has worked with before, to report her missing. He explains that the police need something more than Jane’s feeling that something has been kidnapped. Jane starts looking for information that she can use to convince the police to look into Megan’s having gone missing. Jane soon learns about digital gaslighting, where someone can hack into a resident’s security system. Jane soon learns that Megan was relatively free with sharing her codes and has many suspects to investigate.
I’m really enjoying this new series, and I found this book more interesting than the first. The book is well-written and plotted. The story contains an enjoyable, well-developed, and believable cast of characters. There were enough red herrings that kept guessing until the end of the book to the identity of the guilty person.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this entertaining series.
January 6, 2022
Jane Darrowfield has business cards that proclaim her as a professional busybody and she’s very good at what she does. These books are smart, funny, well-written, and entertaining. The mysteries are solid, with Jane making educated decisions rather than haphazardly running into situations that put her in danger. She is rational and diplomatic. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2024
Decent plot. I like the "Professional Busybody".
I knew the term "gaslighting" but did not yet encounter the digital version although it is a pretty obvious development. *Sigh.
I knew the term "gaslighting" but did not yet encounter the digital version although it is a pretty obvious development. *Sigh.
December 27, 2021
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door is part of a cozy mystery series by Barbara Ross. Jane is a year or two into her retirement, and she’s already travelled and planted a garden. She's become known in West Cambridge, Massachusetts as the go-to person for situations that need discreet fixing. Some might refer to her as a professional busybody and she is hired by her next-door neighbour, Megan, a single mid-30s lawyer, in the hopes of getting to the bottom of several concerning and odd occurrences. Megan doesn’t know if she is imagining the strange happenings or if someone is harassing her so she asks Jane for her impartial and no-nonsense opinions, but then Megan disappears...
Jane has to race against time aided by Detective Alvarez to find Megan. I found Jane realistic, intuitive and immensely likeable and an excellent amateur sleuth. The narrative was smooth, the dialogue smart, and I was totally invested in the involved mystery. A fun and entertaining read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Jane has to race against time aided by Detective Alvarez to find Megan. I found Jane realistic, intuitive and immensely likeable and an excellent amateur sleuth. The narrative was smooth, the dialogue smart, and I was totally invested in the involved mystery. A fun and entertaining read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 1, 2022
This is the 2nd in series and a fun read. I enjoy this series and all work by Barbara Ross. I highly recommend this cozy mystery for your reading enjoyment. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own. This has a excellent writing style that kept me turning pages to conclusion. The charcters are all richly defined and add to the series. I have issues with the insulting title which I address below that labels all victims of stalking as "mad". Thus the three star rating.
. Jane Darrowfield has been retired for a while and is bored. She previously helped a friend with a private problem and now has a reputation in her small town for being a person that can keep secrets and solve private problems . Her new neighbor is being traumatized by a apparent stalker and hires Jane. Her home has all the signs of a stalker attacking her and her home. She is alone in life and terribly frightened. Then the neighbor disappears. Jane is on the case and when her cat disappears she is determined to solve both mysteries and find her cat.
I look forward to the next in series. Note as the victim of a stalker I do not like the title of this book nor the suggestion that anyone of us women that report a stalker are deemed "mad women" It is derogatory and insulting to victims. I would suggest a name change to this particular book. I rated it down for the insulting title to all women that belittles all victims of stalking. .Stalking is a terrible crime and it destroys lives. It is victim blaming to suggest that anyone that reports a stalking is "mad".
. Jane Darrowfield has been retired for a while and is bored. She previously helped a friend with a private problem and now has a reputation in her small town for being a person that can keep secrets and solve private problems . Her new neighbor is being traumatized by a apparent stalker and hires Jane. Her home has all the signs of a stalker attacking her and her home. She is alone in life and terribly frightened. Then the neighbor disappears. Jane is on the case and when her cat disappears she is determined to solve both mysteries and find her cat.
I look forward to the next in series. Note as the victim of a stalker I do not like the title of this book nor the suggestion that anyone of us women that report a stalker are deemed "mad women" It is derogatory and insulting to victims. I would suggest a name change to this particular book. I rated it down for the insulting title to all women that belittles all victims of stalking. .Stalking is a terrible crime and it destroys lives. It is victim blaming to suggest that anyone that reports a stalking is "mad".
September 27, 2021
Jane Darrowfield is quickly becoming my favorite character. Estranged from her son, Jane is doing her best to live her best life. She has a few close friends, and a wonderful side business where Jane makes discreet inquiries for those who don't need the police involved.
It's this business that introduces Jane to her next door neighbor. It seems Jane's services are needed since Megan feels someone may be watching her, and she needs to find out if it's real or imagined.
I found myself wrapped up in this book, reading each sentence closely, looking for a clue to solve this unique mystery.
This is the second book in this fantastic series by Barbara Ross, and I can't wait to read another one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#JaneDarrowfieldandtheMadwomanNextDoor #NetGalley
It's this business that introduces Jane to her next door neighbor. It seems Jane's services are needed since Megan feels someone may be watching her, and she needs to find out if it's real or imagined.
I found myself wrapped up in this book, reading each sentence closely, looking for a clue to solve this unique mystery.
This is the second book in this fantastic series by Barbara Ross, and I can't wait to read another one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#JaneDarrowfieldandtheMadwomanNextDoor #NetGalley
January 10, 2022
Jane meets her newest neighbor in the most unexpected way. Megan comes over asking for Jane's help in figuring out if she is going crazy. Megan has been experiencing lost time and unexplained voices for some time and needs to figure out what is causing these things. Megan has a very expensive security system so she doesn't think anyone could have broken in but when she disappears it makes Jane wonder just how good the system really is. Jane knows she must figure things out and wants to do everything she can to find the answers she seeks. When she goes to feed Megan's cat she event finds him in a hidden panic room. How did he get there? Jane thinks that there must be more going on than she initially thought. Follow along to see if Jane is able to put the pieces together and figure out what happened to Megan or will it all be left a mystery?
January 10, 2022
Jane meets her newest neighbor in the most unexpected way. Megan comes over asking for Jane's help in figuring out if she is going crazy. Megan has been experiencing lost time and unexplained voices for some time and needs to figure out what is causing these things. Megan has a very expensive security system so she doesn't think anyone could have broken in but when she disappears it makes Jane wonder just how good the system really is. Jane knows she must figure things out and wants to do everything she can to find the answers she seeks. When she goes to feed Megan's cat she event finds him in a hidden panic room. How did he get there? Jane thinks that there must be more going on than she initially thought. Follow along to see if Jane is able to put the pieces together and figure out what happened to Megan or will it all be left a mystery?
December 31, 2020
I'm enjoying this new series by Ross. Retired self-described "professional busybody" Jane has a small business settling people's minor problems, until her next-door neighbor arrives. A successful, single lawyer, up for a partnership at one of Boston's most prestigious law-firms, Megan fears she's having a breakdown, as strange things are happening to her in her renovated new home. Just as Jane narrows in on two possibilities--toxic mold or digital gaslighting--Megan disappears, and so does her cat. Her controlling father says that there's nothing to worry about, but Jane is still worried. As she tries to investigate the various men in Megan's life--friend and office-mate Andy, ex-boyfriend Ben, creepy on-line date (just once!)--time passes and the chances for a good outcome for Megan shrink.
May 21, 2022
It is, as always, a very satisfying experience to be greeted well by the second book in a series. The first book had potential, I liked the overall presentation, but it felt stilted at times. The author has since found the correct voice for the flow of the narrative to feel more natural.
Jane Darrowfield is a professional busybody with a card and everything. She does not have people beating down her doors for consultations, but a steady trickle of issues keeps her occupied. Her personal life is something she is starting to fix, but pieces of the past continue to trouble her. Although I got a better picture of what those issues were, nothing much was resolved in that area. I guess it might be handled in better detail in the next.
The plot itself is unique and very appropriate to the kind of business that Jane runs. Her neighbour is afraid that there is something wrong with her. She needs an unbiased (because Jane does not know her or even spoken to her before that moment) person to watch and see if she is imagining things or if she should seek proper professional help (which would be detrimental to her career prospects).
This is the innocuous and slightly sinister beginning. There are a lot of red herrings and painstaking investigations on Jane's part. I was firmly invested in the wrong suspect for much of the book, having moved from the actual culprit (who I randomly guessed initially). I like such books because it has me invested in every following chapter. I highly recommend this series to those who like Cozy mysteries and are weary of the too casual ones that are more frequently available. This is a steady paced book with a serious protagonist who has a professional outlook on her processes, even if she goes around calling herself a busybody!
I would definitely be picking up the next in the series.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Jane Darrowfield is a professional busybody with a card and everything. She does not have people beating down her doors for consultations, but a steady trickle of issues keeps her occupied. Her personal life is something she is starting to fix, but pieces of the past continue to trouble her. Although I got a better picture of what those issues were, nothing much was resolved in that area. I guess it might be handled in better detail in the next.
The plot itself is unique and very appropriate to the kind of business that Jane runs. Her neighbour is afraid that there is something wrong with her. She needs an unbiased (because Jane does not know her or even spoken to her before that moment) person to watch and see if she is imagining things or if she should seek proper professional help (which would be detrimental to her career prospects).
This is the innocuous and slightly sinister beginning. There are a lot of red herrings and painstaking investigations on Jane's part. I was firmly invested in the wrong suspect for much of the book, having moved from the actual culprit (who I randomly guessed initially). I like such books because it has me invested in every following chapter. I highly recommend this series to those who like Cozy mysteries and are weary of the too casual ones that are more frequently available. This is a steady paced book with a serious protagonist who has a professional outlook on her processes, even if she goes around calling herself a busybody!
I would definitely be picking up the next in the series.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
February 15, 2023
I really like Jane Darrowfield! She may be getting a little older but she has no intention of slowing down.
She’s decided to become a Professional Busybody, helping people out with the little problems and annoyances of life.
In this book, her new neighbor Megan needs her help. She feels like she’s being followed, but her home has extensive security so she should feel safe. She hears voices and loses time. Jane has a sensible answer for everything, that is until she disappears.
I love a good cozy where the characters are well drawn and the culprit is difficult to identify. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
She’s decided to become a Professional Busybody, helping people out with the little problems and annoyances of life.
In this book, her new neighbor Megan needs her help. She feels like she’s being followed, but her home has extensive security so she should feel safe. She hears voices and loses time. Jane has a sensible answer for everything, that is until she disappears.
I love a good cozy where the characters are well drawn and the culprit is difficult to identify. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
October 7, 2022
Solid followup. Good mystery, didn’t guess the culprit until the end and there were a couple of definite twists that kept the mystery off balance throughout. Jane has some issues in her personal life to work out but one of those issues helped her connect and empathize with another parent in this book. I also really like the love interest because even though he clearly worries about her, he’s never overbearing, pushy, or demanding. He lets her know his concerns while respecting her boundaries. It also good to see her continued working relationship with Det. Alvarez :). A good paced, emotional, cozy. 3.7-4 stars
October 31, 2024
I read this right after I read the first book, and here I felt Jane got off lightly for her bad advice. I read a few series with senior sleuths, and invariably, one of them has technology know-how. Or they know someone who does. Here, Jane is dangerously unaware, and her client pays as a result. For example, she homes in on the security system as being the culprit's weapon of choice, but then advises Megan to turn off the cameras, in a bizarre leap of logic that boggles my mind. What was she hoping to accomplish exactly? It made no sense. I liked that the mystery focused on gaslighting, but Jane was the worst person to try and solve this mystery.
January 25, 2022
Excellent follow-up to the first book; if anything I liked this one better and that's saying something. Really about a 4.2. I loved sensible, intelligent Jane; love that her life is complex; love the logical way she views things. Much more depth than many cozy characters. Strong plot, too. I am ready for the next in the series. Very highly recommended for cozy/classic mystery readers.
February 16, 2021
Very enjoyable read! I love Jane! And this book was very engaging and I really tried to figure it out! Very well written! Highly recommend this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews