Review: Jane and the Final Mystery

Title: Jane and the Final Mystery

Author: Stephanie Barron

Publisher: 24th October 2023 by Soho Press, Soho Crime

Pages: 312 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction | Cozy Mystery | Jane Austen | Regency

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

The final volume of the critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Jane Austen as amateur sleuth

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a culvert near the schoolgrounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of passage, cruel hazing and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William’s name before her illness gets the better of her?

 

Over the course of fourteen previous novels in the critically acclaimed Being a Jane Austen Mystery series, Stephanie Barron has won the hearts of thousands of fans—crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike—with her tricky plotting and breathtaking evocation of Austen’s voice. Now, she brings Jane’s final season—and final murder investigation—to brilliant, poignant life in this unforgettable conclusion.

My Thoughts

Jane and the Final Mystery is the final book in the series that Stephanie has been writing for nearly 30 years! Such an accomplishment and there is much that Janeites and crime fiction lovers are sure to embrace about this series. 

“Jane, what are we to do?” “Let me to think a while,” I told her. “I shall not desert you. We shall all of us find a way out of this coil.”

This book can certainly be read as a standalone but lovers of this genre should definitely consider going to the start of this incredible series for pure entertainment. The mystery is intriguing as a spotlight is given to the darker side of the English school system of the day and the many issues that raged.  Acknowledgement must also be given to the incredible research undertaken: it was richly detailed, providing readers with both an educational and authentic experience. The various footnotes included throughout and the Afterword provided by Stephanie are interesting and enrich the whole experience.

‘Charm, an easiness of manner, and good looks may hide any number of sins, as I knew to my cost. How many heroines had I thrown in the way of such men - the Willoughbys, the Wickhams, the William Elliots?’

Yet it is the character of Jane herself which drew me to this book in the first place and I was not disappointed. It is here that in my opinion, Stephanie has truly excelled. To capture not only the tone of Jane Austen but also her characteristics were she to find herself in the role of sleuth are so very believable. Being the final book, Stephanie does not shy away from the illness that plagued Jane in her final months. She is suffering in pain, facing the prospect that she will most likely not recover. This is handled with sensitivity.

‘I am uncertain why you ask the question, Miss Austen. Would you interfere in the coroner’s business?”

For Janeites everywhere who see Jane Austen using her great skill of observations put to the use of solving mysteries, this series is well worth further investigation. 

‘I did not pray for myself specifically. I did not pray for healing. I did not pray for more energy, more health, more time with those I loved, and who loved me. I knew that such things were already in God’s hands … The Virgin could neither extend nor shorten my time on earth; but speaking with her might render it more peaceful.’

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Stephanie Barron is a graduate of Princeton and Stanford, where she received her Masters in History as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow in the Humanities. Her novel, THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN (Ballantine, January 22, 2019) traces the turbulent career of Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's captivating American mother. Barron is perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed Jane Austen Mystery Series, in which the intrepid and witty author of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE details her secret detective career in Regency England. A former intelligence analyst for the CIA, Stephanie—who also writes under the name Francine Mathews—drew on her experience in the field of espionage for such novels as JACK 1939, which The New Yorker described as "the most deliciously high-concept thriller imaginable." She lives and works in Denver, CO.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB |

GOODREADS

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Her Worthy Rake

Title: Her Worthy Rake

Author: Charlotte Anne

Publisher: 1st January 2023 by Escape Publishing

Pages: 288 pages

Genre: regency, romance

My Rating: 3 cups

Synopsis:

Sparkling Regency romance full of wit, warmth and mystery from a fabulous new voice. If you like Georgette Heyer or all things Bridgerton, you'll love this. Is falling for this rake a mistake?

Owen Tattershall might not have a title or immeasurable wealth like other gentlemen of his ilk, but he does have rather excellent taste in the waistcoat department-and taste counts for a lot amongst the ton. It also doesn't hurt that his adopted mother is the dowager Marchioness of Faye and his kind-of-cousin is the Duke of Woodhal. Unfortunately, prestige didn't save his family from the ravages of war, and now what's left is held together by nothing more than heartbreak, hope and bravado. To keep his memories of the war at bay, Owen immerses himself in his work ... until the day Sophy Calder comes colliding into his life.

Sophy has been fending for herself ever since her twin brother was press ganged to fight against Napoleon's forces. But the war ended almost two years ago, and still he hasn't returned. Knowing something dreadful has happened, Sophy is determined to find her missing brother, even if it means infiltrating the world that snatched him from her. But when she encounters Owen, she quickly finds her growing attraction for the only man who's taken her seriously threatening her long-mastered control.

An addictive romp from start to finish, this delightful Regency romance is set in the world of The Unworthy Duke, but is a standalone read.

My Thoughts

‘A gentleman’s daughter she might be, but that mattered little now she was orphaned and unwed at the age of six and twenty, with little of her own but the charity of her missing brother, whose farm had not yielded a decent income for the last three years.’

Charlotte Anne’s debut,  The Unworthy Duke was such a fun read with a warning for purists that it was very much contemporary and not your classic regency tale. She has followed it up with Her Worthy Rake and it follows in very much the same vein. 

The premise was promising, however, it does not quite gel together in execution for me. Charlotte brings mystery and emotion to this particular historical romance yet the pacing was somewhat off and the story seemed to lose its way a bit at times. I am all for reimaginings but this one upped the ante in terms of contemporary regency adaptation to the extent that it left me undecided.

Regency fans need to investigate. This is the type of read - perfect for those in between, lighter literary needs - filled with mystery, steam and requisite angst to come together in creating an engaging tale for modernists. 

‘There’s an important reason why Sherry doesn’t want to be found, even by his sister.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Letter from Briarton Park

Title: The Letter from Briarton Park

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Publisher: 1st March 2022 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, regency, romance, mystery

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient place that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.

Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But Cassandra’s world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, she travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.

James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.

The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.

Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.

My Thoughts

What a wonderful surprise package The Letter from Briarton Park turned out to be! I loved it! I found myself quickly engrossed in the suspense and mystery with all the gothic feels of a Brontë book. Yes indeed, whether it be the boarding school beginnings or the journey to a manor home to be a governess with a seemingly aloof owner, this book captured all the feels of a great historical romance mystery. 

‘The school was the only family I ever knew, first as a student and then as a teacher.’

I was onboard with the lead character Cassandra’s efforts to learn more of her personal history and family. Traveling to a small English village with all the expected gossip, speculation over an inheritance and then mysterious murder made this pure classicism in its approach and execution. James provided the brooding and conflicted romantic interest and with a range of highly engaging secondary characters made this read complete. 

‘The simple words threatened to undo her. How she had yearned for someone to come alongside her. Support her. See her.’

To top it off of course, was it set in Yorkshire with the requisite large manor home -  secret passageways and all! Sarah provides her readers with a mystery that is both well plotted and presented. With classic themes of death and inheritances, families and greed, forbidden romances, murder and mystery, it felt like returning home to a comfort read yet there being enough twists and turns with surprises to keep the reader turning pages until the satisfying conclusion. 

‘The puzzle was not complete, but the pieces were there. They just had to solve it.’

If regency reads appeal to you, then I highly recommend The Letter from Briarton Park as I found it to be totally engaging with all the ingredients present for an atmospheric and engaging historical fiction read. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Unworthy Duke

Title: The Unworthy Duke

Author: Charlotte Anne

Publisher: 29th September 2021 by MIRA - Harlequin Australia

Pages: 336 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance, regency

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Witty, passionate and fast-paced, this sparkling debut Regency romance is a must-read for any fan of Georgette Heyer.

She's running from her past; he's hiding from his.

Miss Ellen Burney doesn't have a penny to her name. Determined to escape scandal, she flees to London and becomes Miss Smith: spinster and lady's companion. London offers security in anonymity. So long as Ellen can rein in her overactive imagination and become the perfect picture of propriety.

Calum Callaghan spent ten years in the Royal Navy fighting Napoleon and has the scars to prove it. Now he's a duke, but all of London thinks he murdered his brother. Heartbroken and battle weary, he's locked himself away for four long years, a prisoner in his own townhouse.

That is, until Cal's grandmother comes to stay with him for the London Season, her new lady's companion in tow. A lady's companion with a passion for life and love that can hardly be contained by even the most spinsterish of lace caps. She's fooling nobody, especially not this grumpy duke.

My Thoughts

‘From this moment on she was going to start making her own choices. And they would be choices based purely on her own thoughts and feelings and conscience, regardless of what anyone else thought.’

Charlotte Anne’s debut,  The Unworthy Duke is an absolute romp from start to finish. What fun! Who doesn’t love a great Beauty and the Beast adaptation! Sign me up but purists beware - this is fun, more contemporary and not your classic regency tale. 

Charlotte so cleverly brings together humour and emotion in this wonderfully written historical romance. It is such a fun story with lots of laughs along the way to their expected HEA. The lead characters are great with a supporting cast that will keep you turning the pages right to the very end. They are all so delightful. Ellen makes for such a brilliant feisty heroine, whilst Calum brings the brooding, reluctant and somewhat grumpy Duke. What’s not to love?

Regency fans rejoice! This was a fantastic read - perfect for those in between, lighter literary needs - filled with humour, steam and requisite angst to come together in creating a real page-turner. I loved it and highly recommend allocating some downtime to escape to another time and place.

‘There was a smudge of dirt on her cheek as though she’d wiped her hand across her face. She’d also abandoned her bonnet; it hung hostage in a rather determined but frazzled honeysuckle, as though the lady's companion and climbing plant had been waging war. He pitied the honeysuckle. It didn’t stand a chance.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton

Title: The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: 1st December 2021 by HarperCollinsAustralia

Pages: 191 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: fiction, romance, historical, regency

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes a highly designed, colorful collection of quotes, wit, and wisdom from Lady Whistledown and the most memorable characters of the much-loved Bridgerton books, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. 

A collection of the most dramatic, romantic, and memorable quotes from the charming characters of the Bridgerton world, The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton is the perfect gift for fans of the Bridgerton series and the groundbreaking Shondaland/Netflix adaptation. With her signature wink and nod, Lady Whistledown herself will act as readers’ familiar and trusted guide, introducing each character’s most memorable quotes.

Each chapter in the book will highlight a different character from the Bridgerton series and include a new introduction from Lady Whistledown, quotes from the character, and things other characters have said about them over the course of the entire series. Fans will get a 360-degree view of each of their favorite personalities, with new commentary and takeaways from Lady Whistledown.

From Daphne, to Simon, to Penelope, to Colin, fans will enter the Bridgerton world in a completely new way with a fresh and intimate perspective of each character. Readers will relive the twists and turns of the books, taking (or not taking) the advice on love, family, etiquette, and fashion from the most beloved and unforgettable voices from Bridgerton. With an introduction from the creator of the Bridgerton world and #1 NYT Bestselling author Julia Quinn, The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton is a highly designed keepsake and unique addition to the Regency-set series. 

My Thoughts

‘A Bridgerton. To be such is to know that you are part of a family tightly webbed with staunch loyalty and unquestioning love. And laughter.

Always laughter.’

(Julia Quinn)

You’ve watched the show. You’ve read the books. You still just can’t get enough of Bridgerton - join the club! So this collection of quotes and excerpts from the books, combined with the wisdom of Lady Whistledown, is sure to hit the spot. 

Let me start by saying, it is an absolutely beautiful, hard copy book. A treasure just to hold and own. A truly wonderful keepsake that can be referred to again and again - exquisite in its presentation.

Each chapter in the book will highlight a different character from the Bridgerton series and include an introduction from Lady Whistledown. Is it new content - no. But as a reference for hard core fans reflecting over some of the memorable moments/quotes - it doesn’t get any better. It truly is a must have item on your bookshelf. 

It's got it all -  sweet moments, swoony moments, heartfelt moments, laughable moments … all the perfect moments in one sensational book. A book for lovers of books. A book to bridge the Bridgerton series drought. A gift for the fans and would most certainly be adored as a stocking stuffer this Christmas.

“All I want is you,” she whispered. “I don’t need the world, just your love. And maybe,” she added with a wry smile, “for you to take off your boots.”

 (Daphne)

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: A Christmas Love Redeemed (novella)

Title: A Christmas Love Redeemed (novella)

Author: Alison Stuart

Publisher: 15th November 2021 by Escape Publishing

Pages: 67 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: Christmas, regency, romance

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Once, on Christmas Day, she sacrificed her heart to save his life. Now, after nine years, will a single glance spark the fire of redemption?

February 1816

Fabien, Comte de Mont Clair, once a highly decorated officer of the exiled Napoleon, cuts a dashing swathe through a London society ball, his eyes only for the glittering ladies of the ton. His heart jolts at the sight of a woman sitting in a shadowed corner. Not just any woman, but one he would have once given the world for.

For Hannah, Lady Maxwell, catering to the spoiled darlings of the ton as a humble chaperone is nothing compared to the pain she suffered at the hands of her late husband. Alone and impoverished, she is a person of no consequence but once, a long time ago, she sacrificed her world for the dashing Comte de Mont Clair. Now all she can do is hope that he may glance her way ...

Revised and updated. Previously published as Nine Years 'Til Christmas in the 12 Rogues of Christmas anthology (see also A Person of No Consequence)

My Thoughts

I am such a fan of Alison’s work and have reviewed her writing before (HERE).  To kick off this Christmas season (Yes! A bit early I know) I thought a short novella by her might be the go! Gosh was I right … she sure packs a punch into this little tale!

‘Was it possible that a shred of the old Hannah Linton still remained? Would the grand Comte de Mont Clair still recognise the girl who nearly gave her life to save him?’

This is such a fantastic novella (something I am never a fan of if we are being honest here) with touches of Jane Austen’s, Persuasion, to it. Two Christmas’, nine years apart, with much going on. There are shipwrecks and concealing the enemy, to park promenading and Christmas Eve balls. Will the stars finally align for these two? Well it was one intense journey to arrive at that final destination - a ride well worth your time.

‘I beg to differ, chere madame. Everyone is of consequence, however great or small.’

Short, sweet and highly entertaining. I seriously consider that Alison could easily have constructed an entire novel around these two as there was just so much more that I wanted to read about. Therefore I am happy to report that Alison has swayed me over with this winning novella. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.