Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery (Jane Austen Mysteries) by Stephanie Barron Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery (Jane Austen Mysteries)
Book Review: Captivating stylization of Austen with an engrossing story
Summary: 4 Stars
Stephanie Baron has captured the essence of Austen's literary style while, through the use of footnotes, providing glimpses of the lifestyles, language and social customs of the English around the time of the turn of the 19th century. The unique use of Jane herself as the protagonist is a stroke of genius and the characterization much in keeping with what is historically known of Jane Austen herself. The storyline is engrossing and neatly threaded through the book, with just the right touch of foreshadowing to keep you guessing as to the solution of the puzzle until the end. A roller coaster ride through revelation after revelation with a satisfying conclusion.Book Review: Bad
Summary: 1 Stars
Love Jane and you'll hate this book. Flowery prose, unlikely story, completey unsubtle in the development of characters, conversational comments. Boo hoo. Hoped to find something that I would love like I love Jane.Book Review: A wonderful read!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was witty and entertaining. It is stylishly written, and gives a marvelous picture of life in the early 19th century. It is also an engrossing mystery. I look forward to reading the second Jane Austen mystery which I already have in my library! I hope that this will be only the beginning of a long and successful series for Ms. Barron.Book Review: Jane Austen as -- Detective!
Summary: 4 Stars
Stephanie Barron's first foray into historical mystery brings us the English clergyman's daughter as the "author" of a cache of manuscripts hitherto unknown, a series of personal journals that contain chronicles of Jane's experiences with mysterious goings-on in 19th Century England.
As in Austen's own books there is a large cast of characters, some causing obstructions, or providing the clue that puts the puzzle together. Jane is soon up to her lace collars in enough red herrings and dead ends to satisfy the most ardent mystery fan.
Barron describes the settings with Jane Austen's practiced eye -- every situation commented upon, judgments of character made after studied reflection. Austen fans will also appreciate the expert rendering of Jane's cadence, and especially, phrasing. One doesn't have to be an Austen aficionado to enjoy these books, but readers of "Mansfield Park" and "Emma" will definitely feel at home. Highly recommended!
Book Review: If Nancy Drew wore an empire gown...
Summary: 2 Stars
I was tickled by the idea of Jane Austen solving mysteries and I looked forward to the atmosphere I hoped Ms. Barron would create. I was mildly entertained throughout the novel, but felt I had read it before. A young, unmarried woman who has the respect of the most influential people, a villain who plays dress-up, the use of the word "meddlesome" -- yes, it's Nancy Drew meets Scooby Doo.