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: Delightful and agreeable mystery...
Summary: 4 Stars
Stephanie Barron has written a delightful mystery in the style of Jane Austen, with Jane Austen as the main character. As such, the author stayed true to the times, and to the character that I perceived fitting for Jane. It was surprisingly well written, with a mystery that kept me intrigued. It wasn't tied up all nice at the end, but seemed somewhat more realistic. I recommend this first in the series to Austen lovers or mystery lovers, and look forward to the next for my own pleasure.Book Review: Austen-ish mystery
Summary: 4 Stars
Initially hesitant to read this book, I found myself enjoying the story. It is indeed written in a way reminiscent of her style, and with enough references and notations relevant to the times and the actual novels she has written to keep up interest. I look forward to the rest of the series.Book Review: Lots of fun!
Summary: 5 Stars
My local library has the whole Stephanie Barron Jane Austen Mystery series. At first, I was a little put off by the language, and like a couple of other reviewers, thought the language more than a little affected. Yet Ms. Barron is trying to capture the style of Jane Austen, and that is no easy feat. Once I got over my initial reservation about the (overly prim and proper) writing style, I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Barron has obviously done her research and integrates many true accounts of Jane's life into these mysteries (I'm now on the second book, Jane and the Man of the Cloth). For example, Jane had recently recanted her promise to marry a Mr. Bigg-Wither, and the First Jane Austen Mystery takes place shortly after Jane's refusal and fictionalizes how Jane sought solace by visiting a newly married friend, the Countess of Scargrave (who will soon be framed for murder).
I'm not such a purist that I take deep, personal offense at Stephanie Barron's decision to interpolate quotes from Jane Austen's novels into these books, as though Jane was thinking them up at the moment or recording them in her letters and diary. (Some other reviewers thought this "borrowing" an unpardonable breach of copyright, if not moral probity). And you more than get the idea that our famous Darcy was based upon Lord Fitzroy Payne, the (unconsummated) love interest of the Countess of Scargrave. (Though he never was so tactless as to insult Isobel Scargrave's appearance.)
Jane isn't quite the infallibe Miss Marple--she puts many pieces of the puzzle together, but doesn't quite get it right til the very end, when the would-be murderer saves her life.
I really wish that PBS Mystery would produce this series. If it was well done, what a following it would have! And what young British actress wouldn't want to play a 27-year old Jane? (Of course, please don't cast Keira Knightley b/c she's too pretty to play Jane! I made the very same complaint for her having been cast as Elizabeth in P&P.)
All in all, lots of fun, though addictive. I have tons of things on my "to-do list," yet I often neglect what I should be doing in order to sneak in a few chapters.
Book Review: Delightful Discovery
Summary: 5 Stars
I love mysteries, and I love Jane Austen. Imagine my delight in discovering a series that combines both. Stephanie Barron does a wonderful job portraying the beloved Jane Austen as not only one who studies human nature, but also one who solves crimes in the process. I love the seamless blend of fact and fiction in this novel, especially the "editor's forward" and the editorial notes. It is as if the author is winking at the reader. Yes, we all know this isn't real, but isn't it great fun to pretend? Get ready to suspend your disbelief and ENJOY! Book Review: 4kittens
Summary: 5 Stars
This series is wonderful ... my only disappointment is that I have read all eight books and I have to wait until November for the next book to published.
Until November I will have to find other books to read. So,I started reading the books Stephanie Barron has written under the name of Francine Mathews.