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: A book with unreasonable pretentions.
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm ashamed to admit that I actually bought this book. What a task Barron took on--assuming the voice of English literature's Queen Mother--and what a colossal mistake! I had high hopes for this book, being a lover of mysteries and Austen. But I found myself scoffing at the language, annoyed at the affected tone, and irrate that Barron steals sentences right out of Austen's books and plops them down amidst her own ridiculously un-Austenesque sentences. If you're unfamiliar with Austen, perhaps you'll enjoy the (rather mundane) mystery. If you're a fan of Austen's, think carefully about whether or not you can bear to see her name (and words) exploited in this trite little paperback.Book Review: terrific premise, well executed
Summary: 4 Stars
What a wonderful idea -- the astute and observant Jane Austen as amateur detective in the English countryside! Of late I have been underwhelmed by several Austen homages and a few mystery novels, but author Stephanie Barron seems to have got it right on both fronts. While no one has ever duplicated Jane Austen's combination of wit and elegance, of the recent authors Ms. Barron comes closest in my opinion, though I do find her occasional use of sentences lifted directly from the original works disruptive. You can tell that Ms. Barron did her research, and she fluidly incorporates people and events from JA's life into the story in an entertaining way.In addition, the mystery is a good one, interesting and plausible. Personally I liked the footnotes, which are neither idiotic nor ubiquitous, as some have stated; there are approximately 40 notes, which are generally brief, informative and interesting -- and easily ignored if one so chooses.
I thought the one weakness of the novel was Isobel, Jane's friend and the accused murderess in whose interest Jane acts. She pouts and whines and is inconstant -- certainly not the kind of person one would imagine appealing to Jane. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will definitely read others in the series.
Book Review: terrific premise, well executed
Summary: 4 Stars
What a wonderful idea -- the astute and observant Jane Austen as amateur detective in the English countryside! Of late I have been underwhelmed by several Austen homages and a few mystery novels, but author Stephanie Barron seems to have got it right on both fronts. While no one has ever duplicated Jane Austen's combination of wit and elegance, of the recent authors Ms. Barron comes closest in my opinion, though I do find her occasional use of sentences lifted directly from the original works disruptive. You can tell that Ms. Barron did her research, and she fluidly incorporates people and events from JA's life into the story in an entertaining way.In addition, the mystery is a good one, interesting and plausible. Personally I liked the footnotes, which are neither idiotic nor ubiquitous, as some have stated; there are approximately 40 notes, which are generally brief, informative and interesting -- and easily ignored if one so chooses.
I thought the one weakness of the novel was Isobel, Jane's friend and the accused murderess in whose interest Jane acts. She pouts and whines and is inconstant -- certainly not the kind of person one would imagine appealing to Jane. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will definitely read others in the series.
Book Review: rather good m'dears
Summary: 5 Stars
The author, Stephanie Barron, uses wit, subtle humor, and a true to form Austenesque style to captivate readers in the first of the Jane Austen mystery series. I, for one, think the idea for the book is some of it's genius--who better than Jane Austen, novelist & student of human character, to solve crime?Though i DID notice (as a couple of other readers mentioned), that sometimes her style draws the readers attention more than the story, her words are cleverly crafted, and its obvious Barron took some pains in studying prevailing(19th c.) uses of diction, syntax, etc.
The mystery was excellent, definately NOT predictable. The vilian turned out to be the person I least expected (though i admit, i am quite easily duped by red herrings). A character who I found a bit revolting was Isobel. Her motives, whining, and general uselessness made me think: how could she ever have been friends with Jane Austen??!!!
Another gripe with previous reviewers: I loved the footnotes. For those not intimately acquainted with the early 19th cen. England, they are valuable. How else would I know that a "square" was a thing they put on boots to raise them so they could walk through the mud?
Overall, a great read. Good for time-kill, when you are sick, or need to read a comfort book. I recommend highly to all, especially Austen fans.
Book Review: Well done indeed!
Summary: 5 Stars
Enjoyed this story very much and am currently reading the others in the series.Very crafty writing with real flair for the period and its complex demands on social interaction both verbal and non-verbal. I think Miss Austen would be rather pleased with the result. Good fun.