A few years ago I stumbled onto Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen mystery series. The first one, Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor, absolutely delighted me. I loved the way that it was set up: Jane’s long-lost journal, complete with annotations from the editor, explaining both Jane’s personal situation and elements of the culture of her time and place — early 19th century England. I got so hooked that I read the whole series, 8 books, up to Jane and the Barque of Frailty.
Oddly enough, I am not a Janeite — one of those fans who’ve read every book and watched every movie or TV miniseries, who can quote lines and remember which characters are from which book. So if you are a Janeite, I can’t really tell you how faithful the series is to history or to the canon. But, if you aren’t a Janeite, I can say that you shouldn’t let that stop you from trying one of these books.
Anyway, reading them all so close together was a mistake. I got kind of bored with the series and thought it had lost a little of its charm. After a time Barron stopped using the “lost journal” device, and though footnotes still appeared they weren’t attributed to anybody, and they lost their literary-insider appeal; and then an important character died. When the next book in the series appeared, Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron, that was just too much for me, so I took that as a sign to stop reading the series, and I skipped it.
When I noticed Jane and the Canterbury Tale (2011) in the new books section of my local library, I decided to give Jane another chance. In this book, Jane is visiting her brother’s family in Kent. They all attend a neighbor’s wedding, a festive occasion until the next morning, when a hunting party locates the dead body of the bride’s first husband (thought to be dead already) — making her a bigamist. Oops.
Jane’s brother, Edward, is the magistrate, and he counts on her to help him investigate. Though, pushing 40, she’s now the spinster aunt, she’s sharp witted and nosy enough to ask questions that are indelicate, if not down right rude. She examines dead bodies, questions young dandies, pries among the servants and refuses to allow manners to deter her.
And let’s not forget that this is all potential fodder for her next book… the one with Emma. But I forget what that one’s called. Heehee!
I love Jane Austen and that is what has kept me from this series. I probably need to at least try it though. I’m glad you kind of explained how it worked. Perhaps one day soon. And, I find that there have been few series that I could read back to back books. Seems like I always get annoyed for some reason. The little tics that every author has begin to show up. Anyway, I’ll see what my library has.
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Exactly! Plus you notice too much how similar the plot and/or format can be. If you read one, let me know because I’d be interested in what a Jane Austen fan thinks!
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Karen,
Just have to tell you that I am thoroughly enjoying your blog. I read the Clash of Civilizations over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio (crazy book).
and I just ordered Jane and the Canterbury Tales.
Furthermore, I’ve been forwarding your posts to my mom who is not only a Janeite but also an avid mystery reader.
Such fun!
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Oh, good! I did think Clash of Civilizations is fun and different, whereas Jane is much more traditional and fun for different reasons. So glad to hear you like it. Sometimes it’s hard to find time so your comment is so encouraging!
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