JANE AND THE UNPLEASANTNESS AT SCARGRAVE MANOR

Title: JANE AND THE UNPLEASANTNESS AT SCARGRAVE MANOR
Author: Stephanie Barron
Pages: 369
Date: 21/04/2007
Grade: 4.5
Details: nr. 1 Jane Austen Mystery
Library

This book was written as if Stephanie Barron had found Jane Austen's letters and diaries and was editing them for publication, which is an interesting, but not original idea.

Jane Austen has fled her family and Bath. She needs time away from them because within the space of 24 hours she accepted and then refused a marriage proposal. And since she's 27, her family is despairing of her ever marrying. She has gone to spend Christmas with her newly wed friend, Isobel.

On the first night there, after a ball to celebrate the marriage, Isobel's new husband dies. And although the Earl's doctor tributes the death to natural causes, Jane has her doubts. Doubts that appear to be confirmed when Isobel receives a letter accusing her of having an affair with her husband's nephew and both of them of being guilty of murder.

And when days later the letter's author, Isobel's former servant, is found murdered, both Isobel and her alleged accomplice are arrested for both murders. Although the evidence against the pair appears overwhelming, Jane is convinced of her friend's innocence and sets out to find prove of such. A quest that puts her own life in danger.

Interesting read. Set in the early 19th century it is written in the style of that time, and, I assume, in Jane Austen's own style and wording.

I am looking forward to reading more of Jane's adventures in months to come.