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I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend (Jane Austen #1)

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 1,222 ratings · 246 reviews

When shy Jenny Cooper goes to stay with her cousin Jane Austen, she knows nothing of the world of beautiful dresses, dances, secrets, gossip, and romance that Jane inhabits. At fifteen, Jane is already a sharp observer of the customs of courtship. So when Jenny falls utterly in love with Captain Thomas Williams, who better than Jane to help her win the heart of this dashin...more

Paperback, 348 pages

Published by MacMillan Children's Books (first published September 28th 2010)

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Nov 11, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Away at boarding school together, cousins Jenny Cooper and Jane Austen get into mischief. When Jane falls ill, Jenny knows she must send a letter to her aunt. The school mistress refuses her request, so in the dead of night she escapes to alert her aunt to the severity of Jane's illness. It's improper for a lady to be wandering the streets alone.

During her escape, Jenny meets Captain Thomas Williams. He's the perfect gentlemen, escorting her to the...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, austen, chick-lit, historical-fiction, young-adult

I absolutely adored this book, from start to finish. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourites so I was really interested to read the author's take on young Jane. Everything about this book was just lovely... from the gorgeous cover to the writing that flowed really well. I enjoyed all the characters and really felt like I got to know them. The book was charming, witty and just fun to read. I loved the story of Jenny and Jane- they were both portrayed excellently. I was also glad to see the au...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was a little skeptical of this one at first, because this is a really bold premise.

But I thought it was fun to see a young Jane Austen, as the author imagined her to be, and I thought the writing style, particularly the character descriptions and developing love story were very Austen-esque, albeit not exactly in her language, but that would have been impossible so it's best she didn't attempt it.

I liked it even more when I read the author's note at the end and saw how much research she had do...more

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Feb 06, 2011 Hallie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, history-project, ya

Very interesting, but more because of the questions of authenticity and what limit there is (or isn't) to how far you can invent about real, well-known characters in historical fiction, than because of great quality to the writing. Mrs. Austen is Mrs. Bennet but massively more competent, Cassandra is surprisingly sour, and Jane herself a bit dubious. Jenny (whose diary this is) is fine, as very little is known about the real Jane Cooper.

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Apr 25, 2013 Danielle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ls-583

I was Jane Austen’s Best Friend
Name: Danielle Autumn Shur
Harrison, C. (2010). I was Jane Austen’s Best Friend. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Print (Book)
Selection Process: WorldCat
Review:
Jenny Cooper is an orphan who has been abandoned by her brother and his controlling wife. Her only refuge is her best friend and cousin, Jane Austen. When Jane falls violently ill Jenny sneaks out of the ghastly boarding school the pair attend to send an urgent midnight letter t...more

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May 29, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com

Overall Review:
I was Jane Austen's Best Friend is a beautiful and delightful read. The book is based on Austen's younger years and author Cora Harrison obviously did her research. This heartfelt story mimics Austen's writing style, but with easier readability for its intended younger audience. The ballroom scenes are particularly magnificent and the ensuing romance between Jane's cousin Jenny and a dashing naval captain is sweet and enchanting. Readers wil...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Amy (Turn the Page) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend follows the teenage life of Jane Austen, her cousin Jenny, and Jane’s immediate family, in a diary-like format. There are little illustrations dotted about, supposedly drawn by Jenny (and mostly of the handsome men she happens to meet!) with scraps of Jane’s writing attached for safe keeping. What’s interesting about this story is that the basic plot and the characters are all real, taken from facts known about that particular time in her life. Jenny Cooper, the m...more I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend follows the teenage life of Jane Austen, her cousin Jenny, and Jane’s immediate family, in a diary-like format. There are little illustrations dotted about, supposedly drawn by Jenny (and mostly of the handsome men she happens to meet!) with scraps of Jane’s writing attached for safe keeping. What’s interesting about this story is that the basic plot and the characters are all real, taken from facts known about that particular time in her life. Jenny Cooper, the main protagonist, did actually meet and fall in love with a Captain Thomas Williams in the short space of three weeks, while staying with Jane’s family, making this a bit more special compared to your average regency romance inspired by Austen’s greatest works.

Sadly, I had some problems with the narration and had a very difficult time getting into the story or connecting with Jenny. She is sixteen here, but she was so naive I couldn’t help thinking that she seemed a lot younger. There wasn’t much substance to her and I kept wanting her to just do something rather than worrying all the time. I’m sure the character was probably quite a realistic portrayal of the young girls of the time, but she was far to sweet, delicate and uninteresting for me to like her.

The novel didn’t capture my interest until nearly halfway through and it’s no coincidence that this was when Captain Williams arrived on the scene. Though I very much enjoyed the second half, I have to admit that I almost didn’t bother to read it, automatically giving this a lower rating. However, the tone of the book and the nature of the story and characters will probably appeal perfectly to a young girl and I have to admit, I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend would be a good choice for introducing young readers to the works of Jane Austen.

The characters on the whole are well-rounded and I did grow quite fond of them, though we don’t spend nearly enough time with the Captain and Jane remained a bit of an enigma too. She is always scribbling down ideas and stories and doing her own thing. I was left with the impression of a confident, independent young woman who loves her friends dearly and delights in observing people, but keeps her own council – which probably sounds about right.

Will I re-read this? No I don’t think so, but by the end I was glad I took the time to pick it up and I expect I will read the second book though I won’t be buying it. The pacing just wasn’t right and all the interesting events and character growth took place in the second half of the book. A sweet romance, but ultimately, I’m just not the right audience for I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend - I found the childlike illustrations and scraps of Jane’s writing irritating and distracting. Because of my personal enjoyment I’ve given it a lower rating, but this one is definitely well suited for younger readers, who I think will like it far more.(less)

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May 07, 2011 Catharine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I ended up really liking this book despite the title and despite the cover art. Those put me off because they seemed a little smug? I'm not sure the exact right word here, too worldly, too put together? Who knows, but the book isn't like that at all. I really enjoyed getting to know Jenny, who in the book isn't sure in the knowledge that she's Jane Austen's best friend though she does feel welcomed by her family. Jenny is shy and unsure of her place in the world and I enjoyed seeing her develop...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who love feel good historical novels

Shelves: my-picks

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is a delightful, witty and entirely addictive historical novel!

I hadn’t really intended on reading I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend but when I ordered it for the library, one of my students asked me to read it before she did in case it had too much kissing. So of course, as a diligent and obliging librarian, I said I would. And I am so glad that I did.

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is the story of Jenny Cooper – Jane’s best friend – who documents her life in her...more I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is a delightful, witty and entirely addictive historical novel!

I hadn’t really intended on reading I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend but when I ordered it for the library, one of my students asked me to read it before she did in case it had too much kissing. So of course, as a diligent and obliging librarian, I said I would. And I am so glad that I did.

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is the story of Jenny Cooper – Jane’s best friend – who documents her life in her journal. Jenny is the heroine of the story and from the very first page I was gripped by her narrative. Talk about an opening! Jenny is desperately worried because Jane is sick with a fever and she thinks she might die if she doesn’t receive some proper care. The two girls are suck at a hideous boarding school with the cruel Mrs Cawley. So Jenny does a remarkably brave and risky thing, she sneaks out at midnight through a window and walks alone through the streets of Southampton to send a letter to Jane’s mother. As Jane rightly says, if this is to be a novel, then a handsome hero must soon appear.

I really loved the historical aspects of this story but I also loved how it felt contemporary too. Jenny is an adorable character. She is shy yet brave, graceful and also grieving for the loss of her mother. Her only remaining family is her brother and his bossy wife. They are the reason she is living in the terrifying boarding school at the beginning of the story. Jenny feels very burdensome to her brother and does not feel she can explain how much she hates it there.

Jane is every bit that you imagine Jane Austen to be when you’ve read her novels. She is incredibly sharp with her wit, tomboyish and loves to make up stories inspired by the people around her. She also has a tender side which is portrayed through her relationship with her brother George.

Once free of the boarding school, Jenny and Jane experience many delights of their time, they go to grand balls, dance, wear beautiful dresses and of course discuss finding love with handsome young men (of fortune).

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend is an absolute feel good read. I didn’t want the story to end. It was hopelessly romantic and charming. It made me feel giggly and lightheaded. Friendship, romance, humour and the historical setting, make this book so utterly brilliant. I highly recommend it! (less)

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Mar 04, 2011 Rosalyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was, surprisingly, much better than I'd expected. I'm always interested in Austen adaptations, but most of them are sadly disappointing (yet I still find myself reading them. Why?). In this book, Jane Austen's young cousin, Jenny Cooper, comes to live with them for what proves to be a momentous year in her life. The story itself is told with sensitivity, I thought, and the author has clearly done her research into Austen's family life (I never knew, for instance, that Jane had a mental...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library, read-2010, blogoversary-giveaway

I first saw this book under suggestions that Amazon had generated for me to read and fell in love with the beautiful cover. The connection with Jane Austen appealed to me because although I have watched several film adaptations of her novels and loved the time period, I had not yet read any so I felt it would be a perfect introduction.

The book is told through the diary entries of young Jenny Cooper, who is Jane Austen's orphan cousin and comes to live with the Austen family at Steventon. Althou...more I first saw this book under suggestions that Amazon had generated for me to read and fell in love with the beautiful cover. The connection with Jane Austen appealed to me because although I have watched several film adaptations of her novels and loved the time period, I had not yet read any so I felt it would be a perfect introduction.

The book is told through the diary entries of young Jenny Cooper, who is Jane Austen's orphan cousin and comes to live with the Austen family at Steventon. Although Jane is not the main character, she is written about a lot by Jenny as she is involved in the storyline as the girls are 'best friends.' I think this ensures that the book has a unique plot of its own and is not one of the many Jane Austen spins offs which rely entirely on her character.

The story opens in 1791 when Jenny and Jane are at Mrs Crawley's boarding school for young ladies where they are treated very badly and Jane is very ill with a raging fever. Fearing for Jane's life, Jenny commits the ultimate crime in the eyes of high society by escaping from the school onto the streets of Southampton alone at night to send a letter to her Aunt. Petrified and alone, she meets the handsome Captain Thomas Williams who escorts her to the post inn. Although promising never to tell anyone about the escapade, Captain Thomas Williams has the power to ruin and disgrace Jenny in society. Little does Jenny know at the time that scandalous night walk will affect her life for a long time.
Back at Steventon, Jenny gradually fits in with the Austen family and meets all of Jane's many brothers and sisters, learns the language of the fan when the French women Aunt Eliza visits and falls head over heels in love.....

The diary format flowed naturally I found myself hooked instantly and absorbed in Jenny's world with family relationships, dashing gentlemen and balls.

I also loved the cute illustrations (by Susan Hellard) at the sides of the pages with sketches of the characters or fashion and hairstyle details that added an adorable extra dimension to Jenny's diary along with snippets of writing that Jane has given her.

Cora Harrison has researched the period details very well and as you are reading the diary of Jenny, it really does make you feel as if you are in that era. I also thought that Jane Austen's world and family as a young girl was re created accurately and I could imagine how certain events went on to inspire her later novels.

The author's note at the end of the book was very helpful in distinguishing what was fact and what the author had used creative licence for. I think that Cora Harrison created just the right balance between the two and the ideas worked very well together.

I really liked Jenny's character as she was shy, kind and warm, the opposite to Jane;'s vibrant, humourous and clever personality that lit up the book with witty remarks. Also, I think that the ending was very cleverly done with a small twist and it left me feeling very light hearted and happy once I had turned the last page.

I would reccommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic story or likes historical books that are relevant to them and likes the sound of Jane Austen as this book is the perfect introduction to her novels. I have now borrowed Emma from the library and can't wait to start reading it!

(less)

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Jan 01, 2011 Lisa Frase rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, middle-grade

Summary: Through a series of journal entries, Jenny Cooper describes her stay with cousin Jane Austen in the 1790's. The story takes the reader through difficulties, triumphs, secrets, gossip, and romance.

I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison was a delightful surprise. This story is set prior to the Regency at the end of the Georgian period when Jane Austen was a teenager. The story is written from the point of view of Jenny Cooper, Austen's friend and cousin, and is told through Jenn...more

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Jul 26, 2010 Amanda Vance rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jenny Cooper is an immediately likable character, risking everything to get a letter to Jane’s mother to let her know that she is very ill. Like many of Austen’s own characters, you get a sense of who she is right away and she’s endearing through the thoughts she keeps in her diary. The book is meant for teen readers and Jenny is just 16 years old so the diary reflects the thoughts and dreams of a girl that age, many of which are true no matter what time in which you live.

This books is a great p...more

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Sep 17, 2011 Hope rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So today I finished reading “I was Jane Austen’s best friend”. I was so excited when I saw this book at my local library. I took it home and started to read right away. I have to say, it was rather disappointing read.

Jenny is Jane’s cousin and best friend; story is told by Jenny through her diary. At first I thought it would be interesting and entertaining read. But it turned to be very boring. Writing was disastrous, I felt like I was reading a diary of ten year old girl. Romance between Jenny...more

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Mar 02, 2011 Mrs. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This charming young adult novel begins with Jane and her cousin Jenny Cooper languishing away at a dreadful boarding school. Jane has fallen seriously ill and Jenny makes a dangerous nighttime trip into the streets of the city to dispatch a letter to Jane's mother. Thus begins a series of events that brings the girls back to Steventon and results in a fortuitous romantic attachment for one of the characters.

Cora Harrison's characterization of Jane, Mrs. Austen and Jane's older sister Cassandra...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Chels rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was incredible. It was interesting, fastpaced, romantic and had wonderful messages. Jenny, the main character, is brave and honest. Two qualities I highly value. She is Jane Austen's cousin and best friend. The two take on society together and survive a horrible boarding schol. Jenny then meets a beau she falls in love with. Through falling in love, she matures. It was great to see the changes she experiences and her confidence increase. The supporting characters were all unique and ha...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Breanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was the best Austen spin off I have read in quite some time. It does have some flaws, one being that Jane Austen is characterized as a bit of a brat, but I suppose that she was really just trying to embody her with a fun, almost wild nature. And while Jane is closely tied to the plot of the book in the beginning, she really falls into the background by the end of the book, which is fine, but it would have been nice if she was woven in a bit more closely. She really just became a spectator a...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Jazmin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this novel. There were days where I couldn't put it down! Even though this novel started off pretty slow, getting past the middle, things started becoming more of what I was expecting of this novel. I really loved the ending!:D I would really recommend it for those who like the time era of those beautiful ball gowns, the balls, and the romance:)

*~*~*~*~*CONTAINS SPOILERS*~*~*~*~*
It bugged my how the author made Jane and Jenny seem younger than what they really were, but towards...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Kyra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*Mild spoilers*
Some of you may know that I tried reading Emma by Jane Austen last week. I really wanted to enjoy such classic masterpiece however, I read a couple of chapters (Emma was such a fun, sweet character!) but I just couldn't get into the writing, I think maybe when I'm a bit older and in the right mood for a classic then I'll read it. :)

So I was browsing my shelves, looking for something that was modern but had a classic air to it and found this spin-off novel of Jane Austen, sitting...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

As a long-time fan of all things Jane Austen, I was delighted to find I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison at my local library.

After fifteen-year-old Jenny Cooper and her cousin Jane Austen are rescued from an oppressive boarding school, Jenny moves into the Austen family home. Living with the Austens opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Jenny, which she details in the pages of her "secret diary."

Each entry gives the reader a glimpse into the home life of Jane Austen. Jenn...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Alkyoni ~ Kingfisher of books rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Young girls of 15

Recommended to Alkyoni ~ Kingfisher of books by: My friend Sophia

Shelves: adore-the-cover-art, borrowed-from-friend, british-authors, chick-lit, journal, romance, irish-authors

Well, this book gave me precisely what I had expected from it. It was light, fun read and I enjoyed it though, petty bitch like I am, I could not help notice some of its flaws.
Jenny was believable enough in the sense that she was shy and withdrawn the way girls were supposed to be at that time. I didn’t like the fact that sometimes she appeared to be flippant at times, but then again she’s a mere, what, 16-15 year old girl? Also, her writing – given the fact that we’re reading her journal – w...more

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Jun 11, 2010 Milka rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-during-2010

The reader is introduced to Jane Austen's cousin Jenny Cooper who is a little older than Jane. The book begins with the girls going into a boarding school in which Jane has got ill. In order to get Jane out of the school to home to get better Jenny has to leave the school during the night and wonder in nightly South Hampton where she meets Captain Thomas Williams which who she falls in love right at the first moment even though she does not know it then.

Jane and Jenny are taken away from the hor...more The reader is introduced to Jane Austen's cousin Jenny Cooper who is a little older than Jane. The book begins with the girls going into a boarding school in which Jane has got ill. In order to get Jane out of the school to home to get better Jenny has to leave the school during the night and wonder in nightly South Hampton where she meets Captain Thomas Williams which who she falls in love right at the first moment even though she does not know it then.

Jane and Jenny are taken away from the horrible boarding school to Steventon parsonage, to the home of Jane Austen. There Jenny gets to meet Jane's siblings, from which at least Henry gets a lot of attention from Jenny and Jenny gets it back from Henry. But with Captain Thomas Williams in her thoughts she cannot concentrate on any other men. And all the time she also has to worry about the fact that Captain Williams is the one who can destroy her reputation by telling what happened at South Hampton. Will Jenny get her Captain Williams or will she be ruined? Find out by reading this wonderful YA novel by Cora Harrison.

From the moment I heard about this book I was interested about it. Since I love Jane Austen and Young Adult fiction I knew this would be the perfect mixture for me. Some parts of the book are fiction, some true. Jenny Cooper really was a cousin of Jane Austen. Her name was really Jane but the author changed it to Jenny in order to make a distiction between Jane and Jenny. There are not much reported information about Jenny, so the author has really got free access to make up a character. It is know that she fell in love with Captain Thomas Williams and eventually they married.

I really liked this book since the reader really gets to know what Jenny thinks about situations of her life since the book is written in a diary format. There are some nice illustrations in the book made by Susan Hellard which really add a nice mix to the story. The lively characters, especially Jane Austen, made me laugh. This book makes you just want to fall in love for the first time again. (less)

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Feb 08, 2013 βιβλιοφάγος (a.k.a. Cat) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-read, eye-catching-cover, good-but-not-the-best, required-reading

I like the way Cora Harrison portrayed Jane Austen - I've read a few biographies and snippets of Austen's notebooks and the author did a lovely job of making a Jane Austen that sounded like her quotes. It was fun to draw conclusions on how Jane might have come up with her books. I know that the examples given in I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend are made up, but it gave me ideas on how she could have come up with her books.
I did not like the Jenny/Thomas relationship for being a bit too sappy and...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Bridget R. Wilson added it · review of another edition

The year is 1791. Jane Austen is fifteen years old. Her cousin and best friend Jenny Cooper is sixteen years old. Jane scribbles away even then. Jenny is embroiled in her own romance that may one day inspire one of Jane's novels.

What I thought: An enjoyable book. Jenny makes a compelling narrator. Her opinions and thoughts show how different life was two centuries ago. Mostly I've heard how close she was to her sister Cassandra. This book shows another side to Jane--a younger, playful, more tem...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Melody McBride rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a super-cute and really easy read! I'm a Jane Austen lover, and when my sister recommended it to me, I knew I'd like it. The writing style of the author isn't in the style of Austen at all, but I like that the author didn't attempt to have it be the same. Written in journal form, I thought that the plot line flowed easily and kept me interested. Also, a lot of the book is written about real events or real people, which I really liked.

The story is about a girl named Jenny Cooper, cousin a...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Georgiana 1792 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: old-friends-new-fancies

La dodicenne che è in me lo ha adorato!

Già dal titolo - e dal numero di stelle - si capisce pienamente che ho gradito immensamente questo libro. Ritengo, infatti, che la Harrison abbia centrato in pieno il suo obiettivo, ovvero quello di fare avvicinare pre-adolescenti e adolescenti a Jane Austen. Mentre lo leggevo, mi sono ricordata della prima volta che ho preso in mano la mia edizione ridotta di Una ragazza fuori modadi Louisa May Alcott: stavo provando esattamente le stesse sensazioni! Legge...more

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May 14, 2012 Eden rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was amazing! The hardcover art put me off a little, because they seemed a little ...smoulder-y? for a Jane Austen adaptation, but the book was nothing like that. The plot was completely believable and realistic (maybe I just haven't read enough from that time period (: ), and the characters were imaginable.

Overall, I really liked and appreciated that the author made sure the love aspect had flukes and disappointments, and that the love story didn't overrun the book. I learned a lot about...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Ellen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As much as I adore Jane Austen, I had great difficulty getting through this book. I had fallen in love with the title and the cover, hoping to find a contemporary/regency crossover that would make the period accessible to younger readers of today. That's not really what I found.

To begin with, the book feels like a biography masquerading as fiction and it caught me off-guard in an unpleasant manor. I can appreciate the effort that the author went into researching her subject and sharing with us d...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If Jane Austen did have a best friend, that friend could have kept a journal. And if the friend kept a journal, she would have written about her best friend, Jane. And if she wrote about Jane, her journal might have resembled this YA novel -- capturing what the girls' lives were like in 1791. But a journal is not a novel, so this is more like events listed chronologically, and lacking a plot. Some events seem to be forced into the book, not because they added to the storyline, but because they h...more

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Dec 18, 2011 Ichigo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, funny, romance-magic

I absolutly adore Jane, and Jenny!!! Jane is out going, funny, creative, and brave. While her best friend Jenny is shy, quiet, and modest. After moving in with the Austins, Jenny becomes confident, and brave. I really liked this book!!! They both like to write which is what I love to do so I liked hearing Janes multipul love, and adventure stories. It was also back in 1791, which is good because I liked to hear about balls, romance, and gossip. I also liked all the humor that the Austin family s...more

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About Cora Harrison

Cora Harrison worked as a headteacher before she decided to write her first novel. She has since published twenty-six children's novels. My Lady Judge was her first book in a Celtic historical crime series for adults that introduces Mara, Brehon of the Burren. Cora lives on a farm near the Burren in the west of Ireland.

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A Secret and Unlawful Killing (Burren Mysteries, #2)

The Sting of Justice (Burren Mysteries, #3)

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