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Jane Austen Mysteries #13
Jane and the Waterloo Map
Jane Austen turns sleuth in this delightful Regency-era mystery
November, 1815. The Battle of Waterloo has come and gone, leaving the British economy in shreds; Henry Austen, high-flying banker, is about to declare bankruptcy—dragging several of his brothers down with him. The crisis destroys Henry’s health, and Jane flies to his London bedside, believing him to be dying. While she’s there, the chaplain to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent invites Jane to tour Carlton House, the Prince’s fabulous London home. The chaplain is a fan of Jane’s books, and during the tour he suggests she dedicate her next novel—Emma—to HRH, whom she despises.
However, before she can speak to HRH, Jane stumbles upon a body—sprawled on the carpet in the Regent’s library. The dying man, Colonel MacFarland, was a cavalry hero and a friend of Wellington’s. He utters a single failing phrase: “Waterloo map” . . . and Jane is on the hunt for a treasure of incalculable value and a killer of considerable cunning.
November, 1815. The Battle of Waterloo has come and gone, leaving the British economy in shreds; Henry Austen, high-flying banker, is about to declare bankruptcy—dragging several of his brothers down with him. The crisis destroys Henry’s health, and Jane flies to his London bedside, believing him to be dying. While she’s there, the chaplain to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent invites Jane to tour Carlton House, the Prince’s fabulous London home. The chaplain is a fan of Jane’s books, and during the tour he suggests she dedicate her next novel—Emma—to HRH, whom she despises.
However, before she can speak to HRH, Jane stumbles upon a body—sprawled on the carpet in the Regent’s library. The dying man, Colonel MacFarland, was a cavalry hero and a friend of Wellington’s. He utters a single failing phrase: “Waterloo map” . . . and Jane is on the hunt for a treasure of incalculable value and a killer of considerable cunning.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2016
129 people are currently reading
1804 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Barron
37 books884 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephanie Barron was born Francine Stephanie Barron in Binghamton, NY in 1963, the last of six girls. Her father was a retired general in the Air Force, her mother a beautiful woman who loved to dance. The family spent their summers on Cape Cod, where two of the Barron girls now live with their families; Francine's passion for Nantucket and the New England shoreline dates from her earliest memories. She grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, a two hundred year-old Catholic school for girls that shares a wall with Georgetown University. Her father died of a heart attack during her freshman year.
In 1981, she started college at Princeton – one of the most formative experiences of her life. There she fenced for the club varsity team and learned to write news stories for The Daily Princetonian – a hobby that led to two part-time jobs as a journalist for The Miami Herald and The San Jose Mercury News. Francine majored in European History, studying Napoleonic France, and won an Arthur W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship in the Humanities in her senior year. But the course she remembers most vividly from her time at Princeton is "The Literature of Fact," taught by John McPhee, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and staff writer for The New Yorker. John influenced Francine's writing more than even she knows and certainly more than she is able to say. If there were an altar erected to the man in Colorado, she'd place offerings there daily. He's her personal god of craft.
Francine spent three years at Stanford pursuing a doctorate in history; she failed to write her dissertation (on the Brazilian Bar Association under authoritarianism; can you blame her?) and left with a Masters. She applied to the CIA, spent a year temping in Northern Virginia while the FBI asked inconvenient questions of everyone she had ever known, passed a polygraph test on her twenty-sixth birthday, and was immediately thrown into the Career Trainee program: Boot Camp for the Agency's Best and Brightest. Four years as an intelligence analyst at the CIA were profoundly fulfilling, the highlights being Francine's work on the Counterterrorism Center's investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, and sleeping on a horsehair mattress in a Spectre-era casino in the middle of Bratislava. Another peak moment was her chance to debrief ex-President George Bush in Houston in 1993. But what she remembers most about the place are the extraordinary intelligence and dedication of most of the staff – many of them women – many of whom cannot be named.
She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Fifteen books have followed, along with sundry children, dogs, and houses. When she's not writing, she likes to ski, garden, needlepoint, and buy art. Her phone number is definitely unlisted.
Stephanie Barron was born Francine Stephanie Barron in Binghamton, NY in 1963, the last of six girls. Her father was a retired general in the Air Force, her mother a beautiful woman who loved to dance. The family spent their summers on Cape Cod, where two of the Barron girls now live with their families; Francine's passion for Nantucket and the New England shoreline dates from her earliest memories. She grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, a two hundred year-old Catholic school for girls that shares a wall with Georgetown University. Her father died of a heart attack during her freshman year.
In 1981, she started college at Princeton – one of the most formative experiences of her life. There she fenced for the club varsity team and learned to write news stories for The Daily Princetonian – a hobby that led to two part-time jobs as a journalist for The Miami Herald and The San Jose Mercury News. Francine majored in European History, studying Napoleonic France, and won an Arthur W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship in the Humanities in her senior year. But the course she remembers most vividly from her time at Princeton is "The Literature of Fact," taught by John McPhee, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and staff writer for The New Yorker. John influenced Francine's writing more than even she knows and certainly more than she is able to say. If there were an altar erected to the man in Colorado, she'd place offerings there daily. He's her personal god of craft.
Francine spent three years at Stanford pursuing a doctorate in history; she failed to write her dissertation (on the Brazilian Bar Association under authoritarianism; can you blame her?) and left with a Masters. She applied to the CIA, spent a year temping in Northern Virginia while the FBI asked inconvenient questions of everyone she had ever known, passed a polygraph test on her twenty-sixth birthday, and was immediately thrown into the Career Trainee program: Boot Camp for the Agency's Best and Brightest. Four years as an intelligence analyst at the CIA were profoundly fulfilling, the highlights being Francine's work on the Counterterrorism Center's investigation into the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, and sleeping on a horsehair mattress in a Spectre-era casino in the middle of Bratislava. Another peak moment was her chance to debrief ex-President George Bush in Houston in 1993. But what she remembers most about the place are the extraordinary intelligence and dedication of most of the staff – many of them women – many of whom cannot be named.
She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Fifteen books have followed, along with sundry children, dogs, and houses. When she's not writing, she likes to ski, garden, needlepoint, and buy art. Her phone number is definitely unlisted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
January 22, 2022
This is a sweet addition to the series, Jane and the Waterloo Map takes place as Miss Austen is in London editing the pages of Emma. I really like how Stephanie Barron uses the author's real-life as the starting point for what is going on in the fictional mystery.
Henry, Jane's favorite brother, has been ill and Jane is staying with him in London and helping him recover, as well as working on her book. Henry is also having financial difficulties and these problems effect the whole family, as the wealthier brothers have invested money in Henry's banks. If Henry loses money, so do the rest. All these things were unfortunately happening in the Austen's lives at this time.
One other thing that happens is that the prince regent knows of and enjoys Jane Austen's novels and wants her to dedicate Emma to him. This she very reluctantly does in an amusing aside to the story. The royal is a libertine and Jane does not admire him.
Henry, Jane's favorite brother, has been ill and Jane is staying with him in London and helping him recover, as well as working on her book. Henry is also having financial difficulties and these problems effect the whole family, as the wealthier brothers have invested money in Henry's banks. If Henry loses money, so do the rest. All these things were unfortunately happening in the Austen's lives at this time.
One other thing that happens is that the prince regent knows of and enjoys Jane Austen's novels and wants her to dedicate Emma to him. This she very reluctantly does in an amusing aside to the story. The royal is a libertine and Jane does not admire him.
January 26, 2019
"He shut the hackney door, and I bowled away down the sweep"
Barron has mastered the style of speech of the period: “You are very good, sir,” I said, rising with an air that must be read as dismissal—“and the Regent’s generosity is nothing short of remarkable. Please say everything proper to His Royal Highness, of my gratitude for his notice and his esteem. It must be impossible for me to accept his kind invitation, however. The demands of my brother’s precarious health make any interests of my own immaterial at present.” (His Royal Highness is the Prince Regent, a very controversial presence in this period.)
Jane Austen is a recognized author and though it has cost her she seems to accept the compromises that have brought her to this point: "…now nearly forty, I have other pleasures to recompense for the loss of a love-match and children." This is my entry into the series, though it is the 13th in the series. The plot has much of its action front-loaded because Jane Austen, if not exactly famous, is certainly worthy of attention, which is what happens at the beginning of this tale. She is invited to the Prince Regent’s residence, Carlton House, and while she is there she inadvertently witnesses the death of a soldier who was a guest. His dying murmur is the words “Waterloo map” or at least that is the way she hears it.
“Oh, Lord, Jane.” My brother’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever are you up to, now?” The brother, Henry, has been ailing and Jane is staying with him to help and to encourage her London publisher to move ahead with her newest novel, Emma.
"Does this not look like an attempt to silence the only other witness to the map’s discovery?” Henry sank back in his chair, frowning at the fire. “It is I who heard the Colonel’s final words—and repeated them. I, who suspected poison. I, who found the sketch hidden in the book.” There is a not so subtle issue of “a woman’s place” that is woven through this novel much to most readers’ enjoyment.
The mysteries of the Colonel’s death and the “map” are the first two of many that Jane Austen will be confronted with in this novel. I found the pace and the plot quite engaging. Below, are some excerpts (on a variety of topics) that should allow you to determine whether this is your “cup of tea.”
London was very different in the early 1800’s --- "It is less than a mile from Henry’s house to the little village of Knightsbridge, with its cavalry barracks and inns, its watchhouse and pens for straying livestock. Not quite the bustle of Town, but not entirely rural, either—London continues to encroach on the fields all about. A fine square is being laid out, and is to be called Cadogan Place, with a terrace of houses to rival Bath’s Royal Crescent along one side."
Politics and gossip --- "Wellesley is renowned as a drunk and a rake; he is frequently held at swordspoint by his creditors; and as the head of an Anglo-Irish noble family, his unprofitable acres are heavily mortgaged. Naturally, therefore, he bought the lease to Apsley House from the Crown some years since, and set about renovations in an extravagant stile. Apsley House is a magnificent Robert Adam structure fronting Hyde Park Gate, and is known as No. 1 London, accordingly. It is most particularly No. 1 when Richard Wellesley’s brother, the Duke of Wellington, is in residence."
Love of books --- I was frequently unequal to the temptation to browse among its (Hatchard’s) wares. In truth, I visited it nearly every day that weather permitted. I was not yet so far sunk in depravity as to actually purchase many volumes, being a firm friend of the Circulating Library; but I dearly loved to caress the boards of fresh publications, feel the weight of their paper and the elegance of their type, and I frequently consulted the newspapers Hatchard’s so obligingly made available to the publick for a trifling fee."
Her own writing ---"Much the same might be said of dear Fanny. She has always seemed too cool for her heart ever to have been engaged. I wonder if she will recognise some part of herself in my spoilt and engaging Miss Woodhouse?” Fanny is Jane Austen’s niece and a welcome addition to the story.
Jane weighing the possibilities --- "Had Dr. Matthew Baillie satisfied himself, and all at Carlton House, that Colonel MacFarland died of a fit? Or was James Stanier Clarke merely voicing a neat resolution to an untidy business, in deference to the sensibilities of a lady?"
Either you enjoy or are put off by the etiquette of the period --- "Dear Madam: I felt it incumbent upon me to offer my sincere apologies for the unfortunate disruption of our interesting conversation yesterday at Carlton House, and my own lamentable inattention to your welfare as you quitted the Regent’s establishment. I know your delicacy and goodness will allow for the demands of a sudden illness within the Household, and the Duties required of a clergyman in such sad cases; and your forgiveness must be secured upon learning that Colonel MacFarland departed this life not a quarter-hour after I was summoned to his bedside. He did not go unshriven to his Reward—which must be of comfort to every Christian. If you desire at any time to take up the invitation extended to you—that of employing His Royal Highness’s commodious Library in pursuit of your Art—pray dear Madam know that one word to me is sufficient. Believe me at all times With sincerity & respect Your faithful & obliged Servant J.S. Clarke"
Finally – my one complaint
I understand that Austen’s English used other spellings than what the O.E.D. now approves. Does it further the period “atmosphere” to have alternative spellings of “sopha,” “chuse,” “stile,” “clew,” and so many more?
Barron has mastered the style of speech of the period: “You are very good, sir,” I said, rising with an air that must be read as dismissal—“and the Regent’s generosity is nothing short of remarkable. Please say everything proper to His Royal Highness, of my gratitude for his notice and his esteem. It must be impossible for me to accept his kind invitation, however. The demands of my brother’s precarious health make any interests of my own immaterial at present.” (His Royal Highness is the Prince Regent, a very controversial presence in this period.)
Jane Austen is a recognized author and though it has cost her she seems to accept the compromises that have brought her to this point: "…now nearly forty, I have other pleasures to recompense for the loss of a love-match and children." This is my entry into the series, though it is the 13th in the series. The plot has much of its action front-loaded because Jane Austen, if not exactly famous, is certainly worthy of attention, which is what happens at the beginning of this tale. She is invited to the Prince Regent’s residence, Carlton House, and while she is there she inadvertently witnesses the death of a soldier who was a guest. His dying murmur is the words “Waterloo map” or at least that is the way she hears it.
“Oh, Lord, Jane.” My brother’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever are you up to, now?” The brother, Henry, has been ailing and Jane is staying with him to help and to encourage her London publisher to move ahead with her newest novel, Emma.
"Does this not look like an attempt to silence the only other witness to the map’s discovery?” Henry sank back in his chair, frowning at the fire. “It is I who heard the Colonel’s final words—and repeated them. I, who suspected poison. I, who found the sketch hidden in the book.” There is a not so subtle issue of “a woman’s place” that is woven through this novel much to most readers’ enjoyment.
The mysteries of the Colonel’s death and the “map” are the first two of many that Jane Austen will be confronted with in this novel. I found the pace and the plot quite engaging. Below, are some excerpts (on a variety of topics) that should allow you to determine whether this is your “cup of tea.”
London was very different in the early 1800’s --- "It is less than a mile from Henry’s house to the little village of Knightsbridge, with its cavalry barracks and inns, its watchhouse and pens for straying livestock. Not quite the bustle of Town, but not entirely rural, either—London continues to encroach on the fields all about. A fine square is being laid out, and is to be called Cadogan Place, with a terrace of houses to rival Bath’s Royal Crescent along one side."
Politics and gossip --- "Wellesley is renowned as a drunk and a rake; he is frequently held at swordspoint by his creditors; and as the head of an Anglo-Irish noble family, his unprofitable acres are heavily mortgaged. Naturally, therefore, he bought the lease to Apsley House from the Crown some years since, and set about renovations in an extravagant stile. Apsley House is a magnificent Robert Adam structure fronting Hyde Park Gate, and is known as No. 1 London, accordingly. It is most particularly No. 1 when Richard Wellesley’s brother, the Duke of Wellington, is in residence."
Love of books --- I was frequently unequal to the temptation to browse among its (Hatchard’s) wares. In truth, I visited it nearly every day that weather permitted. I was not yet so far sunk in depravity as to actually purchase many volumes, being a firm friend of the Circulating Library; but I dearly loved to caress the boards of fresh publications, feel the weight of their paper and the elegance of their type, and I frequently consulted the newspapers Hatchard’s so obligingly made available to the publick for a trifling fee."
Her own writing ---"Much the same might be said of dear Fanny. She has always seemed too cool for her heart ever to have been engaged. I wonder if she will recognise some part of herself in my spoilt and engaging Miss Woodhouse?” Fanny is Jane Austen’s niece and a welcome addition to the story.
Jane weighing the possibilities --- "Had Dr. Matthew Baillie satisfied himself, and all at Carlton House, that Colonel MacFarland died of a fit? Or was James Stanier Clarke merely voicing a neat resolution to an untidy business, in deference to the sensibilities of a lady?"
Either you enjoy or are put off by the etiquette of the period --- "Dear Madam: I felt it incumbent upon me to offer my sincere apologies for the unfortunate disruption of our interesting conversation yesterday at Carlton House, and my own lamentable inattention to your welfare as you quitted the Regent’s establishment. I know your delicacy and goodness will allow for the demands of a sudden illness within the Household, and the Duties required of a clergyman in such sad cases; and your forgiveness must be secured upon learning that Colonel MacFarland departed this life not a quarter-hour after I was summoned to his bedside. He did not go unshriven to his Reward—which must be of comfort to every Christian. If you desire at any time to take up the invitation extended to you—that of employing His Royal Highness’s commodious Library in pursuit of your Art—pray dear Madam know that one word to me is sufficient. Believe me at all times With sincerity & respect Your faithful & obliged Servant J.S. Clarke"
Finally – my one complaint
I understand that Austen’s English used other spellings than what the O.E.D. now approves. Does it further the period “atmosphere” to have alternative spellings of “sopha,” “chuse,” “stile,” “clew,” and so many more?
September 25, 2017
Jane and the Waterloo Map is the thirteenth entry in this wonderful series, and I would have to contradict Mr. Bennet most firmly if he told me that it had “delighted me long enough.” To the contrary—I’m only sad that we are drawing so close to the time of Jane Austen’s illness and death, as it will bring an end to my pleasure in reading about the previously unknown exploits of the plucky Jane Austen.
I’ve said before that Stephanie Barron writes Austenesque prose better than anyone living, and this book lived up to that claim. The opening line is a classic example: “There can be few things more lowering to the female sensibility than to be caught in a shower of rain at exactly the moment one most desires to appear to advantage.” The Jane Austen she creates and the entire world she evokes are credible and impeccably researched without banging the reader over the head with data.
In this tale, Jane has been staying in London with her favorite brother, Henry, who is just emerging from a life-threatening illness. Though he is out of danger, she is staying on as she waits to receive the proofs of Emma for correction. Unexpectedly she receives a summons to Carlton House, the residence of the Prince Regent: it appears he is an admirer of her work and wishes her to make free of his library, if it would help her in her endeavors. Jane has no affection for the raddled roué of a prince, but she obediently goes on a visit (the occasion of the sad dampness quoted above). While touring the library with his chief librarian, she comes across a man who has taken seriously ill; in offering him succor, she hears his final words: “Waterloo map.” From there she’s off on the trail of mystery and political intrigue.
When I stopped to consider the plot, I found it a pretty extreme stretch of credulity. But why stop to consider such mundanities when one is racing about London with Jane Austen? It’s too much fun to worry about minor issues like plausibility. The one objection I would make is that Jane is more hasty and sloppy in her reasoning than usual, which leads her down a number of false pathways. I would have expected her to be shrewder and more cautious in drawing conclusions. Still, it was a delightful diversion, full of well-drawn characters and intriguing twists.
While it is not strictly necessary to have read the whole series—a basic knowledge of Jane Austen’s life and works will do—the experience is richer when you know the whole history of her ventures in detection.
I’ve said before that Stephanie Barron writes Austenesque prose better than anyone living, and this book lived up to that claim. The opening line is a classic example: “There can be few things more lowering to the female sensibility than to be caught in a shower of rain at exactly the moment one most desires to appear to advantage.” The Jane Austen she creates and the entire world she evokes are credible and impeccably researched without banging the reader over the head with data.
In this tale, Jane has been staying in London with her favorite brother, Henry, who is just emerging from a life-threatening illness. Though he is out of danger, she is staying on as she waits to receive the proofs of Emma for correction. Unexpectedly she receives a summons to Carlton House, the residence of the Prince Regent: it appears he is an admirer of her work and wishes her to make free of his library, if it would help her in her endeavors. Jane has no affection for the raddled roué of a prince, but she obediently goes on a visit (the occasion of the sad dampness quoted above). While touring the library with his chief librarian, she comes across a man who has taken seriously ill; in offering him succor, she hears his final words: “Waterloo map.” From there she’s off on the trail of mystery and political intrigue.
When I stopped to consider the plot, I found it a pretty extreme stretch of credulity. But why stop to consider such mundanities when one is racing about London with Jane Austen? It’s too much fun to worry about minor issues like plausibility. The one objection I would make is that Jane is more hasty and sloppy in her reasoning than usual, which leads her down a number of false pathways. I would have expected her to be shrewder and more cautious in drawing conclusions. Still, it was a delightful diversion, full of well-drawn characters and intriguing twists.
While it is not strictly necessary to have read the whole series—a basic knowledge of Jane Austen’s life and works will do—the experience is richer when you know the whole history of her ventures in detection.
May 21, 2016
This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
This is number 13 in the ‘Being a Jane Austen Mystery’ series, following on from ‘Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas’ which I reviewed last year. It is November 1815 and Jane Austen is staying with her brother Henry, in London. Jane is waiting for the proofs of ‘Emma’ to correct them ready for publishing. We meet up with Jane Austen as she is arriving at the Prince Regent’s home, as he is desirous of having one of her novels dedicated to him. During this visit she is shown the library, where she finds a soldier, Colonel MacFarland in a terrible state, fitting and vomiting. Obviously she and her guide go to the man’s aid, and while her guide rushes away to find a doctor Jane is left tending to the soldier. MacFarland struggles to get out two words: “Waterloo Map”, but that is all he can manage. Later, Jane comes to suspect that rather than suffering from an apoplexy, the soldier may have been poisoned. Having the acquaintance of the Regent’s physician, Dr Matthew Baillie, who ends up being the last person to treat MacFarland, Jane is able to raise this suspicion and the doctor is able to confirm that unfortunately this is correct. But what the Waterloo Map is, where it is, what it could tell us, and who would be willing to kill to obtain it are all questions that Jane works to try and uncover.
This mystery ties in with some known events of Jane’s life, and many of the characters in the story are people who actually existed, though of course their actions and characters in real life might well have differed from the representation here. I found this blending of real life and fiction excellent. One thing I thought was particularly helpful was that there were notes to tell the reader that some events actually happened, which was useful, as aside from the murder, which you know to be fiction, it’s not always easy to tell what is historical and what is fictionalised. It’s obvious that a lot of research went into the making of this book, and you not only feel like you’re being entertained, but that you are learning something about the past as you read.
Joining Jane in her investigations are her brother Henry, her niece Fanny Knight, and a gentleman that we met in ‘Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas’, Mr Raphael West, son of the prominent artist, Benjamin West. Given Raphael West’s role in the stories I assumed he was a fictional character, but actually he was a real person, though I have no idea whether he knew Jane Austen. There are mentions of the previous book, but nothing that verges into spoiler territory, and you could read this as a stand-alone book without trouble.
This story is written first person, from Jane Austen’s point of view, and I really enjoyed her ‘voice’. Having read some of Austen’s surviving letters I think the author did a good job of capturing her tone. Here she reflects on how it would be to write in the Prince Regent’s library, with his numerous footmen (who were all referred to as ‘James’ for convenience) at her beck and call:
‘I might be undisturbed for hours, treated to good coal fires, and have my pick of myriad Jameses to bring me ratafia and cakes whenever I desired them.’
Although the spelling in this book is US English, the language used isn’t particularly American, with the exception of the odd word here and there such as ‘foyer’ instead of ‘hall’. I was a little surprised at the fact that Jane sometimes goes out alone, as I didn’t think that was the done thing for a lady in London regardless of her age, though I suppose when conducting a murder investigation the rules of society can’t always be strictly observed.
I thought the mystery itself was good; there were a few big red herrings, but also some clues there. In some mysteries there are details which are not available to the reader until later but that’s not the case here, the events and behaviours of characters are there for you to interpret. The only quibble I had about this mystery was the pacing of it, which seemed a little uneven to me – it’s quite slow going for quite a while but ends at breakneck speed. I still had a few questions that remained unanswered by the end, but that’s more me being nosey rather than the mystery not being fully explained!
For me, the big draw of these books is spending so much time with Jane Austen in her fictional adventures, and I very much enjoyed it, although, like many books featuring Austen, it made me feel a little bit sad to feel how little time she had left after the setting of this book, less than two years. I certainly hope we get more in this series to enjoy! I’d highly recommend this book and rate it as a 4½ star read.
*I received an e-book of this book for my honest review as part of the blog tour.
This is number 13 in the ‘Being a Jane Austen Mystery’ series, following on from ‘Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas’ which I reviewed last year. It is November 1815 and Jane Austen is staying with her brother Henry, in London. Jane is waiting for the proofs of ‘Emma’ to correct them ready for publishing. We meet up with Jane Austen as she is arriving at the Prince Regent’s home, as he is desirous of having one of her novels dedicated to him. During this visit she is shown the library, where she finds a soldier, Colonel MacFarland in a terrible state, fitting and vomiting. Obviously she and her guide go to the man’s aid, and while her guide rushes away to find a doctor Jane is left tending to the soldier. MacFarland struggles to get out two words: “Waterloo Map”, but that is all he can manage. Later, Jane comes to suspect that rather than suffering from an apoplexy, the soldier may have been poisoned. Having the acquaintance of the Regent’s physician, Dr Matthew Baillie, who ends up being the last person to treat MacFarland, Jane is able to raise this suspicion and the doctor is able to confirm that unfortunately this is correct. But what the Waterloo Map is, where it is, what it could tell us, and who would be willing to kill to obtain it are all questions that Jane works to try and uncover.
This mystery ties in with some known events of Jane’s life, and many of the characters in the story are people who actually existed, though of course their actions and characters in real life might well have differed from the representation here. I found this blending of real life and fiction excellent. One thing I thought was particularly helpful was that there were notes to tell the reader that some events actually happened, which was useful, as aside from the murder, which you know to be fiction, it’s not always easy to tell what is historical and what is fictionalised. It’s obvious that a lot of research went into the making of this book, and you not only feel like you’re being entertained, but that you are learning something about the past as you read.
Joining Jane in her investigations are her brother Henry, her niece Fanny Knight, and a gentleman that we met in ‘Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas’, Mr Raphael West, son of the prominent artist, Benjamin West. Given Raphael West’s role in the stories I assumed he was a fictional character, but actually he was a real person, though I have no idea whether he knew Jane Austen. There are mentions of the previous book, but nothing that verges into spoiler territory, and you could read this as a stand-alone book without trouble.
This story is written first person, from Jane Austen’s point of view, and I really enjoyed her ‘voice’. Having read some of Austen’s surviving letters I think the author did a good job of capturing her tone. Here she reflects on how it would be to write in the Prince Regent’s library, with his numerous footmen (who were all referred to as ‘James’ for convenience) at her beck and call:
‘I might be undisturbed for hours, treated to good coal fires, and have my pick of myriad Jameses to bring me ratafia and cakes whenever I desired them.’
Although the spelling in this book is US English, the language used isn’t particularly American, with the exception of the odd word here and there such as ‘foyer’ instead of ‘hall’. I was a little surprised at the fact that Jane sometimes goes out alone, as I didn’t think that was the done thing for a lady in London regardless of her age, though I suppose when conducting a murder investigation the rules of society can’t always be strictly observed.
I thought the mystery itself was good; there were a few big red herrings, but also some clues there. In some mysteries there are details which are not available to the reader until later but that’s not the case here, the events and behaviours of characters are there for you to interpret. The only quibble I had about this mystery was the pacing of it, which seemed a little uneven to me – it’s quite slow going for quite a while but ends at breakneck speed. I still had a few questions that remained unanswered by the end, but that’s more me being nosey rather than the mystery not being fully explained!
For me, the big draw of these books is spending so much time with Jane Austen in her fictional adventures, and I very much enjoyed it, although, like many books featuring Austen, it made me feel a little bit sad to feel how little time she had left after the setting of this book, less than two years. I certainly hope we get more in this series to enjoy! I’d highly recommend this book and rate it as a 4½ star read.
*I received an e-book of this book for my honest review as part of the blog tour.
July 13, 2016
Each installment of this series is fascinating and enchanting in it's own way as it takes the reader through the life of Jane Austen as both a famous real life authoress, but also as a fictional detective. The historical is colorful and authentic and the mystery is clever and challenging. The reader is treated to real events, real characters, and real settings that are augmented in such a way as to blend fiction with fact seamlessly.
With this thirteenth book, we find Jane Austen spending November of 1815 in London nursing her brother Henry through a bad infection and awaiting the proofs for her latest book, Emma, not realizing that another adventure involving murder is soon to come her way.
A visit to Carlton House is tedious until she comes across a dying man whose last words lead Jane on the hunt to discover the secrets of the Waterloo Map. Death and danger stalk anyone who comes in contact with the map so it becomes imperative to discover the truth. Jane's detecting partner from the previous Christmas, Mr. Rafael West, joins her in the hunt to find the murderer and solve the clue of the map. His presence is a little unsettling particularly when he gives her those fulsome glances that make her wish for what might be though she dare not trust there could truly be anything between them.
Jane herself becomes a target when her sleuthing makes the killer nervous and Henry, her brother, regardless of his own financial worries and illness is determined that she be kept safe even if he has to send her all the way back to Hampshire. Not that Jane plans on being sent anywhere. There is the cipher that must be solved, the French connection, and what really happened on that battlefield at Waterloo?
As a history buff, I enjoy a story that delivers not just a developed plot that keeps me riveted as it steadily works toward the conclusion, but also a story with a well-researched background. Each of these mysteries teaches me something new like in this case there are the medicinal use of the yew plant, water color as a painting technique, Regency era secret codes and ciphering, the economy of England after the Napoleonic war, and of course Jane Austen's activities during the month of November in 1815.
And beyond the historical there is the life of Jane story thread. I enjoyed having Jane in London with her favorite brother Henry and joined by her twenty two year old niece, Fanny Knight, her brother Edward's daughter. The home life and activities described were interesting and one of my favorite parts of the book. Henry was the brother who encouraged her writing and allowed her to be herself. It was sad seeing him having the crisis with his banks because of the economic conditions, but he was so stoic about it. Fanny comes to London and it is like a breath of freedom for her after becoming the lady of the house after her mother's death taking care of home and younger siblings while being passed over twice by suitors. I enjoyed her in the role of junior detective with her aunt and how Jane is there to confide in.
The relationship with Rafael West is fictional even though they are both real life figures. They have mutual respect and there is an attraction, but the author keeps it tenuous and more bittersweet as something that will probably never be though is longed for by the two lonely people. They are a good detecting team though they don't share as much page time as they did in the last book.
As to the mystery plot, I enjoyed it and was as surprised as could be at the reveal, but for some reason it was a let down. I think that is a bit on me because I built up something in my head and it went a different direction that wasn't nearly as satisfying. Truthfully, the hunt for clues was the interesting part and the solution didn't do much for me. It felt rather pitiful and sad when all was said and done.
On a side note, I can't help, but notice her age and how near it is coming to the end of her life as the book closes out the year 1815. Since this is fiction, couldn't there be an alternate history for her?
All in all, this is a series I eagerly await each new installment. I love having Jane Austen as a fictional detective and enjoy the author's blend of authentic historical with cunning mystery. I would recommend the series to historical mystery fans or fans of Jane Austen.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This review appeared originally on Fangs, Wands, & Fairydust blog as: Jane And the Waterloo Map: In His Majesty’s Sleuthing Service
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
With this thirteenth book, we find Jane Austen spending November of 1815 in London nursing her brother Henry through a bad infection and awaiting the proofs for her latest book, Emma, not realizing that another adventure involving murder is soon to come her way.
A visit to Carlton House is tedious until she comes across a dying man whose last words lead Jane on the hunt to discover the secrets of the Waterloo Map. Death and danger stalk anyone who comes in contact with the map so it becomes imperative to discover the truth. Jane's detecting partner from the previous Christmas, Mr. Rafael West, joins her in the hunt to find the murderer and solve the clue of the map. His presence is a little unsettling particularly when he gives her those fulsome glances that make her wish for what might be though she dare not trust there could truly be anything between them.
Jane herself becomes a target when her sleuthing makes the killer nervous and Henry, her brother, regardless of his own financial worries and illness is determined that she be kept safe even if he has to send her all the way back to Hampshire. Not that Jane plans on being sent anywhere. There is the cipher that must be solved, the French connection, and what really happened on that battlefield at Waterloo?
As a history buff, I enjoy a story that delivers not just a developed plot that keeps me riveted as it steadily works toward the conclusion, but also a story with a well-researched background. Each of these mysteries teaches me something new like in this case there are the medicinal use of the yew plant, water color as a painting technique, Regency era secret codes and ciphering, the economy of England after the Napoleonic war, and of course Jane Austen's activities during the month of November in 1815.
And beyond the historical there is the life of Jane story thread. I enjoyed having Jane in London with her favorite brother Henry and joined by her twenty two year old niece, Fanny Knight, her brother Edward's daughter. The home life and activities described were interesting and one of my favorite parts of the book. Henry was the brother who encouraged her writing and allowed her to be herself. It was sad seeing him having the crisis with his banks because of the economic conditions, but he was so stoic about it. Fanny comes to London and it is like a breath of freedom for her after becoming the lady of the house after her mother's death taking care of home and younger siblings while being passed over twice by suitors. I enjoyed her in the role of junior detective with her aunt and how Jane is there to confide in.
The relationship with Rafael West is fictional even though they are both real life figures. They have mutual respect and there is an attraction, but the author keeps it tenuous and more bittersweet as something that will probably never be though is longed for by the two lonely people. They are a good detecting team though they don't share as much page time as they did in the last book.
As to the mystery plot, I enjoyed it and was as surprised as could be at the reveal, but for some reason it was a let down. I think that is a bit on me because I built up something in my head and it went a different direction that wasn't nearly as satisfying. Truthfully, the hunt for clues was the interesting part and the solution didn't do much for me. It felt rather pitiful and sad when all was said and done.
On a side note, I can't help, but notice her age and how near it is coming to the end of her life as the book closes out the year 1815. Since this is fiction, couldn't there be an alternate history for her?
All in all, this is a series I eagerly await each new installment. I love having Jane Austen as a fictional detective and enjoy the author's blend of authentic historical with cunning mystery. I would recommend the series to historical mystery fans or fans of Jane Austen.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This review appeared originally on Fangs, Wands, & Fairydust blog as: Jane And the Waterloo Map: In His Majesty’s Sleuthing Service
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
May 3, 2016
4.5 stars
Yes, there are some who recommend that you read this series “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” from the beginning, from Book 1. I have read books one and two but in winning this book on a blog I decided not to wait until I went back and read the others. I did notice the footnoted references to events or persons from previous books and know that this author does have some continuing links but I was completely satisfied in my enjoyment of this book without wondering about who or what those references completely involved. Someday I will read all the books as I have enjoyed the few already read.
I have to note here also that there are a number of excellent reviews both on Amazon and Goodreads. Yes, Jane has come to 23 Hans Place London to nurse her brother, Henry, who is not only sick but also struggling to address his approaching bankruptcy, which will affect his brothers and some war veterans. He and Jane have also the matter of her books: a change in publisher and a need to proof the copy for Emma. The latter is delayed due to a shortage of good paper in London.
She is invited to Carlton House, the residence of HRH, by his librarian and chaplain, James Stanier Clarke, who invites/suggests strongly that Jane, might want to dedicate her next book, Emma, to the Prince Regent. She puts off answering him as they are touring the library of that house and as they discover a man in throes of apoplexy, vomiting, and unable to move but muttering what sounds like, “Waterloo Map”. Jane turns his head and wipes his lips with her handkerchief and he is carried off, only to soon die. He is identified as one of the heroes of Waterloo, a Colonel Ewan MacFarland of the Second Dragoons, Union Brigade (Scots Greys).
His death is attributed to a fit of apoplexy BUT when Jane examines her handkerchief and discovers some Yew needles, and finding such are a deadly poison, brings this discovery to the Court Physician, Dr. Matthew Baillie. He brings the body back from that victim’s sister’s house and performs what we know as an autopsy. He now agrees with Jane that the man was murdered. And as they search the library they turn up what they believe is what that man may have hidden before he expired, a map with a letter on the back and some letters and/or numbers which seem to indicate a code, a secret code.
Things darken as both Jane and Dr. Baillie are attacked? Why, we wonder? Does someone know of their discovery of the map as we speculate why a small homemade book is stolen from Jane’s reticule?
Charles Haden, surgeon to Henry Austen, provides an escort and his views on discoveries or happenings. While a Raphael West (son of Benjamin West) who had been the painter with HRH the day Jane was invited by the Royal librarian and whom Jane knows served as a government spy also reprises his role in looking for clues and suspects in this mystery. Jane’s niece, Fanny Knight, arrives; sent to help in nursing her uncle. But she too joins in traipsing down information sought as well as pursuing the feminine art of securing laces, fabrics and accessories while in London.
This story is a pleasant mix of mystery and looking on one small part of Jane Austen’s life and her relationship with others in her family and even those with an interest in the publication of her books. The author has provided us with a small clip book by book of possibilities from Jane’s life. Her research into the history of the time, and in this book even Jane’s relationship with the prince, adds to our appreciation of this novel. And I also have to say I applaud the talent shown in misdirecting the readers as to the identity of the villain herein!
Yes, there are some who recommend that you read this series “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” from the beginning, from Book 1. I have read books one and two but in winning this book on a blog I decided not to wait until I went back and read the others. I did notice the footnoted references to events or persons from previous books and know that this author does have some continuing links but I was completely satisfied in my enjoyment of this book without wondering about who or what those references completely involved. Someday I will read all the books as I have enjoyed the few already read.
I have to note here also that there are a number of excellent reviews both on Amazon and Goodreads. Yes, Jane has come to 23 Hans Place London to nurse her brother, Henry, who is not only sick but also struggling to address his approaching bankruptcy, which will affect his brothers and some war veterans. He and Jane have also the matter of her books: a change in publisher and a need to proof the copy for Emma. The latter is delayed due to a shortage of good paper in London.
She is invited to Carlton House, the residence of HRH, by his librarian and chaplain, James Stanier Clarke, who invites/suggests strongly that Jane, might want to dedicate her next book, Emma, to the Prince Regent. She puts off answering him as they are touring the library of that house and as they discover a man in throes of apoplexy, vomiting, and unable to move but muttering what sounds like, “Waterloo Map”. Jane turns his head and wipes his lips with her handkerchief and he is carried off, only to soon die. He is identified as one of the heroes of Waterloo, a Colonel Ewan MacFarland of the Second Dragoons, Union Brigade (Scots Greys).
His death is attributed to a fit of apoplexy BUT when Jane examines her handkerchief and discovers some Yew needles, and finding such are a deadly poison, brings this discovery to the Court Physician, Dr. Matthew Baillie. He brings the body back from that victim’s sister’s house and performs what we know as an autopsy. He now agrees with Jane that the man was murdered. And as they search the library they turn up what they believe is what that man may have hidden before he expired, a map with a letter on the back and some letters and/or numbers which seem to indicate a code, a secret code.
Things darken as both Jane and Dr. Baillie are attacked? Why, we wonder? Does someone know of their discovery of the map as we speculate why a small homemade book is stolen from Jane’s reticule?
Charles Haden, surgeon to Henry Austen, provides an escort and his views on discoveries or happenings. While a Raphael West (son of Benjamin West) who had been the painter with HRH the day Jane was invited by the Royal librarian and whom Jane knows served as a government spy also reprises his role in looking for clues and suspects in this mystery. Jane’s niece, Fanny Knight, arrives; sent to help in nursing her uncle. But she too joins in traipsing down information sought as well as pursuing the feminine art of securing laces, fabrics and accessories while in London.
This story is a pleasant mix of mystery and looking on one small part of Jane Austen’s life and her relationship with others in her family and even those with an interest in the publication of her books. The author has provided us with a small clip book by book of possibilities from Jane’s life. Her research into the history of the time, and in this book even Jane’s relationship with the prince, adds to our appreciation of this novel. And I also have to say I applaud the talent shown in misdirecting the readers as to the identity of the villain herein!
February 15, 2016
Can Jane determine the significance of a watercolour map of Waterloo before more lives are lost?
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author for a fair and honest review of this book.
Last December, I had the pleasure to read and review my first book in the series, “Being a Jane Austen Mystery,” by Stephanie Barron, which was the 12th book in this series, titled “Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas.” When I learned that her next book was soon being published, “Jane and the Waterloo Map,” I was thrilled to join the blog tour for this latest publication.
Once again, from the very first pages, I was transported 200 years back in time, and there I was in Jane Austen’s London of 1815, and this time, I found myself standing in Jane’s rather damp and wet feet, and “thoroughly drenched” as she’s entering Carlton House, where she has been asked to “discuss” the dedication to her upcoming publication, “Emma.” Before she is able to finish her conversation with the Prince’s Librarian and Chaplain, James Stanier Clarke, she finds herself attending to a British soldier named Colonel McFarland, as he is gasping for his final breaths. His barely audible parting words, “Waterloo Map” are spoken to Jane and lead her to wonder about the significance of these final words.
As a lady of tremendous wit and introspection, Jane’s mind begins to speculate about the soldier’s words, and when the contents of her handkerchief, which she had used to assist McFarland, contain a possible clue to his shocking death, she finds herself about to be tangled up in solving a new murder mystery. When she continues to unravel the various clues in her path, she must ask herself if she is truly willing to pursue her suspicions, even when it becomes apparent that tremendous danger may lie ahead for her and her love ones.
While Jane resides in London spending time on a visit with her dear brother Henry Austen, she finds herself dividing her time between nursing Henry back to help, proofing her book “Emma” for its first publication through her collaboration with her new publisher, John Murray, and attempting to answer a myriad of questions left in the wake of McFarland’s death. Events in the story soon have her reestablishing her prior friendship with the British painter, Raphael West, who we met in her last book, and before long, they are working as a team to determine their role in solving McFarland’s death, as well as their duty to warn the Prince about possible threats to his own safety.
As Henry’s health continues to fluctuate during this period of time, he is also joined by his niece, Fanny Knight, and together with Jane, the trio spend their time attending to a variety of tasks, while West and Henry’s doctor, Mr. Haden, provide them with companionship during their visits to Henry’s home at 23 Hans Place, London. As Fanny eagerly becomes drawn into helping Austen and West work together to solve this mystery, we see glimmers of the infamous Austen wit and character shining through Fanny’s own actions. Jane and West soon find themselves navigating their way through a cast of characters who appear genuinely wounded by McFarland’s death; yet are their wounds suffered as a result of remorse or are these injuries sustained as a result of jealousy and greed?
I found the mystery in this book more compelling than in her last book, as I felt that Barron gave us a bit more intrigue and suspense here, rather than more of the particulars of this time period. Each chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself reading longer than I had planned at each sitting just to quench my desire to solve this mystery. The historical information that guides us through the story’s events and provides the story it’s various settings, kept me engaged with the text well after I closed the covers on this book. (I made a Pinterest board just for this book, which is a collection of all of the images and websites that the book inspired me to visit.)
The interactions between the characters provided another layer of enjoyment. How can one not love witnessing Jane spending time with her beloved brother Henry, especially when it has always been Henry who has helped her nurture and sustain her art during a time when most women would not dare to pursue a career in writing novels?
I found her niece Fanny to be clever and amusing while she also added to the book’s humor and cheekiness. It was poignant and bittersweet imagining that Jane’s own life guided Fanny to make certain decisions regarding her own future.
Mr. West’s relationship with Jane also took us through numerous emotions. After their experiences together at The Vyne during Barron’s last book, we get a sense that Jane is still sketching West’s character and that the gentleman certainly does improve upon further acquaintance. However, while we are aware of Jane’s own deepening regard for West, what can we discern about his own feelings towards her? Is the future author of “Persuasion” about to get her own chance at romantic love?
Although my initial journey into reading Jane Austen Fan Fiction started with my desire to spend more time with the haughty Mr. Darcy and the irreverent Elizabeth Bennet, Barron’s series has granted to her readers the rare gift of spending time with Jane Austen through books that read not only like mysteries, yet also like out-of-body experiences, where the reader feels an affinity with Austen that is incomparable to anything else I have had the pleasure of reading. This remarkable work is accomplished through Barron’s masterful construction of dialogue and narration that reads with a well-honed authenticity and an established authority that has been acquired throughout her skillful practice during the writing of this series. Her cleverly inserted nods to my favorite Austen book made me love this story even more!
We will never truly know who Jane Austen was, but after reading Barron’s two last books, I have a really good sense that she has astutely filled in the gaps left from Jane’s all too brief life, in a manner that honors the woman, the writer, and the sister, who brought to us deliciously complex and insightful characters that not only have stirred our very souls for over two centuries, but who have compelled us to live better lives. For all of this, I can only thank Ms. Barron and her muse, the immortal Jane Austen.
As a footnote to my readers, I have two points I want to share with you. First, please know this is a series that I have enjoyed jumping into at book #12, and I will go back soon to book #1, and start the series at the beginning. Yet, I feel you could easily try either approach. Second, the narrator for these audiobooks is an absolute favorite of mine. Therefore, there are quite a few ways for you to enter into this delightful series. Enjoy!
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Source: I received an ARC of this book from the author for a fair and honest review of this book.
Last December, I had the pleasure to read and review my first book in the series, “Being a Jane Austen Mystery,” by Stephanie Barron, which was the 12th book in this series, titled “Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas.” When I learned that her next book was soon being published, “Jane and the Waterloo Map,” I was thrilled to join the blog tour for this latest publication.
Once again, from the very first pages, I was transported 200 years back in time, and there I was in Jane Austen’s London of 1815, and this time, I found myself standing in Jane’s rather damp and wet feet, and “thoroughly drenched” as she’s entering Carlton House, where she has been asked to “discuss” the dedication to her upcoming publication, “Emma.” Before she is able to finish her conversation with the Prince’s Librarian and Chaplain, James Stanier Clarke, she finds herself attending to a British soldier named Colonel McFarland, as he is gasping for his final breaths. His barely audible parting words, “Waterloo Map” are spoken to Jane and lead her to wonder about the significance of these final words.
As a lady of tremendous wit and introspection, Jane’s mind begins to speculate about the soldier’s words, and when the contents of her handkerchief, which she had used to assist McFarland, contain a possible clue to his shocking death, she finds herself about to be tangled up in solving a new murder mystery. When she continues to unravel the various clues in her path, she must ask herself if she is truly willing to pursue her suspicions, even when it becomes apparent that tremendous danger may lie ahead for her and her love ones.
While Jane resides in London spending time on a visit with her dear brother Henry Austen, she finds herself dividing her time between nursing Henry back to help, proofing her book “Emma” for its first publication through her collaboration with her new publisher, John Murray, and attempting to answer a myriad of questions left in the wake of McFarland’s death. Events in the story soon have her reestablishing her prior friendship with the British painter, Raphael West, who we met in her last book, and before long, they are working as a team to determine their role in solving McFarland’s death, as well as their duty to warn the Prince about possible threats to his own safety.
As Henry’s health continues to fluctuate during this period of time, he is also joined by his niece, Fanny Knight, and together with Jane, the trio spend their time attending to a variety of tasks, while West and Henry’s doctor, Mr. Haden, provide them with companionship during their visits to Henry’s home at 23 Hans Place, London. As Fanny eagerly becomes drawn into helping Austen and West work together to solve this mystery, we see glimmers of the infamous Austen wit and character shining through Fanny’s own actions. Jane and West soon find themselves navigating their way through a cast of characters who appear genuinely wounded by McFarland’s death; yet are their wounds suffered as a result of remorse or are these injuries sustained as a result of jealousy and greed?
I found the mystery in this book more compelling than in her last book, as I felt that Barron gave us a bit more intrigue and suspense here, rather than more of the particulars of this time period. Each chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself reading longer than I had planned at each sitting just to quench my desire to solve this mystery. The historical information that guides us through the story’s events and provides the story it’s various settings, kept me engaged with the text well after I closed the covers on this book. (I made a Pinterest board just for this book, which is a collection of all of the images and websites that the book inspired me to visit.)
The interactions between the characters provided another layer of enjoyment. How can one not love witnessing Jane spending time with her beloved brother Henry, especially when it has always been Henry who has helped her nurture and sustain her art during a time when most women would not dare to pursue a career in writing novels?
I found her niece Fanny to be clever and amusing while she also added to the book’s humor and cheekiness. It was poignant and bittersweet imagining that Jane’s own life guided Fanny to make certain decisions regarding her own future.
Mr. West’s relationship with Jane also took us through numerous emotions. After their experiences together at The Vyne during Barron’s last book, we get a sense that Jane is still sketching West’s character and that the gentleman certainly does improve upon further acquaintance. However, while we are aware of Jane’s own deepening regard for West, what can we discern about his own feelings towards her? Is the future author of “Persuasion” about to get her own chance at romantic love?
Although my initial journey into reading Jane Austen Fan Fiction started with my desire to spend more time with the haughty Mr. Darcy and the irreverent Elizabeth Bennet, Barron’s series has granted to her readers the rare gift of spending time with Jane Austen through books that read not only like mysteries, yet also like out-of-body experiences, where the reader feels an affinity with Austen that is incomparable to anything else I have had the pleasure of reading. This remarkable work is accomplished through Barron’s masterful construction of dialogue and narration that reads with a well-honed authenticity and an established authority that has been acquired throughout her skillful practice during the writing of this series. Her cleverly inserted nods to my favorite Austen book made me love this story even more!
We will never truly know who Jane Austen was, but after reading Barron’s two last books, I have a really good sense that she has astutely filled in the gaps left from Jane’s all too brief life, in a manner that honors the woman, the writer, and the sister, who brought to us deliciously complex and insightful characters that not only have stirred our very souls for over two centuries, but who have compelled us to live better lives. For all of this, I can only thank Ms. Barron and her muse, the immortal Jane Austen.
As a footnote to my readers, I have two points I want to share with you. First, please know this is a series that I have enjoyed jumping into at book #12, and I will go back soon to book #1, and start the series at the beginning. Yet, I feel you could easily try either approach. Second, the narrator for these audiobooks is an absolute favorite of mine. Therefore, there are quite a few ways for you to enter into this delightful series. Enjoy!
April 24, 2024
Jane is invited to the palace of the Prince Regent to visit his library. She is "delighted" that the Prince Regent has "granted her the honor" of dedicating her next book to him, even though she secretly despises the Prince Regent for his selfishly lavish lifestyle. While Jane is visiting the library, a military man stumbles in, foaming at the mouth and evidently poisoned. Before he dies, he manages to whisper two words to Jane, "Waterloo Map". Jane begins to investigate what the poor man could have meant, and why he would have been poisoned in the Prince Regent's own house.
I really liked this story and the history behind it. There is quite a lot of real history woven into the story with Jane's family and her acquaintances, but of course the murder mystery and Jane's involvement in the investigation are entirely fictional. I loved learning more about the military campaigns surrounding Waterloo.
I enjoyed seeing more of Jane's brother, Henry. He is always ready to dive in and assist Jane in a murder investigation. It's really interesting to imagine what their family might have been like, how they might have talked with one another, and how they would have interacted. I especially liked the scenes with Jane and her niece Fanny. Jane is supposed to be acting as a chaperone for her niece, but she's not doing a very good job because they keep getting distracted by clues.
The murder mystery is really good! I was completely fooled by the red herrings, and had no idea who the murderer could be right up until the big reveal at the end. I was totally surprised and shocked, but it all made sense.
I love the formal writing style that mimics the Regency era language. The dialogue is fairly close to what a real conversation might have been like in that time period. It really immerses you in the history.
I really liked this story and the history behind it. There is quite a lot of real history woven into the story with Jane's family and her acquaintances, but of course the murder mystery and Jane's involvement in the investigation are entirely fictional. I loved learning more about the military campaigns surrounding Waterloo.
I enjoyed seeing more of Jane's brother, Henry. He is always ready to dive in and assist Jane in a murder investigation. It's really interesting to imagine what their family might have been like, how they might have talked with one another, and how they would have interacted. I especially liked the scenes with Jane and her niece Fanny. Jane is supposed to be acting as a chaperone for her niece, but she's not doing a very good job because they keep getting distracted by clues.
The murder mystery is really good! I was completely fooled by the red herrings, and had no idea who the murderer could be right up until the big reveal at the end. I was totally surprised and shocked, but it all made sense.
I love the formal writing style that mimics the Regency era language. The dialogue is fairly close to what a real conversation might have been like in that time period. It really immerses you in the history.
February 14, 2016
As a fan of the Being Jane Austen Mystery series, I have been all anticipation for the latest edition, "Jane and the Waterloo Map." Author Stephanie Barron knows her Austen lore, as well as a being a masterful storyteller and researcher; writing in a most Austen-like style. She is also The Incomparable when it comes to Regency mysteries. Given that disclaimer, and holding the series in much esteem, I feel quite at liberty to share my impressions herein.
The novel opens with our dear Miss Austen attending her sick brother Henry at his London residence while editing the proofs of her latest novel, "Emma," for her publisher John Murray. Summoned to Carlton House, the opulent London mansion of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, Jane meets his toady Historiographer, Mr. James Stanier Clarke, who not only arrogantly invites her to use the Royal Library to write her next novel, but welcomes her to dedicate her work-in-progress to the Prince Regent himself. As she holds the prince and his profligate ways in contempt, Jane cautiously makes no commitment and politely continues on with the tour. Upon reaching the library, they come upon a Colonel MacFarland, hero of Waterloo, collapsed upon the floor in an apoplectic fit. As Mr. Clarke finds help, the colonel utters his last words to Jane, “Waterloo map.” After a curious inspection of the colonel’s vomit, Jane speculates that the colonel may have been poisoned. The next day, word reaches her that the colonel did succumb, and it is not long before the royal physician confirms that the hero of Waterloo was murdered. Thus begins the intrigue—and danger—for our clever authoress as she exposes whodunit in this thirteenth of Stephanie Barron’s mystery series.
Likening Austen’s quality prose, Barron excels in credible dialog. Miss Austen’s voice, told from this fictional Jane Austen’s point-of-view, nearly flies off the page. While shopping for fabrics with her niece:
Fanny mused, a hand caressing each. “One is so truly purple; but the other is far more attractive, for being rather less.” “Then buy Eleanor the purple and take the violet for yourself,” I advised. “A girl is never so happy in her friend’s appearance, then when she displays a superior taste.” p.163
What sharp wit!
I have long missed the Gentleman Rogue, Lord Harold Trowbridge, fellow detective, confident and romantic interest of Jane Austen, who has been absent since the seventh book in this series. In this accounting our dear Miss Austen becomes reacquainted with the gallant and enigmatic artist, Raphael West, who aided her in solving another nefarious scheme the previous year in "Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas." Because history has told us Miss Austen never married, and in this series, she must be nearing her own death, I yearn for this astute observer of the human heart to have had experienced a great love of her own…and here, West’s fine person and manners can do nothing but recommend himself to Jane (and this reader)!
I nodded, my throat too tight for words. He retained my hand an instant, his eyes fixed on mine, then turned resolutely through the door. I am a liar if I said I attended to half what was said, for the remainder of dinner. p.169
Jane admits to herself she had “known one such a man before, and lost him.” p. 160 I suppose it is only fair to allow her to tread carefully to safeguard her own heart.
Though the early pacing seemed slow in setting the scene and the players, once all the clues were laid out, the novel took off at breakneck speed. A watercolor map of Waterloo, yew needles, unsavory characters, beloved family members, captivating gentlemen, betrayals, secrecy, and a couple of red herrings color this mystery, I confess I was confounded until the last. One need not read the previous twelve novels to be entertained by "Jane and the Waterloo Map." However, from one who has read this epic series in order, I recommend you follow my example to experience the full effect. You can thank me later.
The novel opens with our dear Miss Austen attending her sick brother Henry at his London residence while editing the proofs of her latest novel, "Emma," for her publisher John Murray. Summoned to Carlton House, the opulent London mansion of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, Jane meets his toady Historiographer, Mr. James Stanier Clarke, who not only arrogantly invites her to use the Royal Library to write her next novel, but welcomes her to dedicate her work-in-progress to the Prince Regent himself. As she holds the prince and his profligate ways in contempt, Jane cautiously makes no commitment and politely continues on with the tour. Upon reaching the library, they come upon a Colonel MacFarland, hero of Waterloo, collapsed upon the floor in an apoplectic fit. As Mr. Clarke finds help, the colonel utters his last words to Jane, “Waterloo map.” After a curious inspection of the colonel’s vomit, Jane speculates that the colonel may have been poisoned. The next day, word reaches her that the colonel did succumb, and it is not long before the royal physician confirms that the hero of Waterloo was murdered. Thus begins the intrigue—and danger—for our clever authoress as she exposes whodunit in this thirteenth of Stephanie Barron’s mystery series.
Likening Austen’s quality prose, Barron excels in credible dialog. Miss Austen’s voice, told from this fictional Jane Austen’s point-of-view, nearly flies off the page. While shopping for fabrics with her niece:
Fanny mused, a hand caressing each. “One is so truly purple; but the other is far more attractive, for being rather less.” “Then buy Eleanor the purple and take the violet for yourself,” I advised. “A girl is never so happy in her friend’s appearance, then when she displays a superior taste.” p.163
What sharp wit!
I have long missed the Gentleman Rogue, Lord Harold Trowbridge, fellow detective, confident and romantic interest of Jane Austen, who has been absent since the seventh book in this series. In this accounting our dear Miss Austen becomes reacquainted with the gallant and enigmatic artist, Raphael West, who aided her in solving another nefarious scheme the previous year in "Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas." Because history has told us Miss Austen never married, and in this series, she must be nearing her own death, I yearn for this astute observer of the human heart to have had experienced a great love of her own…and here, West’s fine person and manners can do nothing but recommend himself to Jane (and this reader)!
I nodded, my throat too tight for words. He retained my hand an instant, his eyes fixed on mine, then turned resolutely through the door. I am a liar if I said I attended to half what was said, for the remainder of dinner. p.169
Jane admits to herself she had “known one such a man before, and lost him.” p. 160 I suppose it is only fair to allow her to tread carefully to safeguard her own heart.
Though the early pacing seemed slow in setting the scene and the players, once all the clues were laid out, the novel took off at breakneck speed. A watercolor map of Waterloo, yew needles, unsavory characters, beloved family members, captivating gentlemen, betrayals, secrecy, and a couple of red herrings color this mystery, I confess I was confounded until the last. One need not read the previous twelve novels to be entertained by "Jane and the Waterloo Map." However, from one who has read this epic series in order, I recommend you follow my example to experience the full effect. You can thank me later.
August 1, 2022
Loved this so much. I've been reading so many historical mysteries over the past 2 years but steering clear of ones where the protagonist is an actual person - this, Nicola Upson's Josephine Tey series, Anna Castle's Francis Bason series etc. I mean, they are on my TBR list but I always seem to leave them in the list and go for those with purely fictional protagonists. How else could I have missed this series? It's so crisply written, well researched and evocative of Jane Austen books that I totally adored it. Yes, it is kind of cosy but it has the same underlying un-sentimentality that Jane Austen books have so it strikes a good balance and I wouldn't classify it as totally cosy. Can't recommend this series enough for lovers of historical mysteries, especially those set in the regency period. Unfortunately Scribd has only one other book in the series so my next task is to find copies of the others.
Read
December 27, 2018This was so much fun! I had feared to read this one earlier because it covers exactly the same period of Jane Austen's life as my own novel and I did not want to find myself anticipated. But now with that safely in the rearview I can simply enjoy the ride. This starts slow (in a good way) but grows gratifyingly suspenseful, with a number of unexpected twists before the final, satisfying conclusion.
I think there is a sense in which many of her fans feel that Jane Austen's life was too small to contain her genius -- one wishes so badly for her to have had MORE. More years, more adventures. Turning her into an amateur sleuth is a genius approach to this yearning.
I think there is a sense in which many of her fans feel that Jane Austen's life was too small to contain her genius -- one wishes so badly for her to have had MORE. More years, more adventures. Turning her into an amateur sleuth is a genius approach to this yearning.
January 8, 2019
Someone on Facebook mentioned the book and I went to my library to look for it. Unfortunately I had to start with #13 as my local library only had this book of Ms. Barron's series. ~I loved it! I am now hooked and must read the rest.
I love the work of Jane Austen but went into this book with an open mind. The writing is lovely with only a few missing words in the whole novel. A few missing punctuation marks as well. If you're looking for intelligent writing with some good research, try this series.
I love the work of Jane Austen but went into this book with an open mind. The writing is lovely with only a few missing words in the whole novel. A few missing punctuation marks as well. If you're looking for intelligent writing with some good research, try this series.
September 7, 2022
I loved this one and don’t really want the series to end. After these I have to go back to Jane Austen classics.
March 9, 2016
While Jane is in London attending to the proofs of Emma and nursing her brother Henry, she is brought to the notice of Mr. Baillie, a Court Physician, who in turn brings her to the notice of such a person as the Prince Regent himself! Prince George and his daughter Princess Charlotte are big fans of Miss Austen's novels and Jane is invited to view the Regent's library with James Stanier Clarke, a clergyman and historiographer. While there, she discovers a man lying paralyzed and ill. While Mr. Clarke runs for help, Jane is left to clean up after the sick man and attend to him. Later, after the man has died, she is shocked to discover yew leaves in the handkerchief. If the man, Col. MacFarland, a war hero, vomited yew leaves, then surely someone must have poisoned him. Jane wonders whether the mysterious death has to do with his final words to her "Waterloo map." Indeed, Jane discovers the presence of such a map hidden in the library. It's a watercolor of the Russian front with a cypher on the back. Jane knows of only one man who can help solve the mystery, Mr. Raphael West. Mr. West is busy attending his ill and aged father, the famous painter Mr. Benjamin West, but not too busy to assist Jane. Together with the help of Col. MacFarland's former batman Spence and Jane's niece Fanny, they endeavor to solve the mystery.
This story starts off a little slow even after Jane discovers Col. MacFarland. It didn't get really good until about halfway through the book and then I couldn't put it down. I had an early guess as to who the villain was but played along and followed the clues as Jane uncovered them to another person. It seemed I was wrong and Jane was right. Then it seemed I was sort of right, but I was proven wrong again. I never guessed who the villain actually was. The reader can not guess the motivation without knowing the cypher so that made it extra difficult. There are so many twists and turns in this story that make it a fun adventure. Then there's also a mild romance between Fanny and the surgeon and of course Jane and Mr. West. Jane is wary, given her broken heart and Mr. West's time is not his own. Sadly, we know dear Jane only has a year and a half left to live but I hope Ms. Barron can squeeze in another adventure or find some way to continue the series. I have enjoyed Jane's adventures in detecting.
There are a couple of real life figures who appear in this novel and several made up. Among the real people are Mr. Clarke, a Mr. Collins-like clergyman who presumed to tell Jane how to write. He's very amusing and her letters to him are full of patience but you can tell she was laughing at him. There's also Mr. Baillie, the physician who brought her to the notice of the Regent. He seems like a good doctor. We don't know much of his personality. Jane, of course, is the central character. The character Jane seems in keeping with what we know about the real Jane Austen and the author had letters from this period to draw on and quote from. I'd like to think that the author captured Jane's feelings correctly but we will never know. She's certainly a sympathetic character and with the events that transpired to cause her worry at the end of the novel, I feel more in sympathy with her. Being a nearly 40-year-old spinster is not easy in any time, but was especially difficult in the 19th century.
Raphael West is an in-between character. He existed in real life but not much is known about him. Stephanie Barron portrays him as kind, caring and intelligent man. He's not as brooding as The Gentleman Rogue but he does have burdens to bear and as such, the relationship can not be. I like how this introduces a romance but as we know, Jane never married, so the complications work out with real life history. They're also incredibly realistic complications that could have prevented someone like Jane from marrying someone like Raphael. The characters here feel like real people because of their real life concerns.
As for fictional characters, we have Spence, the old batman. He's a hardened campaigner and loyal to his master. He is frustrated by the lack of understand his master's sister and her betrothed have for him, despite Lieutenant Dunross also being a veteran. Dunross is not a likable character. He's brusque and mysterious. We don't know why he was forbidden to marry MacFarland's sister and it is suspected that he has a shady past. Miss MacFarland is also not a likable character. At first she seems admirable, standing up for herself when callers are refused, but then she turns off Spence without a character and makes plans to marry Dunross. However, Barron's skill is in writing a good mystery and these characters are mixed up in the mystery somehow, some way and we only see the characters from Jane's point-of-view and what she's been told by others. We are never in their heads so we don't actually know what they're up to.
I wouldn't recommend starting at the end of the series. I would start at the beginning or start with the previous mystery and then read this one.
This story starts off a little slow even after Jane discovers Col. MacFarland. It didn't get really good until about halfway through the book and then I couldn't put it down. I had an early guess as to who the villain was but played along and followed the clues as Jane uncovered them to another person. It seemed I was wrong and Jane was right. Then it seemed I was sort of right, but I was proven wrong again. I never guessed who the villain actually was. The reader can not guess the motivation without knowing the cypher so that made it extra difficult. There are so many twists and turns in this story that make it a fun adventure. Then there's also a mild romance between Fanny and the surgeon and of course Jane and Mr. West. Jane is wary, given her broken heart and Mr. West's time is not his own. Sadly, we know dear Jane only has a year and a half left to live but I hope Ms. Barron can squeeze in another adventure or find some way to continue the series. I have enjoyed Jane's adventures in detecting.
There are a couple of real life figures who appear in this novel and several made up. Among the real people are Mr. Clarke, a Mr. Collins-like clergyman who presumed to tell Jane how to write. He's very amusing and her letters to him are full of patience but you can tell she was laughing at him. There's also Mr. Baillie, the physician who brought her to the notice of the Regent. He seems like a good doctor. We don't know much of his personality. Jane, of course, is the central character. The character Jane seems in keeping with what we know about the real Jane Austen and the author had letters from this period to draw on and quote from. I'd like to think that the author captured Jane's feelings correctly but we will never know. She's certainly a sympathetic character and with the events that transpired to cause her worry at the end of the novel, I feel more in sympathy with her. Being a nearly 40-year-old spinster is not easy in any time, but was especially difficult in the 19th century.
Raphael West is an in-between character. He existed in real life but not much is known about him. Stephanie Barron portrays him as kind, caring and intelligent man. He's not as brooding as The Gentleman Rogue but he does have burdens to bear and as such, the relationship can not be. I like how this introduces a romance but as we know, Jane never married, so the complications work out with real life history. They're also incredibly realistic complications that could have prevented someone like Jane from marrying someone like Raphael. The characters here feel like real people because of their real life concerns.
As for fictional characters, we have Spence, the old batman. He's a hardened campaigner and loyal to his master. He is frustrated by the lack of understand his master's sister and her betrothed have for him, despite Lieutenant Dunross also being a veteran. Dunross is not a likable character. He's brusque and mysterious. We don't know why he was forbidden to marry MacFarland's sister and it is suspected that he has a shady past. Miss MacFarland is also not a likable character. At first she seems admirable, standing up for herself when callers are refused, but then she turns off Spence without a character and makes plans to marry Dunross. However, Barron's skill is in writing a good mystery and these characters are mixed up in the mystery somehow, some way and we only see the characters from Jane's point-of-view and what she's been told by others. We are never in their heads so we don't actually know what they're up to.
I wouldn't recommend starting at the end of the series. I would start at the beginning or start with the previous mystery and then read this one.
February 16, 2016
4.5 stars - Yet another exciting and humorous entry in one of my favorite historical mystery series - this time Stephanie Barron serves up a wickedly twisted puzzle with a real facer at the very end. Barron and her incarnation of Jane Austen as secret sleuth just keeps getting better; she's always been meticulous in her research and historical accuracy, but the mysteries seem increasingly complex and gratifying.
I don't know if it's the bustling backdrop of London, the complex fog of war presented as the author turns her attention to the bloody slog of Waterloo, or the involvement of additional Austens (Jane's brother Henry and niece Fanny), but this entry seemed even more engrossing and fast-paced than the last excellent mystery in the series ("Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas").
It is November 1815 and Jane is in London to care for Henry as he recuperates from a serious illness, and to put the finishing touches on "Emma" for her publisher. The Prince Regent, long a subject of public censure and derision for his wasteful spending and self-indulgence, has decided to favor Jane with his notice and invites her to visit his library at Carlton House. Not at all pleased to be the object of such royal condescension, Jane cannot ignore the veiled command and presents herself for a tour of the library - and stumbles upon a poison victim in his last throes. The young cavalry officer is done for but as Jane attempts to comfort him he mutters his final words, "Waterloo map."
The intrigues that follow bring the Austens to the notice of the great Duke of Wellington and other heroes of Waterloo and reintroduces readers to the fascinating Raphael West, artist, secret spy for the Crown and the Watson to Jane's Sherlock in her last adventure. The body count rises and Jane herself is attacked as she and her friends race to decipher the eponymous map and discover why someone is willing to kill to retrieve it...
*SPOILER ALERT* I really thought I knew the killer early on, and Barron played along throughout most of the book as even Jane agreed with me. We were both gobsmacked at the end with not just ONE brilliant and realistic plot twist, but then before we could readjust our conclusions and accept this perfectly feasible and fair-play solution to the killer's identity, we are thrown an even bigger curve ball - brilliant!
Highly recommended to fans of well-written and researched historical mysteries - I hope Barron is working on the next in this stellar series!
I don't know if it's the bustling backdrop of London, the complex fog of war presented as the author turns her attention to the bloody slog of Waterloo, or the involvement of additional Austens (Jane's brother Henry and niece Fanny), but this entry seemed even more engrossing and fast-paced than the last excellent mystery in the series ("Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas").
It is November 1815 and Jane is in London to care for Henry as he recuperates from a serious illness, and to put the finishing touches on "Emma" for her publisher. The Prince Regent, long a subject of public censure and derision for his wasteful spending and self-indulgence, has decided to favor Jane with his notice and invites her to visit his library at Carlton House. Not at all pleased to be the object of such royal condescension, Jane cannot ignore the veiled command and presents herself for a tour of the library - and stumbles upon a poison victim in his last throes. The young cavalry officer is done for but as Jane attempts to comfort him he mutters his final words, "Waterloo map."
The intrigues that follow bring the Austens to the notice of the great Duke of Wellington and other heroes of Waterloo and reintroduces readers to the fascinating Raphael West, artist, secret spy for the Crown and the Watson to Jane's Sherlock in her last adventure. The body count rises and Jane herself is attacked as she and her friends race to decipher the eponymous map and discover why someone is willing to kill to retrieve it...
*SPOILER ALERT* I really thought I knew the killer early on, and Barron played along throughout most of the book as even Jane agreed with me. We were both gobsmacked at the end with not just ONE brilliant and realistic plot twist, but then before we could readjust our conclusions and accept this perfectly feasible and fair-play solution to the killer's identity, we are thrown an even bigger curve ball - brilliant!
Highly recommended to fans of well-written and researched historical mysteries - I hope Barron is working on the next in this stellar series!
February 17, 2016
Very interesting combination of history and fiction.
Jane Austen was an inveterate letter-writer, and since many of them survive to this day, Stephanie Barron is able to weave a plausible story using Jane's own account of her days, while adding mystery and intrigue to fill in the gaps.
This story begins with the real-life invitation to Jane Austen to visit the Prince Regent's house and library in the company of the Royal Librarian, James Stanier Clarke. At the same time she was given "permission" (a thinly veiled command!) to dedicate her next book, Emma, to the Prince Regent. So much is true.
What is added in this story is Jane's discovery of a body in the library! A celebrated military gentleman whose last cryptic words are, "Waterloo map." Jane comes to suspect he was poisoned. She pursues her suspicion in the company of Raphael West, an American painter/British spy she met in the last book. She sort of has a thing for him, and he for her, though it never is acknowledged. She also briefly meets the Duke of Wellington and delves into the world of cyphers and watercolors.
The settings in this story are memorable, and the narrative very good. If there are anachronisms, they are hard to spot! The dialogue rings true; it succeeds where many Austen continuations or fanfiction fails dismally. I'm only wondering where things will go from here, as this book takes place within a couple years of Jane's death.
Jane Austen was an inveterate letter-writer, and since many of them survive to this day, Stephanie Barron is able to weave a plausible story using Jane's own account of her days, while adding mystery and intrigue to fill in the gaps.
This story begins with the real-life invitation to Jane Austen to visit the Prince Regent's house and library in the company of the Royal Librarian, James Stanier Clarke. At the same time she was given "permission" (a thinly veiled command!) to dedicate her next book, Emma, to the Prince Regent. So much is true.
What is added in this story is Jane's discovery of a body in the library! A celebrated military gentleman whose last cryptic words are, "Waterloo map." Jane comes to suspect he was poisoned. She pursues her suspicion in the company of Raphael West, an American painter/British spy she met in the last book. She sort of has a thing for him, and he for her, though it never is acknowledged. She also briefly meets the Duke of Wellington and delves into the world of cyphers and watercolors.
The settings in this story are memorable, and the narrative very good. If there are anachronisms, they are hard to spot! The dialogue rings true; it succeeds where many Austen continuations or fanfiction fails dismally. I'm only wondering where things will go from here, as this book takes place within a couple years of Jane's death.
January 16, 2016
Won this book from GoodReads. A very suspenseful book that will keep you wanting more. Jane Austen is the perfect Sherlock Holmes. She can decipher any murder. She isn't afraid of being kidnapped or killed. When Mr. West goes missing she stops at nothing to find him alive. She tries to find the truth even when the liar/murderer is within close proximity. Truly a book that brings history and Jane Austen all together. Nicely written and very witty. You don't want to miss this book especially if you are a Jane Austen Fan.
September 17, 2015
I'm pleasantly surprised about how seamlessly this novel came together. I experienced the great feeling of not wanting the book to end. You know the feeling you get when you're reading a great book. Definitely checking out the rest of the series now!
July 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this, which is saying something because I've been fussy, lately, in my reading. I picked up Jane and the Waterloo Map on a whim from the library. I'd never heard of Barron or her Jane Austen Mystery series; I think I read that this is the 13th book in the series, which Barron has been writing since the mid-90's. It's the only one at my local library.
In Jane and the Waterloo Map, Barron imagines Austen at the center of a mystery. Honestly, after so many previous mysteries, one would expect Austen to be a bit better at solving them, but clever as she is, she's a writer over a detective. Barron, who studied history at Stanford and has pored over Austen's correspondence, is a master of writing as Austen. Furthermore, Barron seamlessly incorporates historical details into the novel to the point that I often wondered which people and places had been taken from real life.
Wrong century, but Jane and the Waterloo Map reminds me as much of Agatha Christie mysteries as anything else. If, like me, you enjoy being transported into another time and place in which people dress, talk, and behave as if they have sticks up their butts, I highly recommend giving Barron's Jane Austen Mystery series a try. :)
In Jane and the Waterloo Map, Barron imagines Austen at the center of a mystery. Honestly, after so many previous mysteries, one would expect Austen to be a bit better at solving them, but clever as she is, she's a writer over a detective. Barron, who studied history at Stanford and has pored over Austen's correspondence, is a master of writing as Austen. Furthermore, Barron seamlessly incorporates historical details into the novel to the point that I often wondered which people and places had been taken from real life.
Wrong century, but Jane and the Waterloo Map reminds me as much of Agatha Christie mysteries as anything else. If, like me, you enjoy being transported into another time and place in which people dress, talk, and behave as if they have sticks up their butts, I highly recommend giving Barron's Jane Austen Mystery series a try. :)
August 31, 2023
While staying in London, Jane Austen solves a complicated mystery with the help of her brother Henry, her niece Fanny Knight, and her artist friend Raphael West. I really enjoyed everything about it.
February 5, 2016
Stop by the The Calico Critic by Feb 29th, 2016 and enter to win a Waterloo Map prize pack!
http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2016...
For years, Stephanie Barron's Being Jane mysteries have been on my literary radar, but I took little interest in them, despite their Austenesque genre placement. I'm not generally drawn to mysteries; in fact, the last few that I've read had almost put me off the subject matter entirely. About a year ago I won a signed copy of Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas, and I decided that at some point I would at least give Ms. Barron's work a try. If nothing else, the Twelve Days cover art was enticing me to give it a go. Yes, I'm that type of reader.
Fast forward a year, and I still haven't read the book. Yet here comes another title in the series, Jane and the Waterloo Map. I'm intrigued with the battle of Waterloo and pairing it with Austenesque fiction heightened my interest in a mystery novel once again. I was thrilled when I received an invitation to be a part of the Waterloo Map blog tour and danced a little jig when the book arrived on my doorstep.
As I'm a complete neurotic when it comes to reading books in a series, I simply could not begin my experience with the Being Jane novels with Book 13. I quickly procured a copy of Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor for perusal, and I was not disappointed! The novel was incredibly enjoyable, and I was thrilled that I'd begun with the first in the series. Then I began to hear from other readers (including the author herself) that reading Book 2, Jane and the Man of the Cloth would also be a good idea, as many foundational lines are established in this title as well. I mentioned this to my husband, and he promptly found a copy in a used bookstore and brought it home for me. I had little time to get Man of the Cloth read, but once again Stephanie Barron wrote a thrilling tale that was easy to take in with speed and enjoyment.
Although I'd love to plow through Books 3-12, time was wasting away for this post's deadline, so I leaped forward to Jane and the Waterloo Map, which is set eleven years after the conclusion of Map of the Cloth. I found in short order that I needed to familiarize myself with one character in particular, who had been introduced in Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas. While I don't see it as completely necessary for all readers to do this, I quickly opened Twelve Days and got to know the character of Raphael West just a bit. He plays a major role in Waterloo Map, and I'm glad I took the time to read a few of his opening scenes in Book 12. Again, this isn't a requirement for other readers to enjoy this latest title. I just found it to be helpful in my understanding of his relationship to Jane.
As with Books 1 and 2, Jane and the Waterloo Map is a delightful mixture of fact (things we've learned from world history as well as Jane's actual letters), fiction (Jane Austen as sleuth!), intelligence, wit, and just a touch of chaste romance. Barron's narratives rarely lag, and while I find the number of characters introduced into the story to be many, they always contribute to the plot and hold some significance, no matter how small. As I do with many of the novels I read, I did a "Hollywood casting" in my head to keep the individuals organized. At the conclusion of this review, I'll offer up some of the names of those who graced the "silver screen" in my mind.
I must say that near the end of Waterloo Map, Barron truly had me guessing as to what would be coming next in her plot choices, and she surprised me on multiple occasions. My interest never ceased to be held, and I was particularly shocked at the revelation of one villainous character. I truly didn't see this twist coming at all. And just when I thought that the drama would be at its end, Barron threw in one more scene of peril and excitement, just for good measure. There is a bit of a bittersweet ending, and I closed the book with much satisfaction. While I don't anticipate abandoning my primary interest in general Austenesque fiction, Stephanie Barron has restored my interest in mystery stories. In her Being Jane series, she has captured the voice of Jane Austen as none I have read in some time, and has combined her ability to uniquely tell a quality story with a whodunit. I'm utterly surprised at how much I've enjoyed reading her these past weeks, and look forward to not only reading the remaining ten books in the collection but hope to see many more new works from her to come.
http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2016...
For years, Stephanie Barron's Being Jane mysteries have been on my literary radar, but I took little interest in them, despite their Austenesque genre placement. I'm not generally drawn to mysteries; in fact, the last few that I've read had almost put me off the subject matter entirely. About a year ago I won a signed copy of Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas, and I decided that at some point I would at least give Ms. Barron's work a try. If nothing else, the Twelve Days cover art was enticing me to give it a go. Yes, I'm that type of reader.
Fast forward a year, and I still haven't read the book. Yet here comes another title in the series, Jane and the Waterloo Map. I'm intrigued with the battle of Waterloo and pairing it with Austenesque fiction heightened my interest in a mystery novel once again. I was thrilled when I received an invitation to be a part of the Waterloo Map blog tour and danced a little jig when the book arrived on my doorstep.
As I'm a complete neurotic when it comes to reading books in a series, I simply could not begin my experience with the Being Jane novels with Book 13. I quickly procured a copy of Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor for perusal, and I was not disappointed! The novel was incredibly enjoyable, and I was thrilled that I'd begun with the first in the series. Then I began to hear from other readers (including the author herself) that reading Book 2, Jane and the Man of the Cloth would also be a good idea, as many foundational lines are established in this title as well. I mentioned this to my husband, and he promptly found a copy in a used bookstore and brought it home for me. I had little time to get Man of the Cloth read, but once again Stephanie Barron wrote a thrilling tale that was easy to take in with speed and enjoyment.
Although I'd love to plow through Books 3-12, time was wasting away for this post's deadline, so I leaped forward to Jane and the Waterloo Map, which is set eleven years after the conclusion of Map of the Cloth. I found in short order that I needed to familiarize myself with one character in particular, who had been introduced in Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas. While I don't see it as completely necessary for all readers to do this, I quickly opened Twelve Days and got to know the character of Raphael West just a bit. He plays a major role in Waterloo Map, and I'm glad I took the time to read a few of his opening scenes in Book 12. Again, this isn't a requirement for other readers to enjoy this latest title. I just found it to be helpful in my understanding of his relationship to Jane.
As with Books 1 and 2, Jane and the Waterloo Map is a delightful mixture of fact (things we've learned from world history as well as Jane's actual letters), fiction (Jane Austen as sleuth!), intelligence, wit, and just a touch of chaste romance. Barron's narratives rarely lag, and while I find the number of characters introduced into the story to be many, they always contribute to the plot and hold some significance, no matter how small. As I do with many of the novels I read, I did a "Hollywood casting" in my head to keep the individuals organized. At the conclusion of this review, I'll offer up some of the names of those who graced the "silver screen" in my mind.
I must say that near the end of Waterloo Map, Barron truly had me guessing as to what would be coming next in her plot choices, and she surprised me on multiple occasions. My interest never ceased to be held, and I was particularly shocked at the revelation of one villainous character. I truly didn't see this twist coming at all. And just when I thought that the drama would be at its end, Barron threw in one more scene of peril and excitement, just for good measure. There is a bit of a bittersweet ending, and I closed the book with much satisfaction. While I don't anticipate abandoning my primary interest in general Austenesque fiction, Stephanie Barron has restored my interest in mystery stories. In her Being Jane series, she has captured the voice of Jane Austen as none I have read in some time, and has combined her ability to uniquely tell a quality story with a whodunit. I'm utterly surprised at how much I've enjoyed reading her these past weeks, and look forward to not only reading the remaining ten books in the collection but hope to see many more new works from her to come.
April 12, 2016
I feel a bit conflicted trying to write this review. On many levels, Jane and the Waterloo Map is an excellent book. The writing itself convincingly mimics Regency style, actual facts from Jane Austen's life as well as historical events of the time weave into the story, there's a maze-like mystery centered around a whodunnit murder, and it even features a hint of romance. I sincerely applaud the author for having obviously done exhaustive research and for putting this all together with loving thoroughness. The fact that I struggled to get through the whole book probably reflects more on my simple plebian taste in reading material rather than the quality of the work itself. Unfortunately, the plain fact is that I DID struggle to finish it.
As well written as this book is, I think it's closer to Charles Dickens with its attention to abundant detail than anything by Jane Austen, whose writing was more minimalist. I admire Dickensian prose but can't say I enjoy it nearly as well as I enjoy Austenesque. The mystery bogged down with the author's descriptions (such as the various rooms in the Prince Regent's residence, or the streets in Cheapside, for example) and with explanations of Jane's relationships with family members, Henry's medical and financial problems, and proofreading Emma, none of which related directly to the matter at hand. With all the extraneous information I was processing, I found myself forgetting important names and clues (both the real ones and the ones eventually exposed as red herrings) that pertained to the mystery. The last third of the book finally rewarded my persistence and became interesting once it focused solely on progressing and solving the mystery element of the tale.
I confess that I am not that fascinated with history; I only love Regency books because I find the social constraints of that era to be a great backdrop for romance novels. I do enjoy a good mystery, but I can't recall one that strayed as much as this off the path of relevant information towards its solution. I've read biographies that I liked but have never read one about Jane Austen. With no prior knowledge of the details of her life, I was not able to clearly differentiate between the facts and the fiction here. Obviously, Jane was not witness to the murders depicted in the story, but which characters are historically real and which are the author's inventions? How much of Jane's activity in the book is consistent with what is known about her? Yes, the Afterward does provide historical/biographical analysis to set the record straight, but that doesn't help a reader like me in the middle of the book, nor do I want to interrupt my reading to check out footnotes or flip to the Afterward.
So I am left with my personal rating of this book at only 3 stars, knowing this is likely a case of pearls before swine, exposing my own inadequacy. In my opinion, it succeeds as neither a mystery nor a biography, and too much of it reads like the boring history books I was forced to read for high school or college homework assignments. Now, my GR friends, despise me if you dare!
As well written as this book is, I think it's closer to Charles Dickens with its attention to abundant detail than anything by Jane Austen, whose writing was more minimalist. I admire Dickensian prose but can't say I enjoy it nearly as well as I enjoy Austenesque. The mystery bogged down with the author's descriptions (such as the various rooms in the Prince Regent's residence, or the streets in Cheapside, for example) and with explanations of Jane's relationships with family members, Henry's medical and financial problems, and proofreading Emma, none of which related directly to the matter at hand. With all the extraneous information I was processing, I found myself forgetting important names and clues (both the real ones and the ones eventually exposed as red herrings) that pertained to the mystery. The last third of the book finally rewarded my persistence and became interesting once it focused solely on progressing and solving the mystery element of the tale.
I confess that I am not that fascinated with history; I only love Regency books because I find the social constraints of that era to be a great backdrop for romance novels. I do enjoy a good mystery, but I can't recall one that strayed as much as this off the path of relevant information towards its solution. I've read biographies that I liked but have never read one about Jane Austen. With no prior knowledge of the details of her life, I was not able to clearly differentiate between the facts and the fiction here. Obviously, Jane was not witness to the murders depicted in the story, but which characters are historically real and which are the author's inventions? How much of Jane's activity in the book is consistent with what is known about her? Yes, the Afterward does provide historical/biographical analysis to set the record straight, but that doesn't help a reader like me in the middle of the book, nor do I want to interrupt my reading to check out footnotes or flip to the Afterward.
So I am left with my personal rating of this book at only 3 stars, knowing this is likely a case of pearls before swine, exposing my own inadequacy. In my opinion, it succeeds as neither a mystery nor a biography, and too much of it reads like the boring history books I was forced to read for high school or college homework assignments. Now, my GR friends, despise me if you dare!
January 3, 2016
This entry in the series of Jane Austen mysteries finds Jane in town (London, in other words) for a number of weeks in order to nurse her brother Henry through a serious illness and to receive the proofs of EMMA from the publisher so that novel can go into print. Naturally, Jane is in the wrong place at the right time to discover the prostrate body of a Hero of the Waterloo campaign as he breaths his last words to her in the library of Carlton House with His Royal Highness, The Regent, in residence. Nothing of this unfortunate death comes to the notice of The Regent but Jane simply cannot keep from investigating what appears to be a death either by self murder or malicious poisoning. Whatever is a thirty-nine year old spinster to do when she cannot abide having her questions go unanswered? Lucky for Jane that her brother Henry begins to recover from his illness just in time for her to be absent from his bedside while investigating the death of Colonel Ewan MacFarland.
Naturally, in order to formulate this series of stories author Stephanie Barron has deviated from the completely true facts of the life of Jane Austen. While this might be a problem for some who demand strict accuracy it is good to always remember that strict accuracy would mean that the stories would not be possible in the first place. Instead, read these for the talent this author exhibits in being able to approximate the conditions, both social and physical, which Jane Austen might have been exposed to and allow your imagination to just enjoy the story. Not only do these novels appeal to me from the standpoint of the historical time period they represent, but also for the inquisitive and determined nature the true Jane Austen hopefully had. I like how Barron easily inserts information about the historical period throughout the narrative but when information would be rather cumbersome for the characters to reveal she uses the footnotes from the editor route to give the reader information. There is also quite a bit of information included in the story regarding real people and events of the time period so I always learn something while I'm reading one of these novels. In fact, at one point I had to remind myself that it wasn't precisely Jane Austen herself who was making the remarks concerning one of the Austen novels, it was Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen. That's a pretty good indicator of how convincing the story was and what a well written character this fictional Jane is. I have to say the revelation of the guilty party in the crime had me fooled.
This was an entertaining reading experience for me. I've missed a few of the novels and this has made me want to go back and catch up on those. Being number thirteen in the series doesn't mean you should not begin here. There are references throughout the novel to other mysteries Jane has been involved in solving so you will find a wealth of previous books to keep you reading.
I received this book through the Amazon Vine Voices program.
Naturally, in order to formulate this series of stories author Stephanie Barron has deviated from the completely true facts of the life of Jane Austen. While this might be a problem for some who demand strict accuracy it is good to always remember that strict accuracy would mean that the stories would not be possible in the first place. Instead, read these for the talent this author exhibits in being able to approximate the conditions, both social and physical, which Jane Austen might have been exposed to and allow your imagination to just enjoy the story. Not only do these novels appeal to me from the standpoint of the historical time period they represent, but also for the inquisitive and determined nature the true Jane Austen hopefully had. I like how Barron easily inserts information about the historical period throughout the narrative but when information would be rather cumbersome for the characters to reveal she uses the footnotes from the editor route to give the reader information. There is also quite a bit of information included in the story regarding real people and events of the time period so I always learn something while I'm reading one of these novels. In fact, at one point I had to remind myself that it wasn't precisely Jane Austen herself who was making the remarks concerning one of the Austen novels, it was Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen. That's a pretty good indicator of how convincing the story was and what a well written character this fictional Jane is. I have to say the revelation of the guilty party in the crime had me fooled.
This was an entertaining reading experience for me. I've missed a few of the novels and this has made me want to go back and catch up on those. Being number thirteen in the series doesn't mean you should not begin here. There are references throughout the novel to other mysteries Jane has been involved in solving so you will find a wealth of previous books to keep you reading.
I received this book through the Amazon Vine Voices program.
January 26, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: THREE STARS
The best way to describe this book is Murder, She Wrote meets Jane Austen in which Jane Austen is akin to Jessica Fletcher in solving the murder mystery even though all the men think she is a bumbling, fragile lady. You would think that since I love both Jane Austen and Murder, She Wrote, this would be a smash hit for me. But it wasn't. I know this will sound odd but I felt like Jane Austen was not truly how Jane Austen would be (or at least how I imagine her) -- she was a bit annoying and the book took at least 40% to get into and for the pacing to pick up. I am not sure if I will go back and read earlier books in this series -- it is amazing that there are thirteen of them! I had no problem reading this one without reading prior books although there were a ton of "editor's notes" via footnotes that referred to previous books. That's another criticism I have, in general, about this book—all of the "editor's notes" that were supposed to show how historically accurate the author was in her story instead came off as condescending and as if the reader was not familiar at all with the regency era (uneducated comes to mind).
I would still recommend this to anyone that likes mystery, the regency era and Jane Austen, in particular because you may have better luck than I did with it.
The best way to describe this book is Murder, She Wrote meets Jane Austen in which Jane Austen is akin to Jessica Fletcher in solving the murder mystery even though all the men think she is a bumbling, fragile lady. You would think that since I love both Jane Austen and Murder, She Wrote, this would be a smash hit for me. But it wasn't. I know this will sound odd but I felt like Jane Austen was not truly how Jane Austen would be (or at least how I imagine her) -- she was a bit annoying and the book took at least 40% to get into and for the pacing to pick up. I am not sure if I will go back and read earlier books in this series -- it is amazing that there are thirteen of them! I had no problem reading this one without reading prior books although there were a ton of "editor's notes" via footnotes that referred to previous books. That's another criticism I have, in general, about this book—all of the "editor's notes" that were supposed to show how historically accurate the author was in her story instead came off as condescending and as if the reader was not familiar at all with the regency era (uneducated comes to mind).
I would still recommend this to anyone that likes mystery, the regency era and Jane Austen, in particular because you may have better luck than I did with it.
But there is no fool like an old fool. The haunting image of a creature named Isabella rose before my eyes. It must be impossible to ask him directly about her importance in his life. He is a man of the World, after all, as his father is forever telling me. He owes no explanation of his habits or arrangements. Once, I was a green girl enough to dream of happiness with an improbable suitor, from an utterly different world—
May 28, 2023
Ugh, I love this series and I think this may be my favourite one yet. This series is as if you took Sherlock Holmes but made Jane Austen the detective instead. This book was a warm cup of tea on a cozy evening. It is smart, witty, and easy. It is a good crime book but more midsomer murders than CSI. I will keep reading these books as lovely little palette cleansers between more difficult texts.
Raphael West makes the best side kick/romantic interest and my two favourites in this series include him.
Raphael West makes the best side kick/romantic interest and my two favourites in this series include him.
October 31, 2015
Yep, I still deeply enjoy this series. Yep, it was another fascinating mystery set in a well-depicted Austenian setting. It was excellent, and my only fear whenever I read along with Jane's further adventures is that she may reach the end of her short life. I can only hope it turns out to be a faked death when the time comes, but I strongly appreciate Barron's willingness to eke out as much adventure as possible in the canvas she's chosen.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
July 13, 2020
Read this entire review here: JANE AND THE WATERLOO MAP (2016): SLEUTHING IN REGENCY ENGLAND, JANE AUSTEN-STYLE
Review by Jessica Jørgensen
Overall Rating = 4.5; Romance Rating = 3
What if Jane Austen had turned her keen eye for observation to solving murders? That is the essential premise of Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mystery series, of which Jane and the Waterloo Map is the latest installment, number 13. It’s cozy crime in Regency England with none other than one of the most beloved female writers of all time as the heroine. It’s good stuff.
It’s November 1815. Jane is in London, staying with her brother Henry, nursing him back to health from a long illness, and copyediting Emma. She receives a summons to Charlton House, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent’s London abode. While touring the house’s library, she stumbles upon a dying man, a heralded hero from the Battle of Waterloo, Colonel MacFarland. Soothing the man in the violent throes of an apparent apoplectic fit, she hears his final words: “Waterloo map.”
Thus begins the mystery of Colonel MacFarland’s death. Is this murder? What is the Waterloo map? Where is it? What does it depict? Who has it? Why is it so valuable? Yes, many questions are raised by the curious Jane, who has a keen eye, a substantial intellect and a subtle forthrightness – which is to say she possesses a forthrightness that does not offend but that allows her to contravene societal conventions with aplomb on occasion. This is rather endearing.
With lives at stake, including her own, Jane is thrust into the world of war – the Napoleonic War – and its aftermath, into secret cyphers and delicate watercolours. She is aided in her sleuthing by her brother, Henry, and her niece, Fanny, as well as an estimable acquaintance, if not more, Mr. Raphael West, who is the cause of more than a few blushes on our heroine’s visage. The two have met in a previous volume in the series and they think rather highly of one another, that is obvious. Although this budding love affair is already bittersweet before it even really starts, because it’s 1815 and Jane mentions, again and again, her upcoming fortieth birthday, and we, dear readers, know that she never makes 42.
Despite that sobering note, the book is a fun read. It’s well researched; there are footnotes throughout to explain this and that. I’m no nerdy Janeite. I mean, I love Austen, but I don’t know all the ins and outs of her existence and her writings and such. But Stephanie Barron is such a nerd and has taken actual events from Jane Austen’s life and woven murder mysteries into them. Historiographic meta fiction is perhaps what the academics might call it, where historical facts and letters and newspaper clippings and actual historical people and places and events get intertwined with fictive imaginings and narratives within narratives. It’s good fun.
This is my first introduction to the series, and even though it’s the latest and there are allusions to earlier cases and people, the book can still be read as a standalone piece. And I, for one, will now be working my way backward through the series.
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
Review by Jessica Jørgensen
Overall Rating = 4.5; Romance Rating = 3
What if Jane Austen had turned her keen eye for observation to solving murders? That is the essential premise of Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen Mystery series, of which Jane and the Waterloo Map is the latest installment, number 13. It’s cozy crime in Regency England with none other than one of the most beloved female writers of all time as the heroine. It’s good stuff.
It’s November 1815. Jane is in London, staying with her brother Henry, nursing him back to health from a long illness, and copyediting Emma. She receives a summons to Charlton House, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent’s London abode. While touring the house’s library, she stumbles upon a dying man, a heralded hero from the Battle of Waterloo, Colonel MacFarland. Soothing the man in the violent throes of an apparent apoplectic fit, she hears his final words: “Waterloo map.”
Thus begins the mystery of Colonel MacFarland’s death. Is this murder? What is the Waterloo map? Where is it? What does it depict? Who has it? Why is it so valuable? Yes, many questions are raised by the curious Jane, who has a keen eye, a substantial intellect and a subtle forthrightness – which is to say she possesses a forthrightness that does not offend but that allows her to contravene societal conventions with aplomb on occasion. This is rather endearing.
With lives at stake, including her own, Jane is thrust into the world of war – the Napoleonic War – and its aftermath, into secret cyphers and delicate watercolours. She is aided in her sleuthing by her brother, Henry, and her niece, Fanny, as well as an estimable acquaintance, if not more, Mr. Raphael West, who is the cause of more than a few blushes on our heroine’s visage. The two have met in a previous volume in the series and they think rather highly of one another, that is obvious. Although this budding love affair is already bittersweet before it even really starts, because it’s 1815 and Jane mentions, again and again, her upcoming fortieth birthday, and we, dear readers, know that she never makes 42.
Despite that sobering note, the book is a fun read. It’s well researched; there are footnotes throughout to explain this and that. I’m no nerdy Janeite. I mean, I love Austen, but I don’t know all the ins and outs of her existence and her writings and such. But Stephanie Barron is such a nerd and has taken actual events from Jane Austen’s life and woven murder mysteries into them. Historiographic meta fiction is perhaps what the academics might call it, where historical facts and letters and newspaper clippings and actual historical people and places and events get intertwined with fictive imaginings and narratives within narratives. It’s good fun.
This is my first introduction to the series, and even though it’s the latest and there are allusions to earlier cases and people, the book can still be read as a standalone piece. And I, for one, will now be working my way backward through the series.
Read this entire review and others (especially if you love old-fashioned chivalrous romance) at: THE SILVER PETTICOAT REVIEW
June 5, 2023
Siamo nell'autunno 1815, e Jane Austen si trova a Hans Place, nella casa londinese di suo fratello Henry per revisionare Emma, mentre Henry è in convalescenza da una malattia piuttosto seria. La scrittrice viene invitata, come sappiamo, dal bibliotecario del Principe Reggente a Carlton House, per visitare la biblioteca e dedicare il romanzo (anche se con riluttanza) al Principe Reggente.
Quello che tutti i biografi di Jane Austen ignorano è che la scrittrice si imbatté mentre era nella biblioteca, nel corpo moribondo di un eroe di Waterloo, e che, assistitolo mentre era in preda a una crisi di vomito utilizzando il proprio fazzoletto, scoprì dei velenosi aghi di tasso in quel vomito.
Tutta l'indagine, a cui partecipano anche la nipote Fanny - all'epoca ospite anch'essa dello zio Henry - e Raphael West, il figlio del famoso pittore Benjamin - che avevamo già incontrato in un caso precedente e che sembra voler sostituire in questi romanzi e nel cuore di Jane Sua Signoria Harold Trowbridge - ruota attorno a una mappa trafugata durante la battaglia di Waterloo, dipinta ad acquerello da un famoso artista francese e con delle parole in codice. Tra aggressioni - di cui una addirittura ai danni di Jane - e ulteriori omicidi, l'indagine si fa sempre più incalzante rivelando la soluzione più sorprendente.
Intanto, Henry sta per dichiarare il fallimento della propria banca, che dopo le lunghe guerre Napoleoniche è ormai da tempo in crisi. E Jane, chiuso il capitolo Emma, sta per cominciare a scrivere una nuova storia, su un amore che resiste a otto anni di distanza.
Quello che tutti i biografi di Jane Austen ignorano è che la scrittrice si imbatté mentre era nella biblioteca, nel corpo moribondo di un eroe di Waterloo, e che, assistitolo mentre era in preda a una crisi di vomito utilizzando il proprio fazzoletto, scoprì dei velenosi aghi di tasso in quel vomito.
Tutta l'indagine, a cui partecipano anche la nipote Fanny - all'epoca ospite anch'essa dello zio Henry - e Raphael West, il figlio del famoso pittore Benjamin - che avevamo già incontrato in un caso precedente e che sembra voler sostituire in questi romanzi e nel cuore di Jane Sua Signoria Harold Trowbridge - ruota attorno a una mappa trafugata durante la battaglia di Waterloo, dipinta ad acquerello da un famoso artista francese e con delle parole in codice. Tra aggressioni - di cui una addirittura ai danni di Jane - e ulteriori omicidi, l'indagine si fa sempre più incalzante rivelando la soluzione più sorprendente.
Intanto, Henry sta per dichiarare il fallimento della propria banca, che dopo le lunghe guerre Napoleoniche è ormai da tempo in crisi. E Jane, chiuso il capitolo Emma, sta per cominciare a scrivere una nuova storia, su un amore che resiste a otto anni di distanza.
April 15, 2018
A mixed bag. I enjoyed the London setting, as well as Jane proofing Emma throughout the action, and I am generally positive about the character of Fanny Knight to add a young foil to the heroine. I feel that the introduction of Raphael West to sort of replace Lord Harold is a bit trite and contrived. It seems to go against the character of Jane as Barron has written her to suggest she's just falling head over heels all the time for these mysterious older men. I also feel her constant speculation about Fanny's love life is a bit overdone. As for the actual murder mystery plot...meh? It was definitely a surprise and I appreciated that, but the whole Waterloo angle was not compelling. The pacing was stilted as well, it was like 3/4 of the book devoted to debating the minutiae of the first murder and then the other murder and rest of the plot went by in a flash, new side characters left and right. All in all, entertaining, not Barron's best.
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