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Jane Austen Investigates #2
Les Enquêtes de Jane Austen T2 Un voleur au bal
Angleterre, 1789
Conviée au bal de leur ancienne école, Cassandra, la soeur de Jane, oblige sa cadette à l'accompagner malgré ses réticences. Qu'y a-t-il de pire que de se ridiculiser sur la piste de danse devant une troupe de jeunes galants ? Par chance, la soirée prend vite un tour plus intéressant lorsqu'un collier de diamants d'une valeur inestimable est dérobé à l'une des invitées. Jane s'empresse alors de mener l'enquête pour démasquer le voleur... Un récit inspiré de Raison et Sentiments , un roman de Jane Austen. À partir de 9/10 ans.
Conviée au bal de leur ancienne école, Cassandra, la soeur de Jane, oblige sa cadette à l'accompagner malgré ses réticences. Qu'y a-t-il de pire que de se ridiculiser sur la piste de danse devant une troupe de jeunes galants ? Par chance, la soirée prend vite un tour plus intéressant lorsqu'un collier de diamants d'une valeur inestimable est dérobé à l'une des invitées. Jane s'empresse alors de mener l'enquête pour démasquer le voleur... Un récit inspiré de Raison et Sentiments , un roman de Jane Austen. À partir de 9/10 ans.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
5 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Julia Golding
84 books875 followersMy journey to becoming an author has been a roundabout one, taking in many other careers. I grew up on the edge of Epping Forest and was that dreamy kind of child who was always writing stories. After reading English at Cambridge, I decided to find out as much as I could about the wider world so joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. My work as a diplomat took me from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 22, 2021
**Happy Publication Day**
********
Jane Austen is back at sleuthing, and this time it’s at the school’s ball. When the headmistress invites Cassandra, Jane’s elder sister, to join the ball at the end of the term, Jane has no option but to go along. Cassandra is excited, and why not? She’s the headmistress's favorite and can dance like a graceful swan.
Jane, well, she is more content being at home and stealing sugar plums, reading, and writing. Of course, a mystery or two wouldn’t hurt. Luckily for Jane, though unlucky for a few others, the diamond necklace of a wealthy would-be pupil gets stolen during the ball.
When the girl’s father, a collector who returned from India, blames Brandon (the dance master’s employee and an African boy), Jane takes up the task of finding the actual thief. What she unearths could cause a problem to a lot of people. When did that stop Jane, though?
I’ve recently read the first book in the series, so picking this up was inevitable. The story moves better in this one. There is enough focus on the mystery, and everything around more or less is connected to the case in some way.
Arjun and Deepti from book one are seen again and have a role to play in helping Jane. What I like the most is the author’s way of showing the other side of the story. Many historical works use the British version where India is nothing more than an ‘exotic’ land with people who need to be ruled.
The author uses Jane’s character to question and think about how the Indians feel about being ruled by a foreign company that was only supposed to do business with the locals. African slavery has been touched in this book. Not much, but enough to push the young readers to do their research and find out more.
That said, the book also reminds of me a post I read on Instagram. It was about the white-savorism theme in books. I wouldn't classify this one entirely in that genre, but there's no denying that Jane is the one who solves the crimes and saves the innocent. Even when the accused do their bit to help Jane, they still end up being thankful to Jane.
This isn't a criticism per se, but something the author could think about when plotting the next book in the series. I'm starting to have high expectations from her.
Jane’s creative letters are another plus point of the book. Though I confess that when Jane is busy solving the mysteries, I end up imagining a younger version of Agatha Christie. Can’t help it. They are both my favorite authors.
The mystery isn’t complex or confusing. Most readers will figure it out before Jane. That should be fun for middle graders who like to sleuth.
To sum up, The Burglar’s Ball is better than book one in the series and can be read as a standalone (for the mystery). It’s cute, light, and engaging.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#JaneAustenInvestigatesTheBurglarsBall #NetGalley
********
Jane Austen is back at sleuthing, and this time it’s at the school’s ball. When the headmistress invites Cassandra, Jane’s elder sister, to join the ball at the end of the term, Jane has no option but to go along. Cassandra is excited, and why not? She’s the headmistress's favorite and can dance like a graceful swan.
Jane, well, she is more content being at home and stealing sugar plums, reading, and writing. Of course, a mystery or two wouldn’t hurt. Luckily for Jane, though unlucky for a few others, the diamond necklace of a wealthy would-be pupil gets stolen during the ball.
When the girl’s father, a collector who returned from India, blames Brandon (the dance master’s employee and an African boy), Jane takes up the task of finding the actual thief. What she unearths could cause a problem to a lot of people. When did that stop Jane, though?
I’ve recently read the first book in the series, so picking this up was inevitable. The story moves better in this one. There is enough focus on the mystery, and everything around more or less is connected to the case in some way.
Arjun and Deepti from book one are seen again and have a role to play in helping Jane. What I like the most is the author’s way of showing the other side of the story. Many historical works use the British version where India is nothing more than an ‘exotic’ land with people who need to be ruled.
The author uses Jane’s character to question and think about how the Indians feel about being ruled by a foreign company that was only supposed to do business with the locals. African slavery has been touched in this book. Not much, but enough to push the young readers to do their research and find out more.
That said, the book also reminds of me a post I read on Instagram. It was about the white-savorism theme in books. I wouldn't classify this one entirely in that genre, but there's no denying that Jane is the one who solves the crimes and saves the innocent. Even when the accused do their bit to help Jane, they still end up being thankful to Jane.
This isn't a criticism per se, but something the author could think about when plotting the next book in the series. I'm starting to have high expectations from her.
Jane’s creative letters are another plus point of the book. Though I confess that when Jane is busy solving the mysteries, I end up imagining a younger version of Agatha Christie. Can’t help it. They are both my favorite authors.
The mystery isn’t complex or confusing. Most readers will figure it out before Jane. That should be fun for middle graders who like to sleuth.
To sum up, The Burglar’s Ball is better than book one in the series and can be read as a standalone (for the mystery). It’s cute, light, and engaging.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#JaneAustenInvestigatesTheBurglarsBall #NetGalley
August 19, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in the series 'The Abbey Mystery' and was happy when I received a free widget of the second book from the author and publisher to read and review.
In my review of the first book I mentioned that this series, which is aimed at children/middle grade readers, is a good way of introducing and encouraging younger readers to research Jane Austen--her life and the times she lived in and also as an author. Even in this second book, the young Jane comes across characters and situations which eventually find their way in the plotline of two of her most popular novels. However, when I compare this book to the first one it does fall short in terms of the mystery and even the solution seems a bit anti-climatic.
The young Jane also reunites with the father/daughter duo of Arjun and Deepti from the first book who came to Britain as part of a servants entourage but are now running their own small bakery in the country and I was curious about this aspect--was it possible for people belonging to the colonies which were under British rule to migrate and own their own business in England in 1789? I need to research about this.
I received an e-Arc/widget of the book from the publisher Lion Hudson Ltd/Lion Fiction and the author Julia Golding via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
In my review of the first book I mentioned that this series, which is aimed at children/middle grade readers, is a good way of introducing and encouraging younger readers to research Jane Austen--her life and the times she lived in and also as an author. Even in this second book, the young Jane comes across characters and situations which eventually find their way in the plotline of two of her most popular novels. However, when I compare this book to the first one it does fall short in terms of the mystery and even the solution seems a bit anti-climatic.
The young Jane also reunites with the father/daughter duo of Arjun and Deepti from the first book who came to Britain as part of a servants entourage but are now running their own small bakery in the country and I was curious about this aspect--was it possible for people belonging to the colonies which were under British rule to migrate and own their own business in England in 1789? I need to research about this.
I received an e-Arc/widget of the book from the publisher Lion Hudson Ltd/Lion Fiction and the author Julia Golding via NetGalley.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
December 23, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglars Ball is book 2 in this mystery sleuth series. I enjoyed it but did hope for more from it at the same time. Set at a school ball, Cassandra (Jane's sister) has been invited to attend and Jane hasn't any option but to attend too. Cassandra is the headmistress favourite pupil and Jane begrudgingly tags along. When an expensive diamond necklace gets stolen from a pupil Jane hops into action to solve the case and stop innocents from being accused. But what she discovers isn't going to sit right with many people in attendance. The characters are likeable and the mystery itself is quick and easy to follow and put together. I liked how the author touches on the subject of African slavery very briefly in this book but could have maybe expanded on it very slightly. That said it gives just enough information to encourage young readers to do some research into this subject further by themselves or even as a school project if used as a class novel. I've not read book 1 yet but am hoping to at some point and will read more in the series.
Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglars Ball is book 2 in this mystery sleuth series. I enjoyed it but did hope for more from it at the same time. Set at a school ball, Cassandra (Jane's sister) has been invited to attend and Jane hasn't any option but to attend too. Cassandra is the headmistress favourite pupil and Jane begrudgingly tags along. When an expensive diamond necklace gets stolen from a pupil Jane hops into action to solve the case and stop innocents from being accused. But what she discovers isn't going to sit right with many people in attendance. The characters are likeable and the mystery itself is quick and easy to follow and put together. I liked how the author touches on the subject of African slavery very briefly in this book but could have maybe expanded on it very slightly. That said it gives just enough information to encourage young readers to do some research into this subject further by themselves or even as a school project if used as a class novel. I've not read book 1 yet but am hoping to at some point and will read more in the series.
January 17, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to dive into this one. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark a little. I felt like the mystery took too long to get going (40%) and even after it did it just wasn't as engaging as the first book. 🤷🏻♀️ However, I still really enjoyed Jane and all the side characters (new and old). Plus, book three sounds really interesting, so I am still very much on board with this series.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 22, 2021
I was so happy to be back into the intriguing world of the young Jane Austen, following her in this new adventure.
Jane and her sister Cassandra are invited at a ball at their old school in Reading. Jane and her inseparable dog make instantly some new friends that will make her stay more enjoyable. When the ball is in full swing, the beautiful night is disrupted by a theft, one of the girls' diamond necklace is gone. Will Jane get the right intuition to catch the robber?
I've enjoyed the pace and the storyline of this novel, the author wording is so catching you couldn't even take a breath because you want to solve the mystery.
This young Jane is easily became one of my favourite character, she is lively and clever you couldn't refrain to support her in her quest for the truth.
I really hope to read more books of this series.
August 12, 2021
Questo secondo episodio delle indagini della Jane Austen adolescente - quella degli Juvenilia, per intenderci - è, se possibile, più appassionante del primo. Jane è con Cassandra a Reading, presso la scuola in cui le due ragazze hanno studiato anni prima - la Reading Abbey Girl's School - perché la direttrice, Madame La Tournelle, ha organizzato un ballo e ha bisogno che Cassandra ingentilisca l'ambiente con la sua grazia e la sua bellezza. Jane è un'aggiunta non graditissima e il suo cane Grandison lo è ancora meno.
In questo caso compaiono dei personaggi che dovrebbero essere di "ispirazione" per Ragione e sentimento, il maestro di ballo della scuola, Willoughby, Edward, Elinor e Marianne Warren e la loro cugina materna, Lucy Palmer. Jane indagherà sul furto di una preziosissima collana di brillanti avvenuto durante il ballo, la cui sparizione verrà attribuita a Brandon, il flautista ex schiavo con cui Jane ha fatto amicizia e che è decisamente innocente. Oltre a Grandison, in questo caso compaiono le vecchie conoscenze: Arjun e Deepti, che ora hanno un negozio di fornaio proprio a Reading e che aiuteranno Jane a nascondere Brandon mentre lei indaga per discolparlo.
Poiché Jane ha Cassandra con sé, questa volta le sue lettere sono indirizzate al fratello Henry, e sono sempre piene dei divertenti giochi con le parole che gli scrittori in erba - e non solo - si divertono a fare.
This second installment of the Jane Austen Investigates Series by Julia Golding is possibly more thrilling than the first one. Jane is with her sister Cassandra in Reading, where Madame La Tournelle invited Cassandra to grace the ball she's organising in the Reading Abbey Girl's School, previously attended by the Austen girls. Jane is not as welcome as Cassandra at the Abbey School, and Grandison, her dog, is even less welcome. But Madame La Tournelle has to give in for the sake of Cassandra.
In this installment we meet some characters that will be "inspirational" for Sense and Sensibility. The dancing master, Mr. Willoughby, Edward, Elinor and Marianne Warren and their maternal cousin, Lucy Palmer. Jane will investigate about the theft of a most valuable diamonds necklace that takes place during the ball and of which is accused Brandon, a flautist and a former slave of the West Indies, who is definitely innocent. In addition to Grandison, we meet again our old friends Arjun e Deepti from the previous case. Arjun has now a baker's shop in Reading and helps Jane in hiding Brandon while she investigates to prove his innocence.
Since Cassandra is with Jane in Reading, she addresses her letters to her brother Henry. They are always funny and full of word-play like a proper budding writer is apt to do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In questo caso compaiono dei personaggi che dovrebbero essere di "ispirazione" per Ragione e sentimento, il maestro di ballo della scuola, Willoughby, Edward, Elinor e Marianne Warren e la loro cugina materna, Lucy Palmer. Jane indagherà sul furto di una preziosissima collana di brillanti avvenuto durante il ballo, la cui sparizione verrà attribuita a Brandon, il flautista ex schiavo con cui Jane ha fatto amicizia e che è decisamente innocente. Oltre a Grandison, in questo caso compaiono le vecchie conoscenze: Arjun e Deepti, che ora hanno un negozio di fornaio proprio a Reading e che aiuteranno Jane a nascondere Brandon mentre lei indaga per discolparlo.
Poiché Jane ha Cassandra con sé, questa volta le sue lettere sono indirizzate al fratello Henry, e sono sempre piene dei divertenti giochi con le parole che gli scrittori in erba - e non solo - si divertono a fare.
This second installment of the Jane Austen Investigates Series by Julia Golding is possibly more thrilling than the first one. Jane is with her sister Cassandra in Reading, where Madame La Tournelle invited Cassandra to grace the ball she's organising in the Reading Abbey Girl's School, previously attended by the Austen girls. Jane is not as welcome as Cassandra at the Abbey School, and Grandison, her dog, is even less welcome. But Madame La Tournelle has to give in for the sake of Cassandra.
In this installment we meet some characters that will be "inspirational" for Sense and Sensibility. The dancing master, Mr. Willoughby, Edward, Elinor and Marianne Warren and their maternal cousin, Lucy Palmer. Jane will investigate about the theft of a most valuable diamonds necklace that takes place during the ball and of which is accused Brandon, a flautist and a former slave of the West Indies, who is definitely innocent. In addition to Grandison, we meet again our old friends Arjun e Deepti from the previous case. Arjun has now a baker's shop in Reading and helps Jane in hiding Brandon while she investigates to prove his innocence.
Since Cassandra is with Jane in Reading, she addresses her letters to her brother Henry. They are always funny and full of word-play like a proper budding writer is apt to do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2021
What a fab sequel to Julia Goulding’s Jane Austen Investigates series! I loved it even more than the first. Here, a young Jane works to catch a diamond thief at a famed ball. The twists and turns, the finely tuned characters, especially sharp-minded inquisitive Jane herself, and the nod to “Sense and Sensibility” make for a delightful read. I look forward to many more installments in this charming series, described as “perfect for readers 9 to 109.”
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Oct 2021
#JaneAustenInvestigatesTheBurglarsBall #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Lion Hudson Ltd, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 Oct 2021
#JaneAustenInvestigatesTheBurglarsBall #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Lion Hudson Ltd, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
July 5, 2021
Hello there, and welcome back to That Introvert Reader! Today, I bring you a spoiler free review of Jane Austen Investigates Book Two! Exciting, right?
(this was so exciting for me)
Thank you to the publisher, Lion Hudson; The author, Julia Golding; and NetGalley for approaching me to read and review this ARC. It was amazing.
https://thatintrovertreader.wordpress...
A dazzling addition to the series...Jane is still not like other girls but she's actually a lot better...
Review to come...
(this was so exciting for me)
Thank you to the publisher, Lion Hudson; The author, Julia Golding; and NetGalley for approaching me to read and review this ARC. It was amazing.
https://thatintrovertreader.wordpress...
A dazzling addition to the series...Jane is still not like other girls but she's actually a lot better...
Review to come...
June 17, 2022
A young Jane Austen jumps at the chance to get out of the dreary countryside for a while and accompanies her older sister Cassandra to a ball the headmistress of their former school is throwing.
Not only is this a chance to see her friends Arjun and Deepti again (which she met in the first book of this series) and meet some new people, it also presents her with a wealth of ideas for the little stories she likes to write to entertain her family. What she didn't know beforehand: again there is a mystery to solve and a thief to catch.
It was very delightful to read about Jane and her friends, to learn a bit about life & society more than 200 years ago and also to make my own assumptions on who is the culprit in this case. And to detect the little nods to Austen's work, be it names or certain character traits that the older Jane used in her novels. She must have gotten her ideas from somewhere, so why not imagine it happened just like Julia Golding wants us to believe it did. I really hope there will be more books in this series coming out eventually.
Not only is this a chance to see her friends Arjun and Deepti again (which she met in the first book of this series) and meet some new people, it also presents her with a wealth of ideas for the little stories she likes to write to entertain her family. What she didn't know beforehand: again there is a mystery to solve and a thief to catch.
It was very delightful to read about Jane and her friends, to learn a bit about life & society more than 200 years ago and also to make my own assumptions on who is the culprit in this case. And to detect the little nods to Austen's work, be it names or certain character traits that the older Jane used in her novels. She must have gotten her ideas from somewhere, so why not imagine it happened just like Julia Golding wants us to believe it did. I really hope there will be more books in this series coming out eventually.
October 23, 2021
The Burglar's Ball is another charming instalment in Julia Golding's series for middle-years readers, featuring author Jane Austen as a teenage sleuth.
Some months after her adventure at Southmoor Abbey (see: Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery), Jane finds another opportunity to put her avid curiosity, deductive skills and sense of justice to the test. She reluctantly accompanies her elder sister Cassandra to the town of Reading, to attend a Ball being held at Madame La Tournelle's school for young ladies, an institution both Austen girls attended for as long as their father was able to afford it.
Soon after their arrival, Jane and Cassandra become acquainted with the school's other guests, well-to-do sisters Elinor and Marianne Warren, whose father has recently returned from a government posting in India. Jane also renews her friendship with her friends Arjun and Deepti, formerly of Southmoor, who have opened a bakery in Reading.
On the night of the ball, there is great excitement among all the young ladies, which quickly turns to dismay when Elinor discovers that her valuable diamond necklace has been stolen! Jane, aided by Cassandra, Arjun, Deepti and several of her new friends, sets about solving the crime, simultaneously engineering the protection from prosecution of the unfairly accused musical accompanist, Brandon. Her inquiries turn up all sorts of interesting leads - a series of reports of missing or stolen jewellery in and around Reading, the mysterious lack of staff at Madame's school and the suspicious behaviour of the Warren's impecunious cousin, Lucy.
As readers of Jane Austen will quickly recognise, the names of supporting characters and some of the themes explored in The Burglar's Ball pay homage to Austen's Sense and Sensibility, although there are also parallels with parts of Austen's other works, in particular Pride and Prejudice.
Julia Golding's prose is appropriately pitched at a target reader group of 10-15 year olds, but sufficiently nuanced and rich in literary references to also keep adult readers, Austen aficionados in particular, entertained. The characters are well-developed and Golding uses their interactions to highlight some of the challenges and inequities that challenged young women and other marginalised groups in the late 18th century.
I'd highly recommend The Burglar's Ball as a light and entertaining read both to middle-grade readers who enjoy feisty female characters and mystery plots and to adult readers who enjoy cosy mysteries and Austen homage fiction. While there are oblique references to the content of Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery, the previous book in the series, I don't consider that a reader's experience of The Burglar's Ball would be seriously impacted by reading this title as a standalone. (That said, I do recommend Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery heartily!).
My thanks to the author, Julia Golding, publisher Lion Hudson Ltd. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. I can't wait to read future instalments!
Some months after her adventure at Southmoor Abbey (see: Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery), Jane finds another opportunity to put her avid curiosity, deductive skills and sense of justice to the test. She reluctantly accompanies her elder sister Cassandra to the town of Reading, to attend a Ball being held at Madame La Tournelle's school for young ladies, an institution both Austen girls attended for as long as their father was able to afford it.
Soon after their arrival, Jane and Cassandra become acquainted with the school's other guests, well-to-do sisters Elinor and Marianne Warren, whose father has recently returned from a government posting in India. Jane also renews her friendship with her friends Arjun and Deepti, formerly of Southmoor, who have opened a bakery in Reading.
On the night of the ball, there is great excitement among all the young ladies, which quickly turns to dismay when Elinor discovers that her valuable diamond necklace has been stolen! Jane, aided by Cassandra, Arjun, Deepti and several of her new friends, sets about solving the crime, simultaneously engineering the protection from prosecution of the unfairly accused musical accompanist, Brandon. Her inquiries turn up all sorts of interesting leads - a series of reports of missing or stolen jewellery in and around Reading, the mysterious lack of staff at Madame's school and the suspicious behaviour of the Warren's impecunious cousin, Lucy.
As readers of Jane Austen will quickly recognise, the names of supporting characters and some of the themes explored in The Burglar's Ball pay homage to Austen's Sense and Sensibility, although there are also parallels with parts of Austen's other works, in particular Pride and Prejudice.
Julia Golding's prose is appropriately pitched at a target reader group of 10-15 year olds, but sufficiently nuanced and rich in literary references to also keep adult readers, Austen aficionados in particular, entertained. The characters are well-developed and Golding uses their interactions to highlight some of the challenges and inequities that challenged young women and other marginalised groups in the late 18th century.
I'd highly recommend The Burglar's Ball as a light and entertaining read both to middle-grade readers who enjoy feisty female characters and mystery plots and to adult readers who enjoy cosy mysteries and Austen homage fiction. While there are oblique references to the content of Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery, the previous book in the series, I don't consider that a reader's experience of The Burglar's Ball would be seriously impacted by reading this title as a standalone. (That said, I do recommend Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery heartily!).
My thanks to the author, Julia Golding, publisher Lion Hudson Ltd. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. I can't wait to read future instalments!
July 15, 2021
Well, this was just as captivating as the first book if not more, and I am now officially in love with Jane's writing style!!!
I completely loved it!
Plot- 5 stars
Cover- 5 stars
Overall 5 stars!!!!!!!!
I completely loved it!
Plot- 5 stars
Cover- 5 stars
Overall 5 stars!!!!!!!!
July 27, 2021
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
I received the ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“The Burglar’s Ball” by Julie Golding is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series. I read it without reading the first one but it wasn’t a problem. What happened in Jane’s first case is clearly stated here when someone from the first book appears. Jane and her sister Cassandra are the main characters and every story is stand-alone.
Cassandra is invited to the mid term ball of their old school in Reading. Jane is not excited as her sister, but goes with her anyway. In Reading Jane can meet with her friend Deepti and her father, and she meet Brandon, a musician and ex slave.
During the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen and Brandon is unjustly accused of the theft. Jane, with Cassandra’s help, starts to investigate and manages to find many interesting things.
I was very curious about the idea of Jane Austen as a young detective, observing all kind of people and their behavior. The fact that this literary device comes from some letters Jane wrote to her brother is amazing!
Jane as a detective is inquisitive and a little nosey, brave and fearless.
She is funny and clever, she love her sister even if they’re very different. Furthermore, she hates injustices and fight tooth and nail to defend the ones who are accused of a crime just because of their origins.
What I liked most about her is that she is able to accept when she is wrong, to admit that she is privileged and what she believes of her country is influenced by that. And then, when she discovers the truth she doesn’t cower, but tries to understand more and better.
I appreciated how Julia Golding talked about colonialism and slavery, helping Jane to open her eyes.
Regarding the plot and the crime, I really liked how the author wrote many character that could have been guilty; the reader suspects them all and is not sure of the real responsible until the end.
I would love seeing a TV show of these books; it would be amazing!
Katia grazie ❤️
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
I received the ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“The Burglar’s Ball” by Julie Golding is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series. I read it without reading the first one but it wasn’t a problem. What happened in Jane’s first case is clearly stated here when someone from the first book appears. Jane and her sister Cassandra are the main characters and every story is stand-alone.
Cassandra is invited to the mid term ball of their old school in Reading. Jane is not excited as her sister, but goes with her anyway. In Reading Jane can meet with her friend Deepti and her father, and she meet Brandon, a musician and ex slave.
During the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen and Brandon is unjustly accused of the theft. Jane, with Cassandra’s help, starts to investigate and manages to find many interesting things.
I was very curious about the idea of Jane Austen as a young detective, observing all kind of people and their behavior. The fact that this literary device comes from some letters Jane wrote to her brother is amazing!
Jane as a detective is inquisitive and a little nosey, brave and fearless.
She is funny and clever, she love her sister even if they’re very different. Furthermore, she hates injustices and fight tooth and nail to defend the ones who are accused of a crime just because of their origins.
What I liked most about her is that she is able to accept when she is wrong, to admit that she is privileged and what she believes of her country is influenced by that. And then, when she discovers the truth she doesn’t cower, but tries to understand more and better.
I appreciated how Julia Golding talked about colonialism and slavery, helping Jane to open her eyes.
Regarding the plot and the crime, I really liked how the author wrote many character that could have been guilty; the reader suspects them all and is not sure of the real responsible until the end.
I would love seeing a TV show of these books; it would be amazing!
Katia grazie ❤️
March 13, 2022
When thirteen year-old Jane Austen accompanies her older sister to a dance at their old school, she anticipates having a very boring time. Things start looking up, however, when she makes some friends including Brandon, a young musician, once enslaved, now assistant to the school’s dance instructor. When an expensive diamond necklace is stolen during the dance and Brandon becomes the chief suspect, Jane is determined to prove him innocent.
I will admit right off the top, I am a sucker for anything Jane Austen so when I saw Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglar’s Ball, a middle grade historical fiction by Julia Golding on Netgalley, how could I resist? It is the second in the series but the first I have read and, despite being way way beyond the targeted audience, I enjoyed it quite a bit. The mystery is fairly interesting while managing to avoid anything that might be too upsetting for a young child and the language is modern while staying fairly true to the historical period making it an easy tale for a young reader.
But it is the character of Jane that makes this novel a whole lot of fun. She is smart, witty, independent, and refuses to accept the societal norms of the time for girls just like so many of her heroines in her books. Overall, I suspect that young readers will find it very entertaining.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunit to read this book in exchange for an honest review
I will admit right off the top, I am a sucker for anything Jane Austen so when I saw Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglar’s Ball, a middle grade historical fiction by Julia Golding on Netgalley, how could I resist? It is the second in the series but the first I have read and, despite being way way beyond the targeted audience, I enjoyed it quite a bit. The mystery is fairly interesting while managing to avoid anything that might be too upsetting for a young child and the language is modern while staying fairly true to the historical period making it an easy tale for a young reader.
But it is the character of Jane that makes this novel a whole lot of fun. She is smart, witty, independent, and refuses to accept the societal norms of the time for girls just like so many of her heroines in her books. Overall, I suspect that young readers will find it very entertaining.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunit to read this book in exchange for an honest review
November 7, 2022
3,5⭐️
Ça m’a fait pensé à Sherlock, Lupin et moi pour le style et l’époque.. mais ici c’est l’autrice Jane Austen qu’on suit ici dans sa jeunesse. Au travers de cette enquête qu’elle mène avec son aînée, on découvre où elle a déniché l’inspiration pour son célèbre Raison et sentiments. Bien sûr, rien de tout cela n’est vrai, mais c’est mignon de l’imaginer.
Outre le fait que le crime arrive en page 100, l’enquête est intéressante et nous amène à suivre diverses pistes. J’ai bien aimé!
Ça m’a fait pensé à Sherlock, Lupin et moi pour le style et l’époque.. mais ici c’est l’autrice Jane Austen qu’on suit ici dans sa jeunesse. Au travers de cette enquête qu’elle mène avec son aînée, on découvre où elle a déniché l’inspiration pour son célèbre Raison et sentiments. Bien sûr, rien de tout cela n’est vrai, mais c’est mignon de l’imaginer.
Outre le fait que le crime arrive en page 100, l’enquête est intéressante et nous amène à suivre diverses pistes. J’ai bien aimé!
July 31, 2024
Les aventures de Jane sont toujours aussi palpitantes !
J’ai trouvé que dans ce deuxième tome, tout se passait un peu plus vite mais ça ne m’a pas déplu.
C’était, comme toujours avec Jane Austen comme personnage principal, une lecture très plaisante.
J’ai trouvé que dans ce deuxième tome, tout se passait un peu plus vite mais ça ne m’a pas déplu.
C’était, comme toujours avec Jane Austen comme personnage principal, une lecture très plaisante.
December 18, 2021
Another great Jane Austen mystery! These middle grade books are such fun reads and I really enjoyed this one. It had intrigue and kept me guessing throughout. I find the characters so great and I can really imagine young Jane being just like this characterisation of her. I also love that this one featured Cassandra more, Jane’s sister and friend. It was a fun read and one I recommend!
January 18, 2023
[Disclaimer: e-ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
3.25 stars
I enjoyed the first book in this series and this sequel I also enjoyed. Jane is such a fun character and these are fun, enjoyable, middle grade mysteries.
3.25 stars
I enjoyed the first book in this series and this sequel I also enjoyed. Jane is such a fun character and these are fun, enjoyable, middle grade mysteries.
June 23, 2024
Avec un petit air des Bijoux de la Castafiore, voilà que s’avance le deuxième épisode des aventures de la jeune Jane Austen enquêtrice à ses heures perdues. Un nouveau régal de cosy mystery british !
J’avais déjà beaucoup aimé les éléments de cette revisite de la célèbre figure littéraire qu’est l’autrice de Raison et sentiments, c’est à nouveau le cas ici. Dans le premier tome, l’autrice, Juila Golding, jouait avec Northanger Abbey, dans celui-ci c’est la relation entre les soeurs du premier roman cité. Une belle façon de découvrir ces univers tout en laissant la nouveauté de la découverte car l’emprunt est fort lointain.
Ce sont en effet à chaque fois des aventures inédites, ce que j’apprécie grandement. Cette fois plus de sombre abbaye, mais une école pour filles où ont autrefois été les soeurs Austen qui y retournent à l’occasion d’une invitation. Et comme par hasard, un vol se produit lors de leur visite. L’occasion pour les talents d’enquêtrice de Jane de s’offrir encore à nous yeux.
J’ai aimé retrouvé ce décor légèrement historique où l’autrice se plaît à nous décrire à quoi ressemblaient ses internats, mais également à nous brosser le portrait d’une société qui avait des liens avec l’Inde, ou encore qui était fan de bal et de cricket, et qui était à l’occasion assez raciste. Un mix d’éléments que je pose pêle-mêle mais qui nourrissent une histoire bien construite et très entraînante à lire où nos héroïnes font à la fois défendre les minorités et se lier avec des jeunes filles de cette école qui ne sont pas sans leur ressembler.
Une longue première partie est consacrée à ce cadre, plantant le décor et les personnages, ce qui était essentiel pour la suite. Puis le crime se produit et le cerveau de Jane, tout comme le nôtre, est en ébullition. C’est très amusant de la suivre le long de ses différentes pistes qui deviennent les nôtres et qui se nourrissent de ce cadre posé. On croise ainsi une fuite à Gretna Green, un oiseau très particulier ou encore un cirque itinérant. Malgré leur âge et leur statut, c’est assez crédible de les voir ainsi mener l’enquête car cela rappelle une certaine littérature déjà connue mettant en scène cette époque. C’est donc une sorte de jolie pastiche permettant aux jeunes lectures de découvrir facilement et efficacement cette littérature. J’aime la modernité qu’y apporte Julia Golding.
Une deuxième aventure rondement menée dans un nouveau cadre historique anglais fort réussi, je crois que Julia Golding a trouvé la bonne recette. J’ai aimé le duo de Jane avec sa soeur. J’ai aimé les nombreuses thématiques autour du racisme et de la pauvreté au sein de ceux qu’on croit appartenir à l’élite. La plume est simple mais l’aventure pleine de vivacité et très agréable à lire et à suivre. Cela ne révolutionne pas le genre mais c’est un cosy mystery en costume efficace et bien mené qui a le mérite de faire découvrir l’époque de l’autrice transformée en héroïne. J’aime beaucoup.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
J’avais déjà beaucoup aimé les éléments de cette revisite de la célèbre figure littéraire qu’est l’autrice de Raison et sentiments, c’est à nouveau le cas ici. Dans le premier tome, l’autrice, Juila Golding, jouait avec Northanger Abbey, dans celui-ci c’est la relation entre les soeurs du premier roman cité. Une belle façon de découvrir ces univers tout en laissant la nouveauté de la découverte car l’emprunt est fort lointain.
Ce sont en effet à chaque fois des aventures inédites, ce que j’apprécie grandement. Cette fois plus de sombre abbaye, mais une école pour filles où ont autrefois été les soeurs Austen qui y retournent à l’occasion d’une invitation. Et comme par hasard, un vol se produit lors de leur visite. L’occasion pour les talents d’enquêtrice de Jane de s’offrir encore à nous yeux.
J’ai aimé retrouvé ce décor légèrement historique où l’autrice se plaît à nous décrire à quoi ressemblaient ses internats, mais également à nous brosser le portrait d’une société qui avait des liens avec l’Inde, ou encore qui était fan de bal et de cricket, et qui était à l’occasion assez raciste. Un mix d’éléments que je pose pêle-mêle mais qui nourrissent une histoire bien construite et très entraînante à lire où nos héroïnes font à la fois défendre les minorités et se lier avec des jeunes filles de cette école qui ne sont pas sans leur ressembler.
Une longue première partie est consacrée à ce cadre, plantant le décor et les personnages, ce qui était essentiel pour la suite. Puis le crime se produit et le cerveau de Jane, tout comme le nôtre, est en ébullition. C’est très amusant de la suivre le long de ses différentes pistes qui deviennent les nôtres et qui se nourrissent de ce cadre posé. On croise ainsi une fuite à Gretna Green, un oiseau très particulier ou encore un cirque itinérant. Malgré leur âge et leur statut, c’est assez crédible de les voir ainsi mener l’enquête car cela rappelle une certaine littérature déjà connue mettant en scène cette époque. C’est donc une sorte de jolie pastiche permettant aux jeunes lectures de découvrir facilement et efficacement cette littérature. J’aime la modernité qu’y apporte Julia Golding.
Une deuxième aventure rondement menée dans un nouveau cadre historique anglais fort réussi, je crois que Julia Golding a trouvé la bonne recette. J’ai aimé le duo de Jane avec sa soeur. J’ai aimé les nombreuses thématiques autour du racisme et de la pauvreté au sein de ceux qu’on croit appartenir à l’élite. La plume est simple mais l’aventure pleine de vivacité et très agréable à lire et à suivre. Cela ne révolutionne pas le genre mais c’est un cosy mystery en costume efficace et bien mené qui a le mérite de faire découvrir l’époque de l’autrice transformée en héroïne. J’aime beaucoup.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
July 12, 2021
Wow! This book is phenomenal! It is witty, intriguing, quick-paced, moving, entertaining, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglar's Ball", I was whisked back in time to the Georgian Era, put on my sleuthing hat, and went on quite the detective adventure with this story!
This is the second book in Julia Golding's "Jane Austen Investigates" series, and I hope there will be many more, as this series is simply delightful! Ms. Golding's writing style is fun, heartfelt, full of poignant messages, and, as the reader, I am truly hooked from the first moment to the last. Each and every element of her story springs to life right off of the page; from the various locations, to the characters, to the various plot elements, as well as the mystery itself. She brilliantly weaves in various clues throughout the book, and I found myself trying to solve the mystery right along with the characters.
Jane is such a kind-hearted, smart, intelligent, witty, and spunky young girl who is unafraid to stand up for what she believes to be right! When Jane's sister Cassandra is invited back to her old school to be a part of a ball, Jane goes with her. There, they meet siblings Edward, Elinor and Marianne Warren, a girl named Lucy (a relation of the Warrens), dancing instructor Mr. Willoughby, as well as see their old headmistress again. The night of the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen, and an innocent young man named Brandon is blamed simply because of his skin color. Jane stands up for him (as she should!), and decides then and there that she will find out what really happened to the diamonds so her friend is not punished. With Deepti and Arjun on her side, Jane begins to follow a trail of clues that lead in an unexpected direction. Is the theft connected to other thefts that have been going on in town? Is not everything as it seems? Do others know more than what they are letting on? You will just have to read to find out!
I adore so many of the characters in this book! Many of my favorite characters from the first book are present including Jane, Cassandra, Deepti, Arjun, and Grandison, and I loved seeing them again! One of my new favorites is Brandon! I hope we see them again in future books!
I absolutely loved reading the many nods to Jane Austen's novel "Sense and Sensibility", including a moment where young Jane promises she will one day write something about a specific character (no spoilers here.). While you do not have to be familiar with that story to enjoy this book, I had so much fun catching all of these!
If you enjoy anything related to Jane Austen, I highly recommend this book! I read it pretty much in one day as I absolutely could not put it down! I am so, so hoping there will be many more books in this incredible series!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the second book in Julia Golding's "Jane Austen Investigates" series, and I hope there will be many more, as this series is simply delightful! Ms. Golding's writing style is fun, heartfelt, full of poignant messages, and, as the reader, I am truly hooked from the first moment to the last. Each and every element of her story springs to life right off of the page; from the various locations, to the characters, to the various plot elements, as well as the mystery itself. She brilliantly weaves in various clues throughout the book, and I found myself trying to solve the mystery right along with the characters.
Jane is such a kind-hearted, smart, intelligent, witty, and spunky young girl who is unafraid to stand up for what she believes to be right! When Jane's sister Cassandra is invited back to her old school to be a part of a ball, Jane goes with her. There, they meet siblings Edward, Elinor and Marianne Warren, a girl named Lucy (a relation of the Warrens), dancing instructor Mr. Willoughby, as well as see their old headmistress again. The night of the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen, and an innocent young man named Brandon is blamed simply because of his skin color. Jane stands up for him (as she should!), and decides then and there that she will find out what really happened to the diamonds so her friend is not punished. With Deepti and Arjun on her side, Jane begins to follow a trail of clues that lead in an unexpected direction. Is the theft connected to other thefts that have been going on in town? Is not everything as it seems? Do others know more than what they are letting on? You will just have to read to find out!
I adore so many of the characters in this book! Many of my favorite characters from the first book are present including Jane, Cassandra, Deepti, Arjun, and Grandison, and I loved seeing them again! One of my new favorites is Brandon! I hope we see them again in future books!
I absolutely loved reading the many nods to Jane Austen's novel "Sense and Sensibility", including a moment where young Jane promises she will one day write something about a specific character (no spoilers here.). While you do not have to be familiar with that story to enjoy this book, I had so much fun catching all of these!
If you enjoy anything related to Jane Austen, I highly recommend this book! I read it pretty much in one day as I absolutely could not put it down! I am so, so hoping there will be many more books in this incredible series!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 9, 2021
Every page pulls into a world, where history, mystery and readiness to defy social boundaries beam from every page.
Jane likes to sit at home, read and enjoy life, but her older sister is determined to drag her along to a ball at her school. Once there, Jane feels out of place and soon discovers that the ball isn't so much as a social event for the students as it is a forefront to gain money for the financially suffering school. During the event, a necklace is stolen, and the blame falls on her new found friend, the dancing master's assistant and former slave.
I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, but this one was even better. (Here, I should add that it's not necessary to read the first book before diving into this one, but it does clear up some of the relationships and characters if the series is read as such.) Jane has a very independent character and more spunk than girls at that time should have. It makes her easy to root for, fun to watch, and inspiring, too. Like in the first book, Jane befriends those, whom society wants her to ignore and look down upon. And as in the first book, it's this person who catches the blame when things go wrong. Still, this book didn't feel like a copy of the first, but rather, was a wonderful read...even better than the first, since it flowed much more smoothly.
History comes to life in these pages. Still, the mystery as well as the characters are easy for modern middle graders can connect with. Jane has siblings she loves and gets upset with; she usually behaves but does step beyond the 'rules' when needed; and she's ready to stand up to adults and solve things on her own. She's witty and has a heart of gold. All of this sits in a historical setting with fitting dialogue, mannerisms, and standards. And it's still fun. There's the needed tension to keep the pages turning and heart to keep the characters sympathetic. There are unexpected twists and turns, although the mystery isn't extremely woven, and the reader can see the ending coming before Jane does.
This is a wonderful continuation of an interesting mystery series, and I have no doubt young sleuths and readers fans will enjoy this one. Plus, adult fans of Jane Austen will even enjoy taking a look inside. I received an ARC through Netgalley and found this one even better than the first.
Jane likes to sit at home, read and enjoy life, but her older sister is determined to drag her along to a ball at her school. Once there, Jane feels out of place and soon discovers that the ball isn't so much as a social event for the students as it is a forefront to gain money for the financially suffering school. During the event, a necklace is stolen, and the blame falls on her new found friend, the dancing master's assistant and former slave.
I enjoyed reading the first book in this series, but this one was even better. (Here, I should add that it's not necessary to read the first book before diving into this one, but it does clear up some of the relationships and characters if the series is read as such.) Jane has a very independent character and more spunk than girls at that time should have. It makes her easy to root for, fun to watch, and inspiring, too. Like in the first book, Jane befriends those, whom society wants her to ignore and look down upon. And as in the first book, it's this person who catches the blame when things go wrong. Still, this book didn't feel like a copy of the first, but rather, was a wonderful read...even better than the first, since it flowed much more smoothly.
History comes to life in these pages. Still, the mystery as well as the characters are easy for modern middle graders can connect with. Jane has siblings she loves and gets upset with; she usually behaves but does step beyond the 'rules' when needed; and she's ready to stand up to adults and solve things on her own. She's witty and has a heart of gold. All of this sits in a historical setting with fitting dialogue, mannerisms, and standards. And it's still fun. There's the needed tension to keep the pages turning and heart to keep the characters sympathetic. There are unexpected twists and turns, although the mystery isn't extremely woven, and the reader can see the ending coming before Jane does.
This is a wonderful continuation of an interesting mystery series, and I have no doubt young sleuths and readers fans will enjoy this one. Plus, adult fans of Jane Austen will even enjoy taking a look inside. I received an ARC through Netgalley and found this one even better than the first.
November 2, 2021
{Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for the gift of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.}
When her older sister Cassandra is invited by the headmistress of their former boarding school to a ball, teenage Jane Austen is forced to accompany her to Reading. On the night of the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen, and Jane’s new friend Brandon is accused of the theft for little more reason than he is Black. Jane, strong from her earlier investigative success, vows to find the thief to exonerate her friend.
▪ Jane Austen as a character and Jane Austen references. It is fun to see the young Austen as an independent, slightly rebellious teenager. She is as clever as could be expected, and a whole lot more fun. Woven in the tale are situations and characters that are reminiscent of her novels, especially in this case, Sense and Sensibility. Several names are directly taken from the novel (or, as the author would have us believe, inspired their fictional counterparts): Marianne, Elinor, Lucy, Willoughby, and Brandon. It’s a lot of fun to pick up on those references, and I imagine (hope) it would make a young reader interested in reading Austen’s work.
▪ Jane Austen, social justice warrior? I love how this series attempts to show England as it was in the period, including Indian and Black people, rather than uniformly white as it is too often presented in fiction, including Austen’s works. I am not entirely sure that I believe this portrayal of Jane Austen as the defender of the oppressed, considering how judgmental she can be in her fiction of those who don’t follow society’s rules (I’m thinking mostly of Lydia Bennett and the sister in Mansfield Park). The voice of a teenage version of Austen feels fairly believable otherwise, and I would not wish her to be a bigot, I am simply pointing out that young readers moving from this to Austen’s novels are in for a disappointment.
▪ Good mystery. There are layers to this mystery, so that even if the reader can guess some elements, I don’t think it’s possible to unravel it before the reveal. It may have been a bit unlikely how Jane manages to put it all together, but she is very clever so I will give her the benefit of the doubt.
Another really fun instalment in this new series. I can’t wait to read the next book!
When her older sister Cassandra is invited by the headmistress of their former boarding school to a ball, teenage Jane Austen is forced to accompany her to Reading. On the night of the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen, and Jane’s new friend Brandon is accused of the theft for little more reason than he is Black. Jane, strong from her earlier investigative success, vows to find the thief to exonerate her friend.
▪ Jane Austen as a character and Jane Austen references. It is fun to see the young Austen as an independent, slightly rebellious teenager. She is as clever as could be expected, and a whole lot more fun. Woven in the tale are situations and characters that are reminiscent of her novels, especially in this case, Sense and Sensibility. Several names are directly taken from the novel (or, as the author would have us believe, inspired their fictional counterparts): Marianne, Elinor, Lucy, Willoughby, and Brandon. It’s a lot of fun to pick up on those references, and I imagine (hope) it would make a young reader interested in reading Austen’s work.
▪ Jane Austen, social justice warrior? I love how this series attempts to show England as it was in the period, including Indian and Black people, rather than uniformly white as it is too often presented in fiction, including Austen’s works. I am not entirely sure that I believe this portrayal of Jane Austen as the defender of the oppressed, considering how judgmental she can be in her fiction of those who don’t follow society’s rules (I’m thinking mostly of Lydia Bennett and the sister in Mansfield Park). The voice of a teenage version of Austen feels fairly believable otherwise, and I would not wish her to be a bigot, I am simply pointing out that young readers moving from this to Austen’s novels are in for a disappointment.
▪ Good mystery. There are layers to this mystery, so that even if the reader can guess some elements, I don’t think it’s possible to unravel it before the reveal. It may have been a bit unlikely how Jane manages to put it all together, but she is very clever so I will give her the benefit of the doubt.
Another really fun instalment in this new series. I can’t wait to read the next book!
July 31, 2021
Note: I received an ARC of the book from NetGalley. A huge thanks to the publishers and author.
This is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series that follows a young Jane Austen on another of her adventures to solve a mystery. Cassandra Austen is invited to attend a ball at her old school and asks Jane to come along. The headmistress of the school has a soft spot towards Cassandra, her favourite pupil. However, Jane's presence is quite unexpected and received with some reluctance.
What follows is a series of friendships, some cricket and a theft that leads to Jane stepping in to investigate once again. We also meet Arjun and Deepti again, characters from Book 1 who are delightful and add some wonderful color to the book. I enjoyed the different perspectives in the book and everyone's lives.
I found that this book was a little less impactful when compared to Book 1, but I still enjoyed it thanks to some of the newer characters, a talking parrot and some circus friends. The mystery was well thought out with a simple plot of theft which moves quickly ensuring the reader is engaged. In an attempt to solve the mystery, Jane uncovers many truths that shed light on the various characters of the book including the headmistress. This is the perfect book for middle graders and will give them a thrill to read it. Let's not forget the cricket match that has to come to some kind of conclusion with the girls all showing off their amazing skills in a "boys game"! Not to be outshone, the boys also show off their skills in dancing at the ball! It's all fun and more fun until things go wrong!
I am delighted to have read the books in this series so far and am looking forward to reading more of Jane's adventures and her witty, sarcastic letters. She had a gift for writing and the author of this series does her justice in my opinion!
This is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series that follows a young Jane Austen on another of her adventures to solve a mystery. Cassandra Austen is invited to attend a ball at her old school and asks Jane to come along. The headmistress of the school has a soft spot towards Cassandra, her favourite pupil. However, Jane's presence is quite unexpected and received with some reluctance.
What follows is a series of friendships, some cricket and a theft that leads to Jane stepping in to investigate once again. We also meet Arjun and Deepti again, characters from Book 1 who are delightful and add some wonderful color to the book. I enjoyed the different perspectives in the book and everyone's lives.
I found that this book was a little less impactful when compared to Book 1, but I still enjoyed it thanks to some of the newer characters, a talking parrot and some circus friends. The mystery was well thought out with a simple plot of theft which moves quickly ensuring the reader is engaged. In an attempt to solve the mystery, Jane uncovers many truths that shed light on the various characters of the book including the headmistress. This is the perfect book for middle graders and will give them a thrill to read it. Let's not forget the cricket match that has to come to some kind of conclusion with the girls all showing off their amazing skills in a "boys game"! Not to be outshone, the boys also show off their skills in dancing at the ball! It's all fun and more fun until things go wrong!
I am delighted to have read the books in this series so far and am looking forward to reading more of Jane's adventures and her witty, sarcastic letters. She had a gift for writing and the author of this series does her justice in my opinion!
August 5, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Buglar's Ball is the second book in Jane Austen Investigates series; I've read the first one and I loved it and I was eager to read this one with a young intelligent Jane who finds herself solving mysteries with her dog Grandison and this time with her sister Cassandra involved in the story. It was such a delight after a special Jane Austen July Readathon, I could not not start this book. I liked it because in this new adventure Jane met some new interesting characters with the names from Sense and Sensibility which make us thing that after meeting these people, she got inspired to write her book. I have to say that the first book was my favorite but it doesn't mean that I didn't like this one. I love the author writing style, she is amazing in keeping the same style as jane's.
In this adventure Cassandra is invited to a ball of her and Jane's old school in Reading. Jane finds herself obliged to go with her sister. In Reading, our heroine met with her friend Deepti and her father (from the first book) at their new open bakery, also she befriended Brandon, an ex slave now a free musician and then, at the school, she made the acquaintance of two sisters Elinor and Marianne who have just returned from India. The night of the ball, Elionor's diamond necklace is stolen and Brandon is unjustly accused of the theft. The Austen sisters start to investigate in order to help their new friend and at the same time resolving some other interesting mysteries.
It was enjoyable to read and I had such a good time with all the twist and turns while Jane is trying to solve this new case. It's a cozy mystery kind of story that might please readers of different age and if you like to read books inspired by J.A's personality this might be a good choice.
The Buglar's Ball is the second book in Jane Austen Investigates series; I've read the first one and I loved it and I was eager to read this one with a young intelligent Jane who finds herself solving mysteries with her dog Grandison and this time with her sister Cassandra involved in the story. It was such a delight after a special Jane Austen July Readathon, I could not not start this book. I liked it because in this new adventure Jane met some new interesting characters with the names from Sense and Sensibility which make us thing that after meeting these people, she got inspired to write her book. I have to say that the first book was my favorite but it doesn't mean that I didn't like this one. I love the author writing style, she is amazing in keeping the same style as jane's.
In this adventure Cassandra is invited to a ball of her and Jane's old school in Reading. Jane finds herself obliged to go with her sister. In Reading, our heroine met with her friend Deepti and her father (from the first book) at their new open bakery, also she befriended Brandon, an ex slave now a free musician and then, at the school, she made the acquaintance of two sisters Elinor and Marianne who have just returned from India. The night of the ball, Elionor's diamond necklace is stolen and Brandon is unjustly accused of the theft. The Austen sisters start to investigate in order to help their new friend and at the same time resolving some other interesting mysteries.
It was enjoyable to read and I had such a good time with all the twist and turns while Jane is trying to solve this new case. It's a cozy mystery kind of story that might please readers of different age and if you like to read books inspired by J.A's personality this might be a good choice.
November 20, 2021
Half of the time I write that many reviews, because I read that many books, that I forget what I already told and what I didn't. So, it's entirely possible I already admitted in the review of the first book in this series that I have never read a Jane Austen book in my life. However, I'm simply admitting it again. Especially because I think that, no matter how much I enjoy these books, they are even more enjoyable when you do know what Jane will write in the future.
Even though I haven't read a Jane Austen book in my life, I'm enjoying the series immensely. Mostly because Golding did an amazing job showing us what the world looked like when Jane Austen was little. She really captures the feel of this time, the good of this time, but also the bad of this time. She is aware of the issues the world was dealing with at the time and she deals with those issues in a modern way without making it feel out of place.
On top of that Golding crafts a lovely mystery. Just like in the first book it takes a little while before we're truly confronted with the mystery that needs to be solved, although we were getting some hints towards it very early on in the story, but once the investigation starts it's a lot of fun to guess along with the characters. Since this is a middle grade it never gets too complicated and eventually it's easy to see the solution come together.
And last but not least, I also really love Jane and Cassandra. They're clearly two entirely different people, liking different things and having different dreams, but their bond seems so nice and solid. I also quite like how Jane finds her way in society and isn't this over the top modern girl. Yes, she is looking for ways to break rules, but she also wants to be asked to dance at balls and she does blush when being around cute men and tries to avoid gossip.
I hope there will be a next installment!
Even though I haven't read a Jane Austen book in my life, I'm enjoying the series immensely. Mostly because Golding did an amazing job showing us what the world looked like when Jane Austen was little. She really captures the feel of this time, the good of this time, but also the bad of this time. She is aware of the issues the world was dealing with at the time and she deals with those issues in a modern way without making it feel out of place.
On top of that Golding crafts a lovely mystery. Just like in the first book it takes a little while before we're truly confronted with the mystery that needs to be solved, although we were getting some hints towards it very early on in the story, but once the investigation starts it's a lot of fun to guess along with the characters. Since this is a middle grade it never gets too complicated and eventually it's easy to see the solution come together.
And last but not least, I also really love Jane and Cassandra. They're clearly two entirely different people, liking different things and having different dreams, but their bond seems so nice and solid. I also quite like how Jane finds her way in society and isn't this over the top modern girl. Yes, she is looking for ways to break rules, but she also wants to be asked to dance at balls and she does blush when being around cute men and tries to avoid gossip.
I hope there will be a next installment!
October 9, 2022
Cassandra est invitée à un bal dans son ancienne école, à Reading, et elle n'a pas l'intention de s'y rendre sans sa soeur Jane. Si celle-ci rechigne au départ à quitter le presbytère, elle ne va pas regretter son séjour lorsqu'une nouvelle enquête va s'offrir à elle...
L'intrigue se déroule finalement assez peu de temps après le premier opus, on retrouve donc une jeune Jane Austen de tout juste treize ans. Et je dois dire que j'aime beaucoup cette version d'elle, à la fois crédible, audacieuse et intelligente ! Une nouvelle fois, on sent la passion de Julia Golding pour les oeuvres de Jane Austen mais également son intérêt pour sa vie et sa famille et les clins d'oeil ne manquent pas. En revanche, je n'ai pas complètement adhéré au choix de réutiliser le nom de certains de ses héros, je préfère des allusions plus subtiles, et je n'ai, par exemple, pas vraiment apprécié le version d'Elinor ici.
Mais de manière générale, c'est un roman qui se lit tout seul, extrêmement agréable et drôle, à nouveau parsemé de petites lettres amusantes mais l'attrait de la nouveauté s'est un peu estompé et j'ai quand même moins aimé que le premier. Si j'apprécie aussi que les sujets traités couvrent un large éventail, on est quand même bien loin des quelques petites familles d'un village de campagne, cadre qu'affectionnait tant Jane Austen. L'Inde, la colonisation, l'esclavage... C'est interessant mais peut-être un peu trop d'un coup.
Je referme ce roman avec le sourire aux lèvres et ça reste quand même bien le principal. Et toujours à condition d'être conscient qu'il s'agit d'un opus à destination essentiellement de la jeunesse, je le conseille très volontiers.
http://janeausten.hautetfort.com/arch...
L'intrigue se déroule finalement assez peu de temps après le premier opus, on retrouve donc une jeune Jane Austen de tout juste treize ans. Et je dois dire que j'aime beaucoup cette version d'elle, à la fois crédible, audacieuse et intelligente ! Une nouvelle fois, on sent la passion de Julia Golding pour les oeuvres de Jane Austen mais également son intérêt pour sa vie et sa famille et les clins d'oeil ne manquent pas. En revanche, je n'ai pas complètement adhéré au choix de réutiliser le nom de certains de ses héros, je préfère des allusions plus subtiles, et je n'ai, par exemple, pas vraiment apprécié le version d'Elinor ici.
Mais de manière générale, c'est un roman qui se lit tout seul, extrêmement agréable et drôle, à nouveau parsemé de petites lettres amusantes mais l'attrait de la nouveauté s'est un peu estompé et j'ai quand même moins aimé que le premier. Si j'apprécie aussi que les sujets traités couvrent un large éventail, on est quand même bien loin des quelques petites familles d'un village de campagne, cadre qu'affectionnait tant Jane Austen. L'Inde, la colonisation, l'esclavage... C'est interessant mais peut-être un peu trop d'un coup.
Je referme ce roman avec le sourire aux lèvres et ça reste quand même bien le principal. Et toujours à condition d'être conscient qu'il s'agit d'un opus à destination essentiellement de la jeunesse, je le conseille très volontiers.
http://janeausten.hautetfort.com/arch...
November 9, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglar’s Ball by Julia Golding. I’ve voluntarily read and reviewed this copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In The Burglar’s Ball we meet Jane once again, but now in summer after having returned home from her ghost hunting adventure at Southmoor Abbey. When Jane’s sister Cassandra is invited to a ball in Reading, Jane is at first reluctant to accompany Cassandra but eventually gives in to her sister’s wishes. While in Reading Jane meets up again with Deepti and her father Arjun and also meets some new friends at the girls school where the ball is being held. But during the ball one girl’s jewelry is stolen and Jane puts on her detective hat once again to solve this new mystery.
After reading and loving Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery I was very excited to receive an ARC for the next installment of Jane Austen Investigates. Even though I found The Abbey Mystery a more enjoyable story, in The Burglar’s Ball Julia Golding once again spins a very entertaining tale about Jane and her adventures.
I was very pleased that Jane met again with Deepti and Arjun and that they were once again able to help Jane uncover the culprit. Jane’s dog Grandison is also a very valued character in this story in my humble opinion.
Compared to The Abbey Mystery, The Burglar’s Ball is less mysterious and I found the “culprit” to be a bit too obvious. I do enjoy the way that Jane goes about solving these crimes and how she keeps her brother Henry in the loop with various witty letters.
All in all a good addition to this middle grade series with a feisty, smart and witty main character like Jane Austen.
In The Burglar’s Ball we meet Jane once again, but now in summer after having returned home from her ghost hunting adventure at Southmoor Abbey. When Jane’s sister Cassandra is invited to a ball in Reading, Jane is at first reluctant to accompany Cassandra but eventually gives in to her sister’s wishes. While in Reading Jane meets up again with Deepti and her father Arjun and also meets some new friends at the girls school where the ball is being held. But during the ball one girl’s jewelry is stolen and Jane puts on her detective hat once again to solve this new mystery.
After reading and loving Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery I was very excited to receive an ARC for the next installment of Jane Austen Investigates. Even though I found The Abbey Mystery a more enjoyable story, in The Burglar’s Ball Julia Golding once again spins a very entertaining tale about Jane and her adventures.
I was very pleased that Jane met again with Deepti and Arjun and that they were once again able to help Jane uncover the culprit. Jane’s dog Grandison is also a very valued character in this story in my humble opinion.
Compared to The Abbey Mystery, The Burglar’s Ball is less mysterious and I found the “culprit” to be a bit too obvious. I do enjoy the way that Jane goes about solving these crimes and how she keeps her brother Henry in the loop with various witty letters.
All in all a good addition to this middle grade series with a feisty, smart and witty main character like Jane Austen.
October 20, 2021
The Burglars Ball by Julia Golding is a marvellous historical YA novel that will entertain you whatever your age. It is suitable for ten years and above. It is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series but can be read as a stand-alone.
As a huge Jane Austen fan, I love this series focusing on the teen Jane Austen. With knowledge of Jane Austen’s novels, I can see parallels within the stories and the style of writing is reminiscent of Jane Austen. There are elements within The Burglars Ball that remind me of both Emma and also Pride And Prejudice (my favourite all-time novel).
The character of Jane Austen is lively and likable. She believes in equality for all and is willing to stand for those without a voice. She has an innate sense of justice and dislikes prejudice in all its forms. She is quite the young tom-boy too.
We witness racial prejudice and injustice as a character is judged by the colour of his skin and not the content of his character. Jane Austen sets out to prove his innocence.
There is a wonderful cosmopolitan feel to the novel as we meet up again with characters from book one who now own a bakery making and selling Indian pastries. We also meet an elephant called Betty and a colourful parrot called Don Pedro.
The Burglars Ball is a fun, light-hearted novel where we follow the tenacious Jane Austen determined to investigate the crime.
Jane Austen Investigates is a really fun series, just perfect to introduce young readers to Jane Austen, and also wonderful for die-hard Jane Austen fans such as myself.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
As a huge Jane Austen fan, I love this series focusing on the teen Jane Austen. With knowledge of Jane Austen’s novels, I can see parallels within the stories and the style of writing is reminiscent of Jane Austen. There are elements within The Burglars Ball that remind me of both Emma and also Pride And Prejudice (my favourite all-time novel).
The character of Jane Austen is lively and likable. She believes in equality for all and is willing to stand for those without a voice. She has an innate sense of justice and dislikes prejudice in all its forms. She is quite the young tom-boy too.
We witness racial prejudice and injustice as a character is judged by the colour of his skin and not the content of his character. Jane Austen sets out to prove his innocence.
There is a wonderful cosmopolitan feel to the novel as we meet up again with characters from book one who now own a bakery making and selling Indian pastries. We also meet an elephant called Betty and a colourful parrot called Don Pedro.
The Burglars Ball is a fun, light-hearted novel where we follow the tenacious Jane Austen determined to investigate the crime.
Jane Austen Investigates is a really fun series, just perfect to introduce young readers to Jane Austen, and also wonderful for die-hard Jane Austen fans such as myself.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Burglar's Ball is the second Jane Austen Investigation by Julia Golding. Released 22nd Oct 2021 by Lion Hudson, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such a fun homage with the revered author herself as a young girl in the role of amateur sleuth. It's an engaging and well written story. Aimed at older middle grade readers, it's easy to read and action filled. The East India Company figures to a significant degree and the author handles Jane's awakening to the less savory realities of colonialism sensitively but realistically. The themes of racism, exploitation, slavery, and animal abuse are discussed in an age appropriate manner.
The characterizations are precise and believable, and the settings descriptions and general prose very well wrought. The dialogue is somewhat (but not overly) reminiscent of the speech patterns of the time which adds verisimilitude without being overly intrusive.
Graphically it's appealing with easy to read typeset text and enhanced by line drawn chapter headings and inserted illustrations throughout.
Four stars. It's a delightful addition to the series and would make a good selection for school or public library acquisition. There's a third book due out in late 2022.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Burglar's Ball is the second Jane Austen Investigation by Julia Golding. Released 22nd Oct 2021 by Lion Hudson, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such a fun homage with the revered author herself as a young girl in the role of amateur sleuth. It's an engaging and well written story. Aimed at older middle grade readers, it's easy to read and action filled. The East India Company figures to a significant degree and the author handles Jane's awakening to the less savory realities of colonialism sensitively but realistically. The themes of racism, exploitation, slavery, and animal abuse are discussed in an age appropriate manner.
The characterizations are precise and believable, and the settings descriptions and general prose very well wrought. The dialogue is somewhat (but not overly) reminiscent of the speech patterns of the time which adds verisimilitude without being overly intrusive.
Graphically it's appealing with easy to read typeset text and enhanced by line drawn chapter headings and inserted illustrations throughout.
Four stars. It's a delightful addition to the series and would make a good selection for school or public library acquisition. There's a third book due out in late 2022.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 14, 2021
This is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series, its about a young Jane and they are a lot of fun.
Cassandra, Jane's older sister, gets invited to attend a ball at the old school they use to go to becauset he headmistress says that Cassandra could out dance everyone and she wants a good dancer in attendance. Cassandra decides to take Jane with her even though Jane doesn't want to go and so Jane brings her dog Grandison!
While they are at the school they find out that there are some girls there who are trying out the school to see if they want to attend there and that they had been living in India, but their father needs to put them in a school. They are all going to be attending the ball. One of the girls who likes to sort of flaunt around decides to wear her diamonds and during the ball they are stolen when she puts them up.
A young black man is accused of taking them because he knew about them, but so did a lot of others. Jane knows he didn't do it because he wouldn't have time as he was part of the entertainment. She decides that she will have to investigate and find out exactly what happened to the diamond necklace. There are plenty of suspects and Jane is up for the task.
I really like Jane as a character, she is fun, spunky and a bit onnery. The mystery was interesting and pretty easy to figure out but it is a middle grade book, so it's not suppose to be hard. I think if you like books like Nancy Drew then you would enjoy this series! Perfect for young readers into mysteries!
Cassandra, Jane's older sister, gets invited to attend a ball at the old school they use to go to becauset he headmistress says that Cassandra could out dance everyone and she wants a good dancer in attendance. Cassandra decides to take Jane with her even though Jane doesn't want to go and so Jane brings her dog Grandison!
While they are at the school they find out that there are some girls there who are trying out the school to see if they want to attend there and that they had been living in India, but their father needs to put them in a school. They are all going to be attending the ball. One of the girls who likes to sort of flaunt around decides to wear her diamonds and during the ball they are stolen when she puts them up.
A young black man is accused of taking them because he knew about them, but so did a lot of others. Jane knows he didn't do it because he wouldn't have time as he was part of the entertainment. She decides that she will have to investigate and find out exactly what happened to the diamond necklace. There are plenty of suspects and Jane is up for the task.
I really like Jane as a character, she is fun, spunky and a bit onnery. The mystery was interesting and pretty easy to figure out but it is a middle grade book, so it's not suppose to be hard. I think if you like books like Nancy Drew then you would enjoy this series! Perfect for young readers into mysteries!
August 25, 2021
Jane is a homebody who would rather stay at home instead of attending a ball at her former school. But, her sister Cassandra, is invited and so she must go. It’s good for her that in addition to the dance, she meets up with old friends and makes some new ones too. Throw in a theft of a diamond necklace and our clever sleuth, Jane, is thinking things are getting interesting.
Jane is not your typical young lady and decides to play cricket against the boys’ school and climb trees to find clues. It was delightful to read about her nonconventional ways and her letters to her brother about the case. This is fun”who-did-it” story gives readers enough clues to be able to discover the culprit before Jane tells all.
I would recommend this to young adults who like mysteries or who enjoy Enola Holmes. While this is a series, it is the first book I have read and can be read as a stand alone.
Here are some really fun quotes at the opening of the story:
“Any resemblance to persons living or dead in these case notes is entirely intentional. Names of people and places have been changed to protect the wicked- but you know who you are!”
“No one who had ever seen Jane Austen in her infancy would suppose her to be born to solve crimes.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for an electronic copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jane is not your typical young lady and decides to play cricket against the boys’ school and climb trees to find clues. It was delightful to read about her nonconventional ways and her letters to her brother about the case. This is fun”who-did-it” story gives readers enough clues to be able to discover the culprit before Jane tells all.
I would recommend this to young adults who like mysteries or who enjoy Enola Holmes. While this is a series, it is the first book I have read and can be read as a stand alone.
Here are some really fun quotes at the opening of the story:
“Any resemblance to persons living or dead in these case notes is entirely intentional. Names of people and places have been changed to protect the wicked- but you know who you are!”
“No one who had ever seen Jane Austen in her infancy would suppose her to be born to solve crimes.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for an electronic copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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