Jane and the Waterloo Map (Jane Austen Mysteries, #13) in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Nov 07, 2015 Ceri rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-inspired, mystery, austen-as-a-character, netgalley, 2016-austeneseque-challenge

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 desir 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.
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Nov 23, 2015 Sophia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen-austenesque, historical-mystery-suspense, net-galley-reads

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 Novembe ...more

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Nov 26, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

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 ref 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! ...more

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Feb 15, 2016 Debbie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: jaff

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 th 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! ...more

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Nov 27, 2015 Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: just-jane-1813-series, just-jane-1813-mysteries

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, “ ...more

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Jan 27, 2016 Christina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, austenesque, mystery

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 a 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. ...more

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Aug 31, 2023 Kim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-related, historical-mystery, austenesque-tbr-challenge2023

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.

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Jun 05, 2023 Georgiana 1792 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen, old-friends-new-fancies, sfida-in-giallo-2023, sfida-delle-serie-2023, esploriamo-il-mondo-2023, 2023-austenesque

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 ...more

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