Midnight in Austenland
29. Shannon Hale, Midnight in Austenland
Charlotte Kinder thought she had the perfect life: a lucrative career, a loving husband, and two wonderful kids. So when she learned that her husband James was having an affair, she was blindsided as well as devastated. Now, in an effort to keep her hurt and loneliness at bay, Charlotte decides to take a vacation at Pembrook Park, a grand English estate where the guests pretend that they are living in the Regency era. Upon arrival in “Austenland,” Charlotte immediately makes friends with the women and is struck by how good-looking the men are, especially the brooding Mr. Mallery. However, just as Charlotte begins to enjoy herself, she discovers a dead body in Pembrook Park’s secret chamber - or thinks she does. Is Charlotte’s imagination running away with her, or has a real murder been committed in Austenland?
Although this novel is technically a sequel to Austenland, it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone novel. This book is another light, fun chick-lit romp with some vaguely period trappings, only this time there’s a murder mystery thrown in. I liked that both the mystery and the romance got their fair share of attention, so that neither plot felt like an afterthought. I also enjoyed the nod to Northanger Abbey, as Charlotte’s investigation of the mystery parallels Catherine Morland’s in certain (though not all) ways. There were times when Charlotte’s character didn’t feel entirely real to me; when she describes her emotions about her ex-husband and children, it seems a bit clichéd and superficial. However, I did enjoy the book overall, and I’m especially happy that I got the ending I wanted - I actually said “aww” out loud as I finished the final page!