#107 Jane and the Man of the Cloth by Stephanie Barron
After the events in Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor, Jane Austen's believes that her life has returned to normal. 
Then, while spending a holiday in Lyme with her family, Jane's pleasant vacation is interrupted by the sight of a murdered man dangling from a noose. The only clue left behind is a white lily. Everyone places the blame on The Reverend, a local smuggler who's identity is a secret. When another body is found, Jane once again finds herself on the case.
I first read Jane and the Unpleasantness of Scargrave Manor a few years back. Despite enjoying the book, I never got around to reading the sequel. When I recently got in the mood for a mystery, I decided that it was time to return to the series. I think what makes these books so enjoyable is the fact that the author takes pains to draw from the real life of Jane Austen whenever possible. Jane is not just randomly dumped on the beach because it's convenient for the plot. The real Jane Austen did spend time in Lyme in 1804. Characters she encounters in this book are drawn from her actual letters, and lines that can be found in her letters in novels are revealed to have their source in conversations and observations that take place during the mystery. These little Easter eggs, illustrated in helpful footnotes, make the book highly enjoyable for a Jane Austen fan. It's clear that these events never happened, but it makes you feel as if they could.
I admittedly, do not read too many mystery books. But when I do, I enjoy books that feature a colorful cast of characters, which this book has in spades. Jane herself is a likable narrator with a strong voice. I think the author made a good choice in utilizing a dairy format. There is romance to be found here as well, as Jane finds herself feeling affection for two different men, retired military man Captain Fielding, and the moody and mysterious Mr. Sidmouth. One flaw I found in this book can be found in the mystery plotline, which occasionally was a little predictable. I also found that when the novel was fully focused on the murder mystery, and less on cleverly weaving in real life elements, that the book became less interesting to me. This is probably partially due to the fact that I am not a huge fan of mystery novels, but I also believe that the storyline was a little on the weak side, and probably wouldn't have been as enjoyable had you taken away the Jane Austen elements,
Jane and the Man of the Cloth is an overall fun read, despite it's weaknesses. Despite my love for Jane Austen, I don't usually read the numerous spin off titles and sequels that have sprung up over time. This is one series that I am okay breaking that trend for.
Rating: four stars
Length: 335 pages
Source: library booksale
Other books I've read by this author: Jane and the Unpleasantness of Scargrave Manor
Next I will be reviewing Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
xposted to temporaryworlds, bookish, and goodreads
Then, while spending a holiday in Lyme with her family, Jane's pleasant vacation is interrupted by the sight of a murdered man dangling from a noose. The only clue left behind is a white lily. Everyone places the blame on The Reverend, a local smuggler who's identity is a secret. When another body is found, Jane once again finds herself on the case.
I first read Jane and the Unpleasantness of Scargrave Manor a few years back. Despite enjoying the book, I never got around to reading the sequel. When I recently got in the mood for a mystery, I decided that it was time to return to the series. I think what makes these books so enjoyable is the fact that the author takes pains to draw from the real life of Jane Austen whenever possible. Jane is not just randomly dumped on the beach because it's convenient for the plot. The real Jane Austen did spend time in Lyme in 1804. Characters she encounters in this book are drawn from her actual letters, and lines that can be found in her letters in novels are revealed to have their source in conversations and observations that take place during the mystery. These little Easter eggs, illustrated in helpful footnotes, make the book highly enjoyable for a Jane Austen fan. It's clear that these events never happened, but it makes you feel as if they could.
I admittedly, do not read too many mystery books. But when I do, I enjoy books that feature a colorful cast of characters, which this book has in spades. Jane herself is a likable narrator with a strong voice. I think the author made a good choice in utilizing a dairy format. There is romance to be found here as well, as Jane finds herself feeling affection for two different men, retired military man Captain Fielding, and the moody and mysterious Mr. Sidmouth. One flaw I found in this book can be found in the mystery plotline, which occasionally was a little predictable. I also found that when the novel was fully focused on the murder mystery, and less on cleverly weaving in real life elements, that the book became less interesting to me. This is probably partially due to the fact that I am not a huge fan of mystery novels, but I also believe that the storyline was a little on the weak side, and probably wouldn't have been as enjoyable had you taken away the Jane Austen elements,
Jane and the Man of the Cloth is an overall fun read, despite it's weaknesses. Despite my love for Jane Austen, I don't usually read the numerous spin off titles and sequels that have sprung up over time. This is one series that I am okay breaking that trend for.
Rating: four stars
Length: 335 pages
Source: library booksale
Other books I've read by this author: Jane and the Unpleasantness of Scargrave Manor
Next I will be reviewing Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
xposted to temporaryworlds, bookish, and goodreads