Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave

My local library has the whole Stephanie Barron Jane Austen Mystery series. At first, I was a little put off by the language, and like a couple of other reviewers, thought the language more than a little affected. Yet Ms. Barron is trying to capture the style of Jane Austen, and that is no easy feat. Once I got over my initial reservation about the (overly prim and proper) writing style, I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Barron has obviously done her research and integrates many true accounts of Jane's life into these mysteries (I'm now on the second book, Jane and the Man of the Cloth). For example, Jane had recently recanted her promise to marry a Mr. Bigg-Wither, and the First Jane Austen Mystery takes place shortly after Jane's refusal and fictionalizes how Jane sought solace by visiting a newly married friend, the Countess of Scargrave (who will soon be framed for murder). I'm not such a purist that I take deep, personal offense at Stephanie Barron's decision to interpolate quotes from Jane Austen's novels into these books, as though Jane was thinking them up at the moment or recording them in her letters and diary. (Some other reviewers thought this "borrowing" an unpardonable breach of copyright, if not moral probity). And you more than get the idea that our famous Darcy was based upon Lord Fitzroy Payne, the (unconsummated) love interest of the Countess of Scargrave. (Though he never was so tactless as to insult Isobel Scargrave's appearance.) Jane isn't quite the infallibe Miss Marple--she puts many pieces of the puzzle together, but doesn't quite get it right til the very end, when the would-be murderer saves her life. I really wish that PBS Mystery would produce this series. If it was well done, what a following it would have! And what young British actress wouldn't want to play a 27-year old Jane? (Of course, please don't cast Keira Knightley b/c she's too pretty to play Jane! I made the very same complaint for her having been cast as Elizabeth in P & P.) All in all, lots of fun, though addictive. I have tons of things on my "to-do list," yet I often neglect what I should be doing in order to sneak in a few chapters.

Stephanie Barron was one of the first authors to base her book, "Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor" on the premise that these are the "long-lost journals" of Jane Austen, herself. In my opinion, no one does it better. As a deep admirer of Jane Austen's works, Stephanie Barron has brilliantly penned both a suspenseful murder mystery AND kept true to the realism of Jane Austen. I think her books are wonderful. Footnotes explaining certain customs, historic notes or words are liberally sprinkled throughout the novel. I found their addition to be quite helpful. However, you will note that there are many divided reviews. If you have ever been the least interested in any of the Jane Austen novels and enjoy mysteries as well, I urge you to try this series. Barron has just had her 7th book in this series published...so obviously she has MANY fans. Likewise, if you hated Jane Austen's books when you had to read them for English class, then perhaps you should pass this series by - because it is written in the same vein...which is the highest praise I can give the author! A brilliant novel and thoroughly enjoyable mystery!

The author, Stephanie Barron, uses wit, subtle humor, and a true to form Austenesque style to captivate readers in the first of the Jane Austen mystery series. I, for one, think the idea for the book is some of it's genius--who better than Jane Austen, novelist & student of human character, to solve crime?Though i DID notice (as a couple of other readers mentioned), that sometimes her style draws the readers attention more than the story, her words are cleverly crafted, and its obvious Barron took some pains in studying prevailing(19th c.) uses of diction, syntax, etc.The mystery was excellent, definately NOT predictable. The vilian turned out to be the person I least expected (though i admit, i am quite easily duped by red herrings). A character who I found a bit revolting was Isobel. Her motives, whining, and general uselessness made me think: how could she ever have been friends with Jane Austen??!!!Another gripe with previous reviewers: I loved the footnotes. For those not intimately acquainted with the early 19th cen. England, they are valuable. How else would I know that a "square" was a thing they put on boots to raise them so they could walk through the mud? Overall, a great read. Good for time-kill, when you are sick, or need to read a comfort book. I recommend highly to all, especially Austen fans.

I am only 13 so this isn't going to be perfect. I have loved Jane Austen since before I could remember. This book is so similar to Jane's writing. This is the first mystery book that I could not predict the outcome. Of course I haven't read too many mysteries, but from what I have read, I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to read another one. But Stephanie Barron has totally changed my mind.If you like unpredictable, interesting, mysteries, this is at the top of my list. In the begining, Jane is visting her friend Isobel from Bath. Isobel is just recently married to the Earl of Scargrove and having a ball to celebrate. But the joy ends here. That night the earl dies. Then Isobel and her nephew, Lord Payne, recieve a disturbing letter charging the two of murder and adultery. Isobel calls upon Jane to find the truth. This sends Jane on a trail of clues leading her to the scary truth that may have her fearing for her life! To know the rest read this book.

This is the first in a consistently fabulous series, in which Jane Austen is the main character, and a brilliant sleuth at that!Barron, the author, does a superior job of catching both the ambience and the language of Austen's times and literature. Social satire underlies the series, as does an inherent respect for Jane herself. Occasional, and sparing enough not to become annoying, quotes or near-quotes from Austen's works creep into the dialog in a way that gives the Austen fan a happy twinge of wistful nostalgia, without disrupting the flow of the story.And the story itself is well worth the time--it's a rich mystery, with well developed plot, characters, environment, and dialog. The author goes out of her way, particularly in this first installment, to create a sense that this is truly a documentation of actual events--that Jane's letters, diaries, and other accounts have been woven together into a narrative to share with Austen fans an element of her life that was previously unknown. This is accomplished in a number of ways, including clever techniques and footnotes that do in fact contain historically accurate information about Jane, her family, the political and social context of her times, etc.I really enjoyed this book, as well as the rest of the series, and recommend it not only to Austen fans, but fans of well-written mysteries, as well.