SALLY W. (thameslink) -
Helpful Score: 2
In order to really enjoy this book, you should be familiar with Jane Austen's life story and familiar with her family. This is definitely a book for Janeites, the author assumes your knowledge of her biography and family. I can't imagine it making a great deal of sense to anyone who is not familiar with the life story/members of the Austen family. As it is, I would label this an "intrigue" rather than a mystery. Having said all that, I did find it extremely intriguing. It is a work of fiction, but built on facts, presenting a case of what could have happened, and the author presents a very plausible, fleshed out character named Jane Austen.
Helpful Score: 1
The title is more intriguing than the actual mystery. You get a little at the beginning and then her conjecture on what happened at the end but if you are looking for a great mystery, this is not it. What it does have is a great little (imagined) story of Jane's last few years from the perspective of a friend and confidante of hers. There is some intrigue regarding her brothers--keeping them straight was tough at times--and the relationships she has with their wives, nieces and friends. If you enjoy the period and people that Austen wrote about you will enjoy this book
