- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Headline Book Publishing; New edition edition (3 April 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0747253757
- ISBN-13: 978-0747253754
- Product Dimensions: 17.8 x 11 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,189,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
To Jane Austen's surprise, her visit to the Hertfordshire estate of Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave is far from dull. She has scarcely arrived when the Earl dies of a mystery ailment. With the bereaved widow accused of murder, Jane finds herself embroiled in a dangerous investigation.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Jane Austen fans will either love this or hate it,
By Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)
This review is from: Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery (Jane Austen Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)
Into the growing sub-genre of mysteries involving real people as fictional detectives Stephanie Barron adds Jane Austen. "Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor," being the first in this series, finds the yet to be famous authoress away from home after having accepted and then rejected the marriage proposal of Harris Bigg-Wither. Jane is visiting the Hertfordshire estate of her friend Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave. However, after Jane's arrival the elderly Earl suddenly suffers a most horrible death due to a mysterious illness, leaving Isobel a widow after only three months of marriage. When a letter arrives accusing Isobel and the Earl's nephew of adultery and murder, Jane becomes involved in the investigation. The suspects are the late Earl's guests, a collection of characters who could easily have been lifted from one of Austen's novels--but then that is exactly the point here. Barron is not only trying to write in the style of Jane Austen, a daunting enough task to be sure, she is also interested in shedding light on the writer's life and work. After all, the idea that Austen's heroines always found the love in life that was denied their creator is rather depressing. Barron has fun suggesting that the characters in this novel might have served as the model for those in Austen's novels: e.g., that Lord Pitzroy Payne, who catches Jane's eye, is the model for Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice." Obviously Barron is interested in trying to create the great secret love of Austen's life, although our fascination with such an idea is tempered by the fact that Jane would die a spinster. The irony here is that the more you know about the life and writings of Jane Austen, the more likely you are to either enjoy Barron's creative speculations or to be somewhat appalled at her presumption. Barron is obviously a devout fan of Austen and her writing so your enjoyment of this book is going to be predicated entirely upon your ability and/or willingness to go along for the ride. I found the writing style to lack the refined restraint and measured wit of the real Austen, who has a much better sense of picking the moment for her barbs and insights. Of course, Barron is handicapped by the requirements of the mystery genre, which necessarily requires extended questioning and heated exchanges. Actually, the best imitation of Austen's style I have read to date is found, rather surprisingly, in the opening chapters of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Mauritan novel "Desolation Island," which finds the boys trying to live the high life on shore. Then again, they did not have a mysterious murder to solve. Barron certainly makes a good faith effort that pays attention to the life and times of Jane Austen and seeks to bring her to life in a way her books and letters can only suggest.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Amazingly Good!,
By
This review is from: Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery (Jane Austen Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)
I should start by saying that I am not a fan of the Austen spin-offs that seem to be flooding the market at the moment; I haven't read one so far that didn't seem like a lifeless cardboard cutout of the original style of Jane Austen. So I was extremely sceptical about this series, featuring Jane as sleuth. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The book is written in the first person 'by' Jane, which is quite a task to attempt, but the author pulls it off beautifully. The writing is believable and even the editorial footnotes are done with a light touch. The mystery is gripping and doesn't stretch the credulity too far. I found myself devouring the book and looking forward to the rest of the series.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
For unpleasantness read double murder,
By A Customer
This review is from: Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor (Jane Austen Mystery) (Hardcover)
Stephanie Barron has created a very enjoyable and readable murder mystery. The novel is narrated by the author, Jane Austen. Anyone who enjoys Austen's (the real one) style and characterisation will love this book. Likewise readers of crime fiction. Barron has put the two genres together admirably. Jane is spending a few days over Christmas with her friend Isobel, the Countess of Scargrave when her husband dies in circumstances that look like murder. We are led a merry dance with Jane trying to detect the murderer. Isobel seems to belong to a family of possible suspects. I read nineteenth century classics as well as thrillers so enjoyed this no end.
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