Jane And The Stillroom Maid

Rating:
Summary: An accomplished tribute to Austen if somewhat predictable
Review: This is the first novel in the series that I have read and I must admit that I was not disappointed. Barron accomplishes the difficult task of depicting the period in a tone very similar to that used by Austen as novelist. Austen enthusiasts will be pleased with this accomplished tribute to the novelist. In the "Stillroom Maid" (as in the other four novels in the series) Jane has become a sleuth, using the eloquent language and mental acuity that harkens back to many of Jane Austen's most beloved literary heroines. While I am a great admirer of Austen, I have never been partial to the mystery genre. I found the mystery intriguing and the list of characters beguiling (especially Jane's love interest, Lord Harold). Even so, I found the identity of the killer a bit obvious even though the actual motive was a bit surprising. All in all, I would recommend this novel to both Austen fans and mystery buffs. I would imagine both parties will be pleased with this literary escapade and I certainly intend to read the other four novels that precede this one.