For everyone who loves Jane Austen . . . the second tantalizing mystery in a new series that transforms the beloved author into a dazzling sleuth! Jane and her family are looking forward to a peaceful holiday in the seaside village of Lyme Regis. Yet on the outskirts of town an overturned carriage forces the shaken travelers to take refuge at a nearby manor house. And it is there that Jane … is there that Jane meets the darkly forbidding yet strangely attractive Mr. Geoffrey Sidmouth. What murky secrets does the brooding Mr. Sidmouth seek to hide? Jane suspects the worst—but her attention is swiftly diverted when a man is discovered hanged from a makeshift gibbet by the sea. The worthies of Lyme are certain his death is the work of “the Reverend,” the ringleader of the midnight smuggling trade whose identity is the town’s paramount mystery. Now, it falls to Jane to entrap and expose the notorious Reverend . . . even if the evidence points to the last person on earth she wants to suspect . . . a man who already may have won her heart.
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This is one intrepid Jane Austen! It is September 1804, Jane, her sister, Cassandra, Mr. and Mrs. Austen are on their way to Lyme Regis for a seaside holiday when their carriage is overturned in a storm just outside of the seaside village. Cassandra is injured and Jane heads off with the postboy to the manor house they see lighted in the distance. This is where she meets the rather rude and glowering Mr. Geoffrey Sidmouth and gives him a most scathing setdown as she seeks his help! Only Jane could stand her ground against such a man! This is definitely not a good beginning to a relaxing seaside holiday!
As Lyme Regis is on the coast of Dorset, it is well known for smugglers. Jane soon finds her attention taken away from the manuscript she is trying to write (The Watson’s) and is drawn into the intrigues of the local society and the bad blood between Mr. Geoffrey Sidmouth and the smooth talking Captain Fielding. It has been two years since Jane she proved her dear friend, Isobel, the Countess of Scargrave, innocent in the death of her husband. Now she is trying to determine who is the leader of the smugglers, known as The Reverend, and why she has such conflicting emotions over Geoffrey Sidmouth! To further plunge her into this investigation is the murder of one man by hanging and then the murder of another.
This was another well written and researched story. I so enjoy the footnotes that explain historical tidbits, Jane Austen’s own life and other interesting miscellany. Jane’s closeness with her father, reminds me of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Bennet. Her mother’s nerves and anxiousness gave me glimpses of Mrs. Bennet. Then to find characteristics of others from her novels in this story as well as some of her writings, just made it that much more enjoyable. The detail and observations made along with the wit imparted by Jane, just made the story that more realistic. For example:
“And thus we have the caricature of our age – a gentleman of weak understanding, who apes the form of gentility in an effort to supply his want of substance.”
I highly recommend this series and that you read them in order. I was pleasantly surprised to read of a character from the first book in this one!
excellent, well written, very enjoyable, love entire series!!!!
This one sagged a little in the middle but picked up for a good end. I think I read it too closely after the firs tin the series. I will let some time pass before I read #3.
More fun for readers who just can’t get enough Austin.
I love this whole series! What a unique and real way to get to know Jane Austen. Her research is excellent and therefore the books are believable – its easy to suspend disbelief and to engage in this ‘possible’ world of Jane Austen.
This author attempts to write in the style of Jane Austin… sometimes it is terrific (great way to learn new words!) sometimes not so much. A good read!