Customer Reviews

Jane and the Ghosts of Netley

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't figure out why Romance has such a bad rep, because it's the romance between Jane and Lord Harold that makes this book compelling, especially if, like me, you've come to care for these characters (maybe too much--sniffle!) The rest of the plot was plenty entertaining, but it's the personal stuff that really drew me in. The ending is abrupt, to say the least, so I recommend that anyone who hasn't read it yet should buy the paperback edition instead of a used hardcover. The paperback contains the first chapter of the next book in the series, which serves as a good (and I think necessary) epilogue to this book.

This mystery, the seventh in Barron's series, focuses mostly on Jane and the Gentleman Rogue, as they both try to solve crimes that signal the destruction of England at the hands of the French conspirators. A killer is loose, slashing throats and causing havoc while Jane and Lord Harold try to track down not only the killer, but the whereabouts of one of Lord Harold's old loves who plays a dangerous role in this story. This book is great - Barron carefully weaves a relationship between Jane and Lord Harold without getting sappy or too romantic. It's a quick, exciting read - but warning: if you are a big fan of this series, you'll be shocked with Barron's ending, wondering where the series could possibly go next!

This is the seventh in a series of mysteries featuring Jane Austen as sleuth. As in the previous six, the historical background of this book has been meticulously researched. Previously the speech, social customs, dress and day-to-day lives of the period had been carefully researched. Increasingly however the national history, notably the war against the French, has been brought to the forefront and in this book the espionage and naval history of the period are featured.

In addition to the meticulous research the setting, especially the ruins of Netley Abbey and the tunnels beneath it are well drawn and effective. The characterization is good and the developing relationship between Jane and Lord Harold Trowbridge intrigued even a curmudgeon like me.

So why did I find the book tedious? It plodded from one none-too-exciting drama to the next with murders, arson and vicious personal attacks following unsatisfactorily along. Perhaps Jane was just a little too far out of her element. Perhaps her social awareness and the nuances that are her strength were just lost in what might have been an action-packed spy story.

Should there be other books in the series I hope Jane will return to the drawing rooms and ballrooms where her talents can flourish in greater congruence with the plot and the action of the story.

Not since the third book, Jane and the Wandering Eye have I been so taken with a Jane Austen Mystery. I read it in one day & now, having finished it, I am to put it in Austen terms, "distraught" by the ending. Unless Ms. Barron inteads to use soap opera theatrics to resurrect the dead I cannot see how her next book can be nearly as engaging. I will, nevertheless, anxiously await it's debut.

Jane Austen is back in her seventh crime-solving adventure. Lord Harold Trowridge, the man of Jane's heart, calls on Jane to help seek out a traitor to the crown. She must befriend a beautiful widow with rumored ties to Bonaparte. Once Jane makes Sophia Challoner's acquaintance, it is hard for Jane to conceive that Sophia has anything to do with the murder and mayhem that is taking place in and about Netley Lodge.

Stephanie Barron has made Jane a likable and clever heroine that chafes against the rules of society that bind her. Jane is still writing her novels, but there is little evidence of it in this story. Jane is too busy hunting for traitors to actually write. Barron evokes the Regency time period nicely, interspersing historical facts throughout the book. Many facts are highlighted as footnotes on the page they appear. Barron writes these stories in a style similar to the writing of the Regency period further bringing in an authentic sense of time and place. There are deft twists throughout this well-plotted book, and a very moving, poignant ending to the story.

Barron is amazingly thrilling in this the 7th book in the Jane Austen Mystery series. Throughout the series we've gained glimpses of Jane's life and how dull it is without a mystery to solve and without a certain Gentleman Rouge to liven things up.
This book was wonderful, containing delightful dialogue between Jane and her Rouge, interesting characters in Orlando, Sophia Challoner, Mr. Ord, the man in black and ties to reality in Mrs. Fitzherbert. Set against the background of the mysterious Netley Abbey, calling to mind Austen's Northanger Abbey, along with the tensions of stopping further mischief from occurring that would injure the Crown's attempts to keep the Monster in check. Tightly wound from beginning until the end, this one is one of the best in the series.

I have truly enjoyed reading Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries. For any lover of Austen, Barron has fittingly placed the authoress as a sleuth worthy of the mysteries she solves. "Jane and the Ghosts of Netley", the seventh book in the series, is perhaps one of finest tales in the saga.

As always, trouble and mischief seem to follow Jane Austen wherever she goes, much to her mother's chagrin. In the autumn of 1808, she finds herself in Southampton, and soon is embroiled in another mysterious affair. The dastardly plans of Napoleon and the threat of battle has everyone in England on their toes. When Jane is employed by Lord Harold Trowbridge to keep an eye on Mrs. Challoner, a supposed French spy, Jane finds herself wondering if he isn't mistaken in his assumption of the lady's guilt. But when a naval ship is torched and its designer found murdered, Jane has little recourse but to spy and try to uncover the truth, even at her own peril.

As usual, Barron sets out that the story is a diary that Austen kept and that she is merely editing, interspersing notes to enlighten readers on historical matters or customs of the day. It is a technique that works quite well and vivdly brings Jane Austen to life. Barron has a compassionate eye for what burdens Austen encountered that grant them a ring of reality and respect. However, there is a bittersweet quality to these novels, for it makes readers wish that Jane Austen herself did indeed have these adventures, and that there was more of her legacy to read.

I have been waiting (impatiently) for two years for the next book in the Jane Austen mystery series. The Ghosts of Netley does not disappoint! Barron fans will be engrossed in this page-turner with its smart dialogue and clever intrigues. Warning: have box of tissues ready as you near the end. My only complaint is the abrupt ending leaves us having to face the torture of waiting a year or two for the story to pick up again. Stephanie, please don't let us wait so long!

This is the best book so far in this wonderful series. It has everything from romance to murder to espionage to a great setting and, of course, wonderful characters. The book is set in and around the ruins of Netley Abbey which has its own ghosts over the years. Jane and her Gentleman Rogue are pulled into the intrigue surrounding Napoleon's quest to attack England. The port city where Jane is residing becomes a hotbed of intrigue and deception. When a British frigate under construction is set afire, and when the shipwright is found murdered with his throat slit, Jane knows that this is serious and that the love of her life is in grave danger. The book is carefully researched and true to historical happenings in and around this time in Regency England. Ms. Barron builds the suspense throughout the book right up until the very memorable ending. Ms. Barron's Jane Austen is very believable. She makes a first-rate sleuth!

This is such a great series. Stephanie Barron captures Austen's technique better than any other imitator,, and her books are interesting in their own right, being the rather extraordinary adventures of a Georgian spinster.

It is the autumn of 1808 in Southampton, where Jane and her mother and friend currently reside. Jane's sister-in-law Elizabeth has just died and the family is in mourning. Nearby the impressive ruins of Netley Abbey casts a sinister air over events as a mysterious, and perhaps treasonous, widow moves into the local manse and befriends Jane, who likes the woman despite Lord Harold Trowbridge's cautions. Yes, dear Lord Harold figures prominently in this story, which I always enjoy.

SO, the story is fun, the history is interesting to Anglophiles, and Barron's writing is superb. What's not to enjoy?