Jane and the Year without a Summer by Stephanie Barron (English) Hardcover Book

Description: Jane and the Year without a Summer by Stephanie Barron "If you have a Jane Austen-would-have-been-my-best-friend complex, look no further . . . Barron has painstakingly sifted through the famed authors letters and writings, as well as extensive biographical information, to create a finely detailed portrait of Austens life-with a dash of fictional murder . . . Some of the most enjoyable, well-written fanfic ever created."-O Magazine"If you have a Jane Austen-would-have-been-my-best-friend complex, look no further . . . Barron has painstakingly sifted through the famed authors letters and writings, as well as extensive biographical information, to create a finely detailed portrait of Austens life-with a dash of fictional murder . . . Some of the most enjoyable, well-written fanfic ever created."-O MagazineMay 1816- Jane Austen is feeling unwell, with an uneasy stomach, constant fatigue, rashes, fevers and aches. She attributes her poor condition to the stress of family burdens, which even the drafting of her latest manuscript-about a baronets daughter nursing a broken heart for a daring naval captain-cannot alleviate. Her apothecary recommends a trial of the curative waters at Cheltenham Spa, in Gloucestershire. Jane decides to use some of the profits earned from her last novel,Emma, and treat herself to a period of rest and reflection at the spa, in the company of her sister, Cassandra.Cheltenham Spa hardly turns out to be the relaxing sojourn Jane and Cassandra envisaged, however. It is immediately obvious that other boarders at the guest house where the Misses Austen are staying have come to Cheltenham with stresses of their own-some of them deadly. But perhaps with Janes interference a terrible crime might be prevented. Set during the Year without a Summer, when the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific caused a volcanic winter that shrouded the entire planet for sixteen months, this fourteenth installment in Stephanie Barrons critically acclaimed series brings a forgotten moment of Regency history to life. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Author Biography Stephanie Barron was born in Binghamton, New York, the last of six girls. She attended Princeton and Stanford Universities, where she studied history, before going on to work as an intelligence analyst at the CIA. She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Since then, she has written twenty-nine books, including the critically acclaimed Merry Folger series, which she writes under the name Francine Mathews. She lives and works in Denver, Colorado Review Praise for Jane and the Year Without a SummerA Reading Group Choices Editors Pick"[A] carefully researched and beguiling series . . . The author evokes Austens amused style with panache—one must be on ones guard when sitting down with a potential poisoner—as the storys tone shifts from satire to menace."—Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal"Absolutely charming, and one of the best among [Stephanie Barrons] prolific list of Jane Austen mysteries."—The Denver Post"Another exceptionally fun read for both the legions of Jane Austen fans and all dedicated mystery buffs."—Midwest Book Review"Impossible to put down . . . [Jane and the Year Without a Summer] is the ideal companion for a summer afternoon."—Crime Review (UK)"I chuse to recommend Stephanie Barrons most excellent Jane and the Year Without a Summer. Good reader, it will both charm and dazzle you. Closet yourself in your chamber undisturbed, for the story—fraught with poisoning, abduction, and murder—has unfathomed depths worthy of the esteemed Miss Jane Austen herself. Well done, Miss Barron! Your writing is unrivaled in its wit and veracity. Miss Austen instructs there is happiness in serving others, and I mean to follow her example forthwith by informing you that Miss Barron writes with a mighty quill."—Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author "Stephanie Barron has done it again. Its no mean feat to recreate the world and tone of Jane Austen—while also writing a thoroughly engaging and entertaining mystery! But Stephanie Barron pulls it off with a wry wit and an ease of manner reminiscent of Austen herself. If you havent read these books yet, go back, start at the beginning, brew a very large pot of tea, and prepare to be thoroughly diverted."—Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of Band of Sisters"No one conjures Austens voice like Stephanie Barron, and Jane and the Year Without a Summer is utterly pitch-perfect. The only way Barron could write Austen more convincingly is with a Ouija board. From the exquisite period detail to the uniquely Austenian turns of phrase, this series is a must-read for all Janeites." —Deanna Raybourn, New York Times bestselling author of the Veronica Speedwell mysteries"Exceptionally researched and written, Jane and the Year Without a Summer is absolute perfection. Stephanie Barron expertly weaves fact and fiction, crafting a story that is authentically Austen in its elegance, charm, and wit. The characters and setting will enchant you, and the mystery will keep you guessing to the last page. This Regency-set gem is truly a diamond of the first water."—Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author"The world of Regency England comes alive through the vivid historical detail underpinning this intriguing novel, while Jane and the secondary characters are both engaging and authentic. Whether first-timers or serious followers of Jane Austen, readers will thoroughly enjoy this take on the legendary authors life and sleuthing skills."—Shelf Awareness"Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a sweet indulgence filled with wit, charm, and the authors formidable research into the Regency era and the real Austens biography . . . sure to please even the pickiest, most well-read Janeite."—Reviewing the Evidence"Rich in historical detail."—Everything Zoomer"Barron deftly weaves delights of the early 19th century into the twists of plot, from poisoned delicacies to a masquerade ball, and the rights and rebellions of women of the time. She is also a clever plotter (this is one of two series she writes) and offers well-chosen dialogue and desires of the period."—Historical Novel Society"A well-researched and tightly plotted character-driven story that will keep the pages turning until the final page."—Gumshoe Review"[Barron] captured Janes voice and temperament perfectly . . . Historical mystery and Jane Austen fans alike will enjoy the artful suspense and poignant moments in Jane and the Year Without a Summer."—Austenprose.com "Stephanie Barron not only tells a compelling story, she has obviously done her research on Jane Austens life and world . . . Any Austen fan will enjoy reading about Jane Austens fictional adventures during the year without a summer."—Jane Austens World Blog"Outstanding . . . When one of these sharply defined characters dies of poisoning, Jane once again turns sleuth. The Austen familys financial constraints and Janes own failing health add verisimilitude to this taut, sometimes perplexing tale of lost opportunity and unfulfilled aspirations."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review"Full marks for background, plotting, and voice—though fans should know that this 13th case is darker than Janes first 12."—Kirkus ReviewsPraise for the Jane Austen Mysteries"A complex murder mystery with the same kind of rapier wit that Austen deployed . . . Great fun for readers who long ago ran out of Jane Austen novels."—The Boston Globe "Sings with not just a good plot but courtly language and an engaging group of characters worthy of the famed novelist herself . . . A first-rate mystery."—The Denver Post "With a keen sense of plot—the identity of the villain surprises—perfect pitch for Austens voice and a cast of new and familiar characters, Barron has again produced a pleasant excursion into literate and historical escapism."—Richmond Times-Dispatch "Absolutely delightful, with just the right balance between likable, captivating characters and the actual history of Jane Austens life."—Historical Novel Society Review Quote Praise for the Jane Austen Mysteries "A complex murder mystery with the same kind of rapier wit that Austen deployed . . . Great fun for readers who long ago ran out of Jane Austen novels." --The Boston Globe "Sings with not just a good plot but courtly language and an engaging group of characters worthy of the famed novelist herself . . . A first-rate mystery." --The Denver Post "With a keen sense of plot--the identity of the villain surprises--perfect pitch for Austens voice and a cast of new and familiar characters, Barron has again produced a pleasant excursion into literate and historical escapism." --Richmond Times-Dispatch "Absolutely delightful, with just the right balance between likable, captivating characters and the actual history of Jane Austens life." --Historical Novel Society Excerpt from Book 1 Consulting the Apothecary Monday, 20th May, 1816 Chawton "Aunt Jane!" I closed the door of Mr. Curtiss apothecary shop behind me and glanced along the Alton High Street in search of my niece Cassies slight figure. I found her instantly, gloved hand swinging from Fannys elegant one, as the two picked their way through the fresh puddles that dotted the paving. Cassie, at seven years the eldest of my brother Charless three motherless girls, gloried in the undivided attention of her fashionable and much-older cousin, and her cheeks were flushed with pleasure. The young woman by her side appeared unconscious of the childs admiration--having such a number of younger brothers and sisters, Fanny is well accustomed to adoration. At three-and-twenty, she retains her freshness of countenance, aligned with a genius for millinery, that must beguile every eye. A number of heads turned to follow the two bright countenances along the country-town street; but even in London, I suspect, Fanny would not pass unnoticed. "She has been spoiling the child again," my sister Cassandra observed indulgently; and indeed, Cassie clutched in her free hand a twisted bit of brown paper fresh from the local confectioners. A few boiled sweets, perhaps, purchased with the pennies Fanny had pressed into her palm while The Aunts, as both girls call us, conducted our business with Mr. Curtis. Harmless enough; the Lord knows that treats come only rarely in poor Cassies way. With my brother Charles presently at sea, his daughters have been consigned to the care of his late wifes sister in London. I am sure that Miss Palmer is a very good sort of woman, who loves Charless children as her own; but her serviceable charms cannot equal in Cassies estimation the superior claims of Miss Fanny Austen Knight, of Godmersham Park in Kent--handsome, clever, and rich--who saunters with such ease down Altons modest streets, a frivolous silk parasol dangling from her hand. Fanny and her father, my brother Edward, have been visiting us at Chawton Cottage this past fortnight, and Cassie this past month; a happy coincidence that provided both my nieces with interest and amusement, despite the fifteen years difference in their ages. "You have been prompt in your consultation," Fanny observed, as she came up with us on the High. "I did not think to meet you for another quarter-hour at least." "Mr. Curtiss opinions were succinct," I replied. "He looked at me--and into me, by way of a lanthorn beam directed down my throat--and pronounced me in want only of a period of rest and refreshment." I spoke with determined cheerfulness, for in all truth I have not been very stout of late, and at my sister Cassandras urging had at last sought the advice of the Alton apothecary. Lassitude, a want of spirits, and a persistent pain in my back dogged me throughout the winter months. The spring has been wretched and stillborn, with incessant rain, but we look forward to a June of warmth and sun--and with the summer months, an improvement in my animation and health. Mr. Curtis has a yet more active recommendation; but of this, I said nothing to my nieces. My intelligence would keep until we achieved our home in Chawton. "Rest and refreshment!" Fanny exclaimed darkly. "And how are you likely to obtain either, pray, with all the world pulling up at your door? I shall inform Papa that we may certainly not delay our departure beyond Wednesday." "Wednesday!" Cassie cried out in disappointment. "When we were to walk to the fair on Alton Green to meet Cousin Caroline! She was to have shown me her doll, and permitted me to change its clothes. It is too bad , Fanny!" "Hush, child," Cassandra said in mild reproof. "You would not be wishing Fanny to think that the unhappiness of a treat denied, is heavier than the pain of parting with her!" Cassie flushed, looked all her mortification, and hung her head. Fanny squeezed the little girls hand. "The fair begins tomorrow. I shall certainly find occasion to walk with you in the morning, instead of Wednesday." Then, glancing at me, she continued, "It is scandalous how all your brothers presume upon the good nature of Chawton Cottage, Aunt. One might suppose you were running a boardinghouse explicitly for the care of elderly gentlemen, tossed and wracked by sudden ill-fortune!" I smiled, for Fanny spoke with a cajoling good humour; but in truth her jest was not far off the mark. Since the first of the year, my brothers have met with so many crushing blows that the Austen family appears set apart by Providence for a collective trial of faith. First, Henrys banks in London and Hampshire were ruined--the result of a plunge in receipts following the defeat of Buonaparte at Waterloo. With the Peace has come a bitter decline in the Kingdoms economy, and the bankruptcies of the Great are strewn everywhere in the newspapers. Henry was obliged to give up his offices in Henrietta Street, near Covent Garden, and his home at Hans Place--his worldly goods sold at auction--the proceeds being turned over to his creditors. The month of March saw Henry arrived at our cottage door, with no home or coin to his name; and having welcomed all of us so generously over the years in each of his houses, he could expect nothing less in return. At the advanced age of four-and-forty, he determined to take Divine Orders--and worked up a fair proficiency in schoolboy Greek against the event. Having travelled in April to Winchester to present his catechism, however, my brother was disappointed to pass through the archbishops hands without the slightest interrogation. It seems the archbishops Greek is even worse than Henrys. This will be the fourth or fifth career our quicksilver brother has chosen; I cannot pretend to number his many roles over the course of his life; but a clergymans lot bids fair to be as happy a choice as any. It must be disinterested, at least. Henry means to fill the office of curate here in Chawton--a post in Edwards gift. He will earn a mere fifty-two guineas per annum. How far my brother has strayed from his days among the Great at Whites Club and Carlton House! "Will your papa be ready to journey into Kent so soon as Wednesday?" I enquired of Fanny as our small party turned back along the High in the direction of the post office. This was always our final errand before the mile of exertion that lay between Alton and Chawton village. "I believe he will." Fanny lent me the support of her arm, and I was grateful to accept. "His business was concluded some days since." Her papas business, as she called it, had been tiresome, complex, and unremittingly lowering, being financial in nature. Edward is come into Hampshire to meet with his solicitor, young Mr. Trimmer. One could hardly discover from Fannys clear-eyed looks that the Austen Knights had been burdened with acute anxiety these several months; tho I am certain she is wholly aware of her fathers obligations and cares. It must be Fannys concern to show an unruffled front to the world. My Uncle Leigh-Perrot and my brother Edward together had pledged some thirty thousand pounds (!) in surety against the loans made by Henrys bank--an enormous sum, now irrevocably lost. My brothers Frank and James were similarly stripped of lesser investments, equally vital to each. Even I was so unfortunate as to lose Details ISBN1641292474 Author Stephanie Barron Pages 336 Series Being a Jane Austen Mystery Language English Year 2022 ISBN-10 1641292474 ISBN-13 9781641292474 Format Hardcover Publication Date 2022-02-08 Series Number 14 Country of Publication United States AU Release Date 2022-02-08 NZ Release Date 2022-02-08 US Release Date 2022-02-08 UK Release Date 2022-02-08 Place of Publication New York Illustrator Gladys Jose Birth 1927 Affiliation Clark University Position journalist DEWEY 813.6 Audience General Publisher Soho Press Imprint Soho Press We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:134541740;

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