Jane and the Year Without a Summer

Being a Jane Austen Mysteries, Book 14

By: Stephanie Barron

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

“If you have a Jane Austen-would-have-been-my-best-friend complex, look no further.... [Barron] has painstakingly sifted through the famed author’s letters and writings, as well as extensive biographical information, to create a finely detailed portrait of Austen’s life - with a dash of fictional murder.... Some of the most enjoyable, well-written fanfic ever created.” (O Magazine)

May 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 baronet’s 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 Jane’s 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 16 months, this 14th installment in Stephanie Barron’s critically acclaimed series brings a forgotten moment of Regency history to life.

©2022 Stephanie Barron (P)2022 Recorded Books

Great Series

I have read every single book in this series and I have loved all of them. This one is particularly good and also bittersweet as we see Jane’s health decline.

A Lovely End

This is a lovely end of the Jane Austen mysteries series. The mystery to be solved was excellent, as always. I don't want to dig too deep into it as I will give away the ending, but I will say that as opposed to "Barque of Frailty" where the victim is murdered in almost the first chapter and we never actually get to meet her, I was beginning to think that there wasn't going to actually be a murder in this book, just a mystery. The actual murder doesn't happen until around 3/4 of the way in.
This book sees the return of Raphael West and brings some romance to what would otherwise be a sad ending to this series of books.
However, the book also includes the Cassandra. I believe that is it is the first time that Cassandra has an extended presence in these books. Usually she is disapproving of Jane being involved in a murder, or has been shipped off to a relation to take care of children, or is recovering from an unfortunate carriage accident. But, we get to see Jane and her sister actually spend some quality time in this book.
I was in a bit of suspense as I knew that this book was near the end of Jane's life, but there seemed like there was enough time before her death to squeeze in one more mystery, but Barron makes it clear that this is the last and pens a touching end to the series.
I have said this before, but I am not a big fan of the Jane Austen novels, but I am a big fan of these Jane Austen mysteries. We get to learn something about Jane's life, the time that she lives in, and the Napoleonic wars to boot. Perhaps I'll listen to Jane's actual novels next and will appreciate them more.

A Satisfactory Subtle Mystery

I’ve enjoyed Barron’s Jane Austen Mysteries since the publication of her first mystery. This one didn’t disappoint. There is more subtlety to the overall story yet I think it appropriate considering Jane’s health in this period in time. Those of us who have loved these stories and are Jane Austen fans know what is to come…with sad hearts.

Another Triumph

Longtime fan of this series and thus installment dies not fail to entertain!

I only wish Jane could have a little romance.

Awesomeness

I love the story and reader. I love the history added into the book. Wonderful!

Excellent but Sad.

As usual excellent and entertaining, but as expected by the date the story takes place; sad.

Will be sorry to see this series end

The entire series is worth every penny and hour you’ll spend listening.
Would love to hear a reading of ‘Jane A’s letters ‘ narrated by Kate Reading.

Stephanie Barron does Jane Proud

Listening to again as I wait for Jane and the Final Mystery coming 10/24/23. Even knowing what's coming in Jane and the Year Without a Summer. 😭

1st Listen: One the things about reading Historical Fiction is you often already know what happens. Especially if it's well known History or a Subject that interests you. As a Janeite I know how Jane Austen's Story Ends: She died in 1817 at the age of 41.

Jane and the Year Without A Summer takes place a year before Jane's death when she has started not feeling well.  Stephanie Barron did an excellent job in handling this part of Jane's life. You see Jane struggling to put on a brave face and yet she's still Jane. Quick of mind and solves the mystery. This book it takes a while longer for bodies to start turning up. But it works because there is a lot going on with the Austen family . Plus you get her and Cassandra's adventures at Cheltenham.

I watched a Facebook Live discussion with Stephanie Barron. Her plan is to write one more book and bring series to a close. And while I will be sad to see for the end, I appreciate Author's who realize when it's time to bring the Series to and end.

Book 15 is sure to break my heart. But I'm confident Stephanie Barron will do Jane proud.

Heartbreaking

I love this series but I'm heartbroken at Jane's diagnosis. Her life was tragically cut short and I can't imagine Cassandra's heartache. I wish like "Once upon a time in Hollywood" that the author could re-write our dream ending of Jane marrying, staying close with her beloved family and writing more masterpieces.