Jane and the Wandering Eye

Being the Third Jane Austen Mystery

By: Stephanie Barron

Narrated by: Kate Reading

As Christmas of 1804 approaches, Jane Austen finds herself "insupportably bored with Bath, and the littleness of a town." It is with relief that she accepts a peculiar commission from her Gentleman Rogue, Lord Harold Trowbridge—to shadow his niece, Lady Desdemona, who has fled to Bath to avoid the attentions of the unsavoury Earl of Swithin.

But Jane's idle diversion turns deadly when a man is discovered stabbed to death in the Theatre Royal. Adding to the mystery is an unusual object found on the victim's body—a pendant that contains a portrait of an eye! As Jane's fascination with scandal leads her deeper into the investigation, it becomes clear that she will not uncover the truth without some dangerous playacting of her own....

Critic reviews

"A glimpse of what Jane Austen's world was like, as well as an intriguing mystery."—Rocky Mountain News

"Barron seamlessly weaves...a delightful and lively tale....Period details bring immediacy to a neatly choreographed dance through Bath society."—Publishers Weekly

"Barron's high level of invention testifies to an easy acquaintance with upper-class life and culture in Regency England and a fine grasp of Jane Austen's own literary style—not to mention a mischievous sense of fun."—The New York Times Book Review

Another excellent mystery

There is a thing or two about it that I don't understand, but I'm sure I just missed something. Really, it was the historical perspective that I enjoyed the most. Really struggling here to not reveal too much in a review, so I'll just say I liked the story.

Compelling

This did not disappoint! Every time I listen to one of her novels, I have a desire to go back and reread or listen to one of Jane’s.

Note

I like Ms Barron’s writing style and books very much. However, I dislike her constant side notes which interrupt the flow of the story. Very distracting. They add nothing to the plot and just show that she has researched the period. If she wants us to know the details, then I encourage her to write them into the story.