MacColl (The Revelation of Louisa May, 2015) delivers yet another mystery featuring historical women wordsmiths. This time, Jane Austen's family gets embroiled in an international espionage conspiracy. Jane's cousin Eliza e widow of a French count suspected of being a French spy. Jane's older brother, working for the War Office, invites the family to his estate to interrogate Eliza. Rushing to her cousin's defense, Jane instead meets Eliza at her own estate to keep her away from prying government eyes. There she meets haughty yet intriguing Tom Lefroy, who plays Watson to her Sherlock Holmes as they investigate the murder of a mysterious man who has been stalking Eliza. Fans of Austen may be torn on this one spite the author's historical note, the book fails to capture Austen's style or her signature commentary on cultural and social conventions t it is a solid mystery with occasional references to her life. As an homage to Jane Austen, this falls flat, but as mystery and historical fiction, it makes for dynamic and engrossing reading.

Gr 7-10 Nineteen-year-old Jane Austenyes, that Jane Austenfinds herself entwined in some serious intrigue when the War Office suggests that her cousin, whose French aristocrat husband lost his head to the guillotine, might be engaged in traitorous activity against England. Jane is determined to get to the bottom of the situation, even if it means veering into unladylike territory. Adding to the drama, a gentleman studying the law has entered Jane's social circle—and all of her family members are eager to encourage a marriage match regardless of his condescending first impression. MacColl's fidelity to Austen's biography and family, with a bit of creative license woven in, results in a charming historical mystery. Her playfulness with Austen's voice is a delight, and she peppers the story with hints at characters and plot points from the author's oeuvre—nothing that distracts from the narrative, but tidbits that serve as inside jokes to readers who have already dived into her works. These elements more than make up for a somewhat rushed conclusion. Readers whose interest in Austen is piqued will enjoy the biographical back matter. VERDICT A solid addition for fans of cozy mysteries and literary reimaginings.— Amy Koester, Skokie Public Library, IL