Author: Laura Martin
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense
Publisher: Sapere Books
Book Release Date: 2024
Pages: 239
Source: Borrowed
Synopsis: Join Jane Austen as she solves a gripping murder case! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Bailey and Ashley Gardner.
This murder case feels personal…
1798, Steventon, England
Mr Austen’s role as rector of Steventon church has meant that Jane and her sister Cassandra are well connected in the local community.
With Mr Austen indisposed, Jane and Cassandra walk to church to greet the curate, Mr Williamson, who will be leading the sermon in his place.
But when they arrive the church is locked and the parishioners are already milling around outside.
Already fearing something is amiss, Jane rushes home to find her father’s key and when she returns she makes a horrifying discovery.
At first the church appears to be empty, but a series of blood drops lead Jane up into the belfry.
And there she finds Mr Williamson, propped up with iron nails through his hands and feet.
The Austen sisters are used to investigating murders by now, but this one is too close to home…
Who would have a grudge against the unassuming curate? Why his body displayed in such a manner?
And are any other lives at risk in the sleepy village of Steventon?
THE DEAD CURATE is the fifth book in the Jane Austen Investigation series: thrilling Regency-era murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.
My Review: Jane and Cassandra Austen are taking care of their ill father, who is the Reverend of their village. Because he can’t preach that Sunday, a curate named Mr. Williamson would be taking his place. Jane and Cassandra walk to the church to greet the curate. However, Jane finds the curate’s body in the belfry with his hands and feet nailed. Jane is horrified at the sights and wonders who could have done it. Who would murder the curate so gruesomely and why?
Jane is still a very refreshing and likable heroine. She is very analytical and is very observant. I like her deduction skills and her keenness to pay attention to small details. There are times that she is reckless, impulsive, and very impatient. She often needs her sister, Cassandra, to keep her grounded. Still, I found Jane to be a very fun and engaging character! Her willingness to solve the murder kept me invested in the story.
Overall, this book is about past crimes, family, and justice. I liked all of the characters and found them to be very realistic and interesting. As for the mystery, I have to say I found it to be pretty weak. It was not complex but very predictable. It seemed like Jane went on a wild goose chase throughout most of the book! I was also disappointed in the ending and found it to be very unsatisfying! Nevertheless, Jane Austen Investigations has been a very entertaining mystery series! I hope that there will be more installments in the future! I recommend this book for fans of Tirzah Price, Stephanie Barron, and Jessica Bull!
Rating: 2 ½ out of 5 stars
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