As a huge fan of Jane Austen, I’ve really been looking forward to reading this book!

Stephanie Barron skillfully combines historically accurate detail with excellent plotting, but what really stood out to me was the authentic voice of Jane Austen that shines throughout the story. The voice, the tone, the sharp wit and observations that make Jane such a beloved author were amazingly on point. I was so impressed with the author’s ability to convey this!

This is the last book in the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series and I really enjoyed it, especially with its beautiful literary style. It’s the first book I’ve read in this series, but I’m now hooked and will be checking out the preceding stories.

I received a digital copy from Austenprose PR and NetGalley but a positive review was not required.

All good things must come to an end and, in this case, come full circle in some ways. Jane explores the British public school world with the aid of her favorite nephew when faced with getting to the bottom of a young man’s death before her dear friend’s son is convicted of murder.





The Jane and the Final Mystery plot takes readers into the cloistered world of higher education behind the ancient stone walls of one of England’s prestigious prep schools and the English quality medical work at the time. The life of the teenage scholars, the traditions, and the rivalries were fascinating and play a huge role in the murder investigation as does the medical work of Giles Lyford. The victim was a malicious bully and William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s friend, was his biggest target and so became the chief suspect. William has a stammer and this made him a prime target.



On a side note, I thought it was fascinating and not just a little sad to see the book explore what it was like for a person to have a speech impediment at the time- people saw it as a reflection on intellect- and the way treatment for a speech impairment was handled.



Jane is obviously ill in this one so she has a youthful Edward Austen, son of her older brother, James Austen, as her stout partner in detecting. Edward has a winning personality and matched his clever aunt for wits and shared a literary gift and also the likelihood of having to follow in his father’s footsteps rather than his dear aunt’s.

Edward has already left Winchester for Oxford, but brings his Aunt Jane to help his school friend, William, when disturbing news comes to him in a letter. William is the prime suspect so Jane and Edward seek answers with the students and staff at the school where both boys both lived and studied. The evidence leads them on a twisting path to a surprising end.



True to Austen’s life and to the Regency era, it is obvious this book and series has been carefully researched and the historical details integrated with the mystery plot. I enjoy the explanatory footnotes throughout when a quirky historical term needs explaining for a modern reader.



Jane and the Final Mystery was an absolutely fabulous finale to the series. I could taste the bittersweet knowledge that dear Jane was nearing the end of her life, but the solution of this case was a triumphant high note. Those who enjoy historical mystery that is cozy in tone, but detailed and deeply immersive in backdrop and character should definitely slip this series onto the reading list.

Could there be any better combination than Jane Austen and a mystery?! I think not! This book was so intriguing from the very beginning. Though I haven’t yet read this entire series, I was easily able to pick this one up as it can be read as a standalone novel. I’ve enjoyed all four books I’ve read in this series.

The author spins a clever mystery and steeps it in the world of Jane Austen. This was an intriguing tale and I thoroughly enjoyed the footnotes throughout the book that provided fascinating historical information. The conclusion was bittersweet and definitely left me with a desire to read more books in this incredible book series.

Thank you to Austenprose for the opportunity to read ahead of publication and for the ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Do you have any favorite series that you have read all of the way through? How did you feel when they ended? I have loved reading the “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series for the last twenty years. It was bittersweet reading the conclusion of this series.

It is the year 1817, the last year of author Jane Austen’s life, but she doesn’t know it. She has been feeling more tired and weak as of late, but it is from unknown causes. When the son of a good friend is accused of murder, Jane goes with her nephew Edward to Wincester to investigate the crime. Once there, Jane discovers that the boarding school has a history of ill treatment of its pupils by other pupils. Was young William Heathcote tormented so far that he took vengeance on his tormentor or are there other intrigues at play?

As I have been with the other books in the “ Being a Jane Austen Mystery,” I was instantly drawn into the story and Jane’s world. Barron channels Jane Austen’s voice, personality, and the time period perfectly. I loved getting to see her relationship with her friend Elizabeth as well as with her nephew Edward. Edward will one day write her memoir. I was horrified by the description of the treatment of the boys at the boarding school. I also thought the discussion of speech impediments and how they were dealt with at the time was very interesting.

I also loved seeing terms I really know from Harry Potter, such as “prefect” pop up in the story. As usual, Barron has great footnotes that describe the details or history of certain parts of the story. The afterword does a great job of filling in even more historical details.

I quite like how the book ended on a hopeful note and not with the death of Jane Austen. I am still sad to see this series end, but what a series has Stephanie Barron put together that can continue to be enjoyed. I think it’s time for me to start the series over again.

Even though we know the end of the story, this is a sad book. Jane Austen's health is declining and writing is increasingly difficult, and a visit from her nephew Edward brings news of the death of a pupil at Winchester College. Jane soon learns that the son of her dearest friend Elizabeth Heathcote is implicated, and Edward escorts her to Winchester to support her friend and investigate the murder.

Jane's illness makes investigating challenging and she must rely on Edward and his friends to gather information for her, but the visit also gives her the opportunity to consult with a new apothecary who oversees her care until the end

The mystery is a bit thin and the identity of the murderer is easy to uncover, but watching Jane come to terms with her illness and learn to accept her fate is the heart of this book and it's a sad but satisfying book.

In this story, Jane is unfortunately nearing the end of her life and her health is in decline. Set in March 1817, she travels to Winchester College with her nephew Edward to investigate the death of one of his former schoolmates. The accused murderer is the teenage son of Jane’s good friend Elizabeth Heathcote (nee Biggs). I loved how the mystery slowly unfolded. I suspected the killer early on, and was correct, though had a moment of doubt. The true reward was the exquisite writing and spending more time with dear Jane.

This is the final book in the Jane Austen mystery series and I enjoyed it very much. In my opinion, the series can be read and enjoyed in any order. I started with Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas in 2014. I went back to read books 1, 2 and 3 in quick succession, then more recently book 13. Jumping around in the series has not been a problem for me and I’m happy that I still have more of the series to read.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher, NetGalley and Austenprose PR. All opinions are my own.

1817 March, and Jane Austn's health is failing but can she help her widowed friend Mrs Elizabeth Heathcote. Her son William is convinced he will be accused in the death of fellow pupil of Winchester College, Arthur Prendergast. Jane accompanied by a nephew, Edward Austen travel to Winchester to help.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery with its varied and likeable characters. Another good addition to this series which unfortunately will be the last.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After 15 delightful and intelligent books, the successful mystery series (the first published in 1996) with Jane Austen as an amateur sleuth - has reached its end. Jane and the Final Mystery takes place in 1817 – the year Austen passed away, so it’s only fitting this final novel says goodbye to this lovely series and Austen as well – with Barron giving her an appropriate, heartfelt tribute.

What sets the final book apart from the others is that it has Jane Austen deal more with her own mortality – with the knowledge that she will soon likely die. And yet, she continues to fully live with her kindness, intelligence, and wit on hand.

Even as she suffers from illness and pain, Jane sets out to solve this latest mystery at Winchester College to help her friends and nephew discover the truth while saving an innocent boy’s life and reputation. It’s heartbreaking but poignant to read about Jane Austen’s suffering – but because she holds onto hope and faces her circumstances with courage – the novel never feels dark or depressing.

Austen spent her final days in Winchester, so the nearby college is the perfect place to set the last crime. Barron, as usual, is gifted at giving Jane Austen a literary voice within a mystery setting – showcasing impeccable historical research mixed with solid prose.

The mystery itself is like a good episode of a British crime drama – it keeps you hooked on the story – and wanting to investigate yourself to the very end. And the intriguing characters (particularly Jane) help you maintain a vested interest.

There is no romance in this book (unlike the last one) – but the friendships, familial connections, and sympathetic mystery (with an excellent twist) bring an emotional and authentic resonance to the story.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Overall, I was sad to read the final pages. You can’t help but want a different ending for Jane Austen, and you wish this historical mystery series could continue – but it can’t.

Still, I’m glad I discovered this book series (Jane and the Year Without a Summer is a particular favorite), and I recommend checking out the books if you love historical fiction, mystery, and Austenesque novels.

Jane and the Final Mystery also works as a standalone novel if you’re looking for a good, cozy mystery to enjoy but don’t want to read an entire series. It’s a wonderfully researched historical fiction book with a compelling page-turning mystery to match.

All in all, Stephanie Barron ends the series in top form.

Content Note: A PG-like read.

ADAPTATION RECOMMENDATION
The Being a Jane Austen Mystery Series should be a TV series! With Jane Austen’s sleuthing, bits of romance, and intriguing mysteries, how could a TV adaptation not be a hit? It would be a dream to see these books come to life on the small screen.

Overall Rating: 4.5 (rounded up to five for Goodreads)

Disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher via Netgalley and Austenprose PR. This book review is my honest opinion.

Note: This review was first published on The Silver Petticoat Review by Amber Topping

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stephanie Barron for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Jane and the Final Mystery coming out October 24, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
 
To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to get this one from NetGalley. I’ve actually only read a few of the novels in the series, so I can go back and read the ones I haven’t read. I love what I’ve read so far in the series. Jane Austen is one of my favorite writers and I love all the adaptations done with her novels. But it felt really sad that this book is the last in the series and the fact that Jane died so young and wasn’t able to finish her writing. I loved Stephanie Barron’s tribute to Jane with this series. Her writing is lovely and I think it fits the time period really well. The idea of Jane solving mysteries is so fitting. I think if it was true, Jane really would’ve wanted every mystery to be solved and wrapped up nicely. I hope to read more books by this author!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Jane Austen adaptations!

Jane and the Final Mystery is aptly named as it is the last in the Jane Austen Mysteries series. I'm sad to see the conclusion, but I've very much enjoyed every single book in the series. Start wherever you like, but it adds to the experience to go in order. Bravo Stephanie Barron. I can't wait to see what you'll give us next.

Jane and The Final mystery is the culmination of a series 30 years in the making that I have only been recently introduced to.

The heroine is none other than Miss Austen herself and this one occurs very shortly before her death. Her rapier wit is every present on the page as she tries to help discover the truth of a school boy's death. The son of her friend is implicated and it is up to her nephew and herself to discover the truth before it is too late.

This story has an emotional depth, both in Jane's empathy to her friend and to the situation, but also in her own personal struggle with her health and with the family's finances. As she is written, Jane is ever as witty and thoughtful as our favorite of her heroines.

There is no romance, but there is a strong mystery, good friendships, and a thoughtful conclusion. This is a proper send off to this author who makes a good heroine herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and found myself turning page after page in order to figure it out. I highly recommend this delightful mystery that has a proper twist as any good mystery should.

I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Author Stephanie Barron has written her “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” series for more than two decades, the first published in 1996. “Jane and the Final Mystery” begins in the spring of 1817, and Jane Austen died in July of that year at age forty-one. As a known Janeite and enthusiast of this series that parallels Austen's adult life—and knowing the sad truth of what is to come—I have been in bittersweet anticipation for this last novel.

Barron’s gift to write in a very Austenesque manner, her astute understanding of the mores of the times, and her exacting research of locales and the Regency mirrors Austen’s voice in this fictional work. Yes, fictional. I must remind myself that this series is more proof of Barron’s genius. Her expertise in the genre leads readers to wonder, Is this true? Did that really happen? She is The Incomparable when it comes to Regency mysteries—often imitated but never duplicated. Given that disclaimer of my bona fides as a Stephanie Barron fan and holding the series in much esteem, I feel quite at liberty to share my impressions herein.

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a culvert near the schoolgrounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of passage, cruel hazing, and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William’s name before her illness gets the better of her?

Thus begins “Jane and the Final Mystery” as Jane exposes whodunit in this fifteenth and final of Stephanie Barron’s mystery series. Though Jane is dangerously ill and continues to tire quickly, she comes to support her dear friend, Elizabeth Bigg-Wither Heathcote, formerly of Manydown, and endeavors to unravel the minacious web against William Heathcote.

“She glanced at me sidelong. ‘Thank Heaven, you do not abuse me as an hysterick. For nearly three years, Will has been subject to relentless attacks on his spirit, his mind, and his sanity in the world.’
‘You suggest something more profound and malevolent than the abuse he endures, on account of his regrettable speech defect?’”—p.68.

Likening to Austen’s quality prose, Barron excels in credible dialog. Miss Austen’s voice, told from this fictional Jane Austen’s point-of-view, nearly echoes off the page.

“‘I see now why you figured as a great general of Gabell’s,’ I said admiringly. ‘Like Wellington, you are a keen strategist…’
‘As to that—were it not for the danger Will finds himself in, I should regard this as a fine lark, and plunge in with vigour! I might even turn to the study of Law. The work of a solicitor should offer more scope for imagination and variety than that of a clergyman.’
‘Are those your only alternatives?’ I asked gently. ‘You cannot dedicate yourself to writing?’
Edward laughed brusquely. ‘I doubt I have the necessary talent to make a success of that.’
‘Why?’ I demanded. ‘Do you regard me as a frivolous flatterer? I do not offer praise lightly, my dear. When I tell you I enjoy and admire your sketches—so different to my own little bit of ivory, on which I work with so fine a brush—I am sincere, you know. I do not seek to puff you up with nonsense.’” —p. 136.

With lives, fortunes, and reputations in the balance, Barron casts a few red herrings that I confess kept me confounded until the last. Even at the inquiry, I almost, almost but not quite, suspected young Heathcote.

“‘You left the school?’
‘I d-d-did.’
Elizabeth drew an audible breath.
“At what hour?’
‘I qu-qu-qitted Gabell’s House a qu-qu-quarter before the hour of f-f-four o’clock.’
‘And where did you go?’
‘I c-c-cannot say, sir.’
‘William,’ Elizabeth murmured in agony beside me.
‘Come, come, Master Heathcote. You are required to answer my questions truthfully and fully.’
Will compressed his lips, his countenance appallingly white.
‘You refuse to answer?’
Again, not a word passed William’s lips.” —pp..107-108.

Excellent world building, engaging characters, and thought-provoking prose, I found this fifteenth book more page-turning intrigue than the maudlin literature I half-expected. But I recommend having a handkerchief nearby to dab at your eyes—just in case. You need not read the previous novels to be excessively diverted by “Jane and the Final Mystery.” Still, from one who has read this epic series in order, you’re shortchanging yourself if you don’t read them all. Oh! And why “Being a Jane Austen Mystery” isn’t a Netflix series already is beyond me.

I'll put this out into the universe one more time. As I have said before, I want Stephanie Barron to write a dual-era series next, titled “The Gentleman Rogue.” A contemporary woman discovers a trunk of Lord Harold’s papers and… Who’s with me?

Jane and the Final Mystery is the final book in the series that Stephanie has been writing for nearly 30 years! Such an accomplishment and there is much that Janeites and crime fiction lovers are sure to embrace about this series.

“Jane, what are we to do?” “Let me to think a while,” I told her. “I shall not desert you. We shall all of us find a way out of this coil.”

This book can certainly be read as a standalone but lovers of this genre should definitely consider going to the start of this incredible series for pure entertainment. The mystery is intriguing as a spotlight is given to the darker side of the English school system of the day and the many issues that raged. Acknowledgement must also be given to the incredible research undertaken: it was richly detailed, providing readers with both an educational and authentic experience. The various footnotes included throughout and the Afterword provided by Stephanie are interesting and enrich the whole experience.

‘Charm, an easiness of manner, and good looks may hide any number of sins, as I knew to my cost. How many heroines had I thrown in the way of such men - the Willoughbys, the Wickhams, the William Elliots?’

Yet it is the character of Jane herself which drew me to this book in the first place and I was not disappointed. It is here that in my opinion, Stephanie has truly excelled. To capture not only the tone of Jane Austen but also her characteristics were she to find herself in the role of sleuth are so very believable. Being the final book, Stephanie does not shy away from the illness that plagued Jane in her final months. She is suffering in pain, facing the prospect that she will most likely not recover. This is handled with sensitivity.

‘I am uncertain why you ask the question, Miss Austen. Would you interfere in the coroner’s business?”

For Janeites everywhere who see Jane Austen using her great skill of observations put to the use of solving mysteries, this series is well worth further investigation.

‘I did not pray for myself specifically. I did not pray for healing. I did not pray for more energy, more health, more time with those I loved, and who loved me. I knew that such things were already in God’s hands … The Virgin could neither extend nor shorten my time on earth; but speaking with her might render it more peaceful.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Okay wow, with the publication of this novel (the FIFTEENTH) in this series, it is truly an end of an era. Did you know that the first book in Barron's Jane Austen Mystery series was published in 1996?? Amazing. I'll admit, I've only read the first 6 books in this series (I will be continuing) and I have loved every single one.

While it is helpful for context, it is not necessary to read all of the books in the series, or even in order, to enjoy "Jane and the Final Mystery." Barron does a BRILLIANT job of researching and since the first book, I have been struck with how much it feels like it is actually Jane Austen narrating these stories. I will say, I guessed the "whodunnit" fairly early and easily, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this mystery. I think what most affecting me while reading was knowing this was truly the end--Jane's illness is clearly getting the better of her in this novel, and the reader has a distinct sense that even though she is fighting, her life is quickly coming to an end. As always, I love her voice, her intrepid spirit, and her love for her family and friends.

I am saddened, of course, that this series has come to an end, but I am grateful that I still have books that I haven't yet read! Even when I have read them all, this is definitely a series that I will happily revisit. I recommend this for lovers of mysteries, historical mysteries, and obviously, Jane Austen!

Jane and the Final Mystery by Stephanie Barron is a wonderful finale to the series of fifteen historical fiction mysteries about Jane Austen's life as a woman, author, valued family member and sleuth.

The Georgian era produced several literary geniuses, including Jane Austen. Barron beautifully weaves fact with fiction and uses vernacular of the time. She writes characters with incredible thoughtfulness and finesse with wondrous historical details such as transportation, stamps for letters, baking, medical treatment and clothing. Do be sure to read her notes in the back.

Nephew Edward is wise beyond his years and seeks his Aunt Jane's advice about a suspicious death where he used to attend college. He is also a voracious writer, the apple of Jane's eye. Jane's health issues are dealing a difficult blow but she finds distraction in the form of sleuthing which is of particularly significance as Edward's friend is implicated.

This series is delectable and would appeal not only to Austen fans but also those new to her.

My sincere thank you to Soho Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing novel. I absolutely adored this series!

The last in the author's beloved series evokes so many emotions. Sadness, knowing it's the final book. Gratitude, for the story captures Jane so well that we feel we're beside her, buoyed by her inimitable spirit even as her body fails. Intrigue, as she helps to solve the gripping mystery involving a son of her friend Elizabeth. Janeites and histfic mystery lovers will adore this tale and race to read (or reread) the whole series with joy!

I loved this concluding tale about the classic writing Jane Austen solving one more mystery as her health fails. The writing is exquisite. The characters are compelling. The research is impressive. And the murder mystery is surprising and so clever.

The writing is engaging with meticulous research shown throughout the novel. Barron's writing is beautiful and pulls readers into the story. The phrasing and word choice are reminiscent of Jane Austen herself. I felt like I was in Regency England trying to solve a mystery with Jane. The writing helps create that setting and tone for the story. Barron's writing was augmented by her impressive research. I appreciated her details about the time period and about characters in the novel. So much of this story is based in historical details true to the time. I absolutely loved that. She seamlessly weaves history into her story. Many authors write historical fiction but few can create such an authentic setting and story as Stephanie Barron.

Barron offers such a compelling, descriptive version of Jane that she seems to come right off the page. I love seeing Jane Austen as a character. Imagining how it would be to get inside her head and see her interact with those around her. I loved her loyalty to family and close friends. The ways she supports those she loves with her courage and cleverness. Each of the characters are well developed and create a community that you become invested in. You cheer for these characters. You want to figure out why William was framed. You want to understand how things work for these students at the college. You want to discover the connections in the Austen family and see them all have greater financial and health stability. At the center of these characters is Jane. And the beautiful descriptions of her character are what have made this series last so long and conclude in such a compelling way.

The murder mystery elements are a clever balance of intensity and surprising twists. I do not often read murder mysteries. I am not a big fan of the violence and often find them a bit unbelievable. This is not the case with the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series. The mystery captivated me from the first pages. I was very invested in the outcome and trying to find the murderer alongside Jane and her nephew Edward. I thought the clues were cleverly place throughout the story. And the reveal of who the murderer was felt authentic and surprising. Plus there were a few incredible twists along the way that made my jaw drop. It is difficult to write murder mystery well and here is a whole series of beautifully crafted mysteries that are also true to the style of Jane herself. Well done, Stephanie Barron!

I really enjoyed this clever mystery! The characters are well developed. The historical setting is beautifully crafted. And the mystery is engaging and surprising. Even if you haven't read any of the others in this series, I highly recommend them to fans of historical fiction, murder mysteries, and Jane Austen alike!

"The final volume of the critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Jane Austen as amateur sleuth.

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen's health is in slow decline, and threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys' boarding school, has been found dead in a culvert near the schoolgrounds - and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane's dear friend Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of passage, cruel hazing and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William's name before her illness gets the better of her?

Over the course of fourteen previous novels in the critically acclaimed Being a Jane Austen Mystery series, Stephanie Barron has won the hearts of thousands of fans - crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike - with her tricky plotting and breathtaking evocation of Austen's voice. Now, she brings Jane's final season - and final murder investigation - to brilliant, poignant life in this unforgettable conclusion."

So bittersweet, a new book in this beloved series, but also the last.

A truly gripping and touching finale for this series. Stephanie Barron definitely knows how to write Jane's voice and it's a pure delight to follow her through this adventure.

What a well researched novel! I especially enjoyed the historical notes that show the author's research of what life was really like for Jane Austen. The tone of the book fits Austen's writing, and the story is in her point of view as she solves the murder of her nephew and tries to clear the name of her friend's son. Solving the mystery added a fun element and the other characters captivated my attention.

I wish I would have read some of the other books in the series before I read this as a series ender. I think I would have enjoyed it more. That being so, it was still an excellent book and still understandable and enjoyable as a stand alone book. I definetly recommend it! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required.