I received an ARC of The Jane Austen Investigates The Abbey Mystery by Julia Golding thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Austen Investigates The Abbey Mystery is a middle grade book that follows 13-year-old Jane Austen. I want to clarify one point regarding the characters and the similarities to Pride and Prejudice. It isn't the same. Time period and family 'status'/'wealth' are similar but the family make up is different. There are three brothers and the name Jane does not refer to the oldest daughter. This could just have been me, but I was a bit taken aback when this info came out in the book (very early on so no spoilers) so I wanted to prepare you just in case.

That being said. I love Jane and her family. The playfulness among them is so entertaining and their relationships are definitely leaning closer to friends than siblings, which I loved. Close siblings are great to see.

The plot was really well done, and I loved the 'there's no way that exists' to 'wait. does it?' moments with Jane as she learns more about the Abbey. I also loved the idea of the bet between Jane and her brother and how that ties into those moments.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It gave me Tunnel of Bones vibes, which is something I wish more books had. So if you are looking for a middle grade mystery that has an air of the supernatural and loveable characters, I highly recommend!

A good mystery that can appeal to people of all ages and to cozy mystery reader.
Good plot and character development, a vivid historical background.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Love love loved this middle-grade mystery starring a young Jane Austen. It reminded me of books I read when I was a kid. If the author decides to make this a series, I will definitely be buying it in hopes my daughter enjoys it as much as I did. Jane is witty, smart, and precocious. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.

A teenage Jane Austen solving mysteries? It’s not too hard to see why I simply had to request this book and I’m so happy I got to read it in one breathless sitting.

Jane’s older sister Cassandra is all set to be a companion to Lady Cromwell at Southmoor Abbey, as the Cromwells get ready fort their oldest son’s coming-of-age party. However, Cassandra breaks her arm just before she is set to leave, so 13-year-old Jane (and her faithful dog Grandison) is sent in her place. While there, Jane is determined to prove that there definitely isn’t a ghostly monk haunting the place but several more mysteries rear their heads.

Getting to know the whole Austen clan vibe was so much fun! Although I’ve read almost all of Jane’s novels, I realised that I actually know very little about her life and character. Of course, the content of her novels point towards her being a very forward-thinking, bright, funny woman but to get to know her through a fictionalised version of her teenage self was a really unique experience.

If someone of Jane Austen’s status can be made to feel plain, useless and unwelcome, I think there’s hope for all of us! Of course, perhaps it is this constant status as an underdog, particularly in the shadow of her sister, that fuelled Jane to become the trailblazing author we know today. She is certainly a very feisty, logical and imaginative soul in this story and it’s not too hard to see that despite others’ opinions of her, she is destined for greatness.

Jane’s imagination shows itself a few times in this story and I really enjoyed seeing the Abbey through her novel-fuelled young mind. Although she has such a rich, creative mind, she is very adamant that ghosts and monsters aren’t real. She might fill her head with stories but she seems to be able to keep the boundaries between reality and fiction very secure in her mind with rationality. This is rather unlike her Northanger Abbey heroine, Catherine Morland, and perhaps one could imagine that the future adult Austen wrote that novel and created Catherine to demonstrate the follies of believing in the supernatural. In fact, Golding’s story often feels like a real childhood memory of Austen’s that could be direct inspiration for Northanger Abbey.

Jane meets the very handsome, smart, young Fitzwilliam, who of course is the epitome of Mr Darcy. Therefore, this little exchange between them where he begs her not to put him in a novel is particularly amusing. There are more than a few nods to Pride and Prejudice with a lot of the main plot having subtle (but not so subtle if you know the story well!) parallels to Austen’s most famous work. It was really fun to almost re-read Pride and Prejudice under the guise of a middle-grade mystery.

An extra addition to Jane Austen Investigates that I’m pretty sure isn’t taken from any actual Austen work is the story of Deepti and her father Arjun, the chef at Southmoor Abbey. Jane befriends Deepti and learns a little about her Indian culture, which she is fascinated by. The fact that Deepti, as a girl, knows how to fight is revolutionary to Jane and she is desperate to channel some of that fierceness in her own life. I have no doubt that Jane would have taken some inspiration from her time with Deepti and put it into her more outspoken, no-nonsense heroines.

There are several points in the story where other characters attempt to remind Jane that she is merely a young girl from an ordinary family. Many people around her try to quash her imaginative nature and try to get her to conform to her society’s plans for her. Of course, no one who ever created anything great ever followed the rules, so I never expected Jane to listen.

The Abbey Mystery was such a fun, sweet and intriguing ride. It is a middle-grade novel but many adults, particularly Austen fans, will have a really great time with it. It may also serve as a great introduction to who Jane Austen is for younger readers. I really hope it’s the first in a charming, whimsical, mystery series because I definitely have room for one of these since the Wells and Wong books concluded.

This middle grade was very easy to read and a quick read. Being under 200 pages it is perfect for any child that loves mystery and historical fiction. Jane was a very strong girl character that knows that she can do anything she puts her mind to. Over all this was a great book that will be enjoyed by many children.

This book takes place during Jane Austen's childhood... Before she was a reknowned author, she was a young detective... Of course this is pure fiction, but what an interesting idea. It's a little slow to start, but it introduces you to who this character is. It was a lovely and charming read.

A charming novel with a young Jane Austen that makes a great character with a mind of her own: determined, curious, inquisitive.
It is a bit slow at the start as it allows for character building and sets the scene., but then the story picks up as the mystery unravels. The mystery itself is engaging and intricate but not scary and age-appropriate. A great way to introduce early 19-century themes thanks to the many period features, including multicultural themes through the friendship of Jane with her lovely Indian friend and her father. A feast for Jane Austen fans and a smart way to introduce the writer, and in particular Northanger Abbey, without giving away much of the content of Austen’s original novel.

This was alright but I had a hard time pushing through it because I found it boring. I actually think this one might struggle to find its audience - it's pitched as a middle grade, but the time period and writing style seem to elevate it. However, the mystery itself is a little juvenile so it doesn't seem to be firmly in one category or the other.

I love Jane Austen and I enjoy reading middle grade so I was excited to try this one out. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me. I wasn't connecting to the characters and I found myself just not caring by the end. I expected to read about ghosts and a spooky mystery about an abbey, but I ended up reading about two horses that were stolen. It just wasn't what I signed on for.

I really do love the idea of this: Jane Austen taking on the role of Nancy Drew in that regency time period. It sounds so fun and like a great way for kids to be introduced to Jane Austen. But again, I think there's a disconnect between the writing, the genre, and the overall story that it just may not find its place among readers.

I devoured this book in one sitting; stayed-up all night to finish it and LOVED IT.

Looking forward to sharing this title with Austen friends, mystery buffs, and teens.

The Abbey Mystery is the first book in the Jane Austen Investigates Series by Julia Golding.

A young Jane Austen goes in place of her sister to the house of the Cromwells. A family of snobby aristocrats, they treat her and their employed staff less well than their prized horses. While at The Abbey, she also happens upon a mysterious occurrence. Could it be the fabled ghost? Or is something else really going on? Join Jane and her new friends for a very unexpected adventure!

What to expect:
- Historical Fiction for kids 8+
- Multiple strong female characters
- Sharp wit
- Varied writing that will capture the interest of middle grade readers


My only gripe with the text would be the strong orientalist vibes in first quarter of the book. This was likely used as a device to fit in with the time period, but unfortunately left me debating whether I would recommend it to my students. The approach got better as time went on, but as someone of South Asian descent it made me feel unsettled.

I fell in love with this book. Wonderful written, well plotted, terrific characters, and a pleasure to recommend.

" I received this book (via eArc from NetGalley) for free from the publisher (Lion Hudson Ltd) in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this middle grade as it was pretty fun and engaging. It was at some parts pretty intense as to where the plot was going and there were some twists that I didn't expect which was pretty surprising. It is about the author Jane Austen as she investigates an estate's ghost story and also a horrific event that happen while she was there as the Lady's companion. There were great friendships and thrilling events. I loved how nicely it was resolved. This is a perfect read for all ages especially those who are actually learning about the Romantic era like I am who appreciates the Romantic scenarios and setting. *Thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC"

I decided to give this middle grade novel a try as I am a devoted Austen fan. I liked the second half of the book much more than the first - I almost gave up reading in the first half. The pace was too slow and there wasn't much to the overall plot in the first half. I also really struggled with how some of it was written - I realize it is a middle grade novel, but the writing in this part seemed overly juvenile. There is no need to CAPITALIZE words so much for emphasis. Italics work just fine! The second half of the book got better, as the events that set off the main mystery happened. The best part of this book was little Jane's character - inquisitive and curious, outspoken but still respectful when needed, friendly to all. I also liked her companions Deepti, Luke, and Fitzwilliam. (Also, all the Austen character names throughout the book were just fun - Fitzwilliam, Tilney, Wickham, and so many more.) All in all, I would not read this again, but I would recommend to a curious and mystery loving middle grade reader.

This was a delightful mystery reminiscent of my favorite Mandie and Nancy Drew mysteries that I devoured as a child. The story dragged a bit at first, as Jane set out on her journey and settled into Sir Charles' household, but once it got going I was thoroughly hooked. Dastardly villains have quite met their match in a young Jane Austen, her faithful dog, and her new friends. Jane investigates with enthusiasm and entertains and discards several suspects before alighting on the culprits. An all-around satisfying mystery adventure.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for providing an e-arc for review.

When I saw this book, I wondered how it was possible to merge both Jane Austen and a Sherlock Holmes like mystery, well... they did achieve it!

Settled during the younger years of Jean Austen (14 or so), Miss Austen is sent, in her sister's place, to a rural noble’s home as the lady's companion. There she will be intertwined with a series of events that strongly relates to matters of inheritance, slavery, and horsemanship, leading to a crime that will shake the foundations and pride of the noble family and its property.

With a good rhythm and writing style the story might relay more on the name Austen than in the specific character, although including some of the most famous characteristics of both the family and Jane herself. The mystery seems good but could easily be predicted since all evidence pointed out to the culprit on an early stage.

Still an entertaining reading experience that would allow Austen fans to see her author with a different set of eyes.

An e-ARC of this book was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Abbey Mystery is a fun and action-packed story, bringing life to Jane Austen and events that may or may not have inspired her writing.

We know who Jane is from the beginning. She's plucky, headstrong, quick-witted and doesn't take any nonsense. She is the kind of character you know will get into trouble and defy orders (normally someone who'd drive me insane), but you love her for it otherwise the Abbey mystery wouldn't be solved and there'd be no fun. We also see her as a writer, constantly observing and overhearing people, writing things down in her notebooks, and writing letters to Cassandra after something exciting has happened. For readers who won't yet know Jane Austen and her books, it is a good insight and introduction to Jane Austen and her mind. For those readers like myself who do, it is a reflection on her books and characters, recognising references and details we've heard before - Southmoor Abbey and its mystery reminds me of Northanger Abbey, it reaffirms my notion that Jane Austen is Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey... If this is actually the case, I would love to see and read future instalments, wondering what references and easter eggs will be mixed in with the storylines.

Saying that, I admit that for the first half of the book, I was waiting for the fun and major chaos to kick in. There were small elements that kept me reading, like Grandison's antics (who doesn't love a funny, fictional dog!), and Jane making friends with other characters on the estate, but at the same time I felt a little bored when it calmed down a little in between all the action. I found myself speed reading. However when the bigger mystery became the forefront of the story, everything picked up and certainly kept me on my toes, wondering how Jane was going to figure out the truth and react to the consequences of her actions once the adults found out.

All in all, it was a very fun read and I'm geared up to see what future happenings are in store for Jane.

The book is very lively and has you trapped in its grip from the first few pages. Personally, this book was everything I imagined it would be.
You can just imagine the author of Pride and Prejudice, Emma and many more amazing books being like this when she was a child. I really enjoyed the book and will keep a look out for the original novel.

Jane knows she's not beautiful like her older sister. But, she prides herself on the fact that she is very sensible. She thinks things through and can usually find a sensible explanation for most things. So, when her sister has an accident, Jane must take her place as a lady's companion at Southmoor Abbey.
People say the ghost of the Mad Monk roams the grounds and all who look upon him die. Her brother has bet her a hefty sum that she can't prove it's nonsense. Jane is determined to win that bet.

This is fun story. I love Jane's spunky attitude. I enjoyed the mystery as well. Hopefully this will be a series.

Hello, and welcome to That Introvert Reader! You're probably sick to death of hearing about how I got ARCs from NetGalley, but I did, and I am very happy about that, because real books are expensive and I have to physically leave the house to use the library.
SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO NETGALLEY, LION HUDSON PUBLISHING, AND JULIA GOLDING FOR GIVING ME THE CHANCE TO READ AND REVIEW THIS!

And now, onto the review.

Jane Austen Investigates: The Abbey Mystery (I think this might become a series? It just feels like it would?) is this fairly fast-paced middle grade mystery, featuring a teenage Jane Austen.

When Jane's older sister Cassandra injures herself, thirteen year old Jane must go in her place as a companion to stay at The Old Abbey.

But when Jane arrives at the Abbey in time for the eldest son's birthday, something doesn't seem quite right. Sinister secrets hide behind every corner, and no one is as perfect as they claim.

A mystery is afoot at the Abbey, and its up to Jane to find out what's going on.

When it came to characters, I didn't love Jane. (I hated her dog even more I don't know why he was just really annoying). She didn't seem to have any flaws to me- and personally I hate that in a character. Make them as flawed as possible. More relatable, you know?

My favourite character was Luke, because he felt, to me, the only character other than Jane with a proper personality. Deepti was cool, but I felt like her existence didn't go further than she was Indian and could use a sword?

Maybe it's a common thing in middle grade that not all the characters need too much, and maybe because this is targeted at a younger audience I'm being unfair when I say that a lot of the characters were so dislikeable they seemed almost like a joke to me.

But it's a middle grade book, so maybe I'm being unfair.

However, for a mystery aimed at younger readers, this was a really great one! Perfect for fans of Murder Most Unladylike (historical fiction, mystery although there's a distinct lack of murder, and Jane and Daisy are the same person you can't tell me otherwise) and Enola Holmes (I HAVEN'T READ THE BOOKS BUT I SAW THE FILM AND IT HAS THE SAME VIBE, YOU KNOW SLIGHTLY ANNOYING NARRATOR BUT GOOD MYSTERY AND ALSO HISTORICAL FICTION), Jane Austen Investigates is probably going to be a favourite of many many readers when it releases.

You may be wondering, when does it release? How long do I have to wait?

You only have to wait until April 23rd 2021, and then you can get your hands on this book. (Which has quite a pretty cover if I'm being honest)

Also, I just looked into it, A BOOK TWO IS COMING FOR JANE AUSTEN INVESTIGATES, IT'S CALLED THE BURGLAR'S BALL.

You can preorder it now from Amazon and Waterstones.

Thank you for reading this blog post! Have a wonderful day!

If you're still here, here are some things to be interested in because That Introvert Reader has A LOT going on in the next week and a bit.

A spoiler free review of JJA Harwood's new book, The Shadow In The Glass
More of the Read With Me series
A spoiler free review of Sifton Tracey Anipare's to be released novel Yume
A wrap up of the books I read in March
And a review of a new release by a friend... mysterious...
Thank you for reading :)
-Paris

What an absolute delight! The author captured the voice of Jane Austen perfectly, while still infusing it with so much youth and playfulness. I hope this title introduces many young readers to the joy of Jane (and of a good mystery).