I had so much fun reading this book, the story is so adorable and the illustrations were so well done and charming, there’s so many little details in every page that I couldn’t stop but be mesmerized by it all. I will definitely be recommending it! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

Jane and her sister Cassandra are invited by their brother Henry to Oxford where he is participating in a boat race, The girls along with their father make the trip with the intention to enjoy their trip. On their trip, they learn of the construction of a new canal and that convicts are used as labourers to complete the project, One of these convicts is Mr Gardner who has been unjustly accused and therefore escapes. When Jane comes across him again as an escaped prisoner he pleads with her to tell her father that he is innocent, so starts the quest to find prove of this.

I have read the other books in this series and was glad to be accepted for the next instalment. Really fun reads

Jane is visiting her brother Henry in Oxford with her father and her sister Cassandra when they see convicts working on the canal - a project in which lots of Oxford's authority figures, nobility and higher classes people have interests in. Before Jane's family arrived in the city, there was some scandal involving a merchant, Mr Gardiner, and some accusations of fraud. Mr Gardiner is now one of the convicts Jane saw working by the water. But is everything as it seems or are Gardiner's class and now rough appearance causing him a desservice? Was his trial lead properly? Jane doesn't think so and she'd determined to prove it, in spite of the obstacles that her station and sex keep throwing in her way.

I really enjoyed this read with its gentle pace and snapshot of what Jane Austen's life could have been at thirteen, imagining her as a wannabe detective. The addition of her little dog, Grandison, brings an extra point of interest for young readers and there is plenty of action in the second part of the book. I didn't know these series before reading this installment -The Convict's Canal - but will now look for the other books!

This is the second book in writer Julia Goldings Jane Austen investigates series. The main protagonist is a young Jane Austen who is remembered for her thought provoking, entrancing novels like Pride & Prejudice, Emma, sense and sensibility. Jane is visiting her brother Henry who is studying at Oxford with her father and sister Cassandra. While there, certain mysterious events at the Oxford Canal Terminus attract her attention. Jane being Jane, can’t help but try to solve the mystery. Jane has been suspicious of the Canal company secretary from the start. Besides the reasons why Mr Gardiner is in prison do not ring true. She can’t help asking questions. Her inquisitive mind and circumstance make this visit to Oxford exciting and likely memorable.

Very little is known of young Austen’s life other than that she lived at Steventon with her parents, brothers and sister Cassandra. her father was the Reverend George Austen. She was very close to Cassandra and her brothers particularly Henry. Her novels are timeless classics impacting British literature. Rich in comedy, romance, wit and satire they are also sensitive to questions of social status. She was one of the first in her time to include the working classes in her novel. They were popular successes for over two centuries after her death widely read the world over. She still has legions of fans.

Golding draws on what is known of Janes early life weaving the facts of her life brilliantly into the tale. I liked how she included the bond between Jane and her sister Cassandra. I also got beautiful vignettes of Janes early life and her relationship with both her parents. The Austen brood had been encouraged to be forthright and honest and learn regardless of their gender. This was unusual for 19th Century England. Girls were not expected to show any intelligence. Through Goldings perceptiveness I was delighted to get a peek into the young Jane Austen’s mind. So this was Jane Austen growing up. Small wonder she had developed into such a skilful writer. Goldings portraiture of the young Jane and her family is factual. True she has used a trope or two along with writer’s licence. Yet it is her skilful wordsmithery that kept me glued.

This would be a great read for teens entertaining and educational but adults especially Austen fans may find it equally delightful. Thank you Golding for an illuminating read.

I read the two previous installments in the series and my favourite one was the second book.
Overall, the setting and all the characters from the Austen family still give it a great historical flavour, but the mystery part was just so lacking!

I wish that there were a "Maybe" option for inclusion into curriculum. There have been so many books that I am a bit undecided about and this is one of them. It has nothing to do with the quality of the book but more to do with the fact that I have already taught the related topics with a different book.

This is a very well written book. The only problem I have with this book is that the mystery starts a bit too late in the story. The writing is truly beautiful yet simple enough for KS2 students.

Thank you #netgalley for this #eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's the third book in the 'jane Austen investigates" collection but can be read as a stand alone.

I think it would be hard for a JA fan not to enjoy this book - the character of Jane is little pieces of all of her heroines. I especially enjoyed the points where famous Austen quotes were used by the other characters as they were the original source of them. There is probably a technical term for this but I have no idea what it is,!

I loved how Golding entwines history and fiction to give us a glimpse into the lives of Jane, Cassandra and Henry.
I would say that at times the plot felt a little slow and stretched which made it hard to stay with the characters

Even if this series is written with middle grade in mind the mysteries are solid and well written.
I'm always happy to read these story as Jane is a clever and strong character and the historical background is vivid and well researched.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

The Convict’s Canal is the third book in Julia Golding’s fantastic Jane Austen inspired mystery series for middle grade readers.

Jane and her older sister, Cassandra, have the opportunity to visit their brother Henry at Oxford where he’s competing in a boat race. Despite their mother believing girls should be kept at home and out of trouble, their father agress to accompany them and relive his own university days. How Jane longs for the chance to study and learn like her brother but it isn’t to be for a young lady in 1789.

Oxford is a busy place, so different from their home in the country. Jane loves all the sights, sounds and new people to meet. The early industrial revolution means canal building, businessmen looking for investment and canal folk in their boats. Convicts are put to work building the canal. Prejudice and perceived dangers cause those in charge to stifle Jane’s freedoms – no respectable young lady would be seen with THOSE people, even if her wonderful (but somewhat troublesome) dog, Grandison, is with her.

When one of the prisoners escapes, Jane can’t help but get involved. As the manhunt progresses, new truths come to light. Can Jane prove who the real criminal is before someone gets hurt?

The Convict’s Canal would be the perfect accompaniment to an Upper Key Stage Two topic on the Industrial Revolution. It is full of so many of the concepts covered in lessons: canals, railroads, navvies, crime & punishment, the class system, gender expectations and the development of towns & cities. Readers will understand Jane’s frustrations at not being allowed to do things because she’s a girl and enjoy examining each character’s motives to discover the identity of the villain in the story. The more classic language may be new for some readers but will build up their confidence with this style of writing ahead of the many classics to be read in secondary school.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC of 'Julia Austen Investigates: The Convict's Canal'

I have to say, I'm slightly disappointed. 'The Convict's Canal' seemed excited with a fabulous new premise but the story felt bland and lacking for me in a way. I don't know if it's because the characterisation of Jane Austen didn't feel real enough for me or just that it wasn't the book for me. But sadly, I didn't enjoy this one too much.

4 Stars
One Liner: Delightful entertainer (but needs a different blurb)
Jane and her older sister Cassandra, get an invitation to visit their brother Henry at Oxford. The duo takes the trip with their father, intent on having a great time. Jane is excited but also sad that girls aren’t allowed to study at universities.
They find out that the Oxford canal terminus is being constructed, employing convicts as laborers. Jane comes across a rude convict, Gardiner, and has pretty strong opinions about many things (nothing new for our darling Jane). However, the convict escapes, and Jane comes across certain information. She might have to step into the much-needed investigation and get to the bottom of the truth. Is the thirteen-year-old Jane up for the task?
The story comes in the third-person POV.

My Thoughts:
I’ve been looking forward to the third book in this series for a while now. When I saw it on NetGalley, I grabbed it right away. It is pure fun reading and imagining Jane Austen as a cheeky, witty, and naughty young teen, planning & writing stories for her family, being the unruly child with strong feminist opinions and a nose that’s too curious for her own good.
This book can be read as a standalone, though it will help to have an idea about the ‘Austen family’ here. They are such an interesting lot!
However, this book differs from the previous ones in terms of the mystery aspect. The central event doesn’t occur until the second half. The entire mystery and investigation occur in the last 35% of the book.
The first half is all about setting up the stage at Oxford. There are enough laughs and antics to keep us entertained but no mystery. If you go into the book looking for a case right away, you might be disappointed. (The blurb needs to be reworked to focus on Jane’s exploration of Oxford rather than the mystery).
I’m not too bothered this time because I already know the characters and like them with or without mystery. Cassandra is growing up to be a level-headed sixteen-year-old who knows when to let Jane convince with her schemes and when to take control.
The banter between the Austen family members is a treat to read. Jane’s letters are just as fun (and the drawings are funnier). Mr. Austen (a reverend) has a major role in this book (given the context), and he proves himself to be a wonderful parent (in many ways).
Of course, feminist themes weave in and out of the plot- from girls not having the opportunity to go to university (and even stay here overnight) to how the men (& women) expect young girls to be stupid and incapable of thinking about anything except suitors. Since this is MG fiction, the topics are handled with a light and humorous touch.
The ending is a little easy compared to reality. Not complaining, though. It suits the genre, and there’s enough heaviness to indicate that things don’t always have a happy ending.

To summarize, The Convict’s Canal is a solid continuation of the series and is highly enjoyable. I wish the book was a little longer and gave more space to the mystery. If you want to read about young Jane Austen playing Agatha Christie, this series is for you.
Thank you, NetGalley, SPCK Children's, and Lion Hudson, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I might have not read the other books in the series but I still really enjoyed this fast read. I liked the portrayal of Jane Austen, was hooked by the story and finished all of it in just one sitting.