Librarian’s corner: Author Stephanie Barron

Stephanie Barron book display at the Manchester District Library.

The Manchester District Library will be highlighting a different author or topic each week. This week’s author is Stephanie Barron:

by Amelia Herron, Manchester District Library

What if Jane Austen investigated murders and other nefarious crimes? Stephanie Barron explores this question in her popular series, named after the famous author herself.

Stephanie Barron is the pen name for Francine Mathews. Francine is an accomplished author in her own right, writing two series and four individual novels. Barron’s Jane Austen series has 13 novels and counting. The most recent novel was published in 2016. One very intriguing part of the Jane Austen Series, is that it is written in the form of a diary, as if penned by Jane Austen herself. These novels have been described as “cozy mysteries” because of their familiar characters and period setting. Barron proves herself to be an incredible Austen fan. Her prose is so similar to Austen’s, fans may have a hard time distinguishing Stephanie from Jane.

The best way to start any series, is at the beginning. The first book in the Jane Austen Mystery series is Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor. In this book, Jane is visiting one of her friends, Isobel. While visiting, Isobel’s husband becomes ill with an unknown disease. His health rapidly deteriorates, and his death is sudden. In her grief, Isobel receives a letter accusing her not only of adultery, but murder as well. Desperate, she turns to her friend and writer, Jane. While she is at first a little hesitant, she jumps into the mystery for her friend’s sake. If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, or Sense and Sensibility, give the Jane Austen mysteries a try.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.