Stephanie Barron may have spent years working for the CIA as an intelligence analyst, but she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to Jane Austen and old England. She does a masterful job of recreating the time period, and with the release of JANE AND THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER, she has now done so for the 14th time. This book feels like a portal that allows us to step back into the year 1816, where we can live and breathe with Jane and go on an adventure with her.

At this point in Jane’s young life, many things are taking a toll on her and her health. Her brother, Henry, fell on extremely hard times following Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat at Waterloo, losing his job and both his homes. He is now living with his parents and siblings, and contemplating the priesthood. Other family members have gone through tough times, and Jane has continued to face criticism for not being married and heading into life as a spinster. She is weak, tired, dealing with aches and pains, and in need of time away from it all.

"Once again, Barron has penned an above-average mystery, made all the more satisfying that the great Jane Austen gets to assume the role of investigator."

So Jane and her sister, Cassandra, decide to head to Cheltenham Spa for a fortnight in an effort to regain her strength and enjoy some rest and relaxation. She is able to do this with the profits from her recent bestseller, EMMA. While there, it does not take long to notice that many others are in far worse condition than Jane is.

One of the first residents they meet is Mr. Garthwaite, a most unsavory character. He is accompanied by his wife and their little pug with the terrific name Thucydides. Dr. Hargate is treating Jane for her back aches, disordered bowels and indifference to nourishment, but she feels guilty seeing that her issues are so minor compared to others. There are war veterans like Captain Pellew and young Miss Williams, who travels with her own nurse, Miss Fox. One night, a number of them attend a local theater production of “Julius Caesar” but must return after Miss Williams faints during the performance.

Unfortunately, Jane and Cassandra’s stay at Cheltenham does not stop at mere association with those suffering from various ailments. More dangerous and deadly chicanery begins, starting with the poisoning death of Thucydides. Apparently, some macaroons that may have been intended for a human were ingested first by the dog. This occurs not long after a viscount shows up claiming that Miss Williams is his wife.

There are plenty of events to occupy those at the spa, especially the grand ball, which everyone looks forward to attending. Unfortunately, a fire mishap nearly kills one of the guests there, and it isn’t long before a resident is found murdered. It is now time for Jane to play sleuth once again and find out who at the spa has reason for causing such terror.

Once again, Barron has penned an above-average mystery, made all the more satisfying that the great Jane Austen gets to assume the role of investigator. She uses all her guile and wit to help understand the human condition, and the complexities and motives of the human mind. JANE AND THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER is another winner!