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Thursday, February 4, 2016

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of Jane and the Waterloo Map: Being a Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron

Amateur sleuth Jane Austen returns in Jane and the Waterloo Map, the thirteenth novel in Stephanie Barron's delightful Regency-era mystery series.

Award winning author Stephanie Barron tours the blogosphere February 2 through February 22, 2016 to share her latest release , Jane and the Waterloo Map (Being a Jane Austen Mystery).  Twenty popular book bloggers specializing in Austenesque fiction, mystery and Regency history will feature guest blogs, interviews, excerpts and book reviews from this highly anticipated novel in the acclaimed Being a Jane Austen Mystery series.  A fabulous giveaway contest, including copies of Ms. Barron's book and other Jane Austen-themed items, will be open to those who join the festivities.

How fun and exciting!  I know that I'm thrilled to be a part of the celebration of such an amazing author and her wonderful Being a Jane Austen Mystery series.  I'm positive that fans of Stephanie Barron and Austen will LOVE the latest book, Jane and the Waterloo Map - I certainly did!
about book:

Jane Austen turns sleuth in this delightful Regency-era mystery.

November, 1815.  The Battle of Waterloo has come and gone, leaving the British economy in shreds; Henry Austen, high-flying banker, is about to declare bankruptcy - dragging several of his brothers down with him.  The crisis destroys Henry's health, and Jane flies to his London bedside, believing him to be dying.  While she's there, the chaplain to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent invites Jane to tour Carlton House, the Prince's fabulous London home.  The chaplain is a fan of Jane's books, and during the tour he suggests she dedicate her next novel - Emma- to HRH, whom she despises.  

However, before she can speak to HRH, Jane stumbles upon a body - sprawled on the carpet in the Regent's library.  The dying man, Colonel MacFarland, was a cavalry hero and a friend of Wellington's.  He utters a single failing phrase: "Waterloo map"...and Jane is on the hunt for a treasure of incalculable value and a killer of considerable cunning.

my thoughts:

Jane Austen is the new Sherlock Holmes! How cool is that?! I absolutely loved Jane the investigator - determined to solve a mystery, no matter the cost!  She's brave, strong, smart, and extremely capable when it comes to clues, danger, and everything in between.

In the latest installment of the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series, Jane finds herself in London.  Her brother, Henry, is ill and she's come to care for him.  She's also in town to look over the proofs for her latest novel, Emma.  Having recently been revealed to be the author behind P&P and Mansfield Park, Jane is invited by HRH's chaplain to view the Prince's library.  Though she despises the Prince, she goes on the tour.  Whilst in his home she finds the body of a hero from the Battle of Waterloo - a Colonel MacFarland.  He's been poisoned and his final words are "Waterloo map".  Talk about unexpected!  With a new mystery to solve, Jane sets out to find the meaning behind MacFarland's words and the mastermind behind his death.  

Filled with twists and turns, intrigue, and red herrings, Jane and the Waterloo Map makes for quite a captivating read.  I found myself staying up til the wee hours just to get to the end of the story - it was unputdownable!!  I absolutely loved reading about Jane the sleuth, alongside her life as a writer.  The deeper she gets involved with this new mystery, the more time she needs to set aside to edit her novel.  Plus, she has to deal with her brother's disapproval of her gumshoe ways - he thinks its all rather unladylike.  Oh, and then there is the artist, Mr. West.  Jane can't seem to help feeling more and more attracted to the man - oh my!  What's a gal to do?  In  Jane's case, "Keep Calm and Carry On". 

Talk about a fun, witty, and adventurous read!  Jane and the Waterloo Map is an absolute gem.  It falls perfectly in line with Stephanie Barron's creative and smart series, Being a Jane Austen Mystery.  Fans will love it!!  And readers looking for a new-to-them series to get obsessed with need to check out this wonderful series - they will be so happy they did!!

GIVEAWAY:
GRAND GIVEAWAY CONTEST

WIN ONE of THREE FABULOUS PRIZES

In celebration of the release of Jane and the Waterloo Map, Stephanie is offering a chance to win one of three prize packages filled with an amazing selection of Jane Austen-inspired gifts and books!

To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment on any or all of the blog stops on Jane and the Waterloo Map Blog Tour starting February 2, 2016 through 11:59pm PT, February 29, 2016.  Winners will be drawn at random from all of the comments and announced on Stephanie's website on March 3, 2016.  Winners will have until March 10, 2016 to claim their prize.  Shipment is to US addresses.  Good luck to all!!

How awesome is that?  So, don't forget to leave a comment!!  And, check out the Blog Tour schedule for: Jane and the Waterloo Map

43 comments:

justcommonly said...

Nadia, I love your review. Just reading it gets me excited to read Jane and the Waterloo Map! Can't wait! Your enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks for a great review!

Nadia said...

Just Commonly, thanks so much! I'm glad you are excited to read Barron's latest book - you will LOVE it!! I'm really happy you enjoyed my review :)

Debra E. Marvin said...

Very nice review, not that I had to be persuaded. I'm so glad Ms. Barron has kept up this long relationship with the 'unladylike' sleuth!

Cynthia said...

Thank you for the review of this book. It sounds very interesting, and I'll be on the lookout to read it!

Nadia said...

Debra, thanks! Me, too! I am loving this series to bits!!

Cynthia, thanks! Definitely check it out - you will love it!!

Athira said...

Oh wow, I love the sound of this book! How awesome it is to have favorite authors show up as detectives!

BookLuver88 said...

I love your posts!

Unknown said...

I want to read it!

Laurel Ann (Austenprose) said...

Lovely review Nadia. We know from Austen's novels that she is keenly observant of human nature, so it is totally logical that she is inquisitive and perceptive, like a good sleuth should be. I loved the twist at the end of this novel, which shall remain a mystery for the reader to discover.

darcykwentworth said...

Waterloo just arrived in today's mail and I had to laugh wryly at the dedication: as much as I adore Heyer (I tell friends she's Austen-lite), Infamous Army is the one Heyer I can never seem to finish.

Unknown said...

Sounds like it could be the best one yet!

Linda said...

I'm looking forward to the book, too. Where I live it's difficult to get hard copies but am going on a trip at the end of the month where they may be more readily available. I must say I'm enjoying this "tour" as well.

Nadia said...

Aths, I know! How cool is it that Austen is a detective :) You will definitely enjoy this one!

BookLuver88, thanks so much!

Summer, you will love it!

LA, thanks! Austen is definitely a perceptive and inquisitive lady - as her works show us. She would have made a great sleuth. I know! I didn't want to give anything away, so I didn't write too much. I think everyone should read it and enjoy it for themselves :)

darcykentworth, yay! You got your copy! Enjoy! And I agree with you about Heyer - Austen-lite describes her work perfectly.

Alisha, it just might be!

Linda, definitely enjoy the book when you get your hands on a copy - you will love it!! I'm loving this tour, too!

Caryl Kane said...

Nadia, thank you for the great review! Jane Austen as the new Sherlock Holmes sounds intriguing! I am looking forward to reading this series.

Nadia said...

Caryl, thanks! It definitely is an intriguing read - you will love it!

Anonymous said...

Love this series; was so excited to find out there was another installment. Cannot wait to read it.

Angela - Bookaunt said...

This sounds like a great book - a Jane Austen themed mystery is right up my alley. Thank you for sharing

Susan Heim said...

Based on your review, this sounds like a fantastic book and series. I can't wait to read them!

Nadia said...

Seth, me too! You will love it :)

Angela, it really is. Hope you enjoy it!

Susan, thanks - the book really is fantastic. Hope you enjoy the series!!

Laura Lloyd said...

Ever since Nancy Drew, I have loved strong and intrepid female investigators. Now we can add Jane Austen. I want to start reading this series.

PdxIrishGirl said...

I have really enjoyed every new addition to
this series, and your review certainly tells me
this will be another to love!

Nadia said...

Laura, I can dig that. Definitely add Jane Austen to the bunch :) You will love this series!

PdxIrishGIrl, so glad to find another fan of the series. You will really enjoy this latest book!

Wendy Newcomb said...

Yea! Another Jane Austen book, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

wfnren at aol dot com

Nadia said...

Wendy, its true! Good luck!!

Aleen @ Lampshade Reader said...

Thank you for the review! It sounds great! ~Aleen Davis

Nadia said...

Aleen, thanks for stopping by! It really is great!!

Thinkin' Out Loud said...

My kid Laughs at my when she sees me reading because of the changing expressions on my face and the fact that during exciting bits I sit up straight and things like that but How can I not get excited about books like this one :)

Nadia said...

Thinkin' Out Loud, I know what you mean! So glad you enjoy this series and books like this :)

Joanna said...

I can't wait to read this new book in the series. Thanks for the review. :)

Nadia said...

Joanna, you are going to love it! Thanks for stopping by :)

JC said...

I love this series and look forward to this read - but how many do we have left?? She is publishing Emma in this one.

Midnight Cowgirl said...

I really need to catch up with this series! What an awesome giveaway!

Nadia said...

JC, I know, I wonder how many are left, too. It will be sad when it all ends.

Midnight Cowgirl, definitely do! You will love this latest one ;) Good luck with the giveaway!!

holdenj said...

I am so looking forward to this new Being Jane story! Thanks!

Nadia said...

holdenj, that's great! You will definitely enjoy this new one so much :) Cheers!

Nadia said...

Betty, thanks so much!

lynnquiltsalot said...

Hmm, Jane as the new Sherlock Holmes! Love it. Great review. Thanks for the chance to win such a wonderful prize.

Terra said...

I read one of the books in this series and it was excellent and this book sounds like another great addition to the series.

Unknown said...

Huge fan of this series!!! I still remember picking up Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor at Borders. It is one of my favorite books. I cannot wait to read Jane and the Waterloo Map.

pailofpearls said...

I've never heard of this series. It seems great-Jane Austen + mystery= perfect combo.

Ruth Elizabeth said...

I love Jane Austen! Like the review! :)

Amanda said...

I love your review! I haven't read this series yet but want to because I'd learn about Jane Austen's real life PLUS a murder mystery thrown in. How fantastic is that?

Anonymous said...

Jane Austen a detective? This sounds like a refreshing spin on the Austen classics. Can't wait to read.
Maureen M.