Approaching her 40th birthday in 1815, Miss Jane Austen, a modestly successful authoress, has determined to host a ball and posts a letter to Mr Thomas Wilson, the preeminent figure in the dance scene in London, to request his services.
When the dancing master arrives in the village of Chawton, Miss Austen discovers that this man may not be who he seems. The dancing master, for his part, discovers that this lady he is speaking with may not be who she seems. And together, they discover that life in rural Hampshire is undergoing serious disruption, that dangerous men are about, and the best-laid plans may sometimes go terribly awry.
Through the course of the story, Miss Austen and her dancing master discover their mutual interest in music: for dancing, for singing, for playing, for entertaining, for delighting in the intimate glow that harmonious musicians may share.
There's a murder. There's an investigation. There's mystery, indignation, and the pursuit of justice. And there is more. Much more.
Miss Austen's brothers Frank and Charles serve in the Royal Navy, and have told her of life at sea. But there's a different perspective when you're looking out from between the decks.
After Waterloo, peace is breaking out, and the wartime economy is winding down. And yes, Miss Austen is caught in the downdraft. And what of the need for an income? And what of the need for a man of business? Cannot a lady chart her own course?
Of course, there is a ball and more dancing besides. Of course, we will find partners. Of course, we shall dance.
From Chawton to Bristol, from Alton to Bath; from the plains of Salisbury to the sea; there is no want of adventure.
A Gentleman is responsible for the telling of this story; he claims first-hand knowledge of the events. He is elderly, however. Perhaps his mind is failing? One cannot be completely sure. Your author can only attest that this is the tale as he tells it. And your author humbly suggests that you, dear reader, will find it engaging, at times amusing, and ... no ... no... You must make what you will of that.
What readers are saying about Murder & Miss Austen's Ball
"Murder & Miss Austen's Ball surprises at every turn of its very original plot. At once a comedy of manners, a thriller, and a romance, it posits a Jane Austen who nods to the conventions of her time without being bound by them. And for those familiar with the music and dance of the era, the descriptions of beautifully rendered tunes are a delightful bonus."
"Those who enjoy Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer will like this book. It has a 'Classics' feel to it. Give it a go. Five stars."
"Have you ever wished go sleuthing through the great halls and low dives of Regency England? Have you ever wished to go adventuring with your favorite author? If your favorite author is Jane Austen, Dear Reader, then Murder & Miss Austen's Ball is the book for you."
"Well grounded in Jane Austen's world, both in time and in space. Many small details help bring that world into focus."
"This version of Jane Austen was a delight. The plot kept moving and I was in suspense to the end as to just how it would turn out. I like how the author didn't try to tie up every single loose end but deliberately left some ambiguity to the reader's imagination. Regarding the single 'naval action' in the story, I thought it highly original. I have never seen that in any nautical fiction that I have read and I thought it plausible. Really well done!"
"Wonderful delightful read."
