Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
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."