Jane and the Final Mystery

Being a Jane Austen Mysteries, Book 15

By: Stephanie Barron

Narrated by: Kate Reading

The final volume of the critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Jane Austen as amateur sleuth

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth.

Arthur Prendergast, a senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a culvert near the schoolgrounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend Elizabeth. Prendergast had been widely reviled for his ruthless bullying. Has William exacted revenge on his tormentor, or is there a larger conspiracy looming?

Jane takes up lodging near the idyllic college in order to untangle the duplicitous testimonies surrounding the prefect’s death. But Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of passage, cruel hazing and dangerous pranks. Can she clear William’s name before her illness gets the better of her?

This audiobook edition includes an exclusive afterword narrated by the author.

©2023 Stephanie Barron (P)2023 Recorded Books

Overall Storyline

I enjoyed the overall story and how Jane's illness was woven in...I also like involvement of of nephew, Edward.

Will Miss these

I will miss these wonderful books by Stephanie Barron read by Kate Reading. Looking forward to a new series by both these ladies.

Thanks to Ms. Barron

It was difficult for me to even begin this book, knowing that it was going to be the last of the Jane Austen mysteries. I am almost embarrassed by how much I love this series. The mysteries are fascinating and linked with true and interesting historical events. The writing is fantastic. The Jane that Stephanie Barron creates on her pages is someone I dream of having as a best friend.

I was afraid that she was going to write Jane‘s death as part of the book. I knew that would be incredibly difficult to read, and I rely on the series more for entertainment than to stir up emotions. The way that she manages the ultimate death of her primary character is artfully done.

I will miss Jane. As if I didn’t already regret her short life, now I feel as though it is shortened a series that I enjoyed to a maximum degree.

So very sad…

Knowing Jane was going to die was a sad way to begin this book but…listening to the author’s description of her own loss was devastating. I don’t always listen to the afterword but glad I did. I wish Ms. Barron peace and comfort. Lee Smith

Jane and the End

My only disappointment with this story is that it is short. I suppose that is to be expected as Jane is very ill. There will be no balls, plays, or dinner parties to add length. But, that's OK. The author leaves us with an afterword, and you can hear how tired and sad she is from the tone of her voice.

Thank you Stephanie, for sharing Jane's voice with us. I'd like to think of Jane and Lord Harold being together at last in the afterlife.