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Jane
and Edward Rochester are spending time in London with their
good friend Lucy Brayton. The home they had been living in,
Ferndean Hall, is in disrepair. Edward needs to see a new
physician about his failing vision - which will be easier
to do in London. In addition, Jane is in possession of a letter
that could compromise the reign of King George IV. The coronation
is two months away and the people are not thrilled with his
extravagant spending.
An evening
at the Italian Opera Theatre, which is meant to be a diversion,
becomes fodder for everyone there. Lady Ingram (who still
feels her daughter Blanche should be married to Edward), proceeds
to snub Jane with the cut sublime. This will also reflect
on Lucy, who is expecting her newly adopted son Evans to arrive
any day. The next afternoon, Jane and Lucy arrive at Lady
Grainger's home assured that the Ingram ladies would be on
their best behavior. After drinking some coffee, Lady Ingram
drops her cup and falls to the floor. Mags, the dog owned
by Lady Grainger, drinks the remains of the spilled coffee.
Both Lady Ingram and Mags are dead. Looks like Jane will have
to work with Bow Street runner, Phineas Waverly to solve this
horrible murder.
Things
to ponder: Who moved the rose hips? Why didn't Blanche get
sick - she had the coffee too? Was Jane the intended victim?
Once
again I am instantly transported back into the world of Jane
Eyre. Ms. Slan has created a rich tapestry into which she
has woven another tale worthy of the original. Who knew a
cut sublime could be as deadly as poisoned coffee? Joanna
Campbell Slan has done it again - written a novel that picks
up where the original novel ends and added a mystery to boot.
It was a page turner for me - I needed to find out whodunit.
There are lots of red herrings and historical facts to keep
you on your toes. I liked Death of A Schoolgirl - the first
in this new series, but I loved Death of A Dowager
even more. So, if you like your mystery with some beloved
characters, then you should read this book.
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