Syrie James

The Book Report: Every Austenian knows Jane went quiet for 10 years, then produced what is arguably the finest body of novelistic work to come out of nineteenth-century England, then died. Nobody knows poo-diddly about Miss Jane's romantic life, or even if there ever was one, in large part because Jane's sister Cassandra went wild with the scissors and made like a Nazi with a Torah (burn, baby, burn) to make sure none of Jane's letters or diaries (if any) survived unexpurgated. Cassandra show more doubtless felt she was doing the pathologically shy Jane a service by making sure The Ages never got hold of her innermost secrets. The Ages, however, feel most hard-done-by, and to redress the disgruntlement that our own nosy day and time feels, screenwriter and novelist Syrie James has stepped in to provide us with a startlingly plausible and well-executed "recovered memoir" plugging up the egregious gaps in our knowledge of Miss Austen's private life.

My Reivew: Depending on what one is expecting when reading the book, it will either be a genuine pleasure to immerse one's self into, or an annoying pastiche of Austen's crystalline, ringing prose. I fall into Camp A.

No one else is Jane Austen, so drop that ax at the door, no grinding allowed. Yes, the authoress has the *gall* to present her story as Austen's own voice telling her own tale; get over it. No one can remotely pretend to be deceived by the narrative frame, so no one can reasonably judge the book by the prose yardstick of Austen herself. Stop it! Quit bellyaching about the pretenders, the laborers in the pasticherie of Austenland. They exist because Austen is a nonpareil, a monadnock of literary talent. That they are not up to her standard of talent is simply *irrelevant* and those who snort derisively that only *true* Austen prose will satisfy them should carry this thought about with them: "So? Who asked you? Go point your nose into some *real* Austen, then."

The rest of us can now get about enjoying Syrie James's full-bodied claret-jug of a book. The memoir tells the tale of Jane Austen's one great love, invented by James out of a one-line reference to some passion of Jane's by Cassandra, many years after the fact; and some clever literary sleuthing in Austen's work. Brava, Miss James! How nicely done!

And also to be praised is James's fidelity to the known facts of Austen's life. At no point does Miss James deviate from the historical record *where one exists.* This by itself would win my praise for the effort. But combine that with a truly Austenian imagination, and a pleasant facility with the language, and one has a rare thing: A novel that *should* be true.

Why not spend a leisurely spring-shading-into-summer afternoon with Jane, Cassandra, Mother, and the miscellany that make up Regency England's finest writer's world? This is, I declare, a most worthy enterprise in which to engage yourself. show less

I do love stories where previously undiscovered manuscripts come to light. Because I know my own bookshelves backwards and forwards (and have moved them and unpacked them many times), I know them too well to ever think for a minute that there could be some hidden gem lurking there waiting to be shown to the world. But I don't imagine everyone with bookshelves, especially those in old, inherited homes, is as hands on with their books and particular about their organization as to know show more everything that sits on those shelves. And the possibilities of attics? Well, that's just beyond exciting when I think in terms of some masterpiece tucked away in a trunk or a crevice. And if the newly found manuscript was written by Jane Austen? Well, that would just be icing on the cake. It would appear that I am not the only one who thinks a find like this is exciting to think about and rife with wondrous potential because Syrie James' novel, The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, relies on just such a plot.


Samantha McDonough is a university librarian who once studied English Literature at Oxford but had to leave before earning her PhD to return to the US and care for her very ill mother. She jumps at the chance to return to England when her doctor boyfriend attends a conference there. Taking time to revisit her beloved Oxford, she makes a fantastical discovery when she purchases a two hundred year old book of poetry in a used bookshop. Tucked in the uncut pages is an unfinished and unsigned letter that Samantha recognizes as written in Jane Austen's inimitable style. She is thrilled by her find and certain of its authorship but even more intriguing is the letter's reference to a manuscript regrettably lost and never found at Greenbriar in Devonshire. She can hardly believe that there could be an undiscovered Jane Austen manuscript tucked away in this country estate and barely containing her excitement, she does what any serious Austenite would do; she travels to Devonshire to meet with the owner of Greenbriar and try to convince him to allow her to search for the missing manuscript.

When she arrives in Devonshire at Greenbriar, she meets Anthony Whitaker, who has newly inherited the crumbling Georgian pile from his father. He intends to sell the rundown home because the financial burden is just too great and he is initially dismissive of Sam's quest. But after a little time to consider it, he agrees that he will in fact help her search and their careful looking turns up evidence in a guest book that Jane Austen and her family did in fact visit Greenbriar. This confirmation makes Sam more convinced that the manuscript exists and she and Anthony do quickly find the manuscript. Once it is discovered, the question of what to do with this almost priceless literary treasure looms large with Sam having one idea and Anthony another. As they read The Stanhopes chapter by chapter, they also get to know one another a bit better, discovering a real connection with each other which is threatened not only by the existence of Sam's boyfriend but also by their completely opposing views on how to handle the manuscript's future.

The novel within a novel works here, engaging the reader as much in the Stanhopes' lives as in Samantha and Anthony's. In fact, there might be a bit more unpredictability in the imagined "transitional" Austen novel than in the modern-set portions of the book. James has captured the spirit of Austen beautifully if not exactly the language in this charming homage to Austen's works, themes, and readers. She does a good job of mimicking the basis plot structure, the character types, and the occasional social digs that are so characteristic to Austen's works in her created manuscript of The Stanhopes. And her modern day hero and heroine find themselves at odds in a way that Austen would easily recognize as well. Money still drives the world today, much as it did in Austen's time and although it isn't the only component of happiness, it certainly does make a difference. The end would have been more satisfying if there had been more depth to it but since it wraps up just as it should, it is still pleasing enough. Overall a delightful read, it makes me want to go digging about in old manor homes in England looking for just this sort of tale. show less

A snow-bound estate, hidden treasure, a budding romance, & a charming Christmas house party turned deadly. Syrie James delivers an intriguing, romantic whodunnit in the vein of Agatha Christie. A gorgeously atmospheric Victorian mystery, Danger at Darkmoor Park kept me quickly turning the pages long into the night.

School headmistress Selena Taylor forfeits spending Christmas with her siblings this year to help her benefactress host a Christmas house party at the estate she’ll inherit one show more day. When a blizzard traps them all at Darkmoor Park, the house party takes a sinister turn when one of the guests is found dying at the base of the stairs. Was it an accident or was he pushed? In his last breath, he whispers a cryptic clue to Selena hinting at the location of over 5,000 pounds. Dr. Adrian Scott happens to be in the vicinity, but arrives too late to help the victim. Now trapped along with all the other guests, he & Selena must work together to find the hidden money, uncover secrets, & stay alive before the murderer strikes again.

I loved this deliciously gothic romance! Selena is the kind of heroine you want to cheer for. She’s intelligent, compassionate, & delightfully charming. Dr. Scott is full of secrets & is the type of brooding, enigmatic hero you can’t wait to learn more about. I loved seeing their romance bloom from fiery kisses in the linen closet to heartfelt declarations. I enjoyed how they worked together as a team to unravel the mystery.

The exciting mystery kept me on my toes. There are a slew of suspects including Dr. Scott, each hiding secrets. I enjoyed deciphering the clues right along with Selena. I loved the gothic atmosphere with frosted windows, shadowy hallways, that closed-in feeling of being trapped, not knowing whom to trust, threatening notes, & candle-lit rooms. It’s a lovely nod to classic gothic mysteries while being completely unique.

Highly recommend this charming, romantic, closed door gothic mystery/romance! This is the third amazing book in the Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire series & easily read as a standalone. Adore this series & can’t wait for more! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. show less

Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorites & I absolutely loved this romantic historical fiction loosely based on the classic story. Filled with mystery, secret rooms, a challenging pupil, a mermaid’s curse, & a handsome but wounded captain, this gothic adventure had me quickly turning the pages. The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall is my first book by Syrie James & can’t wait to read more!

Diana Taylor’s on a mission to solve a mystery. Her godmother believes her nephew was murdered & has show more sent Diana to Pendowar Hall as a governess to her niece to discover the truth. But, the new baronet Captain William Fallbrook proves an enticing enigma who’s on leave from the navy recovering from an injury. Her fifteen year old pupil also proves a challenge as she tries to find ways to help her learn. As Diana, investigates the death of the previous baronet, she finds a household surrounded by secrecy & a curse that could be her undoing.

I loved this book! Diana’s an intelligent, driven heroine who loves reading especially the newly published Jane Eyre. I loved how dedicated she was to Emma to find ways to help her with dyslexia. William is the brooding, taciturn hero who’s a fitting likeness of Mr. Rochester. I loved how mysterious he was & I honestly wasn’t sure if he was the villain or hero at first.

The mystery was amazing with a gothic, atmospheric setting complete with footsteps in the night, hidden rooms, & plenty of red herrings. I was on the edge of my seat as Diana searches for clues. The villain ended up being somewhat of a surprise with many twists and turns along the way. I loved all the clever nods to Jane Eyre.

Highly recommend this amazing start to a new series! Can’t wait to read the next book! This is a kisses only historical gothic romance. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher & author but also purchased through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. show less