Murder at Northanger Abbey: Sequel to Jane Austen's Spoof on the Gothic Novel Paperback – 17 Jun. 2020

I have read and enjoyed most of this author's other books. This one has been featured on several blogs and thus brought to my attention and added to my "Must read" mental list. It is a sequel and I would definitely recommend that you read JA's story first. I did not read that book recently but I have no problems remembering how naïve Catherine was in the story and how her love of reading Gothic novels twisted how she viewed various event in her life.In this story Catherine remembers well how she misrepresented various things discovered or related to her at Northanger Abbey BUT now the life of her beloved husband is on the line. Yes, the couple along with the rest of Henry's family, neighbors to his father, the General, and acquaintances are gathered for an All Hallow's Eve Ball at the Abbey. The General is very melodramatic in his hints about the evening and the gathering storm outside with its thunder and lightning only add to the atmosphere. Then there is all that noise heard overhead.Yes, a murder occurs and a magistrate arrives and questions family, guests and some servants. Circumstantial evidence and family history provide suspects but only one person does not have an alibi and that is Henry.So the story evolves around Catherine's own deductions as she knows Henry is innocent. Indeed all who know him believe the same but that is all opinion, not fact. Catherine comes up with one after another who in her mind had reason and MUST have had opportunity. She opines that some one must be lying and others must be in on the lie. She questions her own logic many times due to her past mistaken views.I won't give any hints as to her suspects or if or when they were cleared...or not. And as already said, the author gives us an alternate ending so you get to chose your favorite. This story was very well written and flows smoothly in style after canon's story. I highly recommend it.

To be upfront here, as a (mumble)-year-old man, I'm not the target demographic for this book. I haven't read any of Jane Austen's writings, including the novel of which this book is a sequel. I do like mysteries and am a big Agatha Christie fan, but gothic sensibilities, ballroom dancing, and romance-dripping dialog are not my thing. So take my review with a grain of salt.I LOVED THIS BOOK! The setting, characters, and dialog were interesting, fun, and felt authentic to me. The mystery was well-crafted - I almost fell for one red herring. And I thought the alternate ending was perfect, a totally logical, believable path the story could have taken. There are references to the Jane Austen prequel novel, but you don't have to read that to understand and enjoy this.But what made me enjoy this book the most was the writing itself. The best description I have is that it "sparkled". It was just a joy to read. I often found myself with a big smile at some turn of phrase, some clever description, some bright and imaginative dialog. Just... a joy.This is making me want to read more of Shannon's writings. Probably not the strict Jane Austen fiction for me, but I want to look into her Crossroads Collection. And definitely any mysteries she might decide to delve into in the future.

Shannon Winslow has done it again. The story is a wonderful continuation of Northanger Abbey in the same writing style as the original. Newly married Catherine Tilney was so excited to be invited to the abbey for "a fancy-dress ball on All Hallow's Eve" believing her father-in-law is finally accepting her marriage to his son. But that was not the reason as all were soon to find out. Halloween is the perfect set up for this murder mystery and of course thru murder happens that night. Along with our heroine, I found myself attempting to figure out who killed the victim., and as is usually the case I was wrong. Plenty had motive. This story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story and the alternate ending is an added treat.It is a definite must read for those who like Jane Austen, mysteries, and a little bit of humor thrown in. I heartily recommend this book.

This story imagines what could have happened following Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. A ball is held at the Abbey, and family, friends, and neighbors have been invited. After some enjoyable dancing has commensed, the patriarch of the family makes some unpleasant announcements. Later on, when he is found dead, there are many who have motive. The most unlikely person is placed on trial for murder. Will Catherine be able to help the innocent from being found guilty? I recommend this sequel, a mystery with heart and humor intermingled.

For Jane Austen fans pining for more of her work, this author does her justice with her knowledge of the language and customs of the day. There are no jarring discrepancies and there is an occasional delicious naughtiness and the same Austen humor found in Jane's original work. This author has penned several sequels and knows her stuff. You will enjoy Murder at Northanger Abbey! I did!!