Member Reviews
The Burglars Ball by Julia Golding is a marvellous historical YA novel that will entertain you whatever your age. It is suitable for ten years and above. It is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series but can be read as a stand-alone.
As a huge Jane Austen fan, I love this series focusing on the teen Jane Austen. With knowledge of Jane Austen’s novels, I can see parallels within the stories and the style of writing is reminiscent of Jane Austen. There are elements within The Burglars Ball that remind me of both Emma and also Pride And Prejudice (my favourite all-time novel).
The character of Jane Austen is lively and likable. She believes in equality for all and is willing to stand for those without a voice. She has an innate sense of justice and dislikes prejudice in all its forms. She is quite the young tom-boy too.
We witness racial prejudice and injustice as a character is judged by the colour of his skin and not the content of his character. Jane Austen sets out to prove his innocence.
There is a wonderful cosmopolitan feel to the novel as we meet up again with characters from book one who now own a bakery making and selling Indian pastries. We also meet an elephant called Betty and a colourful parrot called Don Pedro.
The Burglars Ball is a fun, light-hearted novel where we follow the tenacious Jane Austen determined to investigate the crime.
Jane Austen Investigates is a really fun series, just perfect to introduce young readers to Jane Austen, and also wonderful for die-hard Jane Austen fans such as myself.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
I'm loving this series as it's compelling and entertaining. This is a good addition and i thoroughly enjoyed it.
The mystery is solid, the plot flows and I was happy to meet Jane again.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This was just as charming and engaging as the first. It's so easy to fall into Jane's world, and she's such a plucky, determined heroine that her books are a delight.
This one brought back some familiar faces from the first adventure, as well as introducing many new ones. I love the way the mystery played out, giving just enough hints while still leaving me guessing.
I especially love the way Jane is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about the East India Company's activities in India, racism, slavery, animal treatment in circuses, etc. They're handled well and don't take over the lightness of the storyline while still maintaining an appropriate seriousness.
I look forward to the next Jane Austen Investigates adventure!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Fiction for providing an e-arc for review.
A smashing mystery surrounding the burglary of a jewel necklace, Jane is detective once more and this time she's got her sister Cassandra by her side. Together, and with the help of new friends and old, the sisters set out to clear the name of the wrongfully accused and capture the real culprit all before it's too late!
DNF 55%. I tried. First up, thank you to the author/publisher/Netgalley for allowing me to read this book! Sadly, it just wasn't for me. Well, technically it was. But I was expecting WAY more mystery and WAY less cricket, dancing, talking. For a historical fiction for kids without a mystery? I would have rated it a 4. But I expected mystery and I didn't get that until I was already stretched thin with waiting. The theft of the jewels isn't until 41% of the book. So I thought things would now get more exciting, more into the historical mystery fiction I was longing for. But no. Sadly not.
The characters were good though. I liked Jane and loved how smart she was and how she wasn't deterred by anything. Deepti was just wonderful and I would love to read more about her. Cassandra, Jane's sister, was good.
For now two stars because there were parts I did enjoy. Sadly, not enough to keep me reading.
This is the second book in the Jane Austen Investigates series, its about a young Jane and they are a lot of fun.
Cassandra, Jane's older sister, gets invited to attend a ball at the old school they use to go to becauset he headmistress says that Cassandra could out dance everyone and she wants a good dancer in attendance. Cassandra decides to take Jane with her even though Jane doesn't want to go and so Jane brings her dog Grandison!
While they are at the school they find out that there are some girls there who are trying out the school to see if they want to attend there and that they had been living in India, but their father needs to put them in a school. They are all going to be attending the ball. One of the girls who likes to sort of flaunt around decides to wear her diamonds and during the ball they are stolen when she puts them up.
A young black man is accused of taking them because he knew about them, but so did a lot of others. Jane knows he didn't do it because he wouldn't have time as he was part of the entertainment. She decides that she will have to investigate and find out exactly what happened to the diamond necklace. There are plenty of suspects and Jane is up for the task.
I really like Jane as a character, she is fun, spunky and a bit onnery. The mystery was interesting and pretty easy to figure out but it is a middle grade book, so it's not suppose to be hard. I think if you like books like Nancy Drew then you would enjoy this series! Perfect for young readers who are into mysteries!
This was a delightfully fun mystery! I loved the first book in this series, so I was ecstatic to have a new mystery to solve alongside young Jane.
This time, Jane's trying to catch a thief who stole a diamond necklace at the summer ball at her old school. The mystery was perplexing and kept me guessing. I had strong suspicions about who the culprit might be, but there were plenty of viable suspects that had me questioning my initial thoughts, plus a surprising twist or two, added to the mix.
This witty and fun mystery is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. I had such a great time reading it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
The second book in the series by Julia Golding. I must confess I came across this by chance and had not read the first book, but it worked fine as a stand-alone novel, and connections between characters were explained well.
This story follows a young Jane Austen, heading to Reading with her sister, to a dance at their old school. When a diamond necklace is stolen, and a friend accused, the sisters investigate to try and find the true culprit before it is too late,
A fun mystery for children, and a good introduction to the time period and perhaps, one day to Jane Austen’s own novels.
*I received this book (Via eArc by Netgalley) for free from the Publisher (Lion Hudson Ltd,) in exchange for an honest review*
I very much enjoyed my time with these books. It was a mystery based on Sense and Sensibility and it was interesting with the addition of the mystery that was added to that story. It was fun and engaging and super fast and I enjoyed the character and the depth that each of character for a middle grade it was great!! its was a fun experience and I enjoyed the friendships and how there were some parts of sisterhood when Cassandra and Jane talked and supported each other.
It was fun and it was short and to the point and a wonderful addition to the Jane Austen Investigates series!!
*Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC*
This middle grade book is such a fun read! I loved seeing Jane Austen as a young girl who solves mysteries, and I enjoyed the writing style.
All of the characters are distinct and well-written, and I enjoyed seeing the relationships and friendships between the characters. Jane’s letters to her brother were both clever and hilarious!
The mystery isn’t overly complicated, but it’s still interesting, and I was entertained trying to figure out who the culprit was. This book also has deeper themes in it, like the evil of slavery and people’s trials in India, and I thought those additions were beautifully handled in a kid-friendly way. While this book is geared towards middle grade readers, I immensely enjoyed reading it myself! This series is one I am excited to share with my daughter once she is old enough for chapter books.
5/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Period drama, victorian society, good manners and theft!
Not subjects you would normally associate with a children's chapter book but surprisingly, it works. A cross between Enola Holmes and Nancy Drew, Julie Golding is a master of mystery. Subtle clues and gripping storyline keeps you hooked throughout. Cleverly written with interesting characters and complex relationships, the narrative is one to be enjoyed by mystery and adventure lovers everywhere.
When the headmistress invites her past favourite pupil to attend their end of term ball, Cassandra brings her younger sister, Jane, along too. Cassandra plunges into the feverish excitement of preparing for the biggest event of the year – the dresses, the dances and the boys expected from the neighbouring school.
Feeling rather excluded, sharp-witted Jane unearths the reason for the fuss – the headteacher wants to impress a rich family returned from India as the school is at risk of going bankrupt. Jane also befriends the dancing master’s assistant, a former slave, called Brandon, who is as quick to notice things as she. At the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen from a locked room and they are propelled into a race to uncover the burglar and save Brandon from gaol.
It is the second book in the series and to me, it is a notch higher! I really enjoyed the bantering between the two Austen sisters. Even though it’s a little slow at first (the buglary/investigation takes off at about 40%), then it’s fun and fresh. I didn’t expect the final twist. Also, it’s great that the author included some background touches of « serious » matters like criticisms of bias, racism and colonialism. For a younger audience, it allows them to start asking questions and ponder these issues without being the primary focus of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this new installment in the Jane Austen Investigates series. It’s a quick and easy read. The obvious references to Austen’s (real) literary universe are a added bonus.
Thank you NetGalley! What a wonderful read. This is a book I will recommend to my students to read. Cassandra has been invited to a ball at their old school and takes her reluctant sister Jane with her. Much to Jane happiness, she has a new mystery to solve. Jane gets to have a new adventure while solving the mystery and meets old as well as new friends.
Thank you so much Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book! I loved this cozy mystery! This is a great sequel and it never disappoints! I was not bored and it did not feel slow there was always something going on!
I found this book thoroughly gripping and not at all the outcome I had expected. I am not a fan of Jane Austen books or tv adaptations but I like a mystery story and therefore this book caught my attention. I was not disappointed in the slightest. I will definitely be sourcing book one from the series and look forward to more books in the series - hopefully in the not too distant future.
I found the characters came alive on the page - I could imagine them as I read, their thoughts and expressions changing as the mystery unfolded.
The book is historically set - I liked that it was thought provoking and asked tough questions. Jane questions the difficult things in life - slavery, racism and animal captivity. The author does not shy away from these things and I found it refreshing to see them recognised as part of the country’s history but reflected on in a way that highlighted their inappropriateness.
The story moved along at a quick pace, with subtle clues appearing to help the reader piece together the mystery alongside the characters.
I would highly recommend this book!
"Join young, budding detective Jane Austen in her second investigation to uncover a devious diamond thief at the glitziest, most scandalous ball of the year inspired by Sense and Sensibility.
When the headmistress invites her past favourite pupil to attend their end of term ball, Cassandra brings her younger sister, Jane, along too. Cassandra plunges into the feverish excitement of preparing for the biggest event of the year - the dresses, the dances and the boys expected from the neighbouring school.
Feeling rather excluded, sharp-witted Jane unearths the reason for the fuss - the headteacher wants to impress a rich family returned from India as the school is at risk of going bankrupt. Jane also befriends the dancing master's assistant, a former slave, called Brandon, who is as quick to notice things as she. At the ball, a diamond necklace is stolen from a locked room and they are propelled into a race to uncover the burglar and save Brandon from gaol.
With the ever-present Austen spirit, Jane with notebook in hand, boldly overcomes the obstacles to finding the truth."
Oh, here's hoping for lots of Jane Austen complaining about how she hates girls schools!
Comforting, compassionate, courteous, courageous and clever, the young Jane Austen of The Burglar's Ball stole my heart! Awestruck by her mastery of human behaviour.!
Culturally and historically rich classic narrative spins around, in and out, and within the characters and weaves in the settings effortlessly. Brow-raising knowledge of the East India Company and its purpose, and yet toned-down appropriately for young readers.
Utterly delighted by the author's respect for India, her people and culture.
Thank you Lion Hudson and Net Galley for the e-ARC.
In the second in the Jane Austen Investigates series, Jane and her sister Cassandra are visiting their old school when Cassandra was invited by their old headmistress and Jane is sent along as her companion.
The end of term ball is approaching and Cassandra throws herself fully into the preparations - dance lessons, dresses and boys.
But on the night of the ball, a diamond necklace goes missing and the assistant of the dashing dance instructor is accused on being the thief.
Jane just knows that her new friend is not the thief and she is going to prove it by finding the real thief.
Lots of fun and adventures ensure as Jane enlists the help of old friends and new to track down the necklace and the thief.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooksfire for the advance copy to read and review
This was an engaging quick read! Great characters and good family dynamics. Highly recommend it to teen readers!
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My gratitude to both Netgalley and the publisher.
I love middle-grade, historical fiction, books with strong female heroines. It's my bread and butter. I read them whenever I can get my hands on one, and I love to use them in my classroom when I see fit. They fill me with sheer delight.
Maybe I've been spoiled by the pluck of Aggie Morton and Myrtle Hardcastle - (both of whom star in their own book series that is well checking out), but I found pre-teen Jane Austen to fall a little flat for me in this mystery. She lacked the spunk and tenacity that I would have expected given what I do know of Jane Austen in life.
The mystery and plot also seemed to come along easily, the solution lacking some of the peril that I felt would truly engage middle-grade readers. This isn't to say I'm turned off by the series. I plan to read the first book because I do find Jane and Cassandra charming, and from what I see in other reviews, I may find that one a bit more satisfying.