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mehsi's review
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.
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.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
Half of the time I write that many reviews, because I read that many books, that I forget what I already told and what I didn't. So, it's entirely possible I already admitted in the review of the first book in this series that I have never read a Jane Austen book in my life. However, I'm simply admitting it again. Especially because I think that, no matter how much I enjoy these books, they are even more enjoyable when you do know what Jane will write in the future.
Even though I haven't read a Jane Austen book in my life, I'm enjoying the series immensely. Mostly because Golding did an amazing job showing us what the world looked like when Jane Austen was little. She really captures the feel of this time, the good of this time, but also the bad of this time. She is aware of the issues the world was dealing with at the time and she deals with those issues in a modern way without making it feel out of place.
On top of that Golding crafts a lovely mystery. Just like in the first book it takes a little while before we're truly confronted with the mystery that needs to be solved, although we were getting some hints towards it very early on in the story, but once the investigation starts it's a lot of fun to guess along with the characters. Since this is a middle grade it never gets too complicated and eventually it's easy to see the solution come together.
And last but not least, I also really love Jane and Cassandra. They're clearly two entirely different people, liking different things and having different dreams, but their bond seems so nice and solid. I also quite like how Jane finds her way in society and isn't this over the top modern girl. Yes, she is looking for ways to break rules, but she also wants to be asked to dance at balls and she does blush when being around cute men and tries to avoid gossip.
I hope there will be a next installment!
Even though I haven't read a Jane Austen book in my life, I'm enjoying the series immensely. Mostly because Golding did an amazing job showing us what the world looked like when Jane Austen was little. She really captures the feel of this time, the good of this time, but also the bad of this time. She is aware of the issues the world was dealing with at the time and she deals with those issues in a modern way without making it feel out of place.
On top of that Golding crafts a lovely mystery. Just like in the first book it takes a little while before we're truly confronted with the mystery that needs to be solved, although we were getting some hints towards it very early on in the story, but once the investigation starts it's a lot of fun to guess along with the characters. Since this is a middle grade it never gets too complicated and eventually it's easy to see the solution come together.
And last but not least, I also really love Jane and Cassandra. They're clearly two entirely different people, liking different things and having different dreams, but their bond seems so nice and solid. I also quite like how Jane finds her way in society and isn't this over the top modern girl. Yes, she is looking for ways to break rules, but she also wants to be asked to dance at balls and she does blush when being around cute men and tries to avoid gossip.
I hope there will be a next installment!
rusticreadingal's review
4.0
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.
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.
idontliveinreality's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism and Slavery
Minor: Infidelity
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Burglar's Ball is the second Jane Austen Investigation by Julia Golding. Released 22nd Oct 2021 by Lion Hudson, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such a fun homage with the revered author herself as a young girl in the role of amateur sleuth. It's an engaging and well written story. Aimed at older middle grade readers, it's easy to read and action filled. The East India Company figures to a significant degree and the author handles Jane's awakening to the less savory realities of colonialism sensitively but realistically. The themes of racism, exploitation, slavery, and animal abuse are discussed in an age appropriate manner.
The characterizations are precise and believable, and the settings descriptions and general prose very well wrought. The dialogue is somewhat (but not overly) reminiscent of the speech patterns of the time which adds verisimilitude without being overly intrusive.
Graphically it's appealing with easy to read typeset text and enhanced by line drawn chapter headings and inserted illustrations throughout.
Four stars. It's a delightful addition to the series and would make a good selection for school or public library acquisition. There's a third book due out in late 2022.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Burglar's Ball is the second Jane Austen Investigation by Julia Golding. Released 22nd Oct 2021 by Lion Hudson, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such a fun homage with the revered author herself as a young girl in the role of amateur sleuth. It's an engaging and well written story. Aimed at older middle grade readers, it's easy to read and action filled. The East India Company figures to a significant degree and the author handles Jane's awakening to the less savory realities of colonialism sensitively but realistically. The themes of racism, exploitation, slavery, and animal abuse are discussed in an age appropriate manner.
The characterizations are precise and believable, and the settings descriptions and general prose very well wrought. The dialogue is somewhat (but not overly) reminiscent of the speech patterns of the time which adds verisimilitude without being overly intrusive.
Graphically it's appealing with easy to read typeset text and enhanced by line drawn chapter headings and inserted illustrations throughout.
Four stars. It's a delightful addition to the series and would make a good selection for school or public library acquisition. There's a third book due out in late 2022.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
the_sassy_bookworm's review
3.0
⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was excited to dive into this one. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark a little. I felt like the mystery took too long to get going (40%) and even after it did it just wasn't as engaging as the first book.
jjoany's review
3.0
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.
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.
annarella's review
4.0
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
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
williamsalley's review
5.0
Jane Austen Investigates: The Burglar’s Ball, is a book full of mystery. 13 year old Jane, along with her older sister Cassandra, are invited back to Reading Abbey Girls’ School for a ball that is schedule to take place. The school is ran by Madame La Tournelle, she invited Cassandra back because she was one of her star pupils and is trying to impress the family of two would be students. Elinor and Marianne Warren. The Austen sisters meet the Warrens when they arrive, as well as a dance instructor named Mr Willoughby and his flute player Brandon. As Elinor and Cassandra gush over Willoughby; Jane and Marianne are interested in playing cricket. In preparation for the ball Elinor request that her diamond necklace, tiara, earring, brooch and bracelet be brought from home for the occasion. Things take a turn for the worse when the necklace is stolen the night of the ball. Jane Austen’s investigation begins, her goal is to clear an innocent friend and find the true culprit. This book was interesting with all the twist and turns especially the secrets Jane uncovers while trying to solve the case. People are not who they claim to be but that doesn’t always make them guilty. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery and Jane Austen and her various characters.
cinta's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd for letting me read this book prior to its publication. My opinion is 100% honest, unbiased, and my own.
I got a copy of this book because I had read and loved the first book in the series. But I am sorry to say this new Jane Austen Investigates story missed the mark and was quite a disappointment. While the previous book kept me reading non-stop, I had trouble to get into this one.
I am aware this book was written for MG readers, but I found the plot to be too simple and the ending was quite easy to guess and predict.
Even the character of young Jane Austen felt different in this book. I wanted to see more spunk and energy in her behavior and actions, but it felt like a washed out version of the same character in the first book.
We get to see more characters taken from Jane Austen novels among the cast. In this cast, the homage was paid to Sense and Sensibility. That part of the story was very well crafted and I really enjoyed it.
Overall, a quick read for the weekend.
I got a copy of this book because I had read and loved the first book in the series. But I am sorry to say this new Jane Austen Investigates story missed the mark and was quite a disappointment. While the previous book kept me reading non-stop, I had trouble to get into this one.
I am aware this book was written for MG readers, but I found the plot to be too simple and the ending was quite easy to guess and predict.
Even the character of young Jane Austen felt different in this book. I wanted to see more spunk and energy in her behavior and actions, but it felt like a washed out version of the same character in the first book.
We get to see more characters taken from Jane Austen novels among the cast. In this cast, the homage was paid to Sense and Sensibility. That part of the story was very well crafted and I really enjoyed it.
Overall, a quick read for the weekend.