A review by transplanted_spud
Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

adventurous dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Well this was an absolute, unexpected delight! I think maybe the description of “serial killer meets Jane Eyre” is not truly representative of what this is, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was gothic and ridiculous and over the top, and it completely swept me up. I loved the smart fierce protagonist (and the fact that I didn’t really have to spend much time handwringing over her morality). I loved the interesting men, who so clearly fell into either “totally evil and gross” or “handsome and charming and insightful and respectful”. I was engaged without having to actually think much. Just what I needed at the end of January 2025. The perfect gothic escapism, like a really well-written and interesting soap opera.