Death of a Schoolgirl
By Joanna Campbell Slan
Book Details:
Death of a Schoolgirl
(The Jane Eyre Chronicles)
First in Series
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (August 7, 2012)
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
SYNOPSIS
In her classic tale, Charlotte Brontë introduced readers to the strong-willed and intelligent Jane Eyre. Picking up where Brontë left off, Jane’s life has settled into a comfortable pattern: She and her beloved Edward Rochester are married and have an infant son. But Jane soon finds herself in the midst of new challenges and threats to those she loves…
Jane can’t help but fret when a letter arrives from Adèle Varens—Rochester’s ward, currently at boarding school—warning that the girl’s life is in jeopardy. Although it means leaving her young son and invalid husband, and despite never having been to a city of any size, Jane feels strongly compelled to go to London to ensure Adèle’s safety.
But almost from the beginning, Jane’s travels don’t go as planned—she is knocked about and robbed, and no one believes that the plain, unassuming Jane could indeed be the wife of a gentleman; even the school superintendent takes her for an errant new teacher. But most shocking to Jane is the discovery that Adèle’s schoolmate has recently passed away under very suspicious circumstances, yet no one appears overly concerned. Taking advantage of the situation, Jane decides to pose as the missing instructor—and soon uncovers several unsavory secrets, which may very well make her the killer’s next target…
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MY REVIEW OF DEATH OF A SCHOOLGIRL BY JOANNA CAMPBELL SLAN
Death of a Schoolgirl picks up where Jane Eyre left off. She is now a wife, mother and private investigator.
The age old story – she was Adele’s governess and married Rochester, the master of the manor.
Jane received a letter from Adele and became worried by the tone of the letter. She decided she must go to her and find out what was wrong.
Rochester’s first wife, Bertha, had died when she burnt down his house. He was permanently disabled because of it. He was almost blind and had only one hand. Due to medical complications, he was unable to travel, so Jane would be traveling alone.
Jane gets to Adele’s school and is greeted by a Death of a Schoolgirl.
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I was immediately attracted to the gothic feel of the cover.
Death of a Schoolgirl has no flash, but is full of fast paced action. No breath holding, edge of the seat suspense, but a very nice mystery that is not easily solved.
The great writing had lots of detail that kept me fully involved. Sometimes period books can be hard to read, but this wasn’t. Death of a Schoolgirl has a touch of the paranormal. Someone is watching over Jane, helping her help the girls.
Jane is strong and confident. Women had their place but not her. She did not accept the hypocrisy and caste system of her times. Has anything really changed?
Jane could reproduce, with pencil and paper, whatever she saw. She had an analytical mind and was a great observer, so becoming a private investigator was no stretch for her. She had empathy for those less fortunate than her.
I loved her stand up attitude. She would not allow the hypocrisy and snobbishness of the many to affect her decisions..
Alderton House, the boarding school, is a dumping ground for many unwanted children. The workers are either tyrants or meek and afraid.
“Her embrace sent me moaning in pain.”
“Oh dear, and I finally have a sister and I broke her already!”
I laughed out loud. I think this quote is priceless.
I enjoyed Death of a Schoolgirl and would like to read more.
I received a signed, first edition paperback for review from the author. My opinions are my own. She included some wonderful goodies and I would like to thank her for the awesome package.
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning and National Bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan is the creator of the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries (an Agatha Award Finalist) and The Jane Eyre Chronicles (Winner of the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award). This fall will see the debut of the Cara Mia Delgatto books, a new mystery series set on the Treasure Coast of Florida, featuring a young woman who runs a recycling/repurposing shop. In her past life, Joanna was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter. She is the mother of Michael Slan, a professional poker player, and she is married to David Slan, CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery-DC. The Slans and their two dogs make their home on ******* Island, Florida. Visit Joanna’s website at www.JoannaSlan.com
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PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON B&N Book World Book Depository Powell’s Books
MY GIVEAWAY
Joanna Campbell Slan is offering 1 print book. Easy entry. Just leave a comment with your email and answer the question:
What does the cover say to you?
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TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY
She also is offering a grand prize that she says she will “mail it anywhere!”
“Le Plus Grande Prize (ha-ha!) will be a Lowood Institution Lacrosse sweatshirt, a “Being yourself is the key” pencil case, a Jane Eyre mug, and a small Jane Eyre quotations journal.”
To enter, click on a Rafflecopter giveaway link below.
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
September 15 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews Review & Giveaway
September 16 – Must Read Faster Review
September 17 – Griperang’s Bookmarks Review & Giveaway
September 18 – Chloe Gets A Clue Interview & Giveaway
September 19 – A Blue Million Books Guest Post
September 20 – My Devotional Thoughts Review & Giveaway
September 23 – Books-n-Kisses Review, Guest Post & Giveaway
September 24 – Mochas, Mysteries and More Guest Post & Giveaway
September 25 – fundinmental Review & Giveaway
September 26 – Melina’s Book Blog Review & Guest Post
September 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy Review & Interview
September 28 – Brooke Blogs Review & Guest Post
September 29 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK Review
September 30 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading Review, Interview & Giveaway
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Joanna Campbell Slan is a prolific writer. To grab a copy of Death of a Schoolgirl, or be taken to her books to see what else she has to offer, click on the cover below.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
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Not really my kind of book but so happy you enjoyed it.
Thanks Jennifer.
I’m wondering if she is fleeing the school or gearing up to enter. With the school as the feature in the cover, I’m trying to decide if it is welcoming or warning.
This is a different genre for you. Glad you enjoyed it!
Laura, that’s very astute of you. I think the building is rather menacing.
True, but something about the cover spoke to me. ^_^
Just noted she has a new series coming that takes place on the Florida Coast. Will be watching for them.
Laura, that’s the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series. The first book–Tear Down and Die–will be offered FREE for two days at Amazon. Those dates are Oct. 25 and 26 (a Friday and Saturday).
Thanks for letting us know about the freebie come October. I have marked it on my calendar and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for mentioning that Laura. I forgot to.
Another one for my TBR!!! Great giveaway too! Lots of love, Emily
Emily, so glad you think this book is worthy of your TBR pile. I loved writing it!
Happy Reading Emily.
I love the Jane Eyre story, so I love the idea of a sequel. To me, the cover says, “Come on, let’s explore this spooky old house.” I love to explore old, huge homes! But, since I assume it is the school where she is investigating the strange happenings, I suppose it shouldn’t send this message!
I enjoyed your review, Sherry!
Sherry, I like that Jane seems to be “standing up” to the building and not cowering.
Thanks Taylor. I love architecture and the huge old homes fascinate me too.
To me, the cover seems to be inviting me to go into the schoolhouse and explore the mysteries hiding within. The fact that Charlaine Harris endorsed the book was enough to draw me in.
Janna, Charlaine is a wonderful person, a very generous friend. I was thrilled that she would say something so kind about my book.
I have read some Charlaine Harris and that helped me to decide to review the book. I enjoy her work and I was not disappointed with Joanna’s. I look forward to reading more from her.
Thanks so much for having me! And I am so glad you enjoyed the “goodies” that I included in the package.
It is my pleasure, Joanna. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of your work. Good luck with the tour! I am also very interested in reading the new series. Trash to treasures, here in Florida sounds like an interesting tale.
Jennifer, you might enjoy my two other series. One features Kiki Lowenstein, a young single mom trying to make her way in the world. Kiki works in a scrapbook store in St. Louis. These books have mystery, crafts, and food. The newest series (released this October) stars Cara Mia Delgatto, a friend of Kiki’s, who has decided to start over in life. She winds up owning a trash to treasures shop on the coast of Florida. Again, we have mystery, crafts, food, and a touch of Floridian lore. Both books have a sweet romance and a lot of women’s friendships in them.
If I just went by the picture an no writing, I’d have thought this was a historical romance.
Me too. It was a good book and I will be reading more of her work. ^_^
This sounds interesting
I think it is a great read. She plans more for the future. Have a great weekend.
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