Inspector Patrick Cashman is under pressure to quickly find the cause of the fire – and identify a suspect – to placate the visiting Lord Mayor and Commissioner and secure his hopes of promotion. What happened at the cigarette factory and why are there rumours circulating that one of her ‘girls’ was responsible? In a city full of poverty, unemployment and political unrest, these ex pupils of hers had surely been blessed with such prospects.
Cork, Ireland. Early one morning the Reverend Mother receives news of a deadly fire at the local cigarette factory, a place where she’d been so proud that some of her pupils had been given a steady job. Ages 12 up.Harrison’s stellar 10th 1920s Irish mystery featuring the insightful religious sleuth… Harrison is writing at the top of her game. Thomas Williams is sparked early on, challenged by a flirtation with Jane's handsome brother Henry, and rekindled, of course, at a ball.
Like anything to do with Austen, the promise of romance is never far: Jenny's intrigue for Capt. The prose is light and accessible, but can be awkward, as in passages that try to convey urgency. Decorated with line drawings (ostensibly Jenny's) of clothing, people, etc., Jenny's lengthy and detailed internal monologues about a variety of events that take place over several months in 1791 tell more than they demonstrate through dialogue and interaction. Yet the diary format does not always lend itself well to plot development. Jenny is sweet and observant, and Harrison evokes the time period in both the mannerisms and attitudes of her characters, as well as what historians know of Austen's life.
Who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall while Jane Austen grew up, had adventures, and went to balls? Or better yet, her most trusted friend and confidante? Harrison introduces readers to Austen via the chronicles of Jenny Cooper, Austen's "best friend" and an avid diarist.
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