Yes, really. In this latest in Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mystery series, Jane works to solve a murder of which Byron has been accused, which is therefore appropriately titled Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron. This is the 10th in the series and the book at which I may have to throw in the towel. The author readily admits in the interview included after the story there is no evidence Jane Austen and Byron ever met, though they were certainly contemporaries. This is not a problem for me. A little historical speculation is the whole point of historical fiction. What I did not like was the solution. It just did not seem authentic, it seemed too neat, it was too hurried, there was little reason to believe he had done it, his motive was not developed enough so I did not feel particularly that justice had been served when he was caught. There was no investment in his being the murderer. I would have much more readily accepted one of the other possible perpetrators, even Byron.
What I do like about these mysteries is the peek at the time period. The discussions of the Prince Regent (George IV), clothes, books, horse and carriages, Assembly Balls, and the references to Jane Austen's books are what may keep me reading, but another disappointing denouement will chase me away for good.
