Tuesday, December 5, 2017

"Lady Jayne Disappears" by Joanna Davidson Politano



I used to read mysteries all the time. As a child, I devoured every Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys book I could get my hands on. Though it's a completely different setting, Lady Jayne Disappears has a similar feel to those mysteries I so loved.



Lynhurst Manor is a house built on secrets . . . and the arrival of Aurelie Harcourt might reveal them all.

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies suddenly, he leaves her just two things: his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll, and his wealthy family—who want very little to do with her.

As Aurelie struggles to find a home with her father's family and learn the rules of society, she relishes in his parting gift—the beginning of his last story. The story she always wanted to hear, about her mother's mysterious disappearance from the home where she now lives. To complete the novel, she'll have to extract clues from relatives—and one enigmatic houseguest—who often seem reluctant to give them up.




I'm at a bit of a loss at what to say about Lady Jayne Disappears ... because I loved it so much! It's a deeply compelling mystery with touches of romance and suspense, and I found myself completely wrapped up in it.

When Aurelie's father dies, she is taken in by her aunt and introduced to the family as a distant relation. As she strives to keep her identity as the writer Nathaniel Droll secret, she also must uncover the truth of what happened to Lady Jayne—her mother—and finish the Lady Jayne story her father was writing when he died.

Twists abound in the story, and I found myself surprised by nearly every one—yet, importantly, all the twists made sense. There is, of course, a romance for Aurelie involved (it's actually introduced in the prologue and isn't resolved until the very end), but the romance is definitely secondary to the mystery.

Hands down, this is one of the most intriguing books I've read this year, and I can't wait to get my hands on Politano's next book! 5 stars.

Buy the book.
Read an excerpt.




Joanna Davidson Politano is a freelance writer and debut novelist who spends as much time as possible spinning tales that capture the exquisite details of ordinary lives. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan. Learn more at www.jdpstories.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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