JoAnna Davidson Politano: Lady Jayne Disappears

By Kelly Bridgewater

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father's unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother's disappearance--and perhaps even her father's death.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano's stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance.

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My Thoughts:

Lady Jayne Disappears by JoAnna Davidson Politano is an interesting and unique story set in the Victorian age. Right from the prologue, Davidson grabbed my attention and drew me into the story. It seemed different than anything else I have read. The synopsis gripped my attention, and I couldn't wait to read what this debut author had written. It was hard to believe this was a novel written by a debut author; it was well-written.

Politano does a great job at inviting me into the setting with her details and her writing. I was drawn into Miss Harcourt's thoughts and emotions and felt her struggle throughout the novel. I admired the character of Miss Harcourt. She was a strong woman who was raised with practically nothing, but she knew of a way to make a living on her own. She had a kind soul and made friends with practically everyone she met.

The story idea with the mystery gripped my attention. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Lady Jayne, and what would happen to Miss Harcourt. The story centers around Miss Harcourt as she struggles to survive in the elite society of London while trying to keep her identity secret and solving the mystery of what happened to Lady Jayne. The romance was low key for me, which I like, don't get me wrong, but it felt not the forefront of Politano's story, but she threw it there for good measure. I think the mystery element could have carried the story without the romance.

As for the plot, I really enjoyed it. It was unique, fresh, and artistically rendered. I had a hard time putting the story down. It started out with giving me the feeling of a classic novel that you want to read over and over again. Further along in the plot, it started to wind down a little, and I wondered if Politano was dragging out the middle to meet a word count quota. The climax of the mystery I did not see coming. Politano surprised me with the person behind it. I didn't see that coming. I feel like I need to reread it and observe this person more closely and see if it fits the bad guy.

Overall, Lady Jayne Disappears by JoAnna Davidson Politano is an original mystery dancing on the streets of upper and lower class London in the Victorian age. I enjoyed the concept and the main character. I really can't wait to see what Politano comes up with next.

I received a complimentary copy of Lady Jayne Disappears by JoAnna Davidson Politano from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars