2012 book 17

Shannon Hale's Midnight in Austenland
I enjoyed Austenland quite a bit, so was eager to read this sequel/companion, where another woman goes on the Austen-themed vacation and meets a whole new cast of Austen-esque characters (with one memorable returnee from the previous book)--and was pleased that this one had a mystery thrown into the plot (a la Northanger Abbey). Look, these books are nice light reading and Hale's writing is really enjoyable--she really highlights the humor of the situations--so even though they're somewhat predictable, they're very likable. I know I tend to rail against the Austen spin-off industry, but these books are very well-done. A-/B+.

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An e-galley was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on January 31st.