JANE AND THE PRISONER OF WOOL HOUSE

Jane Austen, author of such classics as PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, is the fictional protagonist of this mystery in which a British naval officer is charged with murder and sentenced to hang. Austen, convinced of his innocence, traverses dangerous and seedy settings in pursuit of truth. Those who prefer nonstop action might tire of the slow pace and historical details (with footnotes). But the language is delicious, the characterizations layered and the plot full of surprises. Kate Reading's narration quietly underscores the Austen-esque humor and captures the quirkiness of a wide array of characters. She shines at moving along briskly while still taking time to savor the language. E.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 02]