Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano
Victoria's Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookmarks

This book was an exhibition of craftsmanship that I have not seen in a long time. The beautiful descriptions, glorious word pictures and the even more amazing, twisting plot make this a masterpiece.

The overall story was incredible with a plot that twists in ways that are unpredictable, heartbreakingly beautiful, and simply genius. I never once knew what to expect. It was complicated and multi-faceted which kept me interested as I turned page after page. There was something indescribable about it. Politano obviously not only has a talent, but also a gift.

I loved the fact that the main character was a writer. Her ability to paint stories, write with beautiful poetry and grace was something that I found incredibly attractive. Her backstory was complicated yet beautiful. The story was written in such a way to make the reader feel its beauty with such a poignancy.

The characters were lovely, multi-faceted, deep and well developed. Between Aurelie Rosette Harcourt who had a nature as lovely as her name and then Silas Rotherham, who was a gem, the book felt so complete. I do not develop crushes on book characters. But this one certainly tempted me to. Add to this a vast ensemble of diverse and unique characters and you have one fabulous book.

Something genius on the part of the author was that you could never tell who the villain was. There were many villains and there were none. The fact that there was no way of knowing the outcome made this book an enjoyable roller coaster of a ride from start to finish.

Joanna Davidson Politano

The setting was also fabulous. Politano gave us a rich and detailed glimpse of a country manor and the life that surrounded it just as easily as she delved with us into the depths of a debtor’s prison and the streets of London.

I just cannot come up with a way to describe the writing. Let me leave it at this, you will have to read it to believe it. And I hope you do. Politano deserves high praise for her debut fiction novel. Incredible. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Recommended for ages 16 and up for some mature themes throughout.

Content: Unfaithful marriages, children born out of wedlock and some evils surrounding these issues were major plot points. There was also a romantic scene or two that was on the verge of going too far. This was the only reason I docked it half a bookmark.