Jane Goes Batty

By: Michael Thomas Ford

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

After 200 years undead, Jane Austen still has bite. But will her most recent literary success be her last? Life was a lot easier for Jane when she was just an unknown, undead bookstore owner in a sleepy hamlet in upstate New York. But now the world embraces her as Jane Fairfax, author of the best-selling novel Constance - and she’s having a killer time trying to keep her true identity as the Jane Austen a secret. Even the ongoing lessons in How to Be a Vampire, taught by her former lover Lord Byron, don’t seem to be helping much. Jane can barely focus on her boyfriend, Walter, while keeping him in the dark about her more sanguine tastes. To make matters worse, Walter announces that his mother is coming for a visit - and she’s expecting Jane to be Jewish. Add in a demanding new editor, a convention of romance readers in period costume, a Hollywood camera crew following Jane’s every move, and the constant threat of a certain bloodsucking Bronte sister coming back to finish her off, and it’s enough to make even the most well-mannered heroine go batty!

©2011 Michael Thomas Ford (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Vampire to up to bat

While I’d read Jane Bites Back a while ago, prior to reading the audible version, I can’t remember if I’d read this, I think not. As I prefer to listen to the books at 1.2 speed sometimes Kathrine Kellgren’s narration is speedy enough that I struggle to understand it, particularly when she does Byron. Despite this if I slow it down to normal speed it’s understandable. Either way no matter what the story was fantastic. Love these books, they definitely will remain in my library.

Jane Austen as We've Always Wanted Her

This follow up to “Jane Bites Back” is every bit as witty, juicy and bloody. Here is Jane Austen as we always wanted her, immortal, deadly, witty as heck, and most importantly, still writing.

This time around, she’s a successful “debut” author being dogged by fans, reviewers, and filmmakers producing a film version of her new work. Add in a fiancé who wants her to convert to Judaism, and a potential mother in law who is also—yes a vampire hunter.

Thomas Michael Ford is up to the task of keeping this madcap comedy rolling along. He possesses an arch wit and deadly sense of drama that few can rival.

Once again Katherine Kellgren narrates seamlessly, with a whole town’s worth of voices keeping everything going at a satisfying clip.

Don't

What would have made Jane Goes Batty better?

A plot that made sense and likable characters.

What was most disappointing about Michael Thomas Ford’s story?

Caricatures/flat characters.

What does Katherine Kellgren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A lot of yelling.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Jane Goes Batty?

To many to mention, but number one on the list would be the softball game that devolved into a croquet game.

Any additional comments?

The book actually got off to a good start. The rabid fan is a decent send up of Harriet Klausner. However, the story never gels. Jane is too much of a doormat to be likable. Read the 3 star Amazon reviews before paying for this.