Frank Churchill in the Dock: Did he murder his stepmother?

Jane Austen’s Emma is often cited by mystery writers as one of the best mystery novels ever written. Odd really, for a book whose only overt crime is the robbing of Mrs. Weston’s poultry house. Of course, the story is full of puzzles: Who sent Jane Fairfax the piano? What went on in Ireland? What is Jane Fairfax’s secret? But perhaps such luminaries as P. D. James who championed Emma as detective fiction, actually sense a deeper plot.

After all, the essentials for any murder to take place are means, motive and opportunity. As a mystery writer myself I have had great fun assigning these deadly elements to Frank Churchill.

Do join me in our Zoom courtroom. There will be plenty of time to consider the clues and weigh the evidence for yourself, and an opportunity to speak up for the defense or the prosecution.

Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, is a lifelong Janeite, a former English teacher, and a Life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. She writes 3 mystery series: The Monastery Murders, clerical mysteries; Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian True-Crime; and The Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense series. The latter includes her 2 Austen Titles: A Jane Austen Encounter and A Most Singular Venture. She also has 2 You Tube videos: “Jane Austen, from Paradise to Portsmouth,” and “Jane Austen from Paradise to Lyme Regis.” You can see more on her website.

This is an online event, all are welcome.

Please note: this meeting will not be recorded