Of all my many murders, committed for love and for better reasons, the first was the most important.
So begins Lyndsay Faye’s brilliant Jane Steele*. In this clever reimagining of Jane Eyre, Miss Steele, the accidental vigilante, life parallels that of the classic Gothic heroine. Where Eyre does not often reveal her strong opinions, Steele acts of them. She, initially inadvertently, sets out righting the wrongs she encounters, first for herself, and then for those she cares about. Finding herself a governess at her childhood home, she sets out to unravel the mysterious new owner and finds herself falling in love with him. Yet who is he and would he be able to accept her and her black, murderess soul?
Jane Steele is an absolute page turner. It’s smart, mysterious, and thrilling – and yes, it works as a mystery and thriller too, not just a wonderful homage to a beloved classic. This is a novel that runs the risk of being ridiculous, yet isn’t. It is, instead, a the tale of a passionate young woman conquering her demons in the name of love and what’s right, even if it’s not a publicly accepted method. Recommended for both the lovers and haters of Jane Eyre, as those who love it will appreciate the original details sprinkled throughout, and those who hate it may feel this action packed, satirical romance rights all of Brontë’s wrongs.
Reader, I loved it.
*I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion, it did not influence my review. However, my love of the original did.
flannel and folklore 
I said to Kay, Book Gods, deliver this unto me.
LikeLike
I had mixed feelings about Jane Eyre, but I’m so sold on this reimagining!
LikeLike
So glad to hear to hear this is a good one. I think it sounds like a lot of fun!
LikeLike
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I have it on request at the library.
LikeLike
I have this one on my Kindle waiting for me. That first line is such a “grabber” for my attention. I hope to get to it soon and feel better about my purchase after seeing your review because I was really on the fence about this one.
LikeLike
I’ve seen the first line of this one all over Instagram! I loved Gods of Gotham, so am kind of intrigued…especially now that you say it works as a mystery/thriller, not just a Jane Eyre re-imagining.
LikeLike
You explained Jane Steele so perfectly! 🙂 I loved it. I was a bit hesitant because to me Jane Eyre is sacred ground. lol. It was definitely worthy.
LikeLike
This review means a ton coming from such an ardent Eyre fan.
LikeLike
I need this in my life asap. The cover plus the awesome.
LikeLike
I do love this cover, I have to say! I have mixed feelings about Lyndsay Faye — I tried to read one of her books and couldn’t get anywhere with it — but the idea of Jane Eyre as a serial killer is juuuuust about irresistible.
LikeLike
Yes! It completely stands on its own, but there are definitely fun details to be caught by the Eyre fan.
LikeLike