Jane Vows Vengeance

I’ll admit: I approached *Jane Vows Vengeance* skeptical that yet another Austen riff could offer anything new. But within minutes, Kellgren’s narration—all crisp RP vowels and perfectly timed eye-rolls—had me hooked. She *is* Jane: imperious when dissecting modern idiocy (see: her fiancé’s mansplaining), vulnerable when confronting her own loneliness. Ford’s writing shines in the details, like Jane’s horror at being called ‘basic’ or her deadpan observations on publishing (‘*Pride and Prejudice and Zombies* was *not* my idea’). The plot, a mix of romantic farce and existential crisis, clips along at a perfect pace for audio, though the middle act sags slightly under repetitive jokes about Jane’s undead predicament. What surprised me most? The emotional weight. Beneath the satire lies a poignant exploration of legacy—what it means to be remembered, and at what cost. That said, the ending feels a touch rushed, as if Ford couldn’t decide between biting commentary and neat resolution. And while Kellgren’s performance is stellar, her male voices occasionally blur together. Still, this is a standout audiobook for listeners who love their humor sharp, their heroines sharper, and their literary references served with a side of fangs. Just don’t expect a cozy period piece—this Jane Austen would *eat* Mr. Darcy for breakfast.