Francine Mathews

Francine Mathews is an American novelist who writes in multiple genres, including historical fiction, spy thrillers, and mystery novels under both her own name and the pen name Stephanie Barron. She worked as an intelligence analyst for the CIA before becoming a full-time writer in the early 1990s. Her Jane Austen mystery series, written as Stephanie Barron, reimagines the famous author as an amateur detective solving murders in Regency-era England. The series began with "Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor" in 1996 and has continued with multiple installments. Under her own name, Mathews writes contemporary espionage thrillers that draw on her intelligence background, including "The Cutout" and "The Secret Agent." She has also authored historical novels based on real figures, such as "Jack 1939," which features a young John F. Kennedy as its protagonist. Her work frequently incorporates detailed historical research and authentic espionage tradecraft, reflecting both her academic background in history and her professional experience in intelligence work. Mathews holds degrees from Princeton and Stanford Universities and resides in Colorado.

Readers appreciate Mathews' deep historical research and ability to blend real historical figures with fictional narratives, particularly in her Jane Austen mystery series and WWII espionage novels. Many note her skill at period-appropriate dialogue and atmospheric details. Common praise focuses on her complex female protagonists and tight plotting. Readers highlight her CIA expertise lending authenticity to spy elements. Critics point to pacing issues, especially in early chapters. Some find the romance subplots unnecessary or underdeveloped. A portion of readers note historical liberties taken with real figures. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all titles - Death in the Off-Season: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) - Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: 3.8/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: Average 4.2/5 - Too Bad to Die: 4.3/5 (280+ reviews) - The Alibi Club: 4.1/5 (190+ reviews) BookBrowse readers rate her works at 4/5 overall based on 150+ reviews.

Death in the Off-Season - A murder investigation unfolds on Nantucket Island when detective Merry Folger probes the death of a real estate developer.

Death in Rough Water - Detective Merry Folger investigates the drowning of a local fisherman off Nantucket's coast.

Death in a Mood Indigo - A wedding celebration on Nantucket turns deadly when the best man is found murdered.

Death in a Cold Hard Light - Detective Merry Folger faces a personal crisis while investigating the death of a diver.

Death on Nantucket - A family patriarch is found dead during Nantucket's Christmas Stroll weekend.

Too Bad to Die - A historical thriller following Ian Fleming during World War II as he works to prevent a Nazi plot.

Jack 1939 - Young John F. Kennedy travels through Europe on a secret intelligence mission before World War II.

The Alibi Club - Four women in 1940s Paris become entangled in espionage as the Nazis approach the city.

The Secret Agent - A CIA officer investigates a deadly explosion at the American embassy in Paris.

The Cutout - A CIA analyst becomes embroiled in international intrigue after a fellow agent's murder.