Jane Healey Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

In 2020 Jane Healey would write her first novel titled ‘The Animals at Lockwood Manor,’ which was a historical fiction novel. She would later follow this up with another stand-alone title in 2021, and this would be called ‘The Ophelia Girls,’ and this would also be well received. Both of these have seen her gain a sizeable following around the world, as readers are fast discovering her work.

The Animals at Lockwood Manor

Initially released through the ‘Mantle’ publishing label, this would first come out back in 2020 on the 10th of March. Setting up Jane Healey’s literary career, this would be her debut introducing her as a fully fledged writer for the first time. Not being a part of any overall series as such, this would be an entirely stand-alone title, establishing her as a writer.

Part historical mystery novel, and part romance, there’s a lot of different elements at play here in this novel. Working well together, they all manage to create one compelling story that really holds together for the duration of the story. The characters are all extremely well drawn, allowing the story to come alive, developing not jut their personalities, but the world as a whole.

Taking place in August, 1939, this sees Hetty Cartwright as a thirty-year-old who has been tasked with evacuating the mammal collection from the natural history museum. Bringing them to Lockwood Manor, they’re set to remain there for the duration of the Second World War in safety, but this is harder than anticipated in the face of resentful servants and an angry Lord Lockwood. On top of that, it seems that there is something dark and mysterious lurking there stalking the hallways, all the while Lucy, Lord Lockwood’s daughter, seems to have a hold over Hetty. Does Lucy have some secrets of her own? Is Hetty falling for Lucy? What will become of the animals at Lockwood Manor?

The Ophelia Girls

This would first be brought out in 2021 on the 10th of August, and it would be the second title and another stand-alone from Jane Healey. Featuring plenty of suspense and mystery, there’s lots of twists and turns here that will ensure the reader is kept guessing. It’s an accessible story that can easily be picked up, but it is difficult to put down, being an addictive and compelling novel.

Bringing the past and the present together, this really is a fully engrossing story on several different levels. With many intricate threads, everyone’s character here is well developed, as it’s a story that draws the reader in holding them there. Creating a richly drawn world, there’s plenty here for the reader to invest themselves in, from the characters to the ambiance.

Set during the summer of 1973, this story follows Ruth as she and her four other friends develop an obsession with pre-Raphaelite paintings. Re-enacting the drowning Ophelia down in the river beside Ruth’s house, they create increasingly elaborate tableau’s of the scene, which then leads to a tragedy. Now, twenty-four years later, Ruth returns with her teenage daughter Maeve, and Stuart, Ruth’s once teenage friend, is now involving himself in their lives once more. Will Maeve be able to have a normal adolescence now she is cancer free? Can they overcome the past? What will become of the Ophelia Girls?