If you are a fan of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, you will be intrigued by this riff on a theme by P. D. James. This is definitely “fan fiction”  and P. D. James’ homage to this literary gem contains many of the things we love about Austen and James’ predilection for murder and mayhem! What’s not to love?!

It is now 1803, six years since Elizabeth and Darcy were married and settled at the estate at  Pemberly. They have settled into a comfortable, if somewhat boring life, with their two sons, Fitzwilliam and Charles and Elizabeth has grown into her role as chatelaine of this great house. In fact, the annual autumn ball that Elizabeth and Darcy host has become a very important social event.

Thus when, on the eve of the ball, a coach carrying Lydia, Elizabeth’s sister, comes careening up the driveway with Lydia shrieking hysterically that her dissolute and dubious husband, Wickham, has been murdered, the whole household is in turmoil.

By rights, Lydia was not supposed to ever come to Pemberly as she had been banned after her shocking elopement to Wickham. However, now that she is here, Elizabeth and Darcy must get to the bottom of her allegations and somehow save the ball, and their reputations.As the mystery unfolds, secrets long kept are exposed, and love in all its complicated manifestations is revealed. 

James writes in the style of Jane Austin, and for some this might make it verbose and stilted, creating a barrier in understanding the characters, but I found it interesting and somewhat amusing. This is unlike any other James murder mystery as there is no forensics laboratories and no detectives, rather there is reliance on witness testimony and evidence being obtained by ordinary people which reminded me of the books by Wilkie Collins that I read many years ago!

Brenda’s Rating: ***1/2 (3 1/2 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian and Sharon

Book Study Worthy? Yes, but must have tea and scones!

Read in ebook format. it is also available on PBS Masterpiece Theatre!

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