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Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mysteries #3
North By Northanger: Or The Shades of Pemberley
Named Best Historical Mystery of 2006 by Romantic Times BOOKreviews ! After the intrigues and excitements of their time in the city, the Darcys are more than prepared for a bit of peace and quiet at Pemberley. This is time that they can spend together as Elizabeth settles into her pregnancy. However, such serene solitude is not meant to be. First a letter from Lady Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy, long deceased, is discovered. The contents are both mysterious and prescient for Mrs. Darcy. Then a summons to Northanger Abbey involves the young couple in intrigues that threaten not just the Darcy legacy and good name, but Mr. Darcy's freedom as well.
…and to make matter even worse and more uncomfortable for the expectant mother, Darcy's overbearing aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, arrives on the scene to further bedevil Elizabeth.
Add to this rumors of treasure and past scandals, and it becomes obvious that peacefulness is not at home in Pemberley, but secrets and spirits of the past are, and their revelations can have a most a chilling effect on both the Darcys and their family to come.
…and to make matter even worse and more uncomfortable for the expectant mother, Darcy's overbearing aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, arrives on the scene to further bedevil Elizabeth.
Add to this rumors of treasure and past scandals, and it becomes obvious that peacefulness is not at home in Pemberley, but secrets and spirits of the past are, and their revelations can have a most a chilling effect on both the Darcys and their family to come.
321 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 21, 2006
31 people are currently reading
1368 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Bebris
19 books236 followersCarrie began her career in publishing after previous roles as a newspaper reporter and college English teacher.
As an editor for fantasy publisher TSR, Inc., she developed supplements for the Dungeons & Dragons® roleplaying game before striking out on her own as a freelance writer and editor. She wrote two fantasy novels, Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor (2001) and Shadowborn (1998, with William W. Connors), before making her mystery debut in 2004 with Pride and Prescience.
In addition to fiction, Carrie pens remodeling articles for Better Homes and Gardens® Special Interest Publications and writes other nonfiction. She has also edited such books as Tea with Jane Austen (by Kim Wilson) and Walking with
William Shakespeare (by Anne-Marie Edwards). She is on the faculty of the
Antioch Writers' Workshop and speaks frequently about writing and publishing.
Carrie holds a master’s degree in English literature with an emphasis on 19th-century authors and studied Austen on the graduate level with one of today’s most respected Austen scholars. She is a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and travels to England to enhance her understanding of Austen’s life and work.
Originally from Wisconsin, Carrie now lives in Ohio. When not writing, she likes to travel, watch costume dramas that send her husband fleeing the house, and indulge in her love of all things British. She is currently working on her next novel, based on Persuasion.
As an editor for fantasy publisher TSR, Inc., she developed supplements for the Dungeons & Dragons® roleplaying game before striking out on her own as a freelance writer and editor. She wrote two fantasy novels, Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor (2001) and Shadowborn (1998, with William W. Connors), before making her mystery debut in 2004 with Pride and Prescience.
In addition to fiction, Carrie pens remodeling articles for Better Homes and Gardens® Special Interest Publications and writes other nonfiction. She has also edited such books as Tea with Jane Austen (by Kim Wilson) and Walking with
William Shakespeare (by Anne-Marie Edwards). She is on the faculty of the
Antioch Writers' Workshop and speaks frequently about writing and publishing.
Carrie holds a master’s degree in English literature with an emphasis on 19th-century authors and studied Austen on the graduate level with one of today’s most respected Austen scholars. She is a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and travels to England to enhance her understanding of Austen’s life and work.
Originally from Wisconsin, Carrie now lives in Ohio. When not writing, she likes to travel, watch costume dramas that send her husband fleeing the house, and indulge in her love of all things British. She is currently working on her next novel, based on Persuasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
January 17, 2021
Probably the severest case of "it's not you, it's me" I've ever experienced.
•You see, this is actually a good book. Since I admittedly hardly have any expertise when it comes to fanfiction, I can't tell whether Bebris's are among the best ones or not, but I honestly could find nothing wrong with North by Northanger. The author clearly possesses a deep knowledge of the originals (in the case at hand, Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey), which surely showed in her work, and that's probably the highest praise I could give to any book presenting itself as the continuation of such a beloved story. The writing was fitting as well: refined and generally pleasing, and as close to Austen's as it humanly gets, I guess. Nothing wrong to be found with the characters, too, though I can't say I suddenly became enamoured with any of Bebris's version of them. I think that if I rated my books merely with objectivity -with my brain rather than with my guts- this one would deserve three full stars.
A pity I don't.
•The true problem I had with North by Northanger is that it is painfully boring. At one point I just couldn't wait for it to finish already. The mystery is tiresome, unexciting, uselessly far-fetched (like really far-fetched), utterly predictable (seriously now) and far too diluted in endless talk of babies, Lady Anne's perfection, and a horrifyingly detailed account of what is wrong with Elizabeth's management of Pemberley by Lady Catherine de Bourgh. All very nice things, you see, but all inconsequential to the plot. Result, I was bored out of my mind. And I'm not even one bit sorry.
➽ I haven't read the previous two instalments in the series, but I can say that North by Northager doesn't shame Pride and Prejudice in any way, so I reckon even purists should have a good chance of enjoying it. I sadly didn't because the mystery part was just so weak and the rest just so unnecessary, I basically had no reason whatsoever to feel invested.
What did I say? It's not you, book; my mind knows that. My heart still thinks it is, though.
•You see, this is actually a good book. Since I admittedly hardly have any expertise when it comes to fanfiction, I can't tell whether Bebris's are among the best ones or not, but I honestly could find nothing wrong with North by Northanger. The author clearly possesses a deep knowledge of the originals (in the case at hand, Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey), which surely showed in her work, and that's probably the highest praise I could give to any book presenting itself as the continuation of such a beloved story. The writing was fitting as well: refined and generally pleasing, and as close to Austen's as it humanly gets, I guess. Nothing wrong to be found with the characters, too, though I can't say I suddenly became enamoured with any of Bebris's version of them. I think that if I rated my books merely with objectivity -with my brain rather than with my guts- this one would deserve three full stars.
A pity I don't.
•The true problem I had with North by Northanger is that it is painfully boring. At one point I just couldn't wait for it to finish already. The mystery is tiresome, unexciting, uselessly far-fetched (like really far-fetched), utterly predictable (seriously now) and far too diluted in endless talk of babies, Lady Anne's perfection, and a horrifyingly detailed account of what is wrong with Elizabeth's management of Pemberley by Lady Catherine de Bourgh. All very nice things, you see, but all inconsequential to the plot. Result, I was bored out of my mind. And I'm not even one bit sorry.
➽ I haven't read the previous two instalments in the series, but I can say that North by Northager doesn't shame Pride and Prejudice in any way, so I reckon even purists should have a good chance of enjoying it. I sadly didn't because the mystery part was just so weak and the rest just so unnecessary, I basically had no reason whatsoever to feel invested.
What did I say? It's not you, book; my mind knows that. My heart still thinks it is, though.
January 9, 2021
Each book of the Mr & Mrs Darcy series is slightly better than the previous one. This was the book that first came my way and I liked it, so I decided to read the whole series in sequence. Turns out, the first two books were duds and I could have started with North By Northanger anyway. I am at least content that the supernatural elements and the annoying Professor Randolph are done away with in this book.
Elizabeth is now firmly installed in her home at Pemberley and pregnant with her first child. First, Elizabeth finds a letter from Lady Anne, Darcy's mother, implying that she should search for a hidden object. Then they receive a letter from Frederick Tilney of Northanger Abbey claiming that their mothers were friends and inviting them to visit. They accept the invitation, which gets them accused of theft.
Bebris shows her knowledge of Austen mores and manners and builds up a convincing story. There is a lot of meeting and bowing and talking, which I enjoyed - a lot! The supernatural element still exists but it is kept to a minimum and the focus is basically on getting out of the legal trouble they are in and finding ivory statuettes belonging to Lady Anne. Elizabeth's pregnancy and her fights with Catherine de Bourgh were entertaining.
On the flip side, the plot does not hold together too well. The actual plot is not as well thought out as the Austenesque stuff.
A nice effort but I hope she gets better with the remaining books.
Elizabeth is now firmly installed in her home at Pemberley and pregnant with her first child. First, Elizabeth finds a letter from Lady Anne, Darcy's mother, implying that she should search for a hidden object. Then they receive a letter from Frederick Tilney of Northanger Abbey claiming that their mothers were friends and inviting them to visit. They accept the invitation, which gets them accused of theft.
Bebris shows her knowledge of Austen mores and manners and builds up a convincing story. There is a lot of meeting and bowing and talking, which I enjoyed - a lot! The supernatural element still exists but it is kept to a minimum and the focus is basically on getting out of the legal trouble they are in and finding ivory statuettes belonging to Lady Anne. Elizabeth's pregnancy and her fights with Catherine de Bourgh were entertaining.
On the flip side, the plot does not hold together too well. The actual plot is not as well thought out as the Austenesque stuff.
A nice effort but I hope she gets better with the remaining books.
April 10, 2018
Obviously, if you are reading a take off (or continuation) of the Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy love story, you like'd the original. I like this series and that while there are mysteries they aren't necessarily murder mysteries- they are mysteries, where is this or that, who did this or that-finding the answers and discovering lost history is the endgame.
April 22, 2022
Migliore dei primi due, meno sovrannaturale e più concreto; a me Lady Catherine fa sempre ridere!
August 12, 2021
Another entertaining entry in this series. This time, Darcy and Elizabeth meet characters from Northanger Abbey
, as a result of a friendship between Darcy's mother and Helen Tinley, the mother of the main Tinley characters in Northanger Abbey. Elizabeth is pregnant, and the Darcys have been staying in Bath to "take the waters," along with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's aunt, who never fails to insult Elizabeth. The Darcys are invited to Northanger Abbey to meet Frederick Tinley and have an extremely unusual encounter there, starting with their unaccountably strange reception by the housekeeper. They leave much sooner than they had anticipated and run into legal problems that result in Lady Catherine coming to live at Pemberly with them. But, of course, the Darcys eventually figure out what is really going on, and it all ends well. And now I need to read Northanger Abbey. :->
, as a result of a friendship between Darcy's mother and Helen Tinley, the mother of the main Tinley characters in Northanger Abbey. Elizabeth is pregnant, and the Darcys have been staying in Bath to "take the waters," along with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy's aunt, who never fails to insult Elizabeth. The Darcys are invited to Northanger Abbey to meet Frederick Tinley and have an extremely unusual encounter there, starting with their unaccountably strange reception by the housekeeper. They leave much sooner than they had anticipated and run into legal problems that result in Lady Catherine coming to live at Pemberly with them. But, of course, the Darcys eventually figure out what is really going on, and it all ends well. And now I need to read Northanger Abbey. :-> 
August 1, 2023
Written in a style reminiscent of Austen but approachable to today's reader, North by Northanger creates a wonderful story with a culprit I accidentally guessed at (but only as a joke to myself). I don't count it as a "figured it out," because it was more of a, "Wouldn't it be funny if..." and then it was!
Still, there were hints enough at quite a lot of it that I think a reader could figure out the mystery alongside Darcy and Lizzie. Oh, and seriously... the catharsis of being able to just utterly despise Lady Catherine all the more?
Also, I loved that Lizzie isn't instantly superior simply because she's the heroine. She makes mistakes, has to grow, and everything isn't perfect. That said, she's also not an idiot, which is a great relief!
I definitely enjoyed the book and will probably try another as well. Recommended for lovers of Austen's works. You'll get the most out of it if you're familiar with her books BUT... you don't need to be in order to read them. There's enough backstory given in most cases that you shouldn't be lost.
Still, there were hints enough at quite a lot of it that I think a reader could figure out the mystery alongside Darcy and Lizzie. Oh, and seriously... the catharsis of being able to just utterly despise Lady Catherine all the more?
Also, I loved that Lizzie isn't instantly superior simply because she's the heroine. She makes mistakes, has to grow, and everything isn't perfect. That said, she's also not an idiot, which is a great relief!
I definitely enjoyed the book and will probably try another as well. Recommended for lovers of Austen's works. You'll get the most out of it if you're familiar with her books BUT... you don't need to be in order to read them. There's enough backstory given in most cases that you shouldn't be lost.
August 29, 2017
Anche questo romanzo segue il filone gotico: ci sono le lettere che stabiliscono un contatto epistolare e quasi paranormale fra le due Mrs Darcy, c’è un diario perduto e poi ritrovato; c’è l’abbazia di Northangher terrificante e ostica ai due visitatori (sembravano quasi Brad & Janet del RHPS), ci sono strane presenze che incombono sulla vita dei coniugi Darcy, ci sono passaggi segreti e nicchie, scatole chiuse con serrature e codici segreti da svelare, c’è tutto insomma, non manca nulla, o quasi.
Unica grande assente è lei: Catherine Morland, ormai Mrs Henry Tilney.
C’è Northanger Abbey ma non i suoi abitanti.
Unica grande assente è lei: Catherine Morland, ormai Mrs Henry Tilney.
C’è Northanger Abbey ma non i suoi abitanti.
May 12, 2025
Ho riletto questo romanzo nell'ambito delle riletture di derivati di Northanger Abbey. In realtà, si tratta di un sequel di Pride and Prejudice più che dell'Abbazia, anche se vi compaiono alcuni personaggi del romanzo pubblicato postumo e Darcy ed Elizabeth compiono una mitica gita nell'Abbazia di Northanger (dopo essere stati a Bath, peraltro, quindi compiendo lo stesso percorso di Catherine Morland, con Lady Catherine a fare un po' da Generale Tilney) che ha dei risvolti davvero loschi e paranormali; inoltre, in seguito alla visita, i due coniugi Darcy vengono accusati di furto e Darcy è costretto persino a trascorrere una notte in prigione.
Questo è stato il primo romanzo che ho letto già la prima volta che ho letto questa serie, e sancisce un passaggio dalle atmosfere paranormali dei primi due casi di Mr. e Mrs. Darcy investigatori ai casi più "terreni" che arriveranno dopo. È davvero destino che Northanger Abbey debba essere sempre la mia prima volta con Jane Austen, insomma.
Catherine Morland in Tilney non pervenuta. Invece è molto presente la sua defunta suocera - Helen Tilney, la moglie del generale Tilney (anche lui ormai defunto) - che, con la sua amicizia con Lady Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy, la madre di Darcy, e i loro scambi epistolari, fornisce a Darcy ed Elizabeth più di una chiave per risolvere i misteri che popolano questo romanzo.
Intanto Elizabeth affronta la sua prima gravidanza e sente che la suocera, lungi dall'essere un'ombra come Rebecca - anche perché Mrs. Reynolds come Mrs. Danvers non sarebbe credibile, al limite è Lady Catherine che cerca di ricoprirne il ruolo, ma Darcy non glielo permetterebbe MAI - è come una presenza benevola al suo fianco, certa com'è che il figlio avrebbe scelto la moglie giusta per sé.
Questo è stato il primo romanzo che ho letto già la prima volta che ho letto questa serie, e sancisce un passaggio dalle atmosfere paranormali dei primi due casi di Mr. e Mrs. Darcy investigatori ai casi più "terreni" che arriveranno dopo. È davvero destino che Northanger Abbey debba essere sempre la mia prima volta con Jane Austen, insomma.
Catherine Morland in Tilney non pervenuta. Invece è molto presente la sua defunta suocera - Helen Tilney, la moglie del generale Tilney (anche lui ormai defunto) - che, con la sua amicizia con Lady Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy, la madre di Darcy, e i loro scambi epistolari, fornisce a Darcy ed Elizabeth più di una chiave per risolvere i misteri che popolano questo romanzo.
Intanto Elizabeth affronta la sua prima gravidanza e sente che la suocera, lungi dall'essere un'ombra come Rebecca - anche perché Mrs. Reynolds come Mrs. Danvers non sarebbe credibile, al limite è Lady Catherine che cerca di ricoprirne il ruolo, ma Darcy non glielo permetterebbe MAI - è come una presenza benevola al suo fianco, certa com'è che il figlio avrebbe scelto la moglie giusta per sé.
December 25, 2013
This installment was utterly lovely! I think it might even be my favorite so far in the series.
February 21, 2017
3.5 My favorite in the series so far. I really enjoy the way she writes Jane's characters. I feel like they are true to the original even when they end up in totally off the wall situations. Fun fan fiction.
March 22, 2025
This is the third in a series which follow some putative adventures of the main characters of Pride & Prejudice; in each sequel, the novels involve characters from other Jane Austen novels, in this case Northanger Abbey. It's both implausible and melodramatic to a point that makes it hard to take at all seriously. But it is fun to read!
April 19, 2020
I read a lot of published p&p fanfiction as a tween. This one was by far the best. The Darcys' solve supernatural mysteries in their free time. DUH!!!
December 8, 2018
Kind of read. I figured out the antagonist before I hit the halfway mark and spent the next 50 pages pissy at Lizzie and Darcy for not getting it. I skipped to the last 3 chapters and feel fine about that choice.
October 16, 2022
Delightful!! As always cozy to the max with so many fun references to the Austen novels. Now I have to go back and read Northanger Abbey because I haven’t yet.
November 17, 2009
This mystery novel is the third in the series by Carrie Bebris. They are all sequels of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." You do not need to have read Pride and Prejudice to understand this novel although it will help you greatly if you do.
In this story, Elizabeth feels the presence of Darcy's mother in the house, Pemberely. She feels that she is not the mistress and the late Lady Anne, who was adored by all who knew her, still remains. At first it appears that Elizabeth is not pleased with her presence or any rememberance of her. That will soon change. . .
Lizzy is expecting a child, her husband wants to hire a physician to see to the birth, buy Lizzie wants a midwife. They go to Bath to meet the physician and while there they get a letter from a Captain Tilney who wants to make there aquaintence at his home Northanger Abbey, if you have read Jane Austen's novel "Northanger Abbey" you will understand and appreciate the connection between these characters and novels.
The Darcy's arrive at Northanger Abbey on a horribly rainy night and find that their reception by the housekeeper and msater most peculiar and disturbing. You see, they went chiefly because Captain Tilney mentioned in the letter that their mothers were close friends and was curious about their relationship. In addition, Darcy and Elizabeth have grown very curious about Lady Anne because Lizzy has discovered a letter addressed to her from Darcy's mother. Well of course Darcy and Lizzy run into a mishap, an evil plot of familiar and unfamiliar charcters, and the great Lady Catherine de Bough all while they are trying to solve a mystery of Lady Anne before Lizzy is ready to give birth!
This book was such a page turner, wonderful if you like mysteries and Pride and Prejudice, I would say it is the best of the series!!!
In this story, Elizabeth feels the presence of Darcy's mother in the house, Pemberely. She feels that she is not the mistress and the late Lady Anne, who was adored by all who knew her, still remains. At first it appears that Elizabeth is not pleased with her presence or any rememberance of her. That will soon change. . .
Lizzy is expecting a child, her husband wants to hire a physician to see to the birth, buy Lizzie wants a midwife. They go to Bath to meet the physician and while there they get a letter from a Captain Tilney who wants to make there aquaintence at his home Northanger Abbey, if you have read Jane Austen's novel "Northanger Abbey" you will understand and appreciate the connection between these characters and novels.
The Darcy's arrive at Northanger Abbey on a horribly rainy night and find that their reception by the housekeeper and msater most peculiar and disturbing. You see, they went chiefly because Captain Tilney mentioned in the letter that their mothers were close friends and was curious about their relationship. In addition, Darcy and Elizabeth have grown very curious about Lady Anne because Lizzy has discovered a letter addressed to her from Darcy's mother. Well of course Darcy and Lizzy run into a mishap, an evil plot of familiar and unfamiliar charcters, and the great Lady Catherine de Bough all while they are trying to solve a mystery of Lady Anne before Lizzy is ready to give birth!
This book was such a page turner, wonderful if you like mysteries and Pride and Prejudice, I would say it is the best of the series!!!
January 10, 2011
North by Northanger (or Shades of Pemberley) a Mr & Mrs Darcy Mystery
By Carrie Bebris Written in 2006
This is my second book by this author. She has written several that are all about the Darcy’s and a mystery that puts them in the setting and characters of one of Jane Austen’s books. I really enjoy them because it combines two of my loves JA and mystery.
I don’t want to give much away so this will be a short review. It is less than a year after Elisabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy have married. She is with child. Darcy lost his mother during childbirth so he is very overprotective and will do anything to protect Elizabeth.
They are invited to visit a friend of Darcy’s mother at Northhanger Abbey. After they leave the Abbey, they find themselves in terrible legal troubles. Because of this Darcy’s aun,t Lady Catherine De Bough must come to Pemberley and remain with them for many months. A mystery ensues making even more complications. Darcy is busy trying to find answers to the legal matter. Elizabeth has her hands full dealing with Lady Catherine who continues to not like her and not accepting her as the new Mistress of Pemberley.
It is a wonderful story, well written in my opinion, of course that is just mine. I am not very qualified in literature. I am now reading my third book in the series and enjoying it also. I would give it a 4 star
By Carrie Bebris Written in 2006
This is my second book by this author. She has written several that are all about the Darcy’s and a mystery that puts them in the setting and characters of one of Jane Austen’s books. I really enjoy them because it combines two of my loves JA and mystery.
I don’t want to give much away so this will be a short review. It is less than a year after Elisabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy have married. She is with child. Darcy lost his mother during childbirth so he is very overprotective and will do anything to protect Elizabeth.
They are invited to visit a friend of Darcy’s mother at Northhanger Abbey. After they leave the Abbey, they find themselves in terrible legal troubles. Because of this Darcy’s aun,t Lady Catherine De Bough must come to Pemberley and remain with them for many months. A mystery ensues making even more complications. Darcy is busy trying to find answers to the legal matter. Elizabeth has her hands full dealing with Lady Catherine who continues to not like her and not accepting her as the new Mistress of Pemberley.
It is a wonderful story, well written in my opinion, of course that is just mine. I am not very qualified in literature. I am now reading my third book in the series and enjoying it also. I would give it a 4 star
September 23, 2010
This book is cute as a button. A light mystery and a self-referential spin-off of Pride and Predjudice.
Apparently the third in a series of Mr and Mrs Darcy Mysteries, this book supposes the Darcys (while awaiting their first child) caught in a scandal with over a man claiming to be Frederick Tilney (a character from another Jane Austen Book called Northanger Abby, and unraveling another mystery dealing with a prized possession of Mr Darcy's late mother.
It gets a little eye-roll-y and impossible toward the end, but most of the book is sweet, fun, and generally authentic to all the characters originally created by Austen in the 19th century. I had a great deal of fun picking out the dialogue and characters from various books that floated around in the background of the story and through individual scenes.
Recommended. If you're in to this sort of thing.
Apparently the third in a series of Mr and Mrs Darcy Mysteries, this book supposes the Darcys (while awaiting their first child) caught in a scandal with over a man claiming to be Frederick Tilney (a character from another Jane Austen Book called Northanger Abby, and unraveling another mystery dealing with a prized possession of Mr Darcy's late mother.
It gets a little eye-roll-y and impossible toward the end, but most of the book is sweet, fun, and generally authentic to all the characters originally created by Austen in the 19th century. I had a great deal of fun picking out the dialogue and characters from various books that floated around in the background of the story and through individual scenes.
Recommended. If you're in to this sort of thing.
January 13, 2015
(3.5 stars) This is the third book in the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series. As the couple are getting settled back at Pemberley, Elizabeth finds an unexpected message from the past in a letter written to the future Mrs. Darcy from her husband’s mother, Lady Anne which mentions a precious family heirloom that was lost, one that Lady Anne believed to be protective of women in childbirth. A chance encounter in Bath leads them to Northanger Abbey to meet the son of a woman who was close friends with Darcy’s mother. A bizarre and gothic encounter there lands the Darcy’s in trouble with the police, leaving Elizabeth no choice but to secure the aid of Lady Catherine much to her dismay. They find out more about the item through both correspondence and from Lady Catherine. In searching for the item, they find a correspondence between Anne and Mrs. Tilney and understand more about the heirloom. Their search and their bizarre experience at Northanger Abbey begin to converge as the mystery unfolds and Elizabeth’s pregnancy comes to term. I think this one was my favorite to date in the series.
August 15, 2011
Very fun book...well, maybe fun isn't the right word for a mystery novel, but definitely an enjoyable read. Much superior than the last "Jane Austen sequel" that I'd read. By being a mystery, it didn't really strive to match the witty tone of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, though it had some of that, especially in the relationship of the now-married Darcy's. But I did feel that Bebris did a good job of remaining true to the time period and the style of writing. I will be looking to read others in this series.
September 19, 2009
Well, I liked it better than the first two, but I still didn't like it much. I found myself bored when the characters weren't actively engaged in the mystery, and although I was less annoyed with the psychic elements than in the previous two (ghosts are more acceptable than ESP for the Darcys in my mind?) they still annoyed me.
Will go back to pining for more Stephanie Barron J.A. mysteries now.
Will go back to pining for more Stephanie Barron J.A. mysteries now.
October 10, 2011
This book follows more closely the elements of Austen's NORTHANGER ABBEY, and I enjoyed that feature very much. Because Austen's book is a gothic, this book is much faster paced and involves a similar sense of suspense and danger in a dark house where things are not as they seem. A good read.
April 12, 2012
Best of the three so far! Sure, the plot was a little crazy, but the heart of the thing was the characters that you know and reasonable extensions of their behavior.
October 27, 2013
A little less hocum this time around.
July 28, 2021
4.5* This was great! I loved the mystery and the characters and the connections between Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice!
Read
October 28, 2016What can I say I like Carrie Bebris series. Quick and enjoyable reading.
December 1, 2022
Elizabeth Bennett has stepped from the Jane Austen books into the mystery genre under the authorship of Carrie Bebris.
She has indeed married her Darcy and has moved into Pemberley. She doesn't quite feel like mistress of her domain, however, there appears to be too many memories of Darcy's mother in the rooms of the family home. Indeed, at times it feels like a shrine; when she asks to move a writing desk, servants demure saying that Lady Anne picked the site where it resides. Elizabeth holds her own, moves the desk but her faith in herself and her actions are shaken, especially now that she is pregnant. But when the desk s moved, a letter falls and when picked up it is discovered that this is a special letter, one written by Darcy's mother to his wife, even though she died 20 years before — in childbirth.
Because of his mother's death, Darcy insists on getting a physician rather than a midwife for Elizabeth and the couple travel to meet a prominent physician. Then the doctor's condescending attitude makes Elizabeth uncomfortable but she agrees to his services because it calms Darcy's concerns. It is not the only event that strikes the couple badly, there is there visit to Northhanger Abbey, where they are surprised by their reception and then the third-degree they receive from their host.
Worse is to come. And when they arrive back at Pemberley, they are not alone and their lives are now under a cloud. Can they find the evidence of their innocence? Can they solve the mystery relayed in Lady Anne's letter to Elizabeth?
A charming, clever, thoroughly enjoyable story. It has been several years since I read Jane Austen but I believe that Carrie Bebris has continued the Darcy story faithfully for the most part. It that is not true, pretend that they story isn't about Austen's Darcys and just enjoy the tale.
She has indeed married her Darcy and has moved into Pemberley. She doesn't quite feel like mistress of her domain, however, there appears to be too many memories of Darcy's mother in the rooms of the family home. Indeed, at times it feels like a shrine; when she asks to move a writing desk, servants demure saying that Lady Anne picked the site where it resides. Elizabeth holds her own, moves the desk but her faith in herself and her actions are shaken, especially now that she is pregnant. But when the desk s moved, a letter falls and when picked up it is discovered that this is a special letter, one written by Darcy's mother to his wife, even though she died 20 years before — in childbirth.
Because of his mother's death, Darcy insists on getting a physician rather than a midwife for Elizabeth and the couple travel to meet a prominent physician. Then the doctor's condescending attitude makes Elizabeth uncomfortable but she agrees to his services because it calms Darcy's concerns. It is not the only event that strikes the couple badly, there is there visit to Northhanger Abbey, where they are surprised by their reception and then the third-degree they receive from their host.
Worse is to come. And when they arrive back at Pemberley, they are not alone and their lives are now under a cloud. Can they find the evidence of their innocence? Can they solve the mystery relayed in Lady Anne's letter to Elizabeth?
A charming, clever, thoroughly enjoyable story. It has been several years since I read Jane Austen but I believe that Carrie Bebris has continued the Darcy story faithfully for the most part. It that is not true, pretend that they story isn't about Austen's Darcys and just enjoy the tale.
June 26, 2020
I find this to be a delightful cozy mystery set in the familiar and beloved world of Jane Austen. Bebris does an admirable job of re-creating the characters of Pride and Prejudice (especially Elizabeth) and merging them with the Tilneys of Northanger Abbey. She weaves seemingly separate plotlines together (stolen diamonds, missing heirloom, Lizzy's pregnancy) to craft one cohesive and enjoyable romp. Even though the book is filled with criminals and foreboding, somehow Bebris imbues the story with Elizabeth's strength and mischief so that the book feels like a light-hearted romp. This one has a touch of the paranormal (less than previous books of the series)--a remembered scent, a feeling of a departed love one's presence--that I enjoyed and thought added a nice depth to the story. All in all, I truly enjoy these books and will return to this series again.
January 4, 2019
I'd forgotten how much I really love this author. I first read this book about 8 years ago and loved it then; but now, after visiting England a few times, reading through all the Austen novels, and learning a ton about their authoress, I found that I loved it all the more. I'll definitely be looking to find and reread the other Carrie Bebris Darcy Mysteries.
This was a fun mix of storylines as the Darcys traveled to Northanger Abbey and met the Tilneys, later finding that their lives are intertwined through the friendship of the two families' matriarchs. The story offered an interesting insight into what Elizabeth may have faced as new mistress of Pemberley---following in the footsteps of Darcy's mother.
My favorite phrase from the story was, "invent cause for correspondence", which I found to be much more poetic than, "find a reason to write a letter."
If I have any complaint about the story, it's that I don't think Lady Catherine and Lizzy would have been quite so horrible to one another. Once Lizzy was married and mistress of Pemberley, I believe the same spirit that caused Lady Catherine to be so cold to those "beneath" her would also force her to give more respect to the station Lizzy now occupies. With Lady Catherine, it's the standing of the person and not the person herself to which she responds.
This was a fun mix of storylines as the Darcys traveled to Northanger Abbey and met the Tilneys, later finding that their lives are intertwined through the friendship of the two families' matriarchs. The story offered an interesting insight into what Elizabeth may have faced as new mistress of Pemberley---following in the footsteps of Darcy's mother.
My favorite phrase from the story was, "invent cause for correspondence", which I found to be much more poetic than, "find a reason to write a letter."
If I have any complaint about the story, it's that I don't think Lady Catherine and Lizzy would have been quite so horrible to one another. Once Lizzy was married and mistress of Pemberley, I believe the same spirit that caused Lady Catherine to be so cold to those "beneath" her would also force her to give more respect to the station Lizzy now occupies. With Lady Catherine, it's the standing of the person and not the person herself to which she responds.
February 18, 2021
In this third book in the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series, we find the Darcys are expecting their first child and are finally settled in Pemberly where Lizzie is striving to come to terms with being mistress of such an iconic house as Pemberly and emerge from the shadow of Lady Anne Darcy - her late mother-in-law, while coming to terms with motherhood and all it entails.
This book brings together a lot of the unlikeable and unscrupulous characters from the Austen universe to create discord and make mischief where possible. The Wickhams, the Thorpe siblings, and Lady Catherine de Burgh being the main culprits who turn what should have been a time of joy and solicitude for the expectant parents into a melee of chaos and strife. Poor Lizzie! Poor Darcy! To be so harassed by family and acquaintance at such a time!
My favourite parts of this book were the letters of Lady Anne. They did a great job of revealing her character and temperament to Lizzie and offering her succour and an escape from her harangued existence at Pemberly. Lady Anne’s friendship with Helen Tilney was warm and deep and it heartened me as much as it did Lizzie.
Bebris continues to do a wonderful job of melding the old and new to form a rich unique blend. Although I liked this less than the previous two, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility are my favourite Austen works, it was still an enjoyable read.
This book brings together a lot of the unlikeable and unscrupulous characters from the Austen universe to create discord and make mischief where possible. The Wickhams, the Thorpe siblings, and Lady Catherine de Burgh being the main culprits who turn what should have been a time of joy and solicitude for the expectant parents into a melee of chaos and strife. Poor Lizzie! Poor Darcy! To be so harassed by family and acquaintance at such a time!
My favourite parts of this book were the letters of Lady Anne. They did a great job of revealing her character and temperament to Lizzie and offering her succour and an escape from her harangued existence at Pemberly. Lady Anne’s friendship with Helen Tilney was warm and deep and it heartened me as much as it did Lizzie.
Bebris continues to do a wonderful job of melding the old and new to form a rich unique blend. Although I liked this less than the previous two, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility are my favourite Austen works, it was still an enjoyable read.
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