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Pride and Prejudice Murder Mystery #1
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy
A thrilling story of murder and betrayal filled with the scandal, wit, and intrigue characteristic of Austen’s classic novels
Fitzwilliam Darcy is devastated. The joy of his recent wedding has been cut short by the news of the sudden death of his father’s beloved cousin, Samuel Darcy. Elizabeth and Darcy travel to Dorset, a popular Regency resort area, to pay their respects to the well-traveled and eccentric Samuel. But this is no summer holiday. Danger bubbles beneath Dorset’s peaceful surface as strange and foreboding events begin to occur. Several of Samuel’s ancient treasures go missing, and then his body itself disappears. As Darcy and Elizabeth investigate this mystery and unravel its tangled ties to the haunting legends of Dark Dorset, the legendary couple’s love is put to the test when sinister forces strike close to home. Some secrets should remain secrets, but Darcy will do all he can to find answers―even if it means meeting his own end in the damp depths of a newly dug grave.
With malicious villains, dramatic revelations and heroic gestures, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy will keep Austen fans turning the pages right up until its dramatic conclusion.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is devastated. The joy of his recent wedding has been cut short by the news of the sudden death of his father’s beloved cousin, Samuel Darcy. Elizabeth and Darcy travel to Dorset, a popular Regency resort area, to pay their respects to the well-traveled and eccentric Samuel. But this is no summer holiday. Danger bubbles beneath Dorset’s peaceful surface as strange and foreboding events begin to occur. Several of Samuel’s ancient treasures go missing, and then his body itself disappears. As Darcy and Elizabeth investigate this mystery and unravel its tangled ties to the haunting legends of Dark Dorset, the legendary couple’s love is put to the test when sinister forces strike close to home. Some secrets should remain secrets, but Darcy will do all he can to find answers―even if it means meeting his own end in the damp depths of a newly dug grave.
With malicious villains, dramatic revelations and heroic gestures, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy will keep Austen fans turning the pages right up until its dramatic conclusion.
495 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2013
62 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Regina Jeffers
132 books707 followersRegina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 8, 2020
Disappointing - not what I've come to expect from this author, though it IS an older book that was re-released recently.
I found it to be too long with too many characters and storylines to keep track of. One of the villains revealed at the end had been mentioned only briefly near the beginning and, with all the other corpses and characters, I couldn't remember who it was - I had to go back, find the name, and re-read to place it. The explanations for the various mysteries are ridiculously convoluted, not all of them make sense, and some remain unexplained altogether. For example, Darcy's rescue is complicated by having been booby trapped to explode if he's moved - but where the evildoers got the expertise necessary to set it up is left for the reader to guess. It's all very melodramatic, especially when both Darcy and Elizabeth are in mortal peril.
Perhaps it's intended as a gothic parody, but I really struggled to finish this and didn't "get it" at all. My recommendation is to read another of Ms. Jeffers's books - any of them - and skip this one.
I found it to be too long with too many characters and storylines to keep track of. One of the villains revealed at the end had been mentioned only briefly near the beginning and, with all the other corpses and characters, I couldn't remember who it was - I had to go back, find the name, and re-read to place it. The explanations for the various mysteries are ridiculously convoluted, not all of them make sense, and some remain unexplained altogether. For example, Darcy's rescue is complicated by having been booby trapped to explode if he's moved - but where the evildoers got the expertise necessary to set it up is left for the reader to guess. It's all very melodramatic, especially when both Darcy and Elizabeth are in mortal peril.
Perhaps it's intended as a gothic parody, but I really struggled to finish this and didn't "get it" at all. My recommendation is to read another of Ms. Jeffers's books - any of them - and skip this one.
February 8, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.
This paperback edition was a gift. I have read over 2 dozen of this author's stories. However, there are many more yet to be read. Someday....
I have read the other stories in this series but not this first one so it was ideal that this gift was that missing story.
The story description tells us that the Darcys are newlyweds. When they receive news that Darcy's father's dear cousin has died and that Darcy is one of the heirs, he suggests to Elizabeth that they include a "wedding trip" in the need to go to the Dorset area to help settle the estate and await the other heir's arrival to read the will. Samuel Darcy had been a world traveler who collected many valuable artifacts, which need sorting and cataloging. He kept coded journals and some scientific papers, as well.
The Darcys discover that Samuel was murdered and now his body has disappeared from his grave. Fortunately, the author includes a list of characters, which is needed, as more and more bodies are found and there are men who arrive to help sort the artifacts, plus others who help in trying to identify the bodies as well as attempt to find a reason for each death and whether there is a connection between those which would help solve the mystery. Other bodies also begin to disappear.
There is a band of gypsies encamped nearby who become players in this story.
Quote from the story: "Darcy shook his head in belief. 'No wonder we struggled with making sense of this puzzle: There were multiple culprits and multiple motives'." (In reading the paperback edition, I am unable to highlight any sentences or phrases directly.)
It has been some time since I read a story which drew me in so powerfully. I was tempted to read late into the night last night to get to climax...but resisted as at my age, sleep is dear.
Darcy and Elizabeth have recently suffered the loss of their first child as Elizabeth miscarried. While their love and passion for each other is strong, Elizabeth is not one to meekly obey and sit back to allow her husband to become involved alone in the investigation. She wants to be an equal and does insert herself many times or goes off on her own. She is also not afraid to take charge of Samuel's household and enforce her own directions. The housekeeper is seen to resent having her power to act alone now usurped. Her previous employer did travel many months of the year and thus she could direct the household without interference from a master or mistress.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it if the reader finds murder mysteries their cup of tea.
This paperback edition was a gift. I have read over 2 dozen of this author's stories. However, there are many more yet to be read. Someday....
I have read the other stories in this series but not this first one so it was ideal that this gift was that missing story.
The story description tells us that the Darcys are newlyweds. When they receive news that Darcy's father's dear cousin has died and that Darcy is one of the heirs, he suggests to Elizabeth that they include a "wedding trip" in the need to go to the Dorset area to help settle the estate and await the other heir's arrival to read the will. Samuel Darcy had been a world traveler who collected many valuable artifacts, which need sorting and cataloging. He kept coded journals and some scientific papers, as well.
The Darcys discover that Samuel was murdered and now his body has disappeared from his grave. Fortunately, the author includes a list of characters, which is needed, as more and more bodies are found and there are men who arrive to help sort the artifacts, plus others who help in trying to identify the bodies as well as attempt to find a reason for each death and whether there is a connection between those which would help solve the mystery. Other bodies also begin to disappear.
There is a band of gypsies encamped nearby who become players in this story.
Quote from the story: "Darcy shook his head in belief. 'No wonder we struggled with making sense of this puzzle: There were multiple culprits and multiple motives'." (In reading the paperback edition, I am unable to highlight any sentences or phrases directly.)
It has been some time since I read a story which drew me in so powerfully. I was tempted to read late into the night last night to get to climax...but resisted as at my age, sleep is dear.
Darcy and Elizabeth have recently suffered the loss of their first child as Elizabeth miscarried. While their love and passion for each other is strong, Elizabeth is not one to meekly obey and sit back to allow her husband to become involved alone in the investigation. She wants to be an equal and does insert herself many times or goes off on her own. She is also not afraid to take charge of Samuel's household and enforce her own directions. The housekeeper is seen to resent having her power to act alone now usurped. Her previous employer did travel many months of the year and thus she could direct the household without interference from a master or mistress.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it if the reader finds murder mysteries their cup of tea.
November 28, 2020
Doesn't that title make you catch your breath? I was only able to breathe easier when I read the exciting blurb to see that the death in question was another Darcy. But, that blurb... it hooked me and I had to read this one. I didn't realize it until after I started reading, but I'd enjoyed a later mystery in this series and I was finally coming back for the book that started the series. However, this book is actually a sequel, too- a sequel to the great classic, Pride and Prejudice.
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy opens with Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife at home when he receives the news that a fond relation has past. He thinks to follow the lawyer's request that he come to help settle his cousin's estate, but leave early so he and Elizabeth might enjoy a prolonged journey and chance to see a bit of the Dorset resort area to make up for their short honeymoon. They are glowing from their journey when Samuel's housekeeper sets them straight. His cousin didn't die naturally. Through a series of mysterious events including a lack of real investigation and some disappearances, Darcy and Elizabeth investigate on their own.
I loved that there was a murder mystery set in the Pride and Prejudice world and that the author further explored the dark legends of the Dorset region, Regency era antiquities, criminal investigation and the legalities and social customs around death and family.
There was a lot packed into this one including a sensual ongoing romance and whirl of activity around the mystery. In truth, there was perhaps too much packed in and the romance got mushy and distracting at times so that the story bogged down. In a variation-sequel, you get the author's version of the characters. I found this portrayal of Darcy intelligent, exciting, but highly romantic. The romance overbalanced like getting needy if Elizabeth happened to be in another room and not right at his side or the pair seeming to constantly being in a state of arousal that I couldn't picture the original characters portraying. Don't get me wrong, I adore a good spicy romance and a gothic-type murder mystery especially in this setting, but my preference is for a bit less saccharine.
The author thoughtfully included a cast of characters at the beginning which was helpful once the book got rolling because there are a lot of people, side activities, further deaths and more that keep piling on to leave the reader twisted around and not sure who might be the killer or even why. In truth, even when I got the solution, I knew I would have never guessed.
As to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, they are adorable together and she's still as feisty and intolerant of stupidity as ever. I liked seeing them use their skills separately and together to figure out what was going on and, yes, I enjoyed seeing them as a newly married couple in love, but working out a new relationship.
All in all, I had a good time and can't wait to see what comes of those leading threads at the end of the story having to do with Darcy's sister, Georgiana, and her own mystery. Historical Mystery fans should definitely give this one a look see, but be prepared for a lot surrounding the mystery.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy opens with Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife at home when he receives the news that a fond relation has past. He thinks to follow the lawyer's request that he come to help settle his cousin's estate, but leave early so he and Elizabeth might enjoy a prolonged journey and chance to see a bit of the Dorset resort area to make up for their short honeymoon. They are glowing from their journey when Samuel's housekeeper sets them straight. His cousin didn't die naturally. Through a series of mysterious events including a lack of real investigation and some disappearances, Darcy and Elizabeth investigate on their own.
I loved that there was a murder mystery set in the Pride and Prejudice world and that the author further explored the dark legends of the Dorset region, Regency era antiquities, criminal investigation and the legalities and social customs around death and family.
There was a lot packed into this one including a sensual ongoing romance and whirl of activity around the mystery. In truth, there was perhaps too much packed in and the romance got mushy and distracting at times so that the story bogged down. In a variation-sequel, you get the author's version of the characters. I found this portrayal of Darcy intelligent, exciting, but highly romantic. The romance overbalanced like getting needy if Elizabeth happened to be in another room and not right at his side or the pair seeming to constantly being in a state of arousal that I couldn't picture the original characters portraying. Don't get me wrong, I adore a good spicy romance and a gothic-type murder mystery especially in this setting, but my preference is for a bit less saccharine.
The author thoughtfully included a cast of characters at the beginning which was helpful once the book got rolling because there are a lot of people, side activities, further deaths and more that keep piling on to leave the reader twisted around and not sure who might be the killer or even why. In truth, even when I got the solution, I knew I would have never guessed.
As to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth, they are adorable together and she's still as feisty and intolerant of stupidity as ever. I liked seeing them use their skills separately and together to figure out what was going on and, yes, I enjoyed seeing them as a newly married couple in love, but working out a new relationship.
All in all, I had a good time and can't wait to see what comes of those leading threads at the end of the story having to do with Darcy's sister, Georgiana, and her own mystery. Historical Mystery fans should definitely give this one a look see, but be prepared for a lot surrounding the mystery.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2020
Good Mystery
Darcy learns his father’s cousin (Samuel Darcy, a man of science and archeology) has died, leaving him part heir of his estate, filled with ancient antiquities. After six months of marriage, Elizabeth and Darcy embark on a trip to Dorset to hear the reading of Samuel’s will, and to help assist in settling his affairs. Upon arrival, they learn his cousin did not die of natural causes, but of murder. Thus, the story evolves around trying to discover what actually occurred and bring the culprit(s) to justice.
The Darcys find themselves in a strange household, being run by servants who show them a lack of respect and position. As they try to put clues together, more and more murdered victims are found.
There are many new characters in this variation. I was thankful for the cast list, and since it was sometimes difficult to keep track of who was who, I sometimes had to go back and refer to it. The only other character from Pride and Prejudice involved in this mystery novel is Colonel Fitzwilliam. There are no Bingley or Bennet family members who appear in the story, and no Wickham (which always makes me happy)!
I did enjoy how Ms. Jeffers kept the romance of ODC alive amongst the tense and dangerous surroundings in which they found themselves. Ultimately, their respective goal is to keep each other safe, even if they have to pack up and leave before the mystery is solved. Will they?
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy is a well-written, somewhat dark, mystery variation that touches upon the occult. I normally avoid anything to do with the occult or the underworld at all. This is simply a personal preference. I don’t enjoy anything in the least demonic. However, I was too invested in the story by that time to stop reading. I should have discerned more meaning into the book description’s mention of “haunting legends of Dark Dorset” before I purchased this book. My bad, and not meant to take anything away from this story, but just a head’s up to those who may not favour such a subject. So, if you’re not afraid of the dark, you will likely enjoy this book.
I own several of Ms. Jeffers’ books, and look forward to the next.
This book cover is excellent, by the way.
Darcy learns his father’s cousin (Samuel Darcy, a man of science and archeology) has died, leaving him part heir of his estate, filled with ancient antiquities. After six months of marriage, Elizabeth and Darcy embark on a trip to Dorset to hear the reading of Samuel’s will, and to help assist in settling his affairs. Upon arrival, they learn his cousin did not die of natural causes, but of murder. Thus, the story evolves around trying to discover what actually occurred and bring the culprit(s) to justice.
The Darcys find themselves in a strange household, being run by servants who show them a lack of respect and position. As they try to put clues together, more and more murdered victims are found.
There are many new characters in this variation. I was thankful for the cast list, and since it was sometimes difficult to keep track of who was who, I sometimes had to go back and refer to it. The only other character from Pride and Prejudice involved in this mystery novel is Colonel Fitzwilliam. There are no Bingley or Bennet family members who appear in the story, and no Wickham (which always makes me happy)!
I did enjoy how Ms. Jeffers kept the romance of ODC alive amongst the tense and dangerous surroundings in which they found themselves. Ultimately, their respective goal is to keep each other safe, even if they have to pack up and leave before the mystery is solved. Will they?
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy is a well-written, somewhat dark, mystery variation that touches upon the occult. I normally avoid anything to do with the occult or the underworld at all. This is simply a personal preference. I don’t enjoy anything in the least demonic. However, I was too invested in the story by that time to stop reading. I should have discerned more meaning into the book description’s mention of “haunting legends of Dark Dorset” before I purchased this book. My bad, and not meant to take anything away from this story, but just a head’s up to those who may not favour such a subject. So, if you’re not afraid of the dark, you will likely enjoy this book.
I own several of Ms. Jeffers’ books, and look forward to the next.
This book cover is excellent, by the way.
February 11, 2022
This is a tricky book to review because when I was reading it I definitely enjoyed it but having concluded it and begun a second mystery book by the author I feel someone less enthralled.
One one hand what we have is a Regency mystery that could star anyone but our author has chosen Fitzwilliam & Elizabeth Darcy. On the other hand we have a P&P sequel what if... featuring a few P&P characters and a whole cast of new ones.
The biggest problem I have with the book is the mystery. It is roundabout and over stuffed and just dumb. I will put my additional thoughts on this behind a spoiler
Then there's the Darcys
Then there's the P&P references. Now if you are writing a P&P what if I see using excepts from P&P if you are writing a sequel you are on your own. So stop having them refer to plot points from P&P that are unrelated.
I really don't recommend it
One one hand what we have is a Regency mystery that could star anyone but our author has chosen Fitzwilliam & Elizabeth Darcy. On the other hand we have a P&P sequel what if... featuring a few P&P characters and a whole cast of new ones.
The biggest problem I have with the book is the mystery. It is roundabout and over stuffed and just dumb. I will put my additional thoughts on this behind a spoiler
Then there's the Darcys
Then there's the P&P references. Now if you are writing a P&P what if I see using excepts from P&P if you are writing a sequel you are on your own. So stop having them refer to plot points from P&P that are unrelated.
I really don't recommend it
August 18, 2015
Regina has done it again! This mystery envolving Elizabeth and Mr Darcy was engrossing right from the start. Mr Darcy gets a letter telling him that his fathers cousin Sameul Darcy has past away and that a cousin and him are the beneficiaries. Darcy and Elizabeth decide to leave imediately and figure they could get in a little vacation since there honeymoon was cut short due to the weather. Anyway when they arrive at the cousin's estate they find not all is well and that Samuel Darcy was murdered and no one has been charged and no one seems to be investigating. Also they seem to have lost Sameul Darcy's body! Well Darcy decides that to honor his cousin he will push to find his body and killer. Well what happens causes alarm and dead bodies seem to be everywhere, but no sign of Samuel Darcy's body. The clues are confusing at best, so Darcy enlists his cousin the Col and a friend who is a bow street runner to assist in the investigation. On top of all that is going on there is some evil happening also and the staff at the estate can't be trusted. Both Lizzy and Darcy have near death experinces and still no answers. I was intrigued and engaged in this novel to the end. Just loved the whole plot and was trying to figure it out before the answers. This is Ms Jeffers 3rd mystery and each one seems to get better and that is a feat since all of her mysteries were terrific and if you are a fan of mysteries and "Pride and Prejudice" your in for a real treat. This is a definite MUST read!!
November 29, 2021
Un sequel di Orgoglio e pregiudizio che si svolge qualche mese dopo le nozze tra Darcy e Lizzy. Lei, purtroppo ha subito un trauma a causa di un aborto spontaneo. All'improvviso arriva a Pemberley la notizia che il cugino di Mr. Darcy senior, Mr. Samuel Darcy, un bizzarro collezionista di oggetti antichi raccolti in anni di viaggi e spedizioni archeologiche, soprattutto di quelli legati al culto dei morti egizi, è passato a miglior vita e ha lasciato Darcy e una cugina, Cynthia Sanderson Contessa di Rardin, come eredi. Darcy parte dunque assieme a Elizabeth alla volta di Woodvine Hall per inventariare i beni del defunto, approfittando del fatto che la tenuta si trovi in Dorset.
Darcy scopre che non solo il cugino è stato assassinato, ma che il suo cadavere è scomparso. Scopre inoltre una camera segreta a cui si accede da un pannello della biblioteca e pertanto convoca non soltanto il cugino, il colonnello Edward Fitzwilliam dell'Esercito di Sua Maestà, ma anche alcuni Bow Street Runners e degli studiosi a cui affidare il tesoro del cugino per trasferirlo in un museo, come è giusto che sia.
Nel frattempo, sia lui che Elizabeth, devono vedersela con un'altra serie di sparizioni e di ritrovamenti di cadaveri, nonché con una governante piuttosto arrogante e indisciplinata, che sembra avere dei legami con un gruppo di zingari che hanno eretto il loro campo all'interno della tenuta del cugino Samuel. E non solo.
Capisco che la Jeffers abbia voluto riunire in questo romanzo diversi fatti e figure storiche, come infatti spiega nella Nota dell'Autore di fine libro, ma mi pare che abbia voluto mettere troppa carne al fuoco, con troppi personaggi, troppi omicidi - anche inutili - troppi moventi, stregoneria e riti pagani, furti vari, e chi più ne ha più ne metta, che non soltanto disorientano il lettore, ma lasciano secondo me diverse cose in sospeso. È come se la storia le fosse sfuggita di mano, e francamente, non sono riuscita a verificare neanche se ci siano delle incongruenze, tanto la mia mente era confusa dalla girandola di accadimenti e dai legami tra i personaggi (che erano così tanti, che alla fine mi ero arresa a non ricordare più chi fossero).
Un vero peccato, perché di solito Regina Jeffers è un'autrice molto accurata. Ma in questo caso, la storia le è proprio sfuggita di mano.
I was a bit disappointed because Regina Jeffers gathered in this novel many historical facts and characters, but I think she used too many characters, motives and corpses, dazing the reader. There is the reference to the historical character of Belle Gunness, witchcraft, gypsies, body snatching, secret passages and so many other themes but, above all, so many characters - some of them are dead, some just missing, others disappear to come back later - that the reader gets fuzzy.
And it's a pity, because Regina Jeffers is such an attentive author; only, this time, i think the storyline got out of her hand.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the Author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Darcy scopre che non solo il cugino è stato assassinato, ma che il suo cadavere è scomparso. Scopre inoltre una camera segreta a cui si accede da un pannello della biblioteca e pertanto convoca non soltanto il cugino, il colonnello Edward Fitzwilliam dell'Esercito di Sua Maestà, ma anche alcuni Bow Street Runners e degli studiosi a cui affidare il tesoro del cugino per trasferirlo in un museo, come è giusto che sia.
Nel frattempo, sia lui che Elizabeth, devono vedersela con un'altra serie di sparizioni e di ritrovamenti di cadaveri, nonché con una governante piuttosto arrogante e indisciplinata, che sembra avere dei legami con un gruppo di zingari che hanno eretto il loro campo all'interno della tenuta del cugino Samuel. E non solo.
Capisco che la Jeffers abbia voluto riunire in questo romanzo diversi fatti e figure storiche, come infatti spiega nella Nota dell'Autore di fine libro, ma mi pare che abbia voluto mettere troppa carne al fuoco, con troppi personaggi, troppi omicidi - anche inutili - troppi moventi, stregoneria e riti pagani, furti vari, e chi più ne ha più ne metta, che non soltanto disorientano il lettore, ma lasciano secondo me diverse cose in sospeso. È come se la storia le fosse sfuggita di mano, e francamente, non sono riuscita a verificare neanche se ci siano delle incongruenze, tanto la mia mente era confusa dalla girandola di accadimenti e dai legami tra i personaggi (che erano così tanti, che alla fine mi ero arresa a non ricordare più chi fossero).
Un vero peccato, perché di solito Regina Jeffers è un'autrice molto accurata. Ma in questo caso, la storia le è proprio sfuggita di mano.
I was a bit disappointed because Regina Jeffers gathered in this novel many historical facts and characters, but I think she used too many characters, motives and corpses, dazing the reader. There is the reference to the historical character of Belle Gunness, witchcraft, gypsies, body snatching, secret passages and so many other themes but, above all, so many characters - some of them are dead, some just missing, others disappear to come back later - that the reader gets fuzzy.
And it's a pity, because Regina Jeffers is such an attentive author; only, this time, i think the storyline got out of her hand.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the Author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2018
Exciting tale with a lot of victims.
Samuel Darcy who were Mr Darcy's, fathers cousin has died and Mr Darcy and a cousin is named heir to his estate. His cousin is recuperating after child birth so Mr and Mrs Darcy leaves for Dorset to set his affairs in order. The inheritance contains a large collection of ancient artifacts and some new scientific discoveries. The latter in form of codes that needs deciphering.
Initially they ment it as a holiday/honeymoon but corpses keep turning up and they discover evidence of witchcraft. Something is definitely off on the late Mr Darcy's estate...
I enjoyed the novel very much. It is more tension then angst, spiced with a loving relationship of ODC.
Samuel Darcy who were Mr Darcy's, fathers cousin has died and Mr Darcy and a cousin is named heir to his estate. His cousin is recuperating after child birth so Mr and Mrs Darcy leaves for Dorset to set his affairs in order. The inheritance contains a large collection of ancient artifacts and some new scientific discoveries. The latter in form of codes that needs deciphering.
Initially they ment it as a holiday/honeymoon but corpses keep turning up and they discover evidence of witchcraft. Something is definitely off on the late Mr Darcy's estate...
I enjoyed the novel very much. It is more tension then angst, spiced with a loving relationship of ODC.
March 10, 2023
I have to find out if this is a series. I found the ending to be a bit abrupt so perhaps it is? Regina Jeffers is my Gothic Princess.
March 21, 2022
The Mysterious Death of Mr Darcy is a JAFF novel. I first want to say that I love the cover. He’s a hunk. So if you not intimately familiar with P&P then you might not understand this novel. I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen fan fiction and love, love, love seeing more of it.
This is a mystery romance and I quite enjoyed it. Darcy and Lizzy have only been married 6 months so they’re practically still on there honeymoon. And it’s very obvious the way they are with each other. The romance was clean and sweet and I really liked seeing them try to solve this mystery.
I received this ARC for free and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
Thanks Independently Publishing via NetGalley.
This is a mystery romance and I quite enjoyed it. Darcy and Lizzy have only been married 6 months so they’re practically still on there honeymoon. And it’s very obvious the way they are with each other. The romance was clean and sweet and I really liked seeing them try to solve this mystery.
I received this ARC for free and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
Thanks Independently Publishing via NetGalley.
October 19, 2020
It is a mystery detective story with Jane Austen's characters. When Darcy finds out that his uncle died, he wants to know more about what happened. But it is not so easy to find who killed his uncle and where is his body. So, Darcy and his beloved wife, Elizabeth, are determined to solve the case.
Thank you Netgalley for this nice book.
Thank you Netgalley for this nice book.
August 17, 2020
I debated over the stars for this 3/3.5/4. I love the concept of a murder mystery with such iconic characters and most of the story was interesting and kept my attention.
However, some of the writing got repetitive for me (how many times can D say E is his life) There was a delving in to the Colonel's life and future possibilities - with no epilogue conclusion for him. Much was made of the Darcy's having children following a miscarriage and we don't get to "know" what happens. Basically, the ending felt cut off.
For some reason the author had a problem saying outright that the lady was a serial-killer. I mean she had some Dang Serious ISSUES!
If you like a different kind of variation, this is a solid story. What bothered me about it is probably all personal taste.
However, some of the writing got repetitive for me (how many times can D say E is his life) There was a delving in to the Colonel's life and future possibilities - with no epilogue conclusion for him. Much was made of the Darcy's having children following a miscarriage and we don't get to "know" what happens. Basically, the ending felt cut off.
For some reason the author had a problem saying outright that the lady was a serial-killer. I mean she had some Dang Serious ISSUES!
If you like a different kind of variation, this is a solid story. What bothered me about it is probably all personal taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2020
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The main highlight of the story is Darcy and Elizabeth. I loved their relationship and dialogues. Generally, in such books, I would feel the romance as a barrier towards progressing the mystery. However, in this case, I did not mind Darcy and Elizabeth’s interruptions to show their affection for each other. Their love is so sweet and adorable, and made the story stand out. Also, I loved Edward and his role in the storyline.
Similarly, the author also did a very nice job in maintaining the suspense. As the story progresses, the plot gets intense where Darcy and Elizabeth’s life is at stake. The author also adds quite a few twists and turns that you do not expect. For example, the story touches on gypsies, ancient practices, rituals and Egyptian mummifications that you do not expect in such a book. Moreover, many of the characters like Mrs. Ridgeway, Stowbridge, Gry etc. have an aura of mystery where you feel they are hiding something. Some of the memorable scenes are when the gypsy attacks Elizabeth and they go underwater, or when they investigate the shoe size. The climax is amazing and one that I would not forget.
However, the story is a bit detailed at times, which in my opinion, could be shortened. I was so engrossed with the plot that I wanted to see how it continues. But at times, the author provided regular recaps which slowed the pace. But, I loved that this could be enjoyed as a standalone, as I had not read the previous books. Also, the dialogues felt true to the era and the characters felt authentic.
Overall, this was a terrific historical mystery novel and I now want to read the previous novels.
January 20, 2021
dnf at 50%
trigger warning
Mr. Darcy is dead. Thankfully, it's not our Mr. Darcy but one of his cousins, an esteemed archaeologist, and as the newly wed couple travels to the deceased's manor to clear up some stuff, they're further told that the corpse is missing.
Seeking a distraction from recent traum, Elizabeth goes all in in the search for the culprit.
This book suffers from many faults. The most obvious one, and the main reason why I dnf-ed this, is that about 50% of every written word is about how much both of them are in love. Okay, yeah, we get it. And sure it's remarkable that they're still in love, six months after their marriage, and it makes me happy for them that they have found the person they want to spend their lifes with, but this is too much.
I stopped as .
Now we got that out of the way, it will come as no wonder to you that the pacing is tantalizing. The crime plot is something that happens to them while they're in love, and I prefer it to be other way round.
On top of that, this book is seriously overwritten. There are no passages in which we have a simple dialoge, every single syllable is accompanied by how their faces look, who shifts their weight, or, again, romantic mush. Listen, one of my favourite book of all time is Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake. I love descriptions. But everything has a time and a place. And, again, please don't murder your pacing.
Maybe this was wrongly marketed and it's a historical romance and not a historical fiction crime. Maybe you'll have more fun if you go in with different expectations.
As I picked up my e-reader this evening, I was very sure I'd be able to do this today, but I can't. I'm sorry, I tried my best, but it is what it is.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
trigger warning
Mr. Darcy is dead. Thankfully, it's not our Mr. Darcy but one of his cousins, an esteemed archaeologist, and as the newly wed couple travels to the deceased's manor to clear up some stuff, they're further told that the corpse is missing.
Seeking a distraction from recent traum, Elizabeth goes all in in the search for the culprit.
This book suffers from many faults. The most obvious one, and the main reason why I dnf-ed this, is that about 50% of every written word is about how much both of them are in love. Okay, yeah, we get it. And sure it's remarkable that they're still in love, six months after their marriage, and it makes me happy for them that they have found the person they want to spend their lifes with, but this is too much.
I stopped as .
Now we got that out of the way, it will come as no wonder to you that the pacing is tantalizing. The crime plot is something that happens to them while they're in love, and I prefer it to be other way round.
On top of that, this book is seriously overwritten. There are no passages in which we have a simple dialoge, every single syllable is accompanied by how their faces look, who shifts their weight, or, again, romantic mush. Listen, one of my favourite book of all time is Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake. I love descriptions. But everything has a time and a place. And, again, please don't murder your pacing.
Maybe this was wrongly marketed and it's a historical romance and not a historical fiction crime. Maybe you'll have more fun if you go in with different expectations.
As I picked up my e-reader this evening, I was very sure I'd be able to do this today, but I can't. I'm sorry, I tried my best, but it is what it is.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
October 19, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
(Fuller review can be found on my blog.)
I was auto-approved for this when the book was already out, so calling this copy an ARC is a lie. But I know that self-published authors are often on their own schedules, so I don't really mind that I got it so late in the game.
When we meet Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy in The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, they're married and in love. Doting on one another, grateful for the other's presence. It's mushy, and I get it, but it feels unbelievable in the way that Fitzwilliam's heel-turn in some depictions of Pride and Prejudice are. Depending on which adaptation you consider, some act as though the moment Fitzwilliam is able to drop his guard to say that he loves Elizabeth, all walls come crumbling down. But that's just not realistic for his character, and that's why I immediately cocked an eyebrow at this story. In The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, he calls for Elizabeth to come to his study. When she arrives, he is gentle and kind, and I was fine with it. It even got a little steamy in a way that I can't say I hated. He was taken with the presence of his wife so much that he wanted to take her right there in his study, in spite of the servants nearby or the door wide open. But his reasoning for stopping was "Elizabeth's innocence" which... I'm not sure what was meant by that given they are married and had already been together. This idea that someone as vivacious as Elizabeth would be bashful and conservative post-marriage seems odd. I could imagine she would still have some conditioned beliefs around sex and marriage before they are actually wed. I mean, even the most rebellious woman was still taught within the constructs of the society that raised her, but to think that she wouldn't be just as passionate seems odd. It felt insincere to have all of the passion and sexual drive fall to just Fitzwilliam.
When Fitzwilliam says that he might have to go out of town in the beginning, Elizabeth steels herself because she hasn't spent a night away from him since they married. At this point, I actively rolled my eyes. Everything just felt forced and too-good-to-be-true between them. I have absolutely no problem with a character knowing they'd miss their spouse. But what happened to the independent, and fully capable Elizabeth we knew? Are you really telling me that her autonomy was taken out back and shot during the wedding ceremony? I don't think so.
No matter how in love you are, your character doesn't change. You can evolve, but that takes time, and these two built their identities around their behaviors. This is something that would still be an obstacle for them going into the relationship. I would have liked to see their egos still be barriers in some way for them. Perhaps have them disagree over fundamental differences, instead of just painting Elizabeth as someone who completely tosses aside all of her character traits to be the submissive wife. It was also frustrating to see Fitzwilliam depicted as so insecure without Elizabeth.
There were moments where you'd see Elizabeth have to bite her tongue (which I admit made me chuckle), but the next few lines would be just about Fitzwilliam's complete infatuation with her. I still remember reading that scooped her up, bridal-style, to carry her to the next room. And not in that way that led to anything sexual or romantic. He just did it because he just loved her so much..? I suppose that type of two-dimensional sappiness works on some people, but I found it all a little predictable and boring. I had far more fun watching Fitzwilliam try to get frisky in a carriage than I did with the romantic comedy style swooning. That Fitzwilliam was very fun to see.
Anyway, we could certainly be doing more examination of their characters this late in the game. I suppose I just want to see more of an honest look at how these two would truly get along.
One of the biggest things that annoyed me were weird filigree breaks between text. It happened even when the lines after were the continuation of the same conversation and scene. It was incredibly distracting to get interrupted so often. When they were placed appropriately, though, I think a bit more white space between the breaks and the text would help make it feel less cluttered.
Aside from ornamental line breaks, I had a hard time getting through a lot of this text, but not throughout the entire book. There were just certain parts that felt clunkier than others. The writing felt like an author who desperately wanted to mimic Austen's classical language, but it felt just a tinge clumsier.
I don't necessarily mind that Jeffers was hoping to mimic Austen, but I wasn't particularly taken by it in practice. I'm sure she considers this her calling card as an author, and I'm sure there's a crowd out there who loves it for some sense of authenticity. But you can parrot the style without putting distance between the reader and the dialogue, which the iciness of a lot of the dialogue often did to try to keep to that style. I honestly don't think the story needed such an overworked effort to match Austen's syntax. For something published this year, more could have been done to examine the heart of 18th/19th century writing and how you can modernize it while still keeping the same elocution. Keep what makes Austen's work classic while offering a few more contractions throughout the text to make it easier to breathe and read. I believe an editor (or different editor) might have helped Jeffers strike the balance to find the perfect, modernized, Austenian prose.
Truth is, there's so much more to this story and a reason why I requested The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy. I enjoy fun spins on Pride and Prejudice. But what started out as an intriguing mystery around the death of Samuel got a bit too convoluted too quickly. A lot of corpses, a lot of names, a lot of mystery. The beginning of the story felt like a game of chase to find out who and why. But it slowly got out of hand in a way that—with everything else I've mentioned—felt like a cumbersome task to read. Because there were parts of this I genuinely did want to see more of, even with all I've said, it's made me a bit curious what else Jeffers has offered in her other stories. Perhaps this just wasn't the one for me, or the right time for me.
(Fuller review can be found on my blog.)
I was auto-approved for this when the book was already out, so calling this copy an ARC is a lie. But I know that self-published authors are often on their own schedules, so I don't really mind that I got it so late in the game.
When we meet Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy in The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, they're married and in love. Doting on one another, grateful for the other's presence. It's mushy, and I get it, but it feels unbelievable in the way that Fitzwilliam's heel-turn in some depictions of Pride and Prejudice are. Depending on which adaptation you consider, some act as though the moment Fitzwilliam is able to drop his guard to say that he loves Elizabeth, all walls come crumbling down. But that's just not realistic for his character, and that's why I immediately cocked an eyebrow at this story. In The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, he calls for Elizabeth to come to his study. When she arrives, he is gentle and kind, and I was fine with it. It even got a little steamy in a way that I can't say I hated. He was taken with the presence of his wife so much that he wanted to take her right there in his study, in spite of the servants nearby or the door wide open. But his reasoning for stopping was "Elizabeth's innocence" which... I'm not sure what was meant by that given they are married and had already been together. This idea that someone as vivacious as Elizabeth would be bashful and conservative post-marriage seems odd. I could imagine she would still have some conditioned beliefs around sex and marriage before they are actually wed. I mean, even the most rebellious woman was still taught within the constructs of the society that raised her, but to think that she wouldn't be just as passionate seems odd. It felt insincere to have all of the passion and sexual drive fall to just Fitzwilliam.
When Fitzwilliam says that he might have to go out of town in the beginning, Elizabeth steels herself because she hasn't spent a night away from him since they married. At this point, I actively rolled my eyes. Everything just felt forced and too-good-to-be-true between them. I have absolutely no problem with a character knowing they'd miss their spouse. But what happened to the independent, and fully capable Elizabeth we knew? Are you really telling me that her autonomy was taken out back and shot during the wedding ceremony? I don't think so.
No matter how in love you are, your character doesn't change. You can evolve, but that takes time, and these two built their identities around their behaviors. This is something that would still be an obstacle for them going into the relationship. I would have liked to see their egos still be barriers in some way for them. Perhaps have them disagree over fundamental differences, instead of just painting Elizabeth as someone who completely tosses aside all of her character traits to be the submissive wife. It was also frustrating to see Fitzwilliam depicted as so insecure without Elizabeth.
There were moments where you'd see Elizabeth have to bite her tongue (which I admit made me chuckle), but the next few lines would be just about Fitzwilliam's complete infatuation with her. I still remember reading that scooped her up, bridal-style, to carry her to the next room. And not in that way that led to anything sexual or romantic. He just did it because he just loved her so much..? I suppose that type of two-dimensional sappiness works on some people, but I found it all a little predictable and boring. I had far more fun watching Fitzwilliam try to get frisky in a carriage than I did with the romantic comedy style swooning. That Fitzwilliam was very fun to see.
Anyway, we could certainly be doing more examination of their characters this late in the game. I suppose I just want to see more of an honest look at how these two would truly get along.
One of the biggest things that annoyed me were weird filigree breaks between text. It happened even when the lines after were the continuation of the same conversation and scene. It was incredibly distracting to get interrupted so often. When they were placed appropriately, though, I think a bit more white space between the breaks and the text would help make it feel less cluttered.
Aside from ornamental line breaks, I had a hard time getting through a lot of this text, but not throughout the entire book. There were just certain parts that felt clunkier than others. The writing felt like an author who desperately wanted to mimic Austen's classical language, but it felt just a tinge clumsier.
I don't necessarily mind that Jeffers was hoping to mimic Austen, but I wasn't particularly taken by it in practice. I'm sure she considers this her calling card as an author, and I'm sure there's a crowd out there who loves it for some sense of authenticity. But you can parrot the style without putting distance between the reader and the dialogue, which the iciness of a lot of the dialogue often did to try to keep to that style. I honestly don't think the story needed such an overworked effort to match Austen's syntax. For something published this year, more could have been done to examine the heart of 18th/19th century writing and how you can modernize it while still keeping the same elocution. Keep what makes Austen's work classic while offering a few more contractions throughout the text to make it easier to breathe and read. I believe an editor (or different editor) might have helped Jeffers strike the balance to find the perfect, modernized, Austenian prose.
Truth is, there's so much more to this story and a reason why I requested The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy. I enjoy fun spins on Pride and Prejudice. But what started out as an intriguing mystery around the death of Samuel got a bit too convoluted too quickly. A lot of corpses, a lot of names, a lot of mystery. The beginning of the story felt like a game of chase to find out who and why. But it slowly got out of hand in a way that—with everything else I've mentioned—felt like a cumbersome task to read. Because there were parts of this I genuinely did want to see more of, even with all I've said, it's made me a bit curious what else Jeffers has offered in her other stories. Perhaps this just wasn't the one for me, or the right time for me.
September 13, 2013
I was tempted to give up on this book but pushed my way through. Too many characters for me to follow and I got annoyed at Mr. Darcy's portrayal. Every time Elizabeth was out of his sight he'd get insecure and paranoid. Two star rating is generous.
October 10, 2020
Ever been around a couple who can’t keep their hands off each other or stop saying how much they love each other? That’s what reading this book was like.
I think I must have read a different book than a lot of reviewers because I found The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy boring and repetitive. The characters of Darcy and Elizabeth did not at all resemble the characters in Pride and Prejudice. And the overstuffed sausage of a plot! Where Oh, and don’t forget the anti-Roma sentiments, the copious dead bodies, and the witchy ritual around the stone circle.
“A thrilling story of murder and betrayal filled with the scandal, wit, and intrigue characteristic of Austen’s classic novels.” No, it’s not. The author did throw in every reference to P&P they could manage, in some cases quite awkwardly, but I saw no wit.
This is the worst book I have finished in years. I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley. I commit myself to finishing any e-galleys I request, which is the only reason I finished it.
I think I must have read a different book than a lot of reviewers because I found The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy boring and repetitive. The characters of Darcy and Elizabeth did not at all resemble the characters in Pride and Prejudice. And the overstuffed sausage of a plot! Where Oh, and don’t forget the anti-Roma sentiments, the copious dead bodies, and the witchy ritual around the stone circle.
“A thrilling story of murder and betrayal filled with the scandal, wit, and intrigue characteristic of Austen’s classic novels.” No, it’s not. The author did throw in every reference to P&P they could manage, in some cases quite awkwardly, but I saw no wit.
This is the worst book I have finished in years. I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley. I commit myself to finishing any e-galleys I request, which is the only reason I finished it.
November 3, 2020
3.5 Drinking game - take a shot every time Darcy refers to his wife as "HIS Elizabeth" and try to stay sober.
I forgive all the cheesy ooc-ness awkward romantic parts, because the whole story and the mystery was quite engaging and different from other P&P fanfiction I've read so far.
Also Edward and Cowan are my sons now and need to be protected at all cost.
I forgive all the cheesy ooc-ness awkward romantic parts, because the whole story and the mystery was quite engaging and different from other P&P fanfiction I've read so far.
Also Edward and Cowan are my sons now and need to be protected at all cost.
December 15, 2024
Reading this novel felt like going down too many rabbit holes! Too many characters, too many corpses, and way too many pages! The most interesting part was the author’s notes at the end. I think Ms. Jeffers would have benefitted from a rational editor to help her reign in these crazy storylines!
January 27, 2014
What a mystery detective story and with the best characters in literature! When Darcy's uncle dies who had a wealth of ancient treasures, Darcy and Elizabeth set out to handle estate matters only to become involved in a murder mystery. Samuel Darcy's cruel death with the murderer unknown is something Darcy is determined to solve with his cleaver wife's help. Between the gypsy band on the property, servants who don't know their place and museum archeologists who are determined to catalog all treasures there are many suspicions. I loved seeing how well Darcy and Elizabeth worked together to uncover the mystery and see their love match withstand the onslaught of terror, multiple tragedies and near death experiences. We see them each willing to sacrifice themselves for their loved ones safety. We get more insight into the beloved Colonel Fitzwilliam - his relationship with Darcy and his view of love. This book kept me glued to each chapter to try to unravel the mystery especially whenever Darcy or Elizabeth were in trouble with their lives.
September 21, 2020
A P&P sequel where not many months after Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth Bennet he is informed of his father's cousins death - Samuel Darcy and of a share in the inheritance of the estate.
They travel to Dorset to find that Samuel Darcy's body has disappeared and another body found on the grave.
But then more bodies are found, and some of Samuel's treasures are lost and found. With the help of Colonel Fitzwilliam can the mystery be solved.
An enjoyable read of this mystery made more delightful as the Colonel was more than a supporting role.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
They travel to Dorset to find that Samuel Darcy's body has disappeared and another body found on the grave.
But then more bodies are found, and some of Samuel's treasures are lost and found. With the help of Colonel Fitzwilliam can the mystery be solved.
An enjoyable read of this mystery made more delightful as the Colonel was more than a supporting role.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
No one can deny that classics shaped many of the romance tropes and storylines we know today. Pride and Prejudice, which paved the way for the popular "enemies to lovers" trope we all love, has been a fan-favorite for years. Therefore, when I came across The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, a Pride and Prejudice vagary, I lost no time in requesting it. As someone who is fond of both romance stories and murder-mysteries, I had high hopes for this book. And I was not disappointed.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, after being married for a couple of months, have yet to take a trip together to celebrate their marriage. Unfortunately, certain matters that needed to be addressed, such as looking after Pemberley, delayed their plans. Now, Mr. Darcy is devastated to find out that his cousin, Samuel Darcy, is dead. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy travel to Woodvine to pay their respects, deciding to spend time exploring Woodvine together to make up for the vacation they never took. However, mysterious matters come to light, and secrets about Samuel Darcy's death prevent them from not only sorting out matters regarding the death, but also from maintaining peace of mind.
First, they find out that Samuel Darcy was murdered by an unknown person who struck him with an ax. Then, they find out that two men met at the place Samuel Darcy was buried, and one of them was killed in a mysterious explosion. After that, they discover that Samuel Darcy's body is missing from his grave. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are determined to solve this mystery. But that does not prove easy. In the quiet town of Woodvine, Samuel Darcy is not the only person who has been murdered. And the person who killed him isn't the only murderer. As they go through Samuel's belongings, trying to make sense of what happened, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy find that each clue only further tangles up the mystery. They try to single out people who seem suspicious, but that proves difficult, especially when there are way too many such people. As things begin to get traumatic, dangerous and, at times, deadly, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy struggle to stay alive, to solve the mystery, and to stay a couple.
Regina Jeffers has clearly read Pride and Prejudice thoroughly and constantly. Her writing style perfectly reflected that of the classic. It had the same sophisticated speech, the same carefully expressed emotions, and the same passionate yet conservative romance. I could not help but admire how strong she wrote Elizabeth Bennet to be. I loved how well she described her and Mr. Darcy's relationship after marriage, especially since we did not see that in the classic. Her characters were interesting, complex, and wonderfully written. Her plots were crafted to perfection. Overall, the book had everything you would want to see in a Pride and Prejudice vagary.
Due to the number of characters, it was, at times, difficult to keep track of who was who. Moreover, apart from Elizabeth's nature, the depiction of women was still on the weaker side. There were some "you're not like other girls" moments which I did not particularly like. There was some subtle classism, but I suppose that sort of thing is common in classics. Even so, some of the instances of classism were irking. Despite these slight shortcomings, I enjoyed this book as a whole. It was gripping and interesting, and had several surprising revelations which I immensely enjoyed reading.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, after being married for a couple of months, have yet to take a trip together to celebrate their marriage. Unfortunately, certain matters that needed to be addressed, such as looking after Pemberley, delayed their plans. Now, Mr. Darcy is devastated to find out that his cousin, Samuel Darcy, is dead. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy travel to Woodvine to pay their respects, deciding to spend time exploring Woodvine together to make up for the vacation they never took. However, mysterious matters come to light, and secrets about Samuel Darcy's death prevent them from not only sorting out matters regarding the death, but also from maintaining peace of mind.
First, they find out that Samuel Darcy was murdered by an unknown person who struck him with an ax. Then, they find out that two men met at the place Samuel Darcy was buried, and one of them was killed in a mysterious explosion. After that, they discover that Samuel Darcy's body is missing from his grave. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are determined to solve this mystery. But that does not prove easy. In the quiet town of Woodvine, Samuel Darcy is not the only person who has been murdered. And the person who killed him isn't the only murderer. As they go through Samuel's belongings, trying to make sense of what happened, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy find that each clue only further tangles up the mystery. They try to single out people who seem suspicious, but that proves difficult, especially when there are way too many such people. As things begin to get traumatic, dangerous and, at times, deadly, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy struggle to stay alive, to solve the mystery, and to stay a couple.
Regina Jeffers has clearly read Pride and Prejudice thoroughly and constantly. Her writing style perfectly reflected that of the classic. It had the same sophisticated speech, the same carefully expressed emotions, and the same passionate yet conservative romance. I could not help but admire how strong she wrote Elizabeth Bennet to be. I loved how well she described her and Mr. Darcy's relationship after marriage, especially since we did not see that in the classic. Her characters were interesting, complex, and wonderfully written. Her plots were crafted to perfection. Overall, the book had everything you would want to see in a Pride and Prejudice vagary.
Due to the number of characters, it was, at times, difficult to keep track of who was who. Moreover, apart from Elizabeth's nature, the depiction of women was still on the weaker side. There were some "you're not like other girls" moments which I did not particularly like. There was some subtle classism, but I suppose that sort of thing is common in classics. Even so, some of the instances of classism were irking. Despite these slight shortcomings, I enjoyed this book as a whole. It was gripping and interesting, and had several surprising revelations which I immensely enjoyed reading.
October 11, 2020
I am a huge fan of the classic "Pride and Prejudice" and consider it one of my all-time favourite books, so when I spotted this book with its intriguing blurb, I immediately got it. This was the first classic spinoff that I've read that beautifully combines my favourite book and my favourite genre of mystery thrillers. It was quite fascinating to observe my favorite pair don the detective hat as they investigate the mystery plaguing an otherwise peaceful Woodvine. The book starts in a solid manner, albeit with a little too many mushy moments. The author manages to capture the essence of the original to an extent but it felt clunky and awkward at the beginning when the dialogues from the original were incessantly repeated to establish the bond of the leads. Elizabeth and Darcy remain faithful to Austen's vision and I loved how we could see more of the Colonel in this book. The author manages, to an extent. to retain the conservative air and ensures the style of dialogues match the classic.
Coming to the mystery, it is very interesting to read and engrosses the reader. But as the story progresses, too many subplots and narratives are introduced which ruins the effect produced thus far. As much as I like seeing bodies pile up,the reasons justifying it doesn't seem worthwhile to me. The fact that almost the entire household was complicit in one crime or the other seems too tall to be believable for me, and the perpetrators were a bit guessable .
Overall, this is a good book for the fans of the original classic. The mystery is a bit of a letdown at the end, but was a enjoyable ride nonetheless. The author fully fleshes out the arc of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth- and the additional characters introduced weren't half-bad. The mystery could have been worked on a bit.
My ratings: 3.5/5 rounded to 4 stars. Will try to read the next installment in this series if any comes.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
Coming to the mystery, it is very interesting to read and engrosses the reader. But as the story progresses, too many subplots and narratives are introduced which ruins the effect produced thus far. As much as I like seeing bodies pile up,the reasons justifying it doesn't seem worthwhile to me. The fact that almost the entire household was complicit in one crime or the other seems too tall to be believable for me, and the perpetrators were a bit guessable .
Overall, this is a good book for the fans of the original classic. The mystery is a bit of a letdown at the end, but was a enjoyable ride nonetheless. The author fully fleshes out the arc of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth- and the additional characters introduced weren't half-bad. The mystery could have been worked on a bit.
My ratings: 3.5/5 rounded to 4 stars. Will try to read the next installment in this series if any comes.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2020
Caught Up in a Cousin’s Murder
If you enjoy Jane Austen fanfiction as much as I do, your heart probably gave an erratic beat when you read the title of this book. Surely, this renowned JAFF author would not do that!! But, hopefully, you read the book's description, so you know that it is not our dear Mr. Darcy who has died but his cousin, a contemporary of Fitzwilliam’s father and dear fellow. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are young newlyweds at the start of the book, and they immediately learn of this beloved relative's death. This sends the Darcys to his estate to help get his paperwork in order as well as await the reading of the will. Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and another cousin will inherit from this eccentric, globe-trotting, treasure-hunting relative. But once the Darcys arrive in Dorset, they are informed that the death was not by natural causes; he is believed to have been murdered. That sends the plot in a suspenseful direction, with darker elements than are typically seen in Jane Austen fanfiction. I have read a number of this author’s JAFF, and I usually appreciate her attention to historical detail and excellent storytelling. I wasn't as enamored with this book, however. The story itself fell flat for me in places. One thing that bothered me was the language. The author tried too hard to do the elevated language that we readers like to see in historical romantic fiction. She made it so elevated that I actually found it hard to read and even mildly unpleasant to do so. Elevated language is wonderful and helps give a sense of time and place, but for us modern readers, there is a level that should not be exceeded.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
If you enjoy Jane Austen fanfiction as much as I do, your heart probably gave an erratic beat when you read the title of this book. Surely, this renowned JAFF author would not do that!! But, hopefully, you read the book's description, so you know that it is not our dear Mr. Darcy who has died but his cousin, a contemporary of Fitzwilliam’s father and dear fellow. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are young newlyweds at the start of the book, and they immediately learn of this beloved relative's death. This sends the Darcys to his estate to help get his paperwork in order as well as await the reading of the will. Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and another cousin will inherit from this eccentric, globe-trotting, treasure-hunting relative. But once the Darcys arrive in Dorset, they are informed that the death was not by natural causes; he is believed to have been murdered. That sends the plot in a suspenseful direction, with darker elements than are typically seen in Jane Austen fanfiction. I have read a number of this author’s JAFF, and I usually appreciate her attention to historical detail and excellent storytelling. I wasn't as enamored with this book, however. The story itself fell flat for me in places. One thing that bothered me was the language. The author tried too hard to do the elevated language that we readers like to see in historical romantic fiction. She made it so elevated that I actually found it hard to read and even mildly unpleasant to do so. Elevated language is wonderful and helps give a sense of time and place, but for us modern readers, there is a level that should not be exceeded.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
January 22, 2021
Regina Jeffers is a new author to me and I look forward to enjoying more of her stories in the future. I was initially intrigued by the title and cover of the book. She wouldn’t, would she?!? I admit to being relieved when I discovered it was his father’s cousin who had died, leaving him part heir of his estate, filled with ancient antiquities and not the beloved Fitzwilliam Darcy. This was a wonderful tail of mystery filled with intrigue and romance.
I was thankful the author thoughtfully included a cast of characters at the beginning because there were so many she kept you on your toes as the story progressed and bodies piled up.
Newlyweds, Elizabeth and Darcy head to Dorset to make sure the estate of his late and dear relative within order and await the reading of the will. The mysterious death of Samuel Darcy was ruled a murder. Amidst the strange happenings and sinister goings on at the estate the Darcy’s become involved in trying to solve the mystery.
I loved the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy, they were newlyweds after all and their love for one another was so delightful. I enjoyed this creative, well written and original storyline, I was thoroughly engaged throughout. All in all this was an entertaining though somewhat convoluted story.
Thank you so much Miss Jeffers for such a wonderfully delightful reading experience.
I was thankful the author thoughtfully included a cast of characters at the beginning because there were so many she kept you on your toes as the story progressed and bodies piled up.
Newlyweds, Elizabeth and Darcy head to Dorset to make sure the estate of his late and dear relative within order and await the reading of the will. The mysterious death of Samuel Darcy was ruled a murder. Amidst the strange happenings and sinister goings on at the estate the Darcy’s become involved in trying to solve the mystery.
I loved the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy, they were newlyweds after all and their love for one another was so delightful. I enjoyed this creative, well written and original storyline, I was thoroughly engaged throughout. All in all this was an entertaining though somewhat convoluted story.
Thank you so much Miss Jeffers for such a wonderfully delightful reading experience.
December 25, 2023
The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy
Oh what a tangled web of intrigue Regina Jeffers wove into this story. A page turner for sure as I could not stop before I finished. Married for six months, Fitzwilliam Darcy receives a letter saying that his cousin Samuel Darcy has died and his presence is requested for the reading of the will as he is one of the two heirs. His plan to to take Elizabeth on their postponed wedding trip to Dorset, stopping along the way to enjoy the sites waiting for his cousin, Cynthia to arrive, the Darcys are subjected to situations beyond imagination. Besides the death of his cousin, Mr. Darcy, and then his body disappearing, dead people are popping up all around the estate, dealing with a belligerent housekeeper, suspicious Gypsies with illegally obtained horses from Mr. Darcy’s stable, a seemingly unscrupulous doctor, witchcraft practices, a questionable magistrate, and three eager scientists from British Antiquarian Society, expecting problems, Darcy writes to his cousin for assistance and to bring reinforcements. Besides all of these problems one needs to throw in a hidden room filled with curiosities from the late Mr. Darcy’s many travels. Near death scenarios of both Elizabeth and Darcy contributed to an exiting often nail biting read.
Oh what a tangled web of intrigue Regina Jeffers wove into this story. A page turner for sure as I could not stop before I finished. Married for six months, Fitzwilliam Darcy receives a letter saying that his cousin Samuel Darcy has died and his presence is requested for the reading of the will as he is one of the two heirs. His plan to to take Elizabeth on their postponed wedding trip to Dorset, stopping along the way to enjoy the sites waiting for his cousin, Cynthia to arrive, the Darcys are subjected to situations beyond imagination. Besides the death of his cousin, Mr. Darcy, and then his body disappearing, dead people are popping up all around the estate, dealing with a belligerent housekeeper, suspicious Gypsies with illegally obtained horses from Mr. Darcy’s stable, a seemingly unscrupulous doctor, witchcraft practices, a questionable magistrate, and three eager scientists from British Antiquarian Society, expecting problems, Darcy writes to his cousin for assistance and to bring reinforcements. Besides all of these problems one needs to throw in a hidden room filled with curiosities from the late Mr. Darcy’s many travels. Near death scenarios of both Elizabeth and Darcy contributed to an exiting often nail biting read.
October 19, 2020
I like Jane Austen variations and I like to read them as a change from the
normal genres I read which need a bit more concentration. Right now with coronovirus taking such turns in our country, I thought this was a good choice for me. Boy was I wrong. It was nothing like the other off shoots of a Jane Austen story.
Starting with Darcy and Elizabeth only we find them on a cousin's house trying to sort out his estate which responsibility fell to Darcy as a beneficiary. Samuel Darcy has been killed, buried and then his corpse has disappeared. Add to this very strange domestic servants, lots of signs of witchcraft, financial misdealings and then the discovery of not one but several bodies in a row add to the stories general mayhem.
When Elizabeth is almost killed by one antagonist, the game steps up and Darcy along with his cousin the Colonel is at their wits end to find out the reasons for the killings which have rocked this tiny village.
Completely different from other JA variations, this was a strange but good read.
Lots of strands to bring together and the author brings it all home very well.
normal genres I read which need a bit more concentration. Right now with coronovirus taking such turns in our country, I thought this was a good choice for me. Boy was I wrong. It was nothing like the other off shoots of a Jane Austen story.
Starting with Darcy and Elizabeth only we find them on a cousin's house trying to sort out his estate which responsibility fell to Darcy as a beneficiary. Samuel Darcy has been killed, buried and then his corpse has disappeared. Add to this very strange domestic servants, lots of signs of witchcraft, financial misdealings and then the discovery of not one but several bodies in a row add to the stories general mayhem.
When Elizabeth is almost killed by one antagonist, the game steps up and Darcy along with his cousin the Colonel is at their wits end to find out the reasons for the killings which have rocked this tiny village.
Completely different from other JA variations, this was a strange but good read.
Lots of strands to bring together and the author brings it all home very well.
July 2, 2021
I found that like other author's I have read, Ms. Jeffers spent way too much time on the internal/external dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth. We get it, they love, respect, and adore each other. But when you spend so much time on that part of the story when this is classified as a mystery. thriller, suspense novel than you've missed the whole point of your story. When the reader spends more time skipping through your novel because of the mundane dialogue you are more likely to lose fans then you are to gain them. I also hate stupidity in characters in books as well as movies. When you make it a point for Darcy to tell anyone and everyone how intelligent and perceptive but then she act like she is an naive innocent as well as just plain dumb, you lose me. There were too many characters with their own story-lines it was difficult to keep track of the story. If the author could have stayed with the superstitions and witchcraft it would have been a very good book. Many it was intended to be a parody like "Pride, Prejudice and Zombies". I can't see giving this story more than 2 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2020
I enjoy the work of so many writers in this genre. Regina Jeffers is one who proves again and again that she can deliver a beautiful love story amidst a tale of murder and mystery. This book has it all! From the very beginning, I was engrossed, and as the plot developed with all of its twists and turns, I waited anxiously for every clue! Darcy and Elizabeth have been married only six months when Darcy receives word that his father's brother, Samuel Darcy has died. Darcy and Elizabeth decide to travel to Dorset to pay their respects and to enjoys some time alone, sea bathing and taking romantic walks together. When when ODC arrive at Darcy's uncle's estate, they learn the shocking details of his death. As they try to unravel what as occurred and why, Darcy and Elizabeth become more and more embroiled in danger and mystery while the death count rises. My review doesn't do this book the justice it deserves, but if there had been more than a 5 star rating to be had, I would certainly have given it. Excellent read!
March 15, 2017
My first book by this author. I really enjoyed this book quite a lot. This book continues from the story in P&P and sees Mr Darcy and Elizabeth venturing into the country in response to the summons that Darcy's cousin has died. The mystery deepens with every chapter.
The mystery was full of wonderful twists and turns and the relationship between Elizabeth and fitzwilliam was very well done.
2 complaints that made me give it 3 instead of 4 stars. 1st - whilst I appreciate a book based on a classic book containing many references and direct quotes to show the author has done their research and knows the original inside out, there were so many direct quotations in the first third of this book that it was a bit overwhelming.
2nd - this was quite dark in places and whilst a bit of me appreciated it, it also was a bit too dark in some places.
The mystery was full of wonderful twists and turns and the relationship between Elizabeth and fitzwilliam was very well done.
2 complaints that made me give it 3 instead of 4 stars. 1st - whilst I appreciate a book based on a classic book containing many references and direct quotes to show the author has done their research and knows the original inside out, there were so many direct quotations in the first third of this book that it was a bit overwhelming.
2nd - this was quite dark in places and whilst a bit of me appreciated it, it also was a bit too dark in some places.
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