Pride and Perjury: Twelve Short Stories Inspired by Pride and Prejudice

by Alice McVeigh

Twelve deliciously witty short stories, the fourth in what Publishers Weekly described as “McVeigh's celebrated Austenesque series”.


"I have very little hope," said Mr Bennet, "of disposing of even one of my daughters much before luncheon."
(from McVeigh's Pride and Perjury)


What really happened when Wickham eloped with Lydia? What did the Longbourn servants secretly think of the Bennet sisters? Take a deep dive into Caroline Bingley's schemes, Lady Catherine's de Bourgh's diary - and Mr Knightley’s heart.

Download your copy, and fall in love with your favourite Austen characters all over again!

Previous books in this series have been shortlisted for the UK Selfies Book Awards, runner-up for Foreword Indies’ “Book of the Year,” and quarterfinalists in Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Prize. In April 2024, McVeigh's Jane Austen series won Chanticleer International's Book Series (historical).

"McVeigh's prose and plotting are pitch-perfect - she echoes the master herself" - Publishers Weekly starred review
"McVeigh displays a brilliant, spot-on command of Austen's diction and tone" - Kirkus Reviews
"It is difficult to remember that this work was not penned by Jane Austen herself." (IndieReader editorial review)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Short Stories, Historical Romance, Classics, Retellings, Anthologies

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

About the author

Alice McVeigh has been twice-published by Orion/Hachette in contemporary fiction, by UK's Unbound (using a pen name) in Kirkus-starred action adventure and by Warleigh Hall Press in her multi-award-winning Austenesque series (honoured at the last two London Book Fairs, in the 2024 and 2025 UK Selfies awards, twice finalists in FOREWORD INDIES' "Book of the Year" (2022, 2024) etc.

Alice achieved a B.Mus with distinction in performance at Jacobs Indiana University School of Music, and spent three years studying cello privately with William Pleeth, Jacqueline du Pre’s “cello daddy”. After that she freelanced with orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic and Sir John Eliot Gardiner's Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique all over the UK, the EU, America and Asia.

In the 1990s, WHILE THE MUSIC LASTS and GHOST MUSIC were published by Orion/Hachette, to wonderful reviews. Both have since been revised, and are now available in new editions, from Smashwords as well as the author's website.
("Characters rise and fall to McVeigh's superbly controlled conductor's baton” – The Sunday Telegraph. “McVeigh succeeds in harmonising a supremely comic tone with much darker notes." - The Sunday Times.)

Her fifth Austenesque novel - MARIANNE - a new-release SENSE AND SENSBILITY SEQUEL - has so far received stellar reviews from FOREWORD INDIES, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY's BOOKLIFE, the US REVIEW OF BOOKS, SPR, the INDIEREADER, HISTORICAL FICTION COMPANY, etc. It has also won Gold in the Literary Global Book Awards (romance), the American Writing Awards (romance), and the the Coffee Pot Book Awards (literary).

The previous four have been BookLife Quarterfinalists, joint runners-up in Foreword Indies' "Book of the Year" and honoured in the final seven novels considered for the 2024 UK Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair.

Alice has long been married to Professor Simon McVeigh. The McVeighs have one daughter, currently working on a PhD-level Presidential Scholarship at Harvard in Chinese Literature.

When not writing or editing, Alice is likeliest to be smiting tennis balls at the Bromley Tennis Centre. (As her daughter remarked, when aged only four: "My mum hits the ball farther than anybody!")

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars!

Every one of the twelve short stories in this anthology is an absolute gem. They showcase Ms. McVeigh's versatility, creativity, and stellar writing chops as she expands upon the characters we love (or hate) in the Jane Austen universe. Here is a brief synopsis of each:

The Housekeeper's Tale tells a very abridged account of Pride and Prejudice from the perspective of the ever-efficient Hill. The Bennets have new butler, Mr. Spencer. There's a "Downstairs" romance and a sweet surprise ending.

In One Good Sonnet, one glimpse of 15-year-old Jane Bennet inspires Mr. Paul Perkins to write (bad) romantic poetry. His mother urges him to woo Miss Jennings (the future Mrs Palmer from Sense and Sensibility). John Thorpe (of Northanger Abbey) becomes his less-than-reliable source of info about the Bennets.

In the days leading up to Valentine's Day at the Bennets, Lydia & Kitty make certain every unrelated man in the neighborhood is aware they've never received a Valentine. (hint, hint!)

Captivating Mr Darcy takes a peek into Caroline Bingley's diary, which describes her initial realization that she loves Mr Darcy and her subsequent attempts to inspire his admiration by following the advice of her married sister, Louisa.

On All Hallows Eve at the Bennets, Lydia is determined to test the folk tale that if you look in a mirror Halloween after midnight, you will see the face of the one you'll marry...or a skull, which means you'll die unmarried.

The Bennet Girls' Easter Bonnet shifts its setting back and forth between Longbourn, where the very bored Lydia and Kitty plot to put together a suitable bonnet for the upcoming holiday, and Hunsford, where Elizabeth is visiting Charlotte Collins and puzzling over Mr. Darcy's behavior.

A Heliotrope Ribbon goes to Brighton with Lydia and Mr. Wickham. He concurrently flirts with Lydia and attempts to woo the widowed and very pious Mrs. Townsend.

Of Tact and Tactics shows Anne de Bourgh at Rosings after Darcy married Elizabeth. Lots of humor in this one. Anne is completely tone deaf and has no appreciation for music whatsoever. Mr. Collins delivers a memorable eulogy at the funeral of Mrs. Johnson.

Lady Catherine Regrets gives us Lady Catherine's point of view from the time she becomes aware of the rumor Darcy is interested in Elizabeth Bennet until after her nephew marries.

A Highbury Christmas moves this anthology from Pride and Prejudice to Emma. Mr. Perry, Highbury's apothecary, has a devilish sense of humor he hides from everyone in the neighborhood except his wife, who delights in spreading local gossip.

Pride and Perjury follows Mr. Elton to Bath, where Miss Augusta Hawkins and Miss Caroline Bingley compete for his attention (Mr. Darcy having already married Elizabeth Bennet). Mr. Elton also has some unhelpful encounters with John Thorpe.

Mary Rose gives us a surprising tale about Mr. George Knightley's past. He comes across his old diary written when he was 19 years old and fell in love with a girl named Mary Rose. Bittersweet story.

The content is clean.

Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A Bookworm Crafts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alice McVeigh draws on Jane Austen's novel in this collection of short stories, presenting the same characters and scenes from a different point of view.

Some of the stories will only appeal to Pride and Prejudice afficionados as they do not add much to the narrative but others flesh out situations that are just hinted at in the original books. My favourite was A Heliotrope Ribbon, which explained how Lydia had ended up running away with Wickham from the point of view of Colonel Forster who was entrusted with her care in Brighton.

Thank you to Warleigh Hall Press and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janeites will adore these creative Austen variation stories by talented author Alice McVeigh. Recommended and thoroughly enjoyed.

[Sapir_library ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished my first book by this author, and it definitely won't be the last. I had a feeling I would enjoy this one, and I was right. As a fan of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice," I loved this collection of short stories that showcased the original characters. If you're a fan of "Pride & Prejudice," I'm confident you'll enjoy this book as well.

A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. The Housekeeper's Tale - Mrs Hill's view of Pride and Prejudice.
2. One Good Sonnet - (from the diaries of Mr Paul Perkins) - Perkins meets a 15 year old Jane Bennet while she resides in town.
3. Valentine's Day at the Bennets - Kitty and Lydia concoct a scheme so that they and their sisters receive their first Valentine. What could go wrong?
4. Captivating Mr Darcy - (from the diaries of Caroline Bingley) - She realises she actually loves Darcy, and Louise gives her a plan to capture his interest.
5. All Hallows' Eve at the Bennets- Will Lydia see her future husband in the mirror.
6. The Bennet Girls Easter Bonnet - It's Lent and Lydia is bored at Longbourn, while Elizabeth is visiting Hunsford.
7. A Heliotrope Ribbon - Lydia at Brighton.
8. Lady Catherine Regrets - What will Lady Catherine do when she hears about Darcy and Elizabeth.
9. Of Tact and Tactics - Anne de Bourgh is staying in town, but will she finally find a husband.
10. Mary Rose - Newly married Knightley reads his diary from when he was 19 and the estate had a parlour maid named Mary Rose.
11. A Highbury Christmas - Mr Perry, Apothecary is a good mimic.
12. Pride and Perjury - Elton is in Bath and meets Miss Augusta Hawkins but also Miss Caroline Bingley.
Twelve delightful and well-written short story variations mainly based on Pride and Prejudice, though with three based on Emma written mostly from the point of view of the more minor characters of the books.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Warleigh Press for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.

This is a cute collection stories about the Bennett family which gives us further insight into their personalities and some of the events that happened off page in Pride and Prejudice. They are mostly cute reading like things that may have existed, but ended up on the editing room floor.

We get a glimpse into the events of P&P from the housekeeper’s eyes and some insight to the flirtations of the staff, this story had Downton Abbey vibes.

There are stories of holidays and the giddiness of the girls over a Valentine, an Easter bonnet and a bit of scary fun at Halloween.

There is a suitor for Jane who is a poet, giving us a little more Jane’s personality and a bit of scandal. A story of Caroline Bingley’s inner thoughts about Darcy and frustration over Lizzie during P&P. As well as more of what went down with Lydia and Wickham to end them up where they did in P&P.

This is a fun little collection to yourself back into Austen‘s universe.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book contains twelve short stories based on Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' & 'Emma'. There are nine based on P&P, & three for Emma, but I enjoyed the P&P ones the most. They were all rather good, but two stood out to me: the one from the view of 'Hill', one of the servants at Longbourn, & the story based on what happened to Anne de Bourgh following Darcy's rejection.

I've read one or two retellings or reimaginings of P&P by different authors & they do vary in quality quite a bit. With regards to these stories, I thought that the author captured Jane Austen's style of writing for the new characters rather well in most cases. It was a diverting, if short, read & a complete change compared to my recent reading choices. I very much enjoyed reading the stories.

My thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Warleigh Hall Press (IBPA), for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of delightfully written “behind-the-scenes” stories, told in very Austenesque fashion, from the perspective of different characters than Jane Austen wrote about. Alice McVeigh’s dialogues add a fascinating depth to some well-loved stories - a fan fiction must!

[Brenda Hudson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelming and boring. Got 2 stars instead of 1 because at least two of the stories were decent. Felt like I was reading terrible fan fiction. Best to pass on these. Not worth the time.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of twelve short stories that draw from Pride and Prejudice as a telling of the next chapter. Not all the stories are equal. My favourite was Of Tact and Tactics. 4 stars

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked up this novel, I didn’t anticipate it was a series of 12 short stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Reading through each provided interesting details expanding on different situations from points of view of somewhat obscure or supporting characters. While the writing and the brief plots presented were well done I must admit I was disappointed that I didn’t get my “Darcy and Elizabeth fix” as I had hoped.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun collection of short stories mostly from the viewpoint of minor characters in Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed seeing the stories from a different point of view and getting insight into the lives of other players in the dramas.

Fans of Jane Austen will be delighted with most of these stories.

I enjoyed reading this, and I think you will too.

Thanks to the author. I received a complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very fond of short stories, of Jane Austen variations featuring Austen’s more obscure and ridiculous characters, and of Alice McVeigh’s work. So, I started this book with every expectation of loving it and I was not disappointed. What a charmer. I can’t wait to read McVeigh’s next effort.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘What!’ cried Elton. ‘Not Darcy of Pemberley? Are he and Bingley, then, so very well-acquainted?’
‘Aye, and always were,’ said the older man. ‘Long before Bingley wedded one sister and Darcy the other.’

Pride and Perjury: Twelve Short Stories by Alice McVeigh depicts the lives of some of the supporting characters from two of the most cherished love stories in English literature - Pride and Prejudice and Emma.

Throughout this collection of short stories, McVeigh uses the same literacy technique as many other stories that feature the main characters from Austen’s classics: pastiches. McVeigh’s evident dedication to studying Austen’s unique writing style imbues her stories with a strong sense of authenticity. The reader can transition smoothly between Austen’s books and McVeigh’s due to the similarities in writing styles. It is hard to believe that Austen didn’t write these short stories herself, as they bear such a strong resemblance to her engaging writing style.

While some adaptations of classic literature may be hit or miss, most of these short stories were captivating. However, the way Mrs Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) and Mr Knightly (Emma) were depicted was shockingly scandalous. The notion that Mrs Bennet was hooked on opium and Mr. Knightly seduced a servant didn’t align with their established character. Mrs Bennet’s nerves were a challenge for her, but the original novel doesn’t indicate any addiction as the reason for her behaviour. In this short story, John Thorpe (Northanger Abbey) falsely claims that Miss Bennet is hooked on opium, which, even for him, seems far-fetched.

It’s even more puzzling that McVeigh is very aware of her audience, yet she decides to give a cherished character like Mr Knightly a past that rivals John Willoughby (Sense and Sensibility). Prior to the start of the “Mary Rose” story, the author cautions readers that:

“Some very genuine Austen enthusiasts can’t bear any of Austen’s heroes to be less than pure on their wedding nights. If you feel this way, I respectfully suggest that you skip this short story and scroll on to the next one.”

If your goal is to alienate your readers, then this strategy might work, but the reader can only hope that was not on the author’s mind when writing this story. The character of Mr Knightly in Mary Rose was portrayed in a way that deviated significantly from Austen’s original, making the story one of the least believable, leaving a rather negative impression, and unfortunately, an unwillingness to continue reading, which would be very concerning, as the story that directly follows Mary Rose, Pride and Perjury, was by far the best story in the collection.

The abundance of Pride and Prejudice adaptations can, unfortunately, diminish its charm, as was evident in several of these stories. The Housekeeper’s Tale lacked lustre and One Good Sonnet with its scandalous suggestion of opium seemed overly monotonous and rather degrading of a beloved, if not slightly anxious, character.

Despite this, Pride and Perjury, a tale centred on the rather presumptuous clergyman, Mr. Elton, in Austen’s Emma, proved to be the most gripping. The author’s skilful storytelling in Pride and Perjury seamlessly combines the beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Northanger Abbey during their time in Bath. Among the stories in this collection, this particular one stood out as an exciting and refreshing addition, making it the clear highlight. The author’s true talent shines through in Pride and Perjury, particularly in the masterful depiction of Mr Elton’s time in Bath as he searches for a wife and the brilliant portrayal of characters like John Thorpe. Likewise, A Heliotrope Ribbon was another story where the author really understands the characters – her portrayal of Mr Wickham was brilliantly depicted.

While McVeigh’s writing bears similarities to Austen’s, and artistic freedom should be embraced, it’s crucial to keep in mind the intended readership of these stories. This collection is specifically for Austen fans. It would be almost impossible to comprehend the events in these short stories without reading the original works, which contradicts the inclusion of narratives that diminish beloved characters. This book would receive the highest recommendations if One Good Sonnet and Mary Rose were not part of the collection. From the perspective of an annoying, genuine Austen enthusiast, these two stories ruined the overall enjoyment of this book.

Nevertheless, there are stories such as Pride and Perjury that will thoroughly entertain Austen fans.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Laura Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the twelve short stories in Alice McVeigh’s Pride and Perjury. Many writers tell stories inspired by Jane Austen’s book. Unfortunately, all too often these stories involve putting a twentieth or twenty-first century heroine in a regency setting. Of course, everything works differently when one character isn’t restrained by the same rules and customs as all of the other characters. But what is the fun of that? It’s the rules that make chess . . . chess.
McVeigh has a great feel for Jane Austen’s works. Her characters move within their social circles and observe the rules. But, like many of Austen’s characters, they also know how to work the rules, to make the rules work for them. McVeigh’s characters have the same respect for, and disdain for the rules that so amuses readers in Austen’s works. In fact, it’s very easy to imagine that these stories are Austen’s own works, parts she simply forgot to write.
The story “Lady Catherine Regrets” fills in the missing scene in which Lady Catherine tries to explain to her nephew Darcy just how unreasonable and willful Elizabeth Bennet is. In attempting to divide them, she reunites them. The reader has the pleasure of seeing Lady Catherine, who is not used to being crossed, get her come-uppance. The story ends with the terse line, “Lady Catherine regrets that she is not at home this Thursday.”
Readers also enjoy watching Anne de Bourgh in her pursuit of a suitable husband, and an escape from her mother now that Darcy is clearly not available. We get a plausible explanation for what might have induced Wickham to run off with Lydia, despite her lack of fortune.
My favorite story from the collection is ”Pride and Perjury,” the story of Mr. Elton’s trip to Bath in pursuit of a wife so that he can show Emma Wodehouse what a desirable husband he is. As we read about characters from Emma, characters from Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey, turn up in Bath as well. We meet several brothers, or brothers-in-law who see what a great catch Mr. Elton is, and are eager to dispose of their sisters.
Miss Augusta Hawkins brags about her sister Selina Suckling, her husband Mr. Suckling, and their estate, Maple Grove. But was Mr. Suckling really so fond of his loud, annoying, and know-it-all sister-in-law. In the story that gives the collection its title, McVeigh shows us a Mr. Suckling doing everything possible to forward her match with Mr. Elton, included arranging for a private tete a tete in which Mr. Elton can propose.
“And by the time Selina had returned, all was settled—beyond the date that was to make Mr. Suckling the happiest of men.”
Later, when asked about the match, “’We shall all miss her a great deal,’ said Mr. Suckling, without being struck by lightning on the spot.”
This is a fun collection that is well worth reading.

[Summer Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pride and Perjury" is a wonderful collection of 12 Austenesque short stories, from author Alice McVeigh! The historical setting was described very well. Each story was an absolute delight to read and provides a lot of insight into the characters we know and love as well as the events surrounding their stories. I enjoyed seeing the different points of view and additional information from different characters. This is the perfect collection for any and every Jane Austen fan! I've had so much fun reading. These were some of my favorite things to read about in this collection:

Mr Perkins writing poetry about Jane

Lydia and Kitty's Valentine's Day shenanigans! Those two are always getting into mischief. Love them!

Caroline Bingley's inner thoughts and emotions in regard to Mr Darcy

Lydia and Kitty's All Hallow's Eve antics!

Learning more about Lady Catherine and Anne

Seeing more of Elizabeth and Lady Catherine's conversation at Longbourn! Well done, Elizabeth!

Mr Knightley's journals

And so much more!

I think the journal entries and letters were a great narrative choice! It provides insight and a look into the lives of these characters in a way that feels fresh. They were fun to read! I'm glad the author has included them.

I am always very impressed with this author's amazing ability to craft stories about the Austen characters we know and love in a way that feels original and fresh while remaining true to Jane Austen's work and characters! This is a must-read. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Such a fun way to revisit and explore the worlds and characters that Jane has created with a refreshing and original spin. The author wonderfully captures the style, spirit, and wit of Austen. 5 stars! Read this collection! You will be so glad you did.

Thank you very much to the author for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.

[Serendipity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Perjury was a fun and charming read; twelve short stories set in the world crested by Jane Austen. Nine were connected to Pride and Prejudice; the other three to Emma. I loved that the language stayed true to the original and that many stories either retold original plot points from the perspective other characters or imaginatively fleshed out events that mostly happened off page. Others involved fun twists like bringing together characters from different books. The opening story was told from the perspective of Mrs Hill, the Bennett's housekeeper. It touched on all the main events from Pride and Prejudice, gave the servants' perspective on the Bennetts, and included details of the servants' love lives. The one between Mrs Hill and Mr Spencer, the new butler, and reminded me of Downton Abbey's romance between Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes. Mr Spencer's droll perceptive comments helped make this story one of my favourites. I also enjoyed McVeigh's take on how the events at Brighton might have played out, as well as the diary she created for Caroline Bingley, where she outlined her failed attempt to snare Mr Darcy. Occasionally, characters' actions and behaviours didn't align with how I perceived them based on Austen's writing. This isn't to say that these stories were bad, just that they didn't suit my preference, which is to hew close to the original. Overall, though, this book was a delightful dip into Austen's world, one that scratched my Austen itch without my needing to commit to a reread.

Many thanks to @netgalley, the author and publisher for my eARC.

[Amanda Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Jane Austen, then you’re in for a treat with this collection of stories! All twelve of the stories nest nicely alongside the canon tales that they are inspired by, giving the reader an expanded view of scenes that were not included in Austen’s books.


My personal favorite was the titular “Pride and Perjury” which is told from Mr. Elton (from Emma)’s point of view. I found it hilarious to witness his adventures in Bath, as he tries to decide which heiress will best suit him to erase the sting of Emma’s refusal. Faced with the choice between Augusta Hawkins and Caroline Bingley, the reader wonders which snobby lady he truly deserves.


I was also amused by “Captivating Mr. Darcy”, written from the diaries of Caroline Bingley, which explores her infatuation of him and attempts to draw his attention, leading up to her giving way to Elizabeth Bennet.


“A Highbury Christmas”, from the diaries of Mr. Perry (the apothecary in Emma) was very diverting– I was quite in stitches over Mr. and Mrs. Perry’s senses of humor, while “Mary Rose”, by turn, moved me to tears.


All in all, it was a delightful collection of stories featuring characters from Emma and Pride and Prejudice

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming and well-written collection of stories. Some of the stories have new content; others are retellings of Austen's novels from another character's perspective. It was enjoyable to revisit Jane Austen's worlds from some new points-of-view (e.g., a servant's). It was also fun to see "worlds collide" as Austen characters interacted across novels. The writing style was very similar to Austen's, and I really enjoyed the original characters in the first story especially.

This was almost a five-star read for me. However, I found the twist in George Knightley's back-story very problematic. Caroline Bingley's diary entries also felt a bit out-of-character, in my opinion, and the narration in "Easter Bonnet" was occasionally jumpy, but these are minor quibbles.

Note: It did not impact my rating at all, but these stories do not have much focus on Darcy & Elizabeth or Knightley & Emma; they center on minor or original characters.

Austen fans looking for a quick, easy read in the settings they already know and love will enjoy this collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC; this review contains my honest opinions.

[MB Bertram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Perjury is a collection of 12 short stories, nine of them based on Pride and Prejudice and three on Emma. I loved the behind the scenes view Alice McVeigh gives us of our favorite characters’ lives as well as a more in-depth view of the side characters that populate Jane Austen’s novels.

The Housekeeper’s Tale and Lady Catherine Regrets were my two favorite stories. In the Housekeeper's Tale, Ms. McVeigh improved on the original story in the only way possible - by adding a Shakespeare-quoting character. Looking over Lady Catherine’s shoulder as she attempts to thwart the engagement of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy is fascinating (and a little heart-breaking).

Overall, this is an amazing collection of short stories that pays tribute to Jane Austen and her beloved novels. It makes me want to reread the originals then reread the short stories again.
Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me access to the ARC of this book.

[Gaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories inspired by Jane Austen's works, particularly Pride and Prejudice and Emma.
These are not retelling, but rather we find new tales from the point of view of the servants or the telling of facts that were only mentioned in Austen's novels.
These are well-written tales that will surely not displease the most avid Janeites.

I thank Warleigh Hall Press and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Una collezione di racconti ispirati alle opere di Jane Austen, in particolare Orgoglio e pregiudizio ed Emma.
Non si tratta di una riscrittura, ma di nuovi racconti dal punto di vista della servitù o della narrazione di fatti che nei romanzi della Austen erano solo accennati.
Sono racconti ben scritti che sicuramente non dispiaceranno alle Janeite più accanite.

Ringrazio Warleigh Hall Press e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia digitale di questo libro in cambio di una recensione onesta.

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t have high hopes for this, as most of the Jane Austen fan fiction I’ve read so far leaves me frustrated. But these short stories by Alice McVeigh are quite good.

Each story takes a situation from one of Austen’s novels (most of them from Pride and Prejudice) and recounts it from a different point of view. So, for example, we have some of the scenes from the Bennett household told from the point of view of the servant, Hill, and the elopment of Wickham and Lydia told from Lydia’s point of view. Lady Catherine deBurgh must have her say, as well.

I loved the way McVeigh brought in characters from other novels. Most of the short stories are based on Pride and Prejudice, but characters from Emma and Northanger Abbey appear in them.

Topping it off, author Alice McVeigh has a delightful sense of dry, Jane-ish humor as well. For example:

“. . . five young ladies performed, though not one in any danger of throwing their audience into ecstasies.”

[Mandy Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you thank you Alice!!! This was an absolute treat, thank you so much for sending me a copy 🥰💞

Pride and Perjury is a delightful collection of short stories inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (plus three about Emma). Featuring a mashup of beloved and new characters, these stories explore the BTS of Austen’s classic novels and answer all of the burning questions you’ve ever had about P&P, like . . . What did the servants of Longbourn really think of the Bennet girls? Who was the gentleman who wrote Jane Bennet very pretty verses?? And what does Caroline Bingley say about Mr. Darcy in her diary???

These stories are amazing. So well written and in such Austenesque style, they are true masterpieces of the JAFF genre. I especially loved reading the authors notes with each chapter—they were filled with fun facts, and I loved having a those little glimpses into context and inspiration behind the story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[A_Reading_Obsession · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Austen fan, I was intrigued by both the title and description of this book. It's an anthology of the Pride and Prejudice side character perspectives as well as a few other Austen perspectives.

I enjoyed most of these stories, they were unique and fun. I enjoyed the Lady Catherine one in particular, it was interesting to see her perspective and it made me understand her better. However there is one Emma story towards the end that ruined my mood terribly. There was a warning at the start but that wasn't even the issue for me, it was the twist at the end of it that made me feel awful and a bit horrified to be honest. Thank god it's not canon.

So unfortunately this particular one brought my rating down from a 3 star to a 2.5 (still rounded to 3 because the other stories are enjoyable.)

Thank you so much, to Warleigh Hall Press, Alice McVeigh and NetGallery for the ARC, these are my honest thoughts

[PR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully conceived, beautifully imagined, beautifully written...kind of beautifully repetitive...

I have imagined the futures, fates, families, and etc of the Jane Austen set of folks so many times. Have read a few of the Austen variations from a few authors...this author's endeavors really are wonderful... Hold up well in comparison with the other authors I have read, in this vein... Stephanie Barron is my favorite!
P.D. James 'Death at Pemberly' is a Masterpiece. I think Alice McVeigh is a close contender!
I have enjoyed her Variations and Short Stories very much...she seamlessly weaves her tales with Jane system's writing to add to and enhance the tales Jane tells.
There was a lot of repetition in the telling for those of us who are Austen fanatics and I found that I did nor mind so much being reminded of the originals!
She has done a beautiful job.

[Molly Parsons-O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Warleigh Hall Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I’m always a sucker for Austen variations and Pride and Perjury did not disappoint. This is a collection of twelve short stories, largely set within the extended world of Pride and Prejudice but also featuring further glimpses into the characters of Emma, Love and Friendship and Northanger Abbey. McVeigh’s writing style feels very in tune with the original novels and her stories therefore feel like very plausible extensions to these well-loved plots. So if you’ve ever wondered how the elopement between Lydia and Mr Wickham really went down, how Mr Elton persuaded Miss Hawkins to marry him so quickly after Emma rejected him and what was going through Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s head when she burst into Longbourne to try to get Elizabeth Bennet away from her nephew, then this is the collection for you.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading classics - it’s one of my favorite things to do and I reread Jane Austen’s works at least once a year.

I also really enjoy Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF), particularly, P&P reimaginings and sequels, and whenever I see a new title who’s synopsis catches my interest, I will read it (with varying degrees of reader enjoyment). Such was the case for Pride and Perjury - I also really enjoy short stories from time to time and was excited to start this.

I was pleased and impressed by how well written this collection is - the stories are engaging and the text is very appropriate for the time, Ms McVeigh successfully captured the tone of Austen’s writing. I very much enjoyed this and definitely recommend to Jane Austen fans.



Thank you to Warleigh Hall Press and NetGalley for the DRC

[Emilia Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book so I was excited to see any reimagings and fresh perspectives. I do think the fact that some of the stories aren’t actually based off of Pride and Prejudice that the title should be changed. A couple of the stories were a bit slow and felt like filler but some of them were really well written. Novels and short stories like this are essentially fanfiction but because the novels they are based on are in the public domain they don’t fall under that umbrella. I might have to check out Alice McVeigh’s other works. Thank you to Warleigh Hall Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and NetGalley for the arc of this book.

[Bookish Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Alice McVeigh! This book of stories is inspired by different events and characters from Pride and Prejudice (as well as Emma) and cover many plot points from the book. I love getting an inside look into a minor character’s thoughts or seeing a scene play out from a different point of view. How does Hill survive caring for Mrs. Bennett’s poor nerves and what might have happened for Lydia and Wickham to run away together? All of this and more is beautifully detailed in a similar style to Austen herself. I laughed out loud and enjoyed every clever detail. I loved reading these scenes as imagined by McVeigh! Very well done and I highly recommend! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of Jane Austen's novels, I have read and watch many Pride and Prejudice re-tellings and sequels. I am so glad I gave Pride and Prejury a read.

The delightful series of short stories give the reader a taste of Austen goodness for those that have already read everything thing she wrote. The stories includes re-tellings of Pride and Prejudice and other Austen books told from the perspective of other characters. I particularly enjoyed the re-telling of Pride and Prejudice from the viewpoint of the parties' servants and the stories set during various holidays including Valentine's Day and All Hallows' Eve. I found Alice McVeigh's writing to be authentic to the period in which the books were set.

Four stars!