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Goodbye Wickham: A Comedy of Attempted Murder
Love, Laughter, and Lethal How will Kitty and Lydia Rid Themselves of a Dastardly Wickham?
Four years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are wed, Kitty Bennet receives a disturbing letter from Lydia begging her sister to visit. But when Kitty arrives in Newcastle, she finds Lydia living in squalor and terror. Worse, Wickham’s drunken rages leave marks not just on Lydia but on her two young daughters. Desperation calls for drastic measures, and the sisters quickly realize to ensure Lydia's safety, Wickham must go—permanently.
Unfortunately, neither is adept at murder.
From botched poisonings to cliff-side mishaps, Kitty and Lydia’s attempts to eliminate Wickham become a series of hilariously doomed plots. As they scramble to protect Lydia and her children, the unexpected attention of Lieutenant Denny, who seems to have genuine affection for Lydia, adds a new twist to their adventures. Could he be the ally they desperately need?
Join Kitty and Lydia in their misadventures as they navigate Regency society with wit, humor, and an ever-evolving arsenal of absurd schemes to rid themselves of the loathsome Wickham. Will they succeed in their daring mission?
Goodbye A Comedy of Attempted Murder is an oddball Pride and Prejudice sequel of 28,000 words, striking just the right balance of drama and farce with a guaranteed happy ending (but only for those who deserve it.)
Though this book takes a lighthearted approach to the murdering, domestic violence is a serious issue, especially in a time where women had few options outside of marriage and little chance of retaining custody of their children even if they did manage a divorce. In the words of British filmmaker and writer, Peter Ustinov, “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” Hopefully this book succeeds at this. And that you have some good laughs at Mr. Wickham’s expense.
Four years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are wed, Kitty Bennet receives a disturbing letter from Lydia begging her sister to visit. But when Kitty arrives in Newcastle, she finds Lydia living in squalor and terror. Worse, Wickham’s drunken rages leave marks not just on Lydia but on her two young daughters. Desperation calls for drastic measures, and the sisters quickly realize to ensure Lydia's safety, Wickham must go—permanently.
Unfortunately, neither is adept at murder.
From botched poisonings to cliff-side mishaps, Kitty and Lydia’s attempts to eliminate Wickham become a series of hilariously doomed plots. As they scramble to protect Lydia and her children, the unexpected attention of Lieutenant Denny, who seems to have genuine affection for Lydia, adds a new twist to their adventures. Could he be the ally they desperately need?
Join Kitty and Lydia in their misadventures as they navigate Regency society with wit, humor, and an ever-evolving arsenal of absurd schemes to rid themselves of the loathsome Wickham. Will they succeed in their daring mission?
Goodbye A Comedy of Attempted Murder is an oddball Pride and Prejudice sequel of 28,000 words, striking just the right balance of drama and farce with a guaranteed happy ending (but only for those who deserve it.)
Though this book takes a lighthearted approach to the murdering, domestic violence is a serious issue, especially in a time where women had few options outside of marriage and little chance of retaining custody of their children even if they did manage a divorce. In the words of British filmmaker and writer, Peter Ustinov, “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” Hopefully this book succeeds at this. And that you have some good laughs at Mr. Wickham’s expense.
- GenresRegency
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
37 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 25, 2024
Pride and prejudice sequel and dark humor.
It's a few years after Lydia's elopement and her life is far from easy. All the glitter has been forcefully removed from her eyes. Literally.
Kitty visits with aunt Gardiner and learns the worst of her sister's situation. Together, the girls devise a plan to save Lydia and her two daughters.
What follows is a dark humor slapstick as every plan goes wrong. It would be hysterical if the subject matter wasn't so bleak.
I loved that Kitty is a more mature version of herself, while at the same time to two girls can fall back into girly cahoots.
Wickham has the luck of the Beelzebub, until he doesn't.
The story is told at a great pace and the comedic timing works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a few years after Lydia's elopement and her life is far from easy. All the glitter has been forcefully removed from her eyes. Literally.
Kitty visits with aunt Gardiner and learns the worst of her sister's situation. Together, the girls devise a plan to save Lydia and her two daughters.
What follows is a dark humor slapstick as every plan goes wrong. It would be hysterical if the subject matter wasn't so bleak.
I loved that Kitty is a more mature version of herself, while at the same time to two girls can fall back into girly cahoots.
Wickham has the luck of the Beelzebub, until he doesn't.
The story is told at a great pace and the comedic timing works.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4
June 1, 2024
When Kitty visits Lydia in Newcastle she discovers a changed woman. Threatened by her drinking and gambling husband Lydia and her two girls are deeply unhappy. Then Lydia, after a terrible encounter with her husband, confesses to Kitty that she wishes her husband dead, making the latter think about how this may be accomplished.
But wishing one dead and eventually killing them are two different things. Especially when the target is, as it seems, not willing to die. Will Kitty and Lydia nevertheless be able to lighten Lydia's situation? Will they really need to become murderers? Or will the situation be resolved in another way?
This story was very well written by the author Violet King. It is a really funny one that made me laugh out loud several times, especially when Kitty and Lydia are plotting their attempts to murder Wickham ... And have no success.
The topic of attempted murder is a bit morbid but when one takes it not too seriously this book is a great entertainment. And the dialogues, especially between the plotting parties, are sometimes hilarious.
I really like the creativity Lydia and Kitty show in plotting against Lydia's husband. They think about various types and manners in which one may die and try their best, but every time Wickham is able to escape for various reasons.
It is especially Kitty who is plotting to help her sister escape her lot. I like that she is no longer dependent on Lydia but takes the lead and does things on her own (plotting a murder is maybe not the best way to do things on your own but, hey, one needs to start somewhere 😉).
The story is not only funny, I also felt compassion for Lydia and her girls. No one should be a victim of a violent husband, not ever a once silly girl like Lydia. I like that she is now mature enough to not only think of herself but to protect her daughters in her abilities and tries to make their lives as agreeable as possible.
In the end, luckily, everyone gets what he deserves ... For some it takes only a while longer.
Apart from that there is only one villain in the story, you may guess who 😉
If you, like myself, always wanted to kill Wickham and want to know what Lydia's and Kitty's attempts are you should definitely read this funny book.
I highly recommend it.
Please note, the story is about attempted murders and it also contains (domestic) violence. There are no graphical descriptions of violence or murder but descriptions of the consequences of violence and the attempts of murder, the latter in a funny and comical way, but these topics may nevertheless not be appropriate for all readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But wishing one dead and eventually killing them are two different things. Especially when the target is, as it seems, not willing to die. Will Kitty and Lydia nevertheless be able to lighten Lydia's situation? Will they really need to become murderers? Or will the situation be resolved in another way?
This story was very well written by the author Violet King. It is a really funny one that made me laugh out loud several times, especially when Kitty and Lydia are plotting their attempts to murder Wickham ... And have no success.
The topic of attempted murder is a bit morbid but when one takes it not too seriously this book is a great entertainment. And the dialogues, especially between the plotting parties, are sometimes hilarious.
I really like the creativity Lydia and Kitty show in plotting against Lydia's husband. They think about various types and manners in which one may die and try their best, but every time Wickham is able to escape for various reasons.
It is especially Kitty who is plotting to help her sister escape her lot. I like that she is no longer dependent on Lydia but takes the lead and does things on her own (plotting a murder is maybe not the best way to do things on your own but, hey, one needs to start somewhere 😉).
The story is not only funny, I also felt compassion for Lydia and her girls. No one should be a victim of a violent husband, not ever a once silly girl like Lydia. I like that she is now mature enough to not only think of herself but to protect her daughters in her abilities and tries to make their lives as agreeable as possible.
In the end, luckily, everyone gets what he deserves ... For some it takes only a while longer.
Apart from that there is only one villain in the story, you may guess who 😉
If you, like myself, always wanted to kill Wickham and want to know what Lydia's and Kitty's attempts are you should definitely read this funny book.
I highly recommend it.
Please note, the story is about attempted murders and it also contains (domestic) violence. There are no graphical descriptions of violence or murder but descriptions of the consequences of violence and the attempts of murder, the latter in a funny and comical way, but these topics may nevertheless not be appropriate for all readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2024
This book is a Pride and Prejudice variation and is set at a time when Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, and Lydia Bennett are all married. Lydia has two young daughters, and Wickham is everything Darcy said and more. While she's stepped up to provide what she can for herself and her children, Lydia reaches out to kitty to come visit her in Newcastle, hoping Kitty can help her figure out what to do.
Kitty, with her father’s permission, travels to Newcastle with her Aunt Gardiner who’s always a steady and calming influence. Kitty and Lydia conspire to bring about a resolution to Lydia’s dilemma, but each attempt they make is thwarted. Even when Aunt Gardiner offers advice, things go awry.
This Pride and Prejudice variation is not strictly true to the original, but it is a lot of fun to read. I felt sorry for Lydia as her marriage proved more difficult for her and her children than anyone could have predicted.
There are instances of physical abuse in the book, there is also a good deal of humor, and the ending left me smiling.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Kitty, with her father’s permission, travels to Newcastle with her Aunt Gardiner who’s always a steady and calming influence. Kitty and Lydia conspire to bring about a resolution to Lydia’s dilemma, but each attempt they make is thwarted. Even when Aunt Gardiner offers advice, things go awry.
This Pride and Prejudice variation is not strictly true to the original, but it is a lot of fun to read. I felt sorry for Lydia as her marriage proved more difficult for her and her children than anyone could have predicted.
There are instances of physical abuse in the book, there is also a good deal of humor, and the ending left me smiling.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
June 9, 2024
Original
I like the setup. I do not consider this a laugh-out-loud comedy, but it's light enough to not be taken seriously.
What I didn't like:
The brief portrayal of Elizabeth and Darcy (offscreen). Kitty and Lydia felt a certain way about The Darcys but had no problem receiving funds from them. And who is Mrs. Gardiner to "insist" that Elizabeth/Darcy give even more money to Lydia? My goodness. I'm surprised Lydia and Kitty moved so close to the Darcys.
I like the setup. I do not consider this a laugh-out-loud comedy, but it's light enough to not be taken seriously.
What I didn't like:
The brief portrayal of Elizabeth and Darcy (offscreen). Kitty and Lydia felt a certain way about The Darcys but had no problem receiving funds from them. And who is Mrs. Gardiner to "insist" that Elizabeth/Darcy give even more money to Lydia? My goodness. I'm surprised Lydia and Kitty moved so close to the Darcys.
September 12, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand. Though this book takes a lighthearted approach to the murdering, domestic violence is a serious issue, especially in a time where women had few options outside of marriage and little chance of retaining custody of their children even if they did manage a divorce. In the words of British filmmaker and writer, Peter Ustinov, “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” Hopefully this book succeeds at this. And that you have some good laughs at Mr. Wickham’s expense.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is part of the Oddball Pride and Prejudice Variations and Sequels series. Love, laughter, and lethal plots, How will Kitty and Lydia Rid Themselves of a Dastardly Wickham?
Join Kitty and Lydia in their misadventures as they navigate Regency society with wit, humor, and an ever-evolving arsenal of absurd schemes to rid themselves of the loathsome Wickham. Will they succeed in their daring mission? This is sequel to the classic tale, striking just the right balance of drama and farce with a guaranteed happy ending (but only for those who deserve it).
Four years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are wed, Kitty Bennet receives a disturbing letter from Lydia begging her sister to visit, but when Kitty arrives in Newcastle, she finds Lydia living in squalor and terror. Worse, Wickham’s drunken rages leave marks not just on Lydia but on her two young daughters. Desperation calls for drastic measures, and the sisters quickly realize to ensure Lydia's safety, Wickham must go, permanently, unfortunately, neither is adept at murder.
From botched poisonings to cliff-side mishaps, Kitty and Lydia’s attempts to eliminate Wickham become a series of hilariously doomed plots. As they scramble to protect Lydia and her children, the unexpected attention of Lieutenant Denny, who seems to have genuine affection for Lydia, adds a new twist to their adventures. Could he be the ally they desperately need?
So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand. Though this book takes a lighthearted approach to the murdering, domestic violence is a serious issue, especially in a time where women had few options outside of marriage and little chance of retaining custody of their children even if they did manage a divorce. In the words of British filmmaker and writer, Peter Ustinov, “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” Hopefully this book succeeds at this. And that you have some good laughs at Mr. Wickham’s expense.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is part of the Oddball Pride and Prejudice Variations and Sequels series. Love, laughter, and lethal plots, How will Kitty and Lydia Rid Themselves of a Dastardly Wickham?
Join Kitty and Lydia in their misadventures as they navigate Regency society with wit, humor, and an ever-evolving arsenal of absurd schemes to rid themselves of the loathsome Wickham. Will they succeed in their daring mission? This is sequel to the classic tale, striking just the right balance of drama and farce with a guaranteed happy ending (but only for those who deserve it).
Four years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are wed, Kitty Bennet receives a disturbing letter from Lydia begging her sister to visit, but when Kitty arrives in Newcastle, she finds Lydia living in squalor and terror. Worse, Wickham’s drunken rages leave marks not just on Lydia but on her two young daughters. Desperation calls for drastic measures, and the sisters quickly realize to ensure Lydia's safety, Wickham must go, permanently, unfortunately, neither is adept at murder.
From botched poisonings to cliff-side mishaps, Kitty and Lydia’s attempts to eliminate Wickham become a series of hilariously doomed plots. As they scramble to protect Lydia and her children, the unexpected attention of Lieutenant Denny, who seems to have genuine affection for Lydia, adds a new twist to their adventures. Could he be the ally they desperately need?
So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 30, 2024
A darkly humorous story overall, with a sweet ending, in spite of the sadness that is the basis of the story. Lydia is in a living hell, unfortunately of her own making. Wickham is horrible to her, taking almost all the money they have and spending it on drink and gambling, and abusing her regularly. Kitty and Mrs. Gardiner go to Newcastle after Kitty becomes concerned about Lydia when she begs Kitty to come visit.
Much of the story is told from Kitty's point of view, but not narrated by her. When Kitty realizes how much Lydia is being abused, she and Lydia decide that they have to kill Wickham to save Lydia and her two daughters, who are already afraid of their father. I enjoyed the various schemes they used and the way that they failed was funny in a sad way.
It was a fast-paced book, and I enjoyed it a lot. You have to read it to find out the rest of what happens. There is a romance that starts out behind the scenes and blooms into a sweet love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review, which is my own true and independent opinion.
Much of the story is told from Kitty's point of view, but not narrated by her. When Kitty realizes how much Lydia is being abused, she and Lydia decide that they have to kill Wickham to save Lydia and her two daughters, who are already afraid of their father. I enjoyed the various schemes they used and the way that they failed was funny in a sad way.
It was a fast-paced book, and I enjoyed it a lot. You have to read it to find out the rest of what happens. There is a romance that starts out behind the scenes and blooms into a sweet love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review, which is my own true and independent opinion.
June 5, 2024
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
As a young and foolish teenager, Lydia Bennet had thought it a lark to run off with George Wickham. Imagining a gay whirl of dancing and Society, as the wife of an officer.
Reality should have dawned on her, when Wickham had to be bribed to marry her.
Now, after four years of marriage to a violent, dissolute blackguard, her greatest desire is widowhood!
She writes in desperation to her sister, Kitty.
On arrival in Newcastle, Kitty is shocked to find Lydia living in squalor, with her two young daughters. Marks of Wickham's physical and emotional abuse are seen on all the Wickham females.
The only answer is to engineer the death of Wickham, without getting caught.
Easier said than done with a man who seems to have the luck of the devil!
We follow Lydia and Kitty in their failed attempts, but assistance may be found in a handsome and kindly officer!
I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure that I'd call it a comedy. Black humour perhaps.
Well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
As a young and foolish teenager, Lydia Bennet had thought it a lark to run off with George Wickham. Imagining a gay whirl of dancing and Society, as the wife of an officer.
Reality should have dawned on her, when Wickham had to be bribed to marry her.
Now, after four years of marriage to a violent, dissolute blackguard, her greatest desire is widowhood!
She writes in desperation to her sister, Kitty.
On arrival in Newcastle, Kitty is shocked to find Lydia living in squalor, with her two young daughters. Marks of Wickham's physical and emotional abuse are seen on all the Wickham females.
The only answer is to engineer the death of Wickham, without getting caught.
Easier said than done with a man who seems to have the luck of the devil!
We follow Lydia and Kitty in their failed attempts, but assistance may be found in a handsome and kindly officer!
I enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure that I'd call it a comedy. Black humour perhaps.
Well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2024
Lydia begs Kitty to come to Newcastle to "visit" her niece. Kitty travels there with aunt Gardiner. She finds signs of abuse and neglect perpetrated on Lydia by Wickham. Mr. Denny lives nearby and frequently helps out with providing meals and attention to the family. However, as Lydia blurts out her dearest wish that he "would just die" in talking to Kitty about Wickham, the idea to make that happen occurs to Kitty.
Soon we are reading as one attempt after another is planned and fails. While I did not want "murder" to occur I kept waiting for something else to maybe happen to do away with the villain.
The Wickhams have two daughters and my heart went out to them as we learn that they are not free from their father's temper at times, also.
I was happy with the solution and enjoyed the epilogue. A short and amusing story!
Soon we are reading as one attempt after another is planned and fails. While I did not want "murder" to occur I kept waiting for something else to maybe happen to do away with the villain.
The Wickhams have two daughters and my heart went out to them as we learn that they are not free from their father's temper at times, also.
I was happy with the solution and enjoyed the epilogue. A short and amusing story!
May 27, 2024
This novella is a kind of Pride and Prejudice sequel, featuring some of the same characters. Mr Wickham isn't a nice man, and Kitty and Lydia are plotting to put him out of the way.
This was only a shortish read, but I found it quite fun. It was lighthearted, and I did find it quite entertaining and amusing. I've read a few books by this author before, and I like her quirky, lighthearted style of writing and the way she portrays characters.
If you are a fan of the original Pride and Prejudice story, then this little variation may interest you.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was only a shortish read, but I found it quite fun. It was lighthearted, and I did find it quite entertaining and amusing. I've read a few books by this author before, and I like her quirky, lighthearted style of writing and the way she portrays characters.
If you are a fan of the original Pride and Prejudice story, then this little variation may interest you.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2024
I should probably not admit that I enjoyed this little romp. It's a little macabre and ghoulish in premise but you can't help but feel for Lydia who at this point is what? 18? 19? . And they are bumbling in their efforts, but still. I shouldn't have enjoyed it, but I did. There I admitted it. A guilty pleasure of a dark comedy.
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.
June 15, 2024
Goodbye Earl meets Jane Austen.
Lydia has grown up and regrets running off with Wickham, who is physically and financially abusive. Scared for herself and her 2 young daughters, Lydia conspires with her favorite sister to end Wickham before he hurts them again.
They have less luck than Mary Ann and Wanda, and need to come up with additional plans as Wickham continues to wriggle free as always.
Lydia has grown up and regrets running off with Wickham, who is physically and financially abusive. Scared for herself and her 2 young daughters, Lydia conspires with her favorite sister to end Wickham before he hurts them again.
They have less luck than Mary Ann and Wanda, and need to come up with additional plans as Wickham continues to wriggle free as always.
February 6, 2025
Goodbye Wickham
Personally I did not find this funny. I felt heavily for Lydia. There were many attempts but he was very lucky. We do have a hero, whom did not need to act, thankfully. We do get a hea.
Personally I did not find this funny. I felt heavily for Lydia. There were many attempts but he was very lucky. We do have a hero, whom did not need to act, thankfully. We do get a hea.
July 1, 2024
Hardly comic
Well written but far from a comedy; entire book about domestic abuse. If you know this in advance it won't come as a shock
Well written but far from a comedy; entire book about domestic abuse. If you know this in advance it won't come as a shock
October 18, 2024
This one I didn’t like, I didn’t find it funny but grim. Not my cup of tea
October 25, 2024
The premise is clever and has such potential for hilarity. But the actual plot was mundane and there was no twist at the end. Just blah.
November 11, 2024
Not my favorite JAFF ever, but I always like a story where Wickham gets his comeuppance in a major way and this one had a satisfying end to my favorite hated villain. I mean, think about it. He's near thirty when he preys on a fifteen year old Georgiana and then even older when he captures Lydia Bennet. What kind of disgusting man does that and gets away with it? I get that Jane Austen wrote in a different time and place, that girls married much earlier and men married later (hello Mr. Knightley) but honestly, Wickham should have had his delicate parts removed and strung up by his toenails for his crimes. So this novella gave me that satisfaction without changing the elements of the original too much.
The one reason I dropped a star was because I didn't like the author's portrayal of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's indifference. Maybe it was a case of unreliable narrator (Kitty and Lydia never seemed to care much for either of them) but that one seemed to deviate wildly from the original work. Elizabeth sent monetary gifts regularly using her pin money and Mr. Darcy did seem to have a little more compassion in the end for her family in all their flawed glory.
Otherwise, fun read and satisfying end to Wickham.
The one reason I dropped a star was because I didn't like the author's portrayal of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's indifference. Maybe it was a case of unreliable narrator (Kitty and Lydia never seemed to care much for either of them) but that one seemed to deviate wildly from the original work. Elizabeth sent monetary gifts regularly using her pin money and Mr. Darcy did seem to have a little more compassion in the end for her family in all their flawed glory.
Otherwise, fun read and satisfying end to Wickham.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews