A Ghostly Match: A Pride and Prejudice Halloween Tale

by Rachelle Ayala

👻A Halloween ball at Netherfield. A ghostly Lady in White and a hidden agenda. Can Elizabeth Bennet unmask the truth before her sister’s reputation is ruined? 👻

When the Bingleys host a spooky celebration at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet is drawn into a web of intrigue, ghostly tales, and unexpected encounters. The charming Mr. Wickham sets his sights on Jane, and Elizabeth clashes with the brooding Mr. Darcy, convinced he knows more than he’s letting on.

But when Jane disappears, Elizabeth must forge an unlikely alliance with the vexing Mr. Darcy. With her heart caught between suspicion and a growing attraction, will she unmask the hidden enemy or fall victim to it herself?

This Halloween at Netherfield promises more than just mischief—it might hold the key to love and redemption.

* * *

Historical liberties were taken concerning Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve traditions. The time period is somewhere in the generic past, although not strictly Regency England.

~

Timeless, beloved characters find themselves entangled in charming tales with delightful twists. Expect witty banter, unexpected romance, and a touch of the extraordinary. These Pride and Prejudice variations are imaginative and standalone. They can be read in any order.

A Gift Christmas - Elizabeth and Darcy’s Yuletide gift hunt sparks misunderstandings as they pretend to shop for their “intended.” Will pride keep them apart, or will holiday magic reveal true intentions?

Bewitched by Pemberley - Halloween at a perfect setting for romance, right? Not when there’s a centuries-old curse threatening to doom any woman who dares love a Darcy.

A Ghostly Match - At Netherfield’s Halloween ball, Jane vanishes. Elizabeth must team up with the infuriating Mr. Darcy to solve the mystery. Will suspicion give way to attraction as they uncover secrets and confront a wily adversary?

Between Frost and Friendship - Three gentlemen vie for Elizabeth's heart over Christmas, but only Darcy's hidden depths capture her soul. Too bad he's promised to another.

The Unromantic Mr. Darcy - When Elizabeth dismisses Mr. Darcy as hopelessly unromantic, he sets out to prove her wrong—though his awkward attempts at courtship might just make her fall in love anyway.

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.

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She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.

For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels

SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save

SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound

HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window

NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella

Reviews

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

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 a part of the Darcy and Elizabeth Forever: Pride and Prejudice Variations series. Timeless, beloved characters find themselves entangled in a charming tale with delightful twists. Expect witty banter, unexpected romance, and a touch of the extraordinary. A Pride and Prejudice Halloween, husband-hunting or haunting hearts? Historical liberties were taken concerning Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve traditions. The time period is somewhere in the generic past, although not strictly Regency England.

This story contains a Halloween ball at Netherfield, a ghostly Lady in White and a hidden agenda. Can Elizabeth Bennet unmask the truth before her sister’s reputation is ruined? When the Bingleys host a spooky celebration at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet is drawn into a web of intrigue, ghostly tales, and unexpected encounters. The charming Mr. Wickham sets his sights on Jane, and Elizabeth clashes with the brooding Mr. Darcy, convinced he knows more than he’s letting on, but when Jane disappears, Elizabeth must forge an unlikely alliance with the vexing Mr. Darcy. With her heart caught between suspicion and a growing attraction, will she unmask the hidden enemy or fall victim to it herself? This Halloween at Netherfield promises more than just mischief, it might hold the key to love and redemption. 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.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ghostly Match: A Pride and Prejudice Halloween Tale
by Rachelle Ayala

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This enchanting read transported me to a world where the charm of Jane Austen's timeless characters meets the whimsical essence of Halloween! From the very first page, I was hooked—Ayala’s clever writing style effortlessly combines wit and suspense in a way that keeps you eagerly turning pages late into the night. I had the pleasure of also listening to the audiobook, which added a magical dimension to this experience. It breathed life into Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy, making their spectral encounters and delightful banter dance vividly in my mind.

The hauntingly romantic plot weaves together the familiar themes of love and redemption with a delightful twist of supernatural intrigue that had me chuckling and gasping in equal measure! The characters are skillfully developed, and I found myself rooting for their happiness as if I were right there with them in the misty, moonlit countryside. This enchanting tale is not just a seasonal read but a treasure that warms the heart and tickles the imagination!

I wholeheartedly give it a five-star review, guaranteed to bewitch readers of all ages. Rachelle Ayala has masterfully crafted a story that is not only a homage to the beloved classic but also a spirited adventure that left me with a smile and a yearning for more!
5 out of 5 stars.

[Katja]

I read the free sample. The Bingleys, the Bennets, Darcy, Wickham and another officer are having a Halloween dinner at Netherfield. Bingley does not speak to Jane. A fortune teller comes in making cryptic pronouncements. The Bennets sleep in the guest chambers at Netherfield. Not sure why they didn't go home but Elizabeth and Jane hear ghostly voices and go to investigate, meeting the officers in the dark. Wickham explains they also heard weird noises and the other officer says Netherfield may be haunted. Darcy considers it rather peculiar that Wickham heard anything as he was not supposed to sleep at Netherfield.

The free sample ends here. It has potential but I am a little confused by the backstory, or lack of it. Mostly I don't understand why Wickham was invited. Darcy keeps scowling at Wickham so we assume that Wickham is still a scoundrel and Darcy still bears a grudge. So why is he there? Maybe it will be explained later. Or maybe not. I read the Christmas book in the series in its entirety and nothing of the backstory was ever explained. This author uses AI assistance in writing so it may be that the backstory does not exist, if it was omitted from the prompts.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween again, but at Bingley's this time! Caroline is trying very hard to entice Darcy, can she pull it off? Wickham is his usual inscrutable self. She asks her friend Lady Clara to join the entertainment, trying to get her brother to leave Jane alone.

A great romantic suspense short story from Rachelle

[Dasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Halloween take on Pride and Prejudice. The characters are familiar but the twist with the Halloween theme and then Jane missing was a great addition. I wasn't expecting the ending at all, other than Elizabeth and Darcy ending up together.
I would highly recommend if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice but would like a Halloween twist on it.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Halloween party with hidden agendas. When Elizabeth's sister goes missing, Mr Darcy steps in to help find her. The hosts sister is up to something nefarious and Elizabeth tries to figure it out. The legend of the Lady in White has the guests concerned. This story has an interesting ending.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghostly Match was another short story in this new series by Rachelle Ayala. I liked that it also took place during Halloween. It was fun with the Halloween ball and a ghost and was an easy read. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Shecki B · Rating 4 out of 5]

These remind me of the Nancy Drew stories I loved as a kid. You already know the characters, their personalities, so the story is focused on the action. These alternate Austenian stories are adventure and smoldering glances. Perfect fun for spooky season.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this genre and this is a well-written plot and my beloved characters. Hope there are more books in this genre by the author.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters. The story moved right along and kept you guessing. Fun Halloween read with delightful characters, a bit of romance and plenty of mystery.

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok