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Eavesdroppers Never Hear: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
They say eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves, which is mostly true. Sometimes, though, hearing something bad can at least be something useful.
Elizabeth Bennet overhears one of the nastier comments made by the Netherfield ‘ladies’ while Jane was ill at Netherfield and cannot quite keep it to herself. She talks it over with Jane, and they take direct action rather than sitting around demurely waiting for something to happen. Their actions change the whole course of their interactions with the Netherfield party.
Who wins? Who loses? How will it all work out? Let’s find out.
This is a low-angst, happy romance story.
Elizabeth Bennet overhears one of the nastier comments made by the Netherfield ‘ladies’ while Jane was ill at Netherfield and cannot quite keep it to herself. She talks it over with Jane, and they take direct action rather than sitting around demurely waiting for something to happen. Their actions change the whole course of their interactions with the Netherfield party.
Who wins? Who loses? How will it all work out? Let’s find out.
This is a low-angst, happy romance story.
228 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
193 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 28, 2025
The premise here is really, really good. Elizabeth overhears Caroline and Louisa's jeering comments about her and her family. Although Mr. Bingley attempts to defend their guests, Mr. Darcy's response implies his agreement, and neither he nor Mr. Bingley censures the catty sisters for their vitriol.
When a furious Elizabeth shares what she heard with Jane, neither are comfortable staying at Netherfield any longer, and they immediately prepare to leave. They refuse the offer of a carriage even though Jane IS quite ill, thus making it clear they want no part of the Bingley family "hospitality." When pressed by the gentlemen to explain the reason for their hasty departure and refusal of the carriage, the Bennet sisters don't mince words--while remaining completely civil--and proudly leave as they arrived, with Jane atop the old horse and Elizabeth walking.
It's a wake-up call for Darcy and Bingley, who take bold steps to make amends in response. Whether their efforts will lead to success with their respective ladies is the central storyline. In general, this plot is developed quite well.
Mr. Mann has a clever, distinctive writing style which is certainly evident in much of the book. Unfortunately, this reads like an unedited piece. There are more minor grammatical and spelling errors than I've noticed in his other published works. There's repetitive "telling," especially about Darcy's and Elizabeth's state of mind. Some phrases are used repeatedly. For example, characters "laugh uproariously" multiple times (including some who ordinarily rarely smile, much less laugh).
The book's plot gets clanky and the distinctive tone of the writing mostly disappears in the second half, as if the author isn't as invested in the secondary storyline that emerges. The subplot with Wickham reads like an afterthought. He is featured in a big climactic scene that seems to be missing some critical information--I reread it several times, and the exact sequence of events just isn't clearly explained.
Overall, it's an uneven book that doesn't reach this author's usual high quality. Disappointing.
Content is clean.
When a furious Elizabeth shares what she heard with Jane, neither are comfortable staying at Netherfield any longer, and they immediately prepare to leave. They refuse the offer of a carriage even though Jane IS quite ill, thus making it clear they want no part of the Bingley family "hospitality." When pressed by the gentlemen to explain the reason for their hasty departure and refusal of the carriage, the Bennet sisters don't mince words--while remaining completely civil--and proudly leave as they arrived, with Jane atop the old horse and Elizabeth walking.
It's a wake-up call for Darcy and Bingley, who take bold steps to make amends in response. Whether their efforts will lead to success with their respective ladies is the central storyline. In general, this plot is developed quite well.
Mr. Mann has a clever, distinctive writing style which is certainly evident in much of the book. Unfortunately, this reads like an unedited piece. There are more minor grammatical and spelling errors than I've noticed in his other published works. There's repetitive "telling," especially about Darcy's and Elizabeth's state of mind. Some phrases are used repeatedly. For example, characters "laugh uproariously" multiple times (including some who ordinarily rarely smile, much less laugh).
The book's plot gets clanky and the distinctive tone of the writing mostly disappears in the second half, as if the author isn't as invested in the secondary storyline that emerges. The subplot with Wickham reads like an afterthought. He is featured in a big climactic scene that seems to be missing some critical information--I reread it several times, and the exact sequence of events just isn't clearly explained.
Overall, it's an uneven book that doesn't reach this author's usual high quality. Disappointing.
Content is clean.
July 18, 2025
Lizzy overhears Caroline at her worse while taking care of Jane
At the beginning of the story we have a slightly different Jane. She still hopes all people are good but she will not put up with the Bingley sisters. She also won’t put up with a beau that will not defend her. She drops Bingley like a hot potato.
The rest of the story is about what would happen after the changes. Very fun read. We are not sure what’s going to happen and I looked forward to the unfolding plot changes.
Small amount of angst here and there but it wasn’t a story where everyone was miserably unhappy. Thumbs up from me.
At the beginning of the story we have a slightly different Jane. She still hopes all people are good but she will not put up with the Bingley sisters. She also won’t put up with a beau that will not defend her. She drops Bingley like a hot potato.
The rest of the story is about what would happen after the changes. Very fun read. We are not sure what’s going to happen and I looked forward to the unfolding plot changes.
Small amount of angst here and there but it wasn’t a story where everyone was miserably unhappy. Thumbs up from me.
July 17, 2025
Totally enjoyed this story
I really enjoyed the story. It is at its core P&P but with more sass and backbone. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I really enjoyed the story. It is at its core P&P but with more sass and backbone. Can't wait to read more from this author.
August 24, 2025
Bravo, Mr Mann!!
During Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield to nurse a sick Jane, she overhears the Bingley sisters expressing completely nasty opinions about the Bennetts and their relations to Mr Bingley and Darcy. She notices that neither gentleman tries to stop the snobby sisters from abusing guests in their home. When Jane learns what Elizabeth heard, she immediately insists on leaving Netherfield for home, in spite of how ill she still feels. While making their farewells to the family, Jane and Elizabeth make sure they know exactly why they're leaving so abruptly. The Bingleys and Darcy are stunned, but Darcy is also impressed by their forthrightness and their sisterly care of each other. It only serves to solidify the attraction he's already felt towards Elizabeth, and he resolves to win her.
I like this author. He's an automatic purchase for me. This book was such fun to read. I love variations in which Jane is allowed to have a personality and backbone. The initial episode that sets the stage for the entire book is priceless, and I just had to read it a second time to enjoy it again. The Bennett family, while still dysfunctional, isn't so cartoonishly bad. The dialogue is forthright, almost bordering on too casual and irreverent at times, but more satisfying than the usual Regency era fare. The Darcy character is wonderful and surprising, and so romantic. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an amusing and satisfying tale.
During Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield to nurse a sick Jane, she overhears the Bingley sisters expressing completely nasty opinions about the Bennetts and their relations to Mr Bingley and Darcy. She notices that neither gentleman tries to stop the snobby sisters from abusing guests in their home. When Jane learns what Elizabeth heard, she immediately insists on leaving Netherfield for home, in spite of how ill she still feels. While making their farewells to the family, Jane and Elizabeth make sure they know exactly why they're leaving so abruptly. The Bingleys and Darcy are stunned, but Darcy is also impressed by their forthrightness and their sisterly care of each other. It only serves to solidify the attraction he's already felt towards Elizabeth, and he resolves to win her.
I like this author. He's an automatic purchase for me. This book was such fun to read. I love variations in which Jane is allowed to have a personality and backbone. The initial episode that sets the stage for the entire book is priceless, and I just had to read it a second time to enjoy it again. The Bennett family, while still dysfunctional, isn't so cartoonishly bad. The dialogue is forthright, almost bordering on too casual and irreverent at times, but more satisfying than the usual Regency era fare. The Darcy character is wonderful and surprising, and so romantic. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an amusing and satisfying tale.
September 10, 2025
Jane and Lizzy leave Netherfield instead of staying to be insulted as they overheard. Harsh truths lead to apologies and reflection on many sides. The author has a beautiful and direct way of writing dialogue.
July 24, 2025
A Pride and prejudice variation where while attending to an ill Jane, Elizabeth overhears the Netherfield residents discussing the Bennets and expressing their views of the family. When Jane insists on what was said how will her actions affect all the Bennets futures.
An entertaining and well-written story
An entertaining and well-written story
July 22, 2025
No Bingley wedding
Loved the fact that Jane found Bingley to be as spineless as he is usually portrayed but deducted points for lack of epilogue.
Loved the fact that Jane found Bingley to be as spineless as he is usually portrayed but deducted points for lack of epilogue.
August 10, 2025
Excellent writing
This is an excellent story.
When Jane falls ill at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth overhears Caroline Bingley, Louisa Hurst, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley badmouthing the Bennets. Elizabeth calls for the Bennetts' horse to be saddled. She assists Jane downstairs and helps her onto the horse.
When Bingley and Darcy offer the use of a carriage, Elizabeth proceeds to address their poor treatment of their guests. They return to Longbourn with Elizabeth walking and leading the horse.
31
This is an excellent story.
When Jane falls ill at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth overhears Caroline Bingley, Louisa Hurst, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley badmouthing the Bennets. Elizabeth calls for the Bennetts' horse to be saddled. She assists Jane downstairs and helps her onto the horse.
When Bingley and Darcy offer the use of a carriage, Elizabeth proceeds to address their poor treatment of their guests. They return to Longbourn with Elizabeth walking and leading the horse.
31
July 23, 2025
A really worthy addition to my library.
Unexpected enjoyable.
Unexpected enjoyable.
September 21, 2025
Eavesdroppers may not hear anything good about them,
But it does not follow that what they hear won’t help them. This is a most interesting case of that. What comes after Elizabeth overhears the Netherfield party results in a very different outcome from canon, but one that is a pleasure to read about.
But it does not follow that what they hear won’t help them. This is a most interesting case of that. What comes after Elizabeth overhears the Netherfield party results in a very different outcome from canon, but one that is a pleasure to read about.
August 13, 2025
2.25⭐️
I was left unimpressed by this variation on P&P. While it had good points it just felt disjointed and the dialogue in some parts witty and in others clunky. I must admit to it being a personal preference thing, me not liking the book though, as there have been other books where the dialogues were like in this book but I just could not get into it.
I was left unimpressed by this variation on P&P. While it had good points it just felt disjointed and the dialogue in some parts witty and in others clunky. I must admit to it being a personal preference thing, me not liking the book though, as there have been other books where the dialogues were like in this book but I just could not get into it.
August 1, 2025
It started with a bang but I never really warmed up to this variation. I skipped through the second half. There are a lot of dialogues but nothing really happens. It didn't keep my attention.
July 24, 2025
This was an easy, fairly entertaining read. It mostly used more modern language and a style of characters speaking whats on their mind instead of leaving everyone guessing (reminiscent of Sydney Salier).
Elizabeth has come to Netherfield to care for Jane who had become ill the night before. She overhears the Netherfield ladies disparaging her family and herself. Darcy adds some comments, somewhat reluctantly, while Bingley totally ignores all as per usual. Elizabeth tells Jane what was said and Jane insists on returning to Longbourn immediately. Darcy and Bingley’s are shocked by their abrupt departure and failure to use an offered carriage.
Both Darcy and Bingley decide they wish to salvage their reputation as gentlemen and cultivate a relationship with Elizabeth and Jane. Darcy has some big apologies to make in order to repair the damage his incivility with the neighborhood has caused. He has also insulted Elizabeth personally and must make amends. Bingley’s fault lies with his failure to control and correct his sisters and what he does when he finally takes matters in hand. Will one or both succeed in their quest to win over the eldest Bennet sisters? Hmmm…. (Bingley/Jane ‘shippers may be a bit disappointed.
Elizabeth has come to Netherfield to care for Jane who had become ill the night before. She overhears the Netherfield ladies disparaging her family and herself. Darcy adds some comments, somewhat reluctantly, while Bingley totally ignores all as per usual. Elizabeth tells Jane what was said and Jane insists on returning to Longbourn immediately. Darcy and Bingley’s are shocked by their abrupt departure and failure to use an offered carriage.
Both Darcy and Bingley decide they wish to salvage their reputation as gentlemen and cultivate a relationship with Elizabeth and Jane. Darcy has some big apologies to make in order to repair the damage his incivility with the neighborhood has caused. He has also insulted Elizabeth personally and must make amends. Bingley’s fault lies with his failure to control and correct his sisters and what he does when he finally takes matters in hand. Will one or both succeed in their quest to win over the eldest Bennet sisters? Hmmm…. (Bingley/Jane ‘shippers may be a bit disappointed.
August 8, 2025
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 Pride and Prejudice Variations series. This is a low-angst, happy romance story. They say eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves, which is mostly true. Sometimes, though, hearing something bad can at least be something useful.
Elizabeth Bennet overhears one of the nastier comments made by the Netherfield ‘ladies’ while Jane was ill at Netherfield and cannot quite keep it to herself. She talks it over with Jane, and they take direct action rather than sitting around demurely waiting for something to happen. Their actions change the whole course of their interactions with the Netherfield party. Who wins? Who loses? How will it all work out? Let’s find out. 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.
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 Pride and Prejudice Variations series. This is a low-angst, happy romance story. They say eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves, which is mostly true. Sometimes, though, hearing something bad can at least be something useful.
Elizabeth Bennet overhears one of the nastier comments made by the Netherfield ‘ladies’ while Jane was ill at Netherfield and cannot quite keep it to herself. She talks it over with Jane, and they take direct action rather than sitting around demurely waiting for something to happen. Their actions change the whole course of their interactions with the Netherfield party. Who wins? Who loses? How will it all work out? Let’s find out. 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.
July 25, 2025
Nice Variation
I loved how the variation jumps out of the starting gate and moves along at a fast pace. It seemed like a chapter or two in was when Darcy announced that he was going to marry Elizabeth Bennet. Overhearing those infamous words at the assembly and especially the ones at Netherfield which led to their abrupt departure, was fortuitous in the extreme.
I also loved how they were so very precise in their memories. What I found annoying was the misspellings. Eton is the prep school not Eaton. Did Elizabeth introduce Darcy to the Schuttes or the Schottes? Not quite sure, both were used in the same paragraph MORE THAN ONCE. Editorial errors bothering us not pickers. Otherwise, A nice variation.
I loved how the variation jumps out of the starting gate and moves along at a fast pace. It seemed like a chapter or two in was when Darcy announced that he was going to marry Elizabeth Bennet. Overhearing those infamous words at the assembly and especially the ones at Netherfield which led to their abrupt departure, was fortuitous in the extreme.
I also loved how they were so very precise in their memories. What I found annoying was the misspellings. Eton is the prep school not Eaton. Did Elizabeth introduce Darcy to the Schuttes or the Schottes? Not quite sure, both were used in the same paragraph MORE THAN ONCE. Editorial errors bothering us not pickers. Otherwise, A nice variation.
July 28, 2025
Language a barrier to true enjoyment.
Though I enjoyed Eavesdroppers Never Hear, I am afraid the oft repeated ‘Americanisms’ did spoil what should have been a brilliant story. Every time I heard the very proper Mr Darcy or Jane, Lizzy, Mary and even Mrs Bennet refer to someone (in Darcy’s case himself) as a lunkhead or a chowderhead, or a clodpole, I wanted to scream! I defy anyone to find any of these words in any of JA’s works. It was so jarring. I am Australian and I find those words very annoying today but I suppose many Australianisms would have the same effect on many.
I have tried my hand at writing quite a few Pride and Prejudice variations in my time and I very much make every effort to stick to British English and the more stilted vernacular of JA’s day.

Though I enjoyed Eavesdroppers Never Hear, I am afraid the oft repeated ‘Americanisms’ did spoil what should have been a brilliant story. Every time I heard the very proper Mr Darcy or Jane, Lizzy, Mary and even Mrs Bennet refer to someone (in Darcy’s case himself) as a lunkhead or a chowderhead, or a clodpole, I wanted to scream! I defy anyone to find any of these words in any of JA’s works. It was so jarring. I am Australian and I find those words very annoying today but I suppose many Australianisms would have the same effect on many.
I have tried my hand at writing quite a few Pride and Prejudice variations in my time and I very much make every effort to stick to British English and the more stilted vernacular of JA’s day.

December 14, 2025
A well-written, fun, low-angst P&P variation. I really liked Darcy in this one. Mr Wade would benefit from a better line editor (especially regarding his regrettable tendency to substitute question marks with full stops) but the language used is overall good - I have to ignore typos but not rewrite poor phrasing. This book was the first book of this author I read, and it has more typos than the others of his I have read so far, and yet I went on to read several more of his books, which shows you that his storytelling is very strong and the language used more than tolerable.
July 26, 2025
Jane grows up and has a spine
Elizabeth shares what she heard with Jane and the outcome is transforming for both Elizabeth and Jane.
I love his variations and continue to follow him so I can get his latest works.
I enjoy the challenge and enter struggle that must be overcome in his characters. He also keeps Darcy, Elizabeth, and the rest true to Jane Austin but also allows growth when characters are face with a dilemma. I also appreciate his humor.
Elizabeth shares what she heard with Jane and the outcome is transforming for both Elizabeth and Jane.
I love his variations and continue to follow him so I can get his latest works.
I enjoy the challenge and enter struggle that must be overcome in his characters. He also keeps Darcy, Elizabeth, and the rest true to Jane Austin but also allows growth when characters are face with a dilemma. I also appreciate his humor.
August 11, 2025
A fun what if - 3.75* rounded up
What if Elizabeth had heard the Netherfield party's unvarnished opinion of her and her family? What if Jane had risen to the challenge and refused to put up with it?
This is an enjoyable story which relies on character development rather than plot development. This makes an interesting change to many of the current books in this genre.
There are typos and language errors but not enough to detract for the enjoyment.
What if Elizabeth had heard the Netherfield party's unvarnished opinion of her and her family? What if Jane had risen to the challenge and refused to put up with it?
This is an enjoyable story which relies on character development rather than plot development. This makes an interesting change to many of the current books in this genre.
There are typos and language errors but not enough to detract for the enjoyment.
July 21, 2025
Eavesdroppers Never Hear
Eavesdrop let's never hear anything good about themselves is so true. But this time Jane is alert enough to get this out of Elizabeth and they both react maturely. This leads to some very different reactions from the men folk and a wonderful outcome for ODC.
Enjoyed this very much and recommend highly.
Eavesdrop let's never hear anything good about themselves is so true. But this time Jane is alert enough to get this out of Elizabeth and they both react maturely. This leads to some very different reactions from the men folk and a wonderful outcome for ODC.
Enjoyed this very much and recommend highly.
July 26, 2025
I love this author's books! This one I have read in the past on a fan fiction website, and I'm very glad to see it published! Lizzy and Jane have spines of steel. Yeah, the dialogue might not be very authentically Regency, but it's just too good not to enjoy it and ignore the historical inaccuracies.
August 4, 2025
Loved it but one thing missing…
An excellent story with demonstrations of growth (more or less) by the primary characters. The one missing thing was an epilogue or some sort of hints about future activities and relationships of all other than ODC. Recommended as an interesting departure from canon.
An excellent story with demonstrations of growth (more or less) by the primary characters. The one missing thing was an epilogue or some sort of hints about future activities and relationships of all other than ODC. Recommended as an interesting departure from canon.
October 8, 2025
So many anachronisms...
This was a clever little premise that seems to be full of strange anachronisms. It also has an odd Elizabeth who is cooly introspective. For a character who is supposed to be known for her caring attitude, she spends most of her time resisting any warm feelings. Others may enjoy this story, but it is not my cup of tea.
This was a clever little premise that seems to be full of strange anachronisms. It also has an odd Elizabeth who is cooly introspective. For a character who is supposed to be known for her caring attitude, she spends most of her time resisting any warm feelings. Others may enjoy this story, but it is not my cup of tea.
August 3, 2025
Mr Mann I read all your works on FFN nice to see them in the mainstream.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars to this book is because it finished too early. (I won't spoil it for anyone.)
Great story just a little lacking in conviction in some dialogues.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars to this book is because it finished too early. (I won't spoil it for anyone.)
Great story just a little lacking in conviction in some dialogues.
August 6, 2025
A very good story
I loved that Jane flu d her strength and Wickham was dispatched. Though there was no real epilogue, I wish we were treated to what became of Bingley and his sisters, Mr.Collins and Charlotte, Lady C, and finally Wickham's demise.
I loved that Jane flu d her strength and Wickham was dispatched. Though there was no real epilogue, I wish we were treated to what became of Bingley and his sisters, Mr.Collins and Charlotte, Lady C, and finally Wickham's demise.
July 18, 2025
Differently marvellous
I so enjoyed this story. I like a strong Jane. I love the Bennet family being appreciated for themselves. Only criticism.. it ended too soon.
I so enjoyed this story. I like a strong Jane. I love the Bennet family being appreciated for themselves. Only criticism.. it ended too soon.
July 18, 2025
Scrive sempre storie intelligenti
July 23, 2025
Fabulous
Another absolutely delightful and action packed variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Wade H. Mann. I enjoyed it.
Another absolutely delightful and action packed variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Wade H. Mann. I enjoyed it.
July 27, 2025
Well written and very much in the voice of Austen, not an easy feat. Generally low angst, and despite certain different outcomes, an entirely in character character study.
July 28, 2025
Such Fun
This was a fun, entertaining read - a story with a enjoyable twist that I recommend unhesitatingly for anyone who enjoys variation on ODC
This was a fun, entertaining read - a story with a enjoyable twist that I recommend unhesitatingly for anyone who enjoys variation on ODC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews