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The Madness of Thomas Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice variation
Thomas Bennet has been struck by the same malady as the King. This story about how his children rally round to support their parents while Fanny Bennet decides that her husband should have a very unusual treatment regime.
Her brother Edward Gardiner helps the family thrive even as Thomas Bennet struggles.
Into this family drama arrive the usual suspects, but not is all as it seems.
This is a unconventional love story with unorthodox (for the time) heroines who will ensure that the family survives.
But at its heart remains ODC, because what is a love story without a HEA?
Her brother Edward Gardiner helps the family thrive even as Thomas Bennet struggles.
Into this family drama arrive the usual suspects, but not is all as it seems.
This is a unconventional love story with unorthodox (for the time) heroines who will ensure that the family survives.
But at its heart remains ODC, because what is a love story without a HEA?
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 24, 2026
Recently, I read a different book by this author so I picked up another. The title has had me curious since it released. I thought it might have a connection to the madness of King George III and I was right. Interesting premise and even more astounding plot to go with it.
The Madness of Thomas Bennet begins with Edward Gardiner seeking medical advice about his brother in law, Thomas Bennet's bouts of madness. He consults a physician who is seeing several patients for this sort of disorder including the king. The physician shared what was done for the king, but said that he was not the primary doctors and if he were, he'd advise a different treatment plan. Something rather radical. Edward Gardiner agreed to hear him out and, with his sister's full cooperation, set the plan in motion.
And, this is when dear readers, my eyes bugged out and I wondered if I had wandered into quite the hot and spicy genres rather than a P&P variation. That "treatment" for Thomas Bennet involved keeping him calm through much sexual congress. Apparently, a man in his mental condition was well nigh insatiable so two widows joined poor tuckered Mrs. B in the effort.
This group was a closely guarded secret right under the noses of the neighborhood of Meryton. Bennet and his ladies were housed at a small lodge and estate nearby, but kept isolated with everyone aware of his mental illness, but not speaking of it beyond the neighborhood. The secret part were the role the ladies - know in the neighborhood as Mrs. B's companions.
Meanwhile, Edward Gardiner had guardianship of his five nieces who remained at Longbourn. The ladies of Longbourn ran the family estate with each taking a different aspect that matched their personal skill. Jane ran the house and mothered her sisters, Elizabeth ran the estate lands and kept the books while also engaging in business on the down low, Mary- well Mary was the wild card and was studious, but had other ideas about her life so went to stay with the Gardiners in London, Kitty first grew produce in the gardens then they built her succession houses for her expanding domain, and lastly, Lydia with her social nature took on the tenant visits and responsibilities. Gardiners business interests grew and he wisely kept his social footprint to his own class and his wealth a secret just as he kept Lizzy's business acumen and interests and all the girls were making and setting aside for dowries to himself.
So, a very different situation is happening when The Bingleys and Darcy arrive to lease Netherfield Park. Elizabeth has a temper and Darcy's airs and insult get a whole different response in Madness of Thomas Bennet and it sets this pair on a wholly different trajectory. They have to work through their issues, but get the chance to do it right there in the neighborhood.
I was waiting on baited breath to see what would happen when Darcy learned all the Bennet secrets.
It was an improbably stretch of the imagination from start to finish, but definitely was something different from the usual variations. There was no details of what was going on with the Thomas Bennet group, but the discussion of it and even Elizabeth's thoughts on it kept that matter in the forefront. This has a lot of build up with not as much forward action of a plot until later so it felt slow and lagging sometimes. Still, I was glad to have read it.
The Madness of Thomas Bennet begins with Edward Gardiner seeking medical advice about his brother in law, Thomas Bennet's bouts of madness. He consults a physician who is seeing several patients for this sort of disorder including the king. The physician shared what was done for the king, but said that he was not the primary doctors and if he were, he'd advise a different treatment plan. Something rather radical. Edward Gardiner agreed to hear him out and, with his sister's full cooperation, set the plan in motion.
And, this is when dear readers, my eyes bugged out and I wondered if I had wandered into quite the hot and spicy genres rather than a P&P variation. That "treatment" for Thomas Bennet involved keeping him calm through much sexual congress. Apparently, a man in his mental condition was well nigh insatiable so two widows joined poor tuckered Mrs. B in the effort.
This group was a closely guarded secret right under the noses of the neighborhood of Meryton. Bennet and his ladies were housed at a small lodge and estate nearby, but kept isolated with everyone aware of his mental illness, but not speaking of it beyond the neighborhood. The secret part were the role the ladies - know in the neighborhood as Mrs. B's companions.
Meanwhile, Edward Gardiner had guardianship of his five nieces who remained at Longbourn. The ladies of Longbourn ran the family estate with each taking a different aspect that matched their personal skill. Jane ran the house and mothered her sisters, Elizabeth ran the estate lands and kept the books while also engaging in business on the down low, Mary- well Mary was the wild card and was studious, but had other ideas about her life so went to stay with the Gardiners in London, Kitty first grew produce in the gardens then they built her succession houses for her expanding domain, and lastly, Lydia with her social nature took on the tenant visits and responsibilities. Gardiners business interests grew and he wisely kept his social footprint to his own class and his wealth a secret just as he kept Lizzy's business acumen and interests and all the girls were making and setting aside for dowries to himself.
So, a very different situation is happening when The Bingleys and Darcy arrive to lease Netherfield Park. Elizabeth has a temper and Darcy's airs and insult get a whole different response in Madness of Thomas Bennet and it sets this pair on a wholly different trajectory. They have to work through their issues, but get the chance to do it right there in the neighborhood.
I was waiting on baited breath to see what would happen when Darcy learned all the Bennet secrets.
It was an improbably stretch of the imagination from start to finish, but definitely was something different from the usual variations. There was no details of what was going on with the Thomas Bennet group, but the discussion of it and even Elizabeth's thoughts on it kept that matter in the forefront. This has a lot of build up with not as much forward action of a plot until later so it felt slow and lagging sometimes. Still, I was glad to have read it.
September 18, 2026
This was an absolute, absolute brilliant read!!
This variation was a real one!
This book is scandalous without being any scandal in it. My jaw was on the floor many times, but i couldn't put it down!
I would like to say so many many things but i don't want to spoil it!
I recommend it but please be open minded!
I think this is far my fav JAFF this year...
Mind blowing!
This variation was a real one!
This book is scandalous without being any scandal in it. My jaw was on the floor many times, but i couldn't put it down!
I would like to say so many many things but i don't want to spoil it!
I recommend it but please be open minded!
I think this is far my fav JAFF this year...
Mind blowing!
December 4, 2025
Love this author
I read this authors whenever they publish a new work. I loved the characterizations in this story. Darcy seems a bit less harsh, Elizabeth and all the sisters are great in there own way. It is unrealistic and there are a lot of writing errors (hence the star deduction). It is a fun story though and I like ODC. Also, love how author characterized the Bingley’s. No real villains or angst. I didn’t love Charlotte’s decision given the relationships involved. Overall, love this story. Read on KU.
I read this authors whenever they publish a new work. I loved the characterizations in this story. Darcy seems a bit less harsh, Elizabeth and all the sisters are great in there own way. It is unrealistic and there are a lot of writing errors (hence the star deduction). It is a fun story though and I like ODC. Also, love how author characterized the Bingley’s. No real villains or angst. I didn’t love Charlotte’s decision given the relationships involved. Overall, love this story. Read on KU.
December 6, 2025
Awesome Story!
Loved it! This author is great!
I enjoyed Elizabeth's ruthless character.
Great way the author went out of the box with this story.
As reading, I found it's plausible.
I want to thank, Gruinard, for the excellent entertainment, that was given to me on this story. Thank you.
Loved it! This author is great!
I enjoyed Elizabeth's ruthless character.
Great way the author went out of the box with this story.
As reading, I found it's plausible.
I want to thank, Gruinard, for the excellent entertainment, that was given to me on this story. Thank you.
January 16, 2026
Wonderful
Thomas Bennet's illness (madness) made him insatiable sexually, making it necessary for his removal from Longbourn to a small estate nearby, along with his loving wife Fanny, plus several other women whose job it was to help keep her husband satisfied when his affliction took hold. The five Bennett daughters remained at Longbourn, and with Uncle Gardiner's help, they each followed the path of their individual strengths. Elizabeth took over as master of the estate, but she was also a brilliant businesswoman, so she teams up with Uncle Gardiner to make sure that her family is protected from the entail on Longbourn. She and Darcy meet in the usual way, but quickly come to admire each other.
I like this author, and love this original premise. The characters are all very forthright, which is a nice change from the usual Regency era fare. It's also refreshing when the Bennetts are wonderful people, with loving parents and intelligent and productive daughters. The romance is unconventional but lovely. I deducted a star for errors of editing or proofreading. There's enough of them that it disrupts the flow of the story, and punctuation is also an issue. However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Thomas Bennet's illness (madness) made him insatiable sexually, making it necessary for his removal from Longbourn to a small estate nearby, along with his loving wife Fanny, plus several other women whose job it was to help keep her husband satisfied when his affliction took hold. The five Bennett daughters remained at Longbourn, and with Uncle Gardiner's help, they each followed the path of their individual strengths. Elizabeth took over as master of the estate, but she was also a brilliant businesswoman, so she teams up with Uncle Gardiner to make sure that her family is protected from the entail on Longbourn. She and Darcy meet in the usual way, but quickly come to admire each other.
I like this author, and love this original premise. The characters are all very forthright, which is a nice change from the usual Regency era fare. It's also refreshing when the Bennetts are wonderful people, with loving parents and intelligent and productive daughters. The romance is unconventional but lovely. I deducted a star for errors of editing or proofreading. There's enough of them that it disrupts the flow of the story, and punctuation is also an issue. However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
March 5, 2026
An original approach
With only a passing relationship with the original story, this is an interesting version that proposes an alternate approach to an unexplained affliction. All the surrounding economical details are very different from what was expected at the time. An engaging narrative.
With only a passing relationship with the original story, this is an interesting version that proposes an alternate approach to an unexplained affliction. All the surrounding economical details are very different from what was expected at the time. An engaging narrative.
December 18, 2025
I like this author’s work. Usually there is an unusual path in their stories and this one is no exception.
Elizabeth’s father is suffering from the same madness as King George III. Instead of the harsh treatment used on the king, his family has chosen a rather different (and very controversial) manner of dealing with his situation. Since he is mostly incompetent Elizabeth, a very smart and business-minded young woman, is managing his estate. She receives assistance from her uncle Gardiner who is involved in some shady business dealings, but makes a lot of money for the Bennet and Gardiner families.
Of course there is romance between Darcy and Elizabeth but I think the story is more focused on the politics of the time and how people skirted the laws with impunity depending on class or how well they could hide their activities and the money earned through those same activities.
Interesting, but rambled a bit in places. This is not a favorite by this author and I probably would not re read it.
Elizabeth’s father is suffering from the same madness as King George III. Instead of the harsh treatment used on the king, his family has chosen a rather different (and very controversial) manner of dealing with his situation. Since he is mostly incompetent Elizabeth, a very smart and business-minded young woman, is managing his estate. She receives assistance from her uncle Gardiner who is involved in some shady business dealings, but makes a lot of money for the Bennet and Gardiner families.
Of course there is romance between Darcy and Elizabeth but I think the story is more focused on the politics of the time and how people skirted the laws with impunity depending on class or how well they could hide their activities and the money earned through those same activities.
Interesting, but rambled a bit in places. This is not a favorite by this author and I probably would not re read it.
December 15, 2025
Please get an editor
As much as I dislike leaving less than favorable reviews, I find I must in this case. Please get get a competent editor who knows grammar, how to fix run on sentences and knows the difference between there, they're and their! It made reading the book very jarring and disconnected at best. The plot was interesting, but went on way too long.
As much as I dislike leaving less than favorable reviews, I find I must in this case. Please get get a competent editor who knows grammar, how to fix run on sentences and knows the difference between there, they're and their! It made reading the book very jarring and disconnected at best. The plot was interesting, but went on way too long.
December 22, 2025
3.5⭐️
I do not know how to describe this book. In this story Thomas Bennet is sick just like King George and instead of the treatment that the King received Gardiner suggested a different treatment plan. A more salacious plan. I think having Thomas have a mental illness would have been enough to push the plot through
While we got to see the couple courting I still felt we wasted quite a bit of time reiterating how Gardiner and Lizzy made their money.
I liked Stench of trade by this author. I liked Lizzy in it even though she was a very angry lady in it (justifiably so in most cases). I like her here too. I like it when Lizzy mellows out (of a sort, at least in relation to her behaviour) and is portrayed as intelligent along with the rest of her sisters. The conversations that Darcy and Lizzy have is a great example of a couple who communicate even though there were a few hiccups at the start. But I missed seeing the interactions between Darcy and Richard and Lizzy and her sisters that were not vehicles of pushing a certain agenda sometimes. I Liked their conversations and the discussions of family and finances but after the first couple of conversations it drained me to read the.
I am sure this would have been a 4 star read and higher if it was edited a little better and it focused on one maybe 2 issues. But it was still a good read.
I do not know how to describe this book. In this story Thomas Bennet is sick just like King George and instead of the treatment that the King received Gardiner suggested a different treatment plan. A more salacious plan. I think having Thomas have a mental illness would have been enough to push the plot through
While we got to see the couple courting I still felt we wasted quite a bit of time reiterating how Gardiner and Lizzy made their money.
I liked Stench of trade by this author. I liked Lizzy in it even though she was a very angry lady in it (justifiably so in most cases). I like her here too. I like it when Lizzy mellows out (of a sort, at least in relation to her behaviour) and is portrayed as intelligent along with the rest of her sisters. The conversations that Darcy and Lizzy have is a great example of a couple who communicate even though there were a few hiccups at the start. But I missed seeing the interactions between Darcy and Richard and Lizzy and her sisters that were not vehicles of pushing a certain agenda sometimes. I Liked their conversations and the discussions of family and finances but after the first couple of conversations it drained me to read the.
I am sure this would have been a 4 star read and higher if it was edited a little better and it focused on one maybe 2 issues. But it was still a good read.
December 13, 2025
Couldn’t put it down
Lots of eye poppers. The bad guys were all suitably and creatively disposed of. The individual characters were greatly enhanced in most interesting and successful ways. Little is focused on Thomas Bennet, but his situation determined the path of many characters in ways unexpected. Gardiner was a canny genius, abetted by Elizabeth Bennet whose relationship with Fitzwilliam Darcy evolves in an original fashion. The story would have benefited from better editing and omission of contemporary expressions, but the tale itself was unusual and well worth reading.
Lots of eye poppers. The bad guys were all suitably and creatively disposed of. The individual characters were greatly enhanced in most interesting and successful ways. Little is focused on Thomas Bennet, but his situation determined the path of many characters in ways unexpected. Gardiner was a canny genius, abetted by Elizabeth Bennet whose relationship with Fitzwilliam Darcy evolves in an original fashion. The story would have benefited from better editing and omission of contemporary expressions, but the tale itself was unusual and well worth reading.
January 3, 2026
A Little Maddening, But Very Funny
The bawdiness, while not explicit, can be a bit much. But the way Uncle Gardiner took care of the Bennets and allowed each daughter to find her niche is very well done.
The (yes, nitpicking) punctuation leaves MUCH to be desired! The editing is spotty. But about two pages in, it becomes very hard to put down. 'Just till the end of this chapter' becomes a useless mantra when the chapter ends with words such as: those wishes did not come true. Who wouldn't want to find out what happened next?
Enjoy!
The bawdiness, while not explicit, can be a bit much. But the way Uncle Gardiner took care of the Bennets and allowed each daughter to find her niche is very well done.
The (yes, nitpicking) punctuation leaves MUCH to be desired! The editing is spotty. But about two pages in, it becomes very hard to put down. 'Just till the end of this chapter' becomes a useless mantra when the chapter ends with words such as: those wishes did not come true. Who wouldn't want to find out what happened next?
Enjoy!
January 16, 2026
an entertaining story given the challenges of the Bennet’s
This not your normal retelling of P&P. This emotional story begins with Mr and Mrs Bennet’s relationship and commitment to each other with a serious illness with a rather unusual way of dealing with it. It affects the entire family. Mr Gardiner’s business enables him to care for his family and provide support. The Bennet’s girls grow up rather fast but with confidence in their abilities to make something for themselves and their future.
I enjoyed it.
This not your normal retelling of P&P. This emotional story begins with Mr and Mrs Bennet’s relationship and commitment to each other with a serious illness with a rather unusual way of dealing with it. It affects the entire family. Mr Gardiner’s business enables him to care for his family and provide support. The Bennet’s girls grow up rather fast but with confidence in their abilities to make something for themselves and their future.
I enjoyed it.
December 13, 2025
Far off canon
The Bennet ladies are exceptionally gifted, Uncle Gardiner is a financial mastermind, while Mr. Bennet's life is simply bizarre in this far fetched tale. The book needs better editing. Other than that, I found it to be interesting.
The Bennet ladies are exceptionally gifted, Uncle Gardiner is a financial mastermind, while Mr. Bennet's life is simply bizarre in this far fetched tale. The book needs better editing. Other than that, I found it to be interesting.
December 13, 2025
How to contain a madman?
I think I missed how Fanny determined that the application of unlimited congress was the cure to temper Mr Bennet’s illness. It was effective but quite far fetched even for fiction.
I think I missed how Fanny determined that the application of unlimited congress was the cure to temper Mr Bennet’s illness. It was effective but quite far fetched even for fiction.
December 14, 2025
Delightful Story
This variation was quite different from most that I’ve read. I found it very funny and interesting. Everyone got their proper endings, even the villains. The only one I was on the fence about was Anne. Thought her fate was a bit harsh, but it was what it was.
This variation was quite different from most that I’ve read. I found it very funny and interesting. Everyone got their proper endings, even the villains. The only one I was on the fence about was Anne. Thought her fate was a bit harsh, but it was what it was.
December 16, 2025
Fascinating and scandalous
What madness would cause a family like the Bennets to throw out many of the Regency ideas of propriety? Wonderfully twisted plotting shows all kinds of changes to the family and a great happy ending for our dear couple. Very entertaining!
What madness would cause a family like the Bennets to throw out many of the Regency ideas of propriety? Wonderfully twisted plotting shows all kinds of changes to the family and a great happy ending for our dear couple. Very entertaining!
February 7, 2026
Wonderful story - needs editing!
Nice narrative and character building, but desperately needs a good editor. Way too many grammatical and other mistakes. This would have been a solid 4 stars otherwise.
Nice narrative and character building, but desperately needs a good editor. Way too many grammatical and other mistakes. This would have been a solid 4 stars otherwise.
March 19, 2026
Wow!
This is certainly the most original P&P variation I have read. The usual cast are present, with Elizabeth and Darcy at the heart of it. Not for the prudish, although not explicit. I really enjoyed the new story 😀
This is certainly the most original P&P variation I have read. The usual cast are present, with Elizabeth and Darcy at the heart of it. Not for the prudish, although not explicit. I really enjoyed the new story 😀
September 23, 2026
Enjoyable read
I've found each of this author's books entertaining and look forward to whatever they come up with next. This one was a different type of storyline from the usual P&P fan fiction. Very interesting story.
I've found each of this author's books entertaining and look forward to whatever they come up with next. This one was a different type of storyline from the usual P&P fan fiction. Very interesting story.
December 14, 2025
Unusual
A very interesting and unusual premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Gruinard. I enjoyed it.
A very interesting and unusual premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Gruinard. I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2025
Great twist!
Very satisfying bent on P&P. Not too wordy and no six page proposals. A few editing issues but overall great job!
Very satisfying bent on P&P. Not too wordy and no six page proposals. A few editing issues but overall great job!
December 30, 2025
Very good story! Original plot.
Just needs editing for typos and too much "help" from the spellchecker. Very well-handled and sensitive plot. I highly recommend it.
Just needs editing for typos and too much "help" from the spellchecker. Very well-handled and sensitive plot. I highly recommend it.
January 6, 2026
ooooo!
Well there’s a story. Really enjoyed the total upending of pandp.
A wonderful read even though nothing like original well done
Well there’s a story. Really enjoyed the total upending of pandp.
A wonderful read even though nothing like original well done
January 6, 2026
The Madness of Thomas Bennet
Interesting story, with a lot of mistakes. Also should not be geared to 14 year olds....
Also very much wanting to toot diversity.
Interesting story, with a lot of mistakes. Also should not be geared to 14 year olds....
Also very much wanting to toot diversity.
February 3, 2026
Interesting story with a lot of grammatical errors. I did not like the parentification. Who leaves a 12 year old in charge with only a housekeeper for guidance? The girls should have had a governess.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews