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Darcy's Portrait: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A disturbing mystery ...
Returning from Hunsford Elizabeth is re-united with Jane at the Gardiners’ house in London, a welcome dis-traction from painful memories of Darcy. Among other outings they visit an exhibition of Venetian art at the Royal Academy, where Elizabeth is drawn to a portrait of a young lady holding a letter. Not only is she remind-ed of the letter she received from Darcy, but the model in the painting bears a striking resemblance to herself.
Coincidence, surely? But the coincidences multiply when she discovers that the portrait has been bought by Darcy, and that an artist of the same name visited Meryton just before she was born!
Her parents evade the topic, the Gardiners too. It turns out that the only person willing to help is the picture’s new owner …
Returning from Hunsford Elizabeth is re-united with Jane at the Gardiners’ house in London, a welcome dis-traction from painful memories of Darcy. Among other outings they visit an exhibition of Venetian art at the Royal Academy, where Elizabeth is drawn to a portrait of a young lady holding a letter. Not only is she remind-ed of the letter she received from Darcy, but the model in the painting bears a striking resemblance to herself.
Coincidence, surely? But the coincidences multiply when she discovers that the portrait has been bought by Darcy, and that an artist of the same name visited Meryton just before she was born!
Her parents evade the topic, the Gardiners too. It turns out that the only person willing to help is the picture’s new owner …
- GenresHistorical
Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2026
74 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 23, 2026
Mixed feeling regarding this book. I liked it for the most part but there are actually 2 stories in it. Ilost interest with the second a bit.
May 5, 2026
I'm a big fan of this author because we're always taken on some sort of adventure or journey. But I'm a bit confused as to the premise on this one. Elizabeth sees a painting that looks like her or could be a relative but jumps to the conclusion that it's her real mother? Where did that come from?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
The mystery is good and kept me interested until its resolution. The story is well documented. I didn't warm up to the foreign characters though. Be warned: the focus is not on ODC. Their romance is an afterthought. Still worth a read, if only for the gripping mystery.
March 10, 2026
A mystery? Who is the lady in the portrait?
We start off post Huntsford when visiting the art exhibit and in the section where paintings were for sale one stands out strongly to Elizabeth. She can see some resemblance to herself. Back home, the mystery continues as she is sure that the same artist was in Meryton before she was born.
She comes across the portrait again when visiting Pemberley with her aunt and uncle. Darcy and Elizabeth are able to have some frank conversations about the origin of the painting and both want to solve the mystery.
This story takes us back in time, so part of this is like a prequel to P&P. It will keep you guessing about the outcome as several theories are plausible. Overall I enjoyed the hunt for the truth, the acceptance, revelations, journey. It was interesting to get a taste of Venice, different cultures, art including both masters and forgeries.
Overall it was a quick read and liked how the mystery brought Elizabeth and Darcy together.
We start off post Huntsford when visiting the art exhibit and in the section where paintings were for sale one stands out strongly to Elizabeth. She can see some resemblance to herself. Back home, the mystery continues as she is sure that the same artist was in Meryton before she was born.
She comes across the portrait again when visiting Pemberley with her aunt and uncle. Darcy and Elizabeth are able to have some frank conversations about the origin of the painting and both want to solve the mystery.
This story takes us back in time, so part of this is like a prequel to P&P. It will keep you guessing about the outcome as several theories are plausible. Overall I enjoyed the hunt for the truth, the acceptance, revelations, journey. It was interesting to get a taste of Venice, different cultures, art including both masters and forgeries.
Overall it was a quick read and liked how the mystery brought Elizabeth and Darcy together.
March 26, 2026
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. Contains scenes of an affair (nothing too graphic).
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 story has a disturbing mystery. Want to read a "who is it?" story filled with historical richness? Then this is the story for you.
Returning from Hunsford Elizabeth is re-united with Jane at the Gardiners’ house in London, a welcome distraction from painful memories of Darcy. Among other outings they visit an exhibition of Venetian art at the Royal Academy, where Elizabeth is drawn to a portrait of a young lady holding a letter. Not only is she reminded of the letter she received from Darcy, but the model in the painting bears a striking resemblance to herself. Coincidence, surely, but the coincidences multiply when she discovers that the portrait has been bought by Darcy, and that an artist of the same name visited Meryton just before she was born. Her parents evade the topic, the Gardiners too. It turns out that the only person willing to help is the picture’s new owner.
Follow Lizzy as she discovers who the person in the painting is, complete with a recounting of Mr Bennet's grand tour (post wedding), many Italians, some people behaving badly (it's not who you suspect initially) and a Mr Darcy who is along for the ride (but mainly for Lizzy). 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. Contains scenes of an affair (nothing too graphic).
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 story has a disturbing mystery. Want to read a "who is it?" story filled with historical richness? Then this is the story for you.
Returning from Hunsford Elizabeth is re-united with Jane at the Gardiners’ house in London, a welcome distraction from painful memories of Darcy. Among other outings they visit an exhibition of Venetian art at the Royal Academy, where Elizabeth is drawn to a portrait of a young lady holding a letter. Not only is she reminded of the letter she received from Darcy, but the model in the painting bears a striking resemblance to herself. Coincidence, surely, but the coincidences multiply when she discovers that the portrait has been bought by Darcy, and that an artist of the same name visited Meryton just before she was born. Her parents evade the topic, the Gardiners too. It turns out that the only person willing to help is the picture’s new owner.
Follow Lizzy as she discovers who the person in the painting is, complete with a recounting of Mr Bennet's grand tour (post wedding), many Italians, some people behaving badly (it's not who you suspect initially) and a Mr Darcy who is along for the ride (but mainly for Lizzy). 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.
April 6, 2026
Glimpse of the Past
As a variation, this story focuses, mostly on family history and events before Darcy and Elizabeth meet. I enjoyed the bit of detective work and the reflection on how so many details connect so many people with lasting impact in the present.
As a variation, this story focuses, mostly on family history and events before Darcy and Elizabeth meet. I enjoyed the bit of detective work and the reflection on how so many details connect so many people with lasting impact in the present.
March 26, 2026
Thought-provoking
For a while I wasn't sure if this novel was enough about Darcy and Elizabeth. It certainly goes off in a most unusual direction, but overall the portrait mystery lends itself to a most satisfying conclusion.
For a while I wasn't sure if this novel was enough about Darcy and Elizabeth. It certainly goes off in a most unusual direction, but overall the portrait mystery lends itself to a most satisfying conclusion.
March 25, 2026
interesting
An unusual grand tour is the focus of this mysterious variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by M. A. Sandiford.
An unusual grand tour is the focus of this mysterious variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by M. A. Sandiford.
March 18, 2026
Interesting storyline. Well written and the storyline was cleverly woven throughout. Very enjoyable read. Enjoy.
April 11, 2026
A very different and novel idea - 3.75*
An interesting plot with a mystery within involving Mr Bennet and Elizabeth as well as Mr Gardiner and Darcy. The mystery was well laid out and explained and flowed smoothly to the conclusion. The book includes a number of new characters and these are well written.
The book is perhaps a little dry and the romance is very secondary to the mystery. This didn't bother me as I felt this was clearly described as a mystery. The author has clearly done their research a there is a lot of information within the pages. This was interesting but perhaps a bit too much in places.
There is a little historic Collins scene which really offered nothing to the book.
An interesting plot with a mystery within involving Mr Bennet and Elizabeth as well as Mr Gardiner and Darcy. The mystery was well laid out and explained and flowed smoothly to the conclusion. The book includes a number of new characters and these are well written.
The book is perhaps a little dry and the romance is very secondary to the mystery. This didn't bother me as I felt this was clearly described as a mystery. The author has clearly done their research a there is a lot of information within the pages. This was interesting but perhaps a bit too much in places.
There is a little historic Collins scene which really offered nothing to the book.
April 30, 2026
sigh
The language is fine. But - (spoilers ahead)
.
.
.
I don't object to adultery in a book, but I do dislike it being dismissed and glorified as perfectly understandable and acceptable because it's "true love". I found Elizabeth's reaction especially unbelievable and disappointing.
The language is fine. But - (spoilers ahead)
.
.
.
I don't object to adultery in a book, but I do dislike it being dismissed and glorified as perfectly understandable and acceptable because it's "true love". I found Elizabeth's reaction especially unbelievable and disappointing.
April 1, 2026
It was a different take, although I am not fond of much of the behavior. I also think this made Darcy and Elizabeth essentially into different people, which I did not really like. Different, but not my cup of tea.
April 14, 2026
Excellent Story
I loved the story of the pictures, and
D their destruction . I always read about Darcy and Elizabeth, but this was refreshing, and has loads of twists and turns. A very good read indeed.
I loved the story of the pictures, and
D their destruction . I always read about Darcy and Elizabeth, but this was refreshing, and has loads of twists and turns. A very good read indeed.
March 30, 2026
Cute but nonsensical.
April 9, 2026
A page turner, much enjoyed!
I was kept guessing who was who. It was a fresh tale to a classic. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I was kept guessing who was who. It was a fresh tale to a classic. I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 15, 2026
An engaging tale
The author creates a complete story from a visit to a gallery. I found this an interesting narrative where past and present converge in a most entertaining novel.
The author creates a complete story from a visit to a gallery. I found this an interesting narrative where past and present converge in a most entertaining novel.
April 25, 2026
Meh. Even the epilogue was a let down. It didn’t read like a Regency book. Not my fave.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews