Intrigue at the Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Dark Darcy Mystery #2

by Penelope Swan

Book 2 of a Four-Part Series

Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters are excited by the prospect of the Netherfield masquerade ball--they're looking forward to enchantment and romance and maybe even a wedding proposal too! But their anticipation is overshadowed by the arrival of mysterious gifts from the Orient and the discovery of a deadly curse. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is hiding a guilty secret about her encounter with a charming rogue and still struggling to understand her feelings for Mr Darcy. The handsome, aloof gentleman may be a master at solving mysteries, but what are his intentions towards her heart?

A romantic Regency mystery inspired by Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice! This is the second book in the Dark Darcy Mysteries - a Pride and Prejudice variation combining mystery and romance. * Each book in this series features a standalone mystery which is resolved, but the overall story of Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship is told over the 4 books of the series.

- The Netherfield Affair (Book 1)
- Intrigue at the Ball (Book 2)
- The Poisoned Proposal (Book 3)
- Secrets at Pemberley (Book 4)

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2015

Reviews

[Les · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of 4 books that combine mystery and intrigue with P&P.

The first centered around Jane's falling ill at Netherfield. This centers around the Netherfield ball. Which becomes a masquerade, which annoyed me for some reason. Wicked George the Highwayman is still active in the area and has honed in upon Elizabeth, we have Lizzy with an injured ankle trope [how can a woman who does so much walking have such weak ankles??] And mysterious bouquets arriving at Longbourn.

I think I am done with this series.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like P & P pastiches, but multi-volume retellings tend to drag. I found this book predictable.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, with Elizabeth's behavior in this story, if Darcy never spoke to her again I feel he would be justified. Why would you want to be with someone who is sympathetic to criminals? Especially one who didn't try to stop his attendance of a ball which he robbed? What poor judgement it shows she has!

I hope Lizzy has smartened up for the next book.

[Lauren Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable. And free on Kindle

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story centers around Wicked George and the Netherfield Ball which gets changed to a masquerade in this tale. Mr Collins makes his first appearance in this book and as soon as he does he gets held up at gunpoint and robbed while walking into Meryton with his Bennet cousins. It's right after this that Bingley and Darcy show up where he is recognized as Wickham and steals Bingley's horse all within one scene. The rest of the story has Wickham taking an interest in Lizzy which makes him do some reckless things. Especially as he is supposed to be a wanted man. Oh I forgot to mention there is also a cursed music box in this tale that takes up part of the story.

I totally knew that Wicked George was Wickham. I just knew it. I would have loved for this book to be a little longer than what it was. I do think it was a genious idea to hide the jewels that he stole at the local balls to be hidden in the food. However Bingley is a douche at the end of this book.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are going to the Netherfield masquerade ball-- What excitement the ladies are feeling about having a ball to attend. When Elizabeth gets a letter telling her the handsome and intriguing highwayman will be attending and she will be his first dance.. Would Elizabeth be an accomplice if she says nothing, but... what if he doesn't show up.. or if he does and she causes him to be caught & hung?? Intrigue & mystery at the masquerade ball and just how did the jewels disappear??
I found this was interesting and a fun read. I thank the author for gifting me this intriguing story!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short novel focusing on the events before and after the Netherfield ball. Wickham is a handsome highwayman who has seemed to find pity from Elizaneth in his situation. A masquerade ball will test Elizabeths judgement of Wickham and Darcy. Jane is such a strong woman in this novel and Bingleys reaction a disappointment. The novel ends with a gesture that we assume is from Darcy which leads to mixed feelings for Elizabeth. Now I am curious to read the next instalment in the series.

[Nicol Legakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A continuing story about Elizabeth and Darcy with a tiny mystery thrown in.

[Ajo Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in love with Darcy!!!!...