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Meryton Mystery #1
The Honorable Mr. Darcy
Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
Lieutenant George Wickham is dead.
The shot rings out in Wickham's tent as the good citizens of Meryton dance the night away at Mr. Bingley's Netherfield ball. The only person who can confirm Fitzwilliam Darcy's alibi faces the loss of her reputation and her freedom if she comes forward.
Convinced that her sole motive is the pursuit of justice - and not her growing attraction to Mr. Darcy - Elizabeth Bennet begins an investigation to clear his name and evade an unwanted marriage.
If Darcy didn't shoot Wickham in cold blood, who did? Which of Longbourn's neighbors is not who they seem?
With a killer on the loose, can Elizabeth avoid being the next victim as she comes closer to revealing the truth?
Lieutenant George Wickham is dead.
The shot rings out in Wickham's tent as the good citizens of Meryton dance the night away at Mr. Bingley's Netherfield ball. The only person who can confirm Fitzwilliam Darcy's alibi faces the loss of her reputation and her freedom if she comes forward.
Convinced that her sole motive is the pursuit of justice - and not her growing attraction to Mr. Darcy - Elizabeth Bennet begins an investigation to clear his name and evade an unwanted marriage.
If Darcy didn't shoot Wickham in cold blood, who did? Which of Longbourn's neighbors is not who they seem?
With a killer on the loose, can Elizabeth avoid being the next victim as she comes closer to revealing the truth?
Audible Audio
Published December 12, 2016
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383 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
45 books208 followersWhen Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
October 14, 2016
Just having finished reading this intriguing murder mystery/love story I had to jump to GR and post a review. I may not get it all said in one sitting but want my friends and fellow readers to know that this is a book well worth picking up.
There are lots of secrets in Meryton and Wickham is attempting to benefit from not telling all that he knows...as long as he can gain some benefit from it and we all know whose pockets he has had his hands in over and over again. But in a confrontation with his nemesis Darcy cannot keep the many onlookers from hearing and witnessing the anger he is attempting to control.
The Netherfield Ball: Elizabeth is looking forward to dancing with Wickham but he doesn't appear and she is doing her darnedest to avoid another man with whom she doesn't want to dance. Taking refuse in the library for a moment of repose she falls asleep...only to waken and find herself alone in the presence of THAT MAN and when he grabs her and puts his hand over her mouth...what's a girl to do. She bites him. Seconds later they find themselves locked in!
Shortly after midnight the ball attendees are being rounded up and questioned as the constable believes there is a murderer among them. Where were you at midnight?
I applaud the author's ingenuity. She has so many nuances to this story. Are you a good detective? I can many times intuit the culprit but this tale has clues which leave more questions than answers many times.
Aunt Philips has an acquaintance looking for a companion position. Jane and Elizabeth see hiring her as a move in the right direction to correct behaviors on the part of their own sisters. The Innkeeper, Mr. Tanner, holds a grudge against any one of high society and is free with questions and accusations when the murder occurs. Mr. Stallard and his highly eligible daughter have their agenda and encroach on Caroline Bingley's territorial claim to Mr. Darcy's attentions . Then there is Mr. Collins who must stay and lend his "respectable" name to support Lady Catherine's nephew. Colonel Forster is called upon to act as "jailer" or "protector" against the townsmen's possible lynching of a man due to ill favor and gossip. And so much more…..
In the space of less than a week Elizabeth and Darcy find opinions and prejudices about each other changing but neither wants their relationship to be forced to a different level. BUT are circumstances and honor going to make that decision for them?
This story grabbed my attention and became one of those I could not put down. I recommend this story to all.
There are lots of secrets in Meryton and Wickham is attempting to benefit from not telling all that he knows...as long as he can gain some benefit from it and we all know whose pockets he has had his hands in over and over again. But in a confrontation with his nemesis Darcy cannot keep the many onlookers from hearing and witnessing the anger he is attempting to control.
The Netherfield Ball: Elizabeth is looking forward to dancing with Wickham but he doesn't appear and she is doing her darnedest to avoid another man with whom she doesn't want to dance. Taking refuse in the library for a moment of repose she falls asleep...only to waken and find herself alone in the presence of THAT MAN and when he grabs her and puts his hand over her mouth...what's a girl to do. She bites him. Seconds later they find themselves locked in!
Shortly after midnight the ball attendees are being rounded up and questioned as the constable believes there is a murderer among them. Where were you at midnight?
I applaud the author's ingenuity. She has so many nuances to this story. Are you a good detective? I can many times intuit the culprit but this tale has clues which leave more questions than answers many times.
Aunt Philips has an acquaintance looking for a companion position. Jane and Elizabeth see hiring her as a move in the right direction to correct behaviors on the part of their own sisters. The Innkeeper, Mr. Tanner, holds a grudge against any one of high society and is free with questions and accusations when the murder occurs. Mr. Stallard and his highly eligible daughter have their agenda and encroach on Caroline Bingley's territorial claim to Mr. Darcy's attentions . Then there is Mr. Collins who must stay and lend his "respectable" name to support Lady Catherine's nephew. Colonel Forster is called upon to act as "jailer" or "protector" against the townsmen's possible lynching of a man due to ill favor and gossip. And so much more…..
In the space of less than a week Elizabeth and Darcy find opinions and prejudices about each other changing but neither wants their relationship to be forced to a different level. BUT are circumstances and honor going to make that decision for them?
This story grabbed my attention and became one of those I could not put down. I recommend this story to all.
March 16, 2023
What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another? ~Alan Paton
And we find something broken in the last man we suspected!
In the 1st chapters, I thought I wouldn't like this story since I had recently read "Did Darcy Do It?" and the basic premise here is the same.
But the plot develops in another direction and really didn't remind me so much of the other story. (I would recommend both)
I found some of this mystery too easy but the real murderer came out of nowhere -- didn't suspect that person at all.
Romance, Mystery, Happy Ending (but to be continued because lots of loose ends and plot directions to follow up)
And we find something broken in the last man we suspected!
In the 1st chapters, I thought I wouldn't like this story since I had recently read "Did Darcy Do It?" and the basic premise here is the same.
But the plot develops in another direction and really didn't remind me so much of the other story. (I would recommend both)
I found some of this mystery too easy but the real murderer came out of nowhere -- didn't suspect that person at all.
Romance, Mystery, Happy Ending (but to be continued because lots of loose ends and plot directions to follow up)
March 18, 2017
Dear Reader,
A murder mystery enveloped in Pride and Prejudice is what will delight and intrigue you if you venture forth on the path to read this delightful tale!
A man lies dead in his tent,shot through the heart by a gun he unwittingly supplied for such a deed.
Meryton society,recently aquatinted with the animosity that exists between the deceased and our dear Mr Darcy point the finger at said gentleman and label him a cold hearted murderer!! I kid you not!
Could our beloved Mr Darcy actually be guilty of such a fiendish act?
Fuelled by his unwillingness to supply an alibi,and thus highlight his presence in the company of a certain gentleman's daughter, which would undoubtedly lead to an ill desired arranged marriage,he remains silent, trusting that truth will out.
Are the Constable,Mr Tanner, the local magistrate, Mr Stallard and Col.Forster right in their assumptions of Mr Darcy?
Why are they so willing to perceive him as a man who thinks himself above the law,what prejudices and proud beliefs underline their thinking and will they be able to cast these
aside and lay the blame for such a heinous act at the guilty party's door?
What of Elizabeth,I hear you ask?
Fully aware of his innocence,will she reluctantly co-operate with Mr Darcy in his desire of non disclosure?
What of her determination to solve the mystery and acquit him of all wrong doing?
This was a very clever story,ingeniously plotted and peppered with twists and turns aplenty!!
Highly recommended for Austen fans seeking a little mystery and intrigue!
A murder mystery enveloped in Pride and Prejudice is what will delight and intrigue you if you venture forth on the path to read this delightful tale!
A man lies dead in his tent,shot through the heart by a gun he unwittingly supplied for such a deed.
Meryton society,recently aquatinted with the animosity that exists between the deceased and our dear Mr Darcy point the finger at said gentleman and label him a cold hearted murderer!! I kid you not!
Could our beloved Mr Darcy actually be guilty of such a fiendish act?
Fuelled by his unwillingness to supply an alibi,and thus highlight his presence in the company of a certain gentleman's daughter, which would undoubtedly lead to an ill desired arranged marriage,he remains silent, trusting that truth will out.
Are the Constable,Mr Tanner, the local magistrate, Mr Stallard and Col.Forster right in their assumptions of Mr Darcy?
Why are they so willing to perceive him as a man who thinks himself above the law,what prejudices and proud beliefs underline their thinking and will they be able to cast these
aside and lay the blame for such a heinous act at the guilty party's door?
What of Elizabeth,I hear you ask?
Fully aware of his innocence,will she reluctantly co-operate with Mr Darcy in his desire of non disclosure?
What of her determination to solve the mystery and acquit him of all wrong doing?
This was a very clever story,ingeniously plotted and peppered with twists and turns aplenty!!
Highly recommended for Austen fans seeking a little mystery and intrigue!
February 15, 2017
The villain is dead, but then, what villain killed him?
It was public knowledge that there was bad blood between Mr. Darcy and Lt. Wickham. When Lt. Wickham was murdered, the prime suspect could be none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy, that haughty man from Derbyshire. The crime occurred at exactly midnight and all Mr. Darcy had to do was tell where he was at midnight. And yet he refused. There was a very good reason for him to not reveal where he was, for you see… he was not alone.
This was a fast-paced story where a LOT happened at the very end. I wish it hadn’t been rushed. I was completely blown away by the big reveals. One character I suspected but the others… OMG!!! Brilliant. The author really got me. I was so not prepared for the big reveals… notice I said reveals… plural. Yeah, this story was chuck full of them. I was stunned as one after another was exposed… only to find another within a few pages. Oh-my-goodness… this was good. I actually had to back up and reread several pages in order to digest what was happening.
As our story wrapped up, there were these little things that I wanted resolved but the author chose to not go there. I wanted just a bit more… and was only given the bare bones for the resolution. I suppose, since this was a book #1, then there will be other stories. It was not possible to take me where I wanted to go, because they will be addressed in subsequent books. Having said that… as I look back over the story and characters, I can see a platform on which to build other stories. Excellent!!!
It was public knowledge that there was bad blood between Mr. Darcy and Lt. Wickham. When Lt. Wickham was murdered, the prime suspect could be none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy, that haughty man from Derbyshire. The crime occurred at exactly midnight and all Mr. Darcy had to do was tell where he was at midnight. And yet he refused. There was a very good reason for him to not reveal where he was, for you see… he was not alone.
This was a fast-paced story where a LOT happened at the very end. I wish it hadn’t been rushed. I was completely blown away by the big reveals. One character I suspected but the others… OMG!!! Brilliant. The author really got me. I was so not prepared for the big reveals… notice I said reveals… plural. Yeah, this story was chuck full of them. I was stunned as one after another was exposed… only to find another within a few pages. Oh-my-goodness… this was good. I actually had to back up and reread several pages in order to digest what was happening.
As our story wrapped up, there were these little things that I wanted resolved but the author chose to not go there. I wanted just a bit more… and was only given the bare bones for the resolution. I suppose, since this was a book #1, then there will be other stories. It was not possible to take me where I wanted to go, because they will be addressed in subsequent books. Having said that… as I look back over the story and characters, I can see a platform on which to build other stories. Excellent!!!
November 26, 2022
Very engaging "who dun it". Even on second read (audible) I was incorrect on who was the correct villan. A bit of romance and lots of mystery and intrigue make this a fun enjoyable read.
Bravo Ms. Joy on another fun adventure!
Bravo Ms. Joy on another fun adventure!
December 26, 2021
Great Pride and Prejudice mystery, although I think it takes a wrong turn at the point where the true murderer is revealed to the reader. Despite that, we have a great cast of suspects and various secrets (most having nothing to do with the murder) that gradually emerge throughout the pages of this book.
Mr. Wickham turns up dead the day after Mr. Darcy was seen leaving his tent looking agitated. This makes Mr. Darcy the prime suspect, especially since he won't reveal his exact whereabouts at the time Wickham is known to have been murdered. The murder occurred around midnight during the Netherfield Ball, and one of the secrets Mr. Darcy guards is that he was locked in the library at that time... with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Much as he'd love to announce it and happily marry her to preserve her reputation, he will not force her into that position when he now understands that she doesn't even like him.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, finds she must reevaluate her opinion of Mr. Darcy. She is disconcerted to realize she would have been one of the first to suspect him of killing Mr. Wickham if she did not know for a fact that he couldn't have done it. In trying to find evidence to prove his innocence, she comes to understand that she wishes to marry him but will not tell anyone of their compromising situation during the ball because she will not entrap Mr. Darcy into a marriage she believes HE doesn't want.
The murder is being investigated by Mr. Tanner (the Meryton constable), Colonel Forster (the commanding officer of Wickham's regiment), and Mr. Stallard (the local magistrate), with occasional unwanted assistance from the ever-bumbling Mr. Collins. Mr. Stallard has a daughter whose secret is mixed up in the plot. While Mr. Tanner has a reputation for being very fair-minded, he has an obvious bias against Darcy from the start. Most of the Meryton, Longbourn and Netherfield supporting players from P&P have their usual roles with the addition of Mrs. Yeats. She becomes a companion for the Bennet daughters and proves to be effective at insisting upon proper behavior from Lydia and Kitty. Colonel Fitzwilliam even shows up before the end of the book.
The writing is excellent, flows nicely, and the romance is lovely, too. Lots of yearning from Darcy and, in increasing measure throughout the story, from Elizabeth. New characters are well defined, and the behavior of the original characters stay consistent with canon. The mystery is great, and the motivation and the way things unfold do make sense... to a point.
It's when the murderer realizes exposure is imminent that the story gets kind of hinky. I couldn't figure any apparent motivation for two people to be drugged at that point. And once that happened, it didn't make sense to me that they were kidnapped. Were they intended to be hostages? The killer could have left Meryton and had a better chance for escape without involving two more victims. I certainly didn't understand the additional murder, considering the state of mind of the killer. Was it accidental? These knots are not unraveled for the reader, making the ending just a bit unsatisfying.
With everything else this book has going for it, though, it's a thoroughly engrossing whodunit.
Mr. Wickham turns up dead the day after Mr. Darcy was seen leaving his tent looking agitated. This makes Mr. Darcy the prime suspect, especially since he won't reveal his exact whereabouts at the time Wickham is known to have been murdered. The murder occurred around midnight during the Netherfield Ball, and one of the secrets Mr. Darcy guards is that he was locked in the library at that time... with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Much as he'd love to announce it and happily marry her to preserve her reputation, he will not force her into that position when he now understands that she doesn't even like him.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, finds she must reevaluate her opinion of Mr. Darcy. She is disconcerted to realize she would have been one of the first to suspect him of killing Mr. Wickham if she did not know for a fact that he couldn't have done it. In trying to find evidence to prove his innocence, she comes to understand that she wishes to marry him but will not tell anyone of their compromising situation during the ball because she will not entrap Mr. Darcy into a marriage she believes HE doesn't want.
The murder is being investigated by Mr. Tanner (the Meryton constable), Colonel Forster (the commanding officer of Wickham's regiment), and Mr. Stallard (the local magistrate), with occasional unwanted assistance from the ever-bumbling Mr. Collins. Mr. Stallard has a daughter whose secret is mixed up in the plot. While Mr. Tanner has a reputation for being very fair-minded, he has an obvious bias against Darcy from the start. Most of the Meryton, Longbourn and Netherfield supporting players from P&P have their usual roles with the addition of Mrs. Yeats. She becomes a companion for the Bennet daughters and proves to be effective at insisting upon proper behavior from Lydia and Kitty. Colonel Fitzwilliam even shows up before the end of the book.
The writing is excellent, flows nicely, and the romance is lovely, too. Lots of yearning from Darcy and, in increasing measure throughout the story, from Elizabeth. New characters are well defined, and the behavior of the original characters stay consistent with canon. The mystery is great, and the motivation and the way things unfold do make sense... to a point.
It's when the murderer realizes exposure is imminent that the story gets kind of hinky. I couldn't figure any apparent motivation for two people to be drugged at that point. And once that happened, it didn't make sense to me that they were kidnapped. Were they intended to be hostages? The killer could have left Meryton and had a better chance for escape without involving two more victims. I certainly didn't understand the additional murder, considering the state of mind of the killer. Was it accidental? These knots are not unraveled for the reader, making the ending just a bit unsatisfying.
With everything else this book has going for it, though, it's a thoroughly engrossing whodunit.
October 31, 2022
In this Meryton Mystery (book 1) Wickham is killed the night of the Netherfield Ball and Darcy is the prime suspect. Elizabeth knows for certain that he is innocent and even though at this point she doesn’t much like him, she is determined to find the real killer. I enjoyed this story. Darcy and Elizabeth spend a lot of time together and he still writes the letter explaining his history with Wickham which does much to alter her opinion. Colonel Fitzwilliam shows up at the end, and there’s a new and interesting twist on the Darcy family history.
February 13, 2017
Mr. Wickham is dead the night of the Netherfield Ball and Mr. Darcy is the main suspect as he was last seen storming out of Wickham's tent that day! Not only that, he refuses to explain why no one can vouch for his exact presence at midnight even though he says he never left Netherfiled...except for Elizabeth Bennet.
I love a good mystery and with Wickham being the victim, there certainly were more than enough suspects! Several new characters have been introduced which just added to the mystery. There were plenty of secrets lurking within the Meryton community that were slowly uncovered by gossip and actions as Colonel Forster, Mr. Stallard (the local magistrate) and Mr. Tanner (constable and innkeeper) investigated. The obsequious Mr. Collins had to help as he couldn't allow the nephew of his esteemed patroness to be convicted of being a murderer! Then of course, Elizabeth Bennet felt she could not allow Mr. Darcy to hang because she knew he was innocent! Armed with what was slowly unveiled, I had my own suspicions of who murdered Mr. Wickham. I was completely wrong. I didn't start changing my mind until the end and then again I was wrong!
The ending for me did feel a bit rushed with so much happening that at times didn't seem logical. It also ended just a bit too tidy. That being said, I did enjoy the story very much, and I look forward to her next mystery in the series.
I love a good mystery and with Wickham being the victim, there certainly were more than enough suspects! Several new characters have been introduced which just added to the mystery. There were plenty of secrets lurking within the Meryton community that were slowly uncovered by gossip and actions as Colonel Forster, Mr. Stallard (the local magistrate) and Mr. Tanner (constable and innkeeper) investigated. The obsequious Mr. Collins had to help as he couldn't allow the nephew of his esteemed patroness to be convicted of being a murderer! Then of course, Elizabeth Bennet felt she could not allow Mr. Darcy to hang because she knew he was innocent! Armed with what was slowly unveiled, I had my own suspicions of who murdered Mr. Wickham. I was completely wrong. I didn't start changing my mind until the end and then again I was wrong!
The ending for me did feel a bit rushed with so much happening that at times didn't seem logical. It also ended just a bit too tidy. That being said, I did enjoy the story very much, and I look forward to her next mystery in the series.
October 16, 2016
Poor Mr. Darcy. He is again a murder suspect and the victim is none other than his permanent nemesis -Wickham. On the night of the Netherfield Ball Mr. Wickham fails to appear and is later found dead in his tent. Seemingly everyone is a suspect but Mr. Darcy is singled out by the locals due to a semi public row with the victim the day of the murder. The local Constable seems to think that Darcy is the kind of man who doesn't think laws apply to him. Darcy has an alibi but it will result in the embarrassment of a young lady so both stay silent.
The author introduces lots of new characters and possible suspects and while you the reader know Darcy couldn't have done it you will have a great time trying to guess who did.
The author introduces lots of new characters and possible suspects and while you the reader know Darcy couldn't have done it you will have a great time trying to guess who did.
December 18, 2017
Reread 12/17/17
Listened to the audiobook this time around, and it was pretty good. Not my favorite narrator, but certainly not bad.
Original read 1/1/17
I've read several of this sort of story now, where one of our favorite characters is accused of a crime while the other strives to prove it wrong, and I've decided I like it almost as much as forced marriages and injuries. Nothing like life-threatening danger to make Elizabeth come around a little faster! I liked that Elizabeth started to think a little better of him even before she knew the truth about Wickham, and their interactions were very satisfying. My only real complaint about the story is that the revelation of the murderer sort of came out of left field. Other characters and the things of which they were guilty came to light, and those made sense, but the murderer was not someone I could have possibly guessed based on the clues given. That always takes a little fun out of it.
Listened to the audiobook this time around, and it was pretty good. Not my favorite narrator, but certainly not bad.
Original read 1/1/17
I've read several of this sort of story now, where one of our favorite characters is accused of a crime while the other strives to prove it wrong, and I've decided I like it almost as much as forced marriages and injuries. Nothing like life-threatening danger to make Elizabeth come around a little faster! I liked that Elizabeth started to think a little better of him even before she knew the truth about Wickham, and their interactions were very satisfying. My only real complaint about the story is that the revelation of the murderer sort of came out of left field. Other characters and the things of which they were guilty came to light, and those made sense, but the murderer was not someone I could have possibly guessed based on the clues given. That always takes a little fun out of it.
November 10, 2016
What a marvelous job!
I only wish I could have read this story in one sitting instead of over so many lunch breaks and too short rests.
I loved the way the usual characters were depicted and the new ones are very interesting.
The end was a complete surprise!
A thoroughly enjoyable mystery!
I only wish I could have read this story in one sitting instead of over so many lunch breaks and too short rests.
I loved the way the usual characters were depicted and the new ones are very interesting.
The end was a complete surprise!
A thoroughly enjoyable mystery!
October 21, 2022
A murder mystery wrapped up in Pride and Prejudice. What more can I ask for? I really liked the story and am looking forward to the next one.
March 27, 2019
4.5 stars ~
What have you done to me?? This is not allowed.
I'm in love, again. 😍
I can admit I wasn't hoping the book to be this good!! I was hoping it pull me out of my reading slump - which it did - but never to be so close to my five stars!! It was amazing!! And now I must have the rest of the series . . . whenever that happens. :P
I was skeptical at first considering how close it was to the original Pride + Prejudice ( with all the characters, back stories, names, places, and love the same ), and I almost considered it perjury. Which is illegal, however, the plot is so mixed up and once I made it to chapter eight I was fine. Then I started loving it. It pulled out the fangirl in me for I had been going into the book as a full set critic. So, congratulations Jennifer Joy .. .. .. you just won me over!! ^.^
The description was rather old fashioned with its similar feels and discrepancies, so I felt at home. ( now I really want to read Pride and Prejudice - which I will be doing . . . 😬 ) I loved her hinting clues and sense of foreboding. It was mysterious and intriguing.
The content consists of bloody scenes, hidden mentions of seduction, married couples, flirting, and few anger/fight areas. Not bad . . . Something I would probably hand to an eleven year old knowing they could read it and not get bad vibes.
The romance . . . pure and clean as ever in certain areas. Others it was a lot of flirting, but I love how Jennifer Joy kept all the solid points and views, changing only what needed to be changed so it became "her's".
The characters I found to be strong and basically identical to that of Jane Austen's. Elizabeth and Darcy both were very strong willed, stubborn, crafty, pleasant but not pleasant, and extremely lovable!! =) I appreciated the references to other side characters, the difficult mystery ( which I didn't figure out . . . *huffs* ), and creative traits. Jennifer Joy really made this her own book.
Overall it piqued my interest, and turned my critical "this-will-be-fun-to-read-for-ranty-review" into my 😍 fangirl nature where I was begging for more. And I can honestly tell you I'm normally not wrong about my reading likes or dislikes, so I can guess if I won't like a book but read it anyways for review. This one surprised me immensely and changed my critical reading slump into a fun adventure.
**NOTE** I got the book on a freebie deal. ( Awesome, or what?? I love those!! :P )
What have you done to me?? This is not allowed.
I'm in love, again. 😍
I can admit I wasn't hoping the book to be this good!! I was hoping it pull me out of my reading slump - which it did - but never to be so close to my five stars!! It was amazing!! And now I must have the rest of the series . . . whenever that happens. :P
I was skeptical at first considering how close it was to the original Pride + Prejudice ( with all the characters, back stories, names, places, and love the same ), and I almost considered it perjury. Which is illegal, however, the plot is so mixed up and once I made it to chapter eight I was fine. Then I started loving it. It pulled out the fangirl in me for I had been going into the book as a full set critic. So, congratulations Jennifer Joy .. .. .. you just won me over!! ^.^
The description was rather old fashioned with its similar feels and discrepancies, so I felt at home. ( now I really want to read Pride and Prejudice - which I will be doing . . . 😬 ) I loved her hinting clues and sense of foreboding. It was mysterious and intriguing.
The content consists of bloody scenes, hidden mentions of seduction, married couples, flirting, and few anger/fight areas. Not bad . . . Something I would probably hand to an eleven year old knowing they could read it and not get bad vibes.
The romance . . . pure and clean as ever in certain areas. Others it was a lot of flirting, but I love how Jennifer Joy kept all the solid points and views, changing only what needed to be changed so it became "her's".
The characters I found to be strong and basically identical to that of Jane Austen's. Elizabeth and Darcy both were very strong willed, stubborn, crafty, pleasant but not pleasant, and extremely lovable!! =) I appreciated the references to other side characters, the difficult mystery ( which I didn't figure out . . . *huffs* ), and creative traits. Jennifer Joy really made this her own book.
Overall it piqued my interest, and turned my critical "this-will-be-fun-to-read-for-ranty-review" into my 😍 fangirl nature where I was begging for more. And I can honestly tell you I'm normally not wrong about my reading likes or dislikes, so I can guess if I won't like a book but read it anyways for review. This one surprised me immensely and changed my critical reading slump into a fun adventure.
**NOTE** I got the book on a freebie deal. ( Awesome, or what?? I love those!! :P )
January 6, 2021
Pretty Good Mystery
Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2019
The author had me fooled. I think I guessed everyone but the culprit. I did figure out Mrs. Y. though. Nicely done overall.
Reviewed in Canada on April 4, 2019
The author had me fooled. I think I guessed everyone but the culprit. I did figure out Mrs. Y. though. Nicely done overall.
January 17, 2023
An enjoyable mystery story with both Elizabeth and Darcy trying to help each other as they seek to solve the crime.
January 2, 2026
So much happened in the story that I do not know where to begin.
The villain is dead, but the question now, is that the only villain in Meryton or are there more?
Because it was a murder, Darcy is the main suspect. Who would have guessed?
Now as to that, it's a murder mystery with romance, but only having Darcy as primary suspect without having proof was making it tiresome. It was extremely biased and they didn't even wanted to search for the murderer in my opinion. Without Elizabeth and even to some extent Mr. Collins, Darcy would be hanged. Otherwise I won't say more about that plot itself, you gotta find out for yourself.
To the romance part, oh it was beautifully done despite all the trouble ODC/Darcy faced, except maybe the ending. I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt. As it's a reread I know the first book in the Meryton Mystery can be read as a stand alone even though there's a 'new' character from this book also very present in the other books, so my opinion stands that it's a bit abrupt. But as I said, that's only my opinion.
All in all I liked the book very much with all the plots and twists and suspenses. Something to recommend. Also Nancy Peterson, the narrator did a good job. She had such a smooth voice that I enjoyed listening to her.
The villain is dead, but the question now, is that the only villain in Meryton or are there more?
Because it was a murder, Darcy is the main suspect. Who would have guessed?
Now as to that, it's a murder mystery with romance, but only having Darcy as primary suspect without having proof was making it tiresome. It was extremely biased and they didn't even wanted to search for the murderer in my opinion. Without Elizabeth and even to some extent Mr. Collins, Darcy would be hanged. Otherwise I won't say more about that plot itself, you gotta find out for yourself.
To the romance part, oh it was beautifully done despite all the trouble ODC/Darcy faced, except maybe the ending. I felt like the ending was a bit abrupt. As it's a reread I know the first book in the Meryton Mystery can be read as a stand alone even though there's a 'new' character from this book also very present in the other books, so my opinion stands that it's a bit abrupt. But as I said, that's only my opinion.
All in all I liked the book very much with all the plots and twists and suspenses. Something to recommend. Also Nancy Peterson, the narrator did a good job. She had such a smooth voice that I enjoyed listening to her.
October 20, 2016
Good Misdirection
A murder mystery of manners...Ms Joy does lead us down a merry path, although I would have preferred some stronger character development earlier. Could we not know more of Stallard's motivations earlier? The resolution in the last few pages left a rushed feeling. Rating is 3.5 stars.
A murder mystery of manners...Ms Joy does lead us down a merry path, although I would have preferred some stronger character development earlier. Could we not know more of Stallard's motivations earlier? The resolution in the last few pages left a rushed feeling. Rating is 3.5 stars.
December 10, 2016
Did not see that coming!
More often than not I can see what will happen in a story well before it does happen. How happy was I to read a story that lacked the predictability so often found in fanfiction stories. Loved that there was more than one twist in this story! Can't wait to read more of this series.
More often than not I can see what will happen in a story well before it does happen. How happy was I to read a story that lacked the predictability so often found in fanfiction stories. Loved that there was more than one twist in this story! Can't wait to read more of this series.
May 4, 2017
The militia are in Meryton and this includes Wickham, while the Bingleys and Darcy are at Netherfield. But when Wickham is murdered Darcy becomes the main suspect. Who can clear his name and who is the guilty party. Most of the characters from Meryton are here plus a few new characters.
An enjoyable mystery which thankfully I didn't guess, and so I look forward to the next.
An enjoyable mystery which thankfully I didn't guess, and so I look forward to the next.
March 28, 2017
Nice little murder mystery with little angst.
May 19, 2018
Dreadful on every level.
I confess that I read this as an audiobook, and the reader's faux upper-crust accent set my teeth on edge. With that aside, the book itself was also dreadful. The author relies on the original classic for her character development, so does nothing to support them beyond telling us what they are thinking in the most overt and clumsy terms. Not only does this break a basic rule of fiction writing, "Don't tell your reader how the character feels - show it," but the feelings she ascribes them are based on a very shallow, even cliche, understanding of the original characters. More than once Lydia bluntly says "I shall take my pick of officers" (or similar). Seriously, if Ms Joy is lazily taking her character development from Ms. Austen, the least she could do is respect the era in which the characters are set and the tone of the original book when writing dialogue. It comes off as a 21st century set of two dimensional characters trying to be posh. Oh, wait... that's the audiobook reader. Silly me. I'm sorry, but I did a rare thing with this book: I put it down in disgust before finishing it. It was just too painful.
Given that there is no character development
I confess that I read this as an audiobook, and the reader's faux upper-crust accent set my teeth on edge. With that aside, the book itself was also dreadful. The author relies on the original classic for her character development, so does nothing to support them beyond telling us what they are thinking in the most overt and clumsy terms. Not only does this break a basic rule of fiction writing, "Don't tell your reader how the character feels - show it," but the feelings she ascribes them are based on a very shallow, even cliche, understanding of the original characters. More than once Lydia bluntly says "I shall take my pick of officers" (or similar). Seriously, if Ms Joy is lazily taking her character development from Ms. Austen, the least she could do is respect the era in which the characters are set and the tone of the original book when writing dialogue. It comes off as a 21st century set of two dimensional characters trying to be posh. Oh, wait... that's the audiobook reader. Silly me. I'm sorry, but I did a rare thing with this book: I put it down in disgust before finishing it. It was just too painful.
Given that there is no character development
December 4, 2016
P&P mystery
A great P&P who done it with a unique twist in our favorite couple getting to know each other and a little about themselves. Surprising twists and turns that keep you guessing. Looking forward to more to come!
A great P&P who done it with a unique twist in our favorite couple getting to know each other and a little about themselves. Surprising twists and turns that keep you guessing. Looking forward to more to come!
July 1, 2018
loved this story. Wickham has been murdered and the last time Darcy was with him they had an argument and everyone knows. How will he prove he's innocent. The journey for Elizabeth and Darcy was awesome very diverting with a few surprises in the end. Well done
February 24, 2022
This was much more mystery than it was romance. Which is okay, but I read fanfiction for the squishy feelings not for the murder. Interesting enough, I didn't guess who the killer was, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
July 31, 2017
I enjoyed this who dunit very much!
Enjoyable story. I figured out a key point fairly early in the story, but the others took me completely by surprise. Good mystery.
Enjoyable story. I figured out a key point fairly early in the story, but the others took me completely by surprise. Good mystery.
March 26, 2019
Great story
Enough intrigue to satisfy everyone . You will be surprised who the villain really is and a couple of more s surprises !
Enough intrigue to satisfy everyone . You will be surprised who the villain really is and a couple of more s surprises !
March 21, 2019
Perfect perfect,perfect!
Absolutely wonderful! Ms. Joy did a wonderful job recreating the "Pride and Prejudice" vibe with dialogue that was masterful. Can't wait to start on book two!
Absolutely wonderful! Ms. Joy did a wonderful job recreating the "Pride and Prejudice" vibe with dialogue that was masterful. Can't wait to start on book two!
Read
November 3, 2017The Honorable Mr. Darcy (A Meryton Mystery Book 1) was my first time reading a Pride and Prejudice variation by Jennifer Joy, and I was delighted from start to finish. When Mr. Wickham is found dead in his tent during the Netherfield Ball, the inhabitants of Meryton are quick to point fingers at Mr. Darcy. They have a poor opinion of him since he insulted Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembly, and he was seen leaving Wickham’s tent in anger. Elizabeth isn’t Darcy’s biggest supporter, but she knows he couldn’t have committed murder. However, explaining how she knows would tether her to the man forever.
Darcy doesn’t help his cause by refusing to say where he was at the time of the murder and why he had argued with Wickham, and Elizabeth’s perception of him begins to change as she realizes he is a man of honor. However, Darcy must contend with the cantankerous Mr. Tanner, Meryton’s innkeeper and constable, and Mr. Stallard, the magistrate, as they make it difficult for Darcy to prove his innocence while hiding secrets of their own. As Darcy and Elizabeth navigate their changing feelings for one another, Elizabeth finds herself determined to solve the crime and help Darcy clear his name, while he worries that danger may befall her as a killer continues to roam free.
Joy does a great job creating a sense of mystery and danger, and she stays true to Austen’s characters while dramatically altering events. I enjoyed how Darcy and Elizabeth worked together to uncover the truth behind Wickham’s death and how Darcy embraced Elizabeth’s inquisitiveness and didn’t expect her to change even while wishing she would be careful in her sleuthing. Joy adds several original characters, including the Bennet daughters’ new companion, Mrs. Yates, and the magistrate’s daughter, Miss Stallard, who liven up the plot. What I loved most was the fast pace and how I was able to piece some things together but was still surprised in the end. And Colonel Fitzwilliam, oh how I loved his dramatic entrance and take-charge attitude!
The Honorable Mr. Darcy is a solid start to an exciting series, and I can’t wait to read more. In fact, as soon as I finished this book, I immediately started book 2, The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth (stay tuned for my review). I have a feeling that this is a series I won’t want to end!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Darcy doesn’t help his cause by refusing to say where he was at the time of the murder and why he had argued with Wickham, and Elizabeth’s perception of him begins to change as she realizes he is a man of honor. However, Darcy must contend with the cantankerous Mr. Tanner, Meryton’s innkeeper and constable, and Mr. Stallard, the magistrate, as they make it difficult for Darcy to prove his innocence while hiding secrets of their own. As Darcy and Elizabeth navigate their changing feelings for one another, Elizabeth finds herself determined to solve the crime and help Darcy clear his name, while he worries that danger may befall her as a killer continues to roam free.
Joy does a great job creating a sense of mystery and danger, and she stays true to Austen’s characters while dramatically altering events. I enjoyed how Darcy and Elizabeth worked together to uncover the truth behind Wickham’s death and how Darcy embraced Elizabeth’s inquisitiveness and didn’t expect her to change even while wishing she would be careful in her sleuthing. Joy adds several original characters, including the Bennet daughters’ new companion, Mrs. Yates, and the magistrate’s daughter, Miss Stallard, who liven up the plot. What I loved most was the fast pace and how I was able to piece some things together but was still surprised in the end. And Colonel Fitzwilliam, oh how I loved his dramatic entrance and take-charge attitude!
The Honorable Mr. Darcy is a solid start to an exciting series, and I can’t wait to read more. In fact, as soon as I finished this book, I immediately started book 2, The Indomitable Miss Elizabeth (stay tuned for my review). I have a feeling that this is a series I won’t want to end!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
February 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this murder mystery surrounding the Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennet. It was great to see how they worked together but not at the same time. I loved watching them fall in love.
November 2, 2016
Being a historical romance "junkie", I was not sure that a mystery would appeal to me. However, I enjoyed this version of Elizabeth and Darcy's development. I did not get anywhere close to guessing the proper villain, although I did get some things right.
I must say if this was not already identified as a series, I would have complained about some of the plot lines. I am hoping that they are set ups for future story lines.
I must say if this was not already identified as a series, I would have complained about some of the plot lines. I am hoping that they are set ups for future story lines.
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