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The Mystery Bennet
A Pride and Prejudice Variation Elizabeth has lived at the estate of her uncle all of her life. Her mother died at her birth and her father died before her first birthday. As she meets and begins to fall in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy, secrets from her past come to the surface, secrets that were kept to protect her from someone who wishes her dead. Will Darcy stand beside her when he learns the truth? What will happen when the one man who desires her death, learns of her location?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2018
96 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Schertz
47 books59 followersI am a retired crime lab/crime scene technician, having worked for a local police department for 15 years. Since then, I have become disabled. Forgot to get the extended warranty on the body. In my spare time, I make jewelry, am a photographer, and a full time mom and grandma.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 5, 2018
“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.”—Elizabeth Bowen
This was an interesting clean story. Every once in a while, it is fun to read a story with a sensible Mrs. Bennet and with the younger Bennet sisters not yet out in society and under good regulation. I actually liked this Mrs. Bennet. It was fun watching her fuss over Elizabeth for a change, instead of hating the sight of her and the ground upon which she walked.
Meryton society believed that Elizabeth Bennet was an orphan, the child of Mr. Bennet’s deceased brother. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were perfectly willing to raise their niece along with their four daughters. Only one problem… M/M Bennet were keeping a secret regarding Lizzy’s actual parentage. Lord Matlock was also in on the secret and soon things began to unfold when Darcy sent him a letter regarding his interest in a young lady living at Longbourn.
Caroline… Caroline: you wicked, wicked witch… will you ever learn? Poor Darcy could not scrape this barnacle from his backside… ahh… arm. Her tenacious grip let him know, in no uncertain terms, that he was in her sights. She was like a leech that sucked the very lifeforce out of him. She would not leave him alone. She was convinced that she was the PERFECT mistress for the Pemberley wealth… em… wife… the perfect wife for Darcy and nothing or no one could convince her otherwise. She was determined to have him even if she had to stage a compromise, and a country nobody was not going to get in her way. She was vicious, cruel and vindictive in her manner and actions toward the two eldest Bennet sisters… especially one Miss Eliza Bennet.
“Love is an endless mystery, because there is no reasonable cause that could explain it.”—Rabindrahath Tagore
I loved Darcy’s interactions with Lizzy… swoon. He fell for her immediately and he fell hard. He was so caring and Mrs. Bennet quietly watched his actions with her niece. Yeah, that was good. I enjoyed it.
When you read a Schertz book, there are several things that are a given… all the things consistent with a Regency era story are thrown out the window or simply disregarded. With this author, you can never tell. Examples: comportment [behavior, bearing], there are things that Darcy did that are simply not done in polite society. Deportment [behavior or manners], there are things that Darcy did and said… yada… yada. Then, we have propriety and appropriate era language… etc. But then, I have to admit, sometimes it is fun to watch when someone rains all over Caroline’s parade, complete with thunder, lightning, and occasional hail. Yeah, it was good. For that alone I won’t deduct a star.
*** Spoiler *** There were several threads left hanging… what happened to the necklace Lord Matlock sent for that he had been holding for Elizabeth? It would have been nice for Elizabeth to have it. Also, there might have been something hidden in it behind the pictures. What about *** End Spoiler ***
This was an interesting clean story. Every once in a while, it is fun to read a story with a sensible Mrs. Bennet and with the younger Bennet sisters not yet out in society and under good regulation. I actually liked this Mrs. Bennet. It was fun watching her fuss over Elizabeth for a change, instead of hating the sight of her and the ground upon which she walked.
Meryton society believed that Elizabeth Bennet was an orphan, the child of Mr. Bennet’s deceased brother. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were perfectly willing to raise their niece along with their four daughters. Only one problem… M/M Bennet were keeping a secret regarding Lizzy’s actual parentage. Lord Matlock was also in on the secret and soon things began to unfold when Darcy sent him a letter regarding his interest in a young lady living at Longbourn.
Caroline… Caroline: you wicked, wicked witch… will you ever learn? Poor Darcy could not scrape this barnacle from his backside… ahh… arm. Her tenacious grip let him know, in no uncertain terms, that he was in her sights. She was like a leech that sucked the very lifeforce out of him. She would not leave him alone. She was convinced that she was the PERFECT mistress for the Pemberley wealth… em… wife… the perfect wife for Darcy and nothing or no one could convince her otherwise. She was determined to have him even if she had to stage a compromise, and a country nobody was not going to get in her way. She was vicious, cruel and vindictive in her manner and actions toward the two eldest Bennet sisters… especially one Miss Eliza Bennet.
“Love is an endless mystery, because there is no reasonable cause that could explain it.”—Rabindrahath Tagore
I loved Darcy’s interactions with Lizzy… swoon. He fell for her immediately and he fell hard. He was so caring and Mrs. Bennet quietly watched his actions with her niece. Yeah, that was good. I enjoyed it.
When you read a Schertz book, there are several things that are a given… all the things consistent with a Regency era story are thrown out the window or simply disregarded. With this author, you can never tell. Examples: comportment [behavior, bearing], there are things that Darcy did that are simply not done in polite society. Deportment [behavior or manners], there are things that Darcy did and said… yada… yada. Then, we have propriety and appropriate era language… etc. But then, I have to admit, sometimes it is fun to watch when someone rains all over Caroline’s parade, complete with thunder, lightning, and occasional hail. Yeah, it was good. For that alone I won’t deduct a star.
*** Spoiler *** There were several threads left hanging… what happened to the necklace Lord Matlock sent for that he had been holding for Elizabeth? It would have been nice for Elizabeth to have it. Also, there might have been something hidden in it behind the pictures. What about *** End Spoiler ***
December 25, 2018
Lizzy has royal blood
The story is a typical Melanie Schwertz story. It’s probably a 3.5 star story and a reviewer has to round up or down depending on whether you enjoy the outrageous plot.
The author’s books are my guilty pleasure. I love her stories, the outrageous situations she put the P&P characters in.
I recommend this story but certainly lots of people who might not like it. Faint praise 😜
The story is a typical Melanie Schwertz story. It’s probably a 3.5 star story and a reviewer has to round up or down depending on whether you enjoy the outrageous plot.
The author’s books are my guilty pleasure. I love her stories, the outrageous situations she put the P&P characters in.
I recommend this story but certainly lots of people who might not like it. Faint praise 😜
July 7, 2019
Loved it. Loved that Elizabeth was in danger of "being murdered." I love Melanie Schertz books because no one else has this much crazy in their JAFF. It is too much fun. Keep writing them and I will keep buying them. The whole family likes to hear what is going on in her books.
Reread: I need more Schertz books!!
Reread: I need more Schertz books!!
Reread: I need more Schertz books!!
Reread: I need more Schertz books!!
January 20, 2018
The Mystery Bennet
Another interesting and great story by Melanie Schertz. Loved the Bennets in this story as both were loving and understanding parents that took in Elizabeth as their own ignoring the circumstances of her birth. Her birth father was friends with Thomas Bennet's brother and that was good enough for them. When her birth mother died, the babe was whisked away from the evil grandfather that wished her harm. Catching the eye of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth life is threatened by the interference of Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Both women did not learn that their interference was not taken kindly to and both paid for their indiscretions. The evil grandfather, Baron von Laudon, paid for his desire for revenge giving up his life before he met with English justice for murder. All those that supported the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy met with their own happiness. Darcy and Elizabeth lived happily ever after enjoying the life they were both meant to have together with their family. And Mr. and Mrs. Bennet enjoyed the birth of their fifth child and heir, Thomas William Charles Bennet, thereby breaking the entail on Longbourn and near the age of his adopted sister's child, Robert Richard Darcy.
Another interesting and great story by Melanie Schertz. Loved the Bennets in this story as both were loving and understanding parents that took in Elizabeth as their own ignoring the circumstances of her birth. Her birth father was friends with Thomas Bennet's brother and that was good enough for them. When her birth mother died, the babe was whisked away from the evil grandfather that wished her harm. Catching the eye of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth life is threatened by the interference of Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Both women did not learn that their interference was not taken kindly to and both paid for their indiscretions. The evil grandfather, Baron von Laudon, paid for his desire for revenge giving up his life before he met with English justice for murder. All those that supported the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy met with their own happiness. Darcy and Elizabeth lived happily ever after enjoying the life they were both meant to have together with their family. And Mr. and Mrs. Bennet enjoyed the birth of their fifth child and heir, Thomas William Charles Bennet, thereby breaking the entail on Longbourn and near the age of his adopted sister's child, Robert Richard Darcy.
January 30, 2020
As Jeanne and others have said...if you are going to read this author's books you cannot expect that all things adhere to that period or are even plausible now or then. She has a wild imagination and is very creative. I do enjoy reading the stories even with that in mind.
Elizabeth's mother died in childbirth with her father having been assassinated before he could marry the mother. The couple did love each other. Lord Matlock gets involved. One Bennet brother is charged with taking the child, whom he passes on to his brother, who is married with daughters of his own. The story is that Elizabeth is the child of the first Bennet, who dies soon after this event.
Elizabeth's grandfather has been searching for her and blames her for the many misfortunes which have befallen his family. He is determined to murder her also.
Darcy meets and falls in love with Elizabeth and as he becomes more and more involved with her becomes part of the small circle who know who she is and that she is in danger.
I enjoyed this story although I did wonder about Elizabeth's place in the royal family's circle after everyone learns who her parents were.
Elizabeth's mother died in childbirth with her father having been assassinated before he could marry the mother. The couple did love each other. Lord Matlock gets involved. One Bennet brother is charged with taking the child, whom he passes on to his brother, who is married with daughters of his own. The story is that Elizabeth is the child of the first Bennet, who dies soon after this event.
Elizabeth's grandfather has been searching for her and blames her for the many misfortunes which have befallen his family. He is determined to murder her also.
Darcy meets and falls in love with Elizabeth and as he becomes more and more involved with her becomes part of the small circle who know who she is and that she is in danger.
I enjoyed this story although I did wonder about Elizabeth's place in the royal family's circle after everyone learns who her parents were.
June 6, 2018
Avid Reader
I don't often read books by this author because of the complaints concerning grammatical errors. However, this book was a pleasant surprise. There were some errors, but not the kind that would make it unreadable. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Mrs.Bennett recognized the mistake that she made sending Jane and Elizabeth to Netherfield by foot. Elizabeth became ill. Darcy asked for a courtship almost immediately. Even their meeting at the assembly was different. Caroline and Lady Catherine endangered Elizabeth 's life, but someone else died inside. Elizabeth 's natural grandfather wanted her dead. The author left one question unanswered. Why wasn't the royal family notified concerning Elizabeth 's existence since she was the only child of her father?
I don't often read books by this author because of the complaints concerning grammatical errors. However, this book was a pleasant surprise. There were some errors, but not the kind that would make it unreadable. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Mrs.Bennett recognized the mistake that she made sending Jane and Elizabeth to Netherfield by foot. Elizabeth became ill. Darcy asked for a courtship almost immediately. Even their meeting at the assembly was different. Caroline and Lady Catherine endangered Elizabeth 's life, but someone else died inside. Elizabeth 's natural grandfather wanted her dead. The author left one question unanswered. Why wasn't the royal family notified concerning Elizabeth 's existence since she was the only child of her father?
April 4, 2024
2.5*
This one is a bit too simplistic for me, both in writing style and plot. An editor is needed to sharpen up the language and the grammar as well as the plot.
This one is a bit too simplistic for me, both in writing style and plot. An editor is needed to sharpen up the language and the grammar as well as the plot.
March 25, 2023
Held my interest
What I liked:
- Darcy is immediately attracted to Elizabeth and isn't ashamed.
- The author did a good job showing Darcy's love for Elizabeth.
- A little bit of suspense.
- No truly ridiculous characters. Yes, there were a few evil villains, but they didn't weigh the story down.
- Although it went in one ear and out the other, Caroline received some good set downs.
Side note:
-No Wickham or Collins, and I believe the three younger Bennets girls was only mentioned (this side note can go under the category of things I liked.)
-My only eye roll moment was Darcy and Elizabeth remaining at Nethefield.
What I liked:
- Darcy is immediately attracted to Elizabeth and isn't ashamed.
- The author did a good job showing Darcy's love for Elizabeth.
- A little bit of suspense.
- No truly ridiculous characters. Yes, there were a few evil villains, but they didn't weigh the story down.
- Although it went in one ear and out the other, Caroline received some good set downs.
Side note:
-No Wickham or Collins, and I believe the three younger Bennets girls was only mentioned (this side note can go under the category of things I liked.)
-My only eye roll moment was Darcy and Elizabeth remaining at Nethefield.
May 18, 2023
The Mystery Bennet
Another great story by Melanie Schertz. In this story, Elizabeth was raised as a cousin of the Bennets, being told that she was the daughter of Mr. Bennet’s brother, Robert. This was a lie to protect Elizabeth from her deranged grandfather. Loved Darcy in this story as he fell in love with Elizabeth at first seeing her at the Meryton Assembly. What I loved about this story was: there was no remark about her beauty nor the infamous Huntsford proposal. No Wickham either. Unfortunately, there was Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine deBourgh that still needed to be dealt with, but they were handled rather well considering their interference with ODC.
Another great story by Melanie Schertz. In this story, Elizabeth was raised as a cousin of the Bennets, being told that she was the daughter of Mr. Bennet’s brother, Robert. This was a lie to protect Elizabeth from her deranged grandfather. Loved Darcy in this story as he fell in love with Elizabeth at first seeing her at the Meryton Assembly. What I loved about this story was: there was no remark about her beauty nor the infamous Huntsford proposal. No Wickham either. Unfortunately, there was Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine deBourgh that still needed to be dealt with, but they were handled rather well considering their interference with ODC.
January 22, 2025
3.5*. I didn't feel that this story was put together as well as it could have been, which led to some confusion for me. I probably need to reread this book again. I was not in the habit of keeping reviews or even ratings until recently; the read dates are guessed from when Amazon tells me I checked it out from Kindle Unlimited.
January 11, 2018
A lovely story
This book was a very enjoyable read. The personalities of my favourite characters are certainly not according to canon, but I enjoyed the different characterizations, especially Mr. & Mrs Bennet. The story was an intriguing one and one I will read again.
This book was a very enjoyable read. The personalities of my favourite characters are certainly not according to canon, but I enjoyed the different characterizations, especially Mr. & Mrs Bennet. The story was an intriguing one and one I will read again.
January 26, 2018
Lovely intrigue
The mystery surrounding Elizabeth leads to dangerous situations and surprising consequences. A most interesting web of intrigue and deceit with a wonderful love story.
The mystery surrounding Elizabeth leads to dangerous situations and surprising consequences. A most interesting web of intrigue and deceit with a wonderful love story.
January 31, 2018
Good
This is a good book. I love the story and ideas the writer brings to the story. The issue with book and all of her books this the dialogue. The dialogue doesn’t read the way most people talk and share information.
This is a good book. I love the story and ideas the writer brings to the story. The issue with book and all of her books this the dialogue. The dialogue doesn’t read the way most people talk and share information.
December 6, 2018
Very promising story
But the execution was uneven at best. I understand that fan fiction does not get much editing, but even an online editing program would have helped this be a quite readable story.
But the execution was uneven at best. I understand that fan fiction does not get much editing, but even an online editing program would have helped this be a quite readable story.
January 25, 2024
Good story, but…
I really enjoy this author but she has a lot of typos. — Mainly a word missing, wrong tenses, he instead of she, her instead of him. So the story flow is sometimes awkward.
I really enjoy this author but she has a lot of typos. — Mainly a word missing, wrong tenses, he instead of she, her instead of him. So the story flow is sometimes awkward.
January 10, 2019
WOW
What a lovely story, I was glad In a way that Caroline got her just worth. Can't wait until the next book
What a lovely story, I was glad In a way that Caroline got her just worth. Can't wait until the next book
January 20, 2018
The mystery solved!
Enjoyed the new and fresh twisted on P&P. It left only one question to be asked. Does the Queen ever met Elizabeth?
Enjoyed the new and fresh twisted on P&P. It left only one question to be asked. Does the Queen ever met Elizabeth?
March 27, 2019
Interesting
An interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Diverges wildly from usual storyline and a bit unlikely but I enjoyed it
An interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Diverges wildly from usual storyline and a bit unlikely but I enjoyed it
May 4, 2023
A very nice different take
A very nice different take. Enjoyed the family, and surprised by the love from Mrs Bennett. Poor Miss Bingley. Read to find out why.
A very nice different take. Enjoyed the family, and surprised by the love from Mrs Bennett. Poor Miss Bingley. Read to find out why.
January 23, 2020
Mysterious.....
Who is the mysterious Bennet? It's is only Elizabeth, but she does have a past. Darcy falls fast for Elizabeth and is presented with the truth. He handles this with ease. Caroline is more sure if herself and her being Mrs Darcy. The Bennet are a great loving family. Please read highly re recommended
Who is the mysterious Bennet? It's is only Elizabeth, but she does have a past. Darcy falls fast for Elizabeth and is presented with the truth. He handles this with ease. Caroline is more sure if herself and her being Mrs Darcy. The Bennet are a great loving family. Please read highly re recommended
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this story as usual this author writes a really good one and this is a real page turner.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews