Death at the Netherfield Park Ball

Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet Mysteries #1

by Amelia Littlewood

Witness the beginning of a collaboration between two legendary literary characters! Elizabeth Bennet first encounters Sherlock Holmes at a public ball, where both are intrigued by the other. Although she finds him to be abrasive and uncouth, she cannot help but admire his ability to discover secrets and scandals with nothing more than a glance. At a private ball, an officer is mysteriously murdered, his killer leaving little evidence behind. Holmes and Bennet join forces to solve the case, and as they dive deeper into the murder victim’s sordid past, they discover truths about those closest to them that they may have preferred to have kept hidden.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Short Stories

85 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2017

About the author

Amelia works as a librarian and lives in an idyllic Cotswold village in England with Darcy, her Persian cat. She has been a Jane Austen fan since childhood but only in later life did she discover the glory and gory of a cozy mystery book. She has drafted many different cases for Holmes and Bennet to solve together.
Visit www.amelialittlewood.com for more details

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Jane Austen's characters and of Sherlock Holmes, so this book was a natural choice for me. But, that being said, I always approach any sequels, re-tellings or alternate stories related to Jane Austen's or Arthur Conan Doyle's works with misgivings. There are so many attempts....and very few real successes.

The basics: The Bennetts are excited to know that Netherfield Hall has been let to Mr. Bingley. The Bennett girls first meet Mr. Bingley at a public ball. Bingley shows up sans Darcy, but with Sherlock Holmes as part of their party. Sherlock proceeds to intrigue Elizabeth Bennett with his powers of investigation and deduction. A few weeks later Bingley hosts a ball at Netherfield, but the festivities are halted when a murder is committed. Holmes (and Lizzy) are on the case!

I did enjoy reading this novella. The concept of Sherlock Holmes being inserted into the goings-on at Meryton is creative and interesting. And, for the most part, the writing and story idea is good. But....(there is always a but, isn't there....) the last half of the story (which in a murder mystery is the most important part) is quite rushed with no real investigation or even suspects. The beginning of the story is a re-telling of the beginning of Pride and Prejudice, told from Lizzy's perspective with some modern sensibilities towards marriage and women sprinkled in. The murder portion doesn't come in until the ball at Netherfield, and then it is pretty much a rush to the ending. While I did enjoy the story, I think it really should have been longer with some real investigation. More story, more details, more mystery. As it is, this short novella reads like fan fiction. If it had been fleshed out a bit more, it might have been a much nicer start to a more substantial mystery series.

There are 3 other books in this series. I'm going to read on and see if the later books flesh things out a bit more. Middle of the road rating on this one. Great concept.....a bit lacking on follow-through.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes' and Jane Austen's Lizzy Bennet, I was tickled to death to see there is a mash-up with them as the detecting pair for a cozy mystery series.

This first entry in the series takes place within the world of Austen's Pride & Prejudice varying with the entry of not Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Holmes. Things progress quickly to the point from introductions of the primary characters to the murder to the solution.

I enjoyed the concept of this story and the series, the Holmes and Bennet pairing, but sadly, I felt it fell short in the execution. Lizzy is the first person point of view narrator so the reader gets to know this more cynical and analytical version of her, but everyone else is rapidly dispensed with as is the plot itself. I felt the plot skimmed along the surface and needed much more development. The reader never gets a chance at figuring out clues and mystery. It was presented more as a voila affair.

I'm interested enough to perhaps pick up the next novella in the series to see what comes, but I probably won't be racing to do it. I don't think it's a bad story, but I do feel it needs slow down and give some attention to developing and teasing out the story.

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short book at 61 pages. It is really too short to contain the amount of story the author wants to give you. So it is completely dependent upon you having read P&P and being familiar with Sherlock Holmes and then you putting all your knowledge of the Regency right in the recycling bin.

We begin with the beginning of P&P but our narrator is Lizzy and she is going to tell you all the stuff that JA unfolded; which I found awkward. Bingley arrives SANS Darcy but plus Sherlock Holmes. I think she should have included both but that's just me. At the Assembly Mr. Holmes makes a comment about Lizzy but you would really have to bend over backwards to make it an insult. Due to the length the book is time compressed. The week of the assembly Mr. Collins arrives, Jane doesn't fall ill at Netherfield, and the ball is right around the corner. Sherlock meets Wickham and glaring occurs. Soon we are at the ball there is a murder the solution is unsatisfying. The Author shoehorns in A Study in Scarlet.

Language Problem - at the assembly there is a "shortness of men" (?) Is that like a murder of crows or a pride of lions? Maybe the word is shortage? Or all of them were vertically challenged.

Historical problems - after the murder the 'police' are summoned; there weren't police in the UK, nor was there Scotland Yard until 1829.

It really needs a lot of work

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture, if you will, (Rod Serling’s voice) instead of Darcy showing up to the Netherfield Ball, Sherlock Holmes arrives! Then twist it more by having a much used character meet an untimely end. On the wall above the poisoned body is the word “Rach” written in blood. (Sound familiar? Study in Scarlet, anyone?)
A fun murder mystery with a reimagining of some beloved classics.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

I've been curious about this series for a while. I'm a big fan of Arthur Conan Doyle (though it's been a few years since I read any of his Sherlock Holmes mysteries), and my current reading obsession is Jane Austen fan fiction. Ms. Littlewood has merged the two genres, pairing Elizabeth Bennet as an investigative partner with the famous detective. Be warned that this is definitely a mystery without a whiff of romance for Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy doesn't appear at all.

This first book chronicles the initial meeting between Elizabeth and Mr. Holmes as well as Elizabeth's first murder mystery. JAFF fans will recognize the series of events from the opening chapters of Pride and Prejudice. However, it's Mr. Holmes who accompanies the Bingleys and Hursts to the Netherfield ball. HE stands around oddly, only dances with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and Elizabeth overhears HIM refuse to dance with her when prodded by Mr. Bingley. However, Elizabeth soon learns that Mr. Holmes would rather observe than dance, and she becomes intrigued rather than insulted. He quickly recognizes her intellect and similar interest in people-watching.

The book zooms forward. Mr. Wickham enters the tale soon after, and he quickly shares his story with Elizabeth. She distrusts his accusation that Holmes manufactured evidence against him and ruined his life. Mr. Bingley doesn't waste any time planning a ball at his new estate. At the night of the ball, there's more exposition regarding Mr. Holmes' prior investigation of Mr. Wickham, then a murder, then a swift investigation conducted by Mr. Holmes with Elizabeth's assistance, and finally an abrupt confession. In general, things move fast enough to give a reader whiplash.

It's not clear whether the setting is supposed to be Regency (JA), Victorian (ACD), or some imagined meshing of the two. There's reference to the police and to Scotland Yard. The only police in England during JA's time was the Marine Police, which monitored ship activity and cargo at the London docks. (The Bow Street Runners were private investigators, not police.) Scotland Yard wasn't established until decades later. However, the setting and characters' behavior appear more consistent with the earlier turn of the century than with ACD's time.

It's kind of fun to recognize crime scene evidence from the first Sherlock Holmes mystery (A Study in Scarlet). I also enjoy that this shows how Elizabeth's latent investigating skills are awakened. After all, she enjoys observing people. Learning from Mr. Holmes's examples, she further develops those skills. Their relationship is emphatically collaborative rather than romantic. His deductive skills are superior, but her assessment of human nature is better than his, or at least that's the implication here.

The content is clean, but readers sensitive to such things should be aware there is an off-page sexual assault, though it is not described in any detail at all.

Elizabeth is the first person narrator throughout. There isn't an attempt at 19th century phrasing. I can't pinpoint any 21st century idioms, but the English feels modern.

The story doesn't have much depth either in plot or character development; it's fluffy compared to the two sources of inspiration. It's quite short. Readers looking for a quick, light read may enjoy it.

I admit that I was hoping for a meatier book, so I was disappointed. However, I'm intrigued enough by the premise that I'll check out at least the next book in this series. (Currently, there are eight volumes.)

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars rounded to 4.

Not truly my thing. Elizabeth solves the murder that takes place at the Netherfield ball in partnership with Sherlock Holmes. Darcy does not appear in the book, except as a person the Bingleys know, and a recent client of Mr. Holmes.

From my perspective it didn’t truly work as a P&P variation, nor was it a particularly engrossing mystery. The mystery was solved too fast, there were no twists in the plot, the whole thing just wrapped up too quickly and easily.

However, I can envision possibilities in future titles. If Darcy appears as a character and Elizabeth finds him distasteful yet compelling, we might just get a mystery series worth reading.

[Melissa Halcomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read. As an avid fan of both P&P and Sherlock Holmes, I was instantly intrigued. With so many adaptations of SH, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and was a little put off by the description of Sherlock as an unkempt, disheveled man. Sir Arthur Conan Doyles Sherlock was eccentric, but he was a gentleman.

In place of Darcy, Bingley brings with him his old friend Sherlock Holmes to Netherfield. Elizabeth meets the detective at the Meryton assembly and is intrigued by the strange, observant man. He influences her to pay closer attention to those around her which leads her to be wary of the handsome new soldier in town.

At the NF ball, a murder takes place and E steps in to aid Sherlock in identifying the killer. I had very mixed reaction to the outcome. As another reviewer said, there were strong notes of A Study in Scarlet (which is just a marvelous read!)

[Eeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, it's not the best book I've ever read but there's something there that just resonated with me.
It's such a nice crossover that I was actually sad that it's so short.

[ana darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solved case

3.5 stars

Mr Holmes is at the right place and the right time and Elizabeth too, so they can work together.

[Megan Carver · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this zero stars if possible. Completely awful. Thankfully it was free.

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

For the short little tale that it is, I enjoyed "Death at Netherfield." This story didn't need to be populated by characters from P&P, since it's not really a romance, and Mr Darcy doesn't even appear. I'm sure Elizabeth Bennett was chosen to narrate simply because she's typically intelligent, observant, curious, and courageous, a good counterpart to Sherlock Holmes, and an imaginative one. Sherlock Holmes accompanies Mr Bingley and his family to Netherfield Park, taking the place usually occupied by Mr Darcy, and attends the Meryton assembly where he delivers a variation on the famous insult to Elizabeth, but one that piques her interest rather than making her angry. Holmes intrigues her, with his reputation for being a talented detective, and especially after she finds that he has accused Wickham of wrongdoing in the past.

You must approach this book with a whimsical attitude, and a willingness to accept some pretty ludicrous situations. As the book summary indicates, a death occurs at the Netherfield ball, and Holmes immediately enlists Elizabeth's assistance in his investigation. What a strange, but fun idea! Our intrepid Elizabeth doesn't blink an eye, and dives right in. Since this is such a short book, the solution is quickly found and Holmes impresses everyone with his observational skills.

There is a romance of sorts going on with Jane and Bingley, but it's not given much fanfare. This is just a cute deviation from what you expect. It's an intriguing idea, and an amusing way to pass a short amount of time. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holmes is visiting with the Bingley party at Netherfield when he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembley. When they meet again at the Ball and a murder is committed he asks for her help before the police from Scotland Yard arrive. Surely this would have been the Bow Street Runners if the story is set in the Regency era.
Unfortunately the murder occurs about half way and then the solution is a bit rushed. Hopefully in the next story it will be more based on the mystery than a re-telling of P&P. So 3 stars for the effort and because it mixed two of my favourite genres - JAFF and historical mysteries

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Variation con ospite
Una variation di Orgoglio e pregiudizio che segue su per giù l'andamento del romanzo originale con un'eccezione: al posto di Darcy, che è un personaggio marginale, c'è Mr. Sherlock Holmes, già famoso detective che, non si sa per quale motivo, è ospite di Bingley. La loro amicizia, infatti, non è di lunga data e non è affatto profonda (del resto Sherlock Holmes non ha un carattere così predisposto a sentimenti d'affetto).
Premettendo che non sono una fan di Sherlock Holmes, che trovo sopravvalutato - non come detective, ma per il fatto che Conan Doyle non riesce a coinvolgermi nella risoluzione dei casi proprio a causa dell'intuito infallibile di Mr. Holmes, non seminando indizi utili per noi mortali - a maggior ragione non posso apprezzare la sua imitazione in un mash-up di dubbio gusto.
Tra l'altro, d'accordo, abbiamo anticipato i tempi per il detective di 221, Baker Street, ma parlare di Scotland Yard mi sembra un po' prematuro ai tempi di Orgoglio e pregiudizio, che è stato pubblicato nel 1813, ma in realtà dovrebbe essere ambientato negli ultimi anni del XVIII secolo, visto che l'acquartieramento dell'esercito tra i civili non avvenne più dopo il 1795. Scotland Yard nacque invece nel 1821, ben dopo la morte di Jane Austen.
Ora Elizabeth andrà a Londra con la speranza segreta di poter diventare collaboratrice di Mr. Holmes - al posto di Watson? - per cui suppongo che molti elementi di Orgoglio e pregiudizio si perderanno, anche perché tra assassini e assassinati, anche molti dei personaggi sono stati decimati. Incontrerà mai Mr. Darcy? Si innamorerà di lui, alla fine? Scusate, ma, in questa situazione, non me ne può importare di meno!

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a fan of both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes' and Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet, I just had to read to read it! Sadly, it's not the best book I've ever read, but there is something there that still resonated with me. Although the beginning of "Death at the Netherfield Park Ball" feels a bit like a summary of "Pride and Prejudice," the story still is a bit dependent upon you having read or being very familiar with the stories or characters. It was a quick, enjoyable read featuring one of literature's strong female characters from Jane Austen’s "Pride and Prejudice."

I certainly was a bit excited and had such high hopes for this crossover story. What could be more intriguing than Elizabeth Bennet, the charming, witty character of Jane Austen's classic story, partnering with the equally brilliant character of Sherlock Holmes? I was not disappointed; it was well done!! My main objection is the length of the story; it is actually a short story - only about 61 pages. The last half of the plot skimmed along the surface and needed greater development, so the story feels rushed especially after the murder. Regardless, I'm still interested enough to see where the author takes this pair in the next story.

[Erin Quinney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, was there any chance this would be good? In my old(er) age, I'm trying to let people enjoy things and maybe understand why they enjoy things. I cannot understand why anyone would like this. So much of it is stolen and the rest is explanation. It's basically bad fan fiction. Here's a small sample:

"Mr. Bingley was all manners and politeness, just as Jane was. Not only did they share a proclivity for manner, they also shared an authenticity to their politeness that was rare in civilized society. Most everyone shielded their true selves in their manners. They never meant the words that society required them to say. Jane and Mr. Bingley were a different sort. They meant all that they said. I viewed Jane’s expression as she watched him ride off. Her subtlety hid her emotions well, as she rarely shared her true emotions, even shielding her true feelings from me, but I could see how honest the joy and affection she felt for Mr. Bingley was."

I had a hard time getting through this. It was all pretty terrible. The "mystery" was rushed and the concept is ill-advised. If you're going to tackle two iconic characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Sherlock Holmes, you better have the talent to do them justice. Apparently, this is the first in a series. I'll be skipping the rest.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth Bennet's life is never the same after she makes the acquaintance of Sherlock Holmes. When a murder occurs, the pair must solve it.

I had such high hopes for this. What could be more intriguing than the charming, witty heroine of Jane Austen partnering with the analytical, clever detective of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? And if this pair were the characters their creators portrayed on the page, this would have been more interesting. Alas, I hardly recognized them.

Miss Bennet lacked charm, and given the narrative was told through her, it was impossible to like her. She was a mess of contradictions, making guesses about everything. It was more difficult to put a finger on Mr. Holmes, who did not say much in the entirety of this novella.

The writing is in sore need of a good editor. There were multiple typos, and oddly phrased sentences. It came across as far too modern in the dialogue and did not seem to fit in the time period.

I can say with all certainty that I will not be continuing with the series and hold out hope that another author could do this fascinating concept better.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My star rating is largely based on the issues I had with the ebook. I really wanted to enjoy this story, & I think I would, too, but the formatting problems made that difficult. Several times, the last few lines at the bottom of the page would be repeated at the top of the next. Several more times, it appeared that parts were missing entirely. My copy seems to be 4 pages shorter that what is in the description. These missing parts & repetitious lines made a fun story an annoying slog. Significant parts of the witness' description of the murder, as well as the killer's confession, were missing! Gah! :( Maybe Amazon will soon have an update available that will fix the problem, & I can re-read it & actually enjoy it & give a real review.

I received Death at the Netherfield Park Ball through a goodreads giveaway & chose to review it.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must be honest: I began to read this book with some trepidation as, as a Holmes' fan, I'm used to finding that this kind of crossovers are only made as an excuse to pair the main characters. I was pleasantly surprised when this was not the case.

That said, my main objection is that this book is too short, and feels rushed. The first three-quarters of the story are a retelling of 'Pride and Prejudice', with Sherlock Holmes taking the place of Mr Darcy. But the partnership between Elizabeth Bennet and Sherlock Holmes could have benefited by a deeper treatment.

Nevertheless, I believe that the concept is promising, and I'm eager to read the next story in this series to find out what happens next.

[Elysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing pairing

I really liked the pairing of Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet, and I think the reasons for their pairing do stick to their characters fairly well. It's true to Elizabeth slightly more than to Holmes, but that's okay. I liked the idea of changing events and giving an alternate ending, but the beginning feels like too much summary of Pride and Prejudice. Despite that, it's a fun concept and delightful light reading. The shortness of the story worked in its favor (much like Doyle's original stories). It's not the best adaptation of either character, but I'll definitely read the others Littlewood wrote.

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, I have to say that I HATE giving 1-Star to a book! A book is an author’s baby, that they have invested so much time and effort in. But for ME this was hard to read. It is only 80+ pages and I wanted a full novel. (Or so I thought I did). Darcy is replaced by Holmes. (How to you do away with DARCY!) The story follows Pride and Prejudice up to the ball at Netherfield Park. The person who is murdered is a prominent character from P & P. The murder happens near the end of the book. Holmes does a QUICK once over of the body and the room. Everyone goes to bed. The next morning, Holmes tells Elizabeth who did it. Jane and Bingley marry. End of story. So disappointed!!!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick, read

I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
Short & to the point. Imagine that a man who said that Elizabeth Bennett looked intelligent, but not necessarily one to be married to at a ball was Sherlock Holmes! In this short story, Holmes teaches Lizzy about observation & she rejoices in this new way of thinking. She's always been observant of people, but now could look deeper.
Most of your favorite characters from Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice make an appearance in print, though not necessarily at Netherfield. Wish it could've been longer though.

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise, but way too much modern language. And the implication is that it takes place during the time of P&P, not original Holmes. So, calling the 'police' and having Scotland Yard detectives on the scene was a jolt. Austen died in 1817. SY didn't show up until 1829.
Cozies may not be procedurals, but some facts should be watched. Lydia was totally out of character for me. Surprisingly, there is one more in the series I'd like to try.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short mystery about Elizabeth Bennet meeting Sherlock Holmes instead of Darcy at the Meryton public ball. She becomes interested in watching people and sharpening her deduction skills. George Wickham is murdered and found by Lydia Bennet. Holmes figures out the case in a manner of hours, showing Elizabeth how to detect clues within the household. As it turns out, one of the house parties is the culprit.

[Sarah Marshall Malluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

There story is good

The language it a bit stifled, but I also had a hard time separating the original language of pride and prejudice with this story.

This crossover novel puts Sherlock Holmes in an earlier century. The author uses the original series from Austin and Doyle to build this hybrid novel. It is an interesting idea to replace Darcy with Homes when the Bingsley party is introduced.

I do love this concept and plan to read more.

[Clare Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. The story moved along with no dull dragging parts. I like how this book correlates with the original story about the Bennet

sisters. I would recommend this book especially to people who like reading the old classics. I am looking forward to reading the next story.

[Julie Mink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short story introducing Elizabeth Bennet who helps Sherlock Holmes solve a murder at a ball being held at an estate called Netherfield. Park. It was a delightful story with a lot of period touches.
It certainly made me long for some future mysteries involving this duo.

I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little slow getting started, but it does seem like a good setup for a series. So far, this seems like a really good detective series, but only a middling Pride and Prejudice adaptation. Either way, I'm definitely willing to check out the next book in the series and will reevaluate that opinion then.

[Argum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two classics combine in a cutesy way that is sometimes cloying and others light fun. The set up from Pride and Prejudice takes a turn when Sherlock Holmes arrives in the neighborhood and Darcy never redeems himself. Instead Lizzie solves a murder with Holmes and her sister never elopes. She then embarks on a different journey becoming the Watson of this series.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Pride and Prejudice and I like Sherlock Holmes, so this short story combining those two things together into a cozy mystery reinterpretation of the first was quite enjoyable. I believe there are a total of 8 of these stories and I think I'll be trying a few more.

I won an electronic copy of this book through Goodreads. Other than the ebook itself, I received nothing for my review.