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NorthFanger: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A campy, vampy fusion of Pride & Prejudice with Northanger Abbey...
Elizabeth Bennet and her cousin Catherine Morland travel into Kent to visit the recently married Collinses in the village of Hunsford, near the great estate of Rosings Park. Elizabeth anticipates that the visit will be very dull indeed, while Catherine believes adventure and romance await them there, just as in the gothic novels she adores.
Within a week, both women have their expectations subverted by the sudden arrival of a vampire into their midst. The ladies at the parsonage take flight, accompanied by the outraged Colonel Fitzwilliam, his outwitted cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy – and an out-of-control fledgling vampire.
Proving herself indispensable during the undead Darcy debacle, Elizabeth becomes the heroine her cousin Catherine always knew she was – and enviously wishes to be herself – as she leads them to Bath in search of the wily Silas Bennet, an expert in all matters vampiric.
But amidst the hunt for Uncle Silas, other predators enter the fray, all in search of one very old man, and a very young vampire. In Bath they encounter the Tilneys, the Thorpes, and an array of familiar faces and vicious villains bent on wreaking bloody havoc, leading a merry band of misfits to take shelter in a place too spooky not to hold secrets of it’s own: Northanger Abbey.
Elizabeth Bennet and her cousin Catherine Morland travel into Kent to visit the recently married Collinses in the village of Hunsford, near the great estate of Rosings Park. Elizabeth anticipates that the visit will be very dull indeed, while Catherine believes adventure and romance await them there, just as in the gothic novels she adores.
Within a week, both women have their expectations subverted by the sudden arrival of a vampire into their midst. The ladies at the parsonage take flight, accompanied by the outraged Colonel Fitzwilliam, his outwitted cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy – and an out-of-control fledgling vampire.
Proving herself indispensable during the undead Darcy debacle, Elizabeth becomes the heroine her cousin Catherine always knew she was – and enviously wishes to be herself – as she leads them to Bath in search of the wily Silas Bennet, an expert in all matters vampiric.
But amidst the hunt for Uncle Silas, other predators enter the fray, all in search of one very old man, and a very young vampire. In Bath they encounter the Tilneys, the Thorpes, and an array of familiar faces and vicious villains bent on wreaking bloody havoc, leading a merry band of misfits to take shelter in a place too spooky not to hold secrets of it’s own: Northanger Abbey.
- GenresParanormalRegencyGothic
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 20, 2020
Part of me would really love being a vampire but another part of me would really hate giving up garlic bread. ~ Keith Wynn
When you were a kid, did you beg to stay up late on Saturday night to watch the Creature Feature? Did you hoot at Dr. Sanguinary introducing monsters? Did you find the monster costumes funny?
If you wanted to laugh during the scary parts, this is the book for you.
I'm a sucker for a vampire. ~ @AnonymousVoyeur, tweet
The Bennet family is extended to include the Morlands from Northanger Abbey who also claim kinship to the Collins family.
As the story opens, Catherine Morland accompanies Elizabeth Bennet on her journey to Hunsford to visit the newly-married Charlotte Collins.
Quote from the book: “I say, Darcy, you do look dreadfully alarming,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a deep guffaw. “Whatever are you about, giving Miss Bennet such a fright?”
Considering that Elizabeth Bennet might be frightened by a look from Darcy, she holds up surprisingly well when confronted by vampires.
Our favorite villains have significant roles in the story. And, of course, that includes villains from both Pride & Prejudice and Northanger Abbey.
Why does Elizabeth have knowledge of Vampires?
Can her uncle really save a victim of vampirism?
Why does General Tilney search in Bath?
What secret does Henry Tilney hide?
Read this one when you are ready for a chortle or two or four.
Being the evil Undead wasn't fun anymore. For one thing, was increasingly hard to get a library card. ~ Sharon Ashwood
When you were a kid, did you beg to stay up late on Saturday night to watch the Creature Feature? Did you hoot at Dr. Sanguinary introducing monsters? Did you find the monster costumes funny?
If you wanted to laugh during the scary parts, this is the book for you.
I'm a sucker for a vampire. ~ @AnonymousVoyeur, tweet
The Bennet family is extended to include the Morlands from Northanger Abbey who also claim kinship to the Collins family.
As the story opens, Catherine Morland accompanies Elizabeth Bennet on her journey to Hunsford to visit the newly-married Charlotte Collins.
Quote from the book: “I say, Darcy, you do look dreadfully alarming,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a deep guffaw. “Whatever are you about, giving Miss Bennet such a fright?”
Considering that Elizabeth Bennet might be frightened by a look from Darcy, she holds up surprisingly well when confronted by vampires.
Our favorite villains have significant roles in the story. And, of course, that includes villains from both Pride & Prejudice and Northanger Abbey.
Why does Elizabeth have knowledge of Vampires?
Can her uncle really save a victim of vampirism?
Why does General Tilney search in Bath?
What secret does Henry Tilney hide?
Read this one when you are ready for a chortle or two or four.
Being the evil Undead wasn't fun anymore. For one thing, was increasingly hard to get a library card. ~ Sharon Ashwood
October 26, 2021
It's a monster mash (up)!
I've been saving this book, and with Halloween only a few days away, I finally indulged in this appropriately-themed Pride and Prejudice/Northfanger Abbey variation. It's filled with characters from both books encountering, being murdered by, or becoming vampires.
In this particular Austen universe, the Morland, Bennet, and Collins families are related, and Mr. Bennet also has a brother named Silas.
Elizabeth is on her way to Hunsford to visit her friend Charlotte Collins, but here she's accompanied only by her cousin Catherine Morland. Things start out more or less consistent with canon: Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy come to call at the parsonage, where the colonel's manners are friendly and engaging while Darcy mostly stares out the window or at Elizabeth. Charlotte and Catherine believe Mr. Darcy admires Elizabeth, who is quite certain they're mistaken.
An eventful evening at Rosings changes the tone abruptly. A crazed vampire crashes the party, Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins are killed, and Elizabeth proves herself to be a cross between a vampire-whisperer and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Ironically, Catherine, who yearns for some novel-like adventure to spice up her humdrum life, is absent for the early carnage, and the others decide it's best not to explain the unfathomable situation to her. They do bring her with them them to Bath, where Elizabeth hopes her uncle Silas can assist the young vampire now in their midst.
In Bath, the Thornes and Tilneys enter the story. Isabella Thorne recently became engaged to Catherine's brother James, who was shocked to learn that, with Mr. Collins's death, he is now heir to Longbourn. Isabella eagerly promotes a match between her own brother and Catherine, but Catherine is much more interested in her new acquaintance, Henry Tilney. Meanwhile, the others are frustrated in their efforts to find Silas Bennet while trying to elude villainous vampires.
The story gets and more outrageous. Naturally, the penultimate scene takes place at Northanger Abbey. A battle there pits good vampires (who protect humans) against the evil ones. A lot of blood is shed throughout the entire book, but it's of a rather cartoonist variety even when stakes are driven through hearts and heads are lopped off.
Romance isn't ignored, either. Vampires can see and smell emotions emanating from the humans nearby. These descriptions serve to underscore the obvious attractions the characters demonstrate with their actions and words. We find the expected pairings (Elizabeth and Darcy, Catherine and Henry), but others fall in love, too -- some pairs are more surprising than others.
The mashed-up, vampired-up plot is entertaining and well-executed. While the writing generally is quite good, there are a number of simple errors (missing words, misspelled words) here and there. Content is shocking but clean.😉
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great read in keeping with the Halloween spirit!
I've been saving this book, and with Halloween only a few days away, I finally indulged in this appropriately-themed Pride and Prejudice/Northfanger Abbey variation. It's filled with characters from both books encountering, being murdered by, or becoming vampires.
In this particular Austen universe, the Morland, Bennet, and Collins families are related, and Mr. Bennet also has a brother named Silas.
Elizabeth is on her way to Hunsford to visit her friend Charlotte Collins, but here she's accompanied only by her cousin Catherine Morland. Things start out more or less consistent with canon: Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy come to call at the parsonage, where the colonel's manners are friendly and engaging while Darcy mostly stares out the window or at Elizabeth. Charlotte and Catherine believe Mr. Darcy admires Elizabeth, who is quite certain they're mistaken.
An eventful evening at Rosings changes the tone abruptly. A crazed vampire crashes the party, Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins are killed, and Elizabeth proves herself to be a cross between a vampire-whisperer and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Ironically, Catherine, who yearns for some novel-like adventure to spice up her humdrum life, is absent for the early carnage, and the others decide it's best not to explain the unfathomable situation to her. They do bring her with them them to Bath, where Elizabeth hopes her uncle Silas can assist the young vampire now in their midst.
In Bath, the Thornes and Tilneys enter the story. Isabella Thorne recently became engaged to Catherine's brother James, who was shocked to learn that, with Mr. Collins's death, he is now heir to Longbourn. Isabella eagerly promotes a match between her own brother and Catherine, but Catherine is much more interested in her new acquaintance, Henry Tilney. Meanwhile, the others are frustrated in their efforts to find Silas Bennet while trying to elude villainous vampires.
The story gets and more outrageous. Naturally, the penultimate scene takes place at Northanger Abbey. A battle there pits good vampires (who protect humans) against the evil ones. A lot of blood is shed throughout the entire book, but it's of a rather cartoonist variety even when stakes are driven through hearts and heads are lopped off.
Romance isn't ignored, either. Vampires can see and smell emotions emanating from the humans nearby. These descriptions serve to underscore the obvious attractions the characters demonstrate with their actions and words. We find the expected pairings (Elizabeth and Darcy, Catherine and Henry), but others fall in love, too -- some pairs are more surprising than others.
The mashed-up, vampired-up plot is entertaining and well-executed. While the writing generally is quite good, there are a number of simple errors (missing words, misspelled words) here and there. Content is shocking but clean.😉
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great read in keeping with the Halloween spirit!
October 23, 2024
A mashup of two Jane Austen novels with vampires doubled down on the supernatural fun. I’ve come to expect a good time and lots of Regency era shenanigans when I pick up a Jayne Bamber book and Northfanger was no exception.
I sunk my fangs into Northfanger right away when a sketchy drawing room situation got somewhat bloody and lethal in the first scene. Wisely, the author doesn’t pause to go into a long excursus on how vampires came to be, but chose to leave it as an assumption that there is a whole shadowy world going on behind the fans, bows, and balls of polite society. Making two Austen heroines, Elizabeth Bennet and Catherine Morland, first cousins easily brought this pair of entertaining heroines into each other’s sphere so that Cathy travels with Lizzy to Hunsford and Lizzy journeys with Cathy to Bath.
There is an assumption that readers/listeners are somewhat familiar with the earlier bits and establishing of characters of both Pride & Prejudice and also Northanger Abbey, but there is also enough background for newbies to leap into the story and enjoy it just as much as aficionados.
Georgiana Darcy has been made a vampire by the despicable vampire Wickham. Elizabeth had believed in his charm and lies against Darcy right up until then. Now, she’s reeling with the truth that she wasn’t as perceptive about people as she thought and using her secret knowledge garnered from her mysterious uncle to guide the new vampire, Darcy, and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam through the early dangerous moments after her change. Darcy is aghast, but his generous heart helps him do what he can for his sister and see Elizabeth in a heroine’s role while Fitzwilliam is more in line with hunting down Wickham and not trusting vampires.
Cathy knows something is being kept from her and her wild imagination and love for the gothic doesn’t even come close as she journeys to Bath with her cousin and the Darcys, joins in Bath society, meets two intriguing families- the Thorpes and the Tilneys, and eventually discovers there is adventure to be had for a heroine who wants it.
Northfanger is meant to be fun. This is a rollicking good vampire adventure and regency romp all in one. I was in tune with the tone of the story and had a rousing good time as a result.
Amanda S Brown was a new to me narrator, but I took to her narration and character voices right away. She brought out the fine points and made Northfanger shine. I would listen to more of her work.
All in all, this was perfect for a light spooky season listen and only added to my appreciation of the author’s work. As far as I know this is her solo shot into the paranormal, but her other Austen mashups are equally entertaining. I can recommend this one and her others to those who appreciate humor in their regency romances and a fun tossed salad of romance pairings.
I rec'd a complimentary audio code for Audible from the author to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 1.23.25.
I sunk my fangs into Northfanger right away when a sketchy drawing room situation got somewhat bloody and lethal in the first scene. Wisely, the author doesn’t pause to go into a long excursus on how vampires came to be, but chose to leave it as an assumption that there is a whole shadowy world going on behind the fans, bows, and balls of polite society. Making two Austen heroines, Elizabeth Bennet and Catherine Morland, first cousins easily brought this pair of entertaining heroines into each other’s sphere so that Cathy travels with Lizzy to Hunsford and Lizzy journeys with Cathy to Bath.
There is an assumption that readers/listeners are somewhat familiar with the earlier bits and establishing of characters of both Pride & Prejudice and also Northanger Abbey, but there is also enough background for newbies to leap into the story and enjoy it just as much as aficionados.
Georgiana Darcy has been made a vampire by the despicable vampire Wickham. Elizabeth had believed in his charm and lies against Darcy right up until then. Now, she’s reeling with the truth that she wasn’t as perceptive about people as she thought and using her secret knowledge garnered from her mysterious uncle to guide the new vampire, Darcy, and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam through the early dangerous moments after her change. Darcy is aghast, but his generous heart helps him do what he can for his sister and see Elizabeth in a heroine’s role while Fitzwilliam is more in line with hunting down Wickham and not trusting vampires.
Cathy knows something is being kept from her and her wild imagination and love for the gothic doesn’t even come close as she journeys to Bath with her cousin and the Darcys, joins in Bath society, meets two intriguing families- the Thorpes and the Tilneys, and eventually discovers there is adventure to be had for a heroine who wants it.
Northfanger is meant to be fun. This is a rollicking good vampire adventure and regency romp all in one. I was in tune with the tone of the story and had a rousing good time as a result.
Amanda S Brown was a new to me narrator, but I took to her narration and character voices right away. She brought out the fine points and made Northfanger shine. I would listen to more of her work.
All in all, this was perfect for a light spooky season listen and only added to my appreciation of the author’s work. As far as I know this is her solo shot into the paranormal, but her other Austen mashups are equally entertaining. I can recommend this one and her others to those who appreciate humor in their regency romances and a fun tossed salad of romance pairings.
I rec'd a complimentary audio code for Audible from the author to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About 1.23.25.
June 26, 2021
"I fear you are quite right about Kent - but if adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them out abroad." (quote from the book)
Oh my, the words to 'Monster Mash' sprang to mind while I was reading this utterly campy mash-up of Pride & Prejudice and Northanger Abbey. It certainly made perfect sense pairing these two novels and the characters from both into one. I knew if anyone could pull this off, Ms. Bamber, was the one to do it with flare and fangs!
"God help me. I am a monster." (quote from the book)
As I have said before, I'm not one for watching vampire movies or shows, though 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is the exception, and this is my second one involving Pride & Prejudice. I cannot begin to tell you how frightfully fun and fearfully frightening it all was! I won't go into details as the book description does give a good account. Besides, having Elizabeth Bennet's courage rise as she takes control of a horrific situation at Rosings Park as Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam stand by in shock, was just amazing!
"He let out a long, slow breath considering a painful truth: that he could reconcile himself to what he had witnessed this night, and what Georgiana was now, more easily than he could bear to lose her. It was a terrifying prospect but he would conquer this." (quote from the book)
I loved this Mr. Darcy...he is tender, gentle and compassionate. He shows a different side to himself that completely throws Elizabeth Bennet. One she soon welcomes as she helps deal with Georgiana. Their path to each other is enhanced by Georgiana's heightened senses and her outspokenness.
"When you are speaking regularly, it is just a thick haze, smoldering embers and sparks, like little stars. And when close together...It becomes a flickering ball glowing gold, like lightning behind a thundercloud." (quote from the book)
Colonel Fitzwilliam is completely thrown for a loop and it takes Charlotte Collins to set him straight. Life has dealt Charlotte some severe blows that has her seeing a new beginning for herself.
"Based on your actions these last few days, I might have thought Elizabeth the calm and commanding colonel, and you the hysterical harpy." (quote from the book)
Catherine Morland, plays her own role in this story with Mr. Henry Tilney...I did so enjoy their interactions. It just is a bit more imaginative than Catherine had expected. General Tilney is much much more than she ever realized. Her brother, James, and the Thorpes have a part to play in this as well. But what is decidedly wicked, are the villains, and I am sure you can well imagine who they are.
"There was something strange that hung in the air, as if she was in the presence of a powerful and invisible magic." (quote from the book)
There are many moments of out right laughter but as the pace picked up and the enemies were 'at the gates', I found I became a little bit confused. I needed to re-read a couple of sections in order for me to make some sense of it. And that is my only quibble.
"Well, I have no wish to be like Caroline Bingley...She must taste awful!" (quote from the book)
So open up your imagination, like Catherine Morland, and let some Regency rules slip by you, as you embark on a trip to Kent, Bath and Northanger Abbey that you will soon not forget!
March 14, 2022
Vampy and Campy Pride and Prejudice Fun!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice/Northanger Abbey Paranormal Mash-Up
THE PREMISE: Catherine Morland, Elizabeth Bennet’s cousin, accompanies her on her visit to Kent, where Catherine’s head fills with romantic notions for her dear cousin Lizzy and Lady Catherine’s nephews. And while there is some love in the air, this group is paid an unexpected visit by the undead and must now seek some help from a Bennet relation in Bath who is an expert on vampires…
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Perfect Concoction: Pride and Prejudice + Northanger Abbey + vampires = a brilliant brew. I love it when there are crossovers with Jane Austen’s characters, and having Elizabeth and Catherine related to each other was an interesting relationship to explore. And then you add actual vampires – pure genius! Here you go, Catherine, no need to obsess about horrid novels anymore, because you are in one! And it’s a doozy!
- Vampire Things: I love the origins of vampires in this story, what abilities and weaknesses vampires possessed, and the variety of reactions all the characters had to the idea of supernatural forms. I especially enjoyed how vampires could smell human emotions and see a manifestation of love between humans even if it is unspoken. It gave them such an upper-hand to know what others were feeling!
- Character Journeys: My favorites were Elizabeth, Darcy, Charlotte, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I love that Elizabeth was knowledgeable about the undead and how she pulled an “Anne Elliot” and was calm, assured, and helpful in a crisis. I loved observing Darcy’s emotional turmoil about his sister and his blossoming regard and intense admiration for Elizabeth. I enjoyed seeing Charlotte redirect her course and take charge of her own life. And lastly, I loved how Colonel Fitzwilliam had his own anger and doubts to work through.
- Uncle Silas: Love him!! Like Mr. Bennet, but even more eccentric and shameless! He was so much fun, and I loved all his interactions with these characters. It was wonderfully diverting to see him partner up with General Tilney, or the moments where he would tease Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy! And I loved the surprise relationship that developed for him at the end.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- It Spiraled: I was fully onboard and loving this raucous paranormal farce for the first two-thirds of this novel. But then it did start spiral into a quick succession of busyness with new events, new relationships, and new developments. Some of which didn’t have a lot of foundation or connection. While the reader should be prepared to suspend their disbelief in a story such as this, I wouldn’t have minded a little less flash and slash changes and a little more fleshed-out developments.
- A Little Debauched: This might be my own preferences imbuing my opinion, but it sometimes felt jarring to see some characters (mostly those who were vampires) completely abandon all sense of propriety and behave so scandalously. I understand vampires have their own codes and certain rules don’t apply, but maybe it would been better to introduce these changes in certain characters’ behaviors gradually?
CONCLUSION: Despite my quibbles, this vampy and campy paranormal variation is an excessively diverting horrid novel! Join Elizabeth and Catherine as they traipse through a fantastical world of dangerous vampires, bloody battles, tests of fortitude, and more than one passionate romance. A perfect choice for fans of paranormal stories or readers who are looking for bewitching tales to enjoy this spooky season!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice/Northanger Abbey Paranormal Mash-Up
THE PREMISE: Catherine Morland, Elizabeth Bennet’s cousin, accompanies her on her visit to Kent, where Catherine’s head fills with romantic notions for her dear cousin Lizzy and Lady Catherine’s nephews. And while there is some love in the air, this group is paid an unexpected visit by the undead and must now seek some help from a Bennet relation in Bath who is an expert on vampires…
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Perfect Concoction: Pride and Prejudice + Northanger Abbey + vampires = a brilliant brew. I love it when there are crossovers with Jane Austen’s characters, and having Elizabeth and Catherine related to each other was an interesting relationship to explore. And then you add actual vampires – pure genius! Here you go, Catherine, no need to obsess about horrid novels anymore, because you are in one! And it’s a doozy!
- Vampire Things: I love the origins of vampires in this story, what abilities and weaknesses vampires possessed, and the variety of reactions all the characters had to the idea of supernatural forms. I especially enjoyed how vampires could smell human emotions and see a manifestation of love between humans even if it is unspoken. It gave them such an upper-hand to know what others were feeling!
- Character Journeys: My favorites were Elizabeth, Darcy, Charlotte, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I love that Elizabeth was knowledgeable about the undead and how she pulled an “Anne Elliot” and was calm, assured, and helpful in a crisis. I loved observing Darcy’s emotional turmoil about his sister and his blossoming regard and intense admiration for Elizabeth. I enjoyed seeing Charlotte redirect her course and take charge of her own life. And lastly, I loved how Colonel Fitzwilliam had his own anger and doubts to work through.
- Uncle Silas: Love him!! Like Mr. Bennet, but even more eccentric and shameless! He was so much fun, and I loved all his interactions with these characters. It was wonderfully diverting to see him partner up with General Tilney, or the moments where he would tease Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy! And I loved the surprise relationship that developed for him at the end.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- It Spiraled: I was fully onboard and loving this raucous paranormal farce for the first two-thirds of this novel. But then it did start spiral into a quick succession of busyness with new events, new relationships, and new developments. Some of which didn’t have a lot of foundation or connection. While the reader should be prepared to suspend their disbelief in a story such as this, I wouldn’t have minded a little less flash and slash changes and a little more fleshed-out developments.
- A Little Debauched: This might be my own preferences imbuing my opinion, but it sometimes felt jarring to see some characters (mostly those who were vampires) completely abandon all sense of propriety and behave so scandalously. I understand vampires have their own codes and certain rules don’t apply, but maybe it would been better to introduce these changes in certain characters’ behaviors gradually?
CONCLUSION: Despite my quibbles, this vampy and campy paranormal variation is an excessively diverting horrid novel! Join Elizabeth and Catherine as they traipse through a fantastical world of dangerous vampires, bloody battles, tests of fortitude, and more than one passionate romance. A perfect choice for fans of paranormal stories or readers who are looking for bewitching tales to enjoy this spooky season!
Austenesque Reviews
February 25, 2021
NorthFanger: A Gothic Austen Mash-up by Jayne Bamber brings all our favorite Jane Austen characters together, with vampires, too.
This book is just so fun. It doesn’t follow any book in particular, although we get to see the couples get together in different circumstances (and there’s an extra couple — after Mr. Collins is tragically slain by a vampire, widowed Charlotte is free to seek a more genial second husband). This is really the themes and characters from our favorite Austen novels in a gothic adventure mashup. Catherine longs for something nearly as exciting as her novels, Elizabeth and Darcy keep getting thrown together, General Tilney is pretty ominous, but is he actually a villain? Caroline Bingley is still a stuckup jerk, Isabella is still a sneaky climber, etc. Plus, some of our acquaintance have become vampires or are hiding undead relations.
Full review on my book blog
This book is just so fun. It doesn’t follow any book in particular, although we get to see the couples get together in different circumstances (and there’s an extra couple — after Mr. Collins is tragically slain by a vampire, widowed Charlotte is free to seek a more genial second husband). This is really the themes and characters from our favorite Austen novels in a gothic adventure mashup. Catherine longs for something nearly as exciting as her novels, Elizabeth and Darcy keep getting thrown together, General Tilney is pretty ominous, but is he actually a villain? Caroline Bingley is still a stuckup jerk, Isabella is still a sneaky climber, etc. Plus, some of our acquaintance have become vampires or are hiding undead relations.
Full review on my book blog
December 2, 2024
I've to make it clear that the stars are not based on the story or the writing but on my aversion to vampire stories. All that blood drinking makes me queasy. Then, why did I read this, you ask? Well, it is written by one of my favourite authors and it has Darcy and Elizabeth and also Tilney and Catherine. I'm sure the story is well written but I couldn't enjoy it as I did the author's other books solely because of my limitations. Sorry!
October 31, 2026
Plenty of angst and adventure but not really a horror story. HEAs for D&E and others.
April 4, 2021
Am I a bad person for not roundly enjoying a good old fashioned Gothic Mashup?
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
May 10, 2026
Ridiculous vampire romp. No complaints.
November 14, 2024
Vampire Pride and Prejudice mashed with Northanger Abbey
Due to the time of year, I ended up reading and/or listening to several different vampire P&P variations. As I posted on another review, one of the things that I am thankful for is each of these versions or variations are unique and have their own world and are not a duplicate of others. Northanger Abby is not one of my favorite Austen stories but this made me enjoy the characters more. Several times I felt like the story had to be pushed along but it was still a fun read/listen. A few twists and turns at the end were surprisingly good. Yes, I will read / listen again.
Due to the time of year, I ended up reading and/or listening to several different vampire P&P variations. As I posted on another review, one of the things that I am thankful for is each of these versions or variations are unique and have their own world and are not a duplicate of others. Northanger Abby is not one of my favorite Austen stories but this made me enjoy the characters more. Several times I felt like the story had to be pushed along but it was still a fun read/listen. A few twists and turns at the end were surprisingly good. Yes, I will read / listen again.
March 30, 2024
A decidedly spooky mashup of Pride and Prejudice with Northanger Abbey
This was my first ever vampire book. I enjoy this author's mashups and this was another very exciting read. Jayne Bamber has a real talent for these blended books and tweaks characters in a teasing fashion to keep her readers on their toes and excessively diverted.
There was a surprising amount of joy in this book given the somewhat sombre subject matter and the pages kept turning at a furious rate as I worked my way through the plot.
This was my first ever vampire book. I enjoy this author's mashups and this was another very exciting read. Jayne Bamber has a real talent for these blended books and tweaks characters in a teasing fashion to keep her readers on their toes and excessively diverted.
There was a surprising amount of joy in this book given the somewhat sombre subject matter and the pages kept turning at a furious rate as I worked my way through the plot.
November 28, 2020
Loved this!!!!!
If you love Jane Austen mashups and you enjoy paranormal creatures - this is for you. I loved the characters - the relation of the Morlands to the Bennett. I loved the expertise Elizabeth showed when met with a fledgling vampire Georgians. I laughed out loud when Collins high pitched shrieked. I loved the alter t ending s for Charlotte and even Caroline Bingley. Well done!!!!
If you love Jane Austen mashups and you enjoy paranormal creatures - this is for you. I loved the characters - the relation of the Morlands to the Bennett. I loved the expertise Elizabeth showed when met with a fledgling vampire Georgians. I laughed out loud when Collins high pitched shrieked. I loved the alter t ending s for Charlotte and even Caroline Bingley. Well done!!!!
September 9, 2026
Fangtastic
I was looking for something to put me in the mood for fall, and I was delightfully surprised by this book. Is it over the top? Yes. Could it be better edited? Yes. The em dash use at the beginning really pulled me out of the story at first due to their frequency, but that subsided. Overall, it was a fun vampire read - lots of blood, death, and romance, without being grotesque - that I would definitely read again.
I was looking for something to put me in the mood for fall, and I was delightfully surprised by this book. Is it over the top? Yes. Could it be better edited? Yes. The em dash use at the beginning really pulled me out of the story at first due to their frequency, but that subsided. Overall, it was a fun vampire read - lots of blood, death, and romance, without being grotesque - that I would definitely read again.
January 7, 2026
I liked the initial mash-up of Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey in making Lizzy and Catherine cousins, and adding vampires to the shenanigans. However, once there was a critical mass of fledgling vampires on the scene, they were all bouncing around like bloodthirsty toddlers on a sugar high, which was a little tiring. I preferred the first half.
May 12, 2021
Killing it!
I'm IN LOVE with this author's works. Just fantastic. The elements of the supernatural mixed in with some very cheeky P&P dialog and scene references are just amazing. The story was fantastic and I cannot wait for what's up next!
I'm IN LOVE with this author's works. Just fantastic. The elements of the supernatural mixed in with some very cheeky P&P dialog and scene references are just amazing. The story was fantastic and I cannot wait for what's up next!
June 25, 2023
4 1/2 stars A very entertaining mash up
More adventure and thrill than the romance between Darcy and Lizzy though
More adventure and thrill than the romance between Darcy and Lizzy though
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