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Lizzy: A Mr Darcy Mystery
First in the series of Mr and Mrs Darcy Mysteries. This story is both a 'Pride and Prejudice' what if as well as a murder mystery. Lizzy Bennet has been killed by highwaymen. However, the crime is unnecessarily vicious and appears personal. Her family, including her identical twin sister Mary, demand justice. They engage the help of Sir Hugo Darcy, a judge in the Old Bailey. He in turn asks the aid of his nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Fitzwilliam had be taken by Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Lizzy) a year and a half earlier as she and her twin participated in the Season. Darcy with the help of a former army captain and Bow Street Runner, Christopher (Kit) Marlowe who is masquerading as his valet, accept an invitation to Netherfield Park to begin their investigation among the deceased's family and friends. He meets the grieving Miss Mary Bennet and sparks of many different kinds ignite.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2021
34 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 1, 2021
There's a pretty good mystery here in a variation of Pride and Prejudice that colors way outside the lines. The first of many changes is that Elizabeth and Mary Bennet were identical twins with similar traits (quick wit, music, art) but different personalities (Lizzy an extrovert who enjoyed being the center of attention, Mary an introvert who prefers to observe).
The backstory is a shocker: Lizzy was killed more than a year ago by a highwayman. She, Mary, and Jane had enjoyed a successful London season together under the sponsorship of Sir Walter and Lady Lyndon. Jane and Mr. Bingley had quickly paired off, were betrothed, and are now wed. Mr. Darcy had been one of several men paying particular attention to Lizzy, who took London by storm.
Lady Lyndon had been traveling with the twins, and she and Mary were both seriously injured the carriage attack that left Lizzy dead. Mary has a scar on her forehead from the ordeal and walks with a limp that is not expected to heal.
As the book begins, Mr. Darcy speaks with his uncle Hugo (his father's brother), who asks him to assist Kit Marlowe, a Bow Street runner, in investigating Miss Bennet's death. Those responsible still haven't been identified or brought to justice.
Darcy hadn't known Miss Elizabeth well enough to be in love with her, but he had been intrigued by her vivacity and wit when he met her in London and shocked at the news of her violent death. Details suggest the murder was personal rather than random. But who has a motive to kill the Season's "Incomparable"? Marlowe poses as his valet, and the two set off to various locations around England to interview people of interest and gather information, starting with her sister Mary.
During the course of Darcy and Marlowe's investigation, some revelations made in the second or third interview with some characters have no real reason to have been withheld, including the drip-drip of information from Mary about some relevant details. The big secret she eventually reveals near the end is apparent to any attentive reader many chapters earlier (though it's possible that was the author's intent). The solution to the whodunit, on the other hand, is nicely done, with clues that do add up to the villain's guilt while managing to keep the identity a surprise.
The writing itself is fine in general, but it does not appear to have been thoroughly edited; a lot of extraneous content should have been deleted, and I noted uncharacteristic (for this author) punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors sprinkled about.
Instead of gripping and holding the reader's interest as all good mysteries should, the pace here is slow and tedious. It's apparently intended to be the first in a continuing series of mysteries to be investigated by Mr. and Mrs. Darcy with Mr. Marlowe. I hope the books to come receive the polishing this one lacks.
The backstory is a shocker: Lizzy was killed more than a year ago by a highwayman. She, Mary, and Jane had enjoyed a successful London season together under the sponsorship of Sir Walter and Lady Lyndon. Jane and Mr. Bingley had quickly paired off, were betrothed, and are now wed. Mr. Darcy had been one of several men paying particular attention to Lizzy, who took London by storm.
Lady Lyndon had been traveling with the twins, and she and Mary were both seriously injured the carriage attack that left Lizzy dead. Mary has a scar on her forehead from the ordeal and walks with a limp that is not expected to heal.
As the book begins, Mr. Darcy speaks with his uncle Hugo (his father's brother), who asks him to assist Kit Marlowe, a Bow Street runner, in investigating Miss Bennet's death. Those responsible still haven't been identified or brought to justice.
Darcy hadn't known Miss Elizabeth well enough to be in love with her, but he had been intrigued by her vivacity and wit when he met her in London and shocked at the news of her violent death. Details suggest the murder was personal rather than random. But who has a motive to kill the Season's "Incomparable"? Marlowe poses as his valet, and the two set off to various locations around England to interview people of interest and gather information, starting with her sister Mary.
During the course of Darcy and Marlowe's investigation, some revelations made in the second or third interview with some characters have no real reason to have been withheld, including the drip-drip of information from Mary about some relevant details. The big secret she eventually reveals near the end is apparent to any attentive reader many chapters earlier (though it's possible that was the author's intent). The solution to the whodunit, on the other hand, is nicely done, with clues that do add up to the villain's guilt while managing to keep the identity a surprise.
The writing itself is fine in general, but it does not appear to have been thoroughly edited; a lot of extraneous content should have been deleted, and I noted uncharacteristic (for this author) punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors sprinkled about.
Instead of gripping and holding the reader's interest as all good mysteries should, the pace here is slow and tedious. It's apparently intended to be the first in a continuing series of mysteries to be investigated by Mr. and Mrs. Darcy with Mr. Marlowe. I hope the books to come receive the polishing this one lacks.
August 2, 2023
I passed on this for a while, I NEED my HEA between ODC. Assured I wouldn't be disappointed, I was gripped!
Great writing, excellent story (yes, I figured it out part way through). A little bit romance, a lot murder mystery.
I hope this series continues.
Great writing, excellent story (yes, I figured it out part way through). A little bit romance, a lot murder mystery.
I hope this series continues.
August 27, 2021
A Not-so-mysterious Mystery
A good mystery, in my view, is one that has you guessing until the last chapter and trying to solve it throughout the tale. For me, this mystery was very easy to solve early on and, therefore, somewhat disappointing. I won’t spoil it for others by saying more about the plot here. The premise was good, but just too easy to figure out. The new characters were very likeable and well portrayed.
I was also disappointed in the numerous proofreading/editing/punctuation misses. I have greatly enjoyed this author’s previous releases, but regrettably, this one left me wanting.
A good mystery, in my view, is one that has you guessing until the last chapter and trying to solve it throughout the tale. For me, this mystery was very easy to solve early on and, therefore, somewhat disappointing. I won’t spoil it for others by saying more about the plot here. The premise was good, but just too easy to figure out. The new characters were very likeable and well portrayed.
I was also disappointed in the numerous proofreading/editing/punctuation misses. I have greatly enjoyed this author’s previous releases, but regrettably, this one left me wanting.
August 26, 2021
When one of my favorite JAFF writers writes a JAFF mystery, I read my first JAFF mystery.
Just like Beth Massey's other books, it goes much deeper than a whodunnit. It’s a story about intimate friendships and an exploration of grief and how one can hold both joy and grief at the same time. Massey knows how to celebrate the resiliency of the human spirit and this book, ultimately, is just such a celebration. (Read "Goodly Creatures"!)
I loved this Darcy - he is compassionate and strong and can hold the tension of opposites well. The entire Bennet family is impacted by the death of their daughter/sibling and they all must grow and change in the shadow of tragedy.
I love the new characters of Uncle/Judge Darcy and Bow Street runner/valet Kit Marlowe and the depth and dimension they add to the story. I appreciated how the story of Marlowe's mother, her history and the Savannah Inn is woven into the subplot. Sir Walter ('Persuasion') is here as well, although not such a caricature as Austen made him. And a special thanks to the author for naming a character after a man whose name deserves to live in our minds forever as we strive for a more just society.
Pearl-clutchers beware (ie. intersectional feminists will appreciate): There is a grown-up love scene that is joyful, playful and relaxed. If you found the television production of 'Sanditon' unpleasant because it brought forth the discussion of British colonialism and you never understood why everyone was arguing over the symbolism of the pineapple, you'll be uncomfortable during parts of the story. If you're offended by the discovery that Anne Lister ('Gentleman Jack') was alive and loved during the Regency, you're probably going to need to take your pearls off during a few conversational scenes in this one, lest you strangle yourselves. Obviously, these are not so much warnings as they are indications of things I love about Massey's writing -- she's brave, adventurous and topical in her approach to JAFF. I believe those of a similar spirit will appreciate much in this novel.
*I received an advance copy of this novel - but loved it so much I bought it anyway.
*I rate most books in the genre three stars. Lower than three stars are books that are poorly written. Four and five stars are reserved for exceptional writing and character development.
Just like Beth Massey's other books, it goes much deeper than a whodunnit. It’s a story about intimate friendships and an exploration of grief and how one can hold both joy and grief at the same time. Massey knows how to celebrate the resiliency of the human spirit and this book, ultimately, is just such a celebration. (Read "Goodly Creatures"!)
I loved this Darcy - he is compassionate and strong and can hold the tension of opposites well. The entire Bennet family is impacted by the death of their daughter/sibling and they all must grow and change in the shadow of tragedy.
I love the new characters of Uncle/Judge Darcy and Bow Street runner/valet Kit Marlowe and the depth and dimension they add to the story. I appreciated how the story of Marlowe's mother, her history and the Savannah Inn is woven into the subplot. Sir Walter ('Persuasion') is here as well, although not such a caricature as Austen made him. And a special thanks to the author for naming a character after a man whose name deserves to live in our minds forever as we strive for a more just society.
Pearl-clutchers beware (ie. intersectional feminists will appreciate): There is a grown-up love scene that is joyful, playful and relaxed. If you found the television production of 'Sanditon' unpleasant because it brought forth the discussion of British colonialism and you never understood why everyone was arguing over the symbolism of the pineapple, you'll be uncomfortable during parts of the story. If you're offended by the discovery that Anne Lister ('Gentleman Jack') was alive and loved during the Regency, you're probably going to need to take your pearls off during a few conversational scenes in this one, lest you strangle yourselves. Obviously, these are not so much warnings as they are indications of things I love about Massey's writing -- she's brave, adventurous and topical in her approach to JAFF. I believe those of a similar spirit will appreciate much in this novel.
*I received an advance copy of this novel - but loved it so much I bought it anyway.
*I rate most books in the genre three stars. Lower than three stars are books that are poorly written. Four and five stars are reserved for exceptional writing and character development.
October 18, 2021
A book with this many errors should not make it to publication. A delay of a month or two would have offered readers a much better read, as Massey is a talented writer, but this is an abomination.
I will not be writing a synopsis or spoilers as my reviews are always technical in nature and capture those details that put readers off, whether consciously or in the back of their minds.
First, this is the report I gave Amazon: Chapters change in the middle of a page; extra quotation marks in the middle of the page; extra commas; missing commas; single quotation marks used where double should be used; capitals in the middle of sentences; person names not capitalized; apostrophe in the wrong place in a possessive; many missing periods in dialogue; missing words; incomplete sentences; spelling errors; homophones; improper use of quotation marks when dialogue of a character continues in the next paragraph, missing plurals.
The author is aware of these, apologises for them, and has not rescinded the book to correct them.
Here are some examples of typos: Distain for disdain, bennet, your's, hm for him, you for your, plantation for plantations. There are also non-Regency words: guffaw/guffaws/guffawing, modiste, staff, aback, heading, attitude, drab, kindred spirit: these were used in the wrong context or not in use in the Regency. (A side comment: To say that they can be used because they may have been in use even if they weren't in print is ego in the highest. What makes the person who makes such a statement more knowledgeable than an etymologist? What makes them so omniscient as to know that the word or phrase was in use 200 years ago?) Americanisms include use of "I will" for "I shall" and "the holidays." A homophone was illusive for elusive.
Regency errors include dinner at 7. Dinner was at 4. Supper may have been at 7 at the earliest. Also, a grown lady would not be learning to embroider. She would have learned it as a child. Canon errors are Sir Henry de Bourgh, "breaking their fast," and Sense and Sensibility being referred to as "a slim volume." The book was published in three volumes.
The premise is fantastic, and it was carried off fairly well, though some more time spent honing the details would have made for a better book. There were plot holes, vagaries, and contrivances which I can't really state without spoilers. None were huge, they were just details that the author could have found and fixed with a good editorial review. The story arc is complete, though, with no extra side plots to muddy the waters. The only real slow spot was when too many extra minor characters (family members) were named at 40%. Tips to writers: don't introduce more than about 4-5 characters per chapter, and if they don't get a line in the book, don't name them.
Without introducing spoilers into this review, I must say that at the point where this reader believed the truth that was revealed near the end, the author introduced a red herring that forbade that truth. That is one huge plot hole. This was not a little hint, it was a large statement. So essentially, it made the rest of the book a lie. Ms. Massey, you tried too hard to trick us.
There was excellent scene-setting and story-telling all around, and this is where Massey excels. Some of the situations around the carriage accident are vague, however, in the interest of not wanting to read details in that sort of a situation, it is appreciated why that choice was made. However, it did make it harder to follow the story at times.
Use of language, other than that listed above, was good. There were no difficult words to look up, yet one truly got the feel for the Regency. One problem was the use of the word "mulatto," which is considered outdated and offensive, but which would have been normal in the Regency. Care must always be used to put words such as this into the right mouths so as to not offend modern readers. I suspect it would be best to stick with use of such a word for villains rather than heroes. Edit: my intention is out of the mouths of villains not heroes. Sorry for the confusion.
I enjoyed the characterizations, both canon and new. There were complications for the canon female protagonist that were sometimes well done and sometimes not so well done, and for me to leave specifics would be a spoiler. A few times, I found her a little too breathless and naive for the intent of the book, though. Darcy was the romantic hero in this case, with his deep, passionate side and superior intelligence showing through all along. The new characters were well drawn out and worth the sketching.
The gay side story was well worth it. It added to the plot and to the richness of JAFF. The same goes for using a Black woman minor character. We need to see more of this, and Beth Massey did her best to introduce these underrepresented characters to this book and make them a real part of English history, as they were.
I also have no objections to the loving scene that involved sexuality for the protagonists once they were married.
The cover is stunning. It stands out among all those other covers and says "Hey, buy me!" It tells of the book inside and has a style all its own. I really like it a lot.
In the end, this is an unfinished book due to the editing problems. It requires not just a proofreader, but a content editor for some of the other details. I cannot in good conscience recommend it in its current state, but if it were updated, I would be able to strongly recommend it because it has great bones.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might say my review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. They are written for both the reader and the author.
I will not be writing a synopsis or spoilers as my reviews are always technical in nature and capture those details that put readers off, whether consciously or in the back of their minds.
First, this is the report I gave Amazon: Chapters change in the middle of a page; extra quotation marks in the middle of the page; extra commas; missing commas; single quotation marks used where double should be used; capitals in the middle of sentences; person names not capitalized; apostrophe in the wrong place in a possessive; many missing periods in dialogue; missing words; incomplete sentences; spelling errors; homophones; improper use of quotation marks when dialogue of a character continues in the next paragraph, missing plurals.
The author is aware of these, apologises for them, and has not rescinded the book to correct them.
Here are some examples of typos: Distain for disdain, bennet, your's, hm for him, you for your, plantation for plantations. There are also non-Regency words: guffaw/guffaws/guffawing, modiste, staff, aback, heading, attitude, drab, kindred spirit: these were used in the wrong context or not in use in the Regency. (A side comment: To say that they can be used because they may have been in use even if they weren't in print is ego in the highest. What makes the person who makes such a statement more knowledgeable than an etymologist? What makes them so omniscient as to know that the word or phrase was in use 200 years ago?) Americanisms include use of "I will" for "I shall" and "the holidays." A homophone was illusive for elusive.
Regency errors include dinner at 7. Dinner was at 4. Supper may have been at 7 at the earliest. Also, a grown lady would not be learning to embroider. She would have learned it as a child. Canon errors are Sir Henry de Bourgh, "breaking their fast," and Sense and Sensibility being referred to as "a slim volume." The book was published in three volumes.
The premise is fantastic, and it was carried off fairly well, though some more time spent honing the details would have made for a better book. There were plot holes, vagaries, and contrivances which I can't really state without spoilers. None were huge, they were just details that the author could have found and fixed with a good editorial review. The story arc is complete, though, with no extra side plots to muddy the waters. The only real slow spot was when too many extra minor characters (family members) were named at 40%. Tips to writers: don't introduce more than about 4-5 characters per chapter, and if they don't get a line in the book, don't name them.
Without introducing spoilers into this review, I must say that at the point where this reader believed the truth that was revealed near the end, the author introduced a red herring that forbade that truth. That is one huge plot hole. This was not a little hint, it was a large statement. So essentially, it made the rest of the book a lie. Ms. Massey, you tried too hard to trick us.
There was excellent scene-setting and story-telling all around, and this is where Massey excels. Some of the situations around the carriage accident are vague, however, in the interest of not wanting to read details in that sort of a situation, it is appreciated why that choice was made. However, it did make it harder to follow the story at times.
Use of language, other than that listed above, was good. There were no difficult words to look up, yet one truly got the feel for the Regency. One problem was the use of the word "mulatto," which is considered outdated and offensive, but which would have been normal in the Regency. Care must always be used to put words such as this into the right mouths so as to not offend modern readers. I suspect it would be best to stick with use of such a word for villains rather than heroes. Edit: my intention is out of the mouths of villains not heroes. Sorry for the confusion.
I enjoyed the characterizations, both canon and new. There were complications for the canon female protagonist that were sometimes well done and sometimes not so well done, and for me to leave specifics would be a spoiler. A few times, I found her a little too breathless and naive for the intent of the book, though. Darcy was the romantic hero in this case, with his deep, passionate side and superior intelligence showing through all along. The new characters were well drawn out and worth the sketching.
The gay side story was well worth it. It added to the plot and to the richness of JAFF. The same goes for using a Black woman minor character. We need to see more of this, and Beth Massey did her best to introduce these underrepresented characters to this book and make them a real part of English history, as they were.
I also have no objections to the loving scene that involved sexuality for the protagonists once they were married.
The cover is stunning. It stands out among all those other covers and says "Hey, buy me!" It tells of the book inside and has a style all its own. I really like it a lot.
In the end, this is an unfinished book due to the editing problems. It requires not just a proofreader, but a content editor for some of the other details. I cannot in good conscience recommend it in its current state, but if it were updated, I would be able to strongly recommend it because it has great bones.
Disclaimer: I am a JAFF author, and some might say my review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. They are written for both the reader and the author.
December 27, 2021
Lizzy Bennet twin to Mary Bennet is murdered
The murder of Lizzy Bennet has several people outraged enough to look beyond the apparent highwayman explanation. This brings out several discrepancies with the reasons for the highwayman robbery and why Lizzy was murdered.
This book was so good. The mystery of it all and conclusion left me throughly enjoyed. It’s a must read.
The murder of Lizzy Bennet has several people outraged enough to look beyond the apparent highwayman explanation. This brings out several discrepancies with the reasons for the highwayman robbery and why Lizzy was murdered.
This book was so good. The mystery of it all and conclusion left me throughly enjoyed. It’s a must read.
October 10, 2021
This book needed professional editing. The author thanked a Beta reader but he did not do a sufficient job.
The magistrate changed names from Jonas to Jonah. There were numerous missing periods at the end of sentences and missing commas then commas in random places. There was a their/there mistake which is one of my pet peeves.
The plot was fair although I had guessed the big twist early on.
I like this author and don’t remember a lot of mistakes in her other books.
I would read another book in this series.
The magistrate changed names from Jonas to Jonah. There were numerous missing periods at the end of sentences and missing commas then commas in random places. There was a their/there mistake which is one of my pet peeves.
The plot was fair although I had guessed the big twist early on.
I like this author and don’t remember a lot of mistakes in her other books.
I would read another book in this series.
September 23, 2024
Detective Darcy
I hadn't purchased the book earlier due to the premise that Elizabeth Bennet was dead. However, I read a Meta post that gave me more insight into the story, and I started reading it immediately.
The parallel to the movie, Laura, is obvious, but Ms. Massey skillfully places that plot into Pride and Prejudice's Regency England. There is a tone to Darcy's POV that invokes the detective/mystery of Laura. Despite a couple of instances where travel time was incongruous and name mix-ups, I enjoyed reading this page turner from a favourite author.
I hadn't purchased the book earlier due to the premise that Elizabeth Bennet was dead. However, I read a Meta post that gave me more insight into the story, and I started reading it immediately.
The parallel to the movie, Laura, is obvious, but Ms. Massey skillfully places that plot into Pride and Prejudice's Regency England. There is a tone to Darcy's POV that invokes the detective/mystery of Laura. Despite a couple of instances where travel time was incongruous and name mix-ups, I enjoyed reading this page turner from a favourite author.
September 27, 2021
Fitzwilliam Darcy is investigating with the help of Kit Marlow, the murder of Elizabeth Bennet. He learns about himself as he travels, asks questions and learns that things are not always what they seem. There is a happily ever after and a set up for another book (non cliffhanger).
I struggled to get through this book. It was so slow . . .and then one thing happened it started moving at about the 70% mark when a key item is revealed. Then a couple got married and it got very steamy! Then the mystery was suddenly solved in one scene after all that build up!
I struggled to get through this book. It was so slow . . .and then one thing happened it started moving at about the 70% mark when a key item is revealed. Then a couple got married and it got very steamy! Then the mystery was suddenly solved in one scene after all that build up!
September 16, 2021
Intriguing Mystery
This unique and intriguing murder mystery was impossible to put down. It is among the best Pride and Prejudice variations that I have read and would make a great movie. The use of language and dialogue brings the characters to life. In this book Elizabeth and Mary were close knit twins, but with some differences of personality and talents, that provide subtitles clues. Darcy was called on to help his Uncle Hugo and Marlowe find the murderer and put together the secrets. In doing so he found love and toleration plus more meaning in life.
This unique and intriguing murder mystery was impossible to put down. It is among the best Pride and Prejudice variations that I have read and would make a great movie. The use of language and dialogue brings the characters to life. In this book Elizabeth and Mary were close knit twins, but with some differences of personality and talents, that provide subtitles clues. Darcy was called on to help his Uncle Hugo and Marlowe find the murderer and put together the secrets. In doing so he found love and toleration plus more meaning in life.
August 25, 2021
Avid Reader
I have read Beth Massey's previous P&P variations, but this one kept me from going to bed! I love mystery stories, especially when Darcy and Elizabeth are trying to solve the mystery. In this story, Elizabeth and Mary are identical twins, "one wing of the same bird. " I thought that was a wonderful description of the sisters. Elizabeth wanted to be "remarkable and remembered." When the twins arrived in London for the season, Elizabeth was known as the "incomparable" ! High praise in deed! Unfortunately, it brought notice from Wickham, Lord Templeton, the Viscount (Darcy 's cousin), and Sir Walter Lydon. Darcy also noticed Elizabeth, along with his Uncle Hugo, who hired Christopher Marlowe, a Bow Street Runner to help Darcy investigate Elizabeth 's death. Why was Elizabeth murdered? Why was she shot in the face with a rifle? Massey includes nods to slavery, the LGBT community, and women 's rights during the Regency period. These are very vulnerable groups with little to no civil or citizenship rights. They could be locked away or even killed with little or no inquiry into their deaths or disappearance. Elizabeth and Mary were mentored by a couple who owned Netherfield Park. The husband focused on Elizabeth,and the wife focused on Mary..Sir Walter Lydon often tried to separate Elizabeth and Mary while Lady Lydon didn't. She wasn't find of Elizabeth, but she didn't ostracized her. Darcy and Christopher Marlowe travel and speak to many people regarding the death of Elizabeth Bennett and why the coach she and Lady Lydon were targeted. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet don't believe it was a random robbery. Readers will find themselves glued to the pages as their emotions go up and down with Darcy, Mary's, and Mr. Bennet 's. I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a favorable review.
I have read Beth Massey's previous P&P variations, but this one kept me from going to bed! I love mystery stories, especially when Darcy and Elizabeth are trying to solve the mystery. In this story, Elizabeth and Mary are identical twins, "one wing of the same bird. " I thought that was a wonderful description of the sisters. Elizabeth wanted to be "remarkable and remembered." When the twins arrived in London for the season, Elizabeth was known as the "incomparable" ! High praise in deed! Unfortunately, it brought notice from Wickham, Lord Templeton, the Viscount (Darcy 's cousin), and Sir Walter Lydon. Darcy also noticed Elizabeth, along with his Uncle Hugo, who hired Christopher Marlowe, a Bow Street Runner to help Darcy investigate Elizabeth 's death. Why was Elizabeth murdered? Why was she shot in the face with a rifle? Massey includes nods to slavery, the LGBT community, and women 's rights during the Regency period. These are very vulnerable groups with little to no civil or citizenship rights. They could be locked away or even killed with little or no inquiry into their deaths or disappearance. Elizabeth and Mary were mentored by a couple who owned Netherfield Park. The husband focused on Elizabeth,and the wife focused on Mary..Sir Walter Lydon often tried to separate Elizabeth and Mary while Lady Lydon didn't. She wasn't find of Elizabeth, but she didn't ostracized her. Darcy and Christopher Marlowe travel and speak to many people regarding the death of Elizabeth Bennett and why the coach she and Lady Lydon were targeted. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet don't believe it was a random robbery. Readers will find themselves glued to the pages as their emotions go up and down with Darcy, Mary's, and Mr. Bennet 's. I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a favorable review.
September 5, 2021
As one of ARC readers, I've had a privilege to have an advance copy of the book.
I've read one more book of the same author, and can say that in my opinion, she has a good nose for tragedy, but not enough guts to follow through.
Too much unnecessary dialogues, but there was so many things unsaid.
Character of Mr. Darcy was off point.
Sensual part was misplaced and overspoken.
I liked the introduction of wider circle of Darcy relatives.
I've read one more book of the same author, and can say that in my opinion, she has a good nose for tragedy, but not enough guts to follow through.
Too much unnecessary dialogues, but there was so many things unsaid.
Character of Mr. Darcy was off point.
Sensual part was misplaced and overspoken.
I liked the introduction of wider circle of Darcy relatives.
September 6, 2021
Dark
Beth Massey is a wonderful writer, and deserves kudos for original ideas, well developed plots, and good execution. In cases such as this one, though, I would prefer a storyline like this one not be related by the author to P&P, but rather just be it's own story with entirely new names and places. The two main characters of P&P, Darcy and Elizabeth, are utterly altered here, and not in a good way. For myself, a huge lover of JAFF, it's a major disappointment.
The entire tone of the book is very somber, and the circumstances don't relieve that at all. Elizabeth and Mary Bennett are twins, and are being sponsored for a season in London by Sir Walter Lydon and Lady Lydon, a couple with dubious resources, and with a less than happy marriage. It's never really clear just why they're sponsoring the two girls, as they can't seem to agree on much. Tragedy strikes, and one of the twins is brutally killed by highwaymen, while the other twin and Lady Lydon are severely injured. A long time after the event, Sir Hugo Darcy, a judge and uncle of the younger Darcy, initiates an investigation, since, for some reason, he suspects foul play and a murder.
The involvement of Hugo Darcy is never really explained that well, and also why he calls on his nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, to participate directly in the murder investigation. Darcy is portrayed as an insecure and somewhat reluctant participant, someone who's never really sure what to do next. I'm not used to Darcy being wishy washy and lacking in self esteem.
Elizabeth is portrayed as a lot like Lydia during her season. She wants to always be the center of attention, and wants to always be assured that she's the most popular or the most beautiful at any occasion. This is so contrary to our beloved Elizabeth that it offended me. She just didn't seem like a very admirable person.
The somber tone of the book was just made worse by the introduction of some truly seamy and creepy characters. The storyline became too icky for me - guess I'm kind of a lightweight and prefer to remain in ignorance of these seedy parts of life when reading JAFF.
I found the story to be confusing and depressing. Although it's well written and well edited, I can't recommend it. It made me sad and unsatisfied.
Beth Massey is a wonderful writer, and deserves kudos for original ideas, well developed plots, and good execution. In cases such as this one, though, I would prefer a storyline like this one not be related by the author to P&P, but rather just be it's own story with entirely new names and places. The two main characters of P&P, Darcy and Elizabeth, are utterly altered here, and not in a good way. For myself, a huge lover of JAFF, it's a major disappointment.
The entire tone of the book is very somber, and the circumstances don't relieve that at all. Elizabeth and Mary Bennett are twins, and are being sponsored for a season in London by Sir Walter Lydon and Lady Lydon, a couple with dubious resources, and with a less than happy marriage. It's never really clear just why they're sponsoring the two girls, as they can't seem to agree on much. Tragedy strikes, and one of the twins is brutally killed by highwaymen, while the other twin and Lady Lydon are severely injured. A long time after the event, Sir Hugo Darcy, a judge and uncle of the younger Darcy, initiates an investigation, since, for some reason, he suspects foul play and a murder.
The involvement of Hugo Darcy is never really explained that well, and also why he calls on his nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, to participate directly in the murder investigation. Darcy is portrayed as an insecure and somewhat reluctant participant, someone who's never really sure what to do next. I'm not used to Darcy being wishy washy and lacking in self esteem.
Elizabeth is portrayed as a lot like Lydia during her season. She wants to always be the center of attention, and wants to always be assured that she's the most popular or the most beautiful at any occasion. This is so contrary to our beloved Elizabeth that it offended me. She just didn't seem like a very admirable person.
The somber tone of the book was just made worse by the introduction of some truly seamy and creepy characters. The storyline became too icky for me - guess I'm kind of a lightweight and prefer to remain in ignorance of these seedy parts of life when reading JAFF.
I found the story to be confusing and depressing. Although it's well written and well edited, I can't recommend it. It made me sad and unsatisfied.
August 30, 2021
Excellent story of the murder of Elizabeth Bennet
Darcy's tasked with the investigation into the murder of Elizabeth Bennet a year before during the commission of a robbery by highway men. She was traveling with her identical twin sister Mary, and Lady Lydon who owns Netherfield with her husband. The girls were in the middle of their season in London where they had met the usual characters - Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Bingley. Mary survived the attack with scars and a badly injured leg and hand which limited her from the painting classes she was involved in. Darcy's uncle - a Judge, appointed him to investigate along with a Bow Street Runner named Kip Marlowe who is the son of a mixed race woman from America.
While the writer was creating this story I was semi-following it at a fan fiction site but didn't finish it. I had my doubts about who the actual victim was - after all they were identical twins. It wasn't until I read it again and concentrated on Fiona the Irish wolfhound that Elizabeth had received as a puppy that I figured it out. The perpetrator identity took much longer because there were several side issues - Wickhams claims he was engaged to Elizabeth, a plot to make both women the mistresses of a Lord, and smuggling. It's a very complex story that has so many layers to it. I found it extremely enjoyable to experience and will continue to follow this writer.
Darcy's tasked with the investigation into the murder of Elizabeth Bennet a year before during the commission of a robbery by highway men. She was traveling with her identical twin sister Mary, and Lady Lydon who owns Netherfield with her husband. The girls were in the middle of their season in London where they had met the usual characters - Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Bingley. Mary survived the attack with scars and a badly injured leg and hand which limited her from the painting classes she was involved in. Darcy's uncle - a Judge, appointed him to investigate along with a Bow Street Runner named Kip Marlowe who is the son of a mixed race woman from America.
While the writer was creating this story I was semi-following it at a fan fiction site but didn't finish it. I had my doubts about who the actual victim was - after all they were identical twins. It wasn't until I read it again and concentrated on Fiona the Irish wolfhound that Elizabeth had received as a puppy that I figured it out. The perpetrator identity took much longer because there were several side issues - Wickhams claims he was engaged to Elizabeth, a plot to make both women the mistresses of a Lord, and smuggling. It's a very complex story that has so many layers to it. I found it extremely enjoyable to experience and will continue to follow this writer.
December 4, 2021
Good but perhaps not Massey's best
Some what predictable, though the characters we well defined. They were well defined. I enjoyed meeting the new characters introduced in this variation and to read of the traditional characters of P&P reveal their growth. The argument and rationalization for the gay characters was worth reflecting and internalizing.
Still trying to figure out if the red herrings served and enjoyed by Darcy were a warning to the reader that I was going to be led down wrong path or just a distraction. Or, maybe Massey just found humor in having him eat something so nonsensical!
Some what predictable, though the characters we well defined. They were well defined. I enjoyed meeting the new characters introduced in this variation and to read of the traditional characters of P&P reveal their growth. The argument and rationalization for the gay characters was worth reflecting and internalizing.
Still trying to figure out if the red herrings served and enjoyed by Darcy were a warning to the reader that I was going to be led down wrong path or just a distraction. Or, maybe Massey just found humor in having him eat something so nonsensical!
November 20, 2021
An engrossing mystery
The mystery is well plotted though, like others reviewers, one of the pivotal points was fairly transparent. However, it needs a thorough proofread to clean up the punctuation, especially the use of commas. The plot is so far from canon, that there is really no rationale for invoking the characters of Pride and Prejudice. It seems to me that the author relies on our
prior knowledge of them and her depiction is stereotypical rather than a convincing delineation. I also found the dialogue rather lacking in wit.
The mystery is well plotted though, like others reviewers, one of the pivotal points was fairly transparent. However, it needs a thorough proofread to clean up the punctuation, especially the use of commas. The plot is so far from canon, that there is really no rationale for invoking the characters of Pride and Prejudice. It seems to me that the author relies on our
prior knowledge of them and her depiction is stereotypical rather than a convincing delineation. I also found the dialogue rather lacking in wit.
June 9, 2022
This book was as imaginative as any good twist of murder might be, there are sinister characters, there is cruelty, there are peers proving they are above reproach no matter their depravity. So too are there good men: Sir Hugo, the good Captain Kit, and, of course, Mr. Darcy. I had a pretty good guess that Beth would not take away Elizabeth from Darcy so I suspected from the start, given that there was no outcry that shook the heavens down, as there seems to be whenever someone dares separate the couple. But it was imaginative and unique. That will always take a book from 4*s to 5*s for me!
August 20, 2022
An interesting plot
3.75* rounded up for an excellent plot idea.
First and foremost I enjoyed this story.
The whodunnit element was not mind-stretching but I enjoyed “looking in on the scene” as the characters came to understand what was happening. In amongst the mystery there is a rather charming romance between the lead characters which delighted me.
There are errors of grammar and fact which ought to have been edited out. The journey speeds were unrealistic at times and some of the language grated a little. There was also too much telling and not enough showing.
3.75* rounded up for an excellent plot idea.
First and foremost I enjoyed this story.
The whodunnit element was not mind-stretching but I enjoyed “looking in on the scene” as the characters came to understand what was happening. In amongst the mystery there is a rather charming romance between the lead characters which delighted me.
There are errors of grammar and fact which ought to have been edited out. The journey speeds were unrealistic at times and some of the language grated a little. There was also too much telling and not enough showing.
September 4, 2021
Disappointed
Starting on it so it was hard to Fargo I for one am not a prude I don’t mind some sexuality in the story as long as it fits the storyline however the sexuality that was imprinted in the story had nothing to do with a storyline it was just thrown in there to get it there and then the introduction of homosexuality again had nothing to do with the storyline it was just thrown in there to me that is disgusting
Starting on it so it was hard to Fargo I for one am not a prude I don’t mind some sexuality in the story as long as it fits the storyline however the sexuality that was imprinted in the story had nothing to do with a storyline it was just thrown in there to get it there and then the introduction of homosexuality again had nothing to do with the storyline it was just thrown in there to me that is disgusting
November 15, 2021
Typos everywhere
Loved the story, deplored the lack of editing, particularly with regards to punctuation. Questions ended with full stops, sentences ended with no mark at all, dialogue was not fully enclosed in quotation marks, and commas appeared seemingly at random, except in a few places where an absolutely essential one was missing.
Loved the story, deplored the lack of editing, particularly with regards to punctuation. Questions ended with full stops, sentences ended with no mark at all, dialogue was not fully enclosed in quotation marks, and commas appeared seemingly at random, except in a few places where an absolutely essential one was missing.
August 30, 2021
Omg it was imcredible
OK.WHEMS THE NEXT BOOK 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 this was we
L written on the end of.my seat the whole time . I had np clue it was an excellent
Lent mystery I totally recommend this book for a mystery book
OK.WHEMS THE NEXT BOOK 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 this was we
L written on the end of.my seat the whole time . I had np clue it was an excellent
Lent mystery I totally recommend this book for a mystery book
October 23, 2021
Remarkable
Remarkable is a word that was used a number of times in this story, and this is a story unlike any P & P variations I have read. There were some predictable happenings, but overall, very good reading.
Remarkable is a word that was used a number of times in this story, and this is a story unlike any P & P variations I have read. There were some predictable happenings, but overall, very good reading.
September 8, 2022
mystery solved
I enjoy reading alternative stories with Lizzy and Darcy. This was a good murder mystery and still managed a HEA for the Darcys. The story was well written and I enjoyed Hugo Darcy’s role in the story.
I enjoy reading alternative stories with Lizzy and Darcy. This was a good murder mystery and still managed a HEA for the Darcys. The story was well written and I enjoyed Hugo Darcy’s role in the story.
October 13, 2025
DNF at 29%
Just couldn't get into it. The story pacing bothers me and the characterizations are off.
Just couldn't get into it. The story pacing bothers me and the characterizations are off.
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