Play Book Tag discussion

Yes, this is the 2nd book in a row I read that was a regency and started with "Death comes to" but they are different authors. P.D. James is one of the most famous mystery authors of the 20th century, still writing in 2011 when this came out. I have had it on my shelf for a long time but put it off because reviews were blah. I don't know why, as I found it very well done. The author sets this book after Darcy & Elizabeth from Pride & Prejudice have been married about 6 years. She gives the prose a Jane Austen sound without being over the top. The mystery is complicated with a few twists. The characters act in accordance with the original book. A delightful plus was the cameo appearances of several Austen characters from other books, in that they are referred to in snippets relevant to the conduct of this book. So nice to think that Emma and Anne Elliot are living not far away. I have read several continuations of P & P and I think this is one of the best.

I too have had this on my shelf for years and also held back reading it due to a lot of dissing...including from a friend who made such a big production of it being the only present she wanted for her birthday/Christmas (her birthday is 2 days after) because she was desperate to read it that 2 of us decided initially to torture her pretending we had no idea she wanted it and did not get it for her, giving it to her just as we were paying the lunch tab. That friend never finished reading it and complained bitterly about it.

I also held back because I started watching the BBC adaptation when it first aired which was so bad I could not watch it beyond the first half hour or so.

I started reading it this week and have enjoyed what I have read so far - agreeing that she's captured the essence of the sound/writing of Jane Austen without purely trying to imitate. Alas, it is not going to be finished in July for Regency, but I will read it through and claim it for cultural.

Another example where I need to avoid hearing/reading judgments by others of a book I am drawn to sufficiently to buy a first edition hardcover.