Book Review: Death Comes to Pemberley

Recently, Jane Austen lovers were given a new chapter in the lives of Darcy and Elizabeth of Pemberley Estate courtesy of P.D. James. Baroness James, a crime novelist, wove a tale of murder and intrigue in the family woodlands. Mr. Wickham, the prime suspect, continues his downward spiral to a guilty verdict for the murder of his best friend.

Captain Denny is dead, and Wickham admits fault. But this admission is due to guilt rather than deed. Young Alveston, the successful lawyer, who seeks Georgianna's hand, and heart, aids Darcy as Darcy comes to terms with the blight Wickham has left upon his beloved family estate. While ever stable, and older cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam usurps Darcy's authority at every chance.

The annual ball is cancelled due to the murder, while supposition and murmurings begin amongst the neighbors. Over the course of a year, the lives of those involved are stressed, and fragile. Will the Darcy family survive? How will their lives be different due to this fall from grace? Has Darcy made the wrong decision in marrying Elizabeth and bringing dishonor to the family name and status? Will their love survive the ordeal?

I enjoyed the book. I was able to piece together some of the clues and figure out some of what was happening, or would be revealed. However, James did throw in some storyline which totally came out of the blue. She did try to write in the old English formal writing likened to Jane Austen, but clearly, the authors were different.

Use your dictionary along with reading this book as there are words I didn't know. I would enjoy another book about Darcy, and Elizabeth, maybe even combining characters between Sense and Sensibility, and some of her other stories.

And, perhaps, the story of Lydia and Wickham in the New World would be interesting. Even the marriages of Kitty and her youngest sister could foster additional stories. Hey, maybe I should write one myself.