Death Comes to Pemberley
Books | Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Historical
3.4
(114)
P. D. James
In a marvellous, thrilling re-creation of the world of Pride and Prejudice, P.D. James fuses the work of Jane Austen with her own great talent for writing crime fiction.The year is 1803, and Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for six years. There are now two handsome, healthy sons in the Pemberley nursery, Elizabeth's beloved sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live within seventeen miles, the ordered and secure life of Pemberley seems unassailable, and Elizabeth's happiness in her marriage is complete. But their peace is threatened and old sins and misunderstandings are rekindled on the eve of the annual autumn ball. The Darcys and their guests are preparing to retire for the night when a chaise appears, rocking down the path from Pemberley's wild woodland, and as it pulls up, Lydia Wickham, an uninvited guest, tumbles out, screaming that her husband has been murdered.Death Comes to Pemberley is a powerful work of fiction, rich in its compelling story, in its evocation of place, and its gripping psychological and emotional insight. James brings us back masterfully and with delight to much-loved characters, illuminating the happy but threatened marriage of the Darcys with the excitement and suspense of a brilliantly crafted mystery.
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Author
P. D. James
Pages
320
Publisher
Knopf Canada
Published Date
2011-11-03
ISBN
0307362051 9780307362056
Community ReviewsSee all
"I really thought James would be able to pull off the ironic Austen tone, but aside from a few choice phrases in the opening chapter (which essentially rehashes the plot of P&P) she fails miserably. There is very little of Elizabeth here; the focus moves gradually to what's going on in Darcy's mind, and what a dreary, unhappy place that is. Nearly devoid of (intentional) humor, and a lackluster plot concluding with a ridiculous deus ex machina ending), this has little to satisfy either Austen or James fans."
Lesley Williams
"I was excited to revisit some beloved characters, but this was just plain boring! It's only redeeming quality was to give a possible glimpse into the future of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy."
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Lauren
"Shows good study of a very specific style. I read the first part, pre-murder mystery, feeling like it was a natural, in-character continuation of the original plot. Then it switched to murder mystery, and actually I felt myself losing interest. Probably the best among the Austen-imitation oeuvre, but still...It's no Austen.<br/><br/>Reviews of life-changing vintage fiction you've never even heard of: www.Anotherlookbook.com"
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Bree Sarlati
"This is an awesome read! I mostly enjoyed that this book was a continuation of a classic with a mysterious twist. I couldn't put the book down!!"
Chelsie Shank
"Struggled through this book, I was looking forward to the Austen side of it but finally put it on my shelf, nearly finished it but thought why am I torturing myself, there r so many other good books to read."
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Y Bennett