Torch Under The Blanket Books

Pride and Prescience – Book Review

by Carrie Bebris

ISBN- 13: 9780765318435

Published: 2004

www.carriebebris.com

This is the first in the ‘A Mr and Mrs Darcy Mystery’ series, but the second I’ve read.  I read the 3rd book (North by Northanger) first and was hoping that wasn’t like reading the back of a book and with relief it wasn’t.  Although set chronologically, each book, it seems, can stand alone.

This book starts at the joint wedding breakfast of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet and Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet.  The couples are a little miffed and the wedding, slightly married, by the sudden announcement of Caroline Bingley’s (Charles’ sister) engagement and intention to marry the following Wednesday.  However, the behaviour is true to form of the sharp tongued, attention seeking sister.  The newly married couples dutifully alter their own plans to accommodate Caroline’s marriage to the charming, rich American, Mr Parrish.

If the family were shocked at the suddenness of Caroline’s engagement, they were more shocked to note the sudden change in behaviour after her marriage.  Her current state of mind is so strange and dangerous to herself and those around her that the family would happily see her return to her normal unpleasant self.

While trying to care for their sister, the Bingleys themselves, start to experience a series of unfortunate events they are lucky to escape from with their lives.  The whole Bingley family appears to be a target for some unknown reason and the Darcys determine to find out who is behind it.

Combine a mystery, madness, a little occult, murder, Austen’s Elizabeth and Mr Darcy (let me catch me breath) and you have a fun book that I read from start to finish in one sitting.

I’m sure Miss Austen would approve.