Week 16: Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Okay so here we go! Death Comes to Pemberley is a very fun mystery, if you like Jane Austen novels.  I was first introduced to the story line by watching the first installment of the the Masterpiece show.  However, I never actually saw the second episode so I never actually found out what happened and who the murderer was.  I suppose that is why the book intrigued me so much! I knew the beginning, but not the ending!

The story starts off with the Darcy's planning a huge ball at Pemberley.  But the night before the big day a murder occurs on the Pemberley grounds.  The rest of the story is, of course, the discovery of whodunnit! And the story leads you through the entire English judiciary system! 

I would like to mention that I wished Elizabeth was a little bit more involved in the plot line. In this book she seemed to lack the special spark that made her personality in Pride and Prejudice so memorable! It would have been nice for her to be more a part of the main story. However, the author did capture Mr. Darcy's character wonderfully, and spent a lot of time explaining his thoughts.  Overall, most of the characters were developed and remained true to their personalities in Austen's work. (Especially Wickham!) 

I don't care much for mysteries in general, but because of my prior knowledge of the book I did enjoy it. It also helps that I am a huge Pride and Prejudice fan and that Masterpiece hooked me on the story line!  This book is a great read if you are looking for a sequel to the outstanding Austen classic!