North by Northanger: or, The Shades of Pemberley

"Mrs Darcy," she said accusingly, "are you breeding?"

North By Northanger is the third Mr and Mrs Darcy mystery, and another excellent sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The references to Northanger Abbey are sadly few and rather undeveloped - Henry Tilney helps the Darcys with their investigation, but Catherine is only mentioned by name, and although the Abbey itself is visited, playing on the gothic undertones of Austen's original parody, the situation is rather contrived. However, the strongest storyline of this novel is actually Elizabeth Darcy's pregnancy, and her supernatural/sentimental connection with Darcy's late mother, which does work well. The religious relics and symbolism are perhaps a little overplayed, show more especially towards the end, but Anne Darcy's letters and the backstory of her marriage, children and friendship with Helen Tilney (Henry's mother, who also died in childbirth) are expertly and emotionally written around Austen's characters.

Elizabeth's confinement is treated realistically too, detailing all the ageless aches and anxieties of pregancy, but also addressing the dangers of giving birth in Austen's time - Darcy insists on an arrogant and overqualified doctor (accoucheur), but Elizabeth would prefer the traditional assistance of a midwife. Darcy is over-protective, fearing that Elizabeth will suffer the same fate as his mother, whereas Elizabeth is guided only by her body and the experience of other women, from the midwife to the memory of Darcy's mother: historically accurate and fitting for both characters.

Although there are rather too many cameo appearances, from Lady Catherine and the Wickhams to Isabella Thorpe, Carrie Bebris treats Austen's creations with typical reverence and affection. The Darcys are more Nick and Norah Charles than Mr Darcy and Lizzy Bennet of Pride and Prejudice, forever frozen in Austen's pre-marital bliss, but the subtle changes in character only add to the fun. Now I just have to wait for the next two book in the series to be delivered! show less

This is a Pride and Prejudice pastiche with Austen's Mr and Mrs Darcy as its detectives, the third in a series which I've read out of order yet enjoyed. I don't think you necessarily need to read these in order. This is one of the stronger outings, and I found myself frequently smiling while reading it, enjoying the wit and banter from and between Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. I'm not ranking this so high because I claim it's the equal of Jane Austen novels such as Mansfield Park or Northanger Abbey, but measured against the usual cozy or historical mystery you can find in the mystery aisle of the book store, yes, I do find this thoroughly entertaining, even outstanding, and in my opinion much more enjoyable than Stephanie Barron's show more novels with Jane Austen herself as a sleuth.

Bebris doesn't try to duplicate Austen's style, which so often fails miserably, but she is very good at conjuring the voices of the various characters, and not just the Darcys but characters such as the formidable Catherine de Bourgh, the silly Lydia and odious Wickam are very much their familiar selves here. The first two novels in Bebris' series are as much fantasy as mystery. That angle is far less to the fore, and more personal, here, rather than figuring directly into the mystery, as the Darcys deal with an accusation of theft and Elizabeth's pregnancy in the midst of her trying to fully come into her own as mistress of Pemberly. A very enjoyable read that should appeal not just to Austen fans, but those that enjoy historical mysteries. show less

I'd forgotten how much I really love this author. I first read this book about 8 years ago and loved it then; but now, after visiting England a few times, reading through all the Austen novels, and learning a ton about their authoress, I found that I loved it all the more. I'll definitely be looking to find and reread the other Carrie Bebris Darcy Mysteries.

This was a fun mix of storylines as the Darcys traveled to Northanger Abbey and met the Tilneys, later finding that their lives are intertwined through the friendship of the two families' matriarchs. The story offered an interesting insight into what Elizabeth may have faced as new mistress of Pemberley---following in the footsteps of Darcy's mother.

My favorite phrase from the story show more was, "invent cause for correspondence", which I found to be much more poetic than, "find a reason to write a letter."

If I have any complaint about the story, it's that I don't think Lady Catherine and Lizzy would have been quite so horrible to one another. Once Lizzy was married and mistress of Pemberley, I believe the same spirit that caused Lady Catherine to be so cold to those "beneath" her would also force her to give more respect to the station Lizzy now occupies. With Lady Catherine, it's the standing of the person and not the person herself to which she responds. show less

I really do enjoy this series of mysteries. They are fun and frivolous while still retaining Miss Austen's characters in recognizable form. A bit on the gothic side but it's not overdone. This one was particularly enjoyable because Lady Catherine returns to harangue poor Lizzy once again.

Elizabeth and Darcy are expecting their first child. Darcy is both happy and concerned since his own mother died giving birth to his sister, Georgiana. Darcy and Elizabeth will have plenty of other things to detract from any worries about Elizabeth's confinement. References to an unidentified Fitzwilliam family heirloom in a newly discovered letter will keep them busy searching the house and grounds of Pemberley. The couple also learn that Darcy's mother exchanged visits and correspondence with Mrs. Tilney of Northanger Abbey. Mrs. Tilney's son, captain Tilney, seems eager to renew the family friendship, but a strange visit to Northanger Abbey leaves Darcy and Elizabeth in legal danger. This requires Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de show more Burgh, to stay at Pemberley until the problem has been resolved. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find the treasure and resolve the Northanger problem before the birth of their child?

The supernatural element that was so prominent in the first two books in this series is not as evident in this one. If anything, it leans toward religious mysticism. Bebris successfully captures the feel of Austen's characters. My only complaint is that there is too much of the unlikable ones like Lady Catherine and not enough of the pleasant ones like Jane Bingley. The action takes place between autumn and spring, and it strikes me as odd that there is no mention of the Darcy's first anniversary or Christmas and New Year observations, although much is made of Georgiana's January birthday and the anniversary of Anne Darcy's death. show less

I read the first two in this series and had fun reading them; this one I found even better than the first two, partially because the supernatural aspects are toned down. (Though, speaking as someone who’s generally in favor of midwives, I found the London doctor vs. local midwife plotline over the top, even if it may have been accurate.) Elizabeth in particular is very believable as she slowly grows into her position as mistress of Pemberley. And I have to admit to wondering if Bebris has read the fanfic in which the late Mrs. Tilney had Catholic sympathies.

I've never really been one for Austen continuations. I read P+P+Zombies because I felt I must. And it's more of an alternate reality than continuation. I read Pamela Aidan's Mr. Darcy, Gentleman Trilogy because they were recommended to me and they are beautifully written and, again, they're of a parallel nature. I've been very stubborn about Austen continuations and Austen fanfiction. I've always been a purist when it comes to my Janeite membership.

But somehow or other I was led to read Carrie Bebris' Darcy mysteries. I believe the suggestion came through librarything.com. I figure a database that has all of the books I've read and what I think of them must have some good suggestions. Turns out, they were right. Unfortunately, I'm only show more 3 books-in. Ms. Bebris has created a fictional--though logical and realistic and very very appropriate--"ending" to Pride and Prejudice in the form of a series in which Mr. and Mrs. Darcy begin their new lives and (like many couples) experience bump after bump in their new road of life together. But their bumps, in Ms. Bebris' world, are extremely-well-researched mysteries in which the author has managed to pull the Darcys on a fine thread through all of Austen's novels.

The first of these is Pride and Prescience in which the couple is married, only to immediately have Caroline Bingley announce her immediate engagement and impending marriage to an American we have never heard of. And instead of a happy honeymoon, we get a dangerous and murderous mystery that ends up being much more interesting than the smut and fluff that so many other adapters have dragged Austen's characters through. And while the mysticism at the root of the events is a little lackluster, it's enough to make you want to read the next one. The second novel is Suspense and Sensibility which takes an even deeper turn into the darker realms. Now Ms. Bebris is on a roll.

She has literally steamrolled us into Sense and Sensibility but about 15 years later AND has expanded the original story's origins. In this story, the magic is darker and more volatile. This story is much more dangerous and as a result is much more interesting, especially because it expands the character of Kitty Bennett. While the first novel resisted expanding Caroline's character by subduing her through the magic, this one is more willing to take steps beyond the inspiring work and gives Kitty a chance to breathe.

The third novel is North by Northanger in which our Darcys (now only months away from the birth of their first child) are tied into the story of Northanger Abbey. This one was interesting because there was no man-made magic. Most of the mysticism relies on religious faith and on the trust we place in love. It has its share of mystique, but this one was more predictable to me. I don't know if Ms. Bebris intended the dramatic irony, but I knew right away who the culprit moving things in the bedroom was. Not only that, but I was waiting and waiting and waiting to see who else would be in the novel besides Mr. Henry Tilney (we learn almost immediately that "Frederick" is not actually Frederick so I won't mask that from you). I thought surely that the imposters played as "Frederick" and "Dorothy" must have been in the Northanger story. I scoured my brain and, for the woman I could only come up with one answer. Hence, it was no surprise when Henry recognized her and her companion towards the end of the book. I wanted to love this book and, for all my love of old letters and gardening, I put up a good fight. But it was just a bit too predictable for my tastes. I will say, though, that making the mystery a bit more spiritual and more ABOUT Elizabeth's connection to that spirit did win me over.

Ms. Bebris has finished 2 other novels of the series - The Matter at Mansfield and The Intrigue at Highbury; the former is already out, though I don't have it yet, and the latter is due out in March. I only want for her to get around to adapting Persuasion to her scheme. And I only hope it doesn't involve Sir Walter--though his family ledger would make an interesting starting point. Hmm. Think it over, Ms. Bebris. show less