What If Mr. Darcy Came to Meryton on a Mission?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins just before Mr. Darcy’s arrival at Netherfield

SYNOPSIS: Recruited by Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy has spent the last three years serving as a gentleman spy assisting a team at the war office. Wishing desperately he can return to the comfort and solace that is Pemberley, Mr. Darcy is denied that pleasure when the opportunity to capture The Four Horsemen once again arises. Mr. Darcy finds himself en route to Hertfordshire, where it is believed The Four Horsemen have a new contact who will assist them with their nefarious plans against The Prince Regent. Mr. Darcy finds this mission even more complicated to accomplish due to a curious and perceptive gentleman’s daughter named Elizabeth Bennet and her uncanny ability to challenge him, enchant him, and wear down his resolve all at the same time…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Mr. Darcy as an Unwilling Spy: Debonair, dangerous, and deceptive – not words you typically use to describe Mr. Darcy! And yet, it works! I enjoyed seeing Mr. Darcy put more effort into his conversations with the inhabitants of Meryton and attempt to uncover information. And I could swoon at all his brave and swift actions to protect and defend!

• Steers Off-Course: With Mr. Darcy employed as a spy and the mysterious actions of The Four Horseman, this story doesn’t have a lot of pride, prejudice, or the familiar antagonists and obstacles we often see in Pride and Prejudice variations. In addition, in this variation a certain family unit is featured in a more prominent role – and there are new original characters and new developments to explore with this family. I enjoyed all that was unique, different, and unexpected with this variation.

• Elizabeth: Elizabeth has two fervent passions in life – horses and traveling! It was interesting and different to see a Lizzy so enamored with horseback riding…especially since most variations portray her as having an intense fear (almost phobia) and dislike for horses. And I can so relate to Lizzy’s desires to travel and experience adventures! I loved and admired this spirited, fearless, and adventure-loving Lizzy! I especially loved the special item (it is so beautifully described, I wish I could see it) that she carries with her and how it reminds her of a place she longs to travel.

• Scenes Together: There are several scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth that I loved from this variation – their first encounter, their late-night surveillance run-in, and their ride together. I dare not describe them more specifically, but I will say that these scenes were so sweet, memorable, and beautifully composed.

• Wilson and Oakley: I loved Darcy’s trusty servants/operatives – they were quick-witted, loyal, and observant. I love how the respect they showed each other and how they understood Mr. Darcy’s internal struggles although it remained unspoken.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Some Quibbles: SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT! Occasionally there was an incident or action that felt a little implausible, like Darcy focusing primarily on just one member of the family he was investigating even after he already concluded that his involvement in treasonous schemes seems highly improbable. In addition, Elizabeth’s saving the day at the end felt implausible for a couple reasons – including that Mr. Darcy, who was prepared a few days before to live his life without Elizabeth forever (just to keep her safe), would allow her to put herself in such danger.

• Mr. Bennet: Mr. Bennet felt a little inconsistent in this story. Because he is grieving and afraid, he enforces some stricter mandates with his family. Which lead to some tension between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet. But then later on, he is all of a sudden more carefree – playing matchmaker and ignoring warnings.

CONCLUSION:

Chasing Elizabeth is an exhilarating Pride and Prejudice adventure full of danger, devious crimes, and daring deeds! Jennifer Joy struck a perfect balance of suspense, action, and romance in this story, and I most definitely wouldn’t mind seeing more gentleman spy missions for The Red Campion and his brilliant team!

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