What If Georgiana Darcy Was Accused of Jewelry Theft?

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella with some Mystery

THE PREMISE: Trading Hunsford for London, Elizabeth inadvertently brings Jane back into Mr. Bingley’s notice, becomes acquainted with Georgiana Darcy, and attempts to solve a mysterious jewelry theft with Mr. Darcy. What will be Elizabeth’s biggest challenge – clearing Georgiana Darcy’s name or protecting her heart from the falling for a man who finds her barely tolerable…

MY THOUGHTS:

I love when Darcy and Elizabeth collaborate together in any capacity, and I especially love seeing them work together in a mystery setting. The secrecy, the sharp intellect, the sharing of suspicions, the clandestine meetings – every moment is full of intrigue, tension, and emotion.

And that is what I loved most about this novella – all the moments Darcy and Elizabeth shared together. There were so many! Which was a wonderful surprise for a novella. Their exchanges felt electric and full of sparks. From unexpected encounters and private conversations to Elizabeth’s reflections and internal asides, Lyndsay Constable beautifully illustrates Elizabeth’s gradual changes in understanding and her blossoming regard for Mr. Darcy.

Although I loved all these moments and seeing Elizabeth’s relationships with both the Darcy siblings develop in such a genuine and gratifying way, I felt like the mystery elements of the story were a little less plausible. Several characters’ behaviors felt perplexing and inconsistent – such as the extreme reaction and persistent accusation of theft from someone who is giving away an abundance of jewelry and Mr. Darcy’s scheme for a birthday celebration where he invites those who slandered his sister’s name. Not to mention, the Wickham’s part, Mrs. Gardiner’s cautions against Mr. Darcy, and the culprit missing motive.

While I didn’t love as many aspects of this story as I did Lyndsay Constable’s brilliant and creative previous works – Never Inconstant and An Excellent Walker, I continue to enjoy her writing style and portrayals of Jane Austen’s characters. A Lover’s Fine Eye is a great choice for readers who love seeing Darcy and Elizabeth work together and share some stirring scenes.

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