Review: In Want of a Suspect

 

* A sequel to Pride and Premeditation * 

** This is a direct sequel to the first in the Jane Austen Murder Mystery trilogy **

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that London’s first female solicitor in possession of the details of a deadly crime, must be in want of a suspect.

The tenacious Lizzie Bennet has earned her place at Longbourn, her father’s law firm. Her work keeps her busy, but luckily she often has help from (and steals occasional kisses with) Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a stern but secretly soft-hearted solicitor at Pemberley.

Lizzie is hired to investigate a deadly warehouse fire, and to find the mysterious woman who was spotted at the scene moments before the flames took hold. But when the case leads her to the sitting room of a woman Darcy once proposed marriage to, the delicate balance between personal and professional in their relationship is threatened.

Questions of the future are cast aside when the prime suspect is murdered and Lizzie’s own life is threatened. As the body count rises, and their suspicions about what was really going on in the warehouse grow, the pressure is on for Lizzie and Darcy to uncover the truth.

Lizzie and Darcy are back for more suspense, danger, and romance in this first in a duology spinoff of the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries! - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book; I never wanted it to end. I'm so happy there's a sequel coming. I loved the moments between Lizzie and Darcy. I loved seeing the characters from the previous trilogy appear. The investigation was great - lots of twists and turns. I loved learning more about Darcy's past. I felt terrible for him with the dealings with his boss. I loved meeting Henry. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your Jane Austen fans!

Review: The Next Great Jane

Jane's biggest dream is to become an author - just like her hero Jane Austen. When a famous author comes to her small town in Maine, she hopes to gain insight on the secret of writing. Nothing ever happens in her town, but on the night of the author event everything changes.

She meets an annoying boy. A hurricane sweeps through town. And her mother appears.

Now Jane's life is turned upside down and she's worried it will stay that way. She wants life to return back to normal and has a few ideas up her sleeve on how to make that happen.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I needed to read it as soon as I heard it was about a girl wanting to be the next Jane Austen. And it was everything I imagined. I loved the small town Maine setting - and the Maine comments/jokes. I loved the Jane Austen references; they made me smile. I loved the moments between Devon and Jane. I loved the secret to writing. A great story about writing, science, friendship, staying true to yourself, and family.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries - highly recommended.

Review: Love, Lies, and Spies

Juliana isn't an ordinary girl excited about traveling to London for her debut season. Her primary purpose in going to London is to have her and her father's work on beetles. She isn't interested in finding a match and marrying anyone.

She doesn't like the rigid rules of society and several times breaks them, much to the horror of her aunt. During one of her escapades, she meets a gentleman.

He doesn't seem to mind her intelligence or her rule breaking ways. He enjoys spending time with her. The more time Juliana spends with Mr. Northam, the more she can see herself forming an attachment to him.

Mr. Northam appears amiable, but does he have an ulterior motive for attaching himself to Miss Juliana?

My Thoughts: The tagline I heard for this book was Jane Austen with spies. And I was sold. I had to read it.

From the very first scene where Juliana's dangling from a cliff in need of help, I adore this book. I love her intelligence and how different she appeared from the rest of the girls. I love hoe her primary purpose in getting to London isn't the season or finding a suitor but in trying to publish her research.

I loved her moments with Mr. Northam - their banter, their views on society, and the stolen moments together. I enjoyed his moments of spying and uncovering information.

I liked her cousin Carrie and their interactions. I enjoyed her uncle when he finally came to his senses.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review

Final Thoughts: A fantastic historical fiction - if you're a Jane Austen fan, don't miss this one! 

Adult Review: Fitzwilliam Darcy: Such I Was

Fitzwilliam Darcy is one of the most romantic heroes in all of literature. Here's a re-imagined view of his life prior to meeting him in Hertfordshire. 

In this novel, you'll see how he became proud - in his family, his legacy, and his duty.  You'll get a glimpse into his private life with his relationship between him and his father, him and his sister, and finally how his relationship changed with Wickham. From the time of his young childhood, learning about Pemberley to his days at school, this book shows off Fitzwilliam's personality. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the re-imagined life of Fitzwilliam and the moments the define his life. I loved seeing how the relationships came to be - especially between Darcy and Bingley. I loved the moments between him and Georgiana. The language gives the book an Austen feel, making it an entertaining read perfect for those with a love for Austen's characters and story.

Cover Thoughts: Nice
Source: Sent for review by the author

Adult Review: Dreaming of Mr. Darcy

At 31 Kay comes into some money. Knowing that her benefactress wants her to live her dreams, she quits her job and travels to Lyme Regis.  Once she's there, she falls in love with a bed and breakfast.

She purchases it on the spot - determined to live by the sea. Then she learns that a film company is in town filming the famous Persuasion. Kay adores Jane Austen. She's even been painting her version of Pride and Prejudice and she's calling it The Illustrated Darcy. Perhaps she will now focus her attention on Captain Wentworth.

When the film producer shows up on her doorstep asking if she has rooms ready, Kay is more than happy to oblige.  She's been fixing up the bed and breakfast in her spare time. It's not complete, but she's not about to turn down the opportunity to have actors and actresses stay with her.

Soon she's entangled with the actors/actresses - trying to play matchmaker, trying to be friends, and perhaps even trying to date the handsome movie start playing Captain Wentworth.  Would a movie star ever fall for a regular girl? Kay's happy enjoying her new life and daydreaming happily ever after endings to realize the hints dropping around her.



My Thoughts: As a Jane Austen addict, I was happy when this came into my library. I grabbed it and devoured it. I really loved the idea of Kay living in Lyme Regis and going after her dreams. I loved the filming crew coming to town and staying with her. Kay reminded me of Emma - getting  romantic entanglements mixed up. I found Adam (the screen writer) sweet. I found myself annoyed with Oli (Capt. Wentworth). I loved Adam's grandmother. All in all, a sweet fun story perfect for an afternoon. I passed the book on to my coworker who also loves Jane Austen. Plus now I need to read A Weekend with Mr. Darcy


Cover Thoughts: Cute! Love the village background


Source: My Library