P.D. James, the distinguished author of so many subtle murder mysteries, turns to one of English literature's most discerning observers of the human comedy, Jane Austen, for the inspiration of her new novel.
Six years after the events described so wittily in Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley, are happily married and settled at Pemberley and nearby Highmarten. But on the eve of the annual "Lady Anne's Ball" the peace of Pemberley is shattered when Elizabeth and Jane's disreputable brother-in-law, George Wickham, is arrested on a charge of murdering his friend Captain Denny in gloomy Pemberley Wood.
Events are further complicated by the strange behavior of Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who seems determined to dictate the actions of everyone involved in the murder investigation, and particularly by his sudden antipathy towards Mr. Alveston, an eligible young barrister who has found favor with Darcy's sister Georgiana.
While perhaps lacking Austen's lively wit, James' dissection of manners and morals is equally acute. Many authors have tried to emulate Austen and produce sequels to her stories, with varying success, but this must rank as one of the best efforts. Happy 92nd birthday, P.D. James!
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