Pride and Prescience

This story is for Jane Austen readers who are familiar with Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, last seen getting married at the end of "Pride and Prejudice." Darcy and Elizabeth have just begun to find happiness and companionship with each other when the quick marriage of Caroline, sister of Darcy’s best friend Bingley, to a Louisiana planter takes a sinister turn. All are caught up in the mysterious events that follow, with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, but particularly Elizabeth, uncovering the source of the crimes.

Historical references are found in the book’s close attention of the manners of the English “ton,” with women’s decorum and dress being of great importance. Given slighter attention is Bebris’ interesting description of London where the elite live within blocks of shabbier neighborhoods, of the British-American war of 1812, and of New Orleans, with its “slave vodun and high society séances.”

Bebris’ prose resembles Austen’s style, but lacks the original author’s spark, insights, and wit. And the improbable ending, relying on Elizabeth’s development of paranormal sensibilities, lacks credibility.

First in the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series.

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