I have found that most authors who attempt either serious or light-handed work with Jane Austen's characters fall very far short. P.D. James, though, does better than most! I found this hard copy on the "For Sale" shelf at the Santa Clara library. I thought, "Why not?" It's worth the risk of a dollar. Before I risked, it though, I did a quick Amazon review read of James. She is quite the accomplished author, so it's no wonder she did a good job with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy!
This is a mystery with a lot of details and clues along the way. Because I love the P & P characters, especially Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, it was fun to see them so happily married and thriving. Other familiar characters also make an appearance, and James is true to their personalities. The characters lacking integrity get their comeuppance, and that is always satisfying.
And the mystery aspect kept me turning the pages and reading much later than I should have. It's a keeper which I will enjoy again sometime in the future. And while James is true to the characters, she is less apt to expound or comment in lengthy phrases on the happenings. And the Austen wit is less in evidence. So it's an easier, lighter read all around. Perfect for the little get-aways that I enjoy when I read before bed!
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