Book Review

Publisher's Note:

A rare meeting of literary genius: P. D. James, long among the most admired mystery writers of our time, draws the characters of Jane Austen’s beloved novel Pride and Prejudice into a tale of murder and emotional mayhem. It is 1803, six years since Elizabeth and Darcy embarked on their life together at Pemberley, Darcy’s magnificent estate. Their peaceful, orderly world seems almost unassailable. Elizabeth has found her footing as the chatelaine of the great house. They have two fine sons, Fitzwilliam and Charles. Elizabeth’s sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live nearby; her father visits often; there is optimistic talk about the prospects of marriage for Darcy’s sister Georgiana. And preparations are under way for their much-anticipated annual autumn ball. Then, on the eve of the ball, the patrician idyll is shattered. A coach careens up the drive carrying Lydia, Elizabeth’s disgraced sister, who with her husband, the very dubious Wickham, has been banned from Pemberley. …

Death Comes to Pemberly

by P. D. James

April 10, 2012

Reviewer: Rachel

Genre: Mystery

Recommended Age: 16+

Overall Book Review:

Death Comes to Pemberly is a quick and easy read from famed author P.D. James. Readers will be able to jump right into the action thanks to a detailed prologue that fills in what happened to the Darcys after Pride and Prejudice. Several favorite characters also make a return, in addition to a few new faces. The book’s setting and descriptions were beautifully constructed and so authentic that I completely forgot I wasn’t sitting inside a court room. For a mysterious crime novel, this story is full of courtroom drama but lacked any real mystery. If you’re looking for an entertaining read, give Death Comes to Pemberly a try.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 6 religious exclamations, 1 mild obscenity, 1 religious profanity

Violence/Gore: A character dies from a head wound — this murder is told several times throughout the book from different perspectives and individuals.

Sex/Nudity: Reported sexual activity resulting in an illegitimate child occurs between two characters.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death, murder, blackmail.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

A main character is drunk the night of the murder.

Overall Book Rating

Profanity/Language

Rating:

2

10

Violence/Gore

Rating:

4

10

Sex/Nudity

Rating:

3

10

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About the Reviewer

My mother was the one who sparked my love of books. Long before school instruction, she sat me down and taught me to read. My childhood was filled with trips to the library and bookmobile to find great books. My first loves were The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Pippi Longstocking series by Astrid Lingren. Now as a mom and speech pathologist, I am constantly looking for good, clean books to use at home and in therapy. I enjoy reading many different genres, but my favorites are usually historical fiction. I married my best friend, the “boy next door”, and we have a beautiful little girl who we often find sprawled out on the floor, flipping through picture books. Together our family likes to swim, run and play tennis. Besides reading, I also love to bake, garden and travel.

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