I'd forgotten how much I really love this author. I first read this book about 8 years ago and loved it then; but now, after visiting England a few times, reading through all the Austen novels, and learning a ton about their authoress, I found that I loved it all the more. I'll definitely be looking to find and reread the other Carrie Bebris Darcy Mysteries.

This was a fun mix of storylines as the Darcys traveled to Northanger Abbey and met the Tilneys, later finding that their lives are intertwined through the friendship of the two families' matriarchs. The story offered an interesting insight into what Elizabeth may have faced as new mistress of Pemberley---following in the footsteps of Darcy's mother.

My favorite phrase from the story was, "invent cause for correspondence", which I found to be much more poetic than, "find a reason to write a letter."

If I have any complaint about the story, it's that I don't think Lady Catherine and Lizzy would have been quite so horrible to one another. Once Lizzy was married and mistress of Pemberley, I believe the same spirit that caused Lady Catherine to be so cold to those "beneath" her would also force her to give more respect to the station Lizzy now occupies. With Lady Catherine, it's the standing of the person and not the person herself to which she responds. ( )

Obviously, if you are reading a take off (or continuation) of the Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy love story, you like'd the original. I like this series and that while there are mysteries they aren't necessarily murder mysteries- they are mysteries, where is this or that, who did this or that-finding the answers and discovering lost history is the endgame. ( )

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy get caught up in mysterious goings-on at Northanger Abbey. Meanwhile, Elizabeth tries to deal with her burgeoning pregnancy and a mysterious artifact the former Mrs. Darcy left behind. ( )

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy (of Pride and Prejudice fame) solve difficulties in this book that incorporates the characters of Austen's Northanger Abbey...a bit farfetched in occult but otherwise an enjoyable read. ( )

Elizabeth and Darcy are expecting their first child. Darcy is both happy and concerned since his own mother died giving birth to his sister, Georgiana. Darcy and Elizabeth will have plenty of other things to detract from any worries about Elizabeth's confinement. References to an unidentified Fitzwilliam family heirloom in a newly discovered letter will keep them busy searching the house and grounds of Pemberley. The couple also learn that Darcy's mother exchanged visits and correspondence with Mrs. Tilney of Northanger Abbey. Mrs. Tilney's son, captain Tilney, seems eager to renew the family friendship, but a strange visit to Northanger Abbey leaves Darcy and Elizabeth in legal danger. This requires Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de Burgh, to stay at Pemberley until the problem has been resolved. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find the treasure and resolve the Northanger problem before the birth of their child?

The supernatural element that was so prominent in the first two books in this series is not as evident in this one. If anything, it leans toward religious mysticism. Bebris successfully captures the feel of Austen's characters. My only complaint is that there is too much of the unlikable ones like Lady Catherine and not enough of the pleasant ones like Jane Bingley. The action takes place between autumn and spring, and it strikes me as odd that there is no mention of the Darcy's first anniversary or Christmas and New Year observations, although much is made of Georgiana's January birthday and the anniversary of Anne Darcy's death. ( )