The Matters at Mansfield: Or, the Crawford Affair (Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mysteries)

Bebris hit a home run with North by Northanger and she continues her winning streak with this offering. Lady Catherine is back to bedevil Elizabeth and as in the last book, her depiction of Lady C is spot on. The woman's machinations in this novel are entirely in character. Her portrayals of Henry Crawford and Colonel Fitzwilliam are equally finely executed. I particularly enjoy Fitzwilliam's role in this tale. Bebris cleverly inserts the events in this novel between the time of Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram's marriage and the time Mrs. Norris and Maria Rushworth get shipped off to the continent. I definitely will be reading this one again. In the meantime, I am watching my mailbox like a hawk for Intrigue at Highbury. I look forward to a sixth book based on Persuasion but I do hope she continues to write more after that. Perhaps more adventures with the friends she's made in previous books.

The Matters at Mansfield: Carrie Bebris Whomever would have thought that the esteemed (and so controlled )Mr and Mrs Darcy would take up a path to ensure true love for their good friend Anne de Bourgh?Carrie Bebris did. The resulting "Matters At Mansfield" is an excellent novel that is just what you would expect, and what you would not at the same time., "Pride and Prejudice" dealt with the difficult path of true love in a society well guarded by social graces and etiquette, and Anne (Lady De Bourghs daughter) finds herself in a similar position when the meddling Lady Catherine de Bourgh begins to play match maker. It's off to Mansfield in pursuit of Anne and her new husband Mr Crawford following their elopement. A murder complicates the matter, and as society dictates, and the murder solved before the potential scandal erupts. What is fascinating about this series is the continuation of the story began in "Pride and Prejudice." The supporting cast of Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Georgiana, Elizabeth Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mr and Mrs Collins, and Roger Fitzwilliam recreate the mystique and romance of the era. Pemberly, and the great house at Mansfield are home once again to proper `society' and incidents that reflect a public fascination with Victorian society. Packed with humor, romance, light intrigue, and situations readers of Jane Austin revel in, the Darcy Mysteries are a sparkling addition to the growing Victorian/historical mystery sections. If I were to describe this book in a single sentence, it would be "a charming romp through Victorian romance and the complex machinations of arranged marriages and social correctness." Be prepared for episode four, the Darcy Mysteries. It's a great ride! www.tor-forge.com Tim Lasiuta

I've read all of Ms Bebris's books, and she still is going strong. Looking for more Darcy and Elizabeth stories? Do check this out!

"The Matters at Mansfield" is definitely the best Mr. & Mrs. Darcy mystery yet. Unlike previous novels, there is nothing supernatural about the mystery, & most readers will probably appreciate this fact. The mystery centers on Lady Catherine & Anne de Borough, as well as Henry Crawford from Austen's "Mansfield Park." The mystery is fast paced & does not let up. There is also some humor thrown in. Again, I am surprised at how well Bebris is able to capture the original characters from "Pride & Prejudice." Reading her books, I feel that I am actually reading Austen. The tone & characters are true to form.

Wow, wow, wow! This is Carrie Bebris' best yet! Truly. Her writing and stories just get better and better; top shelf mystery that had me turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. I felt torn between speed reading to find out whodunnit, but wanted to prolong my delight and suspense in this delicious read. To avoid giving anything away (because that would be a failing indeed on my part as a reviewer!) I'll simply state that her plot development is strong and supportive of much of JA's canon characters. Her writing of Darcy and Elizabeth's private conversations are all that is light, witty and sparkling. I loved the interaction with the Mansfield Park characters, as well as the new personas sprinkled throughout. One such new character, Meg, provided me with several LOL moments, as she unwittingly trifled with Lady Catherine regarding her advancing age and diminishing wits... Too fun! And of course I loved all the regency details Bebris provided (some examples: the betting and strategy of quadrille; proper etiquette for a gentleman's duel; marriage law, divorce court and Gretna Green, etc., etc., etc.) to give flavor and color. A suspenseful mystery with the Darcy's -- what could be more enchanting?! Terrific read. A must buy!