By Claudia Gray
**3 1/2 stars**
“I have learned one thing already,” Emma said, “and will forever heed it.” “To what do you refer?” “That house parties are more trouble than they are worth, and we shall never, ever have another one.” Knightley smiled. “On that subject, we are in complete agreement.”
Despite flagging somewhat in the middle, I ended up quite liking this one. The Darcys, along with their 17 or 18- year-old son, Jonathan, the Brandons, the Wentworths, and the Bertrams have all congregated at the Knightley’s home for a House Party. Also joining them is Juliet Tilney, daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney. She is a happy mix of her parents best qualities, thankfully inheriting her father’s intelligence. Emma had gotten to know Juliet’s mother (our novel-loving heroine is now a novelist herself) and had a notion that she would do what she could to expand Catherine’s sheltered daughter’s limited horizons, much as what was done for Catherine so many years ago (not to mention Harriet Smith.) The connections between Austen’s characters that see them all invitees to the same party are complicated. Unfortunately, all is not well with any of the couples except possibly the Knightleys themselves (although they will have their own troubles before the book is over). Although the love is still there for all of them, everything is far from idyllic. With all of these couples, it is the husbands that have the most to learn in order to get their lives and marriages in order.
Elizabeth and Darcy, now married 21 years, are a little estranged due to the death of Lydia’s 5-year-old daughter, Susannah, 8 months ago. They took her in and raised her practically as their own upon the death of her mother. Elizabeth is still heartbroken, but Darcy seems strangely unaffected by her death, which hurts and confuses Elizabeth. They also part ways on how to deal with the peculiar ways of their son Jonathan. Today, he would be diagnosed as high functioning autistic. He is socially inept, does not understand the subtle rules of societal behavior, is very uncomfortable with crowds, and all of the other usual symptoms, positive and negative. He was bullied in school and works very hard not to be an embarrassment to his parents, particularly his father.
Upon first meeting him, Juliet Tilney is struck by his unusual demeanor and lack of social graces.
Did Jonathan’s parents keep him locked in the attic of the famous Pemberley? That sounded like something out of a Gothic novel, but how else could he be so unfamiliar with the basic niceties of small talk? Or he could be a simpleton, in need of Christian kindliness and forbearance. His deportment seemed to indicate otherwise, but Juliet decided not to make any assumptions. Perhaps it would be best to speak slowly and patiently. “I hope you enjoy your breakfast,” she said, enunciating clearly.
She soon realizes her misapprehensions as to his intelligence and character.
The Brandons are still newlyweds, and predictably are still trying to navigate married life, their contrasting personalities, and age difference. Marianne actually loves her husband greatly but Brandon does not understand her feelings towards him, assuming she looks upon him as a secure haven she quite likes and respects, but somewhat of a consolation prize after the loss of her true love.
The Wentworths have suffered a serious financial reversal thanks to the pride and foolishness of Captain Frederick Wentworth. In seeking to ensure their daughter’s future prospects and stay on par with Anne’s noble family, he fell victim to a swindle. In his shame, Frederick has turned into an angry and bitter man, despite his supportive wife, who always cared little for luxury, status, and finery. Afterall, her happiest days were spent at sea with her once even-tempered and in command husband.
The Bertrams have been married for 4 years. There is nothing wrong with their marriage per se except that Edmund, although still a good man at heart, has become a know-it-all pompous prig and Fanny is timid, watery, and idolizes him. I am thinking that her deference to him in all things probably contributed to what his character has become. She is very pious and shy. “She was always declaring herself wicked for such vile offenses as failing to get the tea ready on time or riding her horse in hot weather. Often it made Edmund smile.” Although Edmund is very appreciative and protective of her, Fanny senses that his love for her is not on par with hers for him which adds to her diffidence and reserve. I think it is fair to say that they have not been good for each other. And now Fanny harbors a terrible and disturbing secret that she fears to tell Edmund about. I actually found Fanny and Edmund’s journey to enlightenment, wisdom, and a healthier happier marriage the most compelling of the four couples.
As they are somewhat awkwardly getting to know each other on the first evening of the house party, a most unwelcome visitor forces his way into their midst. It is no surprise when he is murdered (see title of the book) and every one of the 8 guests have strong motives. This was well-contrived on the part of the author. It is safe to say that whoever murdered Mr. Wickham did the whole company a service. Being intelligent and liberal minded, Juliet and Jonathan are drawn together by their desire for justice when they see that the magistrate in charge of the investigation (Frank Churchill) is determined to blame the crime on an innocent wandering gypsy or one of the staff. They proceed to investigate while concealing their unconventional and, in the light of the times, improper, partnership.
While the author is establishing the couples’ troubles, their motives for murder, and the early days of the investigation, the book got a little slow and lackluster. However, both Jonathan and Juliet are likable intelligent protagonists. I enjoyed the appearances of some familiar Highbury personages: Miss Bates, The Eltons, and Frank Churchill and his daughter. Jane sadly died in childbirth. The callbacks to the original books were amusing and well done.
Darcy sat at the small desk near their bed, writing a letter. Elizabeth might have teased him about contriving to keep such even lines, were she not equally occupied with letters of her own.
Maybe I am too easily pleased, but I thought the author stayed true to what Austen’s characters might have become and the circumstances of their lives and histories. I was afraid the author would be too afraid to have the killer be a beloved main character, but she didn’t chicken out. I picked this book up because I needed something “low stakes” after finishing two emotionally demanding novels. But by the end, the likability of the two detectives and their developing relationship, as well as the mystery itself, had me hooked. I do believe I will continue with this series.