Jane Austen Sequels- The Matters at Mansfield, by Carrie Bebris

The plot in The Matters at Mansfield turns the book into a Jane Austen sequel mystery series adventure. The novel written by Carrie Bebris is one of a few that create a new twist for the characters and settings people have come to know in a totally separate genera from that of Jane Austen’s original classics. The Pride and Prejudice mystery sequel incorporates the beloved characters of Mr. Darcy and his wife Elizabeth, in a fast paced, intriguing mystery plot. In this particular story, the couple tries to help Fitzwilliam’s cousin Anne get out from under the designs of her controlling mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

It seems that Lady Catherine has taken it upon herself to arrange a marriage for Anne. In the meantime, Mrs. Darcy notices that the once sickly Anne has been acting more energetic and happy of late. The story takes a quick and unusual turn when Anne turns up missing. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam leave Pemberley and travel to Scotland, where they end up in a small village named Mansfield Park. There the reader will encounter some of the characters from the original book by the same name.

It is a refreshing read to find the characters you have come to know so well, placed in new and creative storylines. With so many new Jane Austen sequels being written, it is a nice change of pace from the traditional romantic escapade or drama that usually follows these much loved characters.

The Matters at Mansfield is the fourth book in the Darcy Mystery Series by Carrie Bebris. While there is plenty of drama and excitement in this book, it also contains elements of surprise with some of the events surrounding Henry Crawford.

Will the disappearance of Anne lead to a murder victim or will there be a happy ending? To discover the answer to the mystery, you will need to follow the clues and the journey of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam to Mansfield Park as they work to discover the fate of their missing cousin.

Carrie Bebris is the author of five murder mystery Jane Austen sequels: Pride and Prescience, Suspense and Sensibility, The Intrigue at Highbury, North by Northanger, and The Matters at Mansfield. In addition to her wonderful Jane Austen sequels, she is a talented editor, contributing writer for Better Homes and Gardens, and writer of several

Jane Austen Sequels- North by Northanger, by Carrie Bebris

North by Northanger is the third of Carrie Bebris’s books that feature a series of mysteries surrounding Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Of course, many original Jane Austen purists will not find much to like here, as Bebris deliberately writes in an entirely different genre than Austen, thus the books are more along the lines of an Agatha Christie novel featuring Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and other well known characters from Northanger Abbey. The main characters of the books are always the Darcy’s, but other Austen characters make an appearance in each mystery, lending a sort of “whodunnit’”feel to the whole series. While Austen purists may be disgruntled by the plot and storylines in Bebris’ novels, the rest of us have found a very great deal to appreciate. Her characterizations and storylines are fast moving and great fun.

Austen purists will likely criticize the works as being name-droppers in order to capitalize on the success of Austen’s characters. However, I feel as though the characters have been given a breath of fresh air to appear outside their usual stuffy environments, and Bebris carries on the personalities of these characters very well outside of their original genre. If you enjoyed the first Bebris book, you’ll likely enjoy the second and the third. Her writing is distinct and always moves the plot quickly along. I am never bored when reading one of her novels, and they are far better than most Jane Austen sequels currently in print.

Aside from the genre switch, if you enjoy Austen’s characters in Regency settings, and would enjoy seeing them in a situation that is similar to something Agatha Christie would have written, then don’t hesitate to give the entire series of Carrie Bebris’ books a try. They are surprisingly engaging and you might find yourself returning to read the rest of her novels, despite the characters being suspended out of the reality that Austen set for them. Overall, I’d say Bebris does a good job of capturing the spirit of the Austen characters in a Christie novel. What fun!

Carrie Bebris is the author of five murder mystery Jane Austen sequels: Pride and Prescience, Suspense and Sensibility, The Intrigue at Highbury, North by Northanger, and The Matters at Mansfield. In addition to her wonderful Jane Austen sequels, she is a talented editor, contributing writer for Better Homes and Gardens, and writer of several other novels in other generas.

Jane Austen Sequels- Suspense and Sensibility, by Carrie Bebris

In Suspense and Sensibility, Carrie Bebris has again taken up her pen to tell us a tale of intrigue, romance and social standing. Those who loved her first book, Pride and Prescience, will thoroughly enjoy her latest novel which again features the happily-married Darcy’s.

Here, the story revolves around the courtship of Kitty, the younger sister of Mrs. Darcy, and the youthful Harry Dashwood. Fans of Jane Austen will be pleased to see the return of the Dashwood’s who were first mentioned in her classic book, Sense and Sensibility. However, the charming Harry is more than he seems, and when his behavior breaks down, it is up to the Darcy’s to find out why. Kitty’s future relationship and social standing are at stake, as well as the reputations of their extended families, after all.

Suspense and Sensibility is a Regency Jane sequel which crosses over between both Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sesibility, but continues along in the same vein as the original novels. It thrusts the Darcy’s into a world which is far removed from what they are used to.

By adding to her first book’s successful formula, Carrie Bebris has been able to create a story which is both familiar and unexpected. Her newest novel is a terrific addition to the Jane Austen Mystery line of books which will hold your attention from start to finish.

The combination of the original Austen characters and the inclusion of newer elements will please both fans of the classic works and those who are just looking for a fun story to read. Through a deft intertwining of both mystery and romance, Carrie Bebris has penned us a very memorable tale. Join Mr. Darcy and his wife as they use their intelligence and courage to unravel exactly what is going on in this very engrossing story. Suspense and Sensibility comes highly recommended as a book you could read from cover to cover in one sitting.

Carrie Bebris is the author of five murder mystery Jane Austen sequels: Pride and Prescience, Suspense and Sensibility, The Intrigue at Highbury, North by Northanger, and The Matters at Mansfield. In addition to her wonderful Jane Austen sequels, she is a talented editor, contributing writer for Better Homes and Gardens, and writer of several other novels in other generas.

Jane Austen Sequels- The Intrique at Highbury, by Carrie Bebris

What is in a title? In the case of this Jane Austen murder mystery sequel, The Intrigue at Highbury (Or, Emma’s Match) by Carrie Bebris, quite a lot. The novel, which is the fifth in the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy series, extends the Austen connection to a murder mystery envolving the characters from Jane Austen’s Emma.

With each novel in the series, Bebris revisits some of the most famous of Austen’s characters, in this case Emma–the heroine of the comic novel of the same name. Emma carries the same name and distinction in Bebris’ novel (young, rich, and innocently unawares of her dreadful social abilities), at this time is already wed to a certain Mr. Knightley: the local magistrate. How the Darcy’s find themselves at the grace of the Knightley’s is another story.

The story begins on a rather delightful note, with the Darcy’s are out for a splendid trip to the country, to relax and enjoy the company of their friends. Unfortunately, for them but perhaps not the readers, the Darcy’s run into a bit of a conundrum- a young girl in distress. Upon slowing their carriage in order to help the young woman, they enter a world in which the forest with all its mythical qualities holds the distinction of being a very dangerous place.

This is only the beginning of the excitement. With her distinctive style, characterization, and mastery of mystery, Carrie Bebris weaves another tale of distinction, and just as enthralling as her first four novels. A tale in which Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are privy to the secrets of Regency England, and a few other mysteries thrown into the mix for good measure. At a dinner celebrating the marriage of Emma Woodhouse to George Knightley, they encounter a web of lies, after a sinister death, and are forced to uncover the mystery with the aid of the newlyweds.

The exciting conclusion of the novel balances delicately on protagonists discovering the identity of the killer before anyone becomes the next victim. Carrie Bebris has written a fun, and flirty murder mystery, complete with our favorite Jane Austen characters. Isn’t that what a good Jane Austen sequel should really be about?

Carrie Bebris is the author of five murder mystery Jane Austen sequels: Pride and Prescience, Suspense and Sensibility, The Intrigue at Highbury, North by Northanger, and The Matters at Mansfield. In addition to her wonderful Jane Austen sequels, she is a talented editor, contributing writer for Better Homes and Gardens, and writer of several other novels in other generas.

Jane Austen Sequels- Pride and Prescience, by Carrie Bebris

Carrie Bebris’ first Jane Austen murder mystery retelling of Pride and Prejudice is a great and spooky delight. It will appeal to both Regency/Jane Austen and mystery fans alike. If you long for the days long ago or are a true Jane Austen fanatic, this fast-paced mystery will easily appeal to you. The Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mysteries have been popular with many and Pride and Prescience is one that truly sets a great atmosphere and tone with a quick moving pace that keeps the pages turning. You will always want to know what happens next!

The story and trouble begins when Elizabeth Bennet is married to Fitzwiliam Darcy. Like other Carrie Bebris books, this story quickly comes to a boil and the plot progresses immediately from the first few pages of the novel.

Elizabeth did not fuss about dividing her time now between her older sister Jane and her wifely duties to her new husband. Jane had chosen to marry Charles Bingley in their double wedding ceremony and both sisters are now happily engaged in beginning their married lives. Quite ideal as the sisters were also friends and their husbands have been longtime friends as well. We see these two couples as happy, easygoing and the type who could lead idyllic lives if they were not called upon to solve a mystery.

The conflict truly begins when Elizabeth is not happy with Charles’ sister Caroline. She announced her engagement at their own wedding breakfast, drawing quite a crowd. This retelling of Jane Austen is delicious fun, with lots of yummy gossipy, social interactions that easily remind us of our beloved Austen. Adding the mystery to this makes it even more delightful. Every woman knows that while an engagement is a happy time, every bride deserves “her” day – but nevertheless Caroline seems determined to take Elizabeth and Jane’s day from them right before their very eyes – with no apparent reason for this social faux pas.

Charles’ sister took up most of the attention of the wedding guests, including two of Elizabeth’s younger sisters, aunts and uncles and Caroline’s sister Louisa. While Caroline was accompanied by her fiancé Frederick Parrish, this attention did not seem to be enough for her. Frederick Parrish was considered rather unique and enough to draw a bit of a crowd, being an American among them. He is quite successful, with a townhouse, two carriages and three tailors at his disposal. Right up Caroline’s social climbing alley.

The Darcy’s honeymoon is disturbed right from the very start by this announcement but it does not stop there. Mysterious occurrences keep somehow circling around our happy couple.

Carrie Bebris’ Regency mystery is great fun and rather spooky in tone. Especially as the reader realizes only the Darcy’s know they are in trouble and that something is amiss. They take the numerous events seriously, whereas everyone else sees these incidents as “coincidental.” The Darcy’s see a dire and dreadful connection that can only mean one thing: the Bingley family is in great danger. Only the Darcy’s can help, but, how?

All of Carrie Bebris’s novels are great fun, and an interesting twist to the original novels. In fact, they are some of the most creative of all Jane Austen sequels in print.

Carrie Bebris is the author of five murder mystery Jane Austen sequels: Pride and Prescience, Suspense and Sensibility, The Intrigue at Highbury, North by Northanger, and The Matters at Mansfield. In addition to her wonderful Jane Austen sequels, she is a talented editor, contributing writer for Better Homes and Gardens, and writer of several other novels in other generas.