Death Comes to Pemberley

By: P. D. James

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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. She stumbles out of the carriage, hysterical, shrieking that Wickham has been murdered. With shocking suddenness, Pemberley is plunged into a frightening mystery.

Inspired by a lifelong passion for Austen, P. D. James masterfully re-creates the world of Pride and Prejudice, electrifying it with the excitement and suspense of a brilliantly crafted crime story, as only she can write it.

©2011 P. D. James (P)2011 Random House Audio

It’s fine

Good story for continuing the world in which Jane Austen writes, but there are a few things that I think the author might have errored on. The positives are that the language and manner of writing fits Austen’s quite well. Story arc was intriguing and fit together many characters at the reveal, much like Austen’s. However, the subtle humor and joy of the Pride and Prejudice characters is entirely lost, especially the nuances of the females. And some characters that had established personalities in P&P have been severely altered in order to fit the narrative of this story. I also questioned why these characters would refer to America as “the New World”, since at the time of this story the USA had been established since before the main characters were born, and should have been referred as The Colonies for 200 years before that. But overall, the book is a listen for those wanting to hear more from our favorite characters, even a few hints of familiar names from the other Austen books.

I don’t think so

Too much explication and reiteration of original Pride & Prejudice plot. Narration was too melodramatic. Given the oceans of great stories and story tellers available, this book would not be among my recommendations.

Lots of fun for Austen lovers!

What did you love best about Death Comes to Pemberley?

I thought it was well-written and quite Austen-like in its wit and portrayal of the manners of the time. There were some charming little surprise references to Austen characters from other novels which I loved.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I agree with one reviewer that the women characters were overall a little pale and retiring in this story. I would have to say Darcy is the most central person, and his self-reflections are interesting.

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

The narrator was easy to listen to, and I loved her working class Brittish accents.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Old family scandals breed fresh problems for Elizabeth and Darcy.

Any additional comments?

This was a very enjoyable listen. Don't let the critical reviews dissuade you from giving it a try!

Great narrator, somewhat disappointing story

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The narration of this is outstanding, and feels just as a follow on from Pride and Prejudice should.

Would you recommend Death Comes to Pemberley to your friends? Why or why not?

Maybe - it is clearly very difficult to write something as a continuation of and homage to something as famous and fabulous as Pride and Prejudice, and in many ways James does a really good job. It just feels like there is too much information dumping at times, and that the true driver of the story is recreating the ambiance of Pemberly and its inhabitants, rather than James' usual intricate murder plots (of which I am also a fan). This is good for someone who is primarily interested in wallowing in the world of Pride and Prejudice, but not as a mystery per se.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I cannot imagine the print version being anywhere near as good, as much of the ambiance comes from the excellent narration.

A good Austen Mystery

Where does Death Comes to Pemberley rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's close to the top. It's a great narrator and a good story.

What other book might you compare Death Comes to Pemberley to and why?

I think the obvious comparison is Pride and Prejudice. Though the books share the same cast of characters, some of them do take a different road then in Pride and Prejudice.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think the story might get a little slow if you just read it. The narrator keep it moving.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not that I can remember

Any additional comments?

Voice ruins the story

What did you like best about Death Comes to Pemberley? What did you like least?

I had to stop I couldnt turn the treble down enough on this narrator- it was literally like nails on a chalkboard. Will have to just read the book

If you’ve listened to books by P. D. James before, how does this one compare?

PD James is done a disservice by this narrator or the recording technique

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Very high treble and uncomfortable to listen to

Charming, imaginative, refreshing

Would you consider the audio edition of Death Comes to Pemberley to be better than the print version?

I can't say. I only know I thoroughly enjoyed the audio edition

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

She had a comforting tone and cadence that was perfect for this novel

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Happily every after's next chapter

Any additional comments?

I loved it.

I think Jane would have loved it

I loved it! It's like have another Austin novel. I've read all of hers several times and now, I've already listened to this book 3 times. I particularly liked James' use of characters from some of Jane's other novels.

good book and great narration

Would you listen to Death Comes to Pemberley again? Why?

This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. The great narration added immensely to the quality of the writing. This book allowed the listener to delve in deep and get involved in the happenings at Pemberly.

Surprise at the end.

Would you try another book from P. D. James and/or Rosalyn Landor?

Yes

Could you see Death Comes to Pemberley being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not really, even though this type of story seems to be appealing to the US audience right now. I prefer different story lines.

Any additional comments?

PD James is one of my favorite writers. I did not find this story as good as others I have read.