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

What fun!

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

I have not read the print version but read the original Pride and Prejudice. This was an excellent sequel and sounded similar to Ms. Austin.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I still adore Elizabeth. She is gentile but not subservient. Her wit is still evident and she and Darcy are well matched!

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

WOW! It has been a while since I have listened to a book but I was thoroughly amazed at Rosalyn's performance! Most of the speaking parts are men. Her ability to give each a distinct voice and sound like men - WOW! Bravo! I will be looking out for more of her performances.

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

Death Comes to Pemberly--- a must read!

Long winded and a bit confusing

I read this book for a book club I just joined. I liked the idea of a Jane Austen type mystery, but if I hadn't had to finish book, I would have stopped about a third of the way through. The descriptions were so long, and the action was so short. And the plot was confusing. I'm still not sure what happened in certain parts...and I'm not sure I care. The narrator was very English but a little grating after awhile. All in all, there were some interesting parts, and it could have been good, but I'm just glad it's over. The mini series on Netflix is pretty good though.

Disappointing

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I'm a huge fan of P.D. James, so it pains me to say I found this disappointing. IMHO, I think Ms. James would have done better to write in her own style rather than imitate Jane Austin's.

Well-written period murder mystery

The book is good--a typical P.D. James work. I don't believe using characters from 'Pride and Prejudice' added anything to it; why not just create and name your own characters? As to performance, the period and style of the book call for an 'upper class' British accent. That said, it can be overdone. This narrator's overly schoolmistressy and pompous tone wasn't entertaining to listen to.

Engaging

Not many sequals written by other authors add flavor as good as Death Comes to Pemberly. The wise writer relysomuch on the original material but deftly illuminates the characters in ways Miss Austin does not. Yet there are a few instanceswhen it's evident a modern sensibility colors some aspects of the work. Overall it is a delight.

Pride...continued

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook if one enjoyed Pride & Prejudice. It was not an obvious "whodunit" and is written (and read) in the rhythm of Jane Austen.

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

I read "Darcy's Story" by Janet Alymer and thoroughly enjoyed the story from Mr. Darcy's point of view. "Death Comes to Pemberly" is similar in scope.

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

The reader has a certain timbre to her voice that is very pleasing and makes it very easy to escape into the continuing story...

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself eager to hear the next chapter...to find out "whoREALLYdunit". It's a surprise.....;)

Any additional comments?

When I first read the synopsis, I was somewhat misled which is why I withheld one star from my review. Overall though, it was worth the listen and the purchase.

Entertaining historical whodunnit

P.D. James' "Death Comes to Pemberley" has something for mystery fans and Austen fans alike.

At the beginning of the story, the Darcys are preparing for the annual ball held at Pemberley. Lydia is on her way to visit, although her husband (George Wickham) is not received for a variety of reasons well-known to "Pride & Prejudice" fans.

Well, the drama begins when Captain Wickham is brought out of the woods covered in blood, and possibly injured ... and his colleague, Captain Martin Denny (a minor P&P character) is found dead. Wickham is, of course, arrested and arraigned on charges of murder.

There are numerous subplots involving servants, a romance for Georgianna Darcy, and even the obsequious Mr. Collins. The author ties them all together for a whodunnit that I truly did not see coming.

Well-done, all the way around.

Yuck!

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

I wasted the time I spent listening to this book. I have decided I am a purist when it comes to Pride and Prejudice. I don't like stories about the characters that don't follow the updates given at the end of Pride and Prejudice. This books was a farce.

Do you think Death Comes to Pemberley needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Definitely does not need a follow-up book. I am disappointed in PD James.

I loved it!

I read through the reviews before purchasing this. I disagree with the critical ones. I loved it. The characters were developed believably, I enjoyed the detail shown in day to day life at Pemberley, and the story was a good one, that took some of the characters from Pride and Prejudice and created additional links and context for them. Well done!

I felt the female voice actor tried a bit too hard with some of the male voices, and some of them just didn't work well, but overall she did a good job.

I don't understand the negative reviews. I guess it's a matter of personal taste. This is a title I'll enjoy revisiting from time to time.

Great extension of Austin’s Characters

Lovely renewal of a story that ended in simple revelation of character. How shallow people continue to be shallow and narcissistic even when those of greater depth succumb to the thoughtlessness of others acting on self indulgent patterns. Darcy and Elizabeth are still striving to grow in kindness and compassion when even Colonel Fitzwilliam is rather stagnant in his honor bound behavior . It is a delight that the adult Georgiana has developed insight and confidence and is a marked contrast with Lydia.
I’m delighted that my favorite authors can align so beautifully and flesh out our beloved characters. P D James does it again with strong character analysis and beautiful language!