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Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations #1
Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations
REVISED EDITION: re-edited as of 09/08/13
Dear reader,
This book is meant to fit in the cracks of Jane Austen's original tale, with a twist in the plot. It is the first book in a series meant to set the stage for several follow ups. It has also been written in a similar style as Jane, updated slightly to the 21st century, and using some of her original text. I fully realize this type of read is not for everyone. Please feel free to use the free view on the kindle page to determine if you will care for this writing style.
In the early part of the 19th century the Nobility of England was awash with intrigue, scandal, war, and romance. On the outer fringe of these events is the Bennet family, consisting of five daughters, a stately father, and a mother determined to see her daughters married. Into this setting comes two gentlemen; the handsome Mr. Bingley, intent on enjoying society, and the imposing Mr. Darcy, intent on more serious matters.
The world of the era was changing rapidly and lapses in honour amongst the French gentry had already led to an uprising within their country; which in turn led to the rise of such individuals as Napoleon. Industry, and movements in wealth amongst the common man, also threatened the ideals of the gentry, as many an individual could now move amongst the social classes in ways never before encountered.
Not oblivious to these threats, the highest order had tasked the Darcy family with the responsibilities to uphold the integrity of English society. Should a nobleman or member of the gentry transgress those ideals, or come to harm the innocent,the Darcy family would deal with it accordingly.
Dear reader,
This book is meant to fit in the cracks of Jane Austen's original tale, with a twist in the plot. It is the first book in a series meant to set the stage for several follow ups. It has also been written in a similar style as Jane, updated slightly to the 21st century, and using some of her original text. I fully realize this type of read is not for everyone. Please feel free to use the free view on the kindle page to determine if you will care for this writing style.
In the early part of the 19th century the Nobility of England was awash with intrigue, scandal, war, and romance. On the outer fringe of these events is the Bennet family, consisting of five daughters, a stately father, and a mother determined to see her daughters married. Into this setting comes two gentlemen; the handsome Mr. Bingley, intent on enjoying society, and the imposing Mr. Darcy, intent on more serious matters.
The world of the era was changing rapidly and lapses in honour amongst the French gentry had already led to an uprising within their country; which in turn led to the rise of such individuals as Napoleon. Industry, and movements in wealth amongst the common man, also threatened the ideals of the gentry, as many an individual could now move amongst the social classes in ways never before encountered.
Not oblivious to these threats, the highest order had tasked the Darcy family with the responsibilities to uphold the integrity of English society. Should a nobleman or member of the gentry transgress those ideals, or come to harm the innocent,the Darcy family would deal with it accordingly.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 17, 2016
3.5 stars
I did contemplate a 4 star rating but the need for a good proof reader and the almost tepid emotions related by Darcy plus a missing bit of information at the end caused the lower rating. Sorry, but in looking at how many books Mr. Taylor has written the lack of a good spell check program or proof reader is inexcusable at this point in his writing career. Then as to the missing bit: there is no mention in this first book of Lydia disclosing that Darcy was at her wedding and therefore no reason for Elizabeth to seek out information and determine his role in such. Yes, I am sure most of the readers have read Jane Austen's book but assumptions that the reader knows this and will infer it while reading leave a gap in the continuity of the story. I found the author's response to the review posted by Candace on Amazon quite interesting and she too commented on some of the same. As to emotions: let me point out that I have read hundreds of JAFF stories with most focusing on P&P and while Mr. Taylor did state some emotions the “sigh” factor was not there. I didn’t “feel” Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth nor his anguish in first trying to deny such and then in dealing with her rejection.
When the tale opens we are introduced to the idea of “Nobless Oblige” which is the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged. In reading Claudine’s reviews of all the books in this series I learned that this motto is the center, the motivating force of actions: at first for Darcy (as a family tradition and obligation) but then also for Elizabeth as they become a team. In the first act in this novel I applauded the consequence dealt to a despicable member of the ton. His sin is one I have witnessed the results of in my profession.
In this variation on Pride and Prejudice told by a male author from Darcy's POV I was hoping for more interaction between the two lead roles. But I do understand that there are a number of sequels. I enjoyed meeting Miss Dache. She comes across as very calculating and cold hearted. Her decision to pursue Darcy has nothing to do with his physical attraction but much to do with his way of fulfilling his role in upholding the motto of Nobless Oblige. I know we are going to get our HEA but if I didn’t know that I might have been afraid for Elizabeth’s life. Miss Dache seems capable of eliminating any stumbling blocks in reaching her goal.
Elizabeth presented to me as almost a Sherlock Holmes type character in her ability to ferret out the smallest clue and then to research her suspicions. But when she is in possession of a dagger, my mouth fell open! What? We must learn more of the reason for this. Young ladies in that day and age did not carry around daggers. (…unless you are in the midst of filling your role in P&P& Zombies.)
While this book basically retells Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s POV we are left knowing that there is more to come. I did like this book enough to want more…plus it was available under my Kindle Unlimited account. If you like spy or even detective stories mixed with your romance I would recommend this book. (I’ll get back to you on the sequels.)
I did contemplate a 4 star rating but the need for a good proof reader and the almost tepid emotions related by Darcy plus a missing bit of information at the end caused the lower rating. Sorry, but in looking at how many books Mr. Taylor has written the lack of a good spell check program or proof reader is inexcusable at this point in his writing career. Then as to the missing bit: there is no mention in this first book of Lydia disclosing that Darcy was at her wedding and therefore no reason for Elizabeth to seek out information and determine his role in such. Yes, I am sure most of the readers have read Jane Austen's book but assumptions that the reader knows this and will infer it while reading leave a gap in the continuity of the story. I found the author's response to the review posted by Candace on Amazon quite interesting and she too commented on some of the same. As to emotions: let me point out that I have read hundreds of JAFF stories with most focusing on P&P and while Mr. Taylor did state some emotions the “sigh” factor was not there. I didn’t “feel” Darcy’s attraction to Elizabeth nor his anguish in first trying to deny such and then in dealing with her rejection.
When the tale opens we are introduced to the idea of “Nobless Oblige” which is the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged. In reading Claudine’s reviews of all the books in this series I learned that this motto is the center, the motivating force of actions: at first for Darcy (as a family tradition and obligation) but then also for Elizabeth as they become a team. In the first act in this novel I applauded the consequence dealt to a despicable member of the ton. His sin is one I have witnessed the results of in my profession.
In this variation on Pride and Prejudice told by a male author from Darcy's POV I was hoping for more interaction between the two lead roles. But I do understand that there are a number of sequels. I enjoyed meeting Miss Dache. She comes across as very calculating and cold hearted. Her decision to pursue Darcy has nothing to do with his physical attraction but much to do with his way of fulfilling his role in upholding the motto of Nobless Oblige. I know we are going to get our HEA but if I didn’t know that I might have been afraid for Elizabeth’s life. Miss Dache seems capable of eliminating any stumbling blocks in reaching her goal.
Elizabeth presented to me as almost a Sherlock Holmes type character in her ability to ferret out the smallest clue and then to research her suspicions. But when she is in possession of a dagger, my mouth fell open! What? We must learn more of the reason for this. Young ladies in that day and age did not carry around daggers. (…unless you are in the midst of filling your role in P&P& Zombies.)
While this book basically retells Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s POV we are left knowing that there is more to come. I did like this book enough to want more…plus it was available under my Kindle Unlimited account. If you like spy or even detective stories mixed with your romance I would recommend this book. (I’ll get back to you on the sequels.)
May 12, 2017
My Rating: 3.5*
Well this was an interesting twist to Pride & Prejudice. It keeps to canon for the majority of the book, however, it is from the perspective of Mr. Darcy. This is necessary in order to weave in Mr. Darcy's role as the key component to a secret organization that basically 'polices', if you will, the nobility.
Darcy is superb in this role for his analytical, methodical intellect as well as his absolute composure. This also helps to explain his disdain for the trivial in all aspects of life, especially conversation. I found him to be a touch more arrogant and haughtier for this reason as well. However, his skills and knowledge in combat and stealth make him a force to be reckoned with. Though he may be considered an assassin, he only takes a life as a last resort.
Therefore, we spend more time with Mr. Darcy in this story and his role in subtlety dealing with his newest and deadliest opponent in a game of espionage. New characters are introduced, especially Lord Dache and his brilliant but calculating daughter Miss Marianne Dache. She is a thrill seeker and something of an adrenaline junkie when it comes to placing herself and Mr. Darcy in danger. Miss Caroline Bingley finds she has another rival for Mr. Darcy in Miss Dache. I so enjoyed those sparring moments!
As for Miss Elizabeth, we get glimpses of interactions with Mr. Darcy at Netherfield, Kent, Pemberley and finally again at Longbourn. As in canon, she cannot quite make him out other than his arrogance and his disdain for the feelings of others. I found Elizabeth to be more aware of certain aspects of Mr. Darcy character that he revealed in Kent, but she had more understanding than what was stated. This, of course, is revealed more in the next book that gives the story from her perspective from what I understand.
Overall, I like the premise of this story, though at times it was a touch slow. The need for better proofreading, as stated by others, would be in order. I did have one major quibble right at the beginning: '...Caroline and Louisa, were accomplished and from a well respected family; and even Mr. Hurst, who having married Louisa more for position of society than love, was a respectful and honourable man." The Bingley's were from trade and Mr. Hurst was a gentleman. She would have married him for position of society.
I will continue to read this series, as I am curious to see how Elizabeth Bennet grows as the wife of Mr. Darcy in this new role. I would recommend this story for the unique premise, especially if you enjoy a mystery or spy novels.
Side Note:
I highly recommend that you read Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice", if you haven't already, in order to have a true understanding of these two main characters. Besides, it is a brilliant novel!
Well this was an interesting twist to Pride & Prejudice. It keeps to canon for the majority of the book, however, it is from the perspective of Mr. Darcy. This is necessary in order to weave in Mr. Darcy's role as the key component to a secret organization that basically 'polices', if you will, the nobility.
Darcy is superb in this role for his analytical, methodical intellect as well as his absolute composure. This also helps to explain his disdain for the trivial in all aspects of life, especially conversation. I found him to be a touch more arrogant and haughtier for this reason as well. However, his skills and knowledge in combat and stealth make him a force to be reckoned with. Though he may be considered an assassin, he only takes a life as a last resort.
Therefore, we spend more time with Mr. Darcy in this story and his role in subtlety dealing with his newest and deadliest opponent in a game of espionage. New characters are introduced, especially Lord Dache and his brilliant but calculating daughter Miss Marianne Dache. She is a thrill seeker and something of an adrenaline junkie when it comes to placing herself and Mr. Darcy in danger. Miss Caroline Bingley finds she has another rival for Mr. Darcy in Miss Dache. I so enjoyed those sparring moments!
As for Miss Elizabeth, we get glimpses of interactions with Mr. Darcy at Netherfield, Kent, Pemberley and finally again at Longbourn. As in canon, she cannot quite make him out other than his arrogance and his disdain for the feelings of others. I found Elizabeth to be more aware of certain aspects of Mr. Darcy character that he revealed in Kent, but she had more understanding than what was stated. This, of course, is revealed more in the next book that gives the story from her perspective from what I understand.
Overall, I like the premise of this story, though at times it was a touch slow. The need for better proofreading, as stated by others, would be in order. I did have one major quibble right at the beginning: '...Caroline and Louisa, were accomplished and from a well respected family; and even Mr. Hurst, who having married Louisa more for position of society than love, was a respectful and honourable man." The Bingley's were from trade and Mr. Hurst was a gentleman. She would have married him for position of society.
I will continue to read this series, as I am curious to see how Elizabeth Bennet grows as the wife of Mr. Darcy in this new role. I would recommend this story for the unique premise, especially if you enjoy a mystery or spy novels.
Side Note:
I highly recommend that you read Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice", if you haven't already, in order to have a true understanding of these two main characters. Besides, it is a brilliant novel!
March 26, 2014
Recreation of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice with a twist. Leo Charles Taylor fleshes out the characters giving adventurous plot contrivances to make it more "interesting". Thoughtful, and fun, it's an enjoyable read for people who love the genre. For those not familiar with the characters, they will be shaking their heads over the story line. For me, while it was an thought provoking spin, I prefer my Austin untouched, just the way she wrote it.
July 7, 2017
Intriguing concept, badly executed. The characters are distorted, the dialogue is clunky, the writing is painfully bad, and the editing non-existent.
December 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Think of James Bond working with the FBI but in Regency England and you aren’t far off. The writing wasn’t awesome but the strangeness of the plot caught my fancy. Just as James Bond is impossibly able to do amazing things, first Darcy then Lizzy are superhero characters protecting all of us common folks.
For a bit of super spy whimsy I recommend this book.
For a bit of super spy whimsy I recommend this book.
April 29, 2018
This variation follows the story of P&P but we have a Darcy family involved in preventing the fall of the gentry as happened in France. Surprised to find that we have a story with an actual interesting Darcy which makes me want to read more of the series.
February 3, 2018
Fantastic Series. Veers away from canon in the first book, and then hold on to your hats, it's an amazing ride. The new characters that weave in and out of the series are such a wonderful support to Elizabeth and Darcy in different ways. ODC's relationship grows and deepens and changes (like any excellent marriage) as Elizabeth finds her impetuous youthful teasing doesn't help the goal she wants in being part of Darcy's secret government organization. But her intelligence does. And the courage she proclaimed rose when those who would attempt to intimidate her, in her youth could more appropriately be labeled bravado. But courage she had practiced, and so with her native strength, and Darcy's love and support, her courage grew past bravado to fortitude.
I loved the development of each character's personalities; in the case of Elizabeth, her maturity and 'finding herself,' and in the case of Darcy and the older members of the organization, the revelation of their beginnings and current motivations. Very human and 3-dimensional.
Throw in villains (singular or multiple in each book,) and a femme fatale and sometimes ungovernable oporative, who has wanted Darcy for herself long before Elizabeth comes on the scene.... Woo! Love her character too!
Loved this series
I loved the development of each character's personalities; in the case of Elizabeth, her maturity and 'finding herself,' and in the case of Darcy and the older members of the organization, the revelation of their beginnings and current motivations. Very human and 3-dimensional.
Throw in villains (singular or multiple in each book,) and a femme fatale and sometimes ungovernable oporative, who has wanted Darcy for herself long before Elizabeth comes on the scene.... Woo! Love her character too!
Loved this series
February 4, 2019
Mr. Darcy is a member of an organization that keeps the nobles and gentry on the straight and narrow. If they mess up, Mr. Darcy is sent to clean-up how ever he must in this new retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the combination of old familiar characters and new characters. I loved having Mr. Darcy's point-of-view as familiar scenes show up here. This was just fun! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the combination of old familiar characters and new characters. I loved having Mr. Darcy's point-of-view as familiar scenes show up here. This was just fun! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
June 22, 2019
So this revision of Pride & Prejudice has Darcy in an unusual occupation. It holds some of the original's lines and keeps the characters in line as well. There are some tense moments that make for a fun story.
February 3, 2023
Enjoyed the Twist on the Original
Wasn't sure how I would feel about this version of Pride and Prejudice, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The looking at scenes from a slightly different view was fun. I enjoyed Elizabeth in this version.
Wasn't sure how I would feel about this version of Pride and Prejudice, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The looking at scenes from a slightly different view was fun. I enjoyed Elizabeth in this version.
October 24, 2021
interesting
A rather dark in tone but interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Leo Charles Taylor.
A rather dark in tone but interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Leo Charles Taylor.
July 18, 2013
I am truly sorry to be harsh in my critique, but the author REALLY needs to hire an editor. There are so many mistakes I lost count. Also, the book is missing any real spark and Darcy's dealings are not explained in an exciting, plot-twisting way, but in a haphazard fashion as if the author himself did not quite know HOW Darcy brought all these criminals to justice. There were complete breaches of etiquette which were not addressed (he had a single lady visiting his house constantly-- without chaperone). The author's characterization of Caroline Bingley was so far off the mark, and Darcy is entrusted with keeping the nobility and gentry pure, yet he envisions Caroline as a well-bred woman when her roots stem from trade. He treats her as if she is of a higher class than Elizabeth, who is born a gentleman's daughter. I liked the free short stories I read regarding the characters in this book and am hopeful that the author MIGHT make something of this book (which is to be a series) if he gets a good editor, does much more research, and gives this a total rewrite. Sorry! I was so excited that there was a male author attempting Austen fiction and I thought he would be able to merge his concept to mesh a bit with The Scarlet Pimpernel, which would have been a true delight.
December 31, 2015
I plodded slowly through this first book, after a few attempts to read this book. I am attempting to get to the real suspenseful parts of this series, as specified by several reviews on Amazon.
In this book, which follows very close to canon in several aspects, we learn the role that Darcy and the Darcy House play in fighting the current battles against Napoleon and other various spies and the landed gentry. Darcy specializes in keeping the gentry under good regulation, even if this includes performing murder.
ODC are drawn together due to their mutual intelligence and interests in performing their duties for their beloved England. Admiration and intrigue turn into affection, regard and eventually, into love.
From here, I am anxious to finish book two and start book three, where the Darcys become spies and lovers, as a devoted husband-wife team.
In this book, which follows very close to canon in several aspects, we learn the role that Darcy and the Darcy House play in fighting the current battles against Napoleon and other various spies and the landed gentry. Darcy specializes in keeping the gentry under good regulation, even if this includes performing murder.
ODC are drawn together due to their mutual intelligence and interests in performing their duties for their beloved England. Admiration and intrigue turn into affection, regard and eventually, into love.
From here, I am anxious to finish book two and start book three, where the Darcys become spies and lovers, as a devoted husband-wife team.
May 12, 2014
A retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's point of view, but it is an unusual story because Darcy is an assassin (his whole family having held this position) who is part of an organization of nobles and gentry who police their own kind. Using the motto "Nobles Oblige", they admonish, punish, and even kill those who violate the rules of the gentry and proper behavior. For example, he is called on to assassinate a lord who is sexually abusing children. An interesting concept, but could have been better written. There was also too many typographical and grammatical errors which made it hard to enjoy the story.
May 17, 2016
If you read Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and ever wonder what Mr Darcy's side of the story was then you need to read this book. If you ever thought there might be more to the story then you need to read this. If you want to read a really good book then you need to read this. I was so intrigued by the idea of this story and then I read it. The author does an amazing job of keeping with the Jane Austen world but making it his own story. I started reading this morning and couldn't stop till I finished I was so engaged. I very excited that there are more to this series as I was always sad Austen did not write more of Darcy and Elizabeth
July 13, 2014
Fun read
I loved this read and recommend it to anyone who loves Pride and Prejudice. This story (tongue in cheek) explains all the mysteries of Darcy!
I loved this read and recommend it to anyone who loves Pride and Prejudice. This story (tongue in cheek) explains all the mysteries of Darcy!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews