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Did Darcy Do It?: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When Mr. Darcy is accused of a terrible crime, Elizabeth Bennet firmly believes that he is innocent, but her neighbours and some members of her family are equally certain that he is guilty. The case against him threatens his reputation and ultimately his life, but she stands by him with steadfast loyalty, which is born of unshakable conviction, and sustained by unwavering love. In his darkest days, Darcy learns the value of true friends and the usefulness of a little humour and humility when one has to endure difficult times.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 13, 2016
3.25 rounded to 3 stars
This whodunit blends nicely with our favorite Pride and Prejudice characters. The story certainly puts Mr. Darcy through the wringer, and the reader along with him.
He returns to Hertfordshire with Mr. Bingley soon after leaving Rosings, his failed proposal and letter of explanation to Elizabeth behind. She and Jane are back from London and are pleasantly surprised (on Jane's part) and embarrassed (on Elizabeth's part) when the two gentlemen show up at yet another Meryton assembly.
In this timeline, Wickham and the rest of his regiment are still in the area and also at the assembly. Unfortunately, Darcy and Wickham have a confrontation witnessed by everyone in the room. When Darcy loses his composure, Wickham once again plays the victim. Although things progress nicely in Darcy's relationship with Elizabeth, he becomes the prime suspect a few days after the assembly when Wickham turns up dead and, the last time anyone saw Wickham alive, he was going into a room alone with Darcy. (Dum- dum- DUMMMMMMM!!!!)
The entire community, and particularly Lydia, is positive that he is guilty and not shy about saying so. Even though the magistrate, Sir Matthew, is fair-minded, the coroner, Mr. Reeves, has already determined that this privileged popinjay should feel the full force of the law. Evidence that might point to his innocence has disappeared. Other evidence points directly to Darcy. The case stacks up quickly, and it looks as though he’ll be found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit. Does a slip of paper with a bunch of Latin nonsense have any significance?
But if Darcy didn’t do it, who did? There are Mr. Pratt and Mr. Denny, who bumped into Darcy as he was leaving his meeting with Mr. Wickham. There’s Captain Carter, who appeared to be helpful and friendly to Darcy but cannot be found since the night of the murder. What about a father or brother of one of the local young women that Wickham has despoiled? What about a thief after the money Darcy has just paid Wickham? SO many suspects to choose from!
I loved the mystery but was less impressed with the writing. In the first part of the book, which focuses on Elizabeth and Darcy’s budding friendship/romance, I often felt as though I was reading the same things over and over and over again. Characters’ thoughts are over-explained. This makes it drag a bit for the first one-third of the book (mostly told in flashback fashion) until it gets to the murder.
It gets much more interesting then, but I note a number of proofreading-type errors throughout, especially words that are obviously NOT what is intended but a letter or two off from a word that would make sense in that context. One careful read-through should have caught and corrected these.
I may be too picky, but considering how often the word “hung” is misused, it truly bugged me. A man sentenced to die is NOT “hung;” he is “hanged.” Only a picture or a mirror can be “hung.” It’s one of many bizarre peculiarities in the English language, but a writer either should know how to use correct grammar or hire an editor who does.
It is also frustrating, considering how influential a character Mr. Reeves is throughout the initial investigation, that the reader never learns his fate.
Honestly, this is an excellent mystery. The real and faux clues certainly keep you guessing, wondering which are significant and which aren’t. I do enjoy how the relationship grows between Darcy and Elizabeth, and also how much he learns from his harrowing experience, including who his REAL friends are. Unfortunately, I wish I could rate the book higher from a writing standpoint. A lot could be pruned from the front end with more explanation on the back end.
This whodunit blends nicely with our favorite Pride and Prejudice characters. The story certainly puts Mr. Darcy through the wringer, and the reader along with him.
He returns to Hertfordshire with Mr. Bingley soon after leaving Rosings, his failed proposal and letter of explanation to Elizabeth behind. She and Jane are back from London and are pleasantly surprised (on Jane's part) and embarrassed (on Elizabeth's part) when the two gentlemen show up at yet another Meryton assembly.
In this timeline, Wickham and the rest of his regiment are still in the area and also at the assembly. Unfortunately, Darcy and Wickham have a confrontation witnessed by everyone in the room. When Darcy loses his composure, Wickham once again plays the victim. Although things progress nicely in Darcy's relationship with Elizabeth, he becomes the prime suspect a few days after the assembly when Wickham turns up dead and, the last time anyone saw Wickham alive, he was going into a room alone with Darcy. (Dum- dum- DUMMMMMMM!!!!)
The entire community, and particularly Lydia, is positive that he is guilty and not shy about saying so. Even though the magistrate, Sir Matthew, is fair-minded, the coroner, Mr. Reeves, has already determined that this privileged popinjay should feel the full force of the law. Evidence that might point to his innocence has disappeared. Other evidence points directly to Darcy. The case stacks up quickly, and it looks as though he’ll be found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit. Does a slip of paper with a bunch of Latin nonsense have any significance?
But if Darcy didn’t do it, who did? There are Mr. Pratt and Mr. Denny, who bumped into Darcy as he was leaving his meeting with Mr. Wickham. There’s Captain Carter, who appeared to be helpful and friendly to Darcy but cannot be found since the night of the murder. What about a father or brother of one of the local young women that Wickham has despoiled? What about a thief after the money Darcy has just paid Wickham? SO many suspects to choose from!
I loved the mystery but was less impressed with the writing. In the first part of the book, which focuses on Elizabeth and Darcy’s budding friendship/romance, I often felt as though I was reading the same things over and over and over again. Characters’ thoughts are over-explained. This makes it drag a bit for the first one-third of the book (mostly told in flashback fashion) until it gets to the murder.
It gets much more interesting then, but I note a number of proofreading-type errors throughout, especially words that are obviously NOT what is intended but a letter or two off from a word that would make sense in that context. One careful read-through should have caught and corrected these.
I may be too picky, but considering how often the word “hung” is misused, it truly bugged me. A man sentenced to die is NOT “hung;” he is “hanged.” Only a picture or a mirror can be “hung.” It’s one of many bizarre peculiarities in the English language, but a writer either should know how to use correct grammar or hire an editor who does.
It is also frustrating, considering how influential a character Mr. Reeves is throughout the initial investigation, that the reader never learns his fate.
Honestly, this is an excellent mystery. The real and faux clues certainly keep you guessing, wondering which are significant and which aren’t. I do enjoy how the relationship grows between Darcy and Elizabeth, and also how much he learns from his harrowing experience, including who his REAL friends are. Unfortunately, I wish I could rate the book higher from a writing standpoint. A lot could be pruned from the front end with more explanation on the back end.
October 9, 2016
This is a wonderfully inventive and creative P&P Alternate time line tale. In this book Bingley and Darcy return to Netherfield not long after Jane & Lizzy return from London. They attend an assembly where Darcy sees Wickham (this is before the Militia move to Brighton) wearing Darcy's father's signet ring, harsh words are exchanged and Darcy appears to threaten Wickham.
Meanwhile Lizzy & Darcy are getting along like gang busters and Mr. Bingley is about to propose to Jane when .... Wickham is found dead... murdered... and the signet ring is missing. At the coroner's inquest the jury is more than read to believe that dreadful Mr. Darcy has done in Wickham.
The story is well paced and well researched. You find yourself doubting along with Darcy that he can be exonerated. Will Mr. Darcy hang?
Meanwhile Lizzy & Darcy are getting along like gang busters and Mr. Bingley is about to propose to Jane when .... Wickham is found dead... murdered... and the signet ring is missing. At the coroner's inquest the jury is more than read to believe that dreadful Mr. Darcy has done in Wickham.
The story is well paced and well researched. You find yourself doubting along with Darcy that he can be exonerated. Will Mr. Darcy hang?
July 6, 2020
Every once in a while, turn life over to see what it looks like from the other side. ~Terri Guillemets
Darcy's life is turned over when he is accused of murder.
The case against him is created by an overzealous Coroner with the help of prejudiced, lying, or drunken witnesses. During his months of incarceration while awaiting trial, Darcy continues the self-examination begun when Elizabeth refused his proposal. He learns who his friends truly are and values their loyalty.
Loved the story but would have liked to see reactions from Elizabeth's family (other than her Father and Jane) who had decided Darcy's guilt based on gossip and then enhanced the gossip.
After the trial, Lydia and Mama B aren't mentioned at all and I would have liked to see them get their comeuppances.
At least, we know that Lydia didn't end up married to Wickham!
Darcy's life is turned over when he is accused of murder.
The case against him is created by an overzealous Coroner with the help of prejudiced, lying, or drunken witnesses. During his months of incarceration while awaiting trial, Darcy continues the self-examination begun when Elizabeth refused his proposal. He learns who his friends truly are and values their loyalty.
Loved the story but would have liked to see reactions from Elizabeth's family (other than her Father and Jane) who had decided Darcy's guilt based on gossip and then enhanced the gossip.
After the trial, Lydia and Mama B aren't mentioned at all and I would have liked to see them get their comeuppances.
At least, we know that Lydia didn't end up married to Wickham!
May 12, 2020
The author's blurb sums this story up well. On the first page we learn that Wickham is dead and Lydia announces that everyone "knows" Darcy did it.
This story backtracks a little and we learn that Bingley and Darcy have shown up at another Meryton Assembly. The Hunsford proposal has occurred and so Darcy has admitted his erroneous interference in Bingley's relationship with Jane. We learn later in the story that while Darcy told Bingley that he has learned that Jane did/does have feelings for Bingley Darcy is leaving it up to Bingley as to his next move: return to Netherfield or not.
However at this assembly Darcy sees his father's signet ring on Wickham's finger and swears to get it back...even if it is off his cold, dead finger. Elizabeth is standing next to this action and the crowd around has heard his words.
Thus...when Wickham is found dead and Darcy has the signet ring an over zealous coroner is quick to assemble a jury for a hearing and to manipulate testimony so that Darcy is now in a cell awaiting a hearing at the Assizes...in two months.
So the story tells us of information and clue gathering, of gossip spreading, and of how from his small cell Darcy is able to make some new impressions on a portion of the Hertfordshire citizenry. He does have his close friends and Elizabeth is one of those. (Actually by this point she has announced she is more than that.) Plus certain servants remain loyal and help to bring comfort to his small room.
Interestingly, Mrs. Bennet and the 3 youngest daughters are off to Brighton while Mr. Bennet remains at Longbourn. He is one who also believes in Darcy's innocence and he does not try to make a joke out of events in this story. He provides some needed support for Elizabeth.
This was an interesting story...in particular reading about how certain people twisted and manipulated facts and circumstances to support their opinions about the guilt or innocence of Darcy. I cannot but think that much of that continues today if not in a court of law then in society's judgment of those around us or in the news.
This story backtracks a little and we learn that Bingley and Darcy have shown up at another Meryton Assembly. The Hunsford proposal has occurred and so Darcy has admitted his erroneous interference in Bingley's relationship with Jane. We learn later in the story that while Darcy told Bingley that he has learned that Jane did/does have feelings for Bingley Darcy is leaving it up to Bingley as to his next move: return to Netherfield or not.
However at this assembly Darcy sees his father's signet ring on Wickham's finger and swears to get it back...even if it is off his cold, dead finger. Elizabeth is standing next to this action and the crowd around has heard his words.
Thus...when Wickham is found dead and Darcy has the signet ring an over zealous coroner is quick to assemble a jury for a hearing and to manipulate testimony so that Darcy is now in a cell awaiting a hearing at the Assizes...in two months.
So the story tells us of information and clue gathering, of gossip spreading, and of how from his small cell Darcy is able to make some new impressions on a portion of the Hertfordshire citizenry. He does have his close friends and Elizabeth is one of those. (Actually by this point she has announced she is more than that.) Plus certain servants remain loyal and help to bring comfort to his small room.
Interestingly, Mrs. Bennet and the 3 youngest daughters are off to Brighton while Mr. Bennet remains at Longbourn. He is one who also believes in Darcy's innocence and he does not try to make a joke out of events in this story. He provides some needed support for Elizabeth.
This was an interesting story...in particular reading about how certain people twisted and manipulated facts and circumstances to support their opinions about the guilt or innocence of Darcy. I cannot but think that much of that continues today if not in a court of law then in society's judgment of those around us or in the news.
September 27, 2016
Nicely Crafted Who-Done-It
Ms Lynbrook offers a detective work for Janeites that focuses, for once, on the people at the edge of the story. Oh, the reader did worry about Darcy as the author let us tour through his darker worries and fears. While Elizabeth's love was sustaining, his faith in humanity was renewed by the others who stood with him. His faith in God was reinforced by Meryton's vicar.
Ms Lynbrook offers a detective work for Janeites that focuses, for once, on the people at the edge of the story. Oh, the reader did worry about Darcy as the author let us tour through his darker worries and fears. While Elizabeth's love was sustaining, his faith in humanity was renewed by the others who stood with him. His faith in God was reinforced by Meryton's vicar.
May 1, 2020
I found that I really liked this book and its premise, but the issues with the writing, such as wrong character names being used, made it hard to give it 5 stars. Definitely still enjoyed it though.
November 17, 2016
Mr Wickham is found dead and as a result Darcy has to let go of his pride while finding who is true friends are. The story occurs post proposal and assumes you know the details of the original. I have to say my favorite character was the junior lawyer from London. His wit was a lot of fun to read. Elizabeth was a really a secondary character in this one.
November 13, 2016
I can't say this was a great book, but it was decent enough. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. It was a little jarring how the story started with the announcement of Wickham's murder and then flashed back to the beginning. Even though I understood why it was done that way, I found myself a little annoyed at the delay and wanted things to just hurry up and get back to the aftermath of the murder. It seemed to take forever before it finally got there. The process of trying to prove Darcy innocent was pretty good, and the mystery halfway decent, but I was wishing most of the time that there was more of Darcy and Elizabeth. I did really enjoy Bingley's staunch support of his friend and how their small group banded together, though. Darcy's sadness over his possible fate could have descended into melodrama, but it did not, and I was thankful. The resolution was satisfying enough, and overall I enjoyed this tale.
September 29, 2016
Murder in Meryton
Very good trial story - Regency style: detailed and rational. Somewhat lacking in the romance department but that's not the driving force here, though it would have added an extra element. All in all, a good read, but left me feeling the characters were at arm's length from the reader.
Very good trial story - Regency style: detailed and rational. Somewhat lacking in the romance department but that's not the driving force here, though it would have added an extra element. All in all, a good read, but left me feeling the characters were at arm's length from the reader.
October 24, 2025
A Falsely Accused Murder Variation with Hidden Depths
I really liked how in this falsely accused of murder varient, it really dug into the emotional impact of such an event.
And it was an interesting look at the criminal court system at the time. I found the whole concept of the Azazies that only met every few months and tried a whole bunch of cases in a short period of time very interesting.
Bingley shines in this vagary as he steps up to be there for Darcy and preparing to care for Georgianna if the worst should happen and Darcy is convicted of murder and hung. Bingly's resolution that he would buy Pemberly (as it would be confiscated and sold by the crown) no matter how much Bingley would have to borrow . . .gave me chills.
And Darcy's valet for the win!
And Elizabeth really stands up for Darcy in this. It's a lovely example demonstrating that even though Darcy fell first, Elizabeth fell just as hard. She sacrificed her reputation on the stand to protect Georgianna's.
Elizabeth becoming engaged to Darcy after he was indicted, and dealing with the social scorn even from her own family . . . Was compelling and heartbreaking all at the same time. I'm glad Mr. Bennet was in her corner.
I really liked how in this falsely accused of murder varient, it really dug into the emotional impact of such an event.
And it was an interesting look at the criminal court system at the time. I found the whole concept of the Azazies that only met every few months and tried a whole bunch of cases in a short period of time very interesting.
Bingley shines in this vagary as he steps up to be there for Darcy and preparing to care for Georgianna if the worst should happen and Darcy is convicted of murder and hung. Bingly's resolution that he would buy Pemberly (as it would be confiscated and sold by the crown) no matter how much Bingley would have to borrow . . .gave me chills.
And Darcy's valet for the win!
And Elizabeth really stands up for Darcy in this. It's a lovely example demonstrating that even though Darcy fell first, Elizabeth fell just as hard. She sacrificed her reputation on the stand to protect Georgianna's.
Elizabeth becoming engaged to Darcy after he was indicted, and dealing with the social scorn even from her own family . . . Was compelling and heartbreaking all at the same time. I'm glad Mr. Bennet was in her corner.
July 24, 2020
3.5. I enjoyed this story a lot even though there were things that didn't seem to make sense to me. The mystery was well thought out and the characters were well written. I liked some of our new characters and found myself very engaged in the story. The things that didn't make sense were the absence of Mr. Darcy's family and friends. Besides receiving a letter from Lady C, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were the only ones to notice Darcy's very public troubles. Where is the rest of the Fitzwilliam family or Darcy relatives? Surely someone like Darcy would have more a friend or two besides Bingley that would come to offer support. I also felt that it was implausible that when the trouble began, Darcy himself didn't seem to take a very proactive approach to his situation. The Darcy I imagine makes things happen versus sitting around waiting for things to happen. It's hard to imagine Darcy doing nothing until after the inquest, especially when he knew the inquest would not be fair, and not fighting the way the inquest went. Even with these things, I really did enjoy the story and would recommend it to someone who likes a good combination of JAFF and mystery!
March 7, 2019
Cleverly done. Engaging & had some drama and pace. Also some good Darcy reflective moments. It was very much in his character to have gotten himself into the mess of a trial with a combination of working alone and trusting others to be honest/know his reputation. And very much for them all to let Reeve get away with injustice because it would be dishonourable to speak up and force evidence through. Because it was a variation I was confident of a HEA, but otherwise I think that while D’s innocence was never in doubt, the outcome of the case was concerning for a while. It was not obvious how they would prove innocence without finding the £. The solicitor/barrister was great! Trial was enjoyable. I loved all their little supporters & the people they helped.
November 2, 2020
An excellent read yet less of the romance
Having a background on the legal profession, this reader enjoyed this variation immensely. But what made it so appealing would probably be looked upon by many fans of P&P as a turn off. As realistic as it seemed and the bleak circumstances Mr. Darcy was faced made this somewhat dismal, and it geared away from the spirit of lightness and romance of the original. The blossoming romance between our beloved couple took the back seat and their affectionate exchanges, though sweet and tender, were too scanty, and just not enough to carry this variation through to the satisfaction of true P&P fans.
Having a background on the legal profession, this reader enjoyed this variation immensely. But what made it so appealing would probably be looked upon by many fans of P&P as a turn off. As realistic as it seemed and the bleak circumstances Mr. Darcy was faced made this somewhat dismal, and it geared away from the spirit of lightness and romance of the original. The blossoming romance between our beloved couple took the back seat and their affectionate exchanges, though sweet and tender, were too scanty, and just not enough to carry this variation through to the satisfaction of true P&P fans.
July 12, 2025
One of the better P&P mystery mash-ups: D is accused of Wickham's murder. An over-zealous coroner pushes the idea D is guilty, forcing the master of Pemberley to go on trial. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Charles Bingley, and Elizabeth Bennet are sure he didn't do it - but in that case, who did the foul deed? Pacing sags a bit in the middle, but a new character injects lively energy back into the story. Excellent conclusion and very enjoyable; do not recall any errata which is unusual for P&P fanfic.
September 5, 2025
What a different experience for ODC. It was refreshing to eliminate the villains at the beginning of the book: Wickham is killed, Caroline leaves not wanted to be tainted by Darcy's arrest for murder, Bingley and Jane display their strength of character and of course Elizabeth realizing that she really does love Darcy supports him.
Needless to say I really liked this book and would recommend.
Needless to say I really liked this book and would recommend.
March 28, 2023
An excellent mystery
A very different plot, where Darcy must fight to prove his innocence in a situation where public opinion is very much against him because of his early behaviors in Meryton. Romance, loyalty, and a good mystery.
A very different plot, where Darcy must fight to prove his innocence in a situation where public opinion is very much against him because of his early behaviors in Meryton. Romance, loyalty, and a good mystery.
May 5, 2024
This was way off cannon, but I loved it. The plot was creative, well paced and surprising. The new characters were sketched efficiently for their purposes. There’s no padding here, just a suspenseful and well-focused tale.
April 9, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed this book and was glad the murderer was not a friend of Darcy or the colonel. Will read it again.
I enjoyed this book and was glad the murderer was not a friend of Darcy or the colonel. Will read it again.
May 24, 2019
Interesting
A very unusual variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. Mr Darcy is accused of murder-who will stand by him?
A very unusual variation inspired by author Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice. Mr Darcy is accused of murder-who will stand by him?
January 5, 2019
I was intrigued by a P&P whodunnit. Usually such outlandish ideas have lame endings but going by the rave reviews I felt like going for it. I am glad I did. The author adequately focuses on sounding authentic regency has nicely built the intrigue. She has studied the facts about regency courtroom trials, imprisonment etc. Though its a murder mystery, it still is faithful to basic concept of regency romances whereby there isn’t extreme angst involved, only light. At the same time she has built up and nicely unraveled the mystery, provided explanations for the twists and involved some of the popular characters in detective work too. Overall I liked this diversion well. Somehow the fact that Darcy is accused of murder is gradually built up and at a point seems plausible thing to do given the circumstances in the plot. Which is all to the credit of the author because its outlandish plot to begin with . I gave it 4 stars rounded up from 3.5. Because it was unexpected & pleasant surprise.
October 13, 2016
Fascinating
This was interesting as I learned a lot about the legal system at the time. There was never really any doubt but that Darcy was innocent, but it was fun seeing how they managed to discredit the Inquest.
This was interesting as I learned a lot about the legal system at the time. There was never really any doubt but that Darcy was innocent, but it was fun seeing how they managed to discredit the Inquest.
October 14, 2016
So so
Decent plot, stilted,poorly edited text. Romance, chemistry totally absent.
I could not help myself in that many times the writing felt like the first paragraph. As I said,a good plot sorely in need of a rewrite.
Decent plot, stilted,poorly edited text. Romance, chemistry totally absent.
I could not help myself in that many times the writing felt like the first paragraph. As I said,a good plot sorely in need of a rewrite.
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