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Meryton Mystery #4
The Immovable Mr. Tanner
She longs to be free from her past. He refuses to let go of his.
Jonathan Tanner, owner of the Meryton Inn, stands on his own. Proud of the life he has carved out, he scorns those of the upper class and keeps those who wish to befriend him at a distance. And then Fitzwilliam Darcy came along like the pesky little brother Tanner never wanted.
When Tanner finally accepts the Darcys’ invitation to visit them in London, he’s forced to answer to Mrs. Annesley — the fine lady he’s tried to forget over the past year. But Tanner’s defensive walls are no match for the gentle beauty.
Arabella Annesley chose to follow her heart … and she’s paid the price for it. Disowned by her family, widowed, and without a protector, she refused to sell her dignity to keep a roof over her head. Finding refuge and friendship with the Darcys, she feels safe … until Mr. Tanner shows up at Darcy House.
When a stranger calls and is murdered in Mr. Darcy’s front parlor, suspicions Arabella thought were long-buried resurface to threaten her and everyone she holds dear, forcing her to choose between the privilege she was born into and a heart she doesn’t trust.
Can Tanner let go of his resentful past to grasp onto a hopeful future with Arabella? Or will her history, riddled with secrets and disguise, deprive them of a happily-ever-after?
The Immovable Mr. Tanner is the fourth novel in Jennifer Joy’s A Meryton Mystery romance series set in England's captivating Regency era — when a gentleman's manners were regarded as highly as a lady's reputation and a happy marriage was the ultimate prize (although a fortune was never frowned upon).
If you like falling in love with Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth as they fall for each other, then you'll love this sweet romance-mystery variation of Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice.
Read The Immovable Mr. Tanner to satisfy your craving for a fast-paced mystery interwoven with a heartwarming, wholesome romance today!
Jonathan Tanner, owner of the Meryton Inn, stands on his own. Proud of the life he has carved out, he scorns those of the upper class and keeps those who wish to befriend him at a distance. And then Fitzwilliam Darcy came along like the pesky little brother Tanner never wanted.
When Tanner finally accepts the Darcys’ invitation to visit them in London, he’s forced to answer to Mrs. Annesley — the fine lady he’s tried to forget over the past year. But Tanner’s defensive walls are no match for the gentle beauty.
Arabella Annesley chose to follow her heart … and she’s paid the price for it. Disowned by her family, widowed, and without a protector, she refused to sell her dignity to keep a roof over her head. Finding refuge and friendship with the Darcys, she feels safe … until Mr. Tanner shows up at Darcy House.
When a stranger calls and is murdered in Mr. Darcy’s front parlor, suspicions Arabella thought were long-buried resurface to threaten her and everyone she holds dear, forcing her to choose between the privilege she was born into and a heart she doesn’t trust.
Can Tanner let go of his resentful past to grasp onto a hopeful future with Arabella? Or will her history, riddled with secrets and disguise, deprive them of a happily-ever-after?
The Immovable Mr. Tanner is the fourth novel in Jennifer Joy’s A Meryton Mystery romance series set in England's captivating Regency era — when a gentleman's manners were regarded as highly as a lady's reputation and a happy marriage was the ultimate prize (although a fortune was never frowned upon).
If you like falling in love with Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth as they fall for each other, then you'll love this sweet romance-mystery variation of Jane Austen's timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice.
Read The Immovable Mr. Tanner to satisfy your craving for a fast-paced mystery interwoven with a heartwarming, wholesome romance today!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2018
97 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
45 books209 followersWhen Jennifer isn’t busy dreaming up new adventures for her favorite characters, she is reading, baking, or chasing her twins around the park.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
She believes in happy endings, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue. She writes what she most enjoys reading, so expect lighthearted stories with happy endings and a few laughs.
Born on the beautiful Oregon coast, she traveled all around the world until she finally settled in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 26, 2021
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I think this is my favorite plot in Ms. Joy's Meryton Mystery Book series so far. The way this builds the tension leading up to the climax is almost unbearable, but the payoff is excellent!
Mr. Jonathan Tanner finally agrees, although very reluctantly, to visit the Darcys at Darcy House, their London home. He hates everything about London and high society, and he feels even more uncomfortable in social gatherings than Mr. Darcy. Meanwhile, he's spent the past year trying to forget about Arabella Annesley, who is surely too fine a lady to be interested in a bastard son running a country tavern.
Arabella is just as smitten by Tanner and has been frustrated by his absence over the past year. She has been estranged from her family ever since she eloped with the now-deceased Mr. Annesley. Her marriage didn't turn out as she expected, and she knows how fortunate she is to be treated like a family member by the Darcys.
Not long after Tanner arrives, an unexpected visitor shows up and starts to deliver a warning, but someone outside shoots him through the window of the front parlor. He is dead before he can explain further. Mrs. Annesley is able to identify the victim, and it appears the threat centers around her.
It doesn't take long for the murderer to be identified. The real problem here is that the villain is a man who wields tremendous power and influence, and he remains a real threat to Arabella and anyone who supports her. Taking him down proves a challenge unlike anything Darcy has ever faced. Despite every attempt to thwart him, Arabella, Tanner and the Darcys find themselves invariably outmaneuvered by the bully. Near the end of the book, it seems as though they are cornered with no way out. When it seems likely they won't prevail, Arabella is furious to discover that Darcy and Tanner have made arrangements for her-- without her input-- to sail to Charleston beyond the villain's reach.
This has just the right mix of romance, mystery, angst, humor and character development. Tanner tries to be a curmudgeon, but he's really a softie, and Georgiana and Arabella both have him wrapped around their dainty little fingers. Arabella looks and acts like a fragile lady, but she's got a steel spine that rivals Elizabeth's. Mrs. Darcy is feeling self-imposed pressure to bear a child, which is a subtle undercurrent to the rest of the story. The entire Darcy family does their best to promote the match between Tanner and Georgiana's beloved companion.
The dire situation they're all in creates a comrades-at-arms kind of atmosphere, with Tanner and the residents of Darcy House against the entire ton. This shared trial finally breaks through Tanner's resolve to keep his emotional distance from the Darcys, and he allows them to draw him into their family as they have done with Arabella. The tension-filled climactic scene is just wonderful.
Generally, the writing is excellent. I do find two odd idiosyncrasies, though. Mrs. Hardcastle, Arabella's mother, is repeatedly referred to as "Mother," as in "Tanner looked into Mother's eyes..." Wouldn't that imply that the eyes Tanner is looking belong to the mother of the narrator/author? The capitalized Mother is a bit distracting. Calling Mrs. Darcy "Mrs. Elizabeth" throughout the story is distracting, too. Every other married lady is always mentioned with their surname, such as "Mrs. Annesley" and "Mrs. Hardcastle." Why the change in title for just Mrs. Darcy? (I note there is also a "Mrs. Molly," but she isn't a major character in this story.)
Other than those minor little specks, this is a marvelous yarn, and Ms. Joy spins it well. Can't wait for another Meryton Mystery!
I think this is my favorite plot in Ms. Joy's Meryton Mystery Book series so far. The way this builds the tension leading up to the climax is almost unbearable, but the payoff is excellent!
Mr. Jonathan Tanner finally agrees, although very reluctantly, to visit the Darcys at Darcy House, their London home. He hates everything about London and high society, and he feels even more uncomfortable in social gatherings than Mr. Darcy. Meanwhile, he's spent the past year trying to forget about Arabella Annesley, who is surely too fine a lady to be interested in a bastard son running a country tavern.
Arabella is just as smitten by Tanner and has been frustrated by his absence over the past year. She has been estranged from her family ever since she eloped with the now-deceased Mr. Annesley. Her marriage didn't turn out as she expected, and she knows how fortunate she is to be treated like a family member by the Darcys.
Not long after Tanner arrives, an unexpected visitor shows up and starts to deliver a warning, but someone outside shoots him through the window of the front parlor. He is dead before he can explain further. Mrs. Annesley is able to identify the victim, and it appears the threat centers around her.
It doesn't take long for the murderer to be identified. The real problem here is that the villain is a man who wields tremendous power and influence, and he remains a real threat to Arabella and anyone who supports her. Taking him down proves a challenge unlike anything Darcy has ever faced. Despite every attempt to thwart him, Arabella, Tanner and the Darcys find themselves invariably outmaneuvered by the bully. Near the end of the book, it seems as though they are cornered with no way out. When it seems likely they won't prevail, Arabella is furious to discover that Darcy and Tanner have made arrangements for her-- without her input-- to sail to Charleston beyond the villain's reach.
This has just the right mix of romance, mystery, angst, humor and character development. Tanner tries to be a curmudgeon, but he's really a softie, and Georgiana and Arabella both have him wrapped around their dainty little fingers. Arabella looks and acts like a fragile lady, but she's got a steel spine that rivals Elizabeth's. Mrs. Darcy is feeling self-imposed pressure to bear a child, which is a subtle undercurrent to the rest of the story. The entire Darcy family does their best to promote the match between Tanner and Georgiana's beloved companion.
The dire situation they're all in creates a comrades-at-arms kind of atmosphere, with Tanner and the residents of Darcy House against the entire ton. This shared trial finally breaks through Tanner's resolve to keep his emotional distance from the Darcys, and he allows them to draw him into their family as they have done with Arabella. The tension-filled climactic scene is just wonderful.
Generally, the writing is excellent. I do find two odd idiosyncrasies, though. Mrs. Hardcastle, Arabella's mother, is repeatedly referred to as "Mother," as in "Tanner looked into Mother's eyes..." Wouldn't that imply that the eyes Tanner is looking belong to the mother of the narrator/author? The capitalized Mother is a bit distracting. Calling Mrs. Darcy "Mrs. Elizabeth" throughout the story is distracting, too. Every other married lady is always mentioned with their surname, such as "Mrs. Annesley" and "Mrs. Hardcastle." Why the change in title for just Mrs. Darcy? (I note there is also a "Mrs. Molly," but she isn't a major character in this story.)
Other than those minor little specks, this is a marvelous yarn, and Ms. Joy spins it well. Can't wait for another Meryton Mystery!
April 28, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
In this murder mystery, set in London, we learn the identity of the perpetrator early on BUT that person seems to not only have committed the perfect crime (in that there is no way to prove who did it) but also to have worked for many years to not only "frame" someone else but also to gain revenge on that person and that person's family. Now it seems the revenge will also bring down any who associate with the target of this elaborate plan.
We bear witness to those old troublesome rules that separate classes and, in this case, would-be lovers. Mr. Tanner belongs to the working class. He doesn't even own residence although he has almost paid for the Meryton Inn, his pride and joy. BUT he is illegitimate and, in accepting the love and respect from his half brother and half sister, doesn't want the relationship made public as it would bring a stain upon the Darcys' reputation. The Darcys think otherwise.
Arabella Annesley also has baggage and a reputation, results of her past. She refused an arranged marriage, eloped and lived to regret those acts when she was forced to seek employment when her husband died ignominiously. Her family has disowned her.
I did enjoy the way in which clues are slowly introduced in this story. There are so many people affected by this mastermind but he, on the other hand, has very meticulously collected information with which to guarantee no one will speak up against him. A charming handsome face along with wealth put him in position to manipulate facts and spread innuendos.
While the focus of the "love story" half of this tale are on Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley, we also feel for Elizabeth and Darcy as their desire for a family has not come to fruition.
This was not a long read and I do like mystery stories as well as my JAFF. I have enjoyed all of this author's books, thus far.
In this murder mystery, set in London, we learn the identity of the perpetrator early on BUT that person seems to not only have committed the perfect crime (in that there is no way to prove who did it) but also to have worked for many years to not only "frame" someone else but also to gain revenge on that person and that person's family. Now it seems the revenge will also bring down any who associate with the target of this elaborate plan.
We bear witness to those old troublesome rules that separate classes and, in this case, would-be lovers. Mr. Tanner belongs to the working class. He doesn't even own residence although he has almost paid for the Meryton Inn, his pride and joy. BUT he is illegitimate and, in accepting the love and respect from his half brother and half sister, doesn't want the relationship made public as it would bring a stain upon the Darcys' reputation. The Darcys think otherwise.
Arabella Annesley also has baggage and a reputation, results of her past. She refused an arranged marriage, eloped and lived to regret those acts when she was forced to seek employment when her husband died ignominiously. Her family has disowned her.
I did enjoy the way in which clues are slowly introduced in this story. There are so many people affected by this mastermind but he, on the other hand, has very meticulously collected information with which to guarantee no one will speak up against him. A charming handsome face along with wealth put him in position to manipulate facts and spread innuendos.
While the focus of the "love story" half of this tale are on Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley, we also feel for Elizabeth and Darcy as their desire for a family has not come to fruition.
This was not a long read and I do like mystery stories as well as my JAFF. I have enjoyed all of this author's books, thus far.
May 27, 2018
Mr Tanner, oh, my! Have you ever wondered what Mr Darcy would be like if he were NOT the master of Pemberley and a hot commodity on the marriage mart? What if he were a man who worked for everything he had and still felt like the world scorned him? And what if the woman to whom he lost his heart ranked a few rungs above him on the social ladder? Enjoy this sweet tale of another bumbling but fiercely loyal Darcy, who lays it all on the line to protect the woman he loves.
May 1, 2018
Having run out of people to kill in Meryton, the Meryton Mystery series moves to London and Darcy House. I cannot stress this enough this series really rearranges P&P so if you skip the earlier books you will probably be lost.
This book 'stars' Mr. Tanner who is an illegitimate 1/2 brother of Darcy and Georgiana; as well as the owner of an inn in Meryton. He has suffered from his status his whole life and is terrified of hurting the Darcys. Yet the Darcys are desperate to have a relationship with their new found brother.
As a reader I found myself weary of Mr. Tanner's self deprecation and inner 'I'm not worthy'. Maybe some needed to sit him down and tell him the lay of the land, while illegitimacy was bad for the average person in the highest circles it was no biggie. Georgiana Cavendish had an illegitimate daughter, the 5th Duke of Devonshire had two illegitimate children with his future Duchess Bess https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustu... and an illegitimate daughter with a parson's daughter, Georgiana's sister had two illegitimate children. Not to mention the endless Fitzroys that spilled out of Royal loins. So the real baddie in this back story is Mr. Darcy Sr. who used and abandoned Tanner's mother.
Tanner's self doubt and unworthiness wore on me as the story went on. And over all this is a dark story. In addition to Tanner we have a threat against the reputation of Mrs. Annesley and ongoing fertility problems for Lizzy and Darcy.
The baddie was a little over the top for me too. He reminded me of Lord Blackwood (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/... ) minus the black magic.
Once you get past all the self loathing this is a decent story that has a bunch of neat twists. Since this is about Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley there are few mentions of other P&P favorites excluding an early tea with Lady C.
This book 'stars' Mr. Tanner who is an illegitimate 1/2 brother of Darcy and Georgiana; as well as the owner of an inn in Meryton. He has suffered from his status his whole life and is terrified of hurting the Darcys. Yet the Darcys are desperate to have a relationship with their new found brother.
As a reader I found myself weary of Mr. Tanner's self deprecation and inner 'I'm not worthy'. Maybe some needed to sit him down and tell him the lay of the land, while illegitimacy was bad for the average person in the highest circles it was no biggie. Georgiana Cavendish had an illegitimate daughter, the 5th Duke of Devonshire had two illegitimate children with his future Duchess Bess https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustu... and an illegitimate daughter with a parson's daughter, Georgiana's sister had two illegitimate children. Not to mention the endless Fitzroys that spilled out of Royal loins. So the real baddie in this back story is Mr. Darcy Sr. who used and abandoned Tanner's mother.
Tanner's self doubt and unworthiness wore on me as the story went on. And over all this is a dark story. In addition to Tanner we have a threat against the reputation of Mrs. Annesley and ongoing fertility problems for Lizzy and Darcy.
The baddie was a little over the top for me too. He reminded me of Lord Blackwood (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/... ) minus the black magic.
Once you get past all the self loathing this is a decent story that has a bunch of neat twists. Since this is about Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley there are few mentions of other P&P favorites excluding an early tea with Lady C.
April 28, 2018
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. ~ Alan Simpson
In the first book of this series, we met Fitzwilliam Darcy’s illegitimate older brother, a man who entered the world with less than nothing and now owns the Meryton Inn and has earned the respect of his village.
Jonathan Tanner’s relationship with his brother has improved rapidly throughout these stories. Now, for the first time, he accepts an invitation to visit the family in London.
In the third of this series, we noticed a budding infatuation with Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s companion. Mrs. Annesley is one of those characters from canon who is named by Jane Austen but not described. We don’t know much about her which leaves JAFF authors free to imagine her life story. This time, Mrs. Annesley is not the middle-aged widow of a clergyman. She is a young widow of a ne’er-do-well military man who died of injuries inflicted by fellow card-players who accused him of cheating.
Sign over the gates of hell: "Doesn't mean you're a bad person." ~ Robert Brault
And yet, some of the souls passing through the gates of hell belonged to bad people. Our villain is one of those bad people; without a doubt the worst of the lot of murderers and thieves in these stories.
Jonathan Tanner must do battle with this villain to save his family and especially to save Mrs. Annesley: a battle of brains, a battle of wills, a battle of strength. He also must learn to dance! Hmmm – which was the hardest, do you suppose?
"The Immovable Mr. Tanner" is clean, well-written and proofread. I would recommend it to JAFF lovers who enjoy a bit of a mystery.
Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. ~ J.C. Watts
In the first book of this series, we met Fitzwilliam Darcy’s illegitimate older brother, a man who entered the world with less than nothing and now owns the Meryton Inn and has earned the respect of his village.
Jonathan Tanner’s relationship with his brother has improved rapidly throughout these stories. Now, for the first time, he accepts an invitation to visit the family in London.
In the third of this series, we noticed a budding infatuation with Mrs. Annesley, Georgiana’s companion. Mrs. Annesley is one of those characters from canon who is named by Jane Austen but not described. We don’t know much about her which leaves JAFF authors free to imagine her life story. This time, Mrs. Annesley is not the middle-aged widow of a clergyman. She is a young widow of a ne’er-do-well military man who died of injuries inflicted by fellow card-players who accused him of cheating.
Sign over the gates of hell: "Doesn't mean you're a bad person." ~ Robert Brault
And yet, some of the souls passing through the gates of hell belonged to bad people. Our villain is one of those bad people; without a doubt the worst of the lot of murderers and thieves in these stories.
Jonathan Tanner must do battle with this villain to save his family and especially to save Mrs. Annesley: a battle of brains, a battle of wills, a battle of strength. He also must learn to dance! Hmmm – which was the hardest, do you suppose?
"The Immovable Mr. Tanner" is clean, well-written and proofread. I would recommend it to JAFF lovers who enjoy a bit of a mystery.
Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. ~ J.C. Watts
January 15, 2025
I’m back to reading a novel from the The Meryton Mysteries series and this time Jennifer Joy’s pen is dwelling on an original character, Mr. Tanner. If you have read the first books in this series, you may remember that while Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were solving mysteries in Meryton, new characters were introduced to us. One of the most important characters was Mr.Tanner who was now entitled to a story of his own. You can be assured that you will still see a lot of Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy and Georgiana in this book, but it is Mr. Tanner who will be at the center of the stage in this novel, and if you love Mr. Darcy, you will be enchanted by his older brother 🙂
In the 4th book of the series Jennifer Joy will focus on Mr. Tanner’s acceptance of who he is, where he stands in life and what role his family will have, but also on his relationship with Arabella Annesley. This original character is just as proud and honorable as Mr. Darcy but he has some insecurities which make him more fragile and more lovable as a character. Behind his strong exterior lies a man who doubts his own worth and this particular feature made him more believable and lovable because even if Darcy is the perfect hero, Mr. Tanner brought more to this book as a character than Mr. Darcy usually brings. Mr. Tanner shows us that the circumstances of our birth do not define us and that we may become whom we want to be. It is our personality, our strength and our values that make us who we are, and Mr. Tanner is proof of that.
Tanner’s life journey, his strength, values and also his insecurities shape everything he does and even how he approaches love, making his romance with Arabella Annesley very touching. Plus their love story has a little angst, and I can’t resist to that 🙂
Of course this book will also have a mystery that needs to be solved, it is part of the Meryton mysteries series after all, but even this is closely related to these two characters and it also brings to light more information about Georgiana’s companion. We had seen Mrs. Annesley in the previous books, but on this one we will get to know her life story and I believe none of you would have guessed everything she went through! She is not a boring old widow, I tell you that!
Even if you prefer stories centered in Darcy and Elizabeth, I recommend this book because I’m sure you will soon forget about them and focus all your attention on Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley, their love story is beautiful and these characters will drag you into the book. You will also enjoy seeing how Darcy and Elizabeth’s married life is. This book is both a sequel and a secondary character novel, so I’m sure it will appeal to all readers.
In the 4th book of the series Jennifer Joy will focus on Mr. Tanner’s acceptance of who he is, where he stands in life and what role his family will have, but also on his relationship with Arabella Annesley. This original character is just as proud and honorable as Mr. Darcy but he has some insecurities which make him more fragile and more lovable as a character. Behind his strong exterior lies a man who doubts his own worth and this particular feature made him more believable and lovable because even if Darcy is the perfect hero, Mr. Tanner brought more to this book as a character than Mr. Darcy usually brings. Mr. Tanner shows us that the circumstances of our birth do not define us and that we may become whom we want to be. It is our personality, our strength and our values that make us who we are, and Mr. Tanner is proof of that.
Tanner’s life journey, his strength, values and also his insecurities shape everything he does and even how he approaches love, making his romance with Arabella Annesley very touching. Plus their love story has a little angst, and I can’t resist to that 🙂
Of course this book will also have a mystery that needs to be solved, it is part of the Meryton mysteries series after all, but even this is closely related to these two characters and it also brings to light more information about Georgiana’s companion. We had seen Mrs. Annesley in the previous books, but on this one we will get to know her life story and I believe none of you would have guessed everything she went through! She is not a boring old widow, I tell you that!
Even if you prefer stories centered in Darcy and Elizabeth, I recommend this book because I’m sure you will soon forget about them and focus all your attention on Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley, their love story is beautiful and these characters will drag you into the book. You will also enjoy seeing how Darcy and Elizabeth’s married life is. This book is both a sequel and a secondary character novel, so I’m sure it will appeal to all readers.
May 2, 2018
"Your pride and, shall we call it...tenacity...clearly mark you as a Darcy. It is a trait we both inherited from our father." (quote from the book)
I was so thrilled to know that Mr. Tanner finally had his story written. And what a story it is! I fell in love with this man and his horse, Brutus, from the previous Meryton Mystery books, which I recommend you read in order. As obstinate and gruff as he may appear, he has a heart of gold that offers protection to those who cannot protect themselves. He is an honorable man, even if he is the illegitimate son of Fitzwilliam Darcy's father. He has been embraced by Darcy and Georgiana as a brother who they will stand by and defend. He just has to learn to believe in his own worthiness.
Since Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Georgiana have left Meryton, they have been issuing invitations to Tanner to visit. He finds every excuse in the book not to go, but the main reason being his illegitimacy. He doesn't want to bring scandal down upon their heads for welcoming him into their home. It is also because of Arabella Annesley, Georgiana's companion. She is all that a gentlewoman should be and he fights his attraction to her. He does not deserve her.
"She reminded him of every fragile thing he had ever fumbled between his fingers, making him step lighter on his feet and breathe softer." (quote from the book)
Arabella in the meantime, is hurt and confused why he doesn't come. She has fallen very hard for Tanner but after a year, she is now angry . So, when he finally accepts an invitation to visit the Darcy's in London, she plans to let him know it. However, things take a decided turn shortly after he arrives. A stranger has called on Darcy. He and Tanner meet with him. After issuing a warning to Darcy, the man is murdered.
Oh my goodness, the slow rising tension of this clever mystery kept me on tenterhooks. The chemistry between Tanner and Arabella was wonderful. Arabella is a woman who once followed her impulsive heart but was greatly disappointed. Now older and wiser, she knows what a true and honorable man looks like...Tanner. Nothing, not even the threat of death, will stand between her and the man she loves. As for the villain, he is egotistical and powerful with only revenge on his mind. He is an adversary who has covered all his bases. How could they win against him?
I must give a shout-out here to Brutus...he has a decided love for Arabella as well. He played the part of hero in his defense of her very admirably.
I highly recommend 'The Immovable Mr. Tanner' as another creative mystery by Jennifer Joy. I look forward to the next book with great anticipation!
November 14, 2019
😊
The whole series is wonderful but I think I have enjoyed this storyline the most. Yhe villan struck out at all of the main characters this time. It almost seemed like they would not prevail but they did.
The whole series is wonderful but I think I have enjoyed this storyline the most. Yhe villan struck out at all of the main characters this time. It almost seemed like they would not prevail but they did.
February 16, 2023
I love this character!
I have listened to the audio book on Jennifer Joy's YouTube channel.
I have listened to the audio book on Jennifer Joy's YouTube channel.
May 29, 2018
I have read all of this author’s Pride and Prejudice mysteries. I enjoyed them for what they are.
They are all right but the language is very modern. The characters all sound alike in their thoughts and are thinking things like “great” which I’m pretty sure a Regency person would not think.
I did read them all back to back and the author would benefit from some editing- furled does not equal furrowed as far as eyebrows but she uses them interchangeably.
At the end of Book Three Longbourn burns to the ground and there is absolutely NO mention of what happened to everyone left there. I know this book is set a year later and in London but still I would have appreciated an update.
They are all right but the language is very modern. The characters all sound alike in their thoughts and are thinking things like “great” which I’m pretty sure a Regency person would not think.
I did read them all back to back and the author would benefit from some editing- furled does not equal furrowed as far as eyebrows but she uses them interchangeably.
At the end of Book Three Longbourn burns to the ground and there is absolutely NO mention of what happened to everyone left there. I know this book is set a year later and in London but still I would have appreciated an update.
February 28, 2021
This mystery was a little different from the rest of the series. It doesn't take long to learn who is guilty but it took the book to figure out how to prove it and bring the murderer and otherwise all evil man down. And while I don't really love reading about a boxing match where one is being beaten so mercilessly since I'm not really a fan of violence, it was still very satisfying to see Tanner and hear his thought process through the fight allowing him to learn about himself and gain confidence in himself.
I love that through these stories Darcy is so accepting of his half brother. Tanner is quite lovable in his oafish kind of way. And immensely loyal. And his horse may be one of the best characters ever written. Loved him. I've enjoyed this whole series.
I love that through these stories Darcy is so accepting of his half brother. Tanner is quite lovable in his oafish kind of way. And immensely loyal. And his horse may be one of the best characters ever written. Loved him. I've enjoyed this whole series.
June 3, 2018
A new Meryton Mystery!
I'm not generally a fan of mysteries, but throw Darcy and Elizabeth into it, and I'm on board. I've read all of Jennifer Joy's Meryton Mysteries, and I have to say, I like it better when she's not killing off main characters! This one was particularly interesting, because it is focused on Darcy's brother, Tanner, a character I really enjoy (and one who shares his brother's tenacity).
I'm not generally a fan of mysteries, but throw Darcy and Elizabeth into it, and I'm on board. I've read all of Jennifer Joy's Meryton Mysteries, and I have to say, I like it better when she's not killing off main characters! This one was particularly interesting, because it is focused on Darcy's brother, Tanner, a character I really enjoy (and one who shares his brother's tenacity).
February 11, 2019
I've been looking forward to this book in Jennifer Joy's Meryton Mysteries series, and it didn't disappoint. I really came to love the character of Tanner, Mr Darcy's half-brother, almost from the beginning. His story, the title of the book exceeded my hopes as all the qualities I loved about him from his stubbornness to his heroism is tested and proven true. It's a real good vs. evil tale and Jennifer Joy excels at the mystery genre.
August 2, 2023
An enjoyable continuation of a series
This 4th book in the mystery series follows the story of Mr Tanner who was first introduced in the first book in the series. The action has moved to London and the reader is taken on a speedy journey through a fast paced mystery.
I enjoyed this book and happily recommend it, but I would observe that a reader would need to have read the previous books in the series.
This 4th book in the mystery series follows the story of Mr Tanner who was first introduced in the first book in the series. The action has moved to London and the reader is taken on a speedy journey through a fast paced mystery.
I enjoyed this book and happily recommend it, but I would observe that a reader would need to have read the previous books in the series.
November 11, 2018
Reread
I just finished rereading all of Jennifer Joy's wonderful P&P stories. I expect to read them again and again. When this 4th book in the Meryton Mystery series came to my attention I was delighted, and now that I have finished it, I am even more anxious for the next one. Thank you Ms Joy for all the pleasure.
I just finished rereading all of Jennifer Joy's wonderful P&P stories. I expect to read them again and again. When this 4th book in the Meryton Mystery series came to my attention I was delighted, and now that I have finished it, I am even more anxious for the next one. Thank you Ms Joy for all the pleasure.
February 19, 2019
I should learn to quit a series when they move away from the main characters I originally cared about. This was very little Elizabeth and Darcy, not much mystery (the villain identified quite early), and mostly the tormented inner gushings of Mr. Tanner and Mrs. Annesley, which I was not very invested in. The inconsistency of how characters are addressed bothered me, but that is a nitpick.
May 6, 2018
This was a very well written novel that was a mystery, love story starting out at admiration of Mr. Tanner and Arabella Annesley turning into love, and there was also some humor involved in the story.
Darcy and his half brother, Tanner, had similar characteristics besides their looks and stature. They both loved their families and were very protective, didn't like attention, didn't like crowds and loved to do for others while not wanting to take the credit for what they did.
New characters were added into the plot which many of us are used to only the Darcys, Bennets, Bingleys, etc.
I will not go into the plot as to spoil the mystery and what happened so you will have to read the novel to find out what really did happen.
It was a novel that you wanted to read to the end and not put down, however it being quite long, it took several days for me to read in between my sleeping, eating, shopping, etc.
I thought this was one of Ms. Joy's best works and encourage others to read it.
Darcy and his half brother, Tanner, had similar characteristics besides their looks and stature. They both loved their families and were very protective, didn't like attention, didn't like crowds and loved to do for others while not wanting to take the credit for what they did.
New characters were added into the plot which many of us are used to only the Darcys, Bennets, Bingleys, etc.
I will not go into the plot as to spoil the mystery and what happened so you will have to read the novel to find out what really did happen.
It was a novel that you wanted to read to the end and not put down, however it being quite long, it took several days for me to read in between my sleeping, eating, shopping, etc.
I thought this was one of Ms. Joy's best works and encourage others to read it.
April 28, 2018
Avid Reader
I have always enjoyed Jennifer Joy's work. Out of all of the mysteries, this might be my favorite. Jonathan and Darcy are so much alike.I also enjoyed the spirited Georgina. I was curious concerning the absent Matlocks.
I have always enjoyed Jennifer Joy's work. Out of all of the mysteries, this might be my favorite. Jonathan and Darcy are so much alike.I also enjoyed the spirited Georgina. I was curious concerning the absent Matlocks.
May 2, 2018
Tanner and Arabella
Thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with Jennifer Joy's writing as it flows and quietly pulls you into meeting some wonderful people and a families love for one who might otherwise be an outcast.
Thoroughly enjoyed getting acquainted with Jennifer Joy's writing as it flows and quietly pulls you into meeting some wonderful people and a families love for one who might otherwise be an outcast.
March 26, 2019
Lovely
An interesting sequel to a variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. You could start with this one but I would suggest starting from the beginning of the series.
An interesting sequel to a variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. You could start with this one but I would suggest starting from the beginning of the series.
December 31, 2018
I love the take on the original characters and I love the mystery/adventure story. I really enjoy this series.
October 23, 2019
Another good love story
Another good love story mixed in with the mystery but I must admit I quite enjoyed the first ones so much more. Still very enjoyable.
Another good love story mixed in with the mystery but I must admit I quite enjoyed the first ones so much more. Still very enjoyable.
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