I really thought James would be able to pull off the ironic Austen tone, but aside from a few choice phrases in the opening chapter (which essentially rehashes the plot of P&P) she fails miserably. There is very little of Elizabeth here; the focus moves gradually to what's going on in Darcy's mind, and what a dreary, unhappy place that is. Nearly devoid of (intentional) humor, and a lackluster plot concluding with a ridiculous deus ex machina ending), this has little to satisfy either Austen or James fans.

After a dozen pages into this book I put it down to reread Pride & Prejudice. This made James' book more immediate and enjoyable. The ending is a bit weak, however.

I agree wholeheartedly with what "emerge" said on Mar. 12, 2012: this is an unsuccessful blending of the styles of Austen and James. Thoroughly disappointing. I read the whole thing because I did want to see what happened and how James handled it, but I did something I usually never do and speed-read most of it. Definitely not worth it and die-hard Austen fans may take umbrage at the liberties James takes with some of the characters. Darcy seemed at times to have turned into Dalgliesh, and the scene in the epilogue when he and Elizabeth look back to and discuss their motivations and emotions in early courtship sounded entirely like P.D. James trying to lead a seminar in Austen. Just silly.

What a disappointment! The first third of the book is fine. It was done in the style of Jane Austen and made me smile. But it goes downhill pretty drastically so that by the last quarter of the book I was just skimming it to see if anything important happened. It's going back to the library early. Don't waste your time.

very disappointing, not much of a mystery. Too much of the "action" happens in letters and "after the trial" information. Minimal tension. Good representation of Jane Austen's characters, but sometimes she almost seemed to make a caricature of them. Doesn't work as a mystery or a Jane Austen homage.

This is the more disappointing since PD James can definitely write. It may be possible that she is being too careful and too respectful of the Austen canon. However, despite the care taken to be faithful to the characters and style (and the interesting touches working in other Austen titles) there is little tension in the work. It's just a bit dull.

An enjoyable light read, PD James captures the sense and language of Austen. Not terribly suspenseful but I feel she does Austen better than most trying to cash in on Austen's popularity.

very disappointing - don't bother reading this - it is a waste of time

rather slow...of course we expect that

This book demonstrates what a great author Jane Austen was. As wonderful a mystery writer PD James is, she cannot come close. The book is a mystery involving Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy after their marriage. While supposedly a period piece, it is clear that this is not written by a 17th Century author. Very superficial. Very disappointing