The Murder of Mr. Wickham

A well written mystery that also happens to very believably and satisfyingly continue the tales of all of [a:Jane Austen 1265 Jane Austen https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1651510251p2/1265.jpg]'s major characters.I expected to enjoy this story, but I wasn't expecting to be sucked into the interpersonal dynamics so quickly or so powerfully. I think it's a testament to the author's skill that, while reading, I really believed that these were Austen's characters and I really wanted them to be OK. I mean if Elizabeth is acting cold towards Mr Darcy or if Marianne and Colonel Brandon seem to be in trouble, then of course it bothers me - I'm already invested and I know what these characters have been through to get to where they are - they deserve a happy ending!Fanny and Edmund Bertram's journey was especially rewarding.In a minor (but very good) way this is book is also “Austen: The Next Generation” with the introduction of the young Mr. Jonathan Darcy of Pemberley and Miss Juliet Tilney of Northanger Abbey, whom Emma Knightley is very keen to introduce to each other. These two youngsters are intent on solving the titular mystery but are severely hampered by the dictates of propriety which, among other things, forbids them to meet or correspond privately. An excellent tale, and I do so hope that we shall hear more of the young Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney, they make a charming couple, and an excellent crime fighting duo.