Amelia Littlewood

Holmes is visiting with the Bingley party at Netherfield when he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembley. When they meet again at the Ball and a murder is committed he asks for her help before the police from Scotland Yard arrive. Surely this would have been the Bow Street Runners if the story is set in the Regency era.
Unfortunately the murder occurs about half way and then the solution is a bit rushed. Hopefully in the next story it will be more based on the mystery than a re-telling of P&P. So 3 stars for the effort and because it mixed two of my favourite genres - JAFF and historical mysteries… (altro)

After the solving of the murder at the Netherfield Park Ball a few months previous, Elizabeth Bennet longs to once again meet her new friend, Sherlock Holmes. Her newly married sister, Jane, has invited her to spend some time at her home in London, so of course she ventures across town to 221 B Baker Street. Holmes has been contacted by Mary Morton. Mary's father has been killed after receiving a threatening note. Holmes and Elizabeth are once again on the case! The game is afoot!

This story had a bit more investigation in it than the first book because it wasn't necessary to spend so much time introducing the two characters. But....there really isn't much of Sherlock Holmes wit and investigation style in these stories. The tale is told from Elizabeth's point of view, and she seems to control much of the investigation. Holmes is a very controlling, exacting and demanding person, and his personality really never comes out. I did enjoy this 2nd story in the series, but the combination of these two characters really isn't clicking for me. Sherlock seems muted, and Elizabeth is obsessed with detecting, earning her own living, etc. I think I just need to suspend my love for the original classic versions of these characters, and just enjoy these stories for what they are -- light reads that are meant to be an homage. I just wish the stories were a bit more substantial and not just light, fan fiction.
… (altro)

I am a huge fan of Jane Austen's characters and of Sherlock Holmes, so this book was a natural choice for me. But, that being said, I always approach any sequels, re-tellings or alternate stories related to Jane Austen's or Arthur Conan Doyle's works with misgivings. There are so many attempts....and very few real successes.

The basics: The Bennetts are excited to know that Netherfield Hall has been let to Mr. Bingley. The Bennett girls first meet Mr. Bingley at a public ball. Bingley shows up sans Darcy, but with Sherlock Holmes as part of their party. Sherlock proceeds to intrigue Elizabeth Bennett with his powers of investigation and deduction. A few weeks later Bingley hosts a ball at Netherfield, but the festivities are halted when a murder is committed. Holmes (and Lizzy) are on the case!

I did enjoy reading this novella. The concept of Sherlock Holmes being inserted into the goings-on at Meryton is creative and interesting. And, for the most part, the writing and story idea is good. But....(there is always a but, isn't there....) the last half of the story (which in a murder mystery is the most important part) is quite rushed with no real investigation or even suspects. The beginning of the story is a re-telling of the beginning of Pride and Prejudice, told from Lizzy's perspective with some modern sensibilities towards marriage and women sprinkled in. The murder portion doesn't come in until the ball at Netherfield, and then it is pretty much a rush to the ending. While I did enjoy the story, I think it really should have been longer with some real investigation. More story, more details, more mystery. As it is, this short novella reads like fan fiction. If it had been fleshed out a bit more, it might have been a much nicer start to a more substantial mystery series.

There are 3 other books in this series. I'm going to read on and see if the later books flesh things out a bit more. Middle of the road rating on this one. Great concept.....a bit lacking on follow-through.… (altro)

I must be honest: I began to read this book with some trepidation as, as a Holmes' fan, I'm used to finding that this kind of crossovers are only made as an excuse to pair the main characters. I was pleasantly surprised when this was not the case.

That said, my main objection is that this book is too short, and feels rushed. The first three-quarters of the story are a retelling of 'Pride and Prejudice', with Sherlock Holmes taking the place of Mr Darcy. But the partnership between Elizabeth Bennet and Sherlock Holmes could have benefited by a deeper treatment.

Nevertheless, I believe that the concept is promising, and I'm eager to read the next story in this series to find out what happens next.… (altro)