Format: Audio 

The second in this series, this story focuses primarily on the characters of Sense and Sensibility (with the obvious addition of Mr Darcy and Miss Tilney, along with some additional side characters). S&S is one of Austen’s novels I am less familiar with having watched the 1995 film more often than I’ve read the novel, so it did take me slightly longer to get into this story than the previous one which brought together characters from across Austen’s novels. However, once I had reminded myself of earlier events, it did not take me long to become fully invested in the story and who killed Mrs Willoughby. I can honestly say I did not see the plot twist coming – I could tell we were on the verge of one but not exactly what it was and that added so much to my enjoyment of the story (perhaps on reflection I should have but I am notoriously bad at solving mysteries). 

While the mystery element was enjoyable, I think my favourite aspect of this novel was the developing friendship between Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney. Jonathan Darcy is undoubtedly more awkward than Fitzwilliam Darcy ever was, and it can at times feel like the author pushes this too heavily (my impression is very much that the author is suggesting Darcy has autism without actually saying it – as presumably expected for it to stay true to the time period). I think the way Juliet comes to know, describe and work with him is a delight and I can’t wait to see more of how this friendship develops in future books. 

This brings together some of my favourites – cosy mystery with Jane Austen – and I look forward to seeing what comes next (especially as the title suggests a return to P&P, the first Austen I read and a favourite, in book three).