Title: Suspense and Sensibility, Or First Impressions Revisited Author: Carrie Bebris type of book: Adult Fiction Mystery call number: MYS - place this book on hold -

This book is strong in character and story.

Summary:
After 4 months of marriage and quiet solitude at Pemberly, Elizabeth and Darcy have agreed to sponsor and chaperone Kitty Bennett to a London season. She quickly meets and falls in love with Mr. Henry (Harry) Dashwood, friend of the Middletons and nephew to Edward and Elinor Ferrars (Fanny Dashwood's son).

Harry is charming, polite and very attentive. He is young with little ambition until he meets Kitty. He asks for Darcy's guidance as to his estate and finances and Darcy and Elizabeth soon approve of his engagement to Kitty. After a party at his Norland estate, and exploring his attics there for artifacts to share with the British Museum, Harry becomes a changed man - for the worse. He begins to disengage from visiting Kitty, he is seen at gambling halls and taking on mistresses. He begins to drink excessively and treat his friends and family most unfairly. No one can explain Harry's changed character, not even himself.

Kitty, under Elizabeth's advice, decides she must break off the engagement. However, Elizabeth is confused and frustrated at the sudden change in Harry's personality. She wonders if some dark mysterious force might not be at work and soon enlists the help of Professor Randolph, who helped her and Darcy uncover the mystery at Netherfield (in Bebris' Pride and Prescience - Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery book one).

I might recommend this book.

Why?
This is a fast light read, perfect for readers of cozies or gothics. Fans of Austen should really enjoy this book. Bebris does not try to recreate or change the characters' personalities Austen created. She is mostly faithful to the characters and the regency period.

The novel has good character development for its short length, but is definitely strong on mystery plot. The introduction of supernatural elements may or may not deter Austen readers. I enjoyed it and am a huge and faithful reader of Austen's work.

Other suggested reading:

Pride and Prescience, Or a Truth Univerisally Acknowledged (A Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery) by Carrie Bebris

Employee Initials: KS Review Date: February 2005

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