I only just started the book Sunday and I finished Tuesday evening—without even touching it Monday. I think this is actually one of the primary attractions of Cozy Mysteries for me—I don’t think I’ve read one yet that hasn’t been a quick read.
Pride and Prescience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged (Carrie Bebris) proved not only quick, but enjoyable, with not a few occurrences of wit in the banter between the two leading characters, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. The story begins with the wedding celebrations of two of Jane Austen’s best known pairs: Miss Jane Bennett and Mr. Bingley and Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. Their celebratory day is somewhat marred by the announcement of Miss Caroline Bingley’s recent engagement to a Mr. Frederick Parrish. One event leads to another, and soon the Darcys find themselves caught up in a mystery straight from a Gothic Romance, threatening the welfare of Miss Bingley, her brother and sister-in-law, and perhaps the Darcys themselves.
Although I appreciated the wit of much of the story, and Bebris’ ability to maintain Austen’s characterizations of the Darcys and Bingleys, I find in the end that I am unable to reconcile myself to the combination of the genteel world of Jane Austen and the genre of Gothic Romance—Northanger Abbey excepted, of course. It was however, an entirely suitable cozy; perhaps I only lacked a suitably gloomy and chilly evening to place myself in the proper state of mind for a gothic tale. (A point to remember should I choose to read any more of Ms. Bebris’ mysteries.)
Up next: TBD.
(Book 1 of 6 for the 2010 Cozy Mystery Challenge.)
Simpler Pastimes 
I really like cozy mysteries but I am not very fond of Austen spin-offs to be honest. I think I’ll let this book be.
I’ve read a few Austen spin-offs, and although they can be fluffy and fun reading, they never measure up to the originals. Ms. Austen certainly set a high standard!