2015 Reading Challenge: Death Comes to Pemberly

2015 Reading Challenge: A book by an author I've never read before

Death Comes to Pemberley
P.D. James
291 pages

Characters:
Elizabeth Darcy
Fitzwilliam Darcy
George Wickham
Colonel Fitzwilliam
Georgiana Darcy
Mr. Alveston
Hardcastle (Magistrate)

On eve of the Darcy's annual fall ball, a man is murdered on Pemberley property. Elizabeth and Darcy must figure out what happened and who the murderer is. Is it George Wickham, the unwanted brother-in-law? Or Colonel Fitzwilliam, who has been seen doing suspicious things? Or is there a murderer roaming the woods of Pemberley?

What really happened in the woods that fateful stormy night?

I saw the miniseries on Netflix and loved it. As it usually goes, the book is good but quite different from the miniseries. It's not as fast paced and tends to be a little slow in parts. But the mystery is still good and it's an interesting read. It's always fun to read about beloved characters in a new way. P.D. James did a good job at staying true to the characters created by Jane Austen. I was impressed.

Chuck

2015 Reading Challenge: The Scarlet Pimpernel

2015 Reading Challenge: A book with a color in the title

The Scarlet Pimpernel
265 pages

Characters:
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Marguerite Blakeney
Percy Blakeney
Monsieur Chauvelin
The Family de Tourney
Madame Guillotine
[And others]

Set in the midst of the French Revolution, this story is more about Lady Marguerite Blakeney than the actual Scarlet Pimpernel. A french actress who married a wealthy British man, Sir Percy Blakeney, Marguerite seems to have it all. Except for the love and respect of her seemingly imbecile husband.

Across the channel, the Scarlet Pimpernel continues to save the upper class in France from Madame Guillotine. Fox-like Frenchman Chauvelin comes to England on government business but really to catch the Scarlet Pimpernel. He's ruthless and sneaky. It's up to Marguerite to save the day, her beloved brother, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, whoever he is.

A precursor to Batman and all the superhero alter-egos, the Scarlet Pimpernel is the ultimate hidden identity story. Who is the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel and how is he so successful at what he does? It's a good read. One of my favorites. I've read it three times. It can run a little slow at times but if you push through, it's an adventures watching the Scarlet Pimpernel outwitting Monsieur Chauvelin.

Chuck