Author: Amelia Littlewood
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.
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