What do you think?
Rate this book
The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy
After a tragic accident, Fitzwilliam Darcy is left for dead. His grief-stricken wife vows to do what is best for their children, including an ill-advised second marriage in the peerage.
Years later, Will Trevills leaves his happy life in Cornwall to discover the truth about his past. Thrust into a strange world after life as a fisherman, he gains a family he cannot recall. Lady Neston becomes Mrs. Darcy once more, and is grateful for her escape. But her husband questions his purpose as a gentleman, and cannot remember the love they shared.
Charged with bigamy, she may face the ultimate punishment, while the family she sought to protect has never been in greater peril.
Part thriller, part romance, and part courtroom drama, this Elizabeth and Darcy story is a long, absorbing read.
Readers should be aware that this story contains scenes of rape and sexual assault as well as a depiction of an abusive marriage and more general physical violence.
Years later, Will Trevills leaves his happy life in Cornwall to discover the truth about his past. Thrust into a strange world after life as a fisherman, he gains a family he cannot recall. Lady Neston becomes Mrs. Darcy once more, and is grateful for her escape. But her husband questions his purpose as a gentleman, and cannot remember the love they shared.
Charged with bigamy, she may face the ultimate punishment, while the family she sought to protect has never been in greater peril.
Part thriller, part romance, and part courtroom drama, this Elizabeth and Darcy story is a long, absorbing read.
Readers should be aware that this story contains scenes of rape and sexual assault as well as a depiction of an abusive marriage and more general physical violence.
578 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 20, 2023
Let the punishment fit the crime. ~ W. S. Gilbert
“The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy” tells the story of a woman accused of bigamy and facing the death penalty. What? The death penalty for having an extra marriage?
As an author, Sophie Turner does her research. Thus, when the story claimed bigamy could be so severely punished, I believed.
What I found harder to believe is that Elizabeth Darcy would marry a second time.
An accident at sea claimed the life of Elizabeth’s first husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy: Blake turned back towards the mast, bracing himself for the brilliant light, and in that light saw a new addition to his horrors: Mr. Darcy had come up on deck, and a flaming spar was falling toward him. It happened too quickly for Blake or any of his men to prevent its hitting Mr. Darcy’s head with a force that sickened the captain ... Dawson began examining the wound on the gentleman’s head … “I am afraid it is mortal. Awful luck, sir – awful, awful luck.”
More than two years later, Elizabeth accepts a proposal, believing a second marriage would be best for her children. The marriage is far from perfect. Trigger warning: the book contains discussions of violence, including sexual violence in Elizabeth’s marriage. Most are seen as flashbacks, or during testimony. A child suffers corporal punishment. Another child is damaged by her father’s neglect and disapproval.
Darcy was saved by a fisherman and suffers memory loss. His beliefs about his previous life are far off the mark. Then dreams begin, causing him to search for his identity.
Behind every great fortune, there is a crime. ~ Honore de Balzac
The Darcys are a family with a great fortune. So, whatever could be their great crime?
Elizabeth’s original crime resolves fairly early in the story. But remember: the title is “The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy” after all — Crimes — plural.
Crimes are committed by criminals — in this case, also plural.
Stay tuned. The real action awaits.
A criminal is a person with predatory instincts without sufficient capital to form a corporation. ~ Clarence Darrow
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
“The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy” tells the story of a woman accused of bigamy and facing the death penalty. What? The death penalty for having an extra marriage?
As an author, Sophie Turner does her research. Thus, when the story claimed bigamy could be so severely punished, I believed.
What I found harder to believe is that Elizabeth Darcy would marry a second time.
An accident at sea claimed the life of Elizabeth’s first husband, Fitzwilliam Darcy: Blake turned back towards the mast, bracing himself for the brilliant light, and in that light saw a new addition to his horrors: Mr. Darcy had come up on deck, and a flaming spar was falling toward him. It happened too quickly for Blake or any of his men to prevent its hitting Mr. Darcy’s head with a force that sickened the captain ... Dawson began examining the wound on the gentleman’s head … “I am afraid it is mortal. Awful luck, sir – awful, awful luck.”
More than two years later, Elizabeth accepts a proposal, believing a second marriage would be best for her children. The marriage is far from perfect. Trigger warning: the book contains discussions of violence, including sexual violence in Elizabeth’s marriage. Most are seen as flashbacks, or during testimony. A child suffers corporal punishment. Another child is damaged by her father’s neglect and disapproval.
Darcy was saved by a fisherman and suffers memory loss. His beliefs about his previous life are far off the mark. Then dreams begin, causing him to search for his identity.
Behind every great fortune, there is a crime. ~ Honore de Balzac
The Darcys are a family with a great fortune. So, whatever could be their great crime?
Elizabeth’s original crime resolves fairly early in the story. But remember: the title is “The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy” after all — Crimes — plural.
Crimes are committed by criminals — in this case, also plural.
Stay tuned. The real action awaits.
A criminal is a person with predatory instincts without sufficient capital to form a corporation. ~ Clarence Darrow
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
April 17, 2023So first things first. The premise of this story is bonkers.
I think I used pretty much every trope there was to use except a conveniently located hunting lodge. The thing about tropes, though, is they’re satisfying to read. There’s a reason why they’re tropes. So I decided to just have fun with this one (even if the characters do not have a lot of fun through much of it).
Regular readers of mine might have noticed I have a bit of a thing for missing at sea plotlines. I also have a thing for amnesia plotlines. I also learned some time ago that bigamy was a capital offense in England during the Regency. I let those things all percolate for a while, and this is the story that emerged.
In the main part of the novel, there are three sort of phases. The first is the amnesia plotline, where Will Trevills comes to London to learn of his past and finds out that he is actually Fitzwilliam Darcy. The injured Will had been taken in by a fisherman and his wife, and I loved writing Darcy as a man completely uncomfortable in the world he used to inhabit with pride. In this portion of the story, we also find him coming to know (and love) Elizabeth again.
The second part is the courtroom drama, because Elizabeth had (unhappily) remarried while thinking her husband was dead, and must go on trial for bigamy. I know the idea of Elizabeth ever remarrying if something happened to Darcy is tough for readers to stomach, and I worked hard to make it a scenario where her reasons made sense (and she was so grief-stricken that it could be argued she should not have been making such decisions). Because of course without the remarriage most of this bonkers plot could not happen!
The third part is more suspenseful, where various plot elements that had been building up to this point finally come together. I won’t say any more than that, because spoilers!
In some ways, this story is what would happen if "A Generation’s Secrets" and "Mistress" had a baby (albeit with fade to black rather than adult scenes as in "Mistress"). For my regular readers who enjoyed both, I really think you will enjoy this one.
For everyone else, if you’re looking for something different and you enjoy some tropes, I hope you’ll give this one a read.
I think I used pretty much every trope there was to use except a conveniently located hunting lodge. The thing about tropes, though, is they’re satisfying to read. There’s a reason why they’re tropes. So I decided to just have fun with this one (even if the characters do not have a lot of fun through much of it).
Regular readers of mine might have noticed I have a bit of a thing for missing at sea plotlines. I also have a thing for amnesia plotlines. I also learned some time ago that bigamy was a capital offense in England during the Regency. I let those things all percolate for a while, and this is the story that emerged.
In the main part of the novel, there are three sort of phases. The first is the amnesia plotline, where Will Trevills comes to London to learn of his past and finds out that he is actually Fitzwilliam Darcy. The injured Will had been taken in by a fisherman and his wife, and I loved writing Darcy as a man completely uncomfortable in the world he used to inhabit with pride. In this portion of the story, we also find him coming to know (and love) Elizabeth again.
The second part is the courtroom drama, because Elizabeth had (unhappily) remarried while thinking her husband was dead, and must go on trial for bigamy. I know the idea of Elizabeth ever remarrying if something happened to Darcy is tough for readers to stomach, and I worked hard to make it a scenario where her reasons made sense (and she was so grief-stricken that it could be argued she should not have been making such decisions). Because of course without the remarriage most of this bonkers plot could not happen!
The third part is more suspenseful, where various plot elements that had been building up to this point finally come together. I won’t say any more than that, because spoilers!
In some ways, this story is what would happen if "A Generation’s Secrets" and "Mistress" had a baby (albeit with fade to black rather than adult scenes as in "Mistress"). For my regular readers who enjoyed both, I really think you will enjoy this one.
For everyone else, if you’re looking for something different and you enjoy some tropes, I hope you’ll give this one a read.
April 22, 2023
A Must Read
This multi-trope Pride and Prejudice variation will grab you by the heart from start to finish, and keep it and your mind thoroughly captivated until you finish. It is a very gripping read, with a unique plot surrounding the bigamy of Elizabeth.
Returning from doing business in Canada for his uncle, the Earl of Sudbury, Darcy is injured at sea and given up for dead. Darcy has no memory of his past life, but glimpses of a woman and boy in a dream finally propel him to seek it out.
“After years of never seeing the lady, Will did not expect her to reappear in his dreams, but this was precisely what she did, almost as though she had been waiting there for him, waiting for him to fall back asleep. This time, she wrapped her arms about the little boy and said, “Help us, please.” He held out his hand to her, but she was too far away, and seemed to be drifting farther still. Will tried to walk toward her, but it was as though his legs were buried in sand, each step excruciatingly slow. Still, he kept walking, walking, walking, until he realised she was gone from sight.”—quote from book
Believing Darcy to be dead and encouraged by family to come out of mourning, Elizabeth remarries for the sake of her sons. Unfortunately, he is not a good man and she suffers for it. When Darcy returns, she is charged with the felony crime of bigamy, facing a trial with possible transportation or even hanging as punishment.
The characters in this story were wonderful, except the villains, of course, but they are so well written and successfully move the plot forward. I loved the couple who took Darcy in—Jory, a fisherman from Cornwall (Mousehole, a real place) who rescued him, and his wife Eseld, who helped him recover. The childless couple treat him like a son. Different now, he is a man with no memory and unfamiliar with the society and the sphere into which he was born—a simpler man who prefers weak tea or ale over brandy, and a meal of fish over the fancy meals of the rich. Yet he remains an honourable man ready to do his duty. He misses his life by the sea with his friends. He also falls in love with Elizabeth again and also loves his children, even those fathered by another man. The children were expertly written into the plot as well.
“He felt badly for Elizabeth, that for a moment she had thought her whole husband returned to her. Instead what she had was a fisherman in a gentleman’s body, or perhaps it was the other way around.”—quote from book
“Darcy thought in that moment that if there was a way to make a cabinet beside his heart, a place where she could curl up inside of him and stay there – completely protected – until she felt sufficiently safe to come out, he would have ordered it made, regardless of the cost.”—quote from book
A devious plot, years in the making gradually reveals itself, and includes multiple villains and victims.
There is also an excellent sub-plot concerning the likable Earl and his sons—one good, one evil. In this story, it’s General Henry Fitzwilliam who is good. I don’t want to give much away, as there is a mystery I don’t want to reveal.
Brilliantly written with an original premise, it is a must read for JAFF lovers, it’s another I have to add to my 2023 favorites. I highly recommend it.
This multi-trope Pride and Prejudice variation will grab you by the heart from start to finish, and keep it and your mind thoroughly captivated until you finish. It is a very gripping read, with a unique plot surrounding the bigamy of Elizabeth.
Returning from doing business in Canada for his uncle, the Earl of Sudbury, Darcy is injured at sea and given up for dead. Darcy has no memory of his past life, but glimpses of a woman and boy in a dream finally propel him to seek it out.
“After years of never seeing the lady, Will did not expect her to reappear in his dreams, but this was precisely what she did, almost as though she had been waiting there for him, waiting for him to fall back asleep. This time, she wrapped her arms about the little boy and said, “Help us, please.” He held out his hand to her, but she was too far away, and seemed to be drifting farther still. Will tried to walk toward her, but it was as though his legs were buried in sand, each step excruciatingly slow. Still, he kept walking, walking, walking, until he realised she was gone from sight.”—quote from book
Believing Darcy to be dead and encouraged by family to come out of mourning, Elizabeth remarries for the sake of her sons. Unfortunately, he is not a good man and she suffers for it. When Darcy returns, she is charged with the felony crime of bigamy, facing a trial with possible transportation or even hanging as punishment.
The characters in this story were wonderful, except the villains, of course, but they are so well written and successfully move the plot forward. I loved the couple who took Darcy in—Jory, a fisherman from Cornwall (Mousehole, a real place) who rescued him, and his wife Eseld, who helped him recover. The childless couple treat him like a son. Different now, he is a man with no memory and unfamiliar with the society and the sphere into which he was born—a simpler man who prefers weak tea or ale over brandy, and a meal of fish over the fancy meals of the rich. Yet he remains an honourable man ready to do his duty. He misses his life by the sea with his friends. He also falls in love with Elizabeth again and also loves his children, even those fathered by another man. The children were expertly written into the plot as well.
“He felt badly for Elizabeth, that for a moment she had thought her whole husband returned to her. Instead what she had was a fisherman in a gentleman’s body, or perhaps it was the other way around.”—quote from book
“Darcy thought in that moment that if there was a way to make a cabinet beside his heart, a place where she could curl up inside of him and stay there – completely protected – until she felt sufficiently safe to come out, he would have ordered it made, regardless of the cost.”—quote from book
A devious plot, years in the making gradually reveals itself, and includes multiple villains and victims.
There is also an excellent sub-plot concerning the likable Earl and his sons—one good, one evil. In this story, it’s General Henry Fitzwilliam who is good. I don’t want to give much away, as there is a mystery I don’t want to reveal.
Brilliantly written with an original premise, it is a must read for JAFF lovers, it’s another I have to add to my 2023 favorites. I highly recommend it.
July 9, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. At 567 pages this long story could easily have been written as a series, IMHO. The first part has much angst, which I am fond of. The rest of the story has more tension but not quite as riveting as the beginning.
Do note that the title is "crimes" of Elizabeth Darcy. The bigamy crime takes up much of the first...maybe half of the story. Darcy is reported to be dead; an inquest declares it so. The Captain of the ship he was on states he witnessed him die.
Elizabeth marries again but more because it would help her 2 sons gain the previous place the Darcys had in society. The marriage soon becomes a troubled union. We read of Elizabeth bearing one daughter but then become pregnant with a second after her husband forces himself on her. (Twelvemonth twins, born in the same year.)
Darcy lives but has been "rescued" by a fisherman and his wife who are childless. He has amnesia.
Darcy soon becomes like a son to them and is very content with his life. After two years he decides to try to discover who he really is.
There is much going on in this story which I am not going to touch on. The man who comes back to Elizabeth is a different man. Will there be love between them? Some characters have different names, i.e., Henry (not Richard) Fitzwilliam who has reached the level of General but retires due to injury and takes over managing Pemberley, when Elizabeth is widowed. Henry's father and his brother play large roles. And her second husband has an agenda (not love or attraction) in marrying her.
Plus we have Wickham, the Bingley family, Lady Catherine and Anne all appearing and having a part.
The author has done a lot of research and I found myself looking up words and events, even places (Mousehole, Cornwall) on the Internet.
I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
Do note that the title is "crimes" of Elizabeth Darcy. The bigamy crime takes up much of the first...maybe half of the story. Darcy is reported to be dead; an inquest declares it so. The Captain of the ship he was on states he witnessed him die.
Elizabeth marries again but more because it would help her 2 sons gain the previous place the Darcys had in society. The marriage soon becomes a troubled union. We read of Elizabeth bearing one daughter but then become pregnant with a second after her husband forces himself on her. (Twelvemonth twins, born in the same year.)
Darcy lives but has been "rescued" by a fisherman and his wife who are childless. He has amnesia.
Darcy soon becomes like a son to them and is very content with his life. After two years he decides to try to discover who he really is.
There is much going on in this story which I am not going to touch on. The man who comes back to Elizabeth is a different man. Will there be love between them? Some characters have different names, i.e., Henry (not Richard) Fitzwilliam who has reached the level of General but retires due to injury and takes over managing Pemberley, when Elizabeth is widowed. Henry's father and his brother play large roles. And her second husband has an agenda (not love or attraction) in marrying her.
Plus we have Wickham, the Bingley family, Lady Catherine and Anne all appearing and having a part.
The author has done a lot of research and I found myself looking up words and events, even places (Mousehole, Cornwall) on the Internet.
I greatly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
Read
May 5, 2023The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy
Absolutely incredible story! I first came across it on Fanfiction, and when I found out it would be published, I was ecstatic I would be able to add it to my Kindle Library! Why? Because it's one of those, one in a thousand stories, you can't wait to turn the page to see what happens next. And then, you turn back, to read it over again!
Absolutely incredible story! I first came across it on Fanfiction, and when I found out it would be published, I was ecstatic I would be able to add it to my Kindle Library! Why? Because it's one of those, one in a thousand stories, you can't wait to turn the page to see what happens next. And then, you turn back, to read it over again!
April 25, 2024
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen ends with the new Mrs. Darcy inviting all their family and friends for Christmas and leaving readers with a happy glow of satisfaction. But, what came after the happily ever after? Sophie Turner explores a new harder, darker path for Jane Austen’s romantic couple adding gothic overtones, angsty courtroom and family and drama, and a testing of a couple’s love that must hold against so much.
The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy was a thick tome that was broken into three parts beginning with a dramatic near death experience of Darcy being lost at sea. His loved ones think him dead and gone while Darcy suffers amnesia and becomes humble fisherman Will.
Grief-stricken, lonely and a little frightened of her new life alone, Elizabeth makes a momentous decision that she thinks will be best for her children. She is unaware that danger lurks nearby and not just from one source. Her grief turns to horror at what she has to endure. Darcy’s return might be long-past longed for, but also heightens the trouble. Can this couple of a woman who has endured the worst and a man just getting his memories and his life back survive what is up against them?
I’m not generally partial to high-angst books, but there was something captivating about this one so that I held fast to the story. This one goes dark and Elizabeth ends up in a non-consent situation. There are legal and courtroom drama. And, a couple who must start over with a situation that was fascinating- a Darcy who has lived a very humble life and far from that part of him that was once proud. So much gets turned on its ear and one wonders just how much sorrow and struggle one couple, particularly Elizabeth can endure. Plus, the villains are dastardly and are a powerful number of them.
I’m deliberately being vague because I don’t want to spoil the suspense, twists, and times of triumph. Now, late in the book as situations started resolving, there was a sense of treading water for me. I realized the author had to take the situations through these less intense development moments that were still important before the final plot wrap up. For all the darkness, I was glad the author balanced matters with a heartening denouement that allows the readers to see the triumphant pair get a long-savored victory after all the sorrow they went through.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the stellar job of painting historical backdrop so articulately from Regency era Cornwall fishing village to the legal proceedings and courtroom setting of the time. Beyond Darcy and Elizabeth, each character was carefully painted in so they were fully fleshed out and the author didn’t lose the plot among the weeds, but brought all the parts along to completion.
All in all, this was an emotional read, but full of good suspense and strong character-driven moments. Whether one is familiar with Pride & Prejudice or not, this could be enjoyed either way if historical gothic romance loaded with drama is one’s thing.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Apr 17th.
#ThriftyThursday
The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy was a thick tome that was broken into three parts beginning with a dramatic near death experience of Darcy being lost at sea. His loved ones think him dead and gone while Darcy suffers amnesia and becomes humble fisherman Will.
Grief-stricken, lonely and a little frightened of her new life alone, Elizabeth makes a momentous decision that she thinks will be best for her children. She is unaware that danger lurks nearby and not just from one source. Her grief turns to horror at what she has to endure. Darcy’s return might be long-past longed for, but also heightens the trouble. Can this couple of a woman who has endured the worst and a man just getting his memories and his life back survive what is up against them?
I’m not generally partial to high-angst books, but there was something captivating about this one so that I held fast to the story. This one goes dark and Elizabeth ends up in a non-consent situation. There are legal and courtroom drama. And, a couple who must start over with a situation that was fascinating- a Darcy who has lived a very humble life and far from that part of him that was once proud. So much gets turned on its ear and one wonders just how much sorrow and struggle one couple, particularly Elizabeth can endure. Plus, the villains are dastardly and are a powerful number of them.
I’m deliberately being vague because I don’t want to spoil the suspense, twists, and times of triumph. Now, late in the book as situations started resolving, there was a sense of treading water for me. I realized the author had to take the situations through these less intense development moments that were still important before the final plot wrap up. For all the darkness, I was glad the author balanced matters with a heartening denouement that allows the readers to see the triumphant pair get a long-savored victory after all the sorrow they went through.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the stellar job of painting historical backdrop so articulately from Regency era Cornwall fishing village to the legal proceedings and courtroom setting of the time. Beyond Darcy and Elizabeth, each character was carefully painted in so they were fully fleshed out and the author didn’t lose the plot among the weeds, but brought all the parts along to completion.
All in all, this was an emotional read, but full of good suspense and strong character-driven moments. Whether one is familiar with Pride & Prejudice or not, this could be enjoyed either way if historical gothic romance loaded with drama is one’s thing.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Apr 17th.
#ThriftyThursday
May 28, 2023
My Rating: 5+
“Come back to me, William. I need you, William.” (quote from the book)
Elizabeth Darcy, what have you done!
An incredibly fascinating ‘outside-the box’ Pride & Prejudice story of love lost and found. It is a story of what a mother will do to protect her children at all costs. It is a story of resilience, determination, family, and the power of love. It is all this and so much more!
“It was almost as though life kept bringing him lessons…kept trying to ensure he learned what he needed to learn.” (quote from the book)
Oh, the anguish and poignancy that is written within these pages. The trials and tribulations that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Darcy go through will have you glued to this novel! There is not just one trope in this story but several and each are beautifully and seamlessly intertwined. Facing the charge of bigamy with the severest punishment being death, Elizabeth Darcy’s courage must rise. But her second marriage has taken its toll on her, physically, mentally and her spirit is nearly broken.
“He did not recall how they had been a family here, but she did; Elizabeth would show him, and they would make their way together.” (quote from the book)
I was completely immersed in this novel from the beginning. By the second chapter, I was anxious and had to know how it would end. At the heart of this novel is revenge. The villains manipulate, lie and betray to get what they feel they deserve, individually and together. How it all slowly unfolds was a work of art; for Ms. Turner certainly did her research and made it all come together beautifully.
“He could never repay what he owed her, but he would spend his life endeavouring to do so.” (quote from the book)
My review cannot do justice to this all-encompassing novel. All I can say is that I highly recommend it.
May 15, 2023
Get ready for a wild ride
This felt like multiple stories all rolled into one (in the very best way!) - I’ve always enjoyed reading Sophie Turner’s books and this was no exception. Wonderful versions of D&E and with new characters - some to love and some to not love. Recommend with enthusiasm.
This felt like multiple stories all rolled into one (in the very best way!) - I’ve always enjoyed reading Sophie Turner’s books and this was no exception. Wonderful versions of D&E and with new characters - some to love and some to not love. Recommend with enthusiasm.
April 26, 2023
a touching story
This is a touching story of loss, betrayal, and throw in a mystery.
Darcy is lost at sea leaving Elizabeth lost and alone. Elizabeth’s choices turn out not to be the best. Years later Darcy finds himself in London, still unaware of his identity and family. His reunion with his family brings forth the results of his absence and consequences for Elizabeth. She has been charged with bigamy and must face trial.
I loved this story, it had all the elements I look for when reading about my favorite characters. There was loss, forgiveness, and a great mystery. It’s all about family and how they come together to support each other.
This is a touching story of loss, betrayal, and throw in a mystery.
Darcy is lost at sea leaving Elizabeth lost and alone. Elizabeth’s choices turn out not to be the best. Years later Darcy finds himself in London, still unaware of his identity and family. His reunion with his family brings forth the results of his absence and consequences for Elizabeth. She has been charged with bigamy and must face trial.
I loved this story, it had all the elements I look for when reading about my favorite characters. There was loss, forgiveness, and a great mystery. It’s all about family and how they come together to support each other.
April 23, 2023
Four-point-five
This very long book is well written and compelling in a number of ways, the characterisation of both Elizabeth and Darcy, the richness of the plot and of many subsidiary characters including new ones, all well rounded. In fact the story contains plenty of twists and turns, enough indeed for two or even three JAFFs in any ordinary expectation. But I am glad it is all one, for the sake of coherence and satisfying resolution for our characters and especially for Elizabeth who lives through dark and abusive experiences. A dastardly villain stalks the plot, not one of the usual but still canon. My reason for 4.5 instead of 5 is really just that it is such a long slog, despite being very well written and satisfying.
This very long book is well written and compelling in a number of ways, the characterisation of both Elizabeth and Darcy, the richness of the plot and of many subsidiary characters including new ones, all well rounded. In fact the story contains plenty of twists and turns, enough indeed for two or even three JAFFs in any ordinary expectation. But I am glad it is all one, for the sake of coherence and satisfying resolution for our characters and especially for Elizabeth who lives through dark and abusive experiences. A dastardly villain stalks the plot, not one of the usual but still canon. My reason for 4.5 instead of 5 is really just that it is such a long slog, despite being very well written and satisfying.
April 24, 2023
Absolutely loved it!
Intricately plotted and extensively researched, this story begins with Darcy's supposed death, followed by amnesia. His widow is convinced by family that she should remarry for the sake of her children, but they choose a villainous, abusive man. When Darcy is found, though still without his memory, many new crises emerge. There is violence, jealousy, angst, romance, legal drama, adorable children, secret treasure, daring rescues, and a great Darcy characterization. Excellent writing and editing.
Intricately plotted and extensively researched, this story begins with Darcy's supposed death, followed by amnesia. His widow is convinced by family that she should remarry for the sake of her children, but they choose a villainous, abusive man. When Darcy is found, though still without his memory, many new crises emerge. There is violence, jealousy, angst, romance, legal drama, adorable children, secret treasure, daring rescues, and a great Darcy characterization. Excellent writing and editing.
May 1, 2023
Wow I read that Sophie thought this plot was bonkus but it is also compelling and so well done I loved it.
So sensitive to the protagonist perspective that I could not put it down, 4 am had to because could not keep my eyes open.
Well written, wellploted and brilliant.
Can't recommend it enough.
So sensitive to the protagonist perspective that I could not put it down, 4 am had to because could not keep my eyes open.
Well written, wellploted and brilliant.
Can't recommend it enough.
April 23, 2023
Brilliant. But, if I'm honest, it was a tad too drawn out for my taste towards the end.
June 19, 2023
3.5 or 4 idk dnf tho
I liked it a lot. Until I didn’t. (like another user said, it did get dramatic…around where I stopped lmao) but the solution was a little easy to Darcy’s memory and Elizabeth’s pesky last child.
Perhaps it would have been more interesting if Darcy had been Will for longer. Though, since I won’t finish it, I’ll never know how much Will blends into his Darcy persona. Will appeals to me more in a work like this, dealing with what it does, and I wished that tension lasted longer. Luckily I saw the glossary and the author’s explanation/defense of the trope used to get Darcy’s memory back (guess) was sufficient for me. Unfortunately, that’s unsatisfactory the more you think on it.
So I was already on my way to stopping to save my nerves at the fire cause LMAO. But man I really knew I had to stop when dealing with the problem of Julia, Elizabeth’s youngest child. There’s a lot of reasons for being irritated and like 85% of it is because the author is a good writer, can appeal very well to emotions (I cried multiple times), and knows some shit. So the abuse crept up on Elizabeth and it was very realistic. The gnawing fear and realization even in the exposition is memorable. But implicitly that means Elizabeth was living this way from the moment her second mans stepped into the picture. In a way, I get/got frustrated that Elizabeth’s experience with abuse is constantly legitimized with what feels like only the physical aspects. Yet her ex is out of her life and he still lingers in her mind, gives her nightmares, so it’s more than that, no?. It’s emotional, psychical, physical—Neston had a psychosexual violent obsession with her as is abusers wont. So why would Elizabeth love her namesake so fiercely when she has the same father as Julia? I understand and sympathize, empathize, with Elizabeth with her struggles with Julia (from a rape) but I find it hard to understand why she wouldn’t resent both of them, I’m sorry. There are degrees of difference but just barely if this is her abuser. Which he is. On top of that, kids are forced to trauma bond in these environments so it is bonkers to me that there was (verbatim!!!) “relative ease” with which the other kids accepted Julia going to another parent—especially her sensitive WHOLE sister. First of all, what does relative ease even mean. Second of all LOL.
In no reality, despite it being this easy in the book, would Julia be okay with knowing her siblings were still with their biological mother. That Julia, knowing her mother as her aunt most of her life, would completely understand, enjoy, be okay with her sister living with their mom and their siblings. That she wouldn’t feel like garbage over not being the good child. It is so irresponsible to keep Julia in her life at all, frankly, and it would be understandable why she wouldn’t. There’s no way Elizabeth would be a good aunt either; one that loved her, and Julia would know it.
I’m so irritated because there’s a heavy thread of teasing out all the contradictions in this world, showing how unfair and asinine these rules are; how they can actually kill. A bevy of good family and friends, questioning what you see and hear, why you want what you want. There’s so much emotion but because Julia wasn’t meant to be an actual tangible thing outside of being a wish baby, no one keeps their previous word, love is conditional, and her feelings don’t matter. I mean it just drives me crazy because it is so fucking poorly thought out that I struggle to respect these characters. At every second they’re taking blame for things they shouldn’t so with this…It’s almost insulting? You’re telling me that—in this interesting and different world theyve been forced to solve and live in and create new—they couldn’t integrate Julia, try, when they do that so many damn times. Now I see that the way the book deals with grief and guilt is weird, selective, so I’m like then what’s the point? I am pissed off at everyone as a result of the good qualities of the work. Unfortunately since I knew where it was going, then skipped around, I had to stop. It showed me that everything, despite being bonkers by the time I got to the fire because wow, is so damn easy.
I liked it a lot. Until I didn’t. (like another user said, it did get dramatic…around where I stopped lmao) but the solution was a little easy to Darcy’s memory and Elizabeth’s pesky last child.
Perhaps it would have been more interesting if Darcy had been Will for longer. Though, since I won’t finish it, I’ll never know how much Will blends into his Darcy persona. Will appeals to me more in a work like this, dealing with what it does, and I wished that tension lasted longer. Luckily I saw the glossary and the author’s explanation/defense of the trope used to get Darcy’s memory back (guess) was sufficient for me. Unfortunately, that’s unsatisfactory the more you think on it.
So I was already on my way to stopping to save my nerves at the fire cause LMAO. But man I really knew I had to stop when dealing with the problem of Julia, Elizabeth’s youngest child. There’s a lot of reasons for being irritated and like 85% of it is because the author is a good writer, can appeal very well to emotions (I cried multiple times), and knows some shit. So the abuse crept up on Elizabeth and it was very realistic. The gnawing fear and realization even in the exposition is memorable. But implicitly that means Elizabeth was living this way from the moment her second mans stepped into the picture. In a way, I get/got frustrated that Elizabeth’s experience with abuse is constantly legitimized with what feels like only the physical aspects. Yet her ex is out of her life and he still lingers in her mind, gives her nightmares, so it’s more than that, no?. It’s emotional, psychical, physical—Neston had a psychosexual violent obsession with her as is abusers wont. So why would Elizabeth love her namesake so fiercely when she has the same father as Julia? I understand and sympathize, empathize, with Elizabeth with her struggles with Julia (from a rape) but I find it hard to understand why she wouldn’t resent both of them, I’m sorry. There are degrees of difference but just barely if this is her abuser. Which he is. On top of that, kids are forced to trauma bond in these environments so it is bonkers to me that there was (verbatim!!!) “relative ease” with which the other kids accepted Julia going to another parent—especially her sensitive WHOLE sister. First of all, what does relative ease even mean. Second of all LOL.
In no reality, despite it being this easy in the book, would Julia be okay with knowing her siblings were still with their biological mother. That Julia, knowing her mother as her aunt most of her life, would completely understand, enjoy, be okay with her sister living with their mom and their siblings. That she wouldn’t feel like garbage over not being the good child. It is so irresponsible to keep Julia in her life at all, frankly, and it would be understandable why she wouldn’t. There’s no way Elizabeth would be a good aunt either; one that loved her, and Julia would know it.
I’m so irritated because there’s a heavy thread of teasing out all the contradictions in this world, showing how unfair and asinine these rules are; how they can actually kill. A bevy of good family and friends, questioning what you see and hear, why you want what you want. There’s so much emotion but because Julia wasn’t meant to be an actual tangible thing outside of being a wish baby, no one keeps their previous word, love is conditional, and her feelings don’t matter. I mean it just drives me crazy because it is so fucking poorly thought out that I struggle to respect these characters. At every second they’re taking blame for things they shouldn’t so with this…It’s almost insulting? You’re telling me that—in this interesting and different world theyve been forced to solve and live in and create new—they couldn’t integrate Julia, try, when they do that so many damn times. Now I see that the way the book deals with grief and guilt is weird, selective, so I’m like then what’s the point? I am pissed off at everyone as a result of the good qualities of the work. Unfortunately since I knew where it was going, then skipped around, I had to stop. It showed me that everything, despite being bonkers by the time I got to the fire because wow, is so damn easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
*Slaps hands together.*
Oh, boy. Do I have a real treat for you right here. I honestly don't think you can find a wilder Pride and Prejudice variation than this. I thought the last book was cray-cray. No. THIS book is better. Oh my gosh. I mean, we start off with Darcy left for dead and Elizabeth getting married to this jerkface. Like, oh no, right? I'm thinking the whole time, "How is Turner going to fix this? FIX THIS NOW!"
Well, be prepared to see in the edge of your seats because it gets pretty nail-biting. I hate to admit it, but I get book anxiety when things get too stressful. It may correspond to my actual anxiety because my body can't figure out how to not be in flight mode all the time. Nevertheless, I'm reading through this book, white-knuckling it because I don't want anything bad to happen to Elizabeth. However, looking through the bigamy laws and how it's explained, she's really screwed if they go by the letter of the law. They have to figure out a way to show that Elizabeth honestly believed her husband was dead and that, in cases of soldiers who don't return from war, this type of prosecution could have a chilling effect on widows, who may fear getting married for lack of a body. The trial is riveting.
And just when you thought it was over, and the book was calming down...
It gets even CRAZIER. But I don't want to spoil anything. Just know that the characters are exceptionally well done. The writing is meticulous. The setting is well-researched and historically accurate. And the ending is quite satisfying. It deserves ten stars, but alas, Goodreads will only allow me to allocate five. So, five stars it is.
An footnote FYI: Note a trigger warning for sexual and domestic violence.
Oh, boy. Do I have a real treat for you right here. I honestly don't think you can find a wilder Pride and Prejudice variation than this. I thought the last book was cray-cray. No. THIS book is better. Oh my gosh. I mean, we start off with Darcy left for dead and Elizabeth getting married to this jerkface. Like, oh no, right? I'm thinking the whole time, "How is Turner going to fix this? FIX THIS NOW!"
Well, be prepared to see in the edge of your seats because it gets pretty nail-biting. I hate to admit it, but I get book anxiety when things get too stressful. It may correspond to my actual anxiety because my body can't figure out how to not be in flight mode all the time. Nevertheless, I'm reading through this book, white-knuckling it because I don't want anything bad to happen to Elizabeth. However, looking through the bigamy laws and how it's explained, she's really screwed if they go by the letter of the law. They have to figure out a way to show that Elizabeth honestly believed her husband was dead and that, in cases of soldiers who don't return from war, this type of prosecution could have a chilling effect on widows, who may fear getting married for lack of a body. The trial is riveting.
And just when you thought it was over, and the book was calming down...
It gets even CRAZIER. But I don't want to spoil anything. Just know that the characters are exceptionally well done. The writing is meticulous. The setting is well-researched and historically accurate. And the ending is quite satisfying. It deserves ten stars, but alas, Goodreads will only allow me to allocate five. So, five stars it is.
An footnote FYI: Note a trigger warning for sexual and domestic violence.
February 27, 2024
2.5 rounded up. This seemed to me to be the book that would never end. The first half was exciting, full of adventure and I couldn't put it down. I wondered why when pretty much that whole thread was wrapping up I was only about half way through the book. Had the book ended with that resolution, I would have loved this book and rated it higher. This book, however kept going and going and going. Another thread that was hinted at in the first half picked up and, while not as engaging as the first half, still was interesting enough to keep me engaged. This thread ended and I was still only around 75% finished and my frustration started to set in. This is a very long book and the last 25% was very slow, boring and it was only because I had already invested so much time in this book that I continued to slug my way to the end. The writing is good, but slow and this book would have benefited from sticking to one or two plots and not trying to throw the entire kitchen sink into one book. The ending especially just went on for way too long and I wanted it so badly to just end already.
May 11, 2023
Who are you?
Imagine your husband is declared dead and to honour how he wished his sons to grow up, you remarry into the right circles. Then he comes back without knowing who you – his so-called wife – are.
Imagine you get nursed back after a head injury but you have lost your memory and no idea who you were; then you get reunited with your so-called wife and family and feel completely out of place.
And now? Now you and your spouse have to take up your common life.
Of course, there are emotional obstacles to overcome--obstacles like
doubt, misunderstanding, uncertainty, guilt, jealousy, mistrust, ire, offended feelings, helplessness.
Yet this book is not just about obstacles, but about respect, trust, tenderness, about growing together and falling in love (again).
For all who need external angst, they will not be disappointed: The "black" thread underlying the story and its deliciously despicable characters are not the center of the plot but were a perfect dose of angst for me.
I love clever books with many heartfelt emotions and I had the good fortune to get a version in advance – thank you, Sophie! The book may seem a bit long, but surprises are always waiting on the next one or two pages.
If you love softness, tenderness, deep feelings – children are also involved – and would like to co-experience the way back for Elizabeth and Darcy to their deeply loving relationship, read The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy.
Imagine your husband is declared dead and to honour how he wished his sons to grow up, you remarry into the right circles. Then he comes back without knowing who you – his so-called wife – are.
Imagine you get nursed back after a head injury but you have lost your memory and no idea who you were; then you get reunited with your so-called wife and family and feel completely out of place.
And now? Now you and your spouse have to take up your common life.
Of course, there are emotional obstacles to overcome--obstacles like
doubt, misunderstanding, uncertainty, guilt, jealousy, mistrust, ire, offended feelings, helplessness.
Yet this book is not just about obstacles, but about respect, trust, tenderness, about growing together and falling in love (again).
For all who need external angst, they will not be disappointed: The "black" thread underlying the story and its deliciously despicable characters are not the center of the plot but were a perfect dose of angst for me.
I love clever books with many heartfelt emotions and I had the good fortune to get a version in advance – thank you, Sophie! The book may seem a bit long, but surprises are always waiting on the next one or two pages.
If you love softness, tenderness, deep feelings – children are also involved – and would like to co-experience the way back for Elizabeth and Darcy to their deeply loving relationship, read The Crimes of Elizabeth Darcy.
April 29, 2023
If I could I would give ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to part 1 and 2 until Darcy regains his memory. The story is so angsty and full of longing that I could not put the book down.
⭐️⭐️ to the remaining of part 2 which is convoluted and filled with unnecessary deaths, unnecessary threads and exaggerated reactions by the characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to part 3 which brings us sweetly to the end.
So ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as an average but I would suggest the author to really re-think that middle part and brig it up to the standard of the rest of the book.
⭐️⭐️ to the remaining of part 2 which is convoluted and filled with unnecessary deaths, unnecessary threads and exaggerated reactions by the characters.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to part 3 which brings us sweetly to the end.
So ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as an average but I would suggest the author to really re-think that middle part and brig it up to the standard of the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2023
A very well done unique story
I was hesitant at first to start this because of the length but I am so glad I did. It did not feel long. The pace was good and the story really drew me in. I shed some tears much to my husband's confusion. It was a unique story that you feel are the real characters. Not like most other novels that deviate a lot. I definitely recommend it and am happy I read it.
I was hesitant at first to start this because of the length but I am so glad I did. It did not feel long. The pace was good and the story really drew me in. I shed some tears much to my husband's confusion. It was a unique story that you feel are the real characters. Not like most other novels that deviate a lot. I definitely recommend it and am happy I read it.
August 28, 2023
An Excellent Non-Canon Variation
Unique plot twists elevate this epic from Sophie Turner from a “memory loss’ trope to a suspenseful, original version of a very beloved theme. The author’s writing is a pure pleasure, after having read several hundred P&P variations, displaying a talent for plot and character development, dialogue, and action, culminating in an extremely satisfying read. Thank you, Ms Turner. I’ll enjoy Re-reading this!
Unique plot twists elevate this epic from Sophie Turner from a “memory loss’ trope to a suspenseful, original version of a very beloved theme. The author’s writing is a pure pleasure, after having read several hundred P&P variations, displaying a talent for plot and character development, dialogue, and action, culminating in an extremely satisfying read. Thank you, Ms Turner. I’ll enjoy Re-reading this!
May 16, 2023
Packed with twists and turns, I really enjoyed it. Poor Elizabeth gets the rough end of the stick here and does spend much of the book in tears, and warning for rape and spousal abuse (largely off page). However despite that it’s an engaging read with so much going on. Indeed there’s a whole second strand (featuring the wonderfully despicable Caroline Bingley). Well worth a read.
June 3, 2023
Fascinating P & P Variation!!
Although parts of this story were upsetting, most of it is an amazing look at a very different life for our major players! I became entranced almost immediately!! If you love P & P, I think you would find this variation a different breed than most. Happy reading!!
Although parts of this story were upsetting, most of it is an amazing look at a very different life for our major players! I became entranced almost immediately!! If you love P & P, I think you would find this variation a different breed than most. Happy reading!!
June 5, 2023
Lives of the Darcys
My daughter listening to me telling her what I was reading said "Someone should make that book into a movie." I agree. It's a marvelous book and a cut above most of these p&p books.
My daughter listening to me telling her what I was reading said "Someone should make that book into a movie." I agree. It's a marvelous book and a cut above most of these p&p books.
August 5, 2023
I am a reader not a writer.
Wow wow wow great book ! Love a good mystery, and this was a great one. I read three or four p & p books a week. This was one of the best books I have reached in a long time. If you are a p & p fan you will love this book. D. Cooper
Wow wow wow great book ! Love a good mystery, and this was a great one. I read three or four p & p books a week. This was one of the best books I have reached in a long time. If you are a p & p fan you will love this book. D. Cooper
March 10, 2024
Fantastic Variation!
Loved this well written variation. The story was so unique that it kept me intrigued throughout. Some parts did drag a bit with too much minute detail, but can definitely be overlooked because of how well written it was. Well done! Thank you!
Loved this well written variation. The story was so unique that it kept me intrigued throughout. Some parts did drag a bit with too much minute detail, but can definitely be overlooked because of how well written it was. Well done! Thank you!
April 23, 2023
I usually can't read JAFF where D and E are married to someone else somewhere in the story but this was well done. I love shipwrecks and the support given to E by C, J, and H was wonderful. Loved it.
June 22, 2023
Wonderful
A meaty tale, well written and edited.
One that I will be happy to return to in the future.
Marvellous!
A meaty tale, well written and edited.
One that I will be happy to return to in the future.
Marvellous!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews