Jane Odiwe Jane Austen Sequels: Competition - Win a copy of Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Competition - Win a copy of Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James!

I have an enormous treat for lovers of Jane Austen sequels and P. D. James! Faber and Faber have very kindly sent me a copy for a competition, and all you have to do if you wish to be entered is leave a comment below saying why you'd like to read Death Comes to Pemberley.

From the publisher: The year is 1803, and Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for six years. There are now two handsome and healthy sons in the Pemberley nursery, Elizabeth’s beloved sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live within seventeen miles, the ordered and secure life of Pemberley seems unassailable, and Elizabeth’s happiness in her marriage is complete. But their peace is threatened and old sins and misunderstandings are rekindled on the eve of the annual Autumn Ball. The Darcys and their guests are preparing to retire for the night when a chaise appears, rocking down the path from Pemberley’s wild woodland, and as it pulls up, Lydia Wickham, an uninvited guest, tumbles out, screaming that her husband has been murdered...

About Death Comes to Pemberley, P. D. James said:

‘It has been a joy to revisit Pride and Prejudice and to discover, as one always does, new delights and fresh insights. I have to apologise to Jane Austen for involving her beloved Elizabeth in a murder investigation but this fusion of my two enthusiasms – for the novels of Jane Austen and for writing detective stories – has given me great pleasure which I hope will be shared by my readers.’

Watch the video below to see Baroness James interviewed at her home.

The competition will be open for a week and the winner announced on Tuesday, November 29th 2011.

27 comments:

Sarah Mallory said...: Jane, I have just read this as an e-book and thoroughly enjoyed it - I might quibble about some of the police (pelisse?) procedures for the time but I thought PDJ captured the irony and voice of Jane Austen very well.

So no need to enter me in your comp - just wanted to comment!; November 21, 2011 8:44 AM
Jane Odiwe said...: Sarah, I LOVE your comment about the pelisse procedure-thank you for stopping by!; November 21, 2011 8:59 AM
JO said...: I'd so love a copy of this - I always thought that Lydia was more fun than her sisters - and Wickham needed a good smack (even I didn't wish murder on him!).
Great competition, this.; November 21, 2011 9:03 AM
Sarah Mallory said...: Also interesting to see how many other JA novels PDJ get a mention in this book - that could be another competition question!; November 21, 2011 9:08 AM
Farida Mestek said...: I'd love to read this book because it combines my favourite things: Pride and Prejudice and a murder investigation! I LOVE Jane Austen books and detectives and I'd love to have the chance to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway!

faridamestek@yahoo.com; November 21, 2011 9:49 AM
Lúthien84 said...: I'm interested to find out who the murderer is if it happens or whether it is Wickham's deception so that he can get away and marry a very rich lady albeit under a disguised name.; November 21, 2011 9:59 AM
Jacqueline Pye said...: My word - Baroness James + Jane Austen + murder + haunting .... 4 reasons to go for it! Would love to see how PDJames adopts Austen's style, but also to think about how it might have been written had PDJames used her own style to continue the story. I bet that would have worked, too. Not to mention finding out what happened to Wickham (if, indeed, he was murdered) and whether Darcy is implicated. Thanks for setting up this competition!; November 21, 2011 10:05 AM
Jane Odiwe said...: Sarah, I think I read somewhere that P. D. James' favourite Austen was Emma-I know there's a reference or two in the book, and I believe Sir Walter makes an appearance.

Jo, Farida, and Luthien84, thank you for your comments-I've added your names to the hat!; November 21, 2011 10:10 AM
Jane Odiwe said...: Thank you, Jacqueline, for stopping to make a comment-I shall add your name to the hat.; November 21, 2011 10:11 AM
Pen Thornton said...: I would love to read this as Pride & Prejudice is still one of my all time favourite novels of any genre. As with other novels/films, the "happy" ending is supposed to be the end but how exciting to be able to see beyond the ending and find out the what, how, why, where of the continuing life of Elizabeth & Darcy.; November 21, 2011 10:17 AM
Babette's Ffest said...: I would love to read this book! What a great concept. P.D. James writing a murder mystery sequel to a Jane Austen novel.; November 21, 2011 11:53 AM
Kelli H. said...: I would love to read this book because it contains some of my favorite characters and places them in a mystery setting. I have never read anything by P.D. James, but I have heard wonderful things about her books. I was very excited when I saw she had wrote a P&P mystery. Thanks for the giveaway!!=); November 21, 2011 12:18 PM
Jane Odiwe said...: Pen, Babette's Ffest, and Kelli H-it's lovely to see you all on my blog, and thank you for the comments-I shall add your names to the hat.; November 21, 2011 12:32 PM
Adalgisa SD said...: Hi!!!! My dearest Jane!
Wickham dead??? Could it be?
I can just imagine Lydias rants & hysterics.
Interesting!!!!; November 21, 2011 1:40 PM
Jane Odiwe said...: Hi Adalgisa,
It's an interesting beginning, isn't it? Thank you for your comment, I shall add your name to the hat!; November 21, 2011 2:23 PM
Anonymous said...: To know that P D James read Jane Austen as I do and has constructed a murder mystery - well, I cannot wait to read her book.; November 21, 2011 4:32 PM
Jane Odiwe said...: It's lovely to hear from you Anonymous, but please do leave your name if you'd like to be entered into the draw!; November 21, 2011 5:39 PM
izzyfalloni said...: I am dying to see if Wickham has paid the price for double-crossing the wrong person, gambling with the wrong person, sleeping with the wrong person's wife - or has Darcy finally cracked and taken out a hit on him! (Unlikely, but fun!) So this book is a must-read for me.; November 21, 2011 5:41 PM
Jane Odiwe said...: Thank you, izzyfalloni-lots of intriguing questions! I'll add your name to the hat.; November 21, 2011 5:51 PM
Sophia Rose said...: My reason for wishing to read this book is the same as a few others. I like PD James mysteries, I adore Jane Austen books, I like the idea of a sequel, and the fact that Wickham is the victim- that's a huge sell. (-;

Thanks for hosting the contest. I enjoyed the synopsis and the live interview.

sophiarose1816@gmail.com; November 21, 2011 6:38 PM
Lieder Madchen said...: This book looks fantastic! I love reading Austenesque mysteries, and there are so many possibilities when it comes to murdering Wickham. :) Thanks for the chance!

liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com; November 21, 2011 11:36 PM
Savedbygrace015 said...: I love Pride and prejudice and a good mystery novel, this book would combine my love of both into one....two is better than one :); November 22, 2011 6:21 AM
Jane Odiwe said...: Sophia Rose, Lieder Madchen and Savedbygrace015 - thank you somuch for your comments-I shall add you to the hat!; November 22, 2011 9:37 AM
Melissa said...: As a fan of Stephanie Baron's Jane Austen mystery series, and Carrie Bebris's Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mysteries, I would enjoy seeing how P.D. James mixes mystery with Austen.; November 23, 2011 4:56 AM
Jane Odiwe said...: Thank you, Melissa, for stopping to leave a comment!; November 23, 2011 11:31 AM
Debra Brown said...: What a great combination! P&P plus a detective story. Please enter me.

Please enter me. kescah at comcast dot net; November 25, 2011 5:13 PM
Jane Odiwe said...: Debra Brown-thank you for your comment-I've added your name!; November 25, 2011 7:41 PM

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With two plots churning, Jane Odiwe has crafted an intriguing and unique continuation of Austen’s classic that will charm and delight Janeites and historical romance readers. As we travel from Hertfordshire to Derbyshire to the Lake District of Cumberland, we enjoy the awe inspiring picturesque scenery and equally jaw dropping characterizations. Be prepared to see romantic icon Mr. Darcy knocked off his pedestal and conceitedly independent Elizabeth Bennet passively submit to her doubts. Is that a bad thing? Only, if you are determined that these characters should not change, grow and evolve beyond the last page of Pride and Prejudice. Austenprose

Jane Odiwe crafted two compelling and absorbing plot-lines in this Pride and Prejudice sequel. One about Elizabeth, Darcy, and Darcy's secret, and the other one about Georgiana, the man she is engaged to, and the man she loves. I was equally engrossed in both stories, and the added tension and drama Ms. Odiwe generated made this novel hard to put down! ...Similar to Ms. Odiwe's previous novel, Willoughby's Return, Mr. Darcy's Secret is a beautiful and well-written continuation that captures the spirit of Jane Austen's original. Even though the story focuses on the Darcy family, there are many appearances by Jane Austen's comical and lovable minor characters. Ms. Odiwe accurately represents all these minor characters and gives a few of them some diverting side-stories. I especially enjoyed witnessing the conversations between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Ms. Odiwe's portrayal of them was flawless! Jane Austen Reviews

Mr. Darcy’s Secret is the first book that I have read by author, Jane Odiwe, and I have to say she has captured the essence of Jane Austen’s writing...filled with remarkable plot twists, and sub-stories, I could not help but to fall in love with this book. Graceful writing fills each page, and I loved the way she has captured the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. If you are looking for a Pride & Prejudice continuation that stays true to the original, then Mr. Darcy’s Secret is the perfect book for you. Royal Reviews

Mr. Darcy has a secret and Elizabeth is torn about wanting to know the truth and pretending that nothing is amiss. This story line captured me from the very first page and kept me turning the pages excited to find out what Darcy was hiding from Lizzy. I felt as if the author had the spirit of Jane Austen residing within her because the language, tempo, flavor, and the actions of the characters so closely resembled Austen's. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of Georgiana's own love story and how it made Darcy really stop and wonder if his pride was something of the past or not. This book felt very cohesive and put me right into the spirit of Pemberley and what "may" have happened after Darcy and Elizabeth married. This book will make any Austen fan happy and I feel that it takes the variations of P&P to a new level. Life in the Thumb

Mr. Darcy’s Secret was a pleasure to read because Odiwe breathes new life into Austen’s characters without altering their personalities too much. Elizabeth and Darcy, like all couples, encounter some bumps in the marital journey, and the way they deal with such strife seems true to who they are. Darcy was a changed man in Pride and Prejudice, and Odiwe makes his alteration feel authentic with some slip ups here and there. Mr. Darcy’s Secret is one of the most seamless Austen sequels I’ve ever read. Odiwe’s love for all-things-Austen shines through. A must-read if you love the Austen variations as much as I do. Diary of an Eccentric

I love Jane Odiwe’s style of writing. Her writing has a lively wit that makes the scenes come alive. Odiwe writes the beloved characters of Pride and Prejudice in the same style as Jane Austen. I had many times throughout the novel that I laughed at something Mrs. Bennet, Lydia Wickham, Caroline Bingley, etc. said or did that was so in character and so clever of Odiwe’s writing. Overall, Mr. Darcy’s Secret was a witty novel with an intriguing premise and great love story that kept me reading too long into the night. I recommend it for all lovers of Pride and Prejudice. Laura's Reviews

When Marianne Dashwood weds Colonel Brandon both are aware of the other’s past attachments; Marianne’s grand passion for the charming but ruthless John Willoughby and Brandon’s tragic amour for his lost love Eliza. Three years on Marianne is living contentedly with her husband and child at Delaford Park, although Marianne's passionate, impulsive and sometimes jealous behaviour is an impediment to her true happiness. News that John Willoughby and his wife have returned to the West Country brings back painful memories for Marianne and with the demise of Mrs. Smith of Allenham Court comes the possibility of Mr. Willoughby and his wife returning to live near Barton and the surrounding area of Devon and Dorset, a circumstance which triggers a set of increasingly challenging, yet often amusing perplexities for all concerned.
At eighteen going on nineteen, I thought it was time to give Margaret a heroine's role. Her story is intertwined with that of Marianne's who encourages Margaret to follow her heart. I have so enjoyed writing this book, weaving together the stories of two heroines against the backdrops of Delaford in autumn, London and Lyme in the winter, re-visiting the scenes and characters from Sense and Sensibility that I love so much.

Austenesque Reviews
“Willoughby's Return” was appropriately romantic, emotional, and passionate. I commend Jane Odiwe for capturing the essence and excellence of “Sense and Sensibility” and continuing the story in a knowledgeable and sympathetic manner. It is obvious that Ms. Odiwe loves and cares greatly for her characters (even the difficult ones), and I feel that Jane Austen loved her characters the same way. I greatly enjoyed this sequel for “Sense and Sensibility” and look forward to more works from Jane Odiwe.

Austenprose
This is Odiwe’s second Austen sequel, and like Lydia Bennet’s Story she has chosen a character in Marianne Brandon that is ruled by impulse and emotion making for surprise and tension – all good elements to an engaging story that she delivers with confidence and aplomb. Developing younger sister Margaret Dashwood brought youth, vivacity and a bit of rebellion against social dictums to the story. Her romance with Henry Lawrence was an excellent choice as she shared the narrative equally with Marianne and balanced the story. Odiwe’s research and passion for the Regency era shine, especially in her descriptions of the country fair and fashions. It is rewarding to see her develop her own style evocative of Austen but totally modern in its sensibility.

Jane Austen Today
Like Jane Austen, Jane Odiwe is spare in her descriptions of the characters, but unlike Jane A., she is free with her depiction of an age long gone, of market days and vegetable stalls and flowers in a meadow. An artist as well as a writer, Jane O.'s details of scenery and village life are vivid...Jane O's plot has its twists and turns, the suspense coming from the characters' actions, which comes to a satisfying conclusion only after several misunderstandings are cleared up...Readers who love Jane Austen sequels will find this charming book a more than satisfying read. I give it three out of three Regency fans.

Psychotic State
Willoughby’s Return works so well because, as she did with Lydia Bennet’s Story, Ms. Odiwe stayed faithful to the characters Jane Austen originally created and by doing so, Willoughby’s Return reads virtually as a Sense and Sensibility sequel written by Austen herself. I could not wish for a more fluid, yet entertaining, story, nor a more satisfying ending. I raced through the book as I was anxious to find out what would happen, while at the same time dreading for the story to end because I was enjoying myself so much. In my opinion, Ms. Odiwe surpassed herself with this effort and I enjoyed it even more so than I did Lydia Bennet’s Story.

Lydia Bennet's Story: A sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

The arrival of a whole regiment of militia is enough to set any young girl’s heart racing, but for Miss Lydia Bennet, the soldiers are the embodiment of all her dreams. She is determined to be an officer’s wife and married before any of her sisters!

Lydia’s dream of following the regiment to the fashionable resort of Brighton comes true; she is soon the darling of all the officers and tempted not only by a handsome royal dragoon, but drawn to the irresistible charms of one already well known to her. But the road to matrimony is fraught with difficulties and even when she is convinced that she has met the man of her dreams, she quickly discovers that her hero is not the man she believes him to be. Before long his reputation has her running back to Hertfordshire to be reunited with Bennets, Bingleys and Darcys, meeting once again for a grand ball at Netherfield Park. Will Lydia manage to resolve her problems to find happiness or will the shocking truth about her husband cause the greatest scandal of all?
From Hertfordshire to Brighton, Newcastle and Bath, we follow Lydia's adventures to a Regency world beyond Pride and Prejudice.