The twelve stories in Crime and Prejudice imagine a deliciously seamy underside to Jane Austen's world. Arson, highway robbery, petty crime, and murder mingle with fox-hunting, bawdy-houses, gaming-tables, and transportation to Australia in these tales recounted to Elizabeth Darcy by her friends and family.
Discover why Mr. Bennet became a pug owner and a poisoner; how Elizabeth Darcy started a riot while agitating for women's enrolment at Cambridge; where Caroline Bingley found forbidden love; and, of course, when Mr. Darcy actually came by his wet shirt.
Praise for Crime and Prejudice:
"Delightful!” — Stephanie Barron, author of the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series
"Bingley would approve!” — Crispin Bonham-Carter, Mr Bingley in the BBC 1995 series of Pride and Prejudice
"Wickedly funny in a way Jane Austen would enjoy . . ." — Dr Gillian Dooley, author of She Played and Sang: Jane Austen and Music
"A refined sense of mischief and a complete mastery of Austen-esque style and tropes." — Martin Langfield, bestselling author of The Malice Box
"Capital!" — Professor Paul Baker, author of Fabulosa! The Story of Polari, Britain's Secret Gay Language
Shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Prize, 2025
Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards audiobook category, February 2025
’Twas the week before Christmas ...
Being stranded on a tropical island isn’t Anna’s idea of Christmas. There’s no family and no snow, and she’s desperate to get home to her son in Toronto. So maybe a holiday romance with an Australian sailor will provide a diversion. He’s a bit laidback, and his background’s the opposite of hers, but he’s warm and funny, and she’s got no ties – especially now she’s decided to divorce her scheming husband.
Guy’s boat’s been wrecked in a storm. Now he’s stuck on Christmas Island with this uptight academic woman who can’t wait to leave. She’s welcome to go. There’s no way he’d get on a plane. But she needs help, and his links to a children’s charity might just provide the answer. And hey – maybe she isn’t as stuffy as he thought.
A lot can happen in a week.
Who needs a white Christmas?
Anna wants to go back to Christmas Island – but not yet. She’s got work to sort out, her son’s schooling to arrange, and the wonders of snowy Toronto to show her new lover. Pity it’s taking so long to organise everything, but he’ll wait, won’t he?
Guy wants to go back to Christmas Island – now. He’s got a new boat to buy, old friends to revisit, and an aversion to wintry weather. Why can’t Anna get a move on? He’s waited long enough. And now an old flame wants to rekindle the fire.
It’s more than the snow that’s starting to drift.
The best laid plans …
Anna’s looking forward to a Christmas wedding on the island. Before that, she has to return to Toronto on business. Still, that will only take a fortnight – a month – two months – a last-minute trip to Sweden. At least she’s found a dress. And Guy’s taking care of the wedding plans while she’s away, isn’t he?
Guy’s never made a list in his life. The wedding will be fine. It’s two months away – a month – a fortnight. He hasn’t even bought a suit yet. Help!
Even the best laid plans can fall through. But what really matters? Is it the clothes and the flowers, or is it Anna and Guy’s chance to celebrate their love with their closest friends?