I know some writers start off writing fan-fiction. I’ve done it. Casandra Claire did it and the 50 shades lady did it. Writing fan-fiction is not as shameful as it used to be. At least not to me and I’m in my late 30s. So, I was intrigued when I learned about a set of mysteries starting Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice fame and Sherlock Holmes of, well, Sherlock Holmes fame. With the first book being 99 pennies, I decided to jump down this rabbit hole.
Now as you can tell from the series title, these eight books are about Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet teaming up and solving mysteries. It’s a great fan-fiction pair. This is essentially what these books are – fan-fiction that Littlewood is getting paid to write. She’s living the dream. And with both characters and stories considered public domain, anyone could take these characters and make them do the chicken dance…or fight zombies.
I read them in order, starting with Death at Netherfield Park Ball. Now if you have read the first book and decided not to read the rest, I understand. It is a 3-star book. With the story keeping with the Pride and Prejudice plot, it was a tad awkward. It took a while for me to adjust to the language (I questioned its authenticity) and putting both characters in the same decade was a bit difficult for my brain to grasp…at first. Bennet existed in the early 1800s and Holmes in the late 1800s. Having read both of the original text, I noticed the struggle of marrying the two stories.
The first book ended and I realized it was short. It doesn’t end where Pride and Prejudice ends. And I thought, you know, I need to read the next one. I wanted to see where she takes these two characters. I am so glad I stuck with it. The next seven books had a nice flow and the author kept true to the characters’ character. Characters’ personality? Characters’ nature? Anyway, I’m sure there are those that disagree on this aspect, but I think Littlewood did a good job of keeping the characters consistent with the personalities portrayed in the original texts.
The next books followed a Holmes-style mystery plot with the subplot being filled out with Bennet’s home life and interactions between our two heroes. Littlewood takes some from the original Holmes mysteries and brings a little something more to the stories. My concerns with the authenticity of the language and setting disappeared as I sunk into the stories.
I loved reading the interaction between Holmes and Bennet. Bennet was always a strong female figure and I loved seeing that translate into her solving cases. Holmes never quite softened, but the chemistry between the two formed a delightful friendship.
Sexy Romance Rating:
There is none. This is absolutely not a romance. If you are looking for some Bennet/Holmes lovin’, you will not find it here. 0 out of 5 stars.
Overall Rating:
Each book is short so I’m rating them as a whole. They are all fun and easy to read. The plots are all mystery driven with subplots giving you a taste of the Pride and Prejudice life. The pair of Sherlock Holmes and Elizabeth Bennet working together is entertaining. The friendship between the two and how they navigate each other’s worlds is enlightening. I would like to read more, but don’t expect a ninth book. I give this series a solid 4 out of 5 star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Link to the first in the series – Death at Netherfield Park Ball
Amelia Littlewood’s Amazon page
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This has been another edition of Lucy’s Book Reviews.
