Anonymous Murders

A Variation on Pride and Prejudice

By: Martin Hunnicutt

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

At six-and-ten years, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself trapped at home in the autumn of 1801 because a gentleman begins to court her older sister Jane, and Mrs. Bennet insists that her next eldest daughter remain in the parlour as a chaperone. Eventually begging her father for relief, Mr. Bennet directs Elizabeth to turn her hand to writing a story to pass the days during the winter while Jane’s suitor sits with her. The suitor eventually loses interest, but Lizzy’s writing grows into an interesting novel that Mr. Bennet’s publisher in London purchases to print and sell. Over the next four years, Elizabeth continues to write one novel that involves a murder each winter.
Unfortunately, the setting of two of Elizabeth’s novels is the town where her aunt grew up in Derbyshire. The success of the novel brings unwanted attention to the great house nearby. The master of this house, Fitzwilliam Darcy, is displeased for visitors to ask to view the parlour where ‘the murder’ occurred. After the second novel set in Derbyshire is published, Mr. Darcy visits the publisher about contacting the author, but the man refuses to disclose the information.
On his own, he decides that the author lives in Hertfordshire, the setting of two other novels, and visits with his friend Charles Bingley, who has taken an estate there for a time. Darcy is determined to discover the incorrigible author and prevent the man from writing another novel set in Derbyshire. Shortly after arriving, Mr. Darcy is convinced that Mr. Thomas Bennet is the elusive author and tries to find out more information by talking with the man’s daughter, Elizabeth.

very wity story!

I had a smile on my face all the time while listening! Funny, witty, smart! But I didn't like rushed end, and Lidia way in the story, I had filing that only hers caracter didn't have clamency. Totally didn't mind VV, I actually prefer it!

Creative and fun P&P variation

I love stories where Elizabeth Bennet is an author. She keeps her secret well. It was fun to see the whole country enjoying her novels together. I also like variations where the Bennet parents are less foolish and more loving towards their daughters. A far cry from the original but I think Austen might have smiled to see people learning lessons from Elizabeth’s novels.

Delightful Story

Believable characters participate in a fresh, delightful plot. The manners of the period are accurately portrayed. The virtual voice is annoying, as usual. It enunciates many words incorrectly and pauses in the wrong places.

Cute story

It was an interesting and innovative story with likable characters. A somewhat stilted writing style detracted a little and was emphasized by the virtual voice. More interesting start than finish, but enjoyable overall.