This is a delightful story about Miss Caroline Bingley as you have never imagined her to be. Set two years after the events of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Miss Bingley is staying at her brother’s estate and is, frankly, bored.
Enter Georgiana Darcy, whose maid, Jayani, has gone missing. Miss Bingley seizes the opportunity to whisk them both to London to follow Jayani’s trail and bring her back to Pemberley. Feeling more alive than she has in years, Miss Bingley realises her powers of curiosity and investigation, along with the benefits of her privileged life, allow her to pursue her enquiries. Soon she and Miss Darcy are exposed to murder and a view of society that shocks them both.
I loved this reinvention of Miss Bingley. She is an accomplished, independent woman (with a large fortune) and enjoys solving puzzles. I felt for Miss Darcy, though, as she was constantly astounded by her changed environment. As a young and pampered woman, she was totally unprepared for what she experienced. But that was half the fun of this rollicking story.
If you need an escapist adventure story set in Regency times, Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective may satisfy that need. Even if you don’t, read it anyway just because it’s fun.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel.