Delightfully, devilishly and cheekily fun, while managing to remain faithful to the characters and tone of Austen.

I love reading Austen-esque sequels, prequels, biographies and fan's efforts at furthering my favourite writer's stories. This may be my favourite.

I wasn't expecting to be so delighted and to find myself laughing aloud at the wicked antics of the characters I've known since the age of 15, seeing them in ways I'd never pictured.

And occasionally it got even a little bit erotic-feeling and rather warm under the starched collar as well. In a proper manner, of course.

Eleven chapters to delve into and fans like me will revel in these - they are cleverly connected as well which is apparent the further you go. The author and clear fan of the writer has used the text of Pride and Prejudice and the basis of each character to concoct a possible 'crime' story related to each one that is realistic to their own personality as well as the era and setting.

I almost screamed at Mr Collins in Mary's chapter, as he becomes enflamed by her playing of Toccata and Fugue. I felt the righteous anger of Lizzy as she fights for the rights of her fellow females to enter a college as a student. Mr Bennet's chapter involving pug dogs and some drinkable unmentionables was wonderfully apt (and justified!). Mrs Bennet eyeing up the treasures of Pemberley on a visit was fun. And Lydia, well - perfectly suited to her nature is the thought of her dressing as a man and considering a shady life on the highways.

The writer here gives us her own thoughts on some episodes from the source novel, which I don't want to mention and spoil, but they did make me think "ahhh, that MIGHT have happened!", and I like the way the book plays with time and some stories take place before the novel and most after.

Hilariously, Fanny Hill plays a role in multiple chapters, and characters occur regularly as well (Mrs Younge, Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam), with some backstory given to them that makes perfect sense when measured up to P&P.

I was distraught at finishing as I could have read more on each of the characters and wanted, greedily, so much more. I loved that whole chunks of text are re-used here that were recognisable. I loved seeing characters who maybe were less than likeable once upon a time be given a more humane appearance.

There were some 'happy endings' for some characters, lots of winks and nudges for fans that we will all love - our shared knowledge of Austen here paying us back in spades.

Oh, it was great! I'd read this again as a regular treat to myself. If you're a fan of Jane Austen, this really is the perfect book for you.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

This was such a fun concept for a collection of stories in the Pride and Prejudice world. It had that element that I was looking for and each story had that element that I wanted. I never felt like I wasn't in the world of Pride and Prejudice, it worked well overall and enjoyed the crime element.

I liked that this book was composed of 12 shorter stories, it made it more interesting to read with different characters and plots. I have thought about delving into some Jane Austen, but never committed to it because they tend to be a little to long for my liking.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
4 of 5
Recommend to Jane Austen fans who like what-ifs.
I love Austen, and am among many fans who enjoy reading the odd 'spin off' or 'what if' involving her characters. P&P does seem to be the fav book for this kind of 'fanfic'.
That being said, if you are one of us, you should enjoy this collection of short stories that imagine other interests for the most famous P&P characters. The voices of the characters are a bit uneven, but the writing is clever and it's a quick read - would be great to take along on a holiday plane/train/automobile trip. It was fun to see the author giving so many 'minor' characters their own voices and stories.
I appreciated that the ebook I received for review was nicely formatted and had easy to adjust reading settings (font size, etc.)
Caveats: If you've never read Pride and Prejudice, this book will make no sense to you. Mild suggestions of sexual situations.

Posted to Goodreads: 11/11/2024

This book was absolutely hilarious, and if you are a fan of Jane Austen's characters, this is definitely something you should read. The book reads like a series of confession letters, and Miller did an excellent job of sticking to the already established personalities and tendencies of Austen's characters. The scandal and ignorance of some of the characters truly had me laughing out loud, and by the end of the book I still wanted more. I was able to read a copy of this book through NetGalley, and I hope other readers find it as enjoyable and hilarious as I did.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!

This was such a good book. I absolutely enjoyed it and look forward to reading other books by this author in the future. Great writing and wonderful storyline.

Crime and Prejudice
by Julia L. Miller

In the shadowy corridors of societal expectations and individual morality, "Crime and Prejudice" delves into the intricate dance between justice and personal biases. The narrative unfolds in a bustling urban landscape, where the protagonist, Eliza Hart, navigates the complexities of her role as a public defender. Eliza s commitment to justice is constantly tested by the prejudices that seep into the judicial process, influencing the decisions of jurors and the perceptions of the public.

Eliza s latest case involves a young man, Jamal, accused of a crime he insists he did not commit. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Eliza uncovers not only the facts of the case but also the systemic inequalities that mar the legal system. The prejudices surrounding race, class, and gender are not just background noise; they shape the very fabric of the courtroom drama.

Miller s prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Eliza s internal struggles as she battles her own biases while striving to defend her client. The tension escalates as Eliza confronts the harsh realities of a system that often prioritizes perception over truth. Each character, from the hardened judge to the zealous prosecutor, embodies various facets of the societal prejudices that influence their actions.

Ultimately, "Crime and Prejudice" is a poignant exploration of morality, empathy, and the quest for justice in a flawed world. It challenges readers to reflect on their own biases and the impact of these prejudices on those caught in the web of legal entanglements. In a society where crime often intersects with deep-seated stereotypes, Eliza s journey becomes a powerful commentary on the need for compassion and understanding in the pursuit of justice.

If you’re a Jane Austen fan, this book is an absolute treat! Presented as a series of confession letters, it perfectly captures the wit, charm, and eccentricities of Austen’s characters. The humor is both clever and uproarious, with the characters’ scandals and misunderstandings making for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Miller does an excellent job of staying true to Austen’s world while adding a fresh, comedic twist. I found myself hooked from start to finish, and by the end, I was hoping for more. A delightful read that will leave you smiling!

I was so apprehensive about reading this because Pride And Prejudice variations are a hit or miss for me. And I honestly did not enjoy the first chapter. But as I kept on reading, and started to appreciate how clever and hilarious these stories are; they took the subtly described characteristics of Jane Austen’s timeless characters and spins criminally delightful, and often shocking tales around them… I mean Mary Bennett; I was clutching the pearls! And Mr. Collins’ chapter had me in stitches.
I highly recommend this book and would read what Julia L. Miller puts out in the future.

A well done and highly entertaining anthology of short stories that made me travel to Austen world and meet her characters in humorous or new moments.
Well written, a lot of fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Crime and Prejudice by Julia L. Miller gives us a glimpse into the real world behind Jane Austens stories.
It's a very easy read that deepened my forgotten appreciation for Jane Austen.
It gave me a whole new twist on the story I read in my teens and had long left on a shelf collecting dust.
Seeing characters that are familiar but in different situations was really something special.
I look forward to seeing what Julia writes next and if she will possibly make this into a series of reimagined/behind the scenes classics.

I know this book is obviously going to draw in Austen fans, but I believe this book would be great for fans of many other genres.
If you are a fan of history, crime or culture this book would also be great for you!


Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and Julia L. Miller for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

Okay, so imagine Pride and Prejudice meets crime drama—and not the "gentle misunderstandings" kind of crime. We’re talking arson, poisoning, highway robbery, and even a riot stirred up by Elizabeth Darcy herself. 🤯 Julia L. Miller really went, “What if Austen, but make it spicy?” And honestly, I’m here for it.

The book is a collection of 12 short stories, each diving into the not-so-proper lives of Austen’s beloved characters. Mr. Bennet as a poisoner? Caroline Bingley finding forbidden love? Mr. Darcy and that famous wet shirt moment... but make it criminal? It's chaotic, cheeky, and a little subversive while still feeling true to Austen’s vibe.

What I loved most: these stories feel like a wink to Austen fans. They don’t just stay faithful to her sharp wit—they run wild with it. The characters are flawed (aren’t we all?), and seeing them navigate crime alongside societal pressures of Regency England is just chef’s kiss. Plus, the sly commentary on women’s limitations of the time? Perfect. 👏

Why not 5 stars, you ask? A few stories felt a little rushed, but hey, short stories sometimes do that. It’s a small gripe in a book that made me laugh, gasp, and occasionally say, “Oh no, she didn’t!” Spoiler: she did. 😏

If you’re a Jane Austen fan—or just someone who loves their classics shaken up with a little chaos—Crime and Prejudice will not disappoint. Go ahead, let Elizabeth Darcy and the gang pull you into their criminally good adventures.

⭐Book Review: Crime and Prejudice by Julia L. Miller⭐

Thank you NetGalley and Julia L. Miller for this ARC!

Julia L. Miller’s Crime and Prejudice is a delightful collection of quirky, loosely connected short stories that reimagine the world of Pride and Prejudice. Fans of Jane Austen will find themselves in an alternate reality where their favourite characters act scandalously! Each story feels like a playful confession letter, allowing minor characters to shine while exploring fresh “what-if” scenarios.

Miller skillfully captures many of Austen’s original personalities and tendencies, though some voices feel uneven across stories or diverge from canon. That said, the writing is clever, often laugh-out-loud funny, and the scandals and absurdities are thoroughly entertaining.

Some stories had me cringing, while others left me laughing out loud!I’d recommend this book to Jane Austen fans who love “what-if” spinoffs, particularly those who enjoy seeing lesser-known characters step into the spotlight. With its mix of humour, scandal, and clever reinterpretations, Crime and Prejudice is a solid 4-star read. I was able to read a copy through NetGalley and hope others find it as hilariously entertaining as I did!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed this travel into the Jane Austen's world and meeting her characters in humorous or new moments. This antology of short stories is well written. I had a lot of fun reading it.