Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The Darcy Secret provides a unique expansion on the Pride and Prejudice canon. The engaging storyline finds the Darcy family struggling with dark secrets that could interfere with Fitzwilliam's marriage to Elizabeth Bennet. Miller delivers plenty of twists, making this a delight for Jane Austen fans.
Prose: Miller masters the historical prose and setting of the Regency era, and the story maintains a natural rhythm throughout. The abundant dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth is refreshing, and Miller adds a taste of spice to the plot for contemporary readers.
Originality: This is a fresh elaboration on Pride and Prejudice, and Miller capably embellishes the well-known characters.
Character/Execution: Miller's writing teems with heart, mystery, and intrigue—and will please both established Jane Austen fans as well as readers new to the genre. The central couple's strength is heartwarming, and the novel avoids trivial drama to create tension, allowing the couple to work together to tackle their challenges.
Date Submitted: May 07, 2023
This is the first of Kelly’s work I’ve read and it makes me realise how much fun can be had by taking a beloved classic like Pride and Prejudice and giving it a new twist – I wish I’d thought of it!
We begin with some backstory about the dreaded ‘Darcy Secret’. George Darcy (Fitzwilliam’s father) is dying and decides not to tell his son and daughter (Georgiana) about the family secret, instead entrusting it to a confidante and asking it be disclosed at the right time.
Fast forward six years and Fitzwilliam pops the question (yes, we see it!) and Elizabeth says yes (or, more exactingly, ‘I thank you for your offer, and I am happy to accept it.’ – lovely!). Darcy heads to London to tell his family the news and although it’s well-received, he’s finally told the disturbing family secret and it knocks him sideways. It poses so many worrying questions - will the secret medical condition be hereditary? How will this impact Elizabeth? Will she call-off the engagement? And what about children…?
It’s not a surprise that he doesn’t handle the news well but (SPOILER ALERT) Elizabeth is strong and the marriage goes ahead, but this isn’t where our tale ends. Kelly has more interesting storylines up her sleeve, but I’m not going to spoil it by revealing any more, even though I want to!
It’s faster-paced than I was expecting and told through several first-person viewpoints. The use of language, particularly dialogue, sounded very authentic to me - not that I was around then you understand, but I am English and can’t begin to imagine how anyone, let alone a non-UK native, can achieve such a feat!
It’s a suspenseful romantic novel, with a mystery to be solved and problems to be overcome, all wrapped up in a period drama that seems very well researched. It’s a great concept, well delivered, and it took me to places I wasn’t expecting which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you like Jane Austen or similar authors, then pick up a copy of ‘The Darcy Secret’. It’s one I’ll certainly remember.
"The Darcy Secret" is now an audiobook with narration by the talented Scott Fleming!
Audible review quotes:
"Miller has done it again with The Darcy Secret, the latest in her pride and prejudice, variations, and this time it’s sexier and more thrilling than ever."
"Always well written and edited, this variation has all the makings of another intriguing read from Kelly Miller, whose books never disappoint."
"Scott Fleming is a great narrator. The well-crafted novel gives him a solid foundation for his talents and his ability to bend pitch and inflection provides a wide range of easily discernable characters and makes the audiobook easy to follow, even when navigating I-95 traffic!"
