Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

by: Amanda Grange

Published by: Sourcebooks

Reviewed by Patty Inglish

Like a much-awaited fanzine blooming between sci-fi films, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre delights lovers of Jane Austen that are looking for more. Austen appreciation has given rise to a wide variety of pastiche novels, including the detective mystery and the romance. This one is a gothic romance in Regency England, adding to the author’s Mr. Darcy’s Diary and others.

Vampyre picks up superbly where Pride and Prejudice left off. It is the morning of Elizabeth Bennet’s and Mr. Darcy’s wedding. Gossip and advice flow between the Bennet sisters, while the preparations, the wedding, and the following luncheon go well in the English sunshine. By nightfall, things take a turn for the interesting–darker, richer, full of apprehension and anticipation. Day by day, life becomes a little more frightening and darkly delicious.

Jane Austen is from an era when gothic tales hit their stride and Vampyre fits right in. The gothic helps to relate the horrors and prejudices of the Napoleonic War: the Continent is always “dangerous.” Mr. and Mrs. Darcy journey to that dangerous France on their wedding trip. The French relatives are generally reserved toward Elizabeth, when they are not downright rude and odd. Darcy never visits Lizzy’s bedroom, either, and he’s too quiet and moody. The French Darcys wear strange, flimsy clothing–or is it simply French?

Vampyre is laced with questions and suspense, all woven with humor. It describes family members on both sides of the Bennet-Darcy union, highlighting intriguing relationships and quirky foibles. The close relationship of the Bennett sisters detailed through letters is particularly well done, as is the Darcy history.

Character development is substantial, although some vampire lovers would enjoy more violence and blood. Amanda Grange provides fresh twists to reinvigorate this genre, and this is no story of the undead leaving coffins by night to seduce unsuspecting youth, only to die by splintery stake and sunburn. Some will miss Bela Lugosi and Frank Langella as Dracula, but Mr. Darcy makes an inordinately attractive vampire himself.

Readers that enjoy Jane Austen, Twilight and the Southern Vampire Mysteries are bound to enjoy this book.

Armchair Interviews agrees this is a good historical romance.

Author’s Web site: http://AmandaGrange.com