A trip to London promises to be exciting as Lizzy tries to help Jane find a way to meet with Mr. Bingley. Her own experience is enlivened by meeting Lord Aumley, a handsome young viscount thrust into the world of Society unexpectedly. She wants to like Lord Aumley as more than a friend, but when she sees Darcy again, she accepts she cares more about the prideful man than she should. Her heart seems set on him, though her mind is still resisting the idea.

While making it clear to the young viscount she has no interest beyond friendship, a homicide crosses her path, followed by another soon after. When Darcy notices the victims bear an uncanny resemblance to Lizzy, he swears to protect her - even if it means keeping her under lock and key. Lizzy isn’t certain she’s even at risk, but she wants to find the murderer in their midst while perhaps seeing unexpected changes in Darcy that lead her to contemplate his previous proposal with renewed attention.

This is part four of the Crime & Courtship series, which will be five books, intended to be listened to in order, and follow roughly the same timeline and location as J. A.’s masterpiece. The first mystery takes place in Meryton. The next will be at Netherfield, followed by Hunsford, then London, and finally Pemberley. The story arc will continue throughout all five parts, comprising one long listen broken into five sections. A mystery is central to each installment, so you could call this a cozy mystery sweet Regency romance.

While Abbey sometimes writes sensual JAFF, this series is strictly sweet.