The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy's Mirror

By: L.L. Diamond

Narrated by: Joanna Lee

Ellie Gardiner has landed her dream job restoring art at the mysterious estate of Pemberley. Once a majestic home in the Derbyshire peaks, the long-abandoned property is in desperate need of help with a crumbling east wing, overgrown gardens, and a house full of possessions belonging to the once wealthy Darcy family. The most bizarre bit, however, is an enormous mirror in the once great ballroom. How does an almost 250-year-old mirror have not one speck of dust nor any sign of age? And why does it not show her reflection? Instead, some unknown lady stares back at her—a lady with a teasing smile wearing an empire-waisted dress that one might see in a period drama.

Do not even get her started on Fitzwilliam Darcy, the reclusive early 19th-century gentleman whose painting she is restoring. He was the last successful master of Pemberley and also another puzzle to solve. Why would a man of sense and education hide himself away from the world? More importantly, why is she so obsessed with a man who has long since been dead?

After a couple of glasses of wine on a rainy evening, Ellie throws caution to the wind and presses her hand against her reflection, only to wake up in a time and place that is definitely not her own. Who is Elizabeth Bennet, and why does everyone keep calling her that? When she happens upon Fitzwilliam Darcy, the very man from the portrait, he comes to her aid, but what she truly needs is to return to her own time.

Will she simply wake up one morning and resume her life at the Pemberley of the future? Must she travel to Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Pemberley and touch the same mirror as the one that transported her here? If she is to attempt the latter, she will need to trust Fitzwilliam with the truth, but if she does, will he even believe such an outlandish story? Blimey, what if she remains stuck in the 19th century forever?

©2022 L.L. Diamond (P)2022 L.L. Diamond

Wonderful recency/modern mix

I first read this story when the book dropped. As soon as I saw it went to Audible... YES! A fabulous tale of time travel with a lovely conclusion. A modem and regency mash up which flows beautifully and with some great humor. LL Diamond has done it again!

A Disappointment

Everything else I have ever read or Audible I have listened to by L. L. Diamond has been thoroughly enjoyed. This was not. Unfortunately the narrator is one of the worst I have ever listened to.Her voice characterizations, particularly Mrs. Bennett were painful to hear! I prodded through to the end for the sake of the story hoping it would get better, but it did not. I did not object to the time travel theme, but the last few chapters really had me scratch my head....what was Ms. Diamond thinking of when she wrote this? I will never listen to the audible again and I have my doubts about reading the story too.

Couldn’t put it down!!!

Amazing story! It felt very original, although time travel stories have been done before, I have never found a Pride and Prejudice variation. If you love Darcy & Elizabeth as much as I do, you won’t want to miss this book!

Mr. Darcy’s Mirror

I was so delighted to see this book in audio format. I loved the Kindle version from the start. A P&P variation that begins by taking the reader down a winding lane in a new direction from canon will always garner my attention. This book’s fantasy element did exactly that, while keeping me wondering where Darcy and Ellie would find their HEA destination. Epilogue is charming, too.

My favorite!!!

I loved this book. What a winner! It was different from all of the others and so romantic. I loved Mr Darcy and E. Bennet they were involved in a bit of magic and of course love.

One of The Best Versions of P & P

I absolutely loved this story. Ellie Gardner is a modern 21st century art restorer thrilled to be working at Pemberley. Suddenly she touches a mirror and is transported through time to the Pemberley of 1811. Her journey is the most unique way to have Elizabeth and Darcy meet. She has no idea how this happened. She looks like Lizzy but knows she is Ellie. Upon seeing Darcy there is an immediate connection. The story keeps the reader wondering if Ellie/Lizzy will ever return to 2022. Darcy is in love with her and she with him. How can this be? Should she tell him? Where is the real Lizzy? From beginning to end this story keeps your interest and keeps you guessing. Very well written and very well narrated. Don't miss listening or reading.

Ending not great

The ending was a let down compared to the fun story. A lot more could have been explained.

What a book!

I don't normally enjoy P&P variations dealing with the present, but this was great. I hadn't dealt with this narrator before, so I was apprehensive at first; however, she does quite a good job. I think I just needed to get used to her voice. Her voice is Mrs. Bennet was cringe worthy, which is perfect. This book only came out today in Audible and I've already finished it. Yes, read this book.

Good story

Story line was different from other time travel stories. Light hearted and easy to listen to.

Well written modern/period piece mix time travel

I’ll read anything this author will write and I loved this story so much. I was thrilled when I found out that there was an audiobook.

Time travel can be so tricky to write correctly. But what is ‘correctly?’ If you buy into the premise and experience a great trip with the characters then it’s the best thing ever.

I loved the character of Ellie Gardiner in this story. I loved the art world she inhabited. I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved Mr Bennet here too. Oh my. He knew something was off with his daughter, who insisted on being called Ellie and not Lizzy. Was he in for a surprise. I really felt for him when he was worrying about what happened to his daughter and yet was loving her counterpart Ellie too. Darcy is totally swoon worthy in this one.

The story is satisfyingly complex yet when it looks like the unthinkable is going to happen the author very cleverly turns the tables on us and we’re temporarily in a happier situation that will necessarily twist the story again. I can’t say too much more or spoil it. The epilogue was brilliant. Gasp. Heart in my throat I’m yelling ‘NO!’ Ahhhhhh.

Highly recommended.