Tuesday 15 September 2020

Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller - Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

Blog Tour - Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller
Today I’m happy to be welcoming Kelly Miller back to Babblings of a Bookworm with the blog tour for her her latest book, Accusing Mr Darcy. Isn't that an exciting title?! Who is accusing Mr Darcy and why? Let’s look at the blurb, and then I will hand over to Kelly for an excerpt from the book. There's also an ebook giveaway accompanying the blog tour, details below!

Book Cover - Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller
Book Description

Could Fitzwilliam Darcy harbour a shocking, sinister secret?

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet count themselves among the many guests of the Kendall family, whose estate lies amidst the picturesque hills, gorges, and rocky slopes of the Peak District in Derbyshire. Elizabeth’s cousin Rose Kendall believes her dashing brother-in-law, Captain James Kendall, is Elizabeth’s ideal match. Rose’s husband, Nicholas, hopes his good friend Darcy—a rich, proud, and taciturn gentleman with a spotless reputation—will fancy one of the other eligible lady guests. 

News of a brutal killing at a neighbouring estate sends a wave of shock through the genial group of friends and family. When one of the Kendalls’ guests is attacked, all of the gentlemen become suspects, but the former Bow Street runner tasked with investigating the crime finds the evidence against Mr. Darcy particularly compelling.

In this romantic mystery, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice cross paths with a ruthless killer. When faced with dire warnings against Mr. Darcy, will Elizabeth heed them or follow the dictates of her heart?

Full Wrap Book Cover - Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller
Excerpt from Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller

This excerpt from Accusing Mr. Darcy is in Elizabeth Bennet’s point of view. Elizabeth is with her cousin Rose Kendall.

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Rose led her to a sofa for their first candid, private conversation since her arrival. “How was your walk with Miss Darcy? Is she not a sweet girl?”

“Oh yes. Miss Darcy is genteel and kind, the opposite of her brother.”

Rose opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated. She gave Elizabeth a studied gaze and expelled a rushed exhale. “Nicholas was upset when he learned that his close friend Mr. Darcy made you uncomfortable on our wedding day. Although it is not the first time the gentleman’s conduct caused offense, his aspect, though austere at times, conceals a kind, honourable soul.”

“If so, it is an effective disguise.”

“My husband discussed the matter with the gentleman upon his arrival here, and it appears a misunderstanding took place. Mr. Darcy observed you when you greeted Owen. With no knowledge of you or your character, Mr. Darcy jumped to the conclusion that you were forward with Owen because you had a romantic interest in him.”

Heat overspread her face. “Why would Mr. Darcy make such an assumption? Is it so hard to believe that a man and woman can be close friends without one or the other having a romantic interest?”

Rose rested a hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Lizzy, I dare say that Mr. Darcy was not the sole person to jump to that particular conclusion upon witnessing your greeting of Owen.” Rose’s eyebrows slanted in a trenchant stare.

Her chin jutted out. “Some people tend to assume the worst of others—in particular those they consider beneath them!”

“Now before you get into a miff, let me explain that I am not censuring you, but I should guess Mr. Darcy has never met a lady like you…other than me, of course. I believe the gentleman is accustomed to the company of ladies who attended one of those seminaries for young ladies so popular with the ton. You know the sort I mean: they seldom smile, never show enthusiasm for anything other than fashion or music, and never state their opinions on controversial topics.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “No doubt that is Mr. Darcy’s ideal lady: someone who is beautiful, passive, and reluctant to inflict her opinions on others.”

“That is not charitable and not at all true. I have had a few interesting discussions with Mr. Darcy since his arrival, and I respect the gentleman. He is intelligent, well-educated, and loves books of all kinds. You and he share many common interests like poetry, music, and history.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “I never said the gentleman was unintelligent. I suspect he is pleasant to you because you are married to his good friend.”

Rose’s visage took on a dark cast. “Lizzy, Mr. Darcy has suffered much loss in his life. His mother died when he was eleven. His father passed five years ago. Mr. Darcy has been raising his sister and managing his estate and his other properties since he was around two and twenty.”

With an audible sigh, Elizabeth leaned upon her elbow, which rested against the arm of the sofa. So Mr. and Miss Darcy had lost both of their parents. She was fortunate to still have her father. In addition, she had the love and support of Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, who had raised Jane and her for ten years following their mother’s tragic death after the birth of their stillborn sister. How could she lack sympathy for the gentleman’s situation?

“Nicholas considers Mr. Darcy as his closest friend. He believes Mr. Darcy and his sister spend too much time alone on their estate. Neither of them makes friends with ease. He hopes Mr. Darcy will find a match with one of our guests arriving tomorrow. I have invited my dear friends Miss Selina Oliver and Miss Barbara Lambert. I am sure you will be pleased to see them again.”

“Yes, I like them both.” Elizabeth had met Miss Oliver and Miss Lambert several times over the years on her summer visits to the Green family estate.

“I believe either of them would make a fine match for Mr. Darcy, but I suspect Nicholas’s secret hope is that one of his cousins, Susan or Rebecca Reeves, will suit him better.” Rose cocked her head, displaying a sly smile. “I imagine Nicholas would love to have his friend marry into the family.”

Elizabeth’s fingers toyed with a stray curl at the nape of her neck. “Tell me about your husband’s cousins.”

“Oh, you will like them. Miss Susan Reeves is nineteen years old, amiable, and garrulous. Miss Rebecca Reeves is eighteen and no less amiable but more thoughtful and quieter than her sister.”

“So other than the proud Mr. Darcy and the conceited viscount you mentioned in your letter, it sounds like an amiable group of people.”

Rose adopted a gentleness in her speech. “In regards to Mr. Darcy, it would please Nicholas and me if you could find a way to get along with him.”

“Well, I suppose…” After becoming so inured to her disdain for the man, Elizabeth had developed a strange resistance to relinquishing the sentiment. How annoying to be asked to alter her view of the gentleman now! She blew her breath out through her teeth. “It is possible I have been unfair to Mr. Darcy. I had believed he judged me harshly because I am the poor relation of his friend’s bride and thought the worst of me for that reason. I still classify him as among the proudest gentlemen of my acquaintance, but I suppose my actions might have been seen as improper to one who knew nothing of me and my long-standing friendship with Owen.” She rested her hand atop Rose’s. “I promise to be polite to Mr. Darcy. As for his sister, it will require no effort at all. Miss Darcy impressed me today as a warm, generous young lady, and I shall be pleased to know her better.”

“Thank you. I believe both Miss and Mr. Darcy would benefit from your friendship.”

Elizabeth’s lips twisted into a comical, pouting smile, eliciting a robust laugh from Rose.

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Author Kelly Miller
Author Bio

Kelly Miller is a native Californian and Anglophile, who made her first visit to England in 2019. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano (although like Elizabeth Bennet, she is errant when it comes to practicing), singing, and walking her dogs. Kelly Miller resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their many pets.

Accusing Mr. Darcy is her third novel published by Meryton Press. Her previous books are: Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic sequel with a touch of fantasy; and Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation.

Contact Info:

• Amazon Author Page • Goodreads Author Page • Facebook • Twitter • Blog • Instagram

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Book cover - Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller
Buy Links

Accusing Mr Darcy is available to buy now in Paperback, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. 

Amazon USAmazon UKAmazon CA • Add to Goodreads shelf


Giveaway Time!


Meryton Press is giving away 8 eBooks of Accusing Mr. Darcy. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter.

Note about comments: Unfortunately I’ve had some spam comments lately, so have turned on comment moderation, which means that your comment won’t appear straight away. If you have any problems adding your comment please  contact me and I will add your comment for you :)


Accusing Mr. Darcy Blog Tour Schedule

14 September Austenesque Reviews

15 September Babblings of a Bookworm

16 September Interests of a Jane Austen Girl

17 September From Pemberley to Milton

18 September Austenprose 

21 September Diary of an Eccentric

22 September Donadee’s Corner

23 September My Vices and Weaknesses

Blog Tour: Accusing Mr Darcy by Kelly Miller

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41 comments:

  1. I read and enjoyed this book. Thus, I recommend it also.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sheila! I appreciate you being one of the first to read it!

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    2. This is good praise, Sheila, because we have similar taste :)

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  2. So Elizabeth doesn't like Mr. Darcy at first, like in canon. This will make for a troublesome courtship for him, whenever he gets to it. In between, he gets accused of something by someone--and the blurb gives us a pretty good idea of what! No spoilers, but lots of questions. Thanks, Kelly and Ceri!

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    1. Thank you, Suzan. I hope the blurb and excerpts will create questions in the minds of potential readers! I appreciate your comment!

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    2. So glad you enjoyed the post, Suzan!

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  3. Love the idea of Mr. Darcy at the heart of a mystery like this. Can't wait to read it.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sophia Rose! I hope you do as I would love to know what you think, and I value your opinion!

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    2. It's a great premise isn't it!

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  4. Good morning, Ceri, and thank you so much for hosting me today!

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  5. Glad that she agreed to try to get along with him as it sounds like he's certainly going to need her in his corner.

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    1. Thank you, darcybennett! In this setting, D&E are given ample opportunity to get to know on another--one of the advantages to a house party!

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    2. I agree Darcybennett :)

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  6. Hello, Kelly. I am fan-girling over that cover. Man, that is amazing. I'm just following the blog tour looking at the excerpts and wishing you well on the success of this book. I hope you are not in a part of California suffering from the smoke of so many fires. Thanks to Ceri for hosting. Thanks to Meryton Press for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings everyone, take care, wear a mask, stay safe, and healthy.

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    1. Thank you so much, JW! I truly appreciate your support! You are kind to ask. I'm fortunate enough to only have bad air to contend with, but people are being evacuated in nearby areas; it's so very sad! Thank you for your blessings! Stay safe and well!

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    2. Thanks so much Jeanne! Hope you are well.

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  7. Thank you for hosting Kelly, Ceri. This excerpt sheds some light on the Darcy/Lizzy misunderstanding, doesn't it! :) Thanks, Kelly, for sharing it.

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    1. You're more than welcome, Janet. Thank you so much for your work in organizing my blog tour and for providing such an enticing cover!

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  8. I’m disappointed with Elizabeth’s stubborn opinions! I would have thought she’d be inclined to trust her friend’s reasons to be kind to Darcy? Still I’m confident her opinion will change over the course of the book? (Wink, wink)

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    1. Hi Glynis, this Elizabeth is pretty stubborn, but she is not unreasonable. :) This conversation takes place on the day of her arrival at Willow Ridge, so there is plenty of time for her to change her views. Thank you for your comment!

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    2. I reckon you are right Glynis!

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    1. Thank you for your comment, Nightstitcher! Owen is Rose's brother, and a close friend since childhood to Elizabeth.

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    2. I am always cautious about rivals for Elizabeth or Darcy's affections!

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  10. I am liking the character Rose alot!

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    1. Thank you, Bookluver88! Rose and Elizabeth have similar personalities. Elizabeth is a bit more stubborn and impertinent, I would say.

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    2. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt.

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  11. Thanks for the excerpt and giveaway. So many ladies to be on Darcy’s radar... intriguing plot especially with Mrs. Bennet not around. Looking forward to reading it.

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    1. Thank you very much, Dung! I'm glad you enjoyed this excerpt!

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    2. Hope you enjoy it when you read it, Dung.

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  12. Congratulations Kelly on you new book. Thank you for sharing an excerpt of the story. Looking forward to reading ODc interactions after this...

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    1. Thank you so much, Buturot! I appreciate your support and well wishes! I'm glad this excerpt left you wanting to know more!

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    2. Thanks Buturot. Glad you enjoyed.

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  13. Nice excerpt! I already read the book and really enjoyed it!

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    1. I appreciate that, rainforest! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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    2. So glad you enjoyed it.

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  14. Congratulations Kelly on publishing your book. I love the cover. It’s very intriguing. I enjoyed the excerpt from the book. So Darcy is a prime suspect!? Thanks for the chance in the giveaway.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Shelley! Yes, in this story Darcy is one of several gentlemen who become suspects in this story. Best of luck to you in the giveaway!

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  15. Thanks for scommenting, Sheeley.

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