Review Detail

Manslaughter Park was a smooth read from beginning to end. Fanny Price witnesses her uncle’s fall down the stairs and realizes his death is not just a horrible accident. She enlists her reluctant cousin Edmund to her aid in figuring out which of her relatives is a murderer.
There are so many mysteries to uncover at Mansfield Park from blackmail, art forgery, and now murder to keep Fanny and the reader busy trying to uncover the full extent of the families’ betrayals. Fanny’s character presence is much smaller than in Price’s other books. However, this meek and emotionally neglected character emerges into her own person to uncover the truth and face the consequences.
Price explores same sex relationships during this period with Fanny’s new friend, Mary. While Fanny can’t openly acknowledge the relationship for fear of being sent to an asylum for her “disturbed” feelings we still get to see sweet glimpses into their emerging feelings for each other. The book also paints a good view of the financial vulnerability women face during this time.
Lizzie Bennett and Mr. Darcy appear throughout the story to support Fanny and give her the support needed to see justice for her uncle. I like the tie in of their characters but do wish they could have been a larger part of the story.
Overall, this was another satisfying Jane Austen Murder Mystery revamp of the original story worth the read.