P.D. James pens Pride and Prejudice sequel

Jane Austen's beloved couple Elizabeth and Mr. (Fitzwilliam) Darcy will tackle a murder-mystery in a forthcoming follow-up to her Pride and Prejudice, penned by celebrated crime writer P.D. James.

Set for release Nov. 3, Death Comes to Pemberley begins six years after the conclusion of Austen's classic novel. During a ball at the Darcy home, Elizabeth's sister Lydia comes hurtling in.

"She's screaming that [George Wickham, her husband] has been killed," James told the Associated Press from her London home on Wednesday.

"An expedition is mounted to see what happened. We follow everyone through the investigation. It's a very serious detective story."

James has been working on the project for two years, though she said the idea first arose earlier.

For the 91-year-old crime novelist, best known for her series following British police investigator Adam Dalgliesh, Death Comes to Pemberley combines two personal passions.

"I have to apologize to Jane Austen for involving her beloved Elizabeth in a murder investigation, but this fusion of my two enthusiasms — for the novels of Jane Austen and for writing detective stories — has given me great pleasure which I hope will be shared by my readers," James said in a recent statement.