Pemberley and Beyond is a podcast for those who love Austen, Gaskell, and the many lovingly written fan fictions they’ve unintentionally unleashed upon the world. Standing on the shoulders of literary giants and all that...
I’m Cat, your host: long-time JAFF reader, inveterate caffeine addict, and general literary meddler. Each episode, I’ll chat through a different JAFF or GIN (that’s Gaskell-Inspired Novel, not the beverage, though you’re welcome to bring your opinions on both), prod at some of its tropes, and suggest a companion read from beyond the ballroom (aka the JAFF and GIN-iverse).
This episode we return to the world of Georgiana Darcy-inspired JAFF as Cat discusses Erin Edwards' first Young Adult Pride and Prejudice continuation: The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy.
As well as getting excited about the emotional depth of this novel, Cat muses on Mariah Rigg's mentor's quote, "you write to the places you are not,"
and how recent blanket bans in English school libraries are stopping school children from exploring where they are in life.
With thanks to one of my listeners for recommending The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy.
You were right, it was thoroughly excellent!
(https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/03/school-book-banning-escalates-in-the-uk-as-greater-manchester-secondary-school-censors-scores-of-books/)
24 May 2026
The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley - Lindz McLeod
When I heard that Lindz McLeod had released the second novel in her sapphic Jane Austen continuation series, Austentatious, you best believe that I hurried to get my mitts on a copy.
In this episode of Pemberley and Beyond, we dive into a spicy continuation of Pride and Prejudice: The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley .
Horrified by the marriage of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, Caroline Bingley has always believed herself above everyone else. But when Darcy tells her she’s far too awful to ever be loved, Caroline is shaken to her core.
Determined to prove him wrong, Caroline begs her closest friend- or rather the closest person she has to a friend, Georgiana Darcy, to help her transform fast and find a husband as soon as possible! Little does she know that some major transformations are around the corner...Join me as we unpack tropes in this steamy continuation of Pride and Prejudice which takes us into the mind of Caroline Bingley, one of Austen’s most unlikable characters.
With many thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for my free eARC of this novel.
24 Apr 2026
Introducing Mrs Collins by Rachel Parris
When I discovered that Rachel Parris (of Austentatious) had written a novel centred on the ever-practical Charlotte Collins, I couldn’t wait to read it.
This episode of Pemberley and Beyond dives into a delightful reimagining of that Austen fans won’t want to miss. Introducing Mrs Collins offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on one of Austen’s most infamously unromantic characters. Known for her sensible outlook, Charlotte’s carefully ordered life at Hunsford Parsonage is suddenly thrown into disarray when a charming and unexpected gentleman visits Rosings Park.
Join me as we unpack the three main tropes in this clever continuation of Pride and Prejudice and muse on the romantic potential of Mr Collins.
18 Mar 2026
The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub
In this episode, we are delving into The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch by Melinda Taub.
Published in 2023, this epistolary novel picks up where every scene ends in Pride and Prejudice, à la Rosencratz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Weaving together tropes galore with wit and witchcraft, this is an exciting new voice within the Jane Austen Inspired literary world!
10 Jan 2026
Emma of 83rd Street - Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding
As regular readers/listeners of Pemberley & Beyond will know, my last experience of stepping outside my comfort zone of Pride & Prejudice retellings ended in disaster. Nonetheless, I fell head over heels for the beautiful cover of Emma of 83rd Street when I saw it in my local library. I know that there’s that old chestnut about not judging books by their cover, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for a fun cover!
When I beheld it, I thought to myself… could this book break the curse of terrible non-Pride and Prejudice retellings?
1 Nov 2025
Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years - Anthology
Join Cat on Pemberley and Beyond for a special bite-size episode celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary through the anthology Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years. This captivating collection of essays, short stories, poetry, and art showcases how Austen’s wit, wisdom, and social insight continue to inspire readers, writers, and artists around the world.
In this episode, Cat explores standout pieces from the anthology, from Tallulah Riley’s modern reimagining of Charlotte Collins in Charlotte to Jen Francis’s essay Austen’s Onscreen Evaluation, which examines the evolution of Austen’s adaptations from BBC period dramas to potential TikTok musicals.
Acknowledgement:
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free copy of Encounters With Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years through NetGalley.
13 Oct 2025
The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet - Melinda Taub
**You listened and spoke! I listened and re-recorded!
Re-uploaded with better quality audio**
What if Mary Bennet had turned her intellect to science… and the reanimation of the dead? In this Halloween-inspired episode, Cat reviews Melinda Taub’s recently published The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet. A witty, gothic, and gloriously queer reimagining of Pride and Prejudice.
Expect thoughtful discussion as we explore Mary’s transformation from overlooked sister to determined scientist, the moral quandaries of creation, and the quiet ache of forbidden love.
Plus, in Hocus Tropus, Cat pairs this tale with Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson: another story where knowledge, danger, and desire intertwine.
For those who love Jane Austen with a twist, a touch of the macabre, and a pot of strong tea.
With thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
27 Sept 2025
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
New episode alert! Cat's talking about Sonali Dev’s Recipe for Persuasion: a modern, desi twist on Austen’s Persuasion.
Chef Ashna Raje faces family drama, a struggling restaurant, and (of course) her ex on a reality cooking show. But all is not as it seems for the politically astute reader....
13 Sept 2025
Pride & Prejudice & Potions by Laura M. Drake
In this episode, Cat chats about the sparkling new cosy fantasy mystery series Pride & Prejudice & Potions. She takes us to the Prequel novella, where a masquerade ball is more than just swooshing gowns and whispered scandals: it’s where the magic quite literally begins.
Expect trope-spotting, a touch of whimsy, and a peek at how Wickham is being lined up for… well, let’s just say trouble is brewing (naturally). Written by Laura M. Drake, this is Jane Austen fan fiction with a magical twist and a wink.
30 Aug 2025
The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
Join Cat once again as she talks about the main tropes in Katherine Reay’s The Austen Escape.
Escape into the world of Austen. Literally.
Tech engineer Mary Davies finds herself whisked away from her high-stress job to an immersive Jane Austen experience in the English countryside. But when her best friend suddenly loses her memory and believes herself to be an Austen heroine, Mary must navigate tangled friendships, long-buried truths, and the unexpected pull of romance.
A witty, heartfelt read that’s perfect for anyone craving sharp banter, second chances, and a modern story wrapped in the charm of Austen’s timeless world.
16 Aug 2025
The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Lindz McLeod
Hello, and welcome to Pemberley and Beyond!
Join me, your host, for our second episode. The podcast where we pour ourselves a cup of coffee, and take a whimsical wander through some of the tropes in JAFF.
In this episode, Cat talks about the recently published, "The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet " by Lindz McLeod (truly the sapphic romance readers have been waiting for).
There were so many tropes in this one that it was a delight to read, but I only had time to talk about the three I loved most in this novel. Which ones made the final cut? Well, find out in this episode.
Apologies for the audio quality. It will improve, I promise. It's already marginally better than last episode's. :)
31 Jul 2025
Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective by Caroline Gardiner and Sharmini Kumar
Hello, and welcome to Pemberley and Beyond!
Join me, your host, for our inaugural episode. The podcast where we pour ourselves a cuppa, and take a whimsical wander through some of the tropes in JAFF.
In this episode, Cat talks about the recently published, "Caroline Bingley, Private Detective" by Caroline Gardiner and Sharmini Kumar. Has Caroline Bingley shown some personal growth since being jilted by Mr Darcy? Is everyone in this wintery novel going to be white? And what on earth is Georgiana like?
Note: the bit about the Romans believing London was Hell was a factoid I picked up from Chris Fowler's "The Water Room". I have never fact-checked this, but Fowler knew more about London than I can ever hope to
26 Jul 2025
Pemberley and Beyond - Trailer
Hello, and welcome to Pemberley and Beyond — the podcast where we dive into the ever-expanding world of Jane Austen fan fiction (JAFF for short).
New lives, new loves, fresh drama… and tropes that just keep turning up like Wickham at a wealthy heiress’ door.
I’m Cat — an Austen enthusiast, longtime JAFF reader, and possibly the ersatz English version of Miss Erstwhile, with just enough cash for a podcast mic… but not quite enough for a trip to Austenland.
Whether you’re new to JAFF or you’ve read enough Darcy reimaginings that the multiverse itself can barely contain them, come join me for a warm, slightly opinionated wander through the stories that carry Jane’s (and sometimes Elizabeth Gaskell’s) legacies forward.
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