Courtship, heartache and the winding paths to true love are what makes Jane Austen's novels stand the test of time.

And it is these universal themes that have been featured in a gripping murder mystery performance of An Austentatious Murder in libraries across the county.

Highly Suspect Theatre has successfully combined Jane Austen's love of match-making, with modern day dating apps... and a murder.

The plot of this production, which was brought to Whitehaven Library this week, is that tech developers have created the ‘Austen Algorithm’ - the key to finding the perfect partner.

The scenario started as the new app, Dating Mr Darcy, is due to be launched at an Austen-themed celebration. But moments before the app goes live, the creator - Anne Sfieldpark - is found dead.

Suspects in the case are Dan Sfieldpark, Percy Uasion, Susan Sensibility and Clyde Enprejudice.

Throughout the evening, teams of budding detectives had the chance to crack the codes, check out the clues and grill the suspects.

Evidence packs featured police reports, dating profiles and letters to investigate.

It would not be a Jane Austen evening without a few quotes from the classics added in.

Fans of Northanger Abbey would have been able to spot the line: The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.

Pride and Prejudice's famous first line was featured: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

There was twists and turns throughout the evening as hints of love, jealousy, deceit and plotting were revealed.

Each suspect had their own convincing story - and potential alibi - for the heart-stopping crime.

Moments of hilarity ensued as teams revealed who they thought had done it, along with a potential method and motive.

This is the perfect production to acknowledge the great works of Jane Austen as this year marks to the 200th anniversary since her death.

Look out for more highly-entertaining and gripping productions by Highly Suspect Theatre.