Sophie Reads YA: Sense and Second-Degree Murder

Waiting on Wednesday: Sense and Second-Degree Murder (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #2) by Tirzah Price

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ARC Review: Sense and Second-Degree Murder (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #2) by Tirzah Price

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Sense and Second-Degree Murder
Series: Jane Austen Murder Mystery #2
Author: Tirzah Price
Published April 5th 2022 by Harperteen

Goodreads Synopsis
In this second book of the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series, Tirzah Price takes readers for another fun, murderous romp through one of Austen’s beloved novels. Perfect for fans of The Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper.

When eighteen-year-old aspiring scientist Elinor Dashwood discovers her beloved father slumped over the desk of his office study, she knows his death means dire straits for the Dashwood women. To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and protégé—to their half-brother and his haughty wife, who waste no time in forcing the Dashwoods out of their home and into a cramped apartment on London’s Barton Street.

But before they go, the Dashwood sisters make a startling discovery: a suspicious substance in their father’s teacup—one that can only be described as poison. And poison, as Marianne’s father taught her, always points to murder.

It could be dangerous; it could ruin their reputations; and most importantly, it won’t bring back their father. But if the Dashwood sisters can combine their talents and bring their father’s murderer to justice, it may bring them all some comfort—and it might even lead to love.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

In the second instalment of the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series, Sense and Second-Degree Murder follows the intrepid Dashwood sisters, who, having just lost their father and their home, search for the truth about his death, and try and continue his work at Norland & Company. When the eldest sister, Elinor, discovers her father's dead body, she thinks only to protect her sisters, Marianne and Margaret, but soon it's clear that his death was not normal. There's clues afoot, and with Marianne's knowledge of investigating, soon the sisters find themselves in a twisted web of lies, and the new people in their lives may be hiding their own secrets.

When I finished reading Pride and Premeditation I couldn't wait for Tirzah's next book. I love Austen's works, and the premise of this series was perfect for me, but I struggled a little with this book. Part of that may have been that I was approved for a voice galley, and it takes me longer to 'read' them than e-books, but I wasn't as invested. I mean, P&P is my favourite of Austen's book so I was bound to enjoy that more, however I had really high hopes for Sense and Second-Degree Murder. What I found was that Marianne was very annoying, until about the last 20% of the book. Obviously if you know the source material, Willoughby is a wrong-one, and Marianne is taken in, but with how she is introduced to us, it's a bit farcical how easily he dupes her. Margaret may have just been my favourite character. She's so plucky and smart, and really helps the plot when all was just about lost. Elinor, I just wanted to hug and comfort. She takes on so much responsibility in the book, and honestly, she deserves to be treated better by her family, and friends. I found once the plot had really begun, and the characters had settled, it definitely improved, and the last 25% or so made it a 4 star book! I was hoping a book in the series would focus on Emma, but it seems the next book will be Manslaughter Park.

Dates Read:

December 4-9, 2021

Rating
5 Stars