Sophie Reads YA: Tirzah Price

Manslaughter Park

Waiting On Wednesday: Manslaughter Park (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #3) by Tirzah Price

10:00

Sense and Second-Degree Murder

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

10:00

4 Stars

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

10:00

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 To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and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

2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Pride and Premeditation (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1) by Tirzah Price

10:00

Pride and Premeditation
Series: Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1
Author: Tirzah Price
Published April 6th 2021 by HarperTeen

Goodreads Synopsis
Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper, the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a thrilling and high-stakes whodunit.

When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.

Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.
Goodreads

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

In Pride and Premeditation, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is 17, and wants nothing more than to join her father's law firm, Longbourn and Sons, but as a woman, she's denied the opportunity. Helping her father in his work, by reading through contracts, and using her opportunities as a lady in society to discover information most men would never uncover, has been a joy, but she wants more. When it's revealed that Mr Charles Bingley, of the Netherfield Bingley's, is accused of murdering his brother in law, Lizzie hopes to be able to help him go free, and discover the true murderer, and in turn allow her father to see the merits of hiring her to Longbourn. Disguising herself as Miss Bingley, she manages to work her way into Newgate, meet with Mr Bingley, and also make a somewhat enemy of Bingley's friend, and lawyer, Fitzwilliam Darcy. From their first meeting, Lizzie and Darcy are at odds with each other, though the longer they are thrown together, their feelings become complicated, as does the investigations. Will Lizzie be able to get Bingley off the murder charge, and bring the real culprit to justice, or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

With the whole cast and crew from the original Pride and Prejudice present, this was an utterly amazing retelling! Ever since I heard about this book, I knew that I would love it, and devoured it all in just a few hours. Like I said, the characters from the original are all present, and it was lovely to see them in different situations, while still being in the Regency Era. Lizzie remains a obstinate, headstrong girl, but one who knows what she wants, and just because she's a girl, doesn't mean she has to be only interested in the Marriage Mart. She wants to be happy, and do something with her life, though she also appreciates a handsome gentleman, when one or two cross her path. Being a young woman, during the Regency Era, her life was really restricted, but she manages to yoke out some freedom for herself, and the admiration of her family, and even of Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy - though Darcy doesn't like to show his feelings. I really felt that this was such a faithful adaptation, but also one that was wholly original, and just blew me away! We still have our 'villains' in Whickham, Mr Collins, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh, though in slightly different guises. The plot line surrounding Bingley's money worries, and Hurst's murder, was expertly done, and just when you think you know who's behind it, someone else appears from the woodwork, or there's a new clue, or death. It kept me engaged right until the final page.

The chemistry and banter between Darcy and Lizzie was as good as the original, though slightly watered down, perhaps owing to the age change. I still shipped them, and the final chapter was amazing! I've just noticed on GR that there's two more books in this series, focusing on Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park, so I hope that we might see more of Lizzie and Darcy then. Definitely a book any lover of Pride and Prejudice needs to read!

Dates Read:

February 25, 2021

Rating
5 Stars

Waiting On Wednesday: Manslaughter Park (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #3) by Tirzah Price

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

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

ARC Review: Pride and Premeditation (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1) by Tirzah Price

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