Showing posts with label jane austen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jane austen. Show all posts

Early Audio Book Review: Sense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Price

Sense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Price is currently scheduled for release on April 5 2022. It is the second book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries, but can be read as a stand alone since there are only a few references to the first book in this volume.  Usually when reviewing an audio book I credit the narrator(s) and include my thoughts on their performance. However, in this case I listened to a synthetic preview, which is not the final version, so I cannot comment on that at this time. 

In Sense and Second-Degree Murder, aspiring scientist Elinor Dashwood and her sister Marianne, a budding detective, work together to solve the mystery of their father’s murder. 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 To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and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 that points to foul play, and the killer might be family. Obviously, the girls must investigate. 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.

Sense and Second-Degree Murder starts readers right as the action begins. I liked the way character development and society interactions were handled, with the twists of very unconventional interests. It held up well to my expectations after having greatly enjoyed  Pride and Premeditation. I loved that Price took aspects of the original, and the characters of course, and twisted it to give the sisters more agency and make the mystery engaging and enjoyable. I thought it was a fun and entertaining read even as some tougher subjects, such as drug abuse, were explored. I liked the dynamic among the Dashwood family, and thought it was realistic and well written. The slow reveal of clues, personalities, and connections was paced well- even though I admit to suspecting certain reveals early on. The journey to the conclusion was greatly enjoyable even as I worried for the characters. I look forward to the third book in this series.

Sense and Second-Degree Murder is a fun and entertaining read that will please fans of Jane Austin, mysteries, and historical fiction. I eagerly await the third installment in the series. 

Early Audobook Review: Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price is scheduled to be released in print and audiobook on March 9 2021. I listened to a simulated audiobook, where a computer generated narration is provide. So, I cannot speak to the skill of the narrator, but I will say that the program did a very good job and there were only occasional moments of stilted speech that reminded me that I was not listening to a person.

This is the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series and a retelling of 
Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a 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.

Pride and Premeditation is an engaging work of historical fiction and mystery that had me second guessing my memories of Pride and Prejudice as I read.  I enjoyed getting to see the characters in a new light, and was trying to put the clues together right with Lizzie. The spirited exchanges Lizzie has with Darcy, and just about everyone to be fair, are entertaining and add some more humorous moments to the mystery at hand. I also like that while the details have changed, the spirit of the original still felt very present to me. I also liked that the author included information about the changes she made to the story, and what historical details she had to alter to make her story happen. I think Austen would appreciate the liberties Price took, and most likely wished the freedom she offered characters in the book had been reality in her time. The twists in turns in the investigation, and the way the characters deal with them were well done, and I was fully invested in the characters and the conclusion through the entire book. I am very much looking forward to more in this series, and am disappointed that I listened to a galley so early, because that means I will have to wait that much longer before getting my hands on the books that will hopefully follow. 

Pride and Premeditation is an intriguing and well written book that fans or Jane Austen and Agatha Christie alike will enjoy.