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 To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and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