**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title Pride and Premeditation
Author Tirzah Price
Description from Amazon
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.
Release Date March 9, 2021
Initial Thoughts
I’m all about Pride and Prejudice retellings and also, I love a good murder mystery. Death Comes to Pemberly was one of my first forays into P&P retellings and I read that so long ago. I was so excited to find this title in NetGalley.
Some Things I Liked
- Historical inaccuracies. If you read this book, please take the time to read the author’s note. That being said, I loved that Tirzah Price did not let the sexism of the time limit her storytelling. I loved that Lizzie’s father was as openminded and forward thinking in this iteration as he was in the original and I loved that the author extended this to his law practice.
- Collins portrayed as the weasel I always thought he was. I was so glad that Collins was shown in relatively poor light. I always hated his character in the original.
- Slow burn and enemies to lovers romance. Darcy and Elizabeth are basically the original enemies to lovers couple and I loved the way it was portrayed here.
- Wickham. I can’t say too much, but I was actually quite a bit happier to see his characterization here. He’s still a scoundrel, don’t get me wrong. But, I was happy to see the changes made for the plot in Pride and Premeditation.
Audiobook Thoughts
This was one of my first audiobooks from NetGalley. The audio sounds a bit awkward at the speed that I like to listen because of the application, NetGalley Shelf. It’s not the real audiobook format but, I can definitely say the writing style lended itself beautifully to the audiobook style. I loved having the story narrated. While the NetGalley rendering wasn’t ideal, this audiobook has a ton of potential. I’m very glad I listened to this one.
Series Value
I loved this book. As much as I’d love a sequel with more of Lizzie and Darcy’s sleuthing, I think their story is complete. The original Pride and Prejudice was a standalone and it feels fitting that this story would be as well. However, fear not, Tirzah Price is already set to publish at least two more re-imagined Jane Austen novels with a murderous twist. I am definitely going to be looking out for those.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. I’m also really glad to see “classics” getting updated to include more modern thinking. I will definitely be continuing with this series as well as reading more of whatever Tirzah Price decides to write.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Orphan of Cemetery Hill by Hester Fox – if you enjoyed the murder mystery elements but want to see a little more of a supernatural element, try this story set in 1840s Boston.
- Deadly Curious by Cindy Anstey – if you’re looking for a murder mystery with Jane Austen vibes, look no further. Cindy Anstey’s books have that classic Austen sass with all the best twists.
- The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill – again, if you’re looking for a historical YA murder mystery, try this standalone set in Chicago.
Books Over Everything 