Tirzah Price

Sense & Second-Degree Murder

Sense and Second-Degree Murder has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

Sense and Second-Degree Murder

This book was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the original Sense and Sensibility, but I think that I probably enjoyed this book a touch more than the original. There’s suspense, mystery, shocking revelations, and so much more! I know many readers find classics to be boring or harder to read, so I believe this version gives a unique and interesting spin. 

Lauren Lipford

Melissa Palmer

A good mystery using Jane Austen's characters from Sense and Sensibility. I enjoyed it.

Three of Jane Austen’s classic novels receive a murder mystery makeover in this romantic and thrilling three-book series that’s perfect for fans of The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy and Stalking Jack the Ripper. 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 To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and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. 

Jane Austen Murder Mystery #2

I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to continuing. I did like it, but it didn't keep my attention as much as the previous book. I love the idea of reimagining Jane Austen's work into murder mysteries, and I think Price does a good job of keeping the bones of the original stories while making them her own. My biggest issue with this one was the pacing. It felt rushed in places and slow in others, so it came across as disjointed. The mystery was interesting, and I liked how Price tackled drug addiction during this time. There were a few twists I didn't see coming, which is always good. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a charming historical mystery series.

Heather Harrington

Sophia Geron

4.5/5 Stars 
Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are shocked to wake up one morning and find their investigator father, Mr. Dashwood dead at his desk. Marianne, an aspiring investigator who followed her father around on all his cases, suspects foul play, especially after it is revealed their older step-brother has been left their father's entire estate. Elinor, who secretly wants to become a chemist, and the oldest sister, takes care of her sisters and mother following their father's passing. She also handles the nuances of their new reality after being pretty much kicked out of their own home by their brother and nasty sister-in-law, Fanny. Finding a suspicious substance at the bottom of the teacup their father last drank from, Elinor and Marianne begin investigating their father's desk on the down low. 

What ensues is an adventurous murder mystery, taking many twists and turns to uncover the truth of their father's death. Price also weaves in the classic romances, feminist values, and addresses the mental health response to losing a loved one. Every character is bright and well-rounded, and the mystery details are woven well. The mystery was well-paced and had me fully immersed. 

My favorite Austen novel is Sense and Sensibility, mainly because of the sister relationships, which Tirzah Price nails! I loved Pride and Premeditation, but I think I enjoyed Sense and Second-Degree Murder even more. I adore the idea of Elinor wanting to become a chemist, Marianne an investigator, and Margaret, the youngest, a novelist. This is a wonderful, fresh rendition of a classic Austen novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC copy I received in exchange for my honest review. #SenseandSecondDegreeMurder #NetGalley