Book Review: Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price (as an E-book)

Pride and Premeditation

by Tirzah Price (E-book)

 

What if Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice took place inside London’s legal world? What if Elizabeth Bennet was struggling to earn a legitimate job in that legal world, but Mr. Darcy could either foil her efforts or hold the key to her success? And what if we were to mix in a murder with a sinister plot that will endanger both of their lives?

 

In Pride and Premeditation, we find Elizabeth Bennet behind the scenes aiding her father’s law firm, Longbourn & Sons, in the early 1800s. For the past three years she has reviewed important legal texts, questioned suspects, and worked as hard and as tenaciously as any man her age. A solicitor position is open, but can she use logic and facts to persuade her father to look on her as a competent employee, not just another lady in society looking for a husband? She hears about just the case that might help her win her father’s favor. Mr. Charles Bingley has been accused of murder, found with the body of George Hurst, his dead-beat brother-in-law, covered in his blood. Bingley proclaims he was merely trying to revive Hurst; and Lizzie believes if she can find the real murderer she can win her father’s approval. But who should stand in her way? Bingley’s life-long friend and lawyer, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, who doesn’t need any help to prove that his friend his not guilty simply by the basis of his character.

 

In the mix are several of the beloved characters. Beautiful Jane Bennet, Lizzie’s older sister, who will someday have her pick of suitors and save the family financially when her father is gone. Charlotte Lucas, her reliable confidant and best friend, who keeps things running smoothly as secretary at the law firm. Abrasive Mr. Collins, boorishly bragging of his endeavors, even claiming some of Lizzie’s accomplishments as his own. George Wickham pops up as a handsome police runner to offer her support, with his dimpled smile and dubious past.

 

Icy stares and furrowed brows build to quickening pulses and stolen glances for Darcy and Lizzie as they team to uncover a calculating mastermind — with a bit of pirating mixed in for good measure.

 

Pride and Premeditation is an entertaining remix of an old classic with what someone writing the story today would want: both Lizzie and Darcy as equals, not one saving the other (even though the author admits that in the early nineteenth century women would never have been able to work outside the house). I found myself reading just to find out how the author was going to portray the classic characters and who was going to turn out to be the guilty party. Pride and Premeditation is the first in a Jane Austen Murder Mystery series by Tirzah Price. Additional titles include Sense and Second-Degree Murder and Manslaughter Park.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear.]

[ official Pride and Premeditation page on the official Tirzah Price web site ]

 

Recommended by Cindy K.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Services

 

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