Sense and Second-Degree Murder
Ratings5
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings5
Average rating3.8
In this second book of the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series, Tirzah Price takes readers for another fun, murderous romp through one of Austen’s beloved novels. Perfect for fans of The Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper. A Junior Library Guild pick! 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 To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and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: a suspicious substance in their father’s teacup—one that can only be described as poison. And poison, as Marianne’s father taught her, always points to murder. 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. “Pride and Premeditation is a romantic and entertaining page-turner, sure to delight readers of any genre.” —Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series
Reviews with the most likes.
In this version of Sense and Sensibility, Mr Dashwood was a private investigator who dies unexpectedly in the night. Marianne is an aspiring private investigator, Elinor is a self-taught chemist, and Margaret reads and writes mysteries. All three sisters have an active role in figuring out what's going on.
Mr Brandon has been aged down to a twenty-something medical student. The two Elizas have been combined into a friend of his who unexpectedly died a year ago. These are the biggest changes to the characters.
The mystery isn't quite as tidy as the one in Pride and Premeditation. A few elements aren't quite subtle enough but others seem very abruptly thrown together. I still enjoy the book thoroughly.
I didn't think I will get to this book immediately after finishing Pride and Premeditation but I've been having trouble reading anything these days because of how busy I've gotten and an quirky audiobook sounded like the right way to go.
Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Jane Austen. Though I did enjoy P&P on my second read, my first love will always be S&S, so this book was exciting to read. And adding a multiple murder mystery and making our Dashwood sisters investigators was fun but I loved how the author kept the essence of Eleanor and Marianne intact. Eleanor is intelligent, rational and scientific in her observations while Marianne is spirited and a bit impulsive (and I did feel exasperated with her just like in the original) but together they make a formidable team. I also thought the underlying thread behind the murders was very fascinating and while I don't know how accurate the issue is to the times, I found it very plausible. The supporting characters are also quite fun, especially Margaret who is a delight and I especially adored the way she was narrated in the audiobook.
Overall, I'm unexpectedly loving this Austen meets Agatha Christie series and I have to emphasize that I feel it's extra enjoyable because of the entertaining narration. The next installment is a Mansfield Park reimagining and because I don't remember much of the original, I'll have to see how I'll like it.
Featured Series
3 primary booksJane Austen Murder Mystery is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2021 with contributions by Tirzah Price.
