In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price
Publication Date: November 12, 2024
Summary from NetGalley:
The first book in a thrilling mystery duology that follows Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy from the acclaimed Jane Austen Murder Mystery series!
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that London’s first female solicitor in possession of the details of a deadly crime, must be in want of a suspect.
The tenacious Lizzie Bennet has earned her place at Longbourn, her father’s law firm. Her work keeps her busy, but luckily it gives her plenty of reasons to consult (and steal occasional kisses) with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a stern but secretly soft hearted solicitor at Pemberley.
Lizzie is hired to investigate a deadly warehouse fire and to find the mysterious woman who was spotted at the scene moments before the flames took hold. But when the case leads to the sitting room of a woman Darcy once proposed marriage to, the delicate balance between personal and professional in their relationship is threatened.
Questions of the future are cast aside when the prime suspect is murdered and Lizzie’s own life is threatened. As the body count rises and their suspicions about what was really going on in the warehouse grow, the pressure is on for Lizzie and Darcy to uncover the truth.
Classic characters with an enthralling twist—Lizzie and Darcy, as introduced in the hit novel Pride and Premeditation, are back for more suspense, danger, and romance!
ARC provided by Harper Collins via Netgalley for an honest review.
Confession:
This sequel to Pride and Premeditation was a fun and cozy historical mystery. I thought that the author did a nice job of maintaining the core values of these well known characters, while taking their story in a new direction. Some of their actions and dialogue were perhaps a little too modern and out of character for them, but not enough that I didn’t enjoy the story.
Lizzie is just as head strong and opinionated as the source character, but she is much more daring in her actions and desires. Darcy is also mostly like his source, but is far more tolerant of Lizzie’s actions than the original would have been. I really liked how their romance was developed in this story, nice and slow and mostly within the societal norms of the historical period. Lizzie’s penchant for getting herself and Darcy into trouble was also quite fun.
The mystery was well done. Lots of misdirection and I was a bit surprised by the reveal of who was really in charge of the whole criminal aspect of the story. The pacing of the story was also well done and kept me wanting to continue the story. My only disappointment in the story was some of the more modern dialogue and actions of the characters. I just felt that at times we were not in Regency London, which took away from the story.
While this is a sequel, it could certainly be a standalone. It would perhaps be better if you had read the first book, which is more of a retelling of Pride and Prejudice than this one is, but is certainly not a hindrance. If you are looking for a cozy historical mystery, especially one based on beloved characters, than this is a series you should consider.
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