Review: In Want of a Suspect

 

* A sequel to Pride and Premeditation * 

** This is a direct sequel to the first in the Jane Austen Murder Mystery trilogy **

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 she often has help from (and steals 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 her 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.

Lizzie and Darcy are back for more suspense, danger, and romance in this first in a duology spinoff of the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries! - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book; I never wanted it to end. I'm so happy there's a sequel coming. I loved the moments between Lizzie and Darcy. I loved seeing the characters from the previous trilogy appear. The investigation was great - lots of twists and turns. I loved learning more about Darcy's past. I felt terrible for him with the dealings with his boss. I loved meeting Henry. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your Jane Austen fans!

BookTok: Manslaughter Park

* Book 3 in the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series * 

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian The perfect mystery book for #JaneAusten fans! #fannyprice #art #booktok #mystery #yabook ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: Sense and Second Degree Murder

 

Elinor discovers her father's body in his study. It looks like a heart attack. In order to protect her family, she spurs into action, taking control of the situation. 

Unbeknownst to his second family, he never made a will. Therefore, no monies have been set aside for her wife or their three daughters. John, their half brother and his wife inherit the house and everything in it.

Elinor and Marianne both have ambitions. Elinor wants to be a scientist while Marianne wants to continue their father's work as a detective. As they begin to talk about the circumstances of their father's death, their suspicions are aroused. Could he have been murdered?

When they are forced to move out of their childhood home, they lose precious belongings - including any evidence left behind. Now they must rely on the kindness of strangers and acquaintances to solve the mystery and to create a sense of belonging.

My Thoughts: I loved this Jane Austen reimagined murder mystery. The characters from the first book were mentioned, but this isn't a straight sequel. The Dashwood sisters were lovely - smart - and squabbled like sisters. I loved their ambitions, the romances, and their determination to solve their father's murder. This captured the emotions of the book beautifully and added some just desserts. 

Cover Thoughts: Interesting

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Another excellent addition to your school and public library. Highly Recommended! 

Review: Pride and Premeditation

 

There's nothing Lizzie desires more than to become a barrister in her father's law office. He's not sure that hiring her is the right move. It doesn't matter that she can do the work (and better than some of his current employees). He's not sure because of the optics. But maybe if Lizzie proves herself, he will allow it.

When Lizzie hears the news, she's not thrilled, but determined to make a good impression. When gossip reaches her ear about a gentleman accused of murder, she pretends to be his sister to gain access to him in prison. She hears his story. Charles Bingley, however, already has a barrister. 

But Mr. Darcy isn't interested in discovering the truth about the murder - he's more interested in keeping his client and friend out of jail. Lizzie wants to uncover the truth about that night, but in poking her nose into other people's lives, she places a target on her back.

My Thoughts: A Pride and Prejudice murder mystery? Sold! I really loved this book and I'm so happy there are two more coming in the series. I'm a sucker for a good Jane Austen adaptation and this one is really unique. I love the barrister angle. I love how Lizzie meets Bingley, Darcy, and the Bingley sisters. Charlotte is great and thoughtful. I loved the banter between Darcy and Lizzie. I loved Lizzie's ambitions, her moments with her sisters, and the way her mind works. I can't wait for book 2 (out next April). 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great historical mystery for your school and public library.