In Want of a Suspect | Tirzah Price

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In Want of a Suspect coming November 12, 2024 from HarperCollins; 352 pages

Content Warning: Murder, strong language 

About the Author: “Tirzah Price holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and has worked in the book industry for over a decade. When she’s not writing, reading, or talking about YA books, she splits her time between experimenting in the kitchen and knitting. She lives in Michigan” (Bio from author’s website).

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“It was moments like this, when he was acting grave as he teased her, and when he showed more patience for her misadventures than any person ever had, even her beloved sister Jane, that Lizzie felt a swell of emotion bubble up inside of her. She let herself feel it, but not name it. Putting it into words felt risky somehow.”

A strong-willed lawyer at her father’s firm, the ever-ambitious Elizabeth Bennett is no stranger to a bit of adventure—but never before has she been recruited to solve a case so serious as arson. When a fire is started at the local warehouse, which happens to belong to one of Lizzie’s former clients, she teams up with her trusted friend and fellow solicitor: Fitzwilliam Darcy. Together, the two must find out who is responsible for the devastating fire that hurt her client and killed his brother. As Lizzie and Darcy are drawn into the case, secrets are revealed, relationships are thrown into question, and danger awaits the two at every turn. In a spin off from her Jane Austen Mysteries series, author Tirzah Price offers a refreshing and intriguing twist on a beloved classic.

As an avid fan of both Jane Austen and mysteries, I was incredibly excited about starting In Want of a Suspect, and for the most part, Price’s writing met my expectations. Readers unfamiliar with the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series by Price might initially be surprised by the amicable dynamic between Lizzie and Darcy, an unexpected diversion from their traditional, originally animus relationship that defined the first 75% of Pride and Prejudice. Additionally, while this book is the first in a spin-off series, coming into it with prior knowledge of the characters is, at times, significant in understanding parts of the narrative. Some backstory is offered, but there are many references to the development of different characters and their relationships that are hard to follow without having read Price’s other series. However, that being said, the friendship between the two main characters quickly grows on you even if you haven’t read the other books. The pair complemented each other well, especially as they navigated both internal and external turmoils together. I thought Lizzie’s characterization was exceptionally beautiful, particularly in the way that she balances a strong sense of self and fierce independence with a softness and desire for love, wonderfully reminiscent of Austen’s Elizabeth. I did find myself getting so caught up in the character relationships that I forgot about the mystery, which I think is a testament to both the strengths and weaknesses of the plot construction. All in all, the fast-pacing of the novel, combined with its cozy mystery vibes and tendency towards romance, makes for an enjoyable read that will hook you in and keep you guessing right alongside Lizzie and Darcy.

In Want of a Suspect releases on Nov. 12, 2024

Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.

Sam Parker, Pine Reads Review Social Media Manager


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