It’s a week of author interviews, because after having one yesterday I’m back again today with a new one. Today is my stop on the book tour for Sense and Second-Degree Murder hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours. I had the honor of sending Tirzah Price some interview questions. So keep on reading if you want to know more about this book and read more about the author.

Sense and Second-Degree Murder (Jane Austen Murder Mystery #2) by Tirzah Price
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction Mystery
Publishing Date: April 5, 2022

Three of Jane Austen’s classic novels receive a murder mystery makeover in this romantic and thrilling three-book series that’s perfect for fans of The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy and Stalking Jack the Ripper. In Sense and Second-Degree Murder, aspiring scientist Elinor Dashwood and her sister Marianne, a budding detective, work together to solve the mystery of their father’s murder.

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 To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and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 that points to foul play, and the killer might be family.

Obviously, the girls must investigate. 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.

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Author Interview

What inspired you to start writing?

                I’ve always loved reading, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized that real people wrote the books I read and loved. I’ve written a lot of different things over the years, but didn’t start getting serious about my writing until my final year of college. I’ve always loved YA books, and it’s the age category I am drawn to the most.

What are some of your favorite books that you always recommend?

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (really anything by Marchetta, to be honest), Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson, the Agency series by Y.S. Lee, Tana French’s mysteries, Kelly Quindlen’s Late to the Party and She Drives Me Crazy, The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson, Tiffany D. Jackson’s thrillers…I could go on and on!

What has been your favorite moment in the publishing journey of your Jane Austen Murder Mystery series so far?

There have been a lot of really lovely moments, but probably one of my favorites has been signing books for readers at my local indie. It was really touching to see how many people all the different areas and eras in my life had ordered a copy.

If you were a character in Sense & Second-Degree Murder, what kind of character would you be?

I would most likely be Elinor—she’s very pragmatic and sensible, and she tends to take the safe path. But she is very devoted to what she loves, and she loves her family above all.

Describe Sense & Second-Degree Murder in five words or less.

Poison, murder, mayhem, and misdirection!

What do you hope readers take away from reading this series?

I hope that readers enjoy the mystery and the sister story, but also think about the ways that life can change without warning and how it’s important to think about how you’re going to support yourself if the rug gets pulled out from underneath you. The Dashwood sisters have to be resourceful enough to stand on their own and build their own security on their own terms, without a man in their life to oversee or overstep. It can be scary, and the odds can be stacked against you, but finding the strength to live life on your own terms is an important theme in the book.

Tour Schedule

If you’re curious about this book and want to know more, click here for the full tour schedule. There are other amazing bloggers and bookstagrammers participating on this tour!

About the Author

Tirzah Price grew up on a farm in Michigan, where she read every book she could get her hands on and never outgrew her love for YA fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is a former bookseller and librarian. Now, she’s a contributing editor at Book Riot, where she can be found recommending books on the site, newsletters, podcasts, and social media accounts. When she’s not writing, reading, or thinking about YA books, she splits her time between experimenting in the kitchen and knitting enough socks to last the fierce Michigan winters.

Tirzah is pronounced TEER-zuh. Pronouns are she/her.

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Sense and Second-Degree Murder sounds like another amazing book. I’ll definitely be starting this trilogy soon. Do you think you’d be able to solve a mystery? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!