I'm thrilled to share this interview with Tirzah Price today to talk about her new book
that kicks off an Austen-inspired series. Check it and the tour giveaway out below...
Pride and Premeditation
(Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1)
By Tirzah Price
YA Historical Mystery, Retelling
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 362 Pages
April 6, 2021 by HarperTeen
Summary
Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper, the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a thrilling and high-stakes whodunit.
When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.
Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.
Interview
What inspired you to write a mystery based on Austen’s Pride and Prejudice?
I’ve always loved historical fiction, and I have fallen in love with mysteries within the last few years. The idea of combining Austen’s work with a mystery was too fun to resist, and I found that many of the characters lend themselves well to a mystery plot!
Would you tell us a bit more about the characters and how you made them your own in Pride and Premeditation?
Before I began drafting I reread Pride and Prejudice and I really paid attention to the characters—how they thought, what made them tick, what they would say, and what they wanted. I tried to bring as many of those personality traits and details into my own version, so that even though the plot of the book was wildly different, the characters were still the ones we know and love from Austen’s work. I did make Lizzie a bit more outspoken…but that’s only because she’s so passionate!
Which character do you most relate to and why?
Lizzie for sure, because she often gets fired about injustice and inequality in the world. However, she is far more daring than me!
What advice would Lizzie give about navigating her world?
One of the things that Lizzie must learn is that there are many that want to take advantage of her skills and knowledge because she’s a young lady, and so she would probably advise others to guard themselves so they aren’t used, but to also practice asking for help when you need it.
What are you hoping readers will feel as they read this story and when they’ve finished?
I hope that readers find it to be a funny and enjoyable escape, but I also hope that it inspires them to think about the privileges they hold as well as their disadvantages, and how they can best help others.
What is your writing atmosphere, such as the kind of music you do or do not play, specific snacks, comfy chair with a laptop or at your desk, scheduled or spontaneous time, etc.?
I am most productive when I stick to a writing schedule, and I prefer to write first thing in the morning. I used to write in my local Panera every morning, but thanks to the pandemic I’ve had to learn how to write at my dining room table amidst all of my at-home distractions. If I have a hard time focusing, I try and break down my writing goals into bite-sized increments and reward myself with stretching and taking a walk around the block, which is a nice perk to working at home.
What’s a favorite childhood book and a favorite book you’ve read in the past five years?
One of my favorite books is Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine—I thought it was such a clever and unique retelling of Cinderella, and I read my childhood copy to pieces. One of my favorite books from the last five years is Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. It’s such a funny and clever mystery!
When you’re not writing or reading, what do you enjoy doing?
I love knitting and I’m obsessed with making handknit socks because they are the best for winter, in my opinion. Since the pandemic, I took up embroidery, which is really fun and makes me feel like a Regency era lady!
What’s your favorite thing about this time of year?
I love spring because I live in the Midwest, where nature is intensely green and beautiful during the spring and summer, but especially in the spring. There’s always that moment when the trees leaf out and the entire world looks like it’s oversaturated in bright new green.
What are you working on next?
I’m revising my next book, Sense and Second-Degree Murder, which will be out in 2022. I’m also starting to draft book three in the series, Manslaughter Park!
About the Author
Tirzah is pronounced TEER-zuh. Pronouns are she/her.
Tour Schedule
Follow the tour here.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
One person will win a signed finished copy of Pride and Premeditation
Ends April 12, 2021
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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