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. 

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A classic story being retold as a murder mystery? Um, yes please! While I haven’t read Pride and Prejudice myself, I couldn’t pass up the premise of this book taking Austen’s well-known characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and throwing them together to solve a murder case.

In this book Lizzie is interested in the law and hopes to one day take over her father’s firm. Though because she is a young lady, that’s not quite what is expected of her in society… not that it’s going to stop her. In fact, her father doesn’t doubt that one day she might become a woman barrister, much to her mother’s dismay. So when Lizzie’s informant comes to her with news of a murder, she begins to investigate immediately to prove to her father that she is worthy of a paid position at his firm.

Then, enter Mr. Darcy from a rival firm, who is a friend of the man being accused of murder, and we have ourselves a story.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a brilliant idea, conceived and executed by a clever young woman, must be claimed by a man.”
– Tirzah Price, Pride and Premeditation

I was pleasantly surprised with this story. While I did figure out one of the accomplices to the murder just before it was revealed, there still were some twists that I kicked myself for not seeing before. Not that these characters were obviously suspicious earlier in the book, but looking back I can see how it was kind of suspicious. I absolutely loved the feminist aspect of Lizzie’s character, which I’m assuming is much like her original (at least, I hope), and how even her father would rather she not marry and be her own woman. As expected, I liked Lizzie’s character, as well as Mr. Darcy, and loved their banter together. I’m such a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers trope!

So whether you’ve read Pride and Prejudice or not, I highly recommend this book! Especially if you love murder mysteries. And since I’m among those who haven’t read P&P yet, I’m definitely bumping it up on my TBR! I’m also looking forward to the next book in this Jane Austen Murder Mystery series!

Rating: 5/5 stars