In want of a suspect

The dynamic team of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries receives its own duology, with Price presenting a smart first title set a year after the events of Pride and Premeditation (2021). Now a solicitor with Longbourn and Sons, Lizzie is formally hired to find the mysterious woman who may have set a murderous warehouse fire. Lizzie is assisted in the investigation, of course, by her dear Darcy, a barrister at Pemberley and Associates. The plot twists and turns around refugees from Britain's war with Napoleon's France as Lizzie and Darcy's relationship deepens. Lizzie wants to marry, but not yet. When she marries, everything she owns becomes Darcy's, including her choice to pursue a career. Darcy also faces challenges in an intriguing side plot. The Dashwoods, one very charming dog, and a street kid with a secret lend their talents to solving the warehouse mystery. Dialogue full of chemistry, pathos, and humor entertains as the story cleverly drives forward. Though there are references to previous Price titles, readers can begin here without feeling lost.

Solicitors Lizzie and Darcy team up in another Austen-flavored mystery. Jack Mullins, co-owner of a wool storehouse in London, was Lizzie's first client; three years later, he hires her again. Accompanied by Darcy, Lizzie intends to meet Jack at the storehouse, but upon arrival they find Jack distraught, and the building engulfed in flames. Jack, whose brother dies in the fire, insists that a young woman he spotted on the premises is responsible. Although his story isn't entirely convincing, Lizzie agrees to investigate. Her leads include both impoverished French refugees and two privileged young women with ties to the country: Leticia Cavendish, who was raised in France, and Josette Beaufort, her half-French cousin, who once turned down Darcy's proposal of marriage. Unable to confirm puzzling accounts of the Mullinses' business dealings, Lizzie enlists the Dashwood sisters to help her search the storehouse at night. What they find only adds to the mystery--as does Darcy's absence. Lizzie sought his help, yet he never showed up. This volume positions Lizzie and Darcy, sturdy survivors of many retellings, as well-chosen protagonists in central roles. While Mr. Bingley and the Dashwoods turn up (and Miss Woodhouse makes a cameo appearance), new characters streamline the action by freeing up creative space in which the intriguing mystery can briskly unfold. Major characters present white. A treat for fans of Regency tales and stories inspired by classics. (author's note)(Mystery. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.