Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Pride and Premeditation in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Format: Advanced Listening Copy – Audiobook Edition
The Gist
I was intrigued by Pride and Premeditation, a YA murder mystery retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The story follows Lizzie Bennet as an aspiring solicitor trying to solve a murder case. Mr. Darcy appears as her legal rival. This genre mix has a lot of potential, especially for Austen fans who enjoy fresh twists on classic characters.
The Details
However, my experience suffered because of the format. I listened to an advanced audiobook copy narrated by an AI-generated voice. The robotic tone and lack of emotion made it hard to focus. The unnatural rhythm often pulled me out of the story. For audiobooks, narration matters a lot, and this one fell short.
Having done my master’s thesis on Jane Austen, I am quite picky about retellings. Price clearly loves the original and includes some fun references. Still, the pacing felt uneven. Some character dynamics didn’t have the depth or wit I expected. The murder mystery was engaging but missed Austen’s layered social commentary and romantic tension.
The Verdict
Overall, this retelling shows creativity and ambition. Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a literary twist might like it, especially in print. For me, the AI narration made it difficult to connect, and as an Austen devotee, I wanted more heart and polish.
