Weekend Picks for July 31st

Welcome to our final July Weekend Pick!

If you are a YA mystery lover and someone who enjoys a classic remake - this one is for you. 

Rebecca Tairov

Our many thanks to Leilya ​Pitre and her students from Southeastern Louisiana University for their ongoing contributions to the blog. 
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​Meet Rebecca Tairov. Rebecca is a secondary English education major at Southeastern Louisiana University.​

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Tirzah Price is a best-selling author who writes Jane Austen murder-mysteries, and has a spin-off Lizzie and Darcy mysteries. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her books have been USA Today bestsellers, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and named Best YA Books of the Year by BuzzFeed.

​Pride and Premeditation (2021) reimagines Pride and Prejudice as a murder mystery, with Elizabeth Bennet as a young woman who wants to become a lawyer. Set in Regency England, the novel combines familiar characters with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers guessing. Even readers who are new to Jane Austen can enjoy the mystery and strong main character.

​Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet, is an aspiring law student, who wants to become a part of her father’s law practice. She comes into contact with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and they come together to solve the murder of a Mr. Hurst. But as the case becomes more complicated, Lizzie realizes her dream career may be more that she can handle.  ​​

To me, one of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it uses history and gender expectations. Lizzie is intelligent and ambitious, but society limits what women are allowed to do. The mystery plot allows her to step into spaces usually reserved for men, especially the legal world, which creates tension and conflict.

​Themes of feminism, independence, and justice are woven throughout the story. By blending classic literature with a modern perspective, the novel invites readers to rethink traditional roles while still enjoying a fast-moving and entertaining mystery. 

Tirzah Price

​It’s a creative way to connect classic literature to contemporary YA readers.