Tuesday's Tome: A Matter of Murder

This was a fun one to review for School Library Journal.  I am a freak about all things "Pride and Prejudice."  So when this one came up, I could not refuse.  Here is my review of "A Matter of Murder." 

“A Matter Of Murder” is the conclusion to the Lizzie & Darcy duology. Ms. Price first establishes the characters in the previous book “In Want of a Suspect” (HarperCollins 2024).  Here is where Lizzie is established as a solicitor in her father’s firm, Longbourne, and where she meets the dashing Mr. Darcy.
 
In the latest mystery from Tirzah Price, Lizzie Bennet’s beloved sister, Jane has married Mr. Bingley and then moved to Netherfield Park.  The Bennet family along with Mr. Darcy decides to pay the newlyweds a visit. However, the visit soon turns menacing as a dead body has been found in the flue of the fireplace.  Lizzie, hoping for a bit of a rest from her last case, cannot help herself and soon a full blown investigation ensues. During her inquiries, Lizzie finds out that Netherfield is cursed, at least that is what the locals say.Knowing better than to believe in the absurdity of a curse, Lizzie and Darcy try to uncover the truth of the dead man found in the chimney.  The more they delve into the case, the more dangerous it becomes.  Now Lizzie and Darcy have to decide if the curse is real, or is there someone behind the scenes threatening them.
 
Fans of Jane Austen will delight in encountering familiar faces—Lizzie, her parents, her lively younger sisters, Darcy, Jane, Mr. Bingley, and even the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. While a few plotlines diverge from the original Pride and Prejudice (Peter Pauper, 2023), the most notable difference is that Lizzie and Darcy do not marry alongside Jane and Mr. Bingley. Instead, they remain unmarried throughout much of this story. Still, devoted Austen enthusiasts will appreciate the twist and enjoy this charming mystery, where Lizzie and Darcy join forces and ultimately discover love together.
 
Verdict:  Those who love Jane Austen and/or mysteries will adore this version of the beloved couple, Lizzie and Darcy.  The book will be a superb addition to any 9-12th grade library.
 

Blog Posts - Our Favorites

 

I’m honestly surprised I’ve been able to keep this blog going since August 2012. A lot has changed since then, but I definitely still love what I do.  In looking back at all of the blog posts, here are the most popular ones.

In 5th place with 459 visits, #FirstPageFriday, April 2, 2019

In this post, I started advertising different eBooks from one of our digital resources called Open eBook.  It is an app that houses many different eBooks.  This app is free for Title I schools. I was worried about advertising a book from our collection and having it checked out the first day, and no one else having that chance to read it.  These eBooks have unlimited access which means many students can read the same book at the same time.  Problem solved!

In 4th place with 525 visits, Half Way Through the 40 Book Pledge, January 30, 2020

This was the first year I instituted the 40 Book Pledge as a reading challenge/book club.  The object of the challenge was to read 40 books from the 1st day of the school year to the last day of the school.  That averages 1 book per week - 36 weeks of school and 4 weeks on break (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break).  in addition, we met in person once a month to discuss the different books we were reading. Over the years this challenge evolved from a stand alone reading challenge to a book club to a book club with a digital component, Beanstack.  I'm looking at changing it up again for next year.  Stay tuned!

In 3rd place with 1227 visits is Christmas in the Library, December 12, 2012.

This was only my 5th blog entry ever.  This was when Blanca, Karen, and I were in the middle of Senior research while trying to decorate the library for Christmas.  I believe this was our first book Christmas tree, and we were invaded by Gingerbread men.  We also hid elves in our shelves in a different spot every day.  The students who found the elf got a flavored candy cane.  I might need to bring this tradition back.  That was fun!

In 2nd place with 1465 visits is Fall Fun in the Library, November 11, 2013.

We apparently hosted a carnival in the library for the Fall Open House.  After re-reading this post, I am exhausted.  LOL!  In addition to that, we went all out on the Halloween decorations.  I'm not sure I am ready to bring all that back.  That carnival was a lot of work, and those decorations were amazing.  We did have fun though!

In 1st place with 4915 visits is I Read . . . What's Your Superpower, May 26, 2013

I believe this was our first "Patron Appreciation Day," which is just a big party after school to celebrate the end of the year.  Our theme was superheroes.  So we decorated the library, had different arts and crafts, and gave away comic books.  There was never a dull moment when Blanca, Karen and I were together.  Those were the days!

Well, thanks for humoring me as I strolled down memory lane!  Keep reading.