Picture a Michigan-born storyteller who spun Jane Austen’s Regency romances into thrilling murder mysteries—meet Tirzah Price! With a knack for blending wit, suspense, and feminist flair, Price has carved a unique niche in young adult literature. Her Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series reimagines beloved classics with a deadly twist, captivating readers and earning accolades like USA Today bestseller status.
From her farm upbringing to her role as a Book Riot contributing editor, Price’s journey is a love letter to books. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this YA sensation!
The Making of Tirzah Price
Growing up on a Michigan farm, Tirzah Price devoured every book she could find, fostering a lifelong passion for YA fiction. Her love for storytelling led her to earn an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Before becoming a full-time author, Price worked as a bookseller and teen librarian, roles that honed her knack for recommending the perfect read. These experiences, paired with her early love for Jane Austen’s sharp wit, set the stage for her distinctive career.
Tirzah Price’s Unforgettable Stories
Price’s Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is her crown jewel, transforming Austen’s novels into standalone whodunits with an Agatha Christie flair. The trilogy kicks off with Pride and Premeditation (2021), where aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet tackles a murder case while sparring with Mr. Darcy. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, it was praised by School Library Journal for keeping “Austen fans and newcomers on their toes.”
Next, Sense and Second-Degree Murder (2022) follows Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they investigate their father’s suspicious death, blending science and sleuthing. Manslaughter Park (2023), a queer retelling of Mansfield Park, centers on artist Fanny Price uncovering foul play. Price’s spin-off, the Lizzie and Darcy Mysteries, continues with In Want of a Suspect (2024), cementing her knack for feminist, fast-paced narratives. Her style—witty, suspenseful, and rich with Regency charm—appeals to teens and adults alike.
Beyond novels, Price’s short stories, like those in Rural Voices, showcase her versatility, challenging stereotypes about small-town life. Her work consistently weaves empowerment and clever plotting, making her a standout in YA historical fiction.
Why Tirzah Price Matters
Tirzah Price has redefined YA historical fiction by infusing Austen’s world with modern sensibilities and diverse perspectives. Her feminist reimaginings empower young readers, particularly girls, to see themselves as bold protagonists. As a Book Riot contributor and Hey YA podcast co-host, she amplifies diverse voices in publishing, shaping the future of YA literature. Her books, lauded by BuzzFeed and Kirkus Reviews, resonate with readers craving smart, thrilling stories.
Price’s impact extends beyond her pages. By blending genres and championing inclusivity, she’s paving the way for innovative storytelling that honors the past while embracing the present.
- Born: Michigan, USA
- Key Works: Pride and Premeditation, Sense and Second-Degree Murder, Manslaughter Park, In Want of a Suspect
- Education: MFA, Vermont College of Fine Arts
- Notable Roles: Book Riot contributing editor, Hey YA podcast co-host
Snag Pride and Premeditation and dive into Tirzah Price’s thrilling, feminist world of Regency mysteries!