Authors Interviewing Characters: Tirzah Price

June 27, 2023 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

About Manslaughter Park (Jane Austen Murder Mysteries, 3)

In this queer retelling of the classic novel and third book in Tirzah Price’s Jane Austen Murder Mystery series, Mansfield Park is the center of a deadly accident (or is it?). Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper.

Aspiring artist Fanny Price is an unwelcome guest at her uncle Sir Thomas Bertram’s estate. It’s his affection for Fanny that’s keeping her from being forced out by her cousins Tom and Maria and nasty Aunt Norris, back to a home to which she never wants to return. But then Sir Thomas dies in a tragic accident inside his art emporium, and Fanny finds evidence of foul play that, if revealed, could further jeopardize her already precarious position.

Edmund, her best friend and secret crush, urges Fanny to keep quiet about her discovery, but Fanny can’t ignore the truth: a murderer is among them.

Determined to find the killer, Fanny’s pursuit for justice has her wading into the Bertram family business, uncovering blackmail, and brushing with London’s high society when Henry and Mary Crawford arrive at Mansfield Park with an audacious business proposal. But a surprising twist of fate—and the help of local legends Lizzie Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy—brings Fanny more complications than she ever expected and a life-altering realization about herself she never saw coming.

“Pride and Premeditation is a romantic and entertaining page-turner, sure to delight readers of any genre.” —Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series

TIRZAH PRICE INTERVIEWS FANNY PRICE

T: Tell us, what was life usually like at Mansfield Park? Before the accident?

F: I suppose it was quite normal. Quiet. I spent my days tending to my aunts, painting when I had the time, and helping my family. The most excitement we had was whenever my uncle would receive a new shipment of art.

T: You didn’t mention your cousins—would you say you’re close?

F: Oh, not exactly—of course, we’ve lived together for the past nine years. But they, ah…never mind. I am good friends with Edmund, though, although technically he isn’t my cousin. My mother is Lady Bertram’s sister, and Edmund’s father was Sir Bertram’s younger brother, but I suppose we were raised as cousins.

T: Would you say that you and Edmund are close?

F: (blushing) He’s only just returned home from four years away at school, but we’ve kept in touch.

T: And what are your future aspirations?

F: Before the death of my uncle, I would say that I hope to take painting lessons and improve my craft. My uncle gave away one of my paintings to a client once, and it was such a splendid feeling knowing that it would hang in someone’s house and bring them happiness every day. I wanted to paint more pictures that would bring people joy. But now, with my uncle’s death…well, things are very uncertain.

T: And do you hope to marry?

F: (intense blushing) I’m certain that I couldn’t leave my aunts! They find me invaluable. Especially now, Lady Bertram is quite bereft at the death of my uncle.

T: It was such a tragedy to hear of Sir Bertram’s accident. What does the future hold for Mansfield Emporium?

F: Yes, an accident…such a tragedy. But I am sure I don’t know. No one involves me in these sorts of decisions. (Nervous laughter.) But Tom and Maria have things well in hand, I’m sure. They’re quite opinionated and determined to see the business live on.

T: How is that arrangement working out?

F: Well…

T: Will there be any changes with the new ownership?

F: To be certain. Maria has a more traditional view of the business, and meanwhile Tom and his associate Mr. Yates are determined to chart a new course. They’ve brought in a consultant, you know.

T: Oh? And who might he be?

F: Not just he. There are two of them—a brother and a sister. Crawford is their name. Mr. Henry Crawford and Miss Mary Crawford. They’re been invited to Mansfield Park and they are full of opinions and new ideas.

T: You don’t sound very pleased about it.

F: Oh, no—it’s not up to me. It’s just…it wasn’t how Sir Thomas would have done things. Not at all. And with so many changes afoot, it makes one wonder.

T: About what?

F: (looks about nervously) About any number of things, of course.

T: And what is your opinion of the Crawfords? No one else is listening, you can be frank.

F: (looking uncertain) Well, Mr. Crawford certainly does know art, and what’s more, he knows how to sell it. But there is more to art than just buying and selling it, you know.

T: And Miss Crawford?

F: Miss Crawford… (takes a breath, looks hesitant) …she is very refined. Charming. Thoughtful. Beautiful. Opinionated, too. She is…well, I don’t know! What would you like to know, exactly?

T: Do you like her?

F: (visibly flustered) Oh dear, I think I hear Aunt Norris calling for me. I better go!

BUY HERE

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Tirzah Price grew up on a farm in Michigan, where she read every book she could get her hands on and never outgrew her love for YA fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is a former bookseller and librarian. Now, she’s a senior contributing editor at Book Riot, and co-host of the Hey YA podcast. When she’s not writing, reading, or thinking about YA books, she splits her time between experimenting in the kitchen and knitting enough socks to last through winter. She lives in Iowa.