Warped Ambition by Debbie S. TenBrink
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lieutenant Jo Riskin is called in to investigate the death of a young girl found in a dumpster which reveals several suspects. While at the same time trying to find evidence in the murder of her husband.
An interesting read with some likable characters, enough that I look forward to reading the next in the series. Though I did find that the guilty party became obvious.
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A Very Darcy Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Victoria Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the Darcys' first Christmas approaches, they are looking forward to spending time together, alone, when a horde of relations descend on them. Unfortunately they include Mrs Bennet, Lady Catherine and the Wickhams.
Really enjoyed the story, so easy to read, and loved the interplay between Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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The Heretic's Creed: An Elizabethan Mystery Featuring Ursula Blanchard by Fiona Buckley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the first of the series that I have read. Ursula Blanchard has been given a mission by Sir William Cecil - to deliver a letter to Holyrood Palace for the Earl of Morton, and buy a book from the ladies of Stonemoor House.
For my tastes I found the story too descriptive. and not enough mystery and consequently not very interesting.
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Death of a Scholar: The Twentieth Chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew by Susanna Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1358, Matthew and Michael have returned to Cambridge only to find that Oswald Stanmore has died. That a new college - Winwick Hall - is being built, and then the first body is found.
A very enjoyable series, with likable characters and a good mystery

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The Darcys' First Christmas: A Sweet Tea Novella by Maria Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Darcys' first Christmas approaches when the disapproving Matlocks make an unexpected and unwelcome early visit. Though the Colonel is always welcome. Can Elizabeth overcome her insecurities, can Darcy recognise his faults.
An engaging story.

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Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy: Engaged at Pemberley by W.E. Dashwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As Bingley and Jane have decided to marry at Pemberley, Elizabeth is invited as chaperone. Can their friends bring Darcy and Elizabeth together after the disaster that was the proposal.
There are some mistakes in the text which would not be difficult to correct, a pleasant sweet short story.

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The Stalker by Sally Spencer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Beth Baker has a Guardian Angel, to help make her life better. But only as long as she keeps Satan out of her life.
A solid story and fairly easy read but just missing that spark.
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Crimson Snow: Winter Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A collection of old crime stories (eleven) set during the winter season. Most of these I enjoyed reading, a couple not so much, but overall an enjoyable read by authors I mostly had not heard of before.
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Teetotaled by Maia Chance
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's 1923 and Lola Woodby and her partner Berta Lundgren of the Discreet Retrieval Agency are employed by Sophronia Whiddle, to retrieve her daughter Grace's diary. Just in case it contains secrets that might cancel Grace's wedding. All this leads to murder.
Found I didn't really like the two partners, and Lola was just too accident prone, and I dislike women who call themselves Mommy when they are referring to a dog.

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A Jane Austen Christmas: Celebrating the Season of Romance, Ribbons and Mistletoe by Carlo DeVito
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A description of Jane Austen's and Georgian Christmas traditions, divided into six different years. An interesting read for this day.

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Will's First Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is Will's first Christmas, the firstborn of the Darcys. Who have invited the Charles and Jane Bingley with their twin sons, Mr and Mrs Bennet, while Lydia is already living at Pemberley. Much to the chagrin of Mrs Bennet Darcy has introduced a new holiday tradition.
An enjoyable festive tale.

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Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's First Christmas at Pemberley by W.E. Dashwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What could possibly go wrong when Darcy and Elizabeth invite their families to Pemberley for Christmas.
Not sure about Georgiana being 20 in this story, and events with Wickham being 6 years previously. The timescale may need some work but still an enjoyable story

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Mr Darcy's Christmas Calendar by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lizzy Benson decides to visit Chawton House, one of Jane Austen's homes, where she buys what turns out to be a special advent calendar. But when she opens the first door magical things start to happen as she meets the Bennet family. But as seen in First Impressions, can Lizzy's meeting with Miss Austen steer the story to become Pride and Prejudice.
A very enjoyable read.

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Mr. Knightley's Secret by W.E. Dashwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Mr. George Knightley's demeanour changes there are a few people in Highbury who are wondering what his secret is. Will he confide in anyone, can anyone discover his secret.
This read much more smoothly than the first in the series, and therefore a better read and story.

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Mr. Darcy's Regret by W.E. Dashwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet arrives at the Hunsford Parsonage for her visit, after the awful proposal, after visiting Pemberley, only to meet Georgiana and Darcy at Rosings. Can they solve the problems they have.
Probably could have done with some filling out - only about 50 pages - as it did seem to jump from scene to scene without enough detail at times.

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Game of Patience by Susanne Alleyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1796, Paris, and Aristide Ravel is called to a double murder of Louis Saint-Ange and Celie Montereau. Clues lead to various people but with the recent possible miscarriage of justice Ravel becomes uncertain who is definately guilty and why.
Wonderful descriptions bring to life the times, and the people in this mystery with its interesting characters.

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Scotland Yard's First Cases by Joan Lock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The history of Scotland Yard’s first detective branch, in the nineteenth century. An interesting story of its cases, procedures and police officers.
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A Very Mary Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With Jane and Elizabeth nearly married Mrs Bennet turns her attentions to Kitty. As obviously Mary has lost any chance of marriage when she didn't catch Mr. Collins.
But Mary has friends on her side, so can she find her happy ending.
Loved this story, it was wonderful to read Mary's tale, and I really liked the new characters that were introduced.

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The Good Old Days: Poverty, Crime and Terror in Victorian London by Gilda O'Neill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Was the Victorian period really so good, was it so much better than the present day Britain. If you think so read about the East End of London in Victoria's day - the problems, the crime, the poverty.
I probably would have preferred that the information that was obtained from that era was actually incorporated into her text rather than as separate sections in the chapters.
But still an interesting read especially if you are interested in social history.
A NetGalley Book.

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Waking to Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Caroline Bingley has got too much even for her brother, Bingley and Darcy escape to the hunting lodge. Then when Elizabeth is out walking, making her escape from Longbourn and Collins, she gets caught in the rain and stumbles into the lodge.
A very enjoyable tale, with a pleasing and discerning Mary.

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Modern Crimes: A WPC Lottie Armstrong Mystery by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leeds 1924 and WPC Cathy Taylor and Lottie Armstrong are the only two women constables in Leeds. That morning they are sent out to a home for unmarried mothers not knowing that this investigation will lead to murder and expose the criminal underworld of Leeds.
A very enjoyable mystery, an easy read and likable characters. Can't ask for more.
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A crushing blow by Penny Kline
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A murdered man found in the nearby area called Leigh Woods has brought on agoraphobia to a resident - Geraldine - and psychologist Anna McColl is asked by the husband Sandy to talk to her. But what mysteries are hiding in the neighbourhood.
It was an interesting enough story but the characters all seemed to be hesitant in being honest, for me too much of a plot ploy.
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The Flying Stars: A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A short story featuring Flambeau and three large diamonds. Didn't find this one that interesting.

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Whitechapel Girl by Gilda O'Neill
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1880s London, and the story of Ettie Wilkins from Whitechapel and how meeting Professor Jacob Protsky changing her life; and the much abused Celia Tressing, daughter of a doctor. In the time of Jack the Ripper, though this part of story came much later in the book.
Unfortunately I didn't really find the story or the characters that interesting or entertaining.
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The Bluebell Killer by Frances Lloyd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A mutilated body is found in a river in the affluent town of Kings Richington DI Jack Dawes is charged with finding the murderer. But the body is just the start.
Although I found it an easy to read book and somewhat interesting I did determine who the murderer was before half way.
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A Little Whimsical in His Civilities by J. Marie Croft
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fitzwilliam Darcy tells his tale of returning to Meryton with Bingley to attend another assembly to talk to Elizabeth. Can he achieve a happy ending.
A playful tale.

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Murder At The Panionic Games by Michael B. Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the Greek city-state of Priene, Bias, a minor priest, is instructed to find the murderer of Tyrestes, one of the main contenders in the Games.
An interesting story with solid characters, a good start to the series.

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Dark Desires by Eve Silver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcie Finch with nothing left to lose finally finds her way to her sister's house of ill-repute but Abigail takes pity and directs her to the home Dr. Damien Cole but with warnings of danger.
As Darcie is instantly attracted to him she faces the fear of his association with resurrectionists, the appearance of blood on his clothes, the disappearing staff and finally the murders.
A very enjoyable tale

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The Royal Ghost by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Brighton, 1871 and the story of seances and mediums continues as two ladie sproduce a book which details their tale of seeing the Prince Regent in the Brighton Pavilion which invokes the interest of spiritualist Arthur Wallace Hope.
Mina Scarletti, a writer and investigator suspects all is not true and decides to investigate.
I enjoyed this story, found it easy to read and liked the characters. I didn't feel that I had to have read the first in the series to read this one.
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Sketching Character by Pamela Lynne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins after the Netherfield Ball and Lydia's life changes forever, she has been seduced by Wickham and now bears the consequences. Can Elizabeth's visit to Rosings bring her happiness, and what of Lady Catherine de Bough, Anne, Darcy and the Colonel, a different Colonel then what I have usually read, a gentleman who is not happy with his situation.
A delightful read, a lovely flowing writing style, and I have loved all three of this writer's works. I hope there will be a next one.

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Mycroft Holmes and the Case of the Missing Popes by David Dickinson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When two painting are stolen from the home of Lord Melrose, Mycroft Holmes is asked to investigate. A quick easy read but not a lot of depth to the mystery.

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Resisting Miss Merryweather by Emily Larkin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

April 1807 and Sir Barnaby Ware is near Woodhuish Abbey, to face a man he has betrayed. Just before he turns to go back he meet Miss Anne Merryweather - a female who says and sees what others don't - he continues on to meet Marcus, Lord Cosgrove. Can Barnaby be redeemed and can he ever forgive himself.
A delightful novella, possibly my first story with a hint of magic, with likeable characters which I wanted to read more about.
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Flowers for Lilian by Anna Gilbert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Last Victorian England and story narrated by Maggie Ossian concerning the village of Asherby Cross, and the tragedy that strikes the village. Of her friendship with Lilian, her illness and her strange behaviour. Are the two subjects intertwined.
An interesting suspense story.

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Sarah's Story by Stacy B.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sweet story about Sarah Hill (the daughter of Hill of Pride and Prejudice) as she goes to Pemberley with Elizabeth Darcy as her maid

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The Many Lies of Mary Bennet by Kathy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice sequel details the life and coming out of Mary Bennet as managed by herself or so she believes. A story I really enjoyed, and I liked this Mary, and the other characters that were portrayed.

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The Devil's Agent by Roger Hurn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Balthazar Bloodwine, a thief, is forced to work for William Murray, M.P. to help him convict another M.P. James Inglethorpe of wrongdoing.
The novella was an interesting enough story, without any redeemable or likeable characters.
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A Rustle of Silk: A New Forensic Mystery Series Set in Stuart England by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1603 and Gabriel Taverner has returned from the sea and qualified as a doctor. He now lives in Devon near his family, but all in the neighbourhood are not happy to see him practice.
But when the local coroner Theophilus Davey calls him out to examine a body he wonders what evil may be lurking nearby. And will this be the last body.
As a first in a series I found an easy, interesting and enjoyable read with some likeable characters, with the scene set for the development of others. I look forward to reading the next book.
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Mr. Darcy's Refuge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This variation begins at Rosings, when Darcy is on his way to Hunsford Parsonage to offer marriage to Elizabeth. During this proposal the storm that has been raging gets worse and there are interrupted by villagers looking for a safe haven from the storm. Can any actions of Darcy persuade Elizabeth to accept him, of course the situations is made worse by the interference of all their families.
An enjoyable story and an easy writing style, with the usual characters plus more of the Matlock family.

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Death at St. Vedast by Mary Lawrence
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bianca Goddard becomes interested in the death of a pregnant woman is found next to the church of St. Vedast. The same church that her husband's master, Boisvert, is set to be married to Odile. But this is not be be the only death, as poison is determined to be the cause of Odile's death. Bianca is determined to find the cause and who is responsible.
This is the second of the series I have read, and I find that I need to like the main character in a mystery series and I don't know why but I just can't take to the character of Bianca.
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A Fine Joke by Alex9903
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy is informed that he has only a few months to live. We learn how this information changes his life, but is it true and if not who is behind the action.
An interesting way to get a HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth.

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House of Silence by Sarah Barthel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1875, March, in Oak Park Illinois Isabelle Larkin is living a contented life as a newly engaged lady. Until by chance she sees her fiance commit a crime. As she fears for her life as no one believes her story she is convinced her only solution is to have herself committed to a sanitarium by faking a breakdown. But can this really solve her problems, and what will be consequences of her actions.
Soon of the characters in the book are based on real people, which added to the historical side of this captivating story. I also like the characters of this easy to read historical thriller.
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At the Duke's Discretion by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Under duress Cristobel Brooke is working as a jeweller with her uncle in his shop near Winchester. Her only connection to the criminals is a man called Reece. Enter the Sheridan brothers into this situation. Can they or their connections help Cristobel and her uncle. Who is the mastermind behind it all.
An enjoyable regency romance, with some delightful characters and with that little extra - a mystery.
So I shall probably read the next in the series.

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Happenstance by Abby B.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins the morning after the Netherfield Ball where accidentally Darcy compromises Elizabeth Bennet. In this forced marriage scenario, with its trials and tribulations can there be a happy ending.
An interesting story with characters all Jane Austen's fans will know.

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In The Market For Murder by T E Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1909, has arrived and one week to the day after Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong had visited the local cattle market, a local farmer dies in the public house.
While trying to solve this mystery they are involved in a theft, and a séance with a troubled ghost.
An entertaining and interesting mystery with some good drawn characters.
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Dark Stars by C.S. Quinn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's 1666 and Charles Tuesday wants to know the meaning, if any, of the ruby ring he possesses, which leads him to look for the others, and the greater prize of the 'eye'. Once in someone possession the 'eye' allows the owner to rule the seas.
I was hoping for more of a murder mystery but instead this was more of a thriller, not a genre I am particularly interested in. It might have been more interesting if I had read the previous two books in the series to get more of a background on the characters.
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Salt Bride by Lucinda Brant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story starts in Wiltshire in 1759 then moves on four years to the marriage of he Earl of Salt Hendon and Jane Despard.
But with a past of misunderstanding and interference can they truly be happy or will the opposition to the marriage continue and who by and why. And what other secrets will be revealed.
An enjoyable tale of a Georgian romance.


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Poisoned Heart by Jason Blacker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Set in Post WWII England, Lady Marmalade is visiting her friends at Abernathy Castle when the kitchen maid is killed. A very quick set up to the murder and the suspects, and then a solution in presented. Felt it could have been expanded a bit.

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The Woman in the Water by Will & Sheila Barton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

in 1761 Bath, one day sees a local vicar Jonathan Harding crossing a river with his friend Henry Castlemaine, when the ferryman sees a body in the river. Harding becomes intrigued and wishes to find out who it is. Meanwhile Lizzie Yeo niece to Harding's housekeeper is looking for a friend she has not seen in a few weeks.
A very enjoyable read and a good mystery, told in a slow, detailed, entertaining pace. With some likeable and varied characters.

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The Masked Lady and The Murder by Lindsay Downs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In May 1814Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire returns from war to take up his title and position after the murder of his father and older brother. He is introduced to Lady Kristina Rosewood who has been investigating the killings.
Felt that the story would have been improved with better editing.

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Palace of Justice by Susanne Alleyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1793 Paris and the first decapitated body is found. An police agent Ravel is instructed to quietly determine the murderer. Difficult when there seems to be no pattern to the killings. And with the backdrop of the continuing revolution, regicide, and the mass guillotining of people for minor crimes.
Immensely satisfying read (and in places sad), with characters wonderfully drawn out.

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