Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of Jane Steele (born in the 1830s) as told my herself with reference to her favourite book -Jane Eyre. Yes 'Reader, I murdered him' - the difference in their stories is that she does kill.
The more I read of this book the more I enjoyed it and the characters.
Will look out of more of her books.
A NetGalley book

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Pemberley Mistletoe by Ayr Bray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Darcys have only been married a few weeks when their invited and uninvited family Christmas guests began to arrive. And there will be now 17 in all, then unfortunately more arrive to cause more chaos.
How will the Darcy, Fitzwilliam and Bennets survive together for two weeks?
Enjoyed the story


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Not Handsome Enough by Ayr Bray
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This retelling begins at the Meryton Assembley up to the evening at Lucas Lodge - detailing Darcy's reactions to Elizabeth Bennet with daydreams of her.

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Cowardly Witness by Ayr Bray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A post Pride and Prejudice story - Matthew Poe, is running for his life when he is shot - a witness to the corruption in the Derbyshire lead mining industry.
He is sent to Pemberley for safe keeping, in the hands of the married Mr. Darcy. But who can be trusted.

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A Sensible Woman by Fiona Cameron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mabel Mountjoy can't seem to get rid of her ex-lover/lodger artist. An artist she is unable to sell in her gallery except if he died.
Then he disappears and she employes a private investigator to find him.
A romace with some mystery.
Not my usual type of read - modern romance - but I enjoyed it.
A NetGalley book.

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The Unthinkable Triangle: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Joana Starnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, just as Darcy had finally decided to offer to Elizabeth and expect her consent, it is the Colonel who has asked and been accepted by Elizabeth. Apart from their families the engagement is to be kept a secret as Colonel Fitzwilliam goes back to war.
How can Darcy survive knowing he loves Elizabeth and she can never be his, this is the story of the following months,
Loved it.

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Murder, Mayhem and Bliss by Loulou Harrington
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Businessman Harry Kerr is found dead in his own swimming pool. As the prime suspect is Bliss the wife, Jesse Camden decides to rally round and prove her innocence with the help of the newly formed Myrtle Grove Garden Club.

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The Fox in the Forest by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On Christmas Eve the local vicar Peter Barton is found shot, in the woods between two villages. Apparently with no known enemies the police are unable to determine a motive. Then another man is found dead.
With no evidence but lots of suspects, its for Superintendent Lambert to find the killer.

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Valentine: by Celina Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Three women are left real hearts on their doorsteps, what is the connection between these 3 different women. Then it becomes more serious when a death threat is found.
A novella in the Sergeant Kate Redman series

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Imago by Celina Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A prostitute is found stabbed to death in a rundown area of Abbeyford. With no leads another body is found
The police have to accept they have a serial killer, when they find out that there had been a similar killing elsewhere. Can they catch him before he kills again.

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A Prescription for Death by Celina Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is 1947 and the story of Asharton Manor continues, as it has been turned into a convalescent home for soldiers from the war.
Mrs Vivian Holt decides to volunteer her help, and becomes close to one of the soldiers, when he dies a few weeks later. But she has her suspicions.
A quick read with the who easily solved.

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Requiem by Celina Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kate Redman is shocked to discover that teenager Elodie Duncan has been found murdered is a scene resembling a painting produced by her brother, and that she had spoken to Elodie only the previous night.
Of the suspects who is the guilty one and why does Kate think there is more to discover.

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Darcy's Ultimatum: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jennifer Joy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice tale Darcy had just been released by Anne de Bourgh of their engagement and Darcy's father has given him an ultimatum - marry by the end of the London season or be disinherited. Meanwhile Jane and Elizabeth are visiting the Gardiners, Elizabeth must also be engaged by the end of the season or be made to marry Mr. Collins. Miss Darcy, Wickham and the Bingleys are also in London.

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The Glass House by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The tales of Captain Lacey continue when he is asked to identify a body pulled from the Thames, thankfully for Lacey not who is expected. But an ex-actress and lover of a Lord, but Lacey takes up the challenge to find her murderer, leading to a house of ill-repute - the Glass House - and other killings.
Continuing to enjoy this series.

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Roebuck: Tales of an Admirable Adventurer by Luke Waterson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Knivet joins the Cavendish expedition along the Brazilian coast in the late 16th century returning home to write his memoirs of all his adventures in those years away from England. This story is based on those memories. He was obviously blessed considering how many time he came near to death and survived. Just made me wonder how much of these memoirs were exaggerated and unfortunately I actually didn't find it that interesting.
A NetGalley book

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A Death in the Asylum by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What are the connections of a seance held at Stapleford House, the housekeeper being attacked and then Euphemia Martins accompanying Bertram Stapleford with his new love Beatrice Wilton (a gossip writer at her family's newspaper) as they investigate asylums in London. What are the secrets that the Stapleford family are trying to hide.

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Return to Longbourn: The Next Chapter in the Continuing Story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Shannon Winslow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first sequel to Pride and Prejudice by this author that I have read and I really like the style. Mary Bennet is now in her late twenties, and with her sister Catherine they are still unmarried.
Mary has been working as a governess to the new family at Netherfield for four years. It starts with the death of Mr. Bennet and the arrival of the new heir Tristan Collins from America, (Mr William Collins having died).
Will Mary continue to be happy as a governess or does she wish for love - this is her story.

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A Death in the Highlands by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lord Richard of Stapleford Hall decides on a shooting party in the Scottish Highlands for the Glorious Twelfth. While Euphemia has been temporarily promoted to housekeeper for this journey.
The day after the shooting arty has arrived one of them is murdered. Euphemia decides to investigate and hopefully prove the innocence of the new butler.
Enjoyable quick read.

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Bogman by R.I. Olufsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So when a mummified foot is found on Danish bog the police have to determine whether it is a recent part or not.
Which leads Chief Inspector Tobias Lange to find its identity. But what connection could there me to the brutal beatings of females

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The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not many months after Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth Bennet he is informed of his father's cousins death - Samuel Darcy and of inheritance of the estate.
They travel to Dorset to find that Samuel Darcy's body has disappeared and another body found on the grave.
But then more bodies are found, and some of Samuel's treasures are lost and found. With the help of Colonel Fitzwilliam can the mystery be solved.
I found Darcy too insecure concerning Elizabeth, but the story was still enjoyable.

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Murder at the High School Reunion by Steve Demaree
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After a High school reunion two people are reported missing - days later their bodies are found and Lt. Dekker investigates.
Didn't seem like their was a lot about the murders in this book

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Murder by Misrule by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1585 England Francis Bacon is told by his uncle, Lord Burghley, that he to investigate the death of a fellow barrister at Gray's Inn. He recruits four of his students to help with the legwork of the investigation - Tom Clarady. Stephen Delabere, Allen Trumpington and Benjamin Whitt.
An entertaining mystery, looking forward to read the next.

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Linda, As in the Linda Murder by Leif G.W. Persson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

During a Swedish summer Police Inspector Evert Bäckström leads a team to investigate the murder of Linda.
It rambles, I was bored reading it - some of this could be down to the translation but I just wasn't interested in reading to the end.
ANetGalley book

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Jane and the Hidden Hoard by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane and Caleb are employed by a Lloyd's name - Sir Colin Neville - to locate the stolen jewels from his safe as Lloyds of London refuse to pay out on the insurance.
Although the thief's accomplices have been discovered and arrested they is still the mastermind behind the theft to discover.
Hoping there is more to come in this series.

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Murder in the Winter by Steve Demaree
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A snowstorm arrives and footprints are found outside Dekker's home with a message to find the bodies. Then the murders begin at the Inn while they are in residence.

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Death in the English Countryside by Sara Rosett


Kate Sharp lives in L.A. and is a location scout. She is happy when the company she works for is employed to look for locations in England for a new Pride and Prejudice film.
Unfortunately her boss Keven disappears just hours before his flight back to L.A.
But with the help of a local location scout Alex, she seeks to find the murderer.
Not too difficult to determine the murderer.

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Brushed Away by Jason Deas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Benny James, ex-FBI is called out to view a painting in a local cafe - a painting done in blood. Further bizarre art pieces and bodies are found.
With the help of Officer Kearn and Red, can the cases be solved.
Loved this, hope there is more to come.

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Nantucket Grand: A Henry Kennis Mystery by Steven Axelrod
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Lots of different incidents are happening on the island of Nantucket, but are they random or connected.
Really couldn't get into the book, don't know why not
a NetGalley book

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What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1811 London, England a young woman is found murdered within a church. The evidence leads to Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin. Using his skills developed in the Intelligence department during the war Sebastian evades the Bow Street Runners to try to determine the real culprit.
Enjoyed this first book of a new series for me. Look forward to reading the next

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Jane and the Christmas Masquerades by Sarah J. Waldock


The two novellas in the book were an enjoyable read - 'Jane and the Vanishing Valet' where they visit the Coates family - the uncle of their ward Araminta - and why her uncle was attacked and what did happen to the valet.
'Jane and the Unladylike Wife' - after a dinner party given by Mrs Stegall she is discovered the next morning dead.
Looking forward to read the next in the series.

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Final Departure by Steve Pickens
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Jake Finnigan works on a ferry and his day just goes wrong when a body is discovered on the ferry in the boot of a car - a body, a reporter named as Susan Crane, which had been shot, throat cut and bound - which is then determined to be a suicide.
So he determines to investigate and finds a long list of suspects.
a NetGalley book

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Fields of Wrath by Mark Wheaton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Newly ordained Father Luis Chavez investigates the death of a field labourer leading him to a human-trafficking ring in California.
A NetGalley book

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The Hotel of the Three Roses by Augusto De Angelis
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In 1919 the Hotel of the Three Roses in Italy holds a strange assortment of people.
Inspector De Vincenzi receives an anonymous letter suggesting danger at the hotel when he is assigned to the case of a murder there.
He must now discover what binds these residents together before another murder can take place.
A NetGalley book

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The Skeleton Garden: A Potting Shed Mystery by Marty Wingate
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

An English airman is killed during World War 2 and his body lies undiscovered in a crashed German plane (in a garden) where it is discovered 60 years later. But then there is another killing. What possible link is there?
Too much garden and plants and not enough mystery for me.
A NetGalley book.

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Jane and the Opera Dancer by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this third book of the series Jane Armitage receives a note from an old schoolfriend who is helping an opera dancer to become enough of a lady to wed a wealthy man. Unfortunately this gentleman has been killed and Jane and Caleb must determine the murderer.
Enjoyable read.

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The Case of Lisandra P. by Hélène Grémillon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's 1987, Buenos Aires, 1987 and Lisandra is found dead at the bottom of a 6 storey building. When her husband, a psychoanalyst, is arrested, one of his patients, Eva Maria, decides to prove his innocence.
Found it very difficult to care if he was guilty or innocent.
Free book from Goodreads.

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That Sleep of Death: A Sam Wiseman Mystery by Richard King
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The new title is - A Death at the University.
After making friends with a police detective - Gaston Lemieux - Sam Wiseman a bookseller finds the body of a murdered professor.
Then Lemieux invites Wiseman to help with the investigation. I didn't take to the character of Wiseman and certainly couldn't understand the use of Wiseman as an investigator instead of another detective, and of Wiseman's co-owner of the bookstore letting him get away with not working but using their small profits to employ cover for him.
A NetGalley book

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Pride & Regicide by Cathy Bryant


Three years after the end of Pride and Prejudice, Mary and Kitty Bennet are still single and living at Longbourn. Mary has become friends with Cassandra Lucas the youngest of the Lucas daughters.
As these three young ladies are out walking they watch as a someone falls from the local bell tower. But only Mary of the three sees a shadow in the tower and decides to find out who the murderer is.
An enjoyable and quick read.
A NetGalley book

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Secrets in the Stones by Tessa Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Starting at no 6 means that there is a back story that needs to be caught up on. Though it can be read as a stand alone.
Dr. Thomas Silkstone is an anatomist who is called in at the death of Sir Montagu Malthus at Boughton Hall, the lawyer for Lady Lydia Farrell who found the body.
What connection is there to a stolen diamond in India and various army officers.
Will probably read the first book to see how I enjoy the start of the story.
A NetGalley book

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Deadly Engagement: A Georgian Historical Mystery by Lucinda Brant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alec Halsey, a diplomat, has returned to London of 1763 to find that his brother the Earl of Delvin is engaged to the woman he loves, and has killed a friend, Jack, in a duel. The mother of Jack believes he has been murdered and wants Alex to investigate.
This leads him to a house party held by his god-mother.
Really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more in the series.

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The Last Betrayal by Roger Hurn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Private Investigator and ex-policeman Ryan Kyd who is based in Deptford is employed to determine that the death of up and coming footballer Jermaine Williams was not an accident.
Okay story
A NetGalley novella

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Looking For A Reason by Frances di Plino
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Detective Inspector Paolo Storey gets called in by a Doctor at the local hospital to a case of rape - a rape of a man. The man was held captive for 3 days and then released but nothing was reported - are there more cases similar to this one.
There is also the mundane case of minor vandalism at a local youth centre.
There were two points during the book when a person had information for the police but D.I. Storey just didn't have the time - of course these people turned up dead.
The guilty person became obvious as the story is told.
A NetGalley book

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Death Drops the Pilot by George Bellairs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The pilot of a river ferry boat is killed mid-stream and Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is called in. How many suspects can there be in such a small community and what is the connection to the war.
Another old style mystery.
A NetGalley book

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Mary, Mary, Not So Ordinary by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With this sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Mary Bennet decides to cast aside the persona she had created to prevent her mother from marrying her off to the first gentleman that took an interest in her.
When Elizabeth Darcy hears of this transformation she invites Mary to Pemberley where her friendship with Georgiana, and her adventures begin.
Loved this book, the first I have read by this author, and I will be buying the next 2 paperbacks in the series.

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Crime In Leper's Hollow by George Bellairs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While on holiday in Tilsey, Littlejohn is recruited to investigate a possible murder.
Which gets complicated by the strange going ons within the family Crake.
An old style of writing for this genre.
a NetGalley boook

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Dead March for Penelope Blow by George Bellairs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Littlejohn returns in the tale of Penelope Blow, a timid spinster who spends several days in London wishing to speak to Littlejohn.
Unfortunately she dies before they can talk. Is her death an accident, what really is going on in the Blow household. Starts slowly but the clues are there.
A NetGalley book.

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