Then Comes Winter by Christina Boyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Some Pride and Prejudice variations consisting of modern and Regency set short stories. I admit to preferring the Regency stories like Winter’s Awakening, The food of love and A perfect choice.

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Seven for Suicide - A Mystery Short Story by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The detective from the Reed Ferguson series is in her own short story - Detective Sarah Spillman. She is called to investigate a death. Was Cales' suicide, murder or suicide, as a group of friends have their own version of a suicide party.

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Behind the Closed Door by Charles Prandy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Jack Smith fails to arrive home from a conference, she becomes worried when the police arrive at her door. A few days later his body turns up but there are anomalies and so Detective Hayden becomes suspicious.
Parallel to this are a series of robberies headed by a man named Max. Where will all this lead to and why.
Really enjoyed this

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Sweet Smell of Sucrets by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Ferguson becomes the only suspect in the murder of another private eye - Noel Farrell - he decides he must prove that he is innocent. Especially when his life is threatened.

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Kitty by alimison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With this Pride and Prejudice sequel this is Kitty Bennet's story as told from Kitty's point of view. It tells of her stay at Pemberley while waiting for Elizabeth to give birth. Meeting various gentlemen. Kitty has decided that it is time to fall in love, and so is constantly just doing that. But can Kitty become Catherine and find the right gentleman to marry.
Enjoyable story

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The Avenged by Charles Prandy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Jacob Hayden is witness to a killing by a sniper, but what is the connection to the recent information he had received about a corrupt Judge. Also is there a link to the death of a young man, and his storage shed.
An interesting thriller

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Eleven for Danger by Angus MacVicar
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's 1938 and Alastair Campbell and his boat land on an island - Suna - during a storm and discover suspicious activity. His fears are compounded when a few days later the people he has hired his boat out to are killed. His investigations lead him into more danger.
A NetGalley Book

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The C.I.D. Room by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Detective Inspective Fusil works at the CID Eastern division at the port of Fortrow. He is assigned the case of the missing gold from a ship.
Originally written in the 1960's, it was an okay story, but not especially interesting.
A NetGalley book

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Fall down easy by Laurence Gough
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Greg is a serial bank robber - for the kicks, and the money gives him a living - and master of disguise. Until his latest where he kills a customer and takes their briefcase.
Willow and Parker have very little information to solve the case.
An okay story.
A NetGalley Book

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Rehearsing for Death by Michael Kenyon
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Where the Sealeigh choir go, thefts occur. So Peckover and Twitty are sent in as undercover singers to catch the guilty.
The book is just not for me, didn't like anything about it.
A NetGalley book.

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Miss de Bourgh in Bath by SwordSwallower17


Lady Catherine decides that it is time for her daughter Anne to be married, and so they are off to Bath, and of course for her health.
As Anne health improves, so she starts to become more social. But is there a certain young man that she likes. Will it end well. With a mother like Lady Catherine that is very uncertain.
An enjoyable read telling of the growth of Anne.


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The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Eric Crowther is found dead at the White Cottage everyone in the vicinity is suspect as he was a collector of their secrets.
It is up to Chief Inspector Challenor to discover those secrets and so the killer.
The writing style of the book reflects that it was written in the 1920's.
This is possible the first Allingham book I have read, look forward to reading more.
A NetGalley Book

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Once Gone by Blake Pierce
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Special Agent Riley Paige is still trying to recover from the ordeal of being captured by one serial killer when she is on the case of another.
Didn't really capture my interest - probably too much angst from Paige's character

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Out of the Past by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is suggested that Reed Ferguson take on the case of bodyguard to trust fund female Stephanie McMahon. But he gets suspicious when he finds out about the 'accidental' deaths that have happened to her friends.

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Leaving Nothing to Chance by Lara S. Ormiston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this short story Darcy is determined to proposed to Elizabeth while he is staying at Rosings and persuades the Colonel to help.
Laughed out loud several times. Utterly enchanting

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The Celtic Dagger by Jill Paterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When University professor Alex Wearing is found dead Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn is assigned the case.
When Wearing's brother James believes he is the prime suspect he starts his own investigation. Leading to the discovery of stolen artifacts and blackmail.
An enjoyable enough read

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The Christmas Knot: A Slightly Gothic Regency Mystery Romance Novella by Barbara Monajem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Edwina White, left a poor widow seeks employment as a governess in the north of England. Only to find her employer is Richard Ballister, who seduced her in the past.
Add to this a haunted house and a curse, the result is an enjoyable read

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A Rush of Blackbirds by 4giveMeJane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The morning after the Netherfield ball sees Elizabeth escaping from the Collins proposal, while Darcy decides to have one last ride before all the party leave for London.
It is during this walk that Elizabeth finds an injured Darcy - a broken ankle, resulting in their departure being postponed. How does this affect the relationship between Jane and Bingley. And what about Elizabeth's and Darcy feelings. Many months must pass first.

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Remorseless: A British Crime Thriller by Will Patching
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Peter Leech is out of parole after 18 years in prison. He then goes on a killing spree- the violence I found didn't help the story, it became just mindless.

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Traveling By Post by Gaby A.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy and the Gardiners with Elizabeth did not meet at Lambton. Some months later as Elizabeth is travelling via post, a traveller entries the carriage at a stop - someone who's own carriage has broken down - Darcy who is also eager to arrive at London that day. Can any differences be resolved when they remain the only two passengers, and what then does the future hold once they arrive.

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Mansfield Restored by Ronald McGowan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Set several years after the ending of Mansfield Park, Mary Crawford meets Captain William Price. A epistolary novel - where letters are exchanged between various characters as we see their growing friendship, and the important events of the Bertrams, Price, and Crawford families, as Mary Crawford tried to bring all these families together.

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Cold Stone and Ivy by H. Leighton Dickson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Steampunk Britain in 1888 and Jack the Ripper is at large. Ivy Savage, writer, after receiving a heart in the post is sent away by her policeman father to stay with her fiancée brother in the north - the 'mad Lord'. Liked the supernatural aspects with the mad Lord. Lots of characters, too many words, and not really a surprise for the ending as the Ripper is chased in London.
A NetGalley book,

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An Unspoken Understanding by Gaby A.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins as the Gardiners and Elizabeth have been at Lambton for a few days, when that letter from Jane arrives and they leave very early in the morning. On arriving at the Inn Darcy wonders that Elizabeth has left him no letter of explanation.
Months later and still Wickham and Lydia have not been found, but Elizabeth finds herself invited to stay with a married friend Emily in London.....

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The Vital Minute by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Ken Beacham, is a Social Security Inspector, and in one of his cases he has to determine whether Leonard Trent died on his way to work or driving away when he was killed - to determine if his widow is entitled to a pension.
The case is complicated by the MD of the same firm committing suicide around the same time. Beacham therefore spends more time investigating to find his evidence.

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Death of an Innocent by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An old friend of Amelie Patton asks if Richard would investigate a burglary at their home on the Norfolk Broads, but nothing was stolen.
While investigating he discovers a murder of a young women which had been recorded as an accidental death. The Pattons spend time untangling clues to find the truth

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The Truth by Sandra C
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation that begins after the Hunsford proposal, and where Darcy and Elizabeth start to get to know each other via secret letters.
Quite a few new characters are introduced, and not the usual pairings result.

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Dancing With Mr Darcy by Susan Masters
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In the England between the wars Lizzie Rogers discovers Pride and Prejudice and is determined to wait until her own Mr. Darcy arrives. But is he Darcy or Wickham.
This short story did feel a bit rushed.

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An Open Window by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As the Patton's approach their usually caravan parking spot, they notice that the area is occupied by another caravan, which then explodes. As his wife Amelia lies in hospital ex-D.I. Patton investigates. Newly written wills, residual legatee, Amelia's uncle, and his children are all involved as it seems there are now three deaths to solve.

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Blood Defense by Marcia Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Samantha Brinkman, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney lands a double murder case. One of the victims is a much loved television star on the comeback road, and the defendant a LAPD detective.
This is the sort of case to give her profile a much needed boost, even if she is not sure of his innocence.
There were some surprises along the way. This is the first of her books that I have read and look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book

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Yours Forevermore, Darcy by KaraLynne Mackrory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We start the story the day after the proposal of Darcy to Elizabeth at the Hunsford Parsonage and the delivery of the letter. Though this may be the first letter that Elizabeth has received, it is not the first or last that Darcy has written to Elizabeth but never posted. An accident not long after the Colonel and Darcy have left Rosings results in their return. Can this event be the start of resolving the issues between these two persons.
Liked the characters of Anne DeBough and the Colonel is this tale.
An enjoyable read.

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The Barefoot Stiff by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this short story Maggie Sullivan is lured to an address where she finds a body in an alleyway. Determined to find the killer she sets a trap.

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The Mad Mistress by Sorcha MacMurrough
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Regency England, 1812 and Vanessa Hawkesworth, an heiress, is offered for sale at a gambling table by her brother Gerald. A neighbour, Clifford Stone, decides that the only way to save Vanessa is to buy into the card game and win her for himself.
Does the dreams that Vanessa have prove she is mad or are they real. As highwaymen bring havoc to the neighbourhood who can Vanessa really trust and who are these highwaymen.

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Further Exploits of Sherlock Holmes by David Stuart Davies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ten new stories detailing the investigations of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. I enjoyed reading them all but especially The Reichenbach Secret. Also a young Holmes in The Secret of the Dead. Would recommend to fans of Holmes. Look forward to reading them again.
a NetGalley Book

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Blood Of Others by Rick Mofina
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Are lonely women being targeted or is a San Francisco insurance clerk the first victim of the killer. And who will be the one woman who will forgive the unforgivable. Can he be stopped.
An interesting read for most of the time. Didn't really care much for the characters of Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski though.

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An Inconvenient Courtship by Dana R. Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With this Pride and Prejudice tale Darcy knows that although he is fascinated by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she would never be accepted by the ton. As Jane and Lizzy leave Netherfield, after Jane's illness, Lizzy has accident and Darcy realising he nearly lost her, reconsiders. With the help of the Colonel and a Doctor Taylor, can Darcy win Lizzy's heart.
A quick enjoyable read, which I may have liked to have been longer.

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The Female Detective by Andrew Forrester
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Initially published in 1864 the story introduces us to the first professional female detective in British fiction.
I was really looking forward to reading these stories but I found the narrative to be too wordy and the mysteries not that interesting. A disappointment.
A NetGalley book

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Tough Cookie by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maggie Sullivan is hired by a millionaire business to track down the man that had recently swindled him and several others
But as soon as she starts to investigate he is found dead - coincidence or not. Maggie sets out to solve the riddle.
Liking the characters in this series.

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Mr. Darcy's Rival by Kara Louise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth's tale begins as she, Sir William and Maria Lucas approach the Hunsford Parsonage for a visit. Elizabeth is delighted to meet another nephew of Lady Catherine - Matthew Rickland, enjoying his easy manners and conversation.
A few days later the Colonel and Darcy come for their annual visit to Rosings. Obstacles arise for the proposal, a letter, an accident...... But there is still more to come before there is a happy ending.
Enjoyed this tale.

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The Assassin Game by Kirsty McKay
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

On an island off the coast of Wales, pupils at a boarding school are invited to the Assassins' Guild, where a 'killer' pretends to kill the rest of the guild. But what if there is a real killer on the island.
Didn't really find it interesting enough apart hoping that there would be a real killer and kill everyone off. Though it might appeal to teenagers.
A NetGalley book

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Shamus in a Skirt by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Its 1940 and private investigator Maggie Sullivan is hired to look into a possible jewellery theft at a hotel. Then a body is found in a trash can near the hotel, and what happened to the man that disappeared from the hotel? Is there any connection with all the migrants from the European war that arrive at the hotel.
An enjoyable read.

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Anatomy by Carolyn McCray
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this short story after the sixth victim of a serial killer FBI profiler Kent Harbinger lends his help to Detective Nicole Usher to catch a killer.

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The Pemberley Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Novella by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story begins just after the engagement of Darcy and Elizabeth. What could possibly go wrong between the prideful Darcy and the impetuous Elizabeth? We are offered three alternative endings to the tale.

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Dark Pursuits by Tony Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Several years after his part in the destruction of Count Dracula, Jonathan Harker has settled into a peaceful existence. But his exploits have become known, and clients of the law firm he works for have asked for his help - these are three of his cases - ‘Devil May Care’ and evidence of the occult in Cornwall, - ‘The Deadly Curse’ are the killings occurring in London connected to a Pharaoh find, and ‘Legacy of Evil’ as the Harkers travel back to Transylvania what is behind the sinister happenings.
Liked the characters of these three novellas and the style of writing, and will probably read again.
A NetGalley Book


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Arsenic with Austen: A Mystery by Katherine Bolger Hyde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emily Cavanaugh, an English Literature Professor on receiving an inheritance from her great aunt visits the town of Stony Beach, to stay at her aunt's home.
But she comes suspicious that her aunt's death was not an accident. Then another death occurs.
I like the Jane Austen quote's at the beginning of each chapter, and the attempts (only a few) by Emily to fit the characters to Jane Austen characters,
A NetGalley book.

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The Vital Principle by Amy Corwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1815 and an Inquiry Agent - Mr. Knighton Gaunt - is employed at a house party to expose a spiritualist - Miss Prudence Barnard - as a fraud.
Unfortunately murder happens to prevent this. Can Mr Gaunt discover the murderer while unearthing all the guests secrets before they strike again.
This is the first of a series which I look forward to reading the next.

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Dead Is Dead by John Lansing
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Jack Bertolino, ex-cop now technical advisor and bodyguard to actress Susan Blake - has he own problems for Jack to solve.
Then a young girl is shot near a location shoot and Jack becomes involved in finding her killer.
Unfortunately the story starts towards drugs, drug cartels etc which as a subject I have no interest.
A NetGalley book.

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Deadly Proof by M. Louisa Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summer 1880, and lawyer and friend of Annie Fuller, Nate Dawson has his first case as lead in a defence trial - a female typesetter - Mrs. Florence Sullivan - is accused of killing the male owner. What possible motive could she have, is she protecting someone. Annie and her friends investigate.

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Blackdown by D.M. Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1817 England, Thomas Blackdown, and ex-soldier and now a thieftaker receives a letter from his brother to finally come home and help solve the problems of his father.
But Blackdown is soon surrounded by murder, lies and power hungry men.
Really enjoyed this book and hope for more.

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Twice Tempted: a Pride & Prejudice Intimate by Lily Lord
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It's the second night of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Such a short story doesn't give much of a tale, though not everything has gone to plan with their wedding nights.
Mature Content.

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The Broken Saint: A Detectives Seagate and Miner Mystery by Mike Markel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maricel Salizar, is a young Filipino exchange student staying with a family, but several months after arriving in Montana she is killed. It is up to Seagate and Miner to determine the guilty party from a few suspects

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