Violation by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lieutenant Mike Kaleta is given the responsibility with Sergeant Williams to track down a child rapist.
The deeper into the investigation the more problems that seem to surface stopping them from finding out the truth.
I wasn't sure when I started reading this that I could cope with the attitude of the Chief of Police Ringman, but thankfully he wasn't the main policeman in the story and then the story just pulled me in with some good rounded characters that kept me interested right to the end.
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The Cheltenham Square Murder by John Bude
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In Regency Square in Cheltenham with its diverse characters the last thing the residents would expect to happen was a murder. And an unusual one at that - an arrow through the head. As Superintendent Meredith is staying with one of the residents and is first on the scene he takes charge.
It did seem to take them quite a while to find the guilty party, given the descriptions we were given I would have thought the solution would have come quicker but still an interesting mystery.
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A Michaelmas Wager by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rufus Lovell accepts a wager from his 'true' friends that the next lady to reach for the punch bowl he will marry before Michaelmas. So now he needs to persuade a previously unknown lady - Juliana Honeyfield - to marry him. What could possibly go wrong.
A sweet romance novella

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Deadly Prospects by Clio Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1869, Sutherland,and Solveig McCleery wants to re-open the mines on the estate to help improve the lives of the remaining population. She hopes with the help of Brogar Finn and Sholto McKay sent from the Mining Company. But when a mine is re-opened a body of a gold prospector is found. And his will not be the last of the murders. But who and why is doing the killings.
Although there was some likeable characters, at times for me there was too much description, and the use of a couple of modern idioms distracted from the telling. But I will probably read the next in the series.
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Listen to Your Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my second read of this novella - I wanted to read a story that was not all about Darcy and Elizabeth.
This Pride and Prejudice variation concentrates on the Fitzwilliam/de Bourgh family while they are all at Rosings. The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is of secondary concern, and they are helped by Anne and the Colonel. There is also a mystery from the past which impacts on the present. There is also a transformation of Lady Catherine which does occur literally overnight.
I enjoyed this story and liked the interactions between Anne, the Colonel and Darcy.

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No Ordinary Killing by Jeff Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1899 South Africa Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) is on leave in Cape Town when his Commanding Officer is find dead and a RAMC signature is required to start a post mortem. Disturbed by the crime, and the quick result he decides to investigate.
But what are the connections with Mbutu, and the Suttons. And who is Moriarty?
I was pulled into this very enjoyable story, a well written tale, with some good rounded characters.


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The Case of the Curious Cook by Cathy Ace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It all starts with Henry Devereaux Twyst, eighteenth Duke of Chellingworth, finding water damage to the priceless books and with an odd comment from his restorer which lead the WISE Enquiries Agency to investigate who is leaving books in a bookshop in Hay. But bigger problems are waiting for the team.
I have not read the previous two books in the series which really didn't seem to matter with this character driven book once I knew who was who.
A good cozy mystery which kept me entertained. With some descent characters and several mysteries to solve.
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The Earl's Conquest by L.L. Diamond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1757 and the story of Darcy's grandparents starts. As the widowed Earl of Matlock meets Rebecca Fairchild. The story is told by Rebecca to Elizabeth Darcy as she waits the birth of her daughter.
A sweet romantic prequel.

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The Shivering Turn: A PI series set in Oxford by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1974 Oxford and Mary Corbet hires Jennifer Redhead a private investigator to find her missing seventeen year old daughter. Redhead is not totally convinced that the girl has not just runaway but on finding a clue in her bedroom she seeks further information from a friend at the University.
I really enjoyed the story as it unfolded, a well-written tale with characters I look forward to seeing more of as the series develops.
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The Art of Vanishing by Cynthia Kuhn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Things start going wrong for Professor Lila Maclean when she is sent to interview author Damon Von Tussel - warning received, items go missing,and accidents start to happen.
Disappointed as I didn't find the mystery very interesting or any of the people.
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The Curse of the Singing Wolf by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Biarritz, France 1899 and Dr Watson and Countess Volodymyrovna have finally arrived. While staying at an inn owned by an ex-opera singer - the Singing Wolf - the kitchens catch fire and she invites the inhabitants tp her castle. Then their troubles start when their hostess disappears.
I really enjoyed this and I liked the introduction of Colonel Moriarty.

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Starlight Over Pemberley by Sebastian Di Mattia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Occasionally there appears a road which links the present day to Regency England, to be exact to Pemberley of Jane Austen's tale. When his car breaks down Jonathan Thomas finds himself on this road and meeting Georgiana Darcy. The attraction is immediate but can it survive.
I enjoyed this story, with it's interesting premise. I look forward to reading book two.

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An Abandoned Woman by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The summer of 1810 and a young women barely alive is found on Letho land. Charles Murray and his friend Blair feel that it is their duty to determine who she was and the name of the murderer. While a little later one of Murray's kitchen-maids, is attacked and at another household a kitchen-maid disappears.
A delightful read and an enjoyable introduction to the characters of the village of Letho.

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The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maisie Dobbs latest investigation has its origins in the Great War and an American named Michael Clifton. When later in 1932 when his and other bodies from the war have been discovered Clifton's parent which to locate the nurse who Michael was seeing during the war. As she also deals with events in her private life.
A very satisfying mystery, and likeable characters

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Searching for Captain Wentworth by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sophie Elliot visits the family home in Bath, which is next door to the home of Jane Austen in the early nineteenth century, to help get over a broken romance. The story is from Sophie's point of view as she meets the downstairs tenant and the finding of a white glove which transports her to Regency Bath. There she meets the Austen family - how close is Persuasion to the life of Jane and Sophie.
I enjoyed the parallel romance in modern day and Regency, and liked the characters which made it a satisfying read.

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Accomplished in Murder by Dara England
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After receiving disquieting letters from her newly married friend Celeste, Drucilla Winterbourne decides to visit her in Cornwall at Blackridge House. On arriving she is told some devastating news.
I felt that the mystery could have been expanded, including the section with Celeste, as there wasn't really any sleuthing on the part of Drucilla.

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Steam and Sensibility by Kirsten Weiss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1848 San Francisco and Sensibility Grey has arrived from Lima to the protection of her Uncle, after the death of her scientist father. But she becomes the pursued because of her father's journal. Who can she trust. Sensibility decides she must decipher the secrets in the journal but what will be the consequences.
A good fun mystery with a range of characters. An enjoyable read.
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Snowbound at Hartfield: A Sweet Tea Novella; Pride and Prejudice sequel by Maria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Colonel Fitzwilliam finds that he has inherited an estate, he travels with the Darcys and Mr. Bennet to visit his inheritance. Arriving in a snowstorm there are invited by the Knightleys to stay at Hartfield, as are the other travellers, Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth Elliot. Can the Colonel finds his future wife in the locale.
Really enjoyed this tale, and loved the Colonel is this story (but then I usually do) and even Elizabeth Elliot was likeable. And the writing style made it so easy to read.

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Don't Tell a Soul by M. William Phelps
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Unfortunately it didn't take me long to realise that I didn't like the style of writing, but I read on to the end. For me there was just too much over explanation. This is a version of the true story of Kim Cargill, and her trial for the murder of her son's childminder Cherry Walker.
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Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1854 and London is again hit with a spate of murders that seem to be a copycat of the Ratcliffe Highway murders of 1811. Thomas De Quincey, famed for his 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater', is decreed to be the main suspect. Can the De Quinceys with the help of D.I. Ryan and Constable Becker find the murderer and determine his motives.
Really enjoyed this story, like the characters and got involved in the telling. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

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The Dancing Monkeys by Sherwood Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mixture of Mansfield Park (Henry Crawford, Price brothers) and Persuasion (Captain Wentworth) as they meet onboard the Laconia just before battle commences. Crawford is travelling to try and forget Fanny Price who meets the equally unhappy Wentworth after Anne's refusal.
An interesting story that was well-written.

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Mr. Darcy's Debt: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novel by April Floyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On the death of Mr. Bennet in October 1811, and the appearance of Mr. Collins it is time that the deathbed promise of Bertram Fitzwilliam is undertaken, a promise because of the actions of a young Thomas Bennet in December 1786. So the present Earl offers the remaining Bennet family the living at Somersal next to Pemberley. This action bring several members of the various families closer together.
An enjoyable tale of the characters from the original, with an easy to read writing style though note there is no Wickham or an interfering Lady Catherine to create havoc.

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The Alexandria Affair by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Its now August 1818 and Lucius Grenville and Captain Lacey finally set off on their expedition to Egypt. Unfortunately with the added quest on behalf of james Denis to locate an artifact. Again Lacey is pursed by the mysterious familiar stranger. Can the answers be found in Egypt.
Again another good mystery and wonderful characters and well written.

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An Heir for Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Short Story by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A short story set a couple of years after the Darcys have married and their first child is about to be born.
A very quick read but enjoyable.


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A Twist of Fate by Brenda J. Webb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's two years since the death of Mr. Bennet and Darcy's proposal at Rosings. Unfortunately the lives of the Bennet's have taken a turn for the worse until a fateful day just before Christmas.
A delightful short story, that is well-written.

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Lord Haversham Takes Command by Heidi Ashworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lord Haversham has finally arrived home, kept away by guilt and shame. But he's now on the Queen's business but can he also claim the lady he loves.
A fast paced story which sometimes needed some more depth but enjoyable enough.

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Mr. Darcy's Vow: A Pride and Prejudice Story by Timothy Underwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy's father leaves the estate with a massive debt which is not helped when he has to pay out for his sister's dowry. So he must marry a heiress. To pay help pay off the debt and not to seem to act like his father. And so not to marry some penniless lady he meets in Hertfordshire.
An enjoyable story but maybe a bit too much 'yes I can, no I can't'marry Elizabeth'.

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An Afternoon to Kill by Shelley Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lancelot Jones is on his way to Bandrapore to work as a tutor when his light plane is forced to land in a desert. Looking for help he comes across a building, and meets Alva Hine, who is response to his question of why she is living there, she tells him her life story. A story of life fifty years ago in the Victorian era, of love of family, of hate and murder.
An interesting, and quick and easy read with a good ending.
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Riots And Revelations by Issy Brooke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1845 and Lady Cornbrook is visiting her Aunt Maude in Yorkshire when Maude's companion is Lizie McNab is found dead. Lady C starts to investigate.
I enjoyed the story, and like how these characters are developing. The writing style makes for an easy read.

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One Day at Pemberley: A Love Story by Elizabeth A. Watkins
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

At the age of 18 Elizabeth Bennet is visiting Pemberley with her Gardiner relations where she meets an under-gardener called William. They meet one more in town and then again at the Meryton Assembly. Hardly any conflict as happened before they have feelings for each other.
Found the writing style stilted, and too sweet at times, and certainly not in Regency style. Though I had hopes for Wickham's appearance but that was a disappointment.

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Blackstone and the Rendezvous with Death by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1897, just weeks prior to the celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. But Charles Smith is running for his life. To no avail. It is now Inspector Sam Blackstone's job to determine who he was, and why was an aristocrat working as a reporter.
A very enjoyable story, with good rounded characters so I am looking forward to the next in the series

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Deadly Assumptions by Daniel Bjork
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time has moved on and it is now November 1860 when Dr Bartlett has a visitor - she says that she is Edie Chase and she needs the Doctor's help. Now the Doctor starts to believe that her murdering father is still alive and so the hunt is on.
It would probably be better to have read the first two books to give a complete background to this book. I did at first find the POV switching between characters sometimes confusing - a helpful hint of who was speaking would have been useful.
I enjoyed the story, really like the characters and the writing style drew me into the tale. Will there be a fourth?
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Accepting Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just before Elizabeth Bennet travels to Hunsford she discovers that her father is dying, so when Darcy proposes she accepts. But what could go wrong. As it's Lizzy and Darcy, anything.
A short delightful tale.

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Mary Younge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of Mrs Mary Younge and her interaction with the proud, arrogant Darcy and the unfortunate consequences of his behaviour on her life. This is from her point of view, yes there is a sort of "proved to have been a prior acquaintance between him (Wickham) and Mrs. Younge", to keep the story close to canon. Yes Darcy is a prig in the story, but then this is a viewpoint from an employee, and he certainly comes across as that in canon,
I enjoyed the story, and the writing style made it very easy to read. Certainly think that Mrs Younge's character as been redeemed

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Exceeding Expectations, Mary Bennett's Story by Patricia Shurn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Six years previously once all her sisters had been married, Mary Bennet is offered her chance to escape Longbourn. It is arranged that she will accompany Miss Margaret Dashwood on a tour of the Continent.
Now it is time for Mary to come home as her father is very ill. But what can the future hold for her. This is her story.
I enjoyed the tale, the familiar characters, and the introduction of new characters.
I feel though that the book would have been improved with better proof reading as I noticed some misspelt words, wrong words used, and a name change. Also Hertfordshire is north of London not south.

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Service of the Heir by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1806, and Charles Murray has received the news that his father has been in an accident. Rushing to the Edinburgh family home and arrives just in time for a few words with his estranged father.
Dealing with his fathers' estate, fending off the parents of marriage daughters and the his stable boy is murdered and he begins to suspect that his fathers' death was no accident.
A very enjoyable read, a good mystery and some interesting characters.

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Darcy By Any Other Name by Laura Hile
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

During the evening of the Netherfield Ball, Darcy and Collins are next to a folly when lightning strikes and they swap bodies and are now trapped. But Collins (Darcy) is at Longbourn house with Elizabeth. Can he repent of his past behaviour, can Elizabeth fall in love with him, and what of Darcy (Collins) subjected to Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bough. What can he learn.
Would have liked more of Collins as Darcy, and the minor characters.

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The Clairvoyant Curse by Anna Lord
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

England 1899. and a group of people are travelling to the World Spiritualist Congress when the Countess decides that she and Dr. Watson will travel with them on the SS Pleiades. Just before they leave a murder occurs but the passengers are allowed to leave, but another murder occurs and when Dr Watson is accused the Countess is determined to find the guilty party.
Although I enjoyed the story I did get annoyed with the pidgin English of Dr Hu. I felt it could have stopped after a few sentences to help the story flow.

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A Death in the Dales by Frances Brody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read from the series and the tale is set in 1926, when Mrs Kate Shackleton takes her niece for a holiday in the village of Langcliffe. In the home of her friend Dr Lucien Simonson late aunt, the aunt who ten years previously had witnessed a murder but her testimony was discredited. So while investigating Kate uncovers a few secrets.
I enjoyed this gentle murder mystery, and found it very easy and descriptive read. I liked the main characters, and look forward to start reading the series from Book One.
A NetGalley Book.

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Bewitching Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Paranormal by Jane Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Jane is taken ill at Netherfield Elizabeth promises not to use her magic - though she is a witch as her father is a warlock she promises. Anyway what could go wrong with a spell. Unfortunately she finds out when to teach Darcy a lesson she makes him fall in love with her.
The story quickly takes us to the conclusion which was an interesting enough read.

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CAPTIVE ON THE FENS a gripping crime thriller full of twists by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Nikki Galena and her team investigate when a woman's body is found in a farm barn in the Fens with a finger missing. Is there any link to a similar case in Derbyshire. To add to their problems villain Freddie Carver has been seen in the area.
Another excellent read with these well rounded characters and a good mystery. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in the series so far and look forward to reading more about these characters.
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The Colour of Death by Frances Lloyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While investigating the death of a prostitute in London, Detective Inspector Jack Dawes is seconded to the Shetlands Island and Doomdochry Castle to help out a understaffed unit. His brief is to discover if a female's death was murder or not. But he is unable to initially unravel the mystery and not before a body is found.
Just about kept my interest going to read to the end though it had some likable characters.
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Exhibit No. Thirteen by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Sergeant Rusk is instructed to question known sex offences in the area when a body of a young women is discovered. He finds that he knows one of the names of the list, someone he knew from school - J E R Kremayne.
Then a second female is found with the same m.o.
Liked the plot twist, an interesting mystery.
(First published in 1962)
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