From Ashes to Heiresses: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Short Story by Renata McMann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While Elizabeth and Jane are visiting the Gardiners (post Hunsford proposal) there is a fire at Longbourn and all the family perish. Can Jane and Elizabeth ever be happy again.
An enjoyable short story

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Never So Bewitched By Any Woman: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by Isabelle Mayfair
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth is staying with the Gardiners in London where she meets Wickham and spends time getting to know him. Plus she also meets Miss Darcy. A Miss Darcy who did not meet Wickham in Ramsgate. Of course, Wickham and Miss Darcy meet often in London, as Darcy is staying with friends in Bristol.
An interesting variation.

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An Encounter at Pemberley: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by Isabelle Mayfair
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While out walking in the woods around Lambton, Elizabeth is hurt and found unconscious by Darcy. Due to an approaching storm he takes her to the nearby hunting lodge. Unfortunately the next morning Elizabeth wakes with no memory of anything.
An okay story which was keeping me entertained then one sentence near the end threw me out of the story and then it became a struggle to finish. So it was nearly just a 2 star read.

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The Colour of Poison: A Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery by Toni Mount
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in a new series set in 1475 London. Sebastian Foxley a cripple is drawn in to investigate the death of his master - Matthew Bowen - when his older brother, Jude, is accused of his murder
A well written murder mystery with wonderful characters, and with the interesting descriptions of London of Edward IV and Richard Duke of Gloucester (one of my favourite characters from history).
Look forward to reading more of this series

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Of Dubious and Questionable Memory by Rachel McMillan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

October 1911, with not much happening Herringford and Watts travel to Concord via Boston to look for a missing heiress.
An interesting short novella mystery.

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The Many Lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Beau North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All seems to go well for Darcy until that proposal, eager to leave the next day he finds that inexplicably he was woken to the same day. How long will this keep happening and what is the purpose of him re-living the day over and over again.
Loved this, it was so easy to read and the story just flowed. (Loved the film Groundhog's Day which might have helped in loving the book)


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A Singular and Whimsical Problem by Rachel McMillan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

November 1910 Toronto and what connects these missing items, a cat, a suffragette and a sister. Herringford and Watts investigate.
An enjoyable short novella.

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Mr Darcy's Letter by Abigail Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Totally against the rules of society Darcy writes Elizabeth a letter after his failed proposal but Elizabeth never reads it and returns to Longbourn unaware of the truth of Wickham. But on hearing of the failed proposal Wickham believes it is in his best interests that they marry. Bur knowing the nature of both Darcy and Elizabeth is it possible for a happy ending, and what about Jane and Bingley.
Just about kept my interest, with the two main people constantly misunderstanding each other.

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The Mystery at Underwood House by Clara Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Philip Haynes caused mischief during his life, and this continued after his death when the terms of his will were read. So who is killing off the siblings to gain their inheritance, Angela Marchmont is asked to investigate.
Again an enjoyable tale on the second read.

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The Curse of Christmas by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the year 1898 approaches its end the Countess and Watson at the request of Mycroft Holmes investigate the disturbed graves at the Crossbones Cemetery in Southwark as a blind to discover who has the potential to blackmail the Prince Regent over is visits to the local prostitutes nearby.
I continue to enjoy this series, the characters, the mystery, theentertainment value and look forward to the next.

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Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1888 Independence Day, and Quaker midwife Rose Carroll is at the evening's fireworks display when a young female is shot. When a fellow Quaker and former slave is accused Rose investigates.
An enjoyable mystery, with a little romance, and a well-written story.
A NetGalley Book

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Their Lost Daughters by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Detective Rowan Jackman gets a call early one morning that a body has been found on a beach he could never imagine where the case would lead. Missing teenagers, a cold case of a kidnapped child, and who is behind the drink parties.
A very interesting mystery, some good characters and another excellent read from the author.

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A Ring of Truth by Michelle Cox
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is a story set in 1935 Chicago and for a book that supposedly has a mystery this unfortunately did fail to deliver. I was really looking forward to reading this but I found one of the main characters totally and utterly annoying.
I could have been interested in reading about the Inspector and his investigations, as I really like historical mysteries, but Henrietta would have had to be in the background. I haven't read the first in the series so I don't know whether that was a mystery or more of a romance story.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder Between the Lines by Radha Vatsal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Capability "Kitty" Weeks a feature female reporter, in 1915, is assigned to write a feature about Westfield Hall boarding school. But when one of the students is found dead Kitty decides to investigate.
I unfortunately found it difficult to get really involved in the story, I just about liked it, but not a great deal. Also I am not too sure that I cared much for Kitty, she wants to be a serious reporter but seems still too reliant on a rich father rather than herself. As this is only the second in the series that may well change.
A NetGalley Book.

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Shallow End: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Convicted child molester and ex-teacher Jane Thompson has been released from prison. But within one month the child she molested has been found murdered on the shores of Lake Ontario.
When Sergeant Rouleau appoints officers Stonechild and Gundersund to the enquiry Thompson becomes their prime suspect.
An interesting and twisty mystery, with time spent on the development of these original characters.
This is the fourth in the series but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Though I hope to go back to Book One to start reading the series.
A NetGalley Book

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Mrs Pargeter's Public Relations by Simon Brett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While supporting her friend in her bereavement Mrs Pargeter invites, Jasmine Angold to a charity reception for PhiliPussies. A charity which rehouses cats from the Greek Island of Atmos back to England. But at the event she meets her previously unknown sister-in-law, which is followed by a death, results in a lot of potential revealing of secrets.
An enjoyable cosy crime mystery which re-introduced me to the tales of Mrs Pargeter.
A NetGalley Book

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Dead in the Water: A Cherringham Mystery by Matthew Costello
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When a body of a teacher is discovered in the river the day after the school's prom, Sarah Edwards a part time investigator is asked by the school's head to find out what happened.
For me a bit of a disappointment (I have read another in the series which I enjoyed) because the story really didn't take off for me. It just felt a little flat and the characters seemed one-dimensional.
A NetGalley Book.

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Rest and Restlessness: Mary Crawford, The Second Heroine of Mansfield Park by C.M. Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Life of Mary Crawford from her point of view starts before the story of Mansfield Park, and continues when she receives an invitation to come and live with her sister at the Parsonage next to the Park, and finishes in this Part before the return of Sir Bertram.
A well written story with all the familiar characters plus a few of Mary's friends prior to her journey. Look forward to reading the next part.

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The Case of the Famished Parson by George Bellairs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While on holiday with his wife Inspector Littlejohn is called on to help solve the death of Dr. James Macintosh, the Bishop of Greyle, the famished parson.
A well-written story and a decent mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder in a Cornish Alehouse: An Elizabethan Spy Thriller by Kathy Lynn Emerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1584, and when Rosamond Jaffrey learns that her step-father, Sir Walter Pendennis, has been discovered dead she travels to his home in Cornwall. When she determines that he has been murdered her investigations lead to piracy and treason.
This is the third in the series but I didn't feel that I needed to read the previous books. A well-written mystery, with some characters which are easy to like.
A NetGalley Book

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Reduced Circumstances by Ola Wegner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After her father's death Elizabeth Bennet takes up the position as a companion to a lady residing in Leeds. After her death three years later and while travelling south she meets Darcy and his sister. Can the changes brought on Elizabeth prevent them from a happy ending.
An interesting enough story but no Wickham, Lady Catherine or much of the Bennet family apart from Jane.

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London Calling by Sara Sheridan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1952 Brighton, Mirabelle Bevan and Vesta Churchill run a debt collections agency. When a chief suspect turns up at their office who is a childhood friend of Vesta they become involved in a case. The case of a eighteen-year-old Rose Bellamy Gore, who has goes missing outside of a jazz club in London.
I enjoyed the story and although I have not read the previous book in the series I didn't find that to be necessary. I liked the group of characters and looked forward to them all being in future books. A very easy style of writing to read.
A NetGalley Book

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A Knightsbridge Scandal by Anita Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1903 London and Flora has come to visit her father where she gets embroiled in a murder investigation which involves robbery, spies, and Serbian gangs.
A very enjoyable historical mystery story with some very likeable characters.

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The Endicott Evil by Gregory Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

83 year old Adelaide Endicott does not survive a fall from her bedroom window at Layton Manor. Her sister Adelaide believes it is not suicide as Scotland Yard persist in stating. So Pendragon and Pruitt are employed to determine what happened and why.
I enjoyed the story and the introduction to the characters, and I suspect I would like to read more of this series - this was the first of the series that I have read.

But I am not sure that I can recommend it as a stand-alone read as unfortunately there was a story line continued from Book Three which at times was an annoyance as I didn't know the background to the story and it has to some extent spoiled the reading of Book Three.
(N.B In Britain baseboards are called skirting boards).
A NetGalley Book

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Tree of Life: Charlotte & the Colonel by Ginger Monette
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colonel Fitzwilliam has known Charlotte Lucas since they played together as children, and as loved her nearly as long. But he needs a dowry, and she will not marry a soldier. As they meet again when she has married Mr Collins can there be a happy ending - we follow their story as the Colonel goes to war again - can circumstances bring them together?
Really enjoyed this story of the Colonel, one of my favourite characters. A very easy to read writing style, and an interesting story.

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The Wager: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As circumstances lead Charlotte into marry with Mr. Collins, Mary Bennet is invited to visit Hunsford. Where she meets Major Quartermaine, a relation of Lady Catherine. Events make her think less of the Major, but can there be a happy ending for this shy and prim Bennet daughter.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, just wished it could have been a longer story. I liked this Mary and the new character.
Love finding stories about the minor characters in Jane Austen's works, I just wish there were more.

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The Earl's Dilemma by Emily May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James Hargrave, Earl of Arden has only a few weeks before his thirtieth birthday and the deadline to be married. Unfortunately while telling his closest friend Viscount Honeycourt the logical reasons he wishes to marry the Viscount's sister Kate, she can hear every word. She makes a pack with the Earl to find him a bride. Unfortunately nothing goes right.
I really liked the story and the characters, and found it an easy and enjoyable read.

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The Caroline Complication: a Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet Variation by Rowan Renault
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Mr Darcy arrives at Netherfield he is already engaged to Caroline Bingley. He is content in his situation until he meets Elizabeth Bennet. How can this couple ever have an happy ending without ruining their reputations.
I enjoyed the story and the characters are so familiar. Though I would have liked to have read more about Darcy and Caroline, how their relationship had progressed up to their engagement, and how they reacted too each other while at Netherfield.
Was there any part of the story I didn't like - yes - Collins and Mary to me is a big no.
I received an ARC copy for an unbiased review.

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Through Every Storm: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten years on from the end of Pride and Prejudice Lydia and George Wickham's marriage is in trouble. With there failure to communicate can they save their marriage, do they want do. Can Lydia prove her self worthy to the one man that loves her. A Lydia grows up tale.
A second read for this, and an enjoyable tale, centred on the Wickhams with help from Colonel Denny and his wife the former Kitty Bennet.

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Once Upon a December: Holiday Tales of Pride & Prejudice by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Seven short stories of Darcy,Elizabeth, Bingley and Jane, based around the winter months. A quick enjoyable read, though some could have been expanded.

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Mr. Darcy's Kindness: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

To stop Jane from marrying Mr Collins, Elizabeth changes her mind and accepts Collins. Unfortunately for Darcy when he visits Rosings he believes that it is indeed Jane that Collins married. Can their be a happy ending for this estranged pair.
An interesting and enjoyable read.

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A Death at Rosings: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not long after Darcy and the Colonel have left Rosings, they return on the death of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Anne asks that Elizabeth stay at Rosings, as her friend, and to help her in the trying next few months.
An enjoyable variation which thankfully did not just revolve around Darcy and Elizabeth, apart from Anne de Bourgh there were tales of Kitty and Lydia.


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Regency Romance: The Duke’s Dark Secret (Truth & Lies) by Jessie Bennett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

l Jessica Davenport has been raised by her aunt ,Lady Georgina Langtree, and at the age of 18 in 1812 her father, Maxwell Davenport, a businessman decides its time she was married. And married to a rich man to help solve his financial problems.
Jessica did seem immature for her eventual husband, and I did wonder why an 18 years old Regency lady was allowed to go horse riding of an evening all on her own. With a bit more depth to the characters the story would have been better. Though it was still a somewhat enjoyable read.

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Jane Austen Lives Again by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr. Lyford, the personal doctor of Jane Austen has found the secret to immortal life, a secret he has discovered just in time to save Jane. When she wakes up she is no longer in 1817 but 1925. Thankfully she is soon employed as a governess to five girls living in the castle called Manberley. As you read the book it is easy to see the original characters from Jane Austen's books in this story.
An entertaining read.

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The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Entering into Mark Ablett's well planned life, living in the Red House, is his wastrel of a brother Robert. But then Robert is found shot, in a locked room. Who and why was he killed. Into this situation comes Anthony Gillingham, visiting his friend Bill Beverley who is staying at the House.
An interesting mystery written in 1922.

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Guilty Conscience: A Conscience Series Novelette by Cat Gardiner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A quick read of a novelette which fills in what has happended after the of of Denial of Conscience, and what I presume will be continued in the next sequel.

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Death Sits Down to Dinner: A Mystery by Tessa Arlen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's 1913, and Lady Montfort is staying in their London house, when she is happy to attend a dinner party hosted by the close friend of her mother, Hermione Kingsley. Unfortunately the party does not go as expected when one of the guests is found day. With the help of her housekeeper Mrs Jackson they try and find the murderer.
An interesting mystery with some good descriptions of how the rich live, though the book should be described as a Post-Edwardian mystery.

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The Women of Longbourn by Gianna Thomas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet decides to write short sketches in her diary about the ladies and woman who inhabit or work at Longbourn.
An easy to read short novella.

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The Curse of the Grand Guignol by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

France 1899. and Watson and the Countess are asked by the previously met Inspector de Guise to consult on the investigation of the bizarre four (so far) murders in Paris.
An enjoyable and interesting read.

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Colonel Brandon's Widow and Willoughby: A 'Sense and Sensibility' Variation Sequel by Marianna Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The former Marianne Dashwood and now Mrs Brandon, after several years of marriage, is now a widow. While Willoughby is still in an unhappy marriage. But what can the future hold for both of them.
I nice easy read with these well-known characters.


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Blackstone and the Great Game by Alan Rustage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1898 and a series of kidnappings has started to worry Inspector Blackstone. He can find no evidence of the who and even the criminal underworld is scared, and he wonders as the ransoms get bigger who could be next. Then the Maharajah of Chandrapore visits London.
Very entertaining mystery with a good range of characters.

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Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1935, and Inspector Archie Penrose and Josephine Tey arrive separately in Cornwall to visit his family home. On arrival Penrose attends the funeral of an estate worker -Harry Pinching - who drowned in the local pond. Josephine becomes aware that they are many secrets on the estate, but how many will lead to harm.
I enjoyed this slow moving mystery and the style of writing.

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The Murder at Sissingham Hall by Clara Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A re-read prior to reading the next in the series.
A whodunit set in the 1920s at Sissingham Hall. Charles Knox returns to England and is invited to the Hall of Sir Neville Strickland and his wife Rosamund the ex-fiancee of Charles. When Sir Neville is found dead. Told from the point of view of Knox it is left to Mrs Marchmont to solve the murder.
I enjoyed the story again though I did remember who was the guilty party.

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A Duty To The Dead by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1916 Nurse Bess Crawford is sent home injured after the her hospital ship she was sailing on was sank. There she finally decides it time to honour the last wishes of Arthur Graham and pass on his message to his brother Johnathan.
A good mystery with characters that are likable, and that you can care about. An enjoyable read.

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Murder at Merisham Lodge by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's the 1930's and the Cartwright family live uneasily at Merisham Lodge, which accumulates in the first murder.
Under-cook Joan Hart and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, have their suspicions and they conduct their own investigations which they duly report back to Inspector Marks.
I enjoyed this story and I like the characters of this English cozy murder mystery.

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With His Lady's Assistance by Cheryl Bolen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Jack Dryden is recalled from Portugal, as he is according to Wellesley, the best spy that he has, and the Prince Regent is in desperate need of his expertise. After attempts on his life he has decided to take action. To aid Dryden's introduction into the Ton he must fake an engagement to Lady Daphne Chalmers, the one lady the Regent trusts.
An enjoyable rump with some likeable characters. With a style of writing that made it very easy to read.

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Mrs. Darcy's Diamonds by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The newly married Darcys have invited their families to stay for the Pemberley Ball. Meanwhile, Elizabeth has mislaid a precious family heirloom, and a mystery is coming back to haunt and ruin the Darcy family.
An entertaining read with a glimpse into the Darcy's marriage.

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There's Something About Mary Bennet by Sebastian Di Mattia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as Jonathan Thomas and Georgiana Darcy approach their wedding day. But Mary Bennet has become enamoured of Thomas and is determined to break them apart. But she has a secret, a secret that will soon be exposed. A secret that the Bennets have kept since her birth.
Would have loved to read more about Mary Bennet and her predicament and less of the descriptions in the book.


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The Whole Art of Detection: Lost Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Lyndsay Faye
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

These mysteries cover the whole span of Holmes' career. I enjoyed all the stories in the collection and could easily imagine Watson and Holmes speaking from these tales. They are told from both their view point starting with a mystery Watson had never been able to solve which occurred while he lived in California.
An entertaining book.
A NetGalley Book

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Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When a snow storm arrives in the area Maura Donovan plays host to a variety of people in her pub, one of which was a suspect in a murder twenty years previously. So to keep the customers occupied while they are snowed in, the murder is discussed looking for a motive and the real killer.
This is the first in the series that I have read, I don't think it is necessary to have read the previous books.
I found the telling to be too long winded and slow, with a repetition of information. Also Maura seemed to be totally unprepared for winter and a running a pub, and I didn't find the characters that plausible. I can't imagine that I will be reading any of the other books.
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