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Friday 30 June 2017

Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life After the Wedding Part V: The Darcys Host a Ball at Pemberley (Life After the Wedding Series Book 5)Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life After the Wedding Part V: The Darcys Host a Ball at Pemberley by Denise O'Hara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this continuing story we hear about the suitors of Georgiana Darcy, Mary and Kitty Bennet, and Anne de Bourgh. Can they all have their happy ending.
An enjoyable read.

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Lust and Lasciviousness: Sweet Jane: (Lust and Lasciviousness Book 2)Lust and Lasciviousness: Sweet Jane: by Emma England
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

With problems in her marriage to Charles Bingley, Jane turns to her sister Mary and her husband for help.
A very quick read, with mature content.

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Thursday 29 June 2017

The Poison in All of Us (Emmie McAllister Mysteries Book 1)The Poison in All of Us by Connie B. Dowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

6th December 1918, Georgia, and sixteen year old Emmie McAllister and Dessa Child are both home from school. Soon they discover the body of the leader of the suffragettes movement in the town. Emmie's Uncle Charlie, the sheriff, involves them in the investigation by asking questions.
An interesting well-written mystery.

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A Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life After the Wedding Series: A Novella: Part ThreeA Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life After the Wedding Series: A Novella: Part Three by Denise O'Hara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues as influenza hits the homes of the Darcys and Bingleys. While Caroline Bingley begins to wonder if she will ever find a husband.
Fairly enjoyable novella.

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The Crown Jewel Mystery: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Story (A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Book 4)The Crown Jewel Mystery: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Story by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1895 Lucy James has just arrived in London in the company of Johnny Rockefeller to find out her real identity. This leads them to a bank at the same time that the police with Holmes and Watson arrive in the area.
This prequel to the series is an enjoyable quick read.
A NetGalley Book

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Wednesday 28 June 2017

Buried on the Fens (Nikki Galena Series #7)Buried on the Fens by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Detective Inspector Nikki Galena and her team investiagte the killing of businesswomen Madeline Prospero, with no motive or suspects, a skeleton is discovered in a shallow grave. This victim was murdered many years ago.
An enjoyable mystery once again in this series. A well-written story that carried you to the final conclusion.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Tuesday 27 June 2017

A Noble Pair of Brothers (The Underwood Mysteries, #1)A Noble Pair of Brothers by Suzanne Downes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1820 the brother of the Rev.Underwood arrives at Bracken Tor to recuperate from the trials of teaching at Cambridge Univerity. Soon he finds a grave marked Unknown, and as he enjoys solving puzzles decides to investigate her murder.
Well-developed characters, with a well-written mystery with romance means I shall want to read the next in the series.

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Monday 26 June 2017

Murder in Mayfair: An Atlas Catesby MysteryMurder in Mayfair: An Atlas Catesby Mystery by D.M. Quincy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 and Atlas Catesby and his friend the earl of Charlton are on their way back from Bath to London when stopping at an Inn they witness a man selling off his wife. Ever the gentleman Catesby buys the wife to save her from worse degradation.
Unfortunately for the wife, her husband is found dead. And Endicott, the Bow Street Runner employed to find the murderer suspect her and Catesby. To clear their names he is determined to find the guilty party.
A well-written, romance mystery with characters who seem to have some progressive views for the time period though this didn't distract from the story. I look forward to see how the characters develop in the next book.
A NetGalley Book

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Sunday 25 June 2017

The Honour of Israel GowThe Honour of Israel Gow by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The mystery of the odd objects found after the death of Lord Glengyle in Glengyle castle in Scotland. Interesting enough.

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The Reichenbach Curse (Watson & The Countess #13)The Reichenbach Curse by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Its 1900 and Dr. Watson and the Countess have arrived in Switzerland to visit the Reichenbach Falls. When staying at the Englischer Hof Hotel they discover, happily, that it is hosting a hot air balloon festival. But events take a fatal turn as one balloon is consumed by fire. They both decide to investigate.
Another enjoyable mystery with these likeable characters. Hopefully there will be more in the series.

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Saturday 24 June 2017

A Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life After the Wedding Series: A Novella: Part OneA Pride and Prejudice Sequel: Life After the Wedding Series: A Novella: Part One by Denise O'Hara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An enjoyable short read about Jane Bennet as the new Mrs. Bingley and her life in the first couple of years of marriage

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Perish from the Earth: A Lincoln and Speed MysteryPerish from the Earth: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery by Jonathan F Putnam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1837 and Joshua Speed just manages to board the steamboat War Eagle, owned by his father as it travelled up the Mississippi River.
Meanwhile new lawyer Abraham Linclon is on the circuit in Illinois hearing cases, when they meet up later on shore and discover a body. A body of a man who while recently on board the steamboat had lost all his money. Speed encourages Lincoln to defend the accused, while he aims to discover proof of innocence.
A very enjoyable introduction for me to this series, some good rounded characters and a well constructed mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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Friday 23 June 2017

The Styrian Curse (Watson & The Countess #12)The Styrian Curse by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 and Dr. Watson and the Countess have been invited to a christening by an old schoolfriend of the Countess, Mignon, in the Waldenwulf Castle. Mignon fears for the life of her child and needs the help of the Countess.
Mulitated bodies start being discovered and the explanation given is wolves suffering from rabies unfortunately the locals prefer their superstitions.
Another enjoyable story in this series

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A Father Brown Mystery: The Invisible ManA Father Brown Mystery: The Invisible Man by G K Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Father Brown provides that people can be mentally invisible as he discovers the murderer in this short story.

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Thursday 22 June 2017

Trick or Sweet (Holidays With Jane, #3)Trick or Sweet by Kimberly Truesdale
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Six new modern variation of Jane Austen's work. An intersting enough selection that kept me reading all the stories.


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Wednesday 21 June 2017

Unnatural Habits (Phryne Fisher, #19)Unnatural Habits by Kerry Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1929 Melbourne young females from differing backgrounds are going missing so Polly Kettle, trainee reporter, decides to investigate. But this is just the start of the problem. So Phryne Fisher investigates with the help of her increasing minions when Polly goes missing.
This is well-written interesting mystery with a group of well-rounded characters. Of the several books of the series that I have read this was the most enjoyable.
A NetGalley Book

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Tuesday 20 June 2017

The Gallant Vicar: A Pride & Prejudice VariationThe Gallant Vicar: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth and Mary Bennet return to Hunsford Parsonage to help Mrs Collins in her hour of need. But who is the new vicar that Elizabeth is attracted to. Can Darcy win Elizabeth after his previous disastrous proposel.
An entertaining story.

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Monday 19 June 2017

The Cardinal's Court (Hugh Mac Egan Mysteries #1)The Cardinal's Court by Cora Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1522, at Cardinal Wolsey's Hampton Court, Irish lawyer, Hugh Mac Eganis, is interrupted in his drawing up of a marriage contract between the son of his employer, James Butler and Anne Boleyn by the discovery of a body.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, a well-written story with rounded characters and a good mystery. A very good start to what I hope is a long series.
A NetGalley Book

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Sunday 18 June 2017

A Mother's Love - A Short StoryA Mother's Love - A Short Story by Stephanie Hamm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel. A sweet, well-written enjoyable short story of the wedding day of the Darcy's eldest daughter.

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Kitty Bennet in LoveKitty Bennet in Love by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sweet short story about Kitty Bennet finding love at Pemberley.

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Project DarcyProject Darcy by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ellie Bentley and her four friends join a secret archaeological dig at Jane Austen's childhood home. But Ellie starts slipping back to 1796 and into the body of Jane Austen. Although Jane's romance is doomed, what about Ellie's?
An interesting read, a nice mix of Austen and time travel.

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Saturday 17 June 2017

The Hidden (A Monika Panitowski Mystery, #12)The Hidden by Sally Spencer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DCI Paniatowski has been attacked and is in a coma. While searching for evidence the police team find a body of a young female. DCI ‘Rhino’ Dixon is brought in to lead the investigation which include the members of Paniatowski's team.
Set in a Lancashire town in 1977 it tells an interesting mystery, with some good characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Poor Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation NovellaPoor Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella by Renata McMann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this variation, Darcy has never visited Netherfield with Bingley, Georgiana eloped with Wickham and there was no Rosings proposal. But he still takes it upon himself to interfere with someone's life - Georgiana.
An enjoyable tale and an easy read.

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Friday 16 June 2017

Death Scene (Henry Johnstone Mystery #2)Death Scene by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1928 and Cissie Rowe is an up and coming actress in the world of Shoreham film studio. That is until she is found dead by her neighbour. DCI Henry Johnstone and DS Mickey Hitchens are sent to investigate.
An enjoyable old-fashioned English murder mystery, lots of suspects, some well-developed characters in this well-written tale. Although the second in the series I didn't feel that I missed out on any of the main characters background by not reading the first book.
A NetGalley Book

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Her Royal Spyness (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #1)Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1932 and Lady a Georgiana decides it's time to leave the ancestral home and try and earning a living in London. Nothing really goes to plan and is made worse when she finds a body in her bath. Who is trying to frame her or her brother for the murder and who is trying to kill her.
A good introduction to the series, well-written and with some good characters, which I look forward to reading more of in the future.
More a 3.5 rating

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Thursday 15 June 2017

Sisters Bewitched: Pride and Prejudice and WitchesSisters Bewitched: Pride and Prejudice and Witches by Isobel Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

General Tilney (Northanger Abbey) has married Mrs Bingley and they and all their children now live or stay at Netherfield Park. Mr Bennet has married Mrs Morland after the death of Mrs Bennet, Mary, Catherine and Lydia.
Now is the time for the Bewitching Sisters to take control of thier powers to stop the evil that is coming.
As the first novella in the series (and my first witches austenque read) it lays the groundwork for the rest of the books. Interest will depend how the story will develop.

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Eleventh HourEleventh Hour by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1590 and Sir Francis Walsingham, the spymaster of Elizabeth 1 is dead. Nicholas Faunt, his associate, is convineced that Sir Francis was murdered and instrusts Christopher Marlowe, the Spymaster's 'projectionist', to uncover the murderer.
Though a standalone book most of the characters are presented as complete with the expectation that you know their story.
An interesting mystery which is the latest in a series with a very likeable character in Marlowe. I enjoyed the book and the setting of Tudor England that I would like to start the series from the beginning.
A NetGalley Book

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Wednesday 14 June 2017

The DolocherThe Dolocher by European P. Douglas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1788 Dublin and Thomas Olocher, murderer, has been caught but commits suicuide before being hanged. But then Dublin starts being terroised by a beast - the Dolocher, is this the ghost of Olocher?
Alderman James takes it upon himself to catch the beast.
A well-written interesting read.


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The Khamsin Curse (Watson & the Countess Book 11)The Khamsin Curse by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1900 and Dr. Watson and the Countess have been sent to Cairo by Mycroft to expose an espionage ring, but they discover more.
Again another easy to read, enjoyable mystery with a good set of varying characters.

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Tuesday 13 June 2017

Love's Journey (Sweet Grove Beginnings, #1)Love's Journey by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While travelling in Texas in 1840 Elizabeth Morrison comes across the Sweet Grove orchard and with her inheritance decides to buy the property. But the property houses Jonathan Bryant and his sister who's father lost the land due to a failed gamble.
Now what direction can their lives take.
An enjoyable, sweet novella in which the characters will surely grow in the coming books in the series.

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Monday 12 June 2017

Publish and Perish (Francis Bacon, #4)Publish and Perish by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1589 England is involved in a pamphlet war between a Puritan also known as Martin Marprelate and some of London’s pamphleteers. When the murders start Frabcis Bacon and his clerk Tom Clarady are asked to investiage and find the murderer.
Another enjoyable read in this series, with an interesting mystery with some very decent characters.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Sunday 11 June 2017

Murder on the SS Rosa (Ginger Gold Mystery #1)Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's 1923 and Ginger Gold is travelling on the SS Rosa back to England from New England with her companion, Nurse Haley Higgins, to settle her father's estate. But she oluntarily gets embroiled in a mystery when the Captain of the ship is found dead.
An enjoyable, easy to read story with likeable characters.

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A Most Inconvenient Death (Lord Danvers Mystery #1)A Most Inconvenient Death by Donna Fletcher Crow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lord Charles Danvers decides to accept the invitation to the country estate of his friend Sir John Boileau to celebrate the coming of age of the eldest son. When their peace is disturbed by the brutual murders in a nearby house.
An enjoyable read but would have preferred to read a lot less of Mill's philosophy and the views of the Vicar.


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Saturday 10 June 2017

Plum Pudding & Poison: A Harriet Honeywood Christmas NovellaPlum Pudding & Poison: A Harriet Honeywood Christmas Novella by Kate Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's the Talisker's first Christmas and they are staying at Hawthorne, Aubrey's country house. All is going well with their guests until the arrival of Miss Sylvia Morwell. A younf lady who seems to be disliked by most. Then the murder occurred.
Can Harriet and her friends solve the crime before Christmas Day.
Another enjoyable story, with lovable characters. Hoping that it will not be too long until the next in the series is available.

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Friday 9 June 2017

A Life RemovedA Life Removed by Jason Parent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A killer who removes the hearts of the victim is roaming the city and Detectives Bruce Marklin and Jocelyn Beaudette are assigned to the case. Unfortunately for Officer Aaron Pimental he becomes embroiled in the case.
An enjoyable, interesting read with some good twists.
A NetGalley Book

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The Secret WoundThe Secret Wound by Deirdre Quiery
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

On arriving at his parents home Gurtha found his mother Nuala dead. Later it was determined that she has been murdered.
Unfortunately I didn't care for any of the characters, or the story and didn't like the writing style.

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Thursday 8 June 2017

Death around the Bend (Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #3)Death around the Bend by T E Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong are invited to a house party at Codrington Hall, owned by old friend Lord Riddlethorpe. For a holiday and a week of motor car racing. Which all comes to a halt with the discovery of a dead body.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with some lovely characters.
a NetGalley Book

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Searching for Mr Tilney (Time Travels with Jane Austen)Searching for Mr Tilney by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While visiting Bath in 1975 Caroline Heath discovers teenager Jane Austen's diary. She soon becomes involved in her own love story, and travels through time seeing the past through the eyes of Jane and Cassandra Austen.
An enjoyable story.

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Wednesday 7 June 2017

Spring Fever (Holidays With Jane #2)Spring Fever by Jessica Grey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

All short story, modern adaptations of Jane Austen's work which were not really for me. They were okay but none really caught my imagination

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Earl, Interrupted (Harriet Honeywood Mystery #3)Earl, Interrupted by Kate Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Now happily married, Harriet and Lord Talisker are on their honeymoon in Italy. Once in Venice, their friend Charles Lampforth turns up just in time for a murder to occur.
A delightful read, a decent mystery, with some lovely characters.

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Tuesday 6 June 2017

A Lady in the Smoke: A Victorian MysteryA Lady in the Smoke: A Victorian Mystery by Karen Odden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After another season in London, Lady Elizabeth Fraser is one her way home when she is ijuried in a train wreck. After meeting railway surgeion Paul Wilcox and newspaperman Tom Flynn she becomes involved in a conspiracy of many years in the making.
A quite slow paced but interesting mystery with some well-developed characters.

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Monday 5 June 2017

A Simple Case of SeductionA Simple Case of Seduction by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Threeyears after she rejected his marriage Daphne Chambers and Daniel Thorpe meet again, in course of their work as enquiry agents. But she has a stalker and she needs his help. But is this connected to her belief that her husband was murdered.
An enjoyable Regency mystery with romance, with some interesting characters written in an easy to read style.

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Sunday 4 June 2017

A Mystery at Carlton House  (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries, #12)A Mystery at Carlton House by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1818 and Lacey and Grenville are invited to investigate the strange going ons at Carlton House, the home of the Prince Regent. Art objects have either going missing or have been moved. Bow Street Runner Timothy Spendlove coerces Lacey to find evidence that the suspect he has for this crime is guilty.
A enjoyable mystery, with some interesting and likeable characters. Another good book in this series. Now all I have to do is wait until the next is written and published.

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Henry Fitzwilliam's War: A Bennet Wardrobe NovellaHenry Fitzwilliam's War: A Bennet Wardrobe Novella by Don Jacobson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1883 and Viscount Henry Fitzwilliam uses the wardrobe to make his mark, and ends up on the battlefields of 1915. Where lessons are learnt, and when he is recuperating an unexpected lady is met.
An enjoyable short novella to bridge the gap to the next in the wardrobe series.


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Saturday 3 June 2017

Better Than She Deserved: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novelette (Willow Hall Romance)Better Than She Deserved: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caroline Bingley has been given an ultimatium, at the end of the two week house party she has to get and accept a marriage proposal or go and stay with her aunt.
Franklin Rhett is determined to find the real Caroline again and make sure she accepts him.
A very enjoyable story, some lovely described characters. Always a joy to read about the minor characetrs from Pride and Prejudice.

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Raisins and Almonds (Phryne Fisher, #9)Raisins and Almonds by Kerry Greenwood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1928 Melbourne and a Jewish scholar is killed in a bookshop rented by Miss Sylvia Lee. The community leader Benjamin Abrahams, father of Miss Fisher's latest partner, asks her to investigate.
This mystery in this series really didn't catch my imagination, nor did I get interested in the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Friday 2 June 2017

A Suitable Affair (The Macalisters)A Suitable Affair by Erica Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1813 and Lady Susanna Macalister has found that her family offer a barrier to potential suitors and although content in her choice of Viscount Riverton she knows this is not the 'grand passion'. Then she meets Ian Carlisle, the Earl of Westcott, a man with a dark past.
With its likable characters, a well-written easy style and a decent mystery to go with the romance it made for an enjoyable read.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley

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Thursday 1 June 2017

Miles Off Course (Rowland Sinclair Mysteries Book 3)Miles Off Course by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1933 and Rowland Sinclair and his friends are enjoying the delights of the The Hydro Majestic Hotel. After foiling a kidnap attempt on him he agree to do twojobs for his brother Wilfred.
The first is to attend an upcoming board meeting and the second to go and find their missing family stockman - Harry Simpson.
Another interesting mystery, and although this can be read as a stand-alone reading the previous books does show the development of the characters.
A NetGalley Book.

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Miss Hastings' Excellent London Adventure (Brazen Brides Book 4)Miss Hastings' Excellent London Adventure by Cheryl Bolen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Miss Emma Hastings has been sent to London to learn about her Uncle Simon's business. Her troubles start when her uncle fails to meet her. So her adventures begin, and thankfully she meets and is helped by Adam Birmingham. I didn't take to Emma initially as she is driven to some hysteria, and also continually speaking in hyperbole. But she grew on me.
An entertaining, easily read, romance and mystery with some very likeable characters.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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