The Forgotten Children by Anita Davison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a visit to St Philomena's Children's Hospital in Southwark, with the hopes that the Harringtons would offer to sponsor equipment, a body is discovered. Flora is convinced that it was no accident, but is lead in another direction by the tale of missing children that once had been patients in the hospital. But at the same time events lead her to question her history.
I have read this series in order though the book can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed the story, it's well-written, some good characters but there were a couple of times I felt irritated by Flora, in particular, her belief that she was smarter than everybody.
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An Autumn Accord by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The end of the first year of the Seasons of Serendipity series. Are there happy endings for all of the Bennet daughters? and what of Mrs Bennet, the Fitzwilliams and the Bingleys. I would have liked more about the latter, Caroline is always fun to read about, and of course the Colonel and Mary Bennet - my favourite JAFF couple
Another enjoyable re-read in the series, onwards to number five

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Penchant for Vengeance by Robert Downs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I didn't take to Police Detective Luke McGinty or his investigation, and so didn't find the story of much interest.
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A Summer Shame by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Seasons of Serendipity story continues with Darcy and Elizabeth honeymooning with Lydia in Scotland.
Jane and Mary come under the protection of Lady Matlock, while Kitty and Georgiana become close friends. The trials and tribulations of the Bennet sisters continue.
Enjoying re-reading this story.

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MURDER OF THE BRIDE by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.I. Hillary Greene is called out at night to Steeple Barton, where a body has been found in a cowshed. A body of a female in a bride's dress.
A good interesting mystery, well-written and an easily read story. I have enjoyed all the first three books in this re-issued series and look forward to reading more.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy.

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The Murderess by Jennifer Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In May 1931, fifteen year old Kate Bewsey watches her mother Millicent push a woman, a stranger from the station platform at Missensham into the path of an oncoming train. She gives no reason at her trial but as she grows up Kate tries to discover the truth.
An interesting mystery, well-written, and kept my interest.
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A Spring Sentiment by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seasons of Serendipity Book 2 - this Pride and Prejudice variation continues.
With the trials of the remaining Bennet family now living with their relations. This leads up to the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth but what of Lydia and Wickham, and Jane and Charles.
An enjoyable re-read of this continuing story.

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Smoke and Mirrors by Casey Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1842 New York, Miss Evie Barnum is working in her brothers' museum when an old friend from home, Andrew Emerson, calls asking for help. But with her recent history of home she refuses to speak to him. Later he is found murdered, and she is determined to save an innocent man from being charged.
I enjoyed this mystery, which started slowly, but did increase in pace. I felt it was a good solid start to the series, introducing us to some decent characters which hopefully will appear in future books.
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A Winter Wrong by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decided to re-read the 4 Seasons of Serendipity novellas which are a Pride and Prejudice variation.
In this first volume an epidemic sweeps through Hertfordshire while Jane and Elizabeth are staying at Netherfield bringing unwanted consequences to the lives of the Bennet family.
I intend reading all books in the series straight through to get a better read of the whole story. Enjoyed reading a variation which is not totally about Elizabeth and Darcy, but includes all the Bennet daughters, and we still have Wickham, Caroline, and Lady Catherine.
So an enjoyable read and 5 stars, because I think this might be my third time for this volume. Any book that I can enjoy on the third re-read must be five stars.

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Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure Of The Primal Man by Derrick Belanger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Drake Patterson has just returned to England with an example of 'Primal Man', or the yeti. With the British Museum wishing to put in a bid for it, it is up to Sherlock Holmes to deetrmine if it is authentic or not.
A short, enjoyable, easily read tale.

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Mr. Campion's Abdication by Mike Ripley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's 1970 and Albert Campion is still in business as he becomes involved in a film production company at Heronhoe, Suffolk. Re-nacting the visit of Edward and Mrs Simpson at an archaeological dig in 1936. But rumours of a treasure, the Abdication Treasure, bring past deeds to the surface. And what is the connection to a death of a 17 year old girl in 1955.
Am enjoyable story, well-written, keeping my interest until the conclusion.
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A Scandal at Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Sensual Intimate by Helene Curtis
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Considering how short this was I would have thought it would have been better proof read. Thankfully a freebie.

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Murder in Stained Glass by Margaret Armstrong
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The body of a local glass artist is discovered while Miss Harriet Trumbull is staying with her friend Charlotte Blair at Bassett's Bridge. Her interest is piqued and she starts to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery, original written in 1939.

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The Jubilee Problem: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by Charles Veley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

its, 1897 Queen Victoria's jubilee year and a threat to the celebrations is to be expected, but who from. Holmes is recruited to make sure that the threat goes away. But he needs the help of Dr. Watson and Lucy James.
A very enjoyable story, good rounded characters and a decent mystery. Easily read as a stand-alone story.
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Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Regency London after the Reverend Josiah Holworthy, from his pulpit, attacks the Earl of Wrexford, the Earl becomes the only suspect when Holworthy is found dead. Griffin, a Bow Street runner starts to investigate. But with the help of the popular satirical cartoonist, A.J. Quill, Wrexford is determined to find the guilty party.
Very enjoyable, a well-written mystery with some lovely characters, most of whom I hope to read about in the next book.


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The Ripper's Hellbroth: The Watchmaker Revelations by Michael L Hawley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As present day Western New York is plagued by a serial killer seemingly copying Jack the Ripper we also follow his story in Whitechapel of the 1880's. To help with the investigation FBI’s chief scientist Dr. Edward Dunham is brought in.
An interesting story which kept my interest, but only just as the writing style was not quite to my taste.
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Relic by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New York Museum of Natural History has become home to a killer. FBI agent Pendergast has been sent to investigate, with the help of several museum staff and police.
An enjoyable monster book, not my usual read but having seen the film I have got round to reading the book.

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The Suitors by Lucrezia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fine sequel containing romance and mystery.
I found this continuing story of the characters from the A Judge of their Characters - Bennets, Fitzwilliams, Darcy, de Bourgh, Belmont and Bingley - to be very enjoyable.

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The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1830 and the hanged body of a cadet at West Point Academy is discovered. A retired detective Augustus Landor, living locally, is asked to solve the case. Landor during his investigation askes for the help of cadet Edgar Allan Poe.
I enjoyed this well-written, mystery and the solution.

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The Sun Also Shines for me by Noe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary Bennet, the overlooked daughter decides that marriage is not for her, yet, but does not know what she really wants to do with her life. But with the help of Georgiana Darcy, and friends of Darcy, she sets out to London to find her future.
A very enjoyable, easily read story, of my favourite Bennet sister.

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Shrouded In Thought by N.S. Wikarski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894 Chicago and Freddie Simpson newspaper reporter is sent out to cover an accidential killing which he believes is murder. But he fails to interest his friend Evangeline LeClair until some weeks later when an event changes her mind.
An easy to read, well-written mystery about these amateur detectives.

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The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cosy life of solicitor Robert Blair is irrevocably disturbed by a phone call from a Marion Sharpe. She and her mother needing legal advice as they have been accused of kidnapping and abuse of a 15 year old girl.
Very enjoyable mystery, I also remember seeing the film.

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Mendacity & Mourning by J.L. Ashton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Misunderstanding and rumours started by Collins cause problems for Darcy and the Fitzwilliam families, especially in Darcy's hopeful relationship with Elizabeth Bennet.
I liked the portrayal of all the Fitzwilliam family especially the Colonel but was really disappointed that Mary was married off to Collins, a big no for me. I had to then quickly scan the book to the end to see if she would be saved but no.

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Don't Tell a Soul by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New deputy sheriff David Kane's arrival in Black Rock Falls coincides with an accident involving the sheriff Jenna Alton. Their problems gets worse with missing people and more incidents involving Jenna.
Although I did work out quite early on who were the guilty party I still enjoyed this well-written, fast paced, mystery and look forward to reading more about these characters.
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Death Comes to the Fair by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After winnning the majority of the vegetable prizes at the local fair the church verger, Ezekiel Thurrock, is found dead.
As the organisation for the London wedding proceeds Lucy Harrington and Sir Robert are concerned that it was not an accident, and during their investigation uncover long-standing village feuds, bringing danger to themselves.
Another well-written, enjoyable mystery in this series, with some lovely rounded characters. Can't wait for the next in the series.

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Their Fatal Secrets by Janice Frost
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Late one night two students discover a body in the canal, then another body is found. Is there a connection and what does the 'list of victims' refer to.
Not a lot of time spent on the characters of the police, as this is the fourth in the series, their characters and the dynamics between the characters might already be understood.
An interesting mystery which kept my interest and can be read as a stand-alone story. I will probably go back at some point and read the previous stories.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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A Quest for Mr Darcy by Cassandra Grafton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the failure of his proposal at Hunsford, Darcy travelled to forget. On returning to Pemberley he finds that the Bennets are his new tenants. But only Mr. Bennet and the two elder daughters. What disaster could possibly have befelled the family.
And what of Wickham.
But Darcy is determined to marry and to this end he has invited several families for a visit, plus Bingley and two of his younger twin sisters, and of course the Colonel.
A delightful story, well-written, and never seems overlong as the pace kept my interest easily.

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Discovering Miss Dalrymple by Emily Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1814 and Georgiana Dalrymple has received her gift, the gift of finding places, objects or people. But close friend of the family is suspicious of his birth, is he really Alexander St. Clare, 7th Duke of Vickery. What he finds out leads him and Georgiana on a trip of discovery.
This next in the series is a very enjoyable story, likeable characters, well-written, and easy to read. It can certainly be read as a stand-alone story.
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A Tangled Web by Mike Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sgt. Windflower in Grand Bank, Newfoundland day does not start well when a 6 year girl is reported missing, meanwhile a man is murdered at a restuarant in Goobies, not too far away. But more is happening in Grand Bank.
A pleasant mystery, interesting enough for me to read to the end but I am not sure whether I want to go back and start the series.
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Murder at Broadcast Park by Bill Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

John Rankin's day doesn't start as he expects as he arrives at work to discover a body. Then when his boss at the CBS station, Barry Burke, and Detective Richard Tracy arrive at the dead man's house another body is found. But what possible motive is there, what is the connection between the dead, and who is the killer(s).
The viewpoint of the story is from the studio's and their reaction to the news.
An enjoyable mystery, keeping my interest to see how it all turns out.
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Holy Spy: A John Shakespeare Mystery by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1585 the year of the Babington Plot and the Catholic plotting of the death of Elizabeth is being discussed in London. John Shakespeare has been instructed by Sir Francis Walsingham to infiltrate their organisation. Meanwhile an old lover of his has been accused of murder.
Thankfully I have come to this series with these prequels already written so that I can read them in the chronological order of Shakespeare's life.
Very enjoyable mystery, good characters, well-written keeping my interest to the end. I look forward to reading the next.

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Murder at the University by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second in the re-issue of this series of DI Hillary Greene. A student, Eva Gerainte of St. Anselm's college, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances.. So Greene leads her team in the investigation of leading to some surprising finds in the life of Eva, but did any of these lead to her death.
An enjoyable easy to read, well-written mystery. I am getting to like the mix of the characters..
I hope to read the next in the series
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Coincidence by Jann Rowland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With the various parties staying at the Parsonage or Rosings, Darcy realises that contrary to his thoughts Elizabeth Bennet does not actually like him, but has no idea why. Finally he decides that he wishes to change her opinion of him. In this variation we see more of Anne de Bourgh and the Colonel, and of course Wickham causes problems.
Probably more of a 3.5 rating
An enjoyable story

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A Judge of Their Characters by Lucrezia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane is engaed to a wealthy Wickham. But Elizabeth is concerned and travels to Derbyshire to meet the Gardiners and enlist their help. Near Lambton she is meet and helped by Darcy. But what plots are a foot.
A fun read with some new characters.

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Back to Life by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1939 and a pro-Nazi actress, Marthe Bevin, is killed in Hollywood. Meanwhile in New York Amy, wife of Charlie Singer is stabbed to death. When a man is arrested for Bevin's death, his mother contacts Singer for help.
A easy read, good mystery set at a quick pace.

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Murder in an English Village by Jessica Ellicott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920 and in the village of Walmsley Parva Edwina Davenport gets more than she bargained for when old friends Beryl Helliwell replies to her advertisement for a lodger. Trying to help out her friend Beryl insinuates that they are detectives looking into the secrets of the village, not helped by the total ineptitude of the local untrained constable.
An unlikely pair, but a delightful pair, a well-written easy to read mystery and look forward to reading the next in the series
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Gin and Panic: A Mystery by Maia Chance
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lord Sudley employs Lola Woodby, and Mrs Berta Lundgren to retrieve what he considers to be his rhinoceros trophy from the Connecticut mansion of his friend and big game hunter Rudy Montgomery. Not all goes to plan when a shot is heard and a body found.
The second of this series that I have read and I still couldn't take to the two main characters, and styleof writing resulting in not enjoying this light mystery.
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Darcy's Honor: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Victoria Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lord Henry Carson manoeuvres Elizabeth Bennet into a compromise at Lucas Lodge but she refuses his offer of marriage, and becomes an outcast to the people of Meryton. How can she retrieve her reputation, and how does Darcy marry the disgraced Lizzy he loves.
An enjoyable tale

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Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With militia arriving back in Meryton, this means that the Wickhams are back. How much chaos and trouble can they cause. But Wickham has been injured, has he been a hero. Has Lydia improved on marriage. As expected the Wickhams insist on staying at Longbourn, upsetting everyone except Mrs Bennet. How will it end.
An enjoyable read, love reading about this sister and how she has become into her own. Hoping that there will be another installment of Mary Bennet's life.

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A Hunt in Winter by Conor Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1888 Dublin and D.I. Joe Swallow is tasked with investigating the death of a young female. But this will not be the last attack, is there a connection between them.
There is quite a bit in the book concerning Irish politics at the time, fine if you don't know history from an Irish viewpoint, but not really enough story concerning a mystery, but enjoyable enough with a variety of characters.
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Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Tutor by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Now that Longbourn and Mary Bennet are financially secure she decides that employing a tutor is appropriate to fill in the large gaps of her education. All the tutors are failures until Grayson Everfield arrives for an interview. But when a body is found Mary and Dr Atlas Sutton are once again investigating.
A lovely little mystery with Mary shining.

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Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Heiress by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With falling finances particularly after paying for the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, and with Kitty staying at the Gardiners, and her father being attended by the new doctor Atlas Sutton- it is left to Mary to organised the running of Longbourn. Including the overseeing of the cellar repairs where a body is discovered. With the help of Dr Sutton Mary is determined to discover her name.
An enjoyable mystery, investigated by my favourite Bennet. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

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His Third Victim by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With five unsolved murders so far the police have no motive or connections between the murders. Bella Richards was close to the latest murdered man, but what is she hiding. DI Matt Brindle comes back from injury as a temporary measure to help.
An interesting mystery, some good characters which hopefully will turn into a series.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy.

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Nine Lessons: A Josephine Tey Mystery by Nicola Upson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1937 and a series of rapes in Cambridge is being investigated. DCI Archie Penrose (who really is the main character of this book) is also in Cambridge following upleads found at the site of the murder of Dr Stephen Laxborough, who's body was found in London. And as Cambridge is where Josephine Tey and her lover have decided to live, (I have obviously missed some pertinent details about this fictional Miss Tey's life by not reading a few books in the series), Tey is able to assist Penrose when asked.
Took a while for my interest to become engaged in this book, it just about kept my interest until the end. Unfortunately I find the character of Penrose to be of more interest that Tey's which will probably be the only reason I will go back and read some of the missing series.
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The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoque by Don Jacobson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having a tantrum the day after the marriage of her two eldest sisters 17 year old Catherine 'Kitty' Bennet is transported through The Wardrobe to the place she needs to be - London in 1886, where she meets a dying Lydia, and the Five families. Now is Kitty's time, her adventure, her growing up.
Enjoyable read about one of the lesser characters of Pride and Prejudice. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

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A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Off the south coast of England, near Westover, the body of a female is discovereed. Initially thought to be suicide, evdence points to murder. Inspector Alan Grant is brought in to investiage all the possible suspects.
A better written book than the first making an enjoyable story.

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MURDER ON THE OXFORD CANAL a gripping crime mystery full of twists by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DI Hillary Greene due to the illegal activities of her dead police officer husband Ronnie, is under investigation to determine if she had any involvement in his activities.
But when a suspicious death is reported - a body in the local canal - she is assigned this low key case. But what does it lead to.
Previously published as A Narrow Escape this is a good start for this well-written series, with its various characters. It will interesting to see how they develop over the series.
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Fatal Masquerade by Vivian Conroy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this 1920's set cozy mystery, Lady Alkmene Callender has been invited to a masked ball, held by the family of her new best friend, Denise. But the discovery of a body is not the only suspicious activity that is occuring. Why is her partner, Jake Dubois, at the house under false pretenses. Can they together find the guilty party.
An enjoyable easy to read mystery, with some likeable characters, and some quite awful ones.
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Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison where she has spent her whole life, she goes to stay with her father's wealthy family. But he has left her with an unfinished novel written under his famous pen name of Nathaniel Droll. While finishing his novel she also searches for the truth about her mother.
Gothic in places, but with the overuse of asking for God's help. At times I wished the pace was quicker but there were some redeeming characters, but not many.
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