The Journey Home: A 1932 Side-quel by Karen M. Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the 1932 book we now have Georgiana Darcy and Sheriff Fitzwilliam's tale. A lovely written novella which I really enjoyed. It is not necessary to have read 1932 but it does add to the enjoyment.

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The Medievalist by Anne-Marie Lacy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Student Jayne Lyons is on the dig in Leicester that finds the remains of Richard III - her ancester (that I would have liked to be explained) and as she touches the silver boar that is buried with him she is transported back to his time.
An enjoyable romantic story between Jayne and Richard, which I was interested in reading as Richard is my favourite king. At times I would have liked more detail on how she coped in the past.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem by Peter Ackroyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London, 1880 and a murderer terrories London and which the newspapers call the Golem. It is for Inspector John Kildare to solve as his investigation leads himinto the world of the theatre.
Very enjoyable, well-written story

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Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Violet Morgan and her husband Graham are undertakers in Victorian London. By complete luck Violet meets Prince Albert a few weeks before his death and so becomes involved in his funeral arrangements. Her husband unknown to her becomes involved in smuggling arms to the southern states of America, and by accident she comes across some suspicious deaths in her work as an undertaker. I was hoping the book would concentrate on the deaths - the crimes of a serial killer - rather than the other stories which really were not that interesting.

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With the Colonel's Help: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While at Rosings Colonel Fitzwilliam inform Elizabeth Bennet of a deed of friendship that Darcy had recently performed, unfortunately. How can the Colonel rectify his mistake and so bring Darcy and Elizabeth together.
Very enjoyable read and if a story involves the Colonel I am going to read it.

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The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nearly twenty years have passed since the marriages of three of the Bennet sisters. Now only Mary remains unwed as she looks after Mrs. Bennet. But all is soon to change and so Mary's adventure begins and she also begins to develop.
I really enjoyed this story which is not just about Mary. If you are looking for a sweet Darcy/Elizabeth story of love ad nauseam then you will be disappointed, this is more realistic. But there are happy endings. And yes this is a variation, where characters can change and grow from canon.

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The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Inspector Grant is in hospital with a broken leg - and is bored - but his interest is piqued by one of the books given to him. So much so that he spends his time and that of his assistant researching the murder of The Princes in the Tower and of the reign of Richard III.
As Richard III is one of my favourite rulers, and I have spent time studing the era, I really enjoyed this book.

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The Rosings Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Emma Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Charlotte Lucas s to marry Mr. Collins and as the wedding is to be held in Kent, Elizabeth Bennet is persuaded to accompany Charlotte to Hunsford for the wedding.
A short story, which I probably would have preferred to have been longer and detailed some of Charlotte's thoughts, so only just 3 stars.

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Brooklyn on Fire by Lawrence H. Levy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mary Handley continues her desire to be a private detective, in Brooklyn of 1980, and when Emily Worsham arrives with a new case, this would make only her second, she can have no idea of the consequences.
A good mystery or mysteries but couldn't take to the style of the writing which meant that I didn't get immersed into the story as I would wish. Plus there was Mary Handley herself, on the whole I probably would say that I didn't particularly like her and did find her romance unlikely.

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The Light in Mr. Darcy's Eyes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Does darcy have a rival for the hand of Elizabeth Bennet in Wickham. How can he afford to marry. Soon after Charlotte's marriage to Mr. Collins, Elizabeth and Mary venture to Hunsford to find their futures.
Enjoyable, but it was a pity that the opportuniy was dismissed to portray, in detail, the second romance in this story. That I would have loved to read about.

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Thieves On The Fens by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recently, two of Eve Anderson's friends had unexpectedly died. Combined with her daughter - Nikki Galena - being immersed in a game with a potential murderer, and a spate of thefts in the area. Life for Galena is going to get very complicated.
Another great read in this series, I like the writing style, the characters, and with a good mystery it makes for an entertaining read.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Becoming Mary: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Amy Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary Bennet, vain, conceited and plain a matryr to her belief that her parents cannot do without her is invited to Pemberley with Kitty. Much to Kitty's annoyance. But is this the chance for Mary to change and grow, only if she ever believes that she should.
A very enjoyable, well-written tale, kept me enthralled.

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Murder in the Family by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DI Hillary Greene is called in to investigate the murder of a 15 year old boy. But what possible motive could there be for his death. Add that to complications in her private life, and changes about to happen in her professional one she at first finds it difficult to discover a motive.
Once again an enjoyable well-written mystery with some well-drawn characters.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Death of a Debutante by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London Summer 1870 and Lord Riley Rochester, younger son of a marquess, is one of the few divisional inspectors in the police. When he is called to Lord Ashton's residence one evening as the body of one of their guests has been found, the hope of his boss Chief Inspector Danforth is that the blame can be attributed to a burglar. Rochester is not so sure.
A very enjoyable mystery, some good well-written characters which I hope to read about in the next book

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Meryton Vignettes: Tales of Pride and Prejudice by Elizabeth Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An enjoyable group of short stories - well-written - I like the ones in particular about Lydia, Charlotte and Caroline Bingley.

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Christmas at Longbourn by Karen Aminadra
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has been several years since the marriages of three of the Bennet daughters so what has life thrown at Mary and Kitty the two who are still at home. Can either have a happy ending.
An enjoyable story of two of the forgotten sisters.

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To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The famous American photographer Leslie Searle, seeks out Walter Whitmore at a London party, as they had a mutual friend in common. As a result he is invited to stay at the family home in Salcott St Mary. But then Searle disappears and Grant is brought in to investigate his disappearance/murder.
Very enjoyable, interesting tale

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Maximum Moxie by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the end of 1941 approaches Magie is employed to finding an important employee - Gil Tremain, an enginner, has he just gone walkabout or is there a sinister reason.
Very enjoyable book as always, such a good read.

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The Forgotten Sister: A Sequel to Pride and Prejudice by Louise Hathaway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After reading the account in Pride and Prejudice of her family life Mary Bennet decicides to share some of her diary entries of the last twenty-six years.
An interesting quick read.

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A Devious Death by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1919 and Lasies Phoebe and Julie Renshaw are visiting their cousin Regina at her new home at High Head Lodge. When the rest of Regina's family arrive there can only be one outcome.
A delightful easy read, and well-written.It can certainly be read as a standalone novel. Tempted to read the first two in the series.
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These Dreams: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nicole Clarkston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This well-written story begins with the wedding of Lydia Bennet to Wickham but Darcy has failed to appear as promised. What happens to him and why is told.
I would probably rate this as 3.5 stars, and I would have given it a 4 star raring if there had been less angst described of Elizabeth and Darcy, or it it had only been implied. I would have preferred for the mystery to have been the main story as that, certainly for me, was the interesting aspect of this story.

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Dames Fight Harder by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maggie's close friend and construction company owner, Rachel Minsky has been accused of murder. Murder of another company owner. Maggie is employed by Rachel's brother to investigate as it seems that all the evidence points to Rachel's guilt.
Really enjoyed this story, so easy to read this well-written story.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Kitty's Lucky Charm: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Bianca St James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hoe does Kitty Bennet evolve after the weddings of her three sisters. Does she develop, does she get close Mary.
An interesting story which just about gets 3 stars. But needs some proofreading

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CAROLINE by Sue Barr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So how does Caroline Bingley fair when Darcy announces that he is to marry Elizabeth Bennet? Then she meets Lord Nathan - he everything she has always wanted - society and a title.
An enjoyable story for an interesting minor character.

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The Strangler Vine by M.J. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

India, 1937 and soldier William Avery is sent on a mission with Jeremiah Blake, an agent who has gone native, to find and bring back the poet Mountstuart. Involing them in murder and intrigue.
An interesting adventure, with some actual history thrown in. With the enjoyable developing bond between the two main characters, made it for me a great read. I look forward to the next in the series

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The Island by M.J. Trow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1873 Matthew Grand and James Batchelor travel to Maine for the wedding, finally, of Grand's sister Martha. Only for the maid of Martha's best friend to be murdered. But she is only the first. But is there a connection with the fire that killed many, some months earlier, in Boston.
An enjoyable, easy to read mystery. I liked the book, but didn't love it. Easily read as a standalone story.
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The Eye of Apollo : A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Father Brown meets a priest of a pagan religion, but who did kill his patroness in an horrific way.
Interesting short story

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Season of Blood by Jeri Westerson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1390 London and Crispon Guest is followed home by an unknown female who wishes to employ himto find her niece. Their meeting is disturbed by a monk with a dagger in his back. Holy relics, monks, ex-sheriffs abound but its Guest who must find the guilty parties.
An enjoyable mystery, which I liked but did not love. Not too sure I cared much for some of the characters but I might go back to the start of the series. This can certainly be read as a standalone novel.
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A Lady in Shadows by Lene Kaaberbøl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1894 Varbourg, France Madeleine Karno assists her father as a forensic pathologist ands is called out one morning to inspect a mutilated female body.
An interesting historical mystery, not that difficult to reason the guilty party, but really couldn't get engaged with the characters.
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Love's Gamble by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story of the Bryant family continues in 1842 and with Aaron, who is a gambler, and lost to his family. Then he meets Phoebe Vazquez who has her own secrets.
A sweet romance set in Texas.
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Quick Curtain by Alan Melville
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

On the opening night of a new musical entitled the Blue Music one of the actors is killed. But Inspector Wilson does not believe in the coroner's verdict and carries on the investigation with the help of his son.
Although I finished the book I did find the writing style quite irritating.
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The Perfect Murder by Stewart Giles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two cats have been killed and then one of the owners and it's DI Jack Killian's job, with the help of DC Harriet Taylor to investigate. But how many more deaths will there be before they can stop the murderer. And is there any link to the local creative writing group and their recent stories.
An enjoyable, easily read mystery which can be read as a standalone story.
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Bucket's List by Gary Blackwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1853 ex-police Inspector Charley Field is now a private inquiry agent at the age of 48, and working for himself. Apart from having a list of criminals he wishes to catch for their past deeds, the death, or as he sees it, the murder of a prostitute takes up most of his time. But it is not as straightforward as he believes, while also investigating other cases as his agency work takes off.
A good cast of characters setting up the series, with some decent crimes to solves. All in all an interesting read.
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Murder in July by Barbara Hambly
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Not for me. I just couldn't get into the story, whether it is because this is number 15 in the series or not I am unsure.
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Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker by Bronwen Chisholm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What if after reading the letters from her brother, Georgiana Darcy decides to travel to Netherfield and meet Elizabeth Bennet. Obviously it doesn't take her long to realise that Elizabreth doesn't like her brother. So what can she do about it. And there is the mayhem caused by Wickham to contend with.
An enjoyable story.

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Murder in the Village by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DI Hillary Greene is called to investigate the death of a local politcal candidate, but the case to catch the main drug dealer in the area intervenes with far ranging results.
An interesting mystery, characters that are developing through-out the series makes an enjoyable read. Easily read as a stand-alone novel.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy.

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Death Comes to the School by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is now December 1820, three years since Major Kurland married Lucy Harrington and all is not well. But they become distracted for a while by the discovery of a body at the estate school.
One of the main reasons that I enjoy this series is the relationship between these two people, and that is evident again in this book. I also found this is be an enjoyable well-written, and very easy to read, mystery.
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The Mansions of Murder by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

hen in October 1381. Brother Athelstan is summoned St Benet’s church in Queenhithe, finding the body of the priest is just the first discovery. There is the missing body of Isabella Makepeace, mother to the Flesher, the worst of the gang leaders, and hismissing hidden hoard of monies. But all the doors to the church are locked. The Brother and Sir John Cranston investigate.
Another well-written mystery in this series. With the description of the awfulness that is the London slums, and the interesting rounded characters that make up these books.
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Murder in the Lincoln White House by C.M. Gleason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1861 and Abraham Lincoln’s inaguration abll, with so plots and threats to his life everyone is on guard, then a body is found in a nearby room. Lincoln asks Adam Quinn, the nephew of his old friend Joshua Speed to investigate.
Thoroughly enjoyed this easy to read, well-written mystery, the setting and the characters.
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Front Page Murder by Peter Bartram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Brighton 1963 and Archie Flowerdue will hang on Christmas Eve for the murder of Percy Despart. He claims he is innocent but refuses to name his alibi. Flowerdue's niece Tammy believes in his innocence and so Crompton decides to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery with some good rounded characters and a story that can be read as a stand-alone novel.
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The Devil's Grin by Annelie Wendeberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr. Anton Kronberg is a bacteriologist who is called in by the police to the scene of a body - a cholera victim - who has been found floating in the city's drinking water supply. There he meets Sherlock Holmes who in the space of a few minutes has discovered the Doctor's secret. They then join forces to solve the crime.
An enjoyable re-read.
Received an Advanced Review Copy of the revised edition

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A Season to Lie by Emily Littlejohn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Gemma Monroe is back at work part-time at the Cedar Valley Police Department, after maternity leave. Only to be to be confronted with a dead body out at the local school on her first shift. It doesn't take long for the body to be identified as a famous author who was visiting the town in disguise.
An okay mystery, easy to read, though I am not sure I cared much for the main character, but an interest to see if my idea behind the murder was correct kept me reading to the end.
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The Flats by Kate Birdsall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Liz Boyle, and her partner Tom Goran, are called out at the discovery of a body of a five year old boy. While trying to cope with her own issues there are more problems with people close to her to deal with.
An interesting read and a good start to the series though I am hoping that Boyle's personal problems don't get in the way of future mysteries and that the stories can deal just with the investigation.
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INNOCENT LIES by Chris Collett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DI Mariner is on the case of a missing teenager boy, when a girl is reported missing and he is moved to this 'more important' case. There seems to be no motive for their disappearance or connection between the two. And no headway in the case for over a week, until finally a break in the case.
An enjoyable, well-written mystery with some good rounded characters.
For me an improvement on the first in the series and can be read as a stand-alone book.
Look forward to the next in the series.
Receved an Advanced Reader Copy

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Lies Jane Austen Told Me: A Proper Romance by Julie Wright
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A modern love story with Emma Pierce throwing herself into her job when her boyfriend doesn't live up to the fictional Mr. Darcy. Then she falls for his brother. Her life becoming more complicated than Jane Austen or any of her works means she must sort out her own problems.
Just kept interested enough to read to the end but really didn't care for much of the characters.
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Deadly Cure by Lawrence Goldstone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

New York City of 1899 and unknown to Dr. Noah Whitestone several children have already died, in similar circumstances to his new patient. When the child dies he is accused of prescribing a lethal dose of laudanum. He is determined to prove his innocence.
I didn't take to the style of writing, and admit to getting bored, and therefore struggled to finish the book.
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Death at the Emerald: A Frances Ffolkes Mystery by R.J. Koreto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thirty years after her daughter had disappeared Lady Beatrice Torrence decides it's time to find out if she is still alive. To this end she employs Lady Frances Fflokes to find her with the one clue that she had run away to be an actress. But it is not long before murder is done
An enjoyable, well written mystery, which can easily read as a stand-alone novel.
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Death Comes by Amphora: A Mystery Novel of Ancient Athens by Roger Hudson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Just couldn't get into the story. For me there was too much about the politcal situation at the time rather than expanding on the mystery.
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Longbourn's Songbird by Beau North
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation set in 1948 South Carolina, and Will Darcy has come to Meryton to eventually buy Longbourn and there he meets Elizabeth Bennet. But the past has made her protect her heart. But who has made her close her heart - when I found this out I just groaned - I would have been happier with the story if someone else could have been picked. But we also have the trials and tribulations of Charlotte, the Bingleys, Collins and Wickham. So can there be a HEA for Darcy and Elizabeth.
Enjoyable but a bit overly long.
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Sitting Murder by A.J. Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body is discovered, Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan of the Wigan Borough Police who doesn't believe in ghosts investigates all the people who visited Alice Goodway for a seance.
This well-written mystery has quite a few suspects, with some decent rounded characters. An easy read which kept my interest right to the end.
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