Mary Bennet's Chance by Virginia Aitken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, three years have passed. Mr and Mrs Bennet with Mary visit Mr Bennet's younger sister and her family in Cambridgeshire. How will Mary's life proceed after she has met Charles Treymayne and Fitzroy Sinclair.
I enjoyed this story of Mary Bennet and how her life changes. A good book to finish the years reading

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Haggard Hawk by Douglas Watkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-DCI Hawk is retired and bored but thankfully forhim one of his neighbours is murdered. Which gives him the opportunity to investigate/interfere in the case.
An enjoyable read with interesting and likeable characters

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When his father takes him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books to choose a book, Daniel picks The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax. Wanting to find more works by Carax leads him and others into a mystery and the resulting danger.
Really enjoyed this story

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The Forgotten Man by Schizophren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Here we have the Forgotten Sister but from Henry's point of view, so obviously there is some overlap of conversations. But still an interesting tale of the instant attraction of Henry to Mary Bennet and his desire to be married to someone who cares forhim and not his title and wealth.
A re-read of this story, which I enjoyed again. The story of how Mary became appreciated by a worthwhile gentleman.

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Yearning For You: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lory Lilian
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Darcys are finally married and on their way to town. But events prevent them from consummating their marriage for several days.
A well-written story

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Sex, Marry, Kill by Todd Travis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Five outcast school pupils are introduced to a game. Now it's time their tormenters paid. But there is always a price to pay. Always.
Not my usual genre for reading but I have enjoyed other books by this author so had to read it.
An enjoyable horror story

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The Forgotten Sister by Schizophren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice sequel is a delightful story of Mary Bennet as she visits Pemberley to stay with the Darcys. Can she ever find happiness, is there someone who doesn't see her as the 'plain' sister. Some new characters as you would expect. A short novel/long novella.
A re-read of an enjoyable Mary Bennet story.

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Under a Black Sky by Inger Wolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daniet Trokic is sent to Anchorage, Alaska when a Danish volcano scientist, Asger Vad and his wife and son, are found dead in their home. Where he partners detective Angie Johnson in the hunt for the killer and the daughter that has disappeared.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery

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TALENTS by Todd Travis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A two part book, firstly in 1989 a school bus with young children disappears. Kimberly Stevens consultant to the FBI recruits twenty-four year old Jacob Thorne to help her find her missing partner, Thorne's father, but meanwhile they try and solve the problem of the missing bus.
Secondly 2004, three people are killed in a locked house and Emma Kane, detective, is sent to Roanoke Virginia to confirm the local police have done everything they can to solve the crime.
Really enjoyed these well-written and interesting back stories to these two characters.

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TROPHIES by Todd Travis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

FBI agent Elijah Sayers turns to agent Emma Kane to help find his missing friend Amy Marie Farmer. She has gone missing without a trace presumed voluntarily. Sayers believes differently and their investigation turns up a surprising and disburbing result. Kane decides she needs the help of Jacob Thorne, but will he help.
Totally engaging story, great characters and story.

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Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy!: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, while in town Darcy notices a happy Elizabeth and decides to go against his character and disposition and introduce himself to her. A low angst, virtual love at first sight, story with only minimal interference from any family members.
An enjoyable enough read

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A Man's Partner: A Detective Jericho Single by Walter Marks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Jericho’s former partner from NYPD, Davis, was discovered dead in his car with a suicide note. Jericho refuses to believe this and so carries out his own investigation.
Another enjoyable story in this series.

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Extended Candour by annielikesgreen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The continuing tale of Mary Bennet and Captain Denny in this short (4000 words) story. An enjoyable story but unfortunately the tale has not so far been continued.

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The Hated by Walter Marks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When a body of a man is discovered sitting on a lifeguard chair at Indian Wells beach with the numbers 6886 written on his forehead Detective Jericho investigates. But it may not be what it seems at first.
An interesting story

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Dark September by Inger Wolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Trokic is called out to a nearby forest where a body of a female has been found. Later identified as Anna Kiehl. But does this have anything to do with the disappearance of a scientist a couple of months earlier.
A good entertaining, well-written mystery with some interesting characters

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Extended Conflict by annielikesgreen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The tale of Mary Bennet and Captain Denny continue in this short Pride and Prejudice story (13,000 words). A month after the Netherfield Ball the Lucases hold a ball to celebrate the engagement of Mr. Collins and Charlotte.
Could the relationship between Mary and Denny go more wrong.
Another enjoyable part to this story.

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Swerve: A Detectives Seagate and Miner Mystery by Mike Markel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A year has passed since CMSU and Syclone Systems have partnered in the development of Syclone autonomous cars. The day has arrived to test a small part of that technology but disaster awaits as Syclone employee Bryan Orville is killed. Was it an accident or murder. It's for detectives Seagate and Miner to determine.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery story in this series

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The Ornamental Hermit by Olivier Bosman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1890 London and Detective Sergeant John Billings is asked by his guardians the Forresters, as a favour, to find their son Sebastian. Sebastian who has been missing these past ten years. While at work at Scotland Yard Billings is investigating the murder of Lord Palmer at his estate. The main and only suspect being a Brendan Lochrane, employed by Palmer as a hermit.
While a somewhat interesting mystery I did find it difficult to like any of the main characters, which is a problem for me when reading character driven stories.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

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Extended Courtesy by annielikesgreen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A short (5,500 words) Pride and Prejudice story - at the Netherfield Ball Mr. Bennet persuades Captain Denny to cheer up Mary Bennet after her performance at the piano. Captain Denny surprises himself that he actually enjoyed the resulting conversation.
Much too short for this enjoyable story. Thankfully it continues with Extended Conflict.

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Murder At Flaxton Isle by Greg Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A ten year reunion on a remote Scottish island is not all the fun the friends hoped it will be. As soon one of them is found dead. Is this the start or the end of the killings.
Unfortunately the bunch of friends don't seem that remotely likeable but overall an enjoyable enough cozy mystery


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Intimate Encounters by Ola Wegner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation the day after the disaster that is the Hunsford proposal circumstances force Elizabeth Bennet to accept that she must marry Darcy. Elizabeth is her reluctant self, disliking Darcy, while Darcy seems overly obsessive as usual.
Two stars because I did finish it even though I skimmed.

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Nor All Your Tears by Keith McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is now July, 1977 and retired Dr Benjamin Elliott, is running a gardening club at the local school. His son Dr Lance Elliott comes to views his efforts at a parent teacher evening but later they discover the body of a teacher much to the annoyance of DI Masson. But this will not to the last one.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery with its likeable characters. Another good book in the series.

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Jane and the Waterloo Map by Stephanie Barron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November, 1815 has arrived and Jane Austen is staying in London with her brother Henry. She has been invited by the chaplain to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent to tour Carlton House and especially the library. In the library they discover a dying man, a Colonel MacFarland. Events lead Jane to discover a map. But a map of what.
An entertaining and enjoyable well-written cozy mystery

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Noose for a Lady by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Margaret Hallam has been found guilty of the murder of her husband and is due to be hung in less than a week. Her step-daughter believes she is innocent and urges Margaret's friend Simon Gale to found the guilty party.
An entertaining read which does stretch the imagination.

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Flynn's Christmas A Sherlock and Lucy Short Story by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas Eve in 1898, and Flynn and his small band of Irregulars are employed by Sherlock Holmes on a mission to follow a man and his tan satchel.
A delightful well-written short story.
A NetGalley Book

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Thunder, Mist, and Frost: Nature's Fury and Delights by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three short stories connected by themes of the weather and the works of Jane Austen - firstly, Thunder, A Darcy and Elizabeth story. Secondly, Morning Mist a story about Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon of Sense and Sensibility. And finally Frosted Windowpanes - A Touches of Austen Novelette.
All three were enjoyable and well-written stories but my favourite was Morning Mist, a delightful tale.

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The Battle of Jericho by Walter Marks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Over a year has past and Detective Jericho has a new case to investigate. A severed foot has been washed ashore with only a partial tattoo and an unusual nail polish as clues to the owner's name. But just after resident Sanford Richman reports his wife Ann missing another foot appears.
An entertaining mystery

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The Engagement by Ola Wegner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P story Elizabeth Bennet has agreed to marry Darcy in three months time, at the same time as Jane and Bingley. This is the story of those months. It is just about a three star rating as nothing really happens, I skipped the descriptions of the sex scenes, and my opinion of Darcy does not really improve.

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Murder Plot by Keith McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Charlie Daniels dies on his allotment the verdict is natural causes. But Dr Lance Elliot is undecided especially when another member of the allotment dies. By then Inspector Masson takes charge.
Set in 1975 this cozy mystery is an enjoyable well-written story. With the added plus of likeable main characters.

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Players: A Detectives Seagate and Miner Mystery by Mike Markel


Why would anyone want Lake Williams dead. Homeless, a junkie and a former football player at Central Montana State. Initially Detectives Seagate and Miner believe it looks like a normal heroin overdose, but their investigation reveal otherwise.
Another enjoyable well-written story in the series

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Death Hampton by Walter Marks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Due to job burnout and that his daughter has moved to East Hampton, Detective Neil Jericho transfers from East Harlem. But several mysterious disappearances means that Jericho has new cases to investigate.
I enjoyed this story which kept my interest to the end and so is a good start to the series.

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The Storm by Ola Wegner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After the Hunsford proposal Darcy is caught in a storm whch results in an injury and losing his memory of the proposal. Elizabeth for the sake of Darcy's health is convinced to agree that Darcy and Elizabeth are to wed. Of couse with everyone of these stories there is a happy ending.
I finished the story, even though I am not a great fan of Elizabeth or Darcy I was not happy with their portrayal of their characters.

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Last Duke Standing by Cheryl Bolen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Alex Haversham has become the fourth man in four years to hold the title of Duke of Fordham, when his elder brother, Freddie, is found dead. It is Lady Georgiana Fenton, the fiancée of Freddie who determines that he has been murdered. Lady Georgiana and Fordham are determined to find the killer.
Unfortunately, although an enjoyable story I would say it is more a romance story than the murder mystery tale I had hoped to read.
The book can easily be read as a standalone story even though it is the third in the series.
A Netgalley Book

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Butterfly Kisses by Patrick Logan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Damien Drake is back off a six month leave period when he is called to the site of a murder, a drug addict has found the body of a man in an abandoned warehouse. The victim is one of New York's rich elite, but he is not the first victim, With lead detective, Chase Adams, Drake must find a motive.
An enjoyable and interesting serial killer mystery

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The Murder of Patience Brooke: Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones Investigate by J.C. Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charles Dickens has set up a Home for Fallen Women, at Urania Cottage, which is managed by the matron Mrs Morson. In November 1849 Mrs Morson discovers the murdered body of helper Patience Brooke. Charles Dickens, and his friend Superintendent Jones of Bow Street investigate the death, and discover the secrets of Patience.
An enjoyable well-written and paced mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to the series

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The Forgiving Season: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation the story begins after the Netherfield Ball when the Bingleys and Darcy have left. But into the story comes Mrs Bingley to offer her wisdom to the younger generation. They return to Netherfield. Will Elizabeth Bennet welcome Darcy's return, how will Darcy react to her. And what are Wickham's intentions.
Hints before buying the book made me wary about the story line concerning Wickham and Mary Bennet (my favourite Bennet). But there were added depths to both of their characters in this book. Which resulted in me wanting to read more about that storyline.
Overall a very enjoyable story

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A Murderous Marriage by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Because of their failing family fortune Lady Julia Renshaw has been pressurised into marrying for money. Marriage to wealthy and very much older Viscount Annondale takes place at Cowes in April 1920. The marriage breakfast is on the Annondale's yacht with all the suspects on-board when Annondale goes missing. Circumstances lead Inspector Lewis to arrest Lady Julia for murder. It is left to Lady Phoebe and her maid Eva to solve the puzzle.
An enjoyable cosy mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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The Reveal by Mike Markel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Virginia Rinaldi, outspoken sociologist professor is found dead. Well liked by her students but not so much by the rest of the department it is for Detectives Seagate and Miner to investigate.
Another enjoyable and interesting mystery in this well-written series

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All the Tears in China by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Because of personal reasons Wilfred Sinclair is unable to travel to Shanghai in 1935 and broker a wool deal with the Japanese. So his brother Rowland is sent with the company of his three close friends. But trouble does seem to follow them and a female body is found in their hotel suite. While trying to stay out of prison they decide to investigate with the help of several new friends.
An entertaining enough cozy mystery but not really enough of a mystery, but thankfully less political than some previous stories.
A NetGalley Book

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Power in the Blood by Michael Lister
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

John Jordan is the prison chaplain at Potter Correctional Institution where one day he witnesses the death of an inmate, Ike Johnson. Because of his previous experience as a police officer he is instructed to investiagte in an unofficial capacity. But this is not the last death. And what is reeally happening withing the prison.
A enjoyable and decent start to the series, probably more of a 3.5 rating. Hopefully the religious content will just be a background aspect of the stories.

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The Blood of Princes by Derek Birks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In April 1483, with the death of King Edward IV, his son Edward a 12 year old boy becomes the king. The young king comes under the protection of his uncle the Duke of Gloucester but will this bring stability to the kingdom or a bitter civil war. John Elder is determined to uphold his oath to the boy King and see him crowned.
Although it is not necessary to read Book One, as I did not, I found it at first diffiult to get ito the story as I faced a host of characters without any context.
But overall a well-written historical fiction story, which continues.
A Netgalley Book

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Fractures by Mike Markel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The oil industry and the fracking boom have made Lee Rossman very successful with a lot of money. So Seagate and Miner are confused when his body is found outside a strip joint. So what secrets will they find when they start their investigation.
Another good and enjoyable well-written mystery

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Vanities & Vexations by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With this Pride and Prejudice sequel we have the story of Georgiana's coming out in London, with the aid of Mary and Catherine Bennet, and unexpectedly Anne de Bourgh. Can any or all of these ladies have a happy ending to their season.
I would have liked more time spent on each of the romances and less on the fashions of the day but overall I enjoyed the book. I especially liked that Mary was not fobbed off with some lowly cleric like Collins.

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Relative Malice by Marla Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Kendall Halsrud becomes the officer in charge when her partner is taken ill, of a home invasion case - the murder of four of the Glausson family, and a missing baby. Circumstances lead to Halsrud working with Adam Nashlund, the security chief of Gray Glausson, brother of the deceased father. They have to delve into the past to expose the secrets that could lead to the guilty party.
An enjoyable fast paced mystery story

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Three-Ways by Mike Markel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Graduate student Austin Sulenka is found strangled, on his bed, naked. But Detectives Seagate and Miner have to first determine was it a suicide, accident or murder. Their investigations expose the lies and secrets of many people. Will this lead to more deaths.
A really good enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery, add to this the interplay between the two main characters, this results in a very good read.

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Dead Drift by S.W. Hubbard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three short stories about crime in Trout Run all to be investigated by Chied of Police Frank Bennett. I think Coyote Justice was my favourite.
Three good well-written enjoyable stories

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The Other Miss Bates: The second book in the Highbury Trilogy, inspired by Jane Austen's 'Emma' by Allie Cresswell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This prequel of Emma continues with the story of the second daughter of Mrs Bates - that of Miss Jane Bates. Her story as a companion to a Mrs Sealy in Brighton where once again she meets Captain Weston. But on their journey to Brighton Mrs and Miss Bates meet the Churchills of Enscombe in Yorkshire.
A very enjoyable and well-written story and I look forward to completing the trilogy

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Blood Knot by S.W. Hubbard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The North Country Academy has opened in Trout with its basic philosophy of tough love. But Chief of Police Frank Bennett is called in whena camping trip with a teacher and students goes wrong resulting in a death. But this is just the start of the problems for the school.
An enjoyable well-written mystery story with some well-developed characters.

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The Winter Mystery by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jenny Starling on a whim responded to an advertisement for a cook at a farm over the Christmas period. Unfortunately the household it not a happy one which is made worse on Christmas Eve when one of them turns up dead. The situation is not helped by the lack of murder experience of the lead detective Inspector Moulton, and it is left to Jenny to steer the police to the correct guilty party.
Am enjoyable well-written and easily read cozy mystery with a likeable lead character.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy from Joffe Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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A Most Affectionate Mother: A Pride and Prejudice sequel by Maria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, on escaping to Clarke’s library to find a book as a favour to Charlotte Lucas - Charlotte wishes a summary of the book - she encounters a young man also wanting to read the same book. Mrs Bennet sees a chance at matchmaking but Mary fights against it.
A very likeable Mary in this delightful well-written novella

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