Felicity in Marriage: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra Knightley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

At the Hunsford Parsonage, Darcy poposes in slightly different circumstances and is accepted. But of course it is never smooth sailing.
Enjoyable but needs proof reading which did distract from the reading

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The Woman in the Water by Charles Finch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1850 and Charles Lenox no tlong finished at university is finding it difficult to get cases as a private investigator. How can he prove himself to his friends and Scotland Yard. A letter published in a newspaper which the author claims to have committed the perfect crime would seem to be the answer.
This is a prequel to the series as Lenox is only 23 years old, and it is my first read of these stories. It was an interesting mystery, and I am sure that the characters developed as the series continued. I did at times find the writing style a bit awkward to read. But I expect I will be familiar with it by the next book.
A NetGalley Book

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Stolen Daughters by Elleby Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While Bex is dealing with the aftermath of Josh Brymer being caught and in police custody, a bus of 22 girls has disappeared after leaving Fairbridge House College. While D.I.Quinn Standing deals with the disappearance, Bez investigation leads her back to the girls school.
A good enjoyable thriller

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Sherlock Holmes and the Boulevard Assassin by John Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the president of France is assassinated Holmes and Watson is one of their disguises decide to travel to Paris and investigate. With the help of a detective, an old friend, the duo infiltrate a gang of anarchists. Which leads ......
An interesting mystery, and an enjoyable read.

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Darcy and Elizabeth: Mischief and Misunderstanding: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra Knightley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At the Netherfield Ball Darcy and Elizabeth exchange a kiss. The Bingley party then leave the next day. Soon Mr. Bennet finds he has inherited a new estate and a title. Two years later and the Bennets receive a request from Lady Catherine to allow a visit from her nephews, plus Wickham and Bingley. How could there possibly be any happy endings.
I can't comment on this mash up with Much Ado About Nothing as I have not read that play. The story was entertaining enough (more a 2.5 star rating) though there were a few errors missed by the proof reader.

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A Conspiracy of Violence by Susanna Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1662 and Charles II is on throne of England. Thomas Chaloner, a spy for the former Secretary of State, John Thurloe is in need of employment and goes to Thurloe for help. Who sends him to Sir Edward Hyde, the Earl of Clarendon, Lord Chancellor to King Charles II. But intrigue, plots and death are all around.
A very enjoyable, well-written mystery which I look forward to reading more of. Hopefully another good series from this author.

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Darcy and Elizabeth: Love Blooms at Pemberley: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra Knightley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The day after the Hunsford proposal Elizabeth receives a letter but not that one, but a letter from Longbourn. The worst had happened.
A sweet novella with the angst and misunderstanding as expected. One of the things I found strange was the arrival at Pemberley of the Bennets from Kent and the Bingleys from London for one evening of entertainment before they were going back, already all dressed for the occasion. Surely not in Regency England

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Murder in Bloomsbury by D.M. Quincy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 has arrived and Atlas Catesby is back from Jamaica. At the request of his friend Lady Roselyn he starts to investigate the death of Gordon Davis, a clerk, who is brother to her maid. Davis' death has been pronounced as an accident.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with characters that I like.
A NetGalley Book

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One Winter's Eve: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Christmas approaches and the engagement of the two eldest Bennet daughters have been celebrated, Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives at Netherfield Park to help look after Miss Darcy, as Wickham is in the area. What he does not expect to do is re-assess his idea of Caroline Bingley. But Elizabeth has asked him to do so. Can the feelings of either be changed.
Very enjoyable and well-written, especially as the character of Caroline is shown to us over the telling. So there can be hope even for the ladies of the ton. I admit to not being a Caroline fan, but love the Colonel and it was with some tredipation that I started this story. But I should not have worried as Leenie Brown always writes a good story.


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The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Regency England and Lady Helen Wrexhall life is about to change. Having to cope with the disgrace of her parents she is given hope by Queen Charlotte, and what of the information gleamed from a distant cousin Lord Carlston. Are there really demons in the world. And what are Reclaimers and the Dark Days Club.
I really enjoyed the story though not my usual genre and look forward to the next in the series.

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A Well-Timed Murder by Tracee de Hahn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A few days before returning to work in the Violent Crimes Unit because of injures sustained in a previous case, Agnes Lüthi meets friend Julien Vallatton at a watch and jewelry trade show. Where he introduces her to Christine Chavanon who believes that the death of her father, Guy, a watchmaker was not an accident and wishes Agnes to investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery, with characters I have come to like. Although it is the second in the series it is a standalone novel.
ANetGalley Book

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Frankenstein Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Paranormal by Cass Grix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A re-telling of Pride and Prejudice with Dr Frankenbstein Fitzwilliam Darcy. But where Jane and Elizabeth with the Gardiners first visit Pemberley as children.
A well-written mash up which made an enjoyable story.

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The Riddle at Gipsy's Mile by Clara Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While visiting her friend Marguerite Harrison for the weekend at Romney Marsh, Angela Marchmont's car crashes into a ditch, and she discovers a body of a women. Helping Inspector Jameson, can either of them find the murderer.
An enjoyable, well-written mystery, though I did work out the why quite early but that did not distract from the story.

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Cousins, One and All: A Jane Austen Fan Fiction Fantasy Romance Novella by Ronnda Eileen Henry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The story continues with the next generation of sons and daughers from the characters from Pride and Prejudice with a mix of fantasy.
Didn't really find the story or the characters of that much interest though I did finish it.

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Seven Dead by J. Jefferson Farjeon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ted Lyte illegally enters the remote Haven House only to be seen running from it not long after. Detective Inspector Kendall recruits a yachtsman/journalist Thomas Hazeldean, to help investigate the case of the seven bodies found inside the house.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery. My only irritation was with the character Dora Fenner, and occasionally the style of writing.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder in the Mansion by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who could possible want Mattie Jones dead. She wasn't liked and was going through a divorce. But kill her?
Hillary Greene and her team investigate, while a sniper is killing random policemen.
Another enjoyable well-written, good mystery and characters from this series.

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Miss Darcy's Companion: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Joana Starnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr.Bennet has died. Elizabeth is now in need of a new poisition and Miss Darcy needs a new companion. Is it possible to have a happy ending, what of the Bingleys and of course Wickham.
Very enjoyable, well-written story as always from one of my favourite JAFF authors.

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Wild Justice by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1282 and Prioress Eleanor with her retinue travel to Mychen Buckland to deliver a letter and rents to the Prioress Amicia. Only to find that Amicia has been found guilty of murder, never having acknowledged her innocence or guilt. After reading her letter Amicia asks that Eleanor find proof that she is actually innocent of the crime.
Not a very interesting mystery, and the characters really didn't come to life for me. A quite slow paced though well-written story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Shadow of Anubis: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novel by Adele Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The price of Mr. Bennet's investment in the expedition of Darcy and Bingley to Egypt is that Jane and Elizabeth have to go with them.
A reasonable enough story, but not with a lot of grow up interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. Concerned that only Mrs Bennet thought it was necessary that they had a chaperone on the expedition.
2.5 rating rounded up to 3

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Ravensdene Court by J.S. Fletcher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1912 England and the murder of two brothers at the same time and in different locations confounds the police. This is only the start of the story.
An enjoyable mystery with its twists but there was a lot of re-telling throughout the story which did slow the pace somewhat.

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Forty Dead Men by Donis Casey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1918 and Alafair is happy that son, George Washington Tucker, has come home safely from the war. A few days later he meets Holly Johnson who is on a journey to discover what happened to her husband.
Although a well-written story it just didn't catch my imagination and it all felt a bit flat.
A NetGalley Book

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Elizabeth's Folly: A Pride and Prejudice Intimate Variation by Petra Belmonte
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Mr Gardiner and Elizabeth ennet travel to gretna Green looking for Wickham and Lydia. Where they find Mr. Darcy. What scandal does Elizabeth bring to the Bennet family.
Interesting enough to read to the end.


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Blood Debts by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

AD63 Rome and Leonidas, former gladiator discovers a body. With the aid of his slave Cassia they aim to solve the death.
A novella which introduces us to the characters for this new series. An enjoyabole read and I look forward to the series.

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Lady Vernon and Her Daughter: A Jane Austen Novel by Jane Rubino
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a variation of Jane Austen's Lady Susan. A very enjoyable, well-writen story which I look forward to reading again.

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Dry Bones by Sally Spencer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

St. Luke's College, Oxford, in 1974 two bodies are discovered in an old air shaft. Charlie Swift, bursar, employs his friend and private investigator Jennie Redhead to discover who they are. Tests reveal that one had probably died sixty years previously and the other forty year ago. So the story moves between these three time periods, but what scandals does Jennie expose to have caused these deaths.
A good mystery though I am ambivalent about the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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A Shrine of Murders by Celia L. Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1471 and there is a murderer in Canterbury. the archbishop hires Kathryn Swinbrooke to discover the murderer. She needs the help of Colum Murtagh the Commissioner of Peace, Simon Luberon and Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.
I like the main characters and hope they appear again. An enjoyable mystery, and start to a new series.

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The Plains of Chalmette: A Story of Crescent City by Jack Caldwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1814 and it's the battle for New Orleans. Major Matthew Darcy, a distant relation to the Darcys of Pemberley fights for the Americans while third son Major James Fitzwilliam is for the British. More of an account of the battle than the characters involved. Any romance is a minor story.
Enjoyable and I learnt a little history.

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Regret: A Variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Elizabeth Howell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lydia Bennet has run off with Wickham, but thankfully they have been found and tomorrow will be their wedding today. Back from a shopping trip Lydia arrives at their Inn in London and finds Wickham dead. Soon she is arrested.
Feel that the book could do with proof reading, and suggestions about the story. For example, why is Lydia still at the Inn and allowed to go shopping on her own.

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Free from all Danger by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1736 Leeds and Richard Nottingham has returned from two years of retirement to become Constable again. In such a short time Leeds has changed and then the first body appears. So it is up to Nottingham and his deputy Lister to solve the mystery.
Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, it was well-written with good characterization, though I did work out the who. It can easilty be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Ides of April by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

89AD and Marcus Didius Falco's adopted daughter Flavia Albia is now an investigator. When she hears hints of a killer in the Aventine she decides to investiagte.
After reading all the Falco novels I was very interested in readng this new series and I did enjoy this well-written (of course) story. I thought the killer’s identity was obvious but didn't distract from the story, and I did like these new characters.

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Longbourn Revisited by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Darcy travels to Longbourn because of Mr Bennet illness, and feels an attraction to the new doctor. Meanwhile Darcy travels to London for business and meets Charles and Caroline Bingley.
Didn't feel that the story flowed well, and Elizabeth seemed to be travelling long distances on her own in the space of a few hours.

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Ardently: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Caitlin Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy and Elizabeth have not met since the Hunsford proposal. He has since married and Elizabeth is now living with her wealthy aunt, Mrs Mountford. Mrs Mountford decides to visit Bath with Elizabeth and there she meets old friends, and makes new ones.
An enjoyable, well-written story

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The Rufus Spy by Alys Clare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1093 and two young men of similar appearance have already been killed. Will there be more and why. Meanwhile Lassair, the healer, has gone home only to find her ex-lover in need of help.
This is the first of the series that I have read and would say it would be best read after the others in the series to get all the background of these characters, and to give them some depth. I found I didn't really care for the characters and therefore the plot, and have preferred other series written by Alys Clare.
A NetGalley Book

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Mr. Darcy's Journey: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet has finally arrived at the Hunsford Parsonage leaving a bereft Jane at the Gardiners. Soon events mean that Darcy, Elizabeth and members of the Fitzwilliam family are heading north. A north threatened with riots.
No wonder is Darcy is quiet with such a troublesome family like the Fitzwilliams as relations, but adorable too. A lovely, well-written story with a few added characters.

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Cousin Prudence by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some few months after her marriage to George Knioghtley, Emma discovers that she has a cousin. Her father once had a sister who married beneath her and now the husband, Mr Blenkinsop wishes for her family to introduce his daughter Prudence to society.
A delightful story, with likeable characters who are mostly new to the original.

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The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1919, and Louisa Cannon by a stroke of luck is employed as a nursery maid in the Mitford household at Asthall Manor. But on the same train that Louisa had been travelling previously that day, Florence Nightingale Shore, is killed. Louisa, Nancy Mitford with Sergeant Guy Sullivan seem determined to find the murderer.
I didn't really get an connection to the characters, I didn't really find them interesting enough. I have no idea if the Mitfords have been protrayed accurately (they were not the reason for reading the book) I was more interested in reading a murder mystery story. With that in mind and that I didn't particularly like the writing style, it was an just about interesting enough to get me to the end of the book.
A NetGalley Book

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Three Daughters Married by Renata McMann
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

On the day that Darcy gives Elizabeth Bennet that letter, Anne de Bourgh dies and Lady Catherinbe is convinced that Darcy and Elizabeth should marry straight away.
With so many events in this short story I feel the pace of the tale would have been a lot better if it was a book where time could have been taken to unfurl the story much more slowly and with a lot more depth.

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Killer Lies by Chris Collett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When former MP Sir Geoffrey Ryland and his wife are killed it's easy to presume that their chauffeur's former criminal life was the reason. DI Tom Mariner doesn't believe so and then it becomes personal and he pursues the case unofficially.
Enjoyable well-written, mystery which kept my interest.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Elizabeth Bennet's Wager by Wade H.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So how does Elizabeth Bennet react to the proposal from Darcy at Hunsford. Not in any way that you could imagine. The Bennet females and the other ladies of Meryton are more intelligent then was first thought by the visiting gentleman.
A bizarre, but enjoyable story

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Awakened Hearts by Susan Potts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, and determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.

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Sea of Secrets by Amanda DeWees
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oriel Pembroke having been disowned by her father seeks out her newly discovered relations. The Duchess of Ellsworth. But as her new family settle at Ellsmere, she wonders is there a murderer residing there, and who could it be. Herron, the new young Duke believes so.
An enjoyable Victorian gothic mystery and romance.

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Picture Miss Seeton by Heron Carvic
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This is my second attempt at reading one of the Miss Seeton books, this time I did get as far as 72% before I had to give up. I just don't like the writing style.

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Lies That Comfort and Betray by Rosemary Simpson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1888 New York Prudence MacKenzie and Geoffrey Hunter are private investigators. The Ripper of London is news but the New York police believe that they wouldn't take long to discover the murderer, until the first slashed body is found.
Unfortunately the writing style or the characters really didn't capture my imagination and draw me in. Though I was interested enough to read to the end.
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Searcher in the Dawn by Lucinda Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1623 and Eleanor Goodchild, local apothecary, is called to Upton Hall. Bt toolate Lady Grace has died several weeks after giving birth. As the searcher of death it is for her to determine if it was a natural death.
An enjoyable story with an interesting portrayal of village life in these times with a selection of well-developed characters.

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Love's Cure by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The continung story of the inhabitants of Sweet Grove, and the various members of the Bryant family.
Dr Gerald Anderson is offered and accepts the position of doctor for the community and literally bumps into Mariana Bryants, blind since her childhood.
But what secret is the doctor hiding and how will it affect Mariana.
An enjoyable romantic novella.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1881 London and cook Kat Holloway has taken up a new position in the household of Lord Rankin. But on her second day of employment she discovers a body in her pantry. She involves old friend Daniel McAdam, but the death is only the beginning of the mystery.
I enjoyed this well-written story, and liked the characters and their interplay. I hope to read more about them in the next book.
I would recommend reading the prequel novella to get some background on the characters.
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Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1891, Pinkerton agent Frederick Chase is pursing an American criminal to England and when he arrives at Southampton it is to find news of Moriarty's death. So he travels to Reichenbach Falls, and meets Inspector Athelney Jones of Scotland Yard. Together they are determined to find the American Clarence Devereux, the head of the criminal network.
Well-written, thoroughly enthralling mystery.

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Fair Warning by Wade H.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this short novella of a Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Bennet due to a headache is alone at the Hunsford Parsonage while the Collins are at Rosings. Then she has an unexpected visitor. Then another, and then another.
An enjoyable odd story.

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The Colour of Murder by Toni Mount
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is now 1478 and a wealthy merchant is killed in his home, but more importantly a prisoner is killed in the Tower not long after having had his face sketched by Sebastian. Can Sebastian and his brother Jude solve these mysteries as Sebastian's life is increasing threathened.
An interesting well-written story though there doesn't seem to be a lot of mystery solving involved, a very character driven tale.
Received an Advanced Rader Copy

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The Collins Conundrum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Beginning after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield, Collins has arrived and begins his attentions towards Jane. Can Jane be saved, and what of Darcy's feelings towards Elizabeth. The story continues in Book 2.
An enjoyable variation though I totally disliked the ending.

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