On Stranger Prides: A Pride and Prejudice Novel by Amy Cecil
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eleven years have passed snce his failed proposal at Hunsford. Darcy has become a pirate and Elizabeth has married. But can they meet again and resolve their misunderstanding and differences.
You need to totally suspend your disbelief as Darcy gives up everything he has loved and becomes a Robin Hood of the seas. But if you can it is an enjoyable read. Be warned although there is no cliffhanger at the end there is a sequel.

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A New Prospect: A Sam Jenkins Mystery by Wayne Zurl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sam Jenkins, retired New York detective applies and is offered the position of Chief at the Prospect Police Department. The first day on the job comes the first dead body.
An enjoyable mystery, well-written though I could have done without the vernacular. There were times I had to re-read the sentence to understand what was said.

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Relentless Considerations: A Pride and Prejudice Novel by Amy Cecil
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this variation, unfortunately Elizabeth Bennet receives bad news when staying at Hunsford, before Darcy can propose. Misunderstanding do occur before she leave for Longbourn but not really a lot of angst. There is also a softer version of Lady Catherine, but very little or nothing of Wickham and Caroline Bingley.
Probably more a 2.5 stars

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Matchmakers by Ola Wegner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

George Darcy decides that it is time for his son to marry and who better than one of the daughters of his old friend Bennet. SO it is decides that Darcy and his friend Bingley will visit Longbourn. In this variation there is a son instead of Lydia, and Bennet has saved enough to give his daughters dowries which makes me wonder why Mary being still so young married Collins.
Not sure I really liked either Elizabeth or Darcy in this version as neither seemed to change and improve themselves.

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Find You In The Dark by Nathan Ripley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Martin Reese, wealthy retired tech man, has a stange hooby. He researches and then digs up the lost bodies from convicted serial killers. All goes well until his activities bring him to the attention of a killer. Then no-one is safe. Not him, not his family.
An interesting mystery with the mix of serial killers. An enjoyable read.
A NetGalley Book

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Miss Austen's Vampire by Monica Knightley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Newly turned vampuire Gabriel Augustine meets Jane Austen at a house party. Miss Austen for the first time in her life falls in love, but with a vampire, a love affair which can never have a happy ending.
A fun enjoyable story.

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A Test Of Wills by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge has returned from the Great War a damaged man. Only to be sent to Upeer Streetham investigate the murder of Colonel Harris. But the main suspect is a decorated war hero. Rutledge is sent because Superintendent Bowles, his boss, wants him to fail.
A slow paced mystery which I really enjoyed and liking the character of Rutledge helps.

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By Force of Instinct: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Instead of leaving after giving Elizabeth that letter at Rosings, Darcy stays and is joined by other members of his family. Can he start to make amends to Elizabeth. Can her feelings start to change.
I enjoyed the first half of the story (3 stars for that part). After Lydia's elopement I rapidly read through the 'romance' of Darcy and Elizabeth interactions which is why I gave it the two star rating.

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The Conjurer's Daughter: A Mystery of Shakespeare by Leonard Tourney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nine years after first meeting Dr Dee, Shakespeare is willed the Book of Enoch in Dee's will. But when he goes to collect the book his troubles begin and his adventures.
An enjoyable story.

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The Abominable Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J. Dawn King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although initially attracted to Darcy, his words at the Meryton Assembly result in a plan of attack towards him. But what will be the results of Elizabeth's strategy. In this variation as Colonel Fitzwilliam is also at Netherfield, Darcy has the Colonel's words to response to and help him.
An enjoyable well-written, story with a good plot which overall deserves a 3.5 rating. I liked the greater involvement in the story of the Colonel and his pairing was acceptable.

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Murder Will Out by Tony Piazza
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Three cases for ex-cop Private Investigator, Tom Logan set in 1930 Los Angeles. In the first story after the death of a close friend from the force he investigates an organisation called 'The Syndicate'. The following two cases are short stories where he tries to locate a missing woman, and finally he is looking for the 'Full Moon Killer'.
Enjoyable stories with good dialogue and fine characters. What I didn't like was the use of some characters speaking in the vernacular. Very off putting.
A NetGalley Book

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Mr. Darcy and the Bennets of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Love Story by Jennifer Thompson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

On the day of the Meryton assembly Darcy arrives in Meryton and is injured. He is taken to Longbourn to recover where the angelic Elizabeth nurses him back to health with a totally lack of propriety.
Apart from needing some proofreading, and the stilted writing style I found that everything happened too fast. No angst in the story for Darcy and Elizabeth, or the other pairings.
It received two stars because I did finish the story

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By Hathor's Hand: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novel by Adele Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Preparations are made by Darcy and Bingley to go back to Egypt, with the two oldest Bennet sisters, and look for the tomb of Seti I. But not all goes to plan in this variation. Particularly as Caroline Bingley decides to interfere.
Interesting enough to read to the end but it does need some proofreading. Seems that there will be a Book 3

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Blackmail, Sex and Lies: A Victorian True Crime Murder Mystery by Kathryn McMaster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fictional account, though with a selection of their real letters that they wrote to each other, of the relationship between Madeleine Hamilton Smith, and her lover, Pierre Emile L’Angelier. Set in Glasgow, Scotland in 1857. The story recounts their meeting and following relationship which results in the death of L'Angelier.
An interesting read.

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Foreign Bodies by Martin Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A collection of non-English stories (translated) from the 'Golden Era' of detective fiction. An interesting, variable, collection of stories with only two I didn't really care for.
A NetGalley Book

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The Tin Rose by Anne Renwick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A story telling the story of Lady Emily and Luca detailing the day that she ran away with the Roma (gypsies).
An enjoyable short story.

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Mr Bennet's Dutiful Daughter by Joana Starnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This variation begins just as the Colonel is about to inform Elizabeth Bennet of Darcy's role in separating Bingley and Jane. Because it is Darcy that interrupts them with devasting news from Longbourn for Elizabeth.
Is there any possibility that Darcy and Elizabeth will have a happy ending.
As always Joana writes a lovely story, with the wonderful portrayal of the characters, and the angst.

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MR. DARCY'S SUMMER LOVE by Anne Louise
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Darcy and Elizabeth meet several years earlier than canon. There is no angst in their relationship but it read like a melodrama, with a Elizabeth who is the most inteligent person that Darcy has ever met and with no faults, just like the pleasant and lonely Darcy. It does need some proofreading but at least there was an evil Wickham.
Two stars for reading to the end

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MURDER IN THE GARDEN by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two months have passed and DI Hillary Greene is back at work. Only to be given a case straightaway. Edward Philpott has been found dead in his garden. Still not feeling her usual self and no apparent motive, and with the continuing case of her friend Mellow she feels at a lose in the case.
Another good story in this well-written series. Again I look forward to the next.

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Harem: An MFMM Romance by Abby Angel
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

After reading 56% of the book I think I can safely say that this is not my type of book. The sex scenes are very graphic which I presume is the point and I disliked all the characters.

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A Cruel Necessity by L.C. Tyler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1657 and John Grey has gone home to Clavershall West, his home in Essex. After a drunken night he wakes up to find a body on the village's dung heep. Faced with the reluctance of the local magistrate to investiate he decides to do so.
In this story Grey seems at times to be naive, so I look forward to find out if he becomes more worldly in his approach to life and its mysteries. But I did enjoy this story.

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A Required Engagement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nora Kipling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this variation the characters are several years younger than canon and Darcy the elder is still alive. When rumours of son's unnatural desires come to his ears he orders Darcy to marry one of the daughters of an acquaintance. Darcy escapes to Bingley's estate at Netherfield. Where Wickham has plans.
Three stars for the plot, though this is not a standalone novella. Needs a bit of editing.


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Egyptian Enigma by L.J.M. Owen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Dr. Elizabeth Pimms has returned from Egypt believing that information that she found in the Cairo Museum is incorrect. With er band of sleuths she aims to find the answer. Meanwhile we get to discover the story of the reign of the pharoah Tausret.
This is my second book in the series that I have read, I think for me there is just too much personal history in the story. The writing, the main character and the story just didn't catch my imagination and found it difficult to engage in the story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Death of Mr Darcy: a novel ( by Roisin Cross
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A modern day variation which I didn't find interesting or enjoyable, and I didn't care for any of the characters.

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Mr. Darcy's Bride by Rowan Renault
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The worst has happened. Collins after being rejected by Elizabeth has been accepted by Charlotte Lucas, but then Mr. Bennet is found died. Who can possible save the Bennets now, especially as Bingley having left Netherfield with his guests is now staying in Scotland.
Can Darcy really persuade Elizabeth to marr him.
An enjoyable story but not a lot of Wickham, Caroline Bingley or Lady Catherine.


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The Baronet's Bride by Emily Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gareth Locke came back from Waterloo without his left arm, but a baronet. But this was not enough for his fiancee. Then he met Cecily Locke, poor, widow and a lady's companion. Now it is their wedding night and can it go as bad as both expect.
A very sweet and lovely, well-written novella. Easily showing the emotions that both of them felt. This is the final part to the Midnight Quill series but could easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the previous two first.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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To Capture Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novel by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While staying at Netherfield Jane and Elizabeth find themselves spending a lot of time with their hosts. For the weather has made it impossible for anyone to leave. Does this bring Jane and Bingley together quicker, do Darcy and Elizabeth come to understand each other or will they always misunderstand each other.
An enjoyable, well-written variation.

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All the Men as Mad as He by Neal Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although the Queen has had Essex released in this year of 1600 will he have learnt contrition for his previous actions and now behave. When two men, who seem to have no connection to each other, are found dead, Noah begins to suspect that it is somehow related to Essex and possible treason.
Another enjoyable and interesting mystery in this well-written series.

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A Pemberley Medley by Abigail Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation offers five short enjoyable stories about Darcy and Elizabeth.

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An Accidental Assignation by April Floyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudicie variation how quickly can Bingley and Darcy engage themselves to the two oldest Bennet sisters. It would seem very quickly. And what of Collins. A quickly read without the angst.

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Darcy and Elizabeth: The Faces of Love by Arthel Cake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Pride abd prejudice variation begings with the death of Darcy's wife, continues with his meeting of Elizabeth and beyond. Angst is mainly supplied with the antics of Lady Catherine and Wickham.
An enjoyable story with interesting subplots

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A Man's Word by Martin Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1018 and on Cnut's instructions Winston and Halfdan are on their way to Hampton to determine what Jarl Thorkell, Cnut's sworn man is doing. On the way they meet up with some farmers, who are on the way to Thetford, to seek justice in the local court. So they join them to see if they can find out any information concerning Thorkell at Thetford. But a body is soon found and they are asked to investigate.
Another enjoyable mystery concerning this duo helped by Alfilda, Winston’s woman.

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Wallflower by MadMooMe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Five years have passed since the marriags of three of her sisters and now the rest of the family are on a visit to relations of the Lucases. Can Mary come out of her shell and find happiness.
Lovely story about my favourite female P&P character

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The Spinster's Secret by Emily Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matilda Chapple is financially dependent on her Uncle Strickland who lives at Creed Hall, but she longs for her independence and to this end she writes stories. But not stories that ladies can read. Then her Uncle is visited by Edward Kane a friend of her cousin Toby, who was killed at Waterloo. Due to a twist of fate the author of these stories is determined to live in the surrounding village and Kane offers to find the author.
I really enjoyed this well-written Regency romance. I also liked the characters, which for me is very important when it comes to reading romance stories.

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Red Moon Over Meryton by Emma Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With this Pride and Prejudice variation we have strange beasts roaming the area but do they have any connection to the new group of soldiers which have just arrived in Meryton.
Just as the story gets going the novella comes to end, to be continued. A Pity. I would have preferrred to read the whole story in one setting.

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Magic Chair Murder, The: A 1920s English mystery by Diane Janes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first of a cozy mystery series set in 1929 England. At the Robert Barnaby Society wekkend, the day before she was due to give a tslk \linda Dexter has disappeared. While the police carry out their own investigate Fran Black and Tom Dod join forces to delve into the mystety.
A enjoyed this easy to read well-written story and liked the characters. A really good start and a series which I look forward to reading more of.
A NetGalley Book

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Caroline's Censure: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The conclusion to the story sees some unwelcome guests arrive at Netherfield to disturb the piece of Charles Bingley and the Darcys. And what about Mrs. Bennet.
A quick read to end the trilogy though I would have liked more depth to the story.

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Lady Catherine Impedes: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues with Lady Catherine on a mission to separate Darcy and Eliabeth. But she has problems of her own. And what is Collins up to.
More of a de Bourgh story then Darcy and Elizabeth but that is not a problem more of a plus.

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Found Drowned by B.K. Duncan


London 1920 and May Keaps, the Poplar Coroner's Officer is called out to a suspected drowning. It will be her remit to determine his name. Unfortunately this can lead to danger but she does have the help of reporter Jack Cahill.
Certanly a well-written story with a good plot but for some reason didn't capture my imagination as I had hoped.
A NetGalley Book

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Darcy's Wife Search: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After several years spent looking for a wife, Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennet. The two elder Bennet daughters are visiting the Gardiners and one day on a visit to a park Darcy meets Elizabeth.
There is no angst between these two in this story but Mrs Bennet really dislikes Elizabeth.
This novella is the first part of a trilogy, and is fairly obvious that the next book will start just as this finishes. So I will see how this story develops.

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A Dragon in the Ashes by Neal Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

England 1600 and when an attempt is made on the Queen's life, Serjeant Noah Ames comes to her rescue, and then to investigate and determne the culprits. The guilty party of which are probably in the group that have arrived in England to join Lord Essex's group.
I enjoyed the story and liked the characters.

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Murder In A Very Small Town: A Danser Novel by Greg Jolley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is one of the books from the Wiki Danser series and the first that I have read. Wiki arrives in Dent in the middle of a snow storm and consequently crashes into an car accident on the road, and kills the sheriff. And she really doesn't seem to care. A local decides that now is the time to enact revenge on the people he believes have hurt him and so the shooting begins.
They was really nothing to hold my interest - the writing style, the story or the characters. With no inclination to read another from the series. I gave it two stars because I finished it.

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The Countess's Groom by Emily Larkin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1762 England and Rose has been married off by her father to the 5th Earl of Malmstoke to pay off all his debts. Trapped in a violent marriage she sees no end to her pain. But can groom Will Fenmore offer her a way out.
A sweet, well-written romance story. It is a well-paced novella with most of the scenes just between Rose and Will.

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The Whisky Wedding: a Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet story by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this variation the Gardiner family (for the start of their northward holiday) and Colonel Forster (with news of Wickham and Lydia) arrive at Longbourn on the same day. So a whole new story evolves as Elizabeth travels with her Aunt Gardiner northwards and Jane travels to London, hoping that one group will find Lydia. If it were posssible that Mr. Bennet is even more indolent than canon he is here. Whereas Jane Bennet is not as bland.
So overall an enjoyable story

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One More Chance by Ola Wegner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth is invited to stay in Derbyshire with friends of the Gardiners after they have returned to London. Though this story does begin at Rosings and Darcys' proposal. The differences to canon with a few of the characters I actually liked a lot.
So overall an enjoyable well-written story.

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Amidst the Flowers by abluestocking
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although this Pride and Prejudice variation is not a favourite subject for a story that I like to read I did find this a sweet well-written short story.

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Darcy's Magical Message by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

As the story concludes can everyone be saved. And what does happen to Wickham and Caroline Bingley.
Unfortunately I think I have not understood the humour in these stories. Obviously my problem.


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Lizzy's Love Apprentice by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

With Elizabeth under a spell can she and Darcy have a happy ending. But more importantly Miss Fiona Feelgood is in love. But where has Herman the hermit disappeared to.
It still seems rushed but the conclusion is coming.

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Darcy's Royal Dilemma by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Darcy, son of a witch performs his first spells and gets it so wrong. He and Bingley arrive at Netherfield to try and undo the spell anf there they meet the Bennets.
At times the scenes felt a bit rushed. I also wonder at Wickhams appearance at the Meryton assembly as known to the Bennets, but then at the Netherfield Ball he is unknown and introduced himself to Elizabeth.
I wait to see what happens in Book two

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

With their true feelings now known to each other Darcy and Elizabeth decide to wed. But there is opposition and from an unlikely quarter.
An enjoyable finish to the trilogy.

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