Countdown by Frederick Ramsay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ten years after the death of their father from Spanish flu in 1918, Sheriff David Privette comes to inform Jesse Sutherlin, that the body of their long dead father has been discovered in an ice house. Jesse is determined to solve this mystery with the support of his clever wife Serena.
Overall an enjoyable read, a slow paced story and I did like Serena the best, among the varied and likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book

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The Red Hand of Fury by R.N. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June, 1914 and several bizarre suicides have been brought to the attention of the Special Crimes Department and DI Silas Quinn. Unfortunately for Quinn his past may be catching up on him.
The book drew me in straight away. I loved the style of writing, and the mystery and was intrigued by Quinn and his team. They were characters that I enjoyed reading about.
Although this was the fourth in the series it can be read as a standalone story, though I am looking forward to reading the first three.
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Queen's Progress: A Tudor Mystery by M.J. Trow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In 1591 Queen Elizabeth decides to go on a progress. It is up to Marlowe to ensure the festitives are handled correctly, but it doesn't take long for the first death. What really is happening, it's for Marlowe to discover.
I liked the idea of the story but not the excution. I just couldn't get that interested in it. 2 stars for finishing the book, but only just.
A NetGalley book

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The Tin God: A Victorian Police Procedural by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1897 Leeds, Superintendent Tom Harper's wife is standing for election to become a Poor Law Guardian, with six other females. But then the threats start, and then they start to accelerate. Meanwhile Inspector Billy Reed in his new position in Whitby is learning about smugglers.
An enjoyable and interesting police procedural which is easily read as a standalone with some very likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book


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Murder Takes a Turn by Eric Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's now 1956 and Charles Elder, business partner of Maria Langham, receives an invitation to a weekend party, with offers of an apology, for something that happened in 1917. Donald Langham, writer and private detective, and his wife Maria offer their moral support and travel to Cornwall with him. Information discovered in London and Cornwall unsurprisingly lead to a murder.
An enjoyable easily read mystery. Somewhat slow and gentle in its pace but with well-rounded and likeable characters.
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At Last the Rogue Returns by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miss Lydia Lovell is angry. For five years on the neighbouring estate of Lord Miles Greystone, his tenants have suffered from his neglect while he has been abroad. She has helped the steward Gilligan all she can. But now he has come home, and will pay. But Greystone is back for another reason, for vengeance.
An enjoyable fun read, well-written and so easy to read.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Mansfield by Misty Dawn Pulsipher
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

At the age of six Anika Price goes to stay with the Bertrams. Edmund becomes her saviour, turning in her part to love. Then the Craeforts (i.e. Crawfords) arrive. Really couldn't take to the characters, I much preferred the original. And I really dislike reading books which have speech in the vernacular as in the French Craeforts. Two stars for just about finishing the book.

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Exit Stage Left by Adam Croft
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Charlie Sparks is reduced to performing his routine in pubs, until it kills him. Kempston Hardwick happens to be there that evening and is convined it's murder. He decides to investigate.
An enjoyable and quick read, a good start to the series

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The Death Collector: A Victorian Murder Mystery by Toni Mount
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nathaniel, Lord Grosvenor-Berkeley of Heaton Magna, likes to kill and disect, and not in that order, in this Victorian serial killer mystery. Will Inspector Albert Sutton, helped by his wife Nell, and Blackstock, the cat ever catch him. Some what tongue in cheek rather then straight mystery, but an enjoyable story.

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Mr Darcy's Christmas Carol: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield for Christmas. But strange dreams are invading Darcy's reality. But are they dreams. A mixture of Christmas Carol with P&P.
An enjoyable story, a lovely written novella

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What Kitty Did Next by Carrie Kablean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Mrs Bennet has three daughters married, but what to do about the remaining two. Kitty is invited to London to join with the Bingleys. Can she take this opportunity to change. How will Lydia interfere. Does Elizabeth turn into Darcy and think she is always right and judge before knowing all the facts.
I would wish that authors would be more imaginative in their disposal of Mary Bennet who is my favourite female character. Which was really the only thing I didn't care for in the book.
There are not many books written about Kitty so I found the story enjoyable at that level, it was also well-written, though it was slow in its start. The story certainly developed Kitty's characters and made her much more likeable.
A NetGalley Book

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Dirty Secrets by Janice Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When business man Russell Marsh is found shot at his home, DI Neal and his team investigate. But nothing is ever straightforward. Too many secrets and then another body is found.
An enjoyable tale, with a good variety of different characters, which can easily be read as a standalone story. Look forward to the next in the series.

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Worthy of Being Pleased: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With this sequel to Tempt You to Accept Me, it is now the time to read Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam story (be still my beating heart). On a months holiday from his regiment it is his intention to enjoy himself. Then at Almanack one evening he meets Augusta Hawthorne, who at 29, has decided that her position is now to chaperone her niece.
A very enjoyable variation but then I am a Colonel fan.

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BABY LIES by Chris Collett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Mariner has an early start on the raid called Operation Ocean Blue. But his day is about to get worse when he is called in to investigate a baby abduction - six-week-old baby Jessica is taken from a local nursery.
Although the book can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading them in order.
Another enjoyable read from this series with its interesting story and well-developed characters.

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Robbing the Dead by Tana Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the university town of Castleton in East Fife a student is found dead. Then a bom explodes in a univserity car park. Is there any connection between the two. DCI Jim Carruthers and his team investigate.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery, I look forward to reading the next. A good start to the series.

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A Perpetual Estrangement: Jane Austen's Persuasion Reimagined by Alice B. Ryder
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this modern variation, Anne has spent the last ten years regretting Freddie Winters, then he returns. But he is cold towards her and starts dating Millie, her cousin.
I did find that it took a bit too long for the happy ending, and not totally happy with some of the swearing. But overall an enjoyable story even though I found Anne to be a bit of a doormat.

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A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the death of her husband Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleighmoves away to town aiming for some independence. With her young daughter, Rose, Frances rents a home in Belgravia and welcomes her sister, Lily, from New York, ready for her first London season.
But her problems start when the police receive an anonymous letter stating that she had killed her husband Reggie. Inspector Delaney starts his investigation.
A really enjoyable well-written mystery, and start to what I hope is a new series. I like that the characters are already so well developed.
A NetGalley Book

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They Gathered at Rosings by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her husband hold a ball at Rosings for her grandson. A short story which felt like part of a novel. It need to be longer so that the characters can be introduced and established before the ball occurs as determining who the characters were was confusing.

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Spider Silk by Rod Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although he was confessed to the murder of a local rancher, Sheriff Henry "Bud" Blair is not convinced and continues the investigation.
A decent mystery.

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A Surprise Engagement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So what is happening at Longbourn with Jane. Why is the Colonel suspicious. Can Georgiana have her hearts desire. The conclusion of this series brings some answers.
Another enjoyable story to end this lovely series.

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The Eleventh Hour by Anina Collins
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There has been a murder in the small town of Sunset Ridge. Poppy McGuire believing that she is more intelligent that the police decides to investigate with the help of a retired Baltimore detective.
Couldn't take to the characters especially Poppy but as I finished the book it gets 2 stars.

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The Consequence of Haste: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues. It cannot get any worse as Darcy could not prevent the marriage of Anne and Wickham. Can Wickham change his ways, does he want to. The story moves to Derbyshire, where Georgiana is staying with the Hursts and Bingleys.
Really enjoying this well-written series of novellas and look forward to the last one.

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Clash by Melanie Stanford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this novella, Elizabeth Elliot has started her own party planning business called Excessively Diverted. She is employed to orhanise a birthday party for a 16 year girl called Vale, the daughter of Antonio. Sparks fly between him and Elizabeth from the beginning.
A fun and enjoyable modern variation of Persuasion.

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DARK CITY by Christopher M. Colavito
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Dylan Knox is faced with a locked room mystery. George Hobbes is found dead presumed stabbed with no possible way for the murderer to leave the room.
I wasn't keen on the characters or the writing style, but as I did finish it and liked the solution it got 3 stars.

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The Adventures of Inspector Lestrade by M.J. Trow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It all started in 1891 when Inspector Lestrade is sent to the Isle of Wight. There he investigates the death of a man who has been walled up in Shanklin Chine. But this is just the start of the random killings. Is there a serial killer stalking England.
Interesting mystery which did take it take time to get going, but there were moments when I felt it was verging towards a comedic story which I believe let it down.
A NetGalley Book

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THEIR LAST WORDS an absolutely gripping serial killer thriller with a huge twist by Steve Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The mutilated body of a young woman is found. Her throat has been slashed and the word 'Don't' carved on her body.
Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson, a man on the fast track to promotion but not because of his investigative expertise, is brought in to lead the team. His lack of experience in leading a murder inquiry is evident and he is heavily reliant on his officers.
An interesting story, but I did find the crude language (which I hate) distracted from the story.

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A Visit to Scotland: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as Wickham and Anne de Bourgh elope to Scotland. Can Fitzwilliam or Darcy prevent the event. And what of the Bingleys. Will Lady Catherine welcome her daughter back.
A really enjoyable story, so easy to read. I look forward to reading the next book

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The Body in the Ballroom: An Alice Roosevelt Mystery by R.J. Koreto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alice Roosevelt, the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt is invited to the Rutledge Ball where a man dies. Although this man is hated by nearly all at the ball, and is deemed unreliable, it is a car mechanic who is arrested. As he is a good friend of Alice's secret service bodyguard Joseph St. Clair, they both decide to clear his name.
I enjoyed this mystery and it kept be entertained until the end. I look forward to reading more in the series. Although this is the second in the series it was easily read as a stand-alone story.
A NetGalley Book

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Senator Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Contemporary Variation by Charlotte Kingsley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The retelling of P&P set in the political scene of American politics. It was okay but I don't think it really worked - for example, how can Mrs Bennet insist Elizabeth marry Collins in this modern setting and Darcy's behaviour is even worse, if possible, than in a Regency setting.

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The Professor: Book 0 by Alexandria Clarke
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Because of information that he has discovered about a secret society, history professor O'Connor disappears. But he passes his information to student Nicole Costello to continue the investigation. Found the scenario slightly unbelievable, and the story is not resolved in this book but continues, which I found annoying.

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Girl with a Gun: An Annie Oakley Mystery by Kari Bovee
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Annie Oakley joins Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and discovers the body of the female Indian who shares her tent. Unhappy with the verdict of natural causes she decides to investigate.
Unfortunately I felt that the story and the characters were flat and uninteresting, and it was a struggle to care for the mystery and finish the book.
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Master of Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

William Collins is at Longbourn because Mr. Bennet is ill. Because of Collins' father he believes that he is not good enough for anyone. That he is too large and therefore awkward, and that he is unlovable. But he has thoughts of Catherine Bennet, even though Mrs Bennet pushes him towards Mary. But what of Catherine.
A lovely, well-written, variation with quite an adorable Collins. A delight to read.

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Cold Mourning by Brenda Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kala Stonechild has moved to Ottawa to join a specialised crime unit run by Sergeant Rouleau. Her first case is investigating the death of businessman Tom Underwood.
This first in the series introduces two new interesting characters, and the mystery was well-written so I look forward to reading the next in the series.

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"And Who Can Be In Doubt Of What Followed?": The Novels of Jane Austen Expanded by Alexa Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An enjoyable well-written collection of stories based on the finished works of Jane Austen. My favourites are probably the non-Pride and Prejudice ones.

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Not my Jane! by Ms Pimprenelle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this short Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet realises she is not as clever as she thought she was when she discovers the true nature of Jane and the Gardiners. I would have liked the story to have been more about Jane (when she actually becomes an interesting character rather than the bland canon one) then Elizabeth and Darcy. But still an enjoyable story.

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A Very Austen Christmas by Robin M. Helm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Some very enjoyable well-written stories. Two were straight Darcy Elizabeth stories. A nice mix of characters from three of Jane Austen books in The Christmas Matchmaker, and a Mansfield Park short story which is a very rare treat.

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The Toybreaker by Roy Chester
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Hannah Nightingale, a forensic psychiatrist, joins the Garton police team run by Chief Super Mallory and DCI Gary Falcon to try and identify, and capture the killer known as the Toybreaker. A suspect who has been abducting children from their beds.
An interesting story

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Lost with a Lord by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Lord, Lord George Northmere, wandering the London docklands looking for a certain courtesan, and a female, Miss Florence Capria, searching for a ship to take her home to Italy. But can they find each other before being totally lost.
An enjoyable romantic story, a short entertaining read.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Lord of Secrets by Erica Ridley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The latest problem for Heath Grenville to solve, is who is the author of the caricatures that is exposing the foibles of the ton to the rest of the world. Miss Eleanora Winfield, is the paid companion to her cousin Lady Roundtree, but she has a secret.
Another enjoyable well-written historical romance for this series.


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Courage Requires: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Melanie Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as the Hawke sisters and the Fitzwilliams are invited to Pemberley for the Christmas period. But nothing ever goes to plan.
Just loved this, it was well-written and just a wonderful story.

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The Other Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Meg Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet has acquired a reputation in town which has come to the notice of Darcy. Then he travels to Netherfield and meets Elizabeth. Elizabeth for her part does not understand Darcys' reference to her exploits in town. Can they get passed their misunderstanding and have a happy ending.
An enjoyable short story.

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Murder of a Lover by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cold case for ex-DI Hillary Greene. Ten years ago student Rowan Thompson was found stabbed. But no motive was ever found and no prime suspect. But Hillary still has her stalker an additional complication for her private life.
Yet again another good well-written mystery and story. As always I am drawn straight into the story and the variety of characters

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SINGULARITY: A Mystery by Kathryn Casey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Texas Ranger and profiler Sarah Armstrong is called into the murder scene of very wealthy businessman Edward Lucas III and a female. With others focussed on the wife Sarah believes otherwise and the hunt is on.
An enjoyable story.

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Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Emma Makie arrives in Colorado Springs with her two nieces, with no money and no job prospects but refuses all help from her neighbour Kevin Grantham. Couldn't take to Emma at all. Too much pride considering she had the care of her two nieces. I found that inexplicable.
Two stars just because I read it very quickly to the end.

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A Companion For Miss Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Ellen Carstairs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Bennet parents have died and Collins is expected soon for his first visit to Longbourn. Meanwhile the Phillips take up guardian duties and soon Mrs Phillips expresses her desire of Jane and Collins to marry. Elizabeth takes it upon herself to try and acquire employment to save Jane. Of course we have Darcy in his "I will misrepresent what I have seen, give no time for an explanation because I am always right" mode. But there will be a happy ending.
There are several errors that should have been picked up by a proof-reader but I am concerned that there doesn't seem to be a period of mourning for the Bennet daughters.
But overall an enjoyable read.

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The Return of the Ripper by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1897 and Lucy and Jack are planning their wedding. But a body is found, making the police believe that Jack has returned. Meanwhile Holmes is asked to investigate the theft of diamonds belonging to Cecil Rhodes. And Watson is asked to solve a series of thefts.
I really enjoy this series, good mysteries, strong characters and well-written. Although this is a standalone story I would recommend reading from Book One, if not already done so, to follow the development of the characters and their interplay.
A NetGalley Book

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Death at the Diogenes Club by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The death of a General Pettigrew has occurred at the Diogenes Club, Lestrade has his suspect but Holmes is not convinced. And life and crime becomes more complicated.
Really enjoying this well-written series. Such interesting characters

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The Fairfax Incident by Terrence McCauley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1933 and Charlie Doherty has been kicked off the police force and works as a private detective supported by a very wealthy Mr Van Dorn. When he is paid to investigate the death of a Mr Fairfax, presumed a suicide, he has no idea how big the problem will become.
An entertaining and interesting mystery which moves toward becoming an espionage thriller.
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Deadly Illusions by Robert Brown
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Cael Adler, private detective, is called in to help when the torso of a female is found in Epping Forest. But he soon realises that there is a serial killer with a connection to magic.
The story was fine but didn't really grab my attention.

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A Study in Treason: A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery by Leonard Goldberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Copies of a treaty between Britain and France are being made at the country estate of Lord Halifax. Important because this is 1914. But then the original is stolen, from a seemingly closed room. Having failed to discover the document Scotland Yard bring in Dr Watson and his son Dr John Watson, Jr and his wife Joanna. Joanna who just happens to be the daughter of the now dead Sherlock Holmes.
This is the second in the series and can be read as a standalone story.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery with the likeable characters of the Watsons. a Lestrade is also involved.
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