Chrysalis by Cindy C
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet spends time with the Darcys in town, and decides it's time to improve her appearance, with surprising results.
An enjoyable and well-written story.

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Keeping Secrets by L.A. Dobbs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

White Rock resident Mike Donnelly is found dead and it is up to Sam Mason and his team to determine whether he was murdered or not. But secrets can never that way for long.
An enjoyable and easy read

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Weekend at Thrackley by Alan Melville
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This house party mystery was written in 1934. Jim Henderson finds himself one of six guests invited to Thrackley, Surrey by a Edwin Carson who says that he was a freind of Jim's father. With the other guests being relatively wealthly compared to him Jim has no idea was he is really there. But all will be revealed by the end of the weekend.
An enjoyable mystery though more of an adventure story than a murder mystery.

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Lessons in Gratitude: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After an accident in which Darcy saves Elizabeth life, he makes a mess of his proposal and has to be taught to be humble and accepting of various people.
Bit too sweet for my taste, most people are good, or become good too quickly. Also Elizabeth seems to be perfect, which is too far from canon to be interesting.

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The Spy of Venice by Benet Brandreth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this historical thriller set in 1585 William Shakespeare finds himself attached to a roving band of players. Their lives take a turn for the worse when they are paid to join Sir Henry on his mission to Venice.
A plot that involves a lot of misunderstandings and with a wide cast of characters.
Probably more of a 3.5 star rating but a good solid start to the series.
A NetGalley Book

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A Swan In Hiding by Skydancinghobbit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A re-read of this P&P variation.
This is the story of Mary Bennet discovering what it is to be loved. While visiting the Collinses with Elizabeth she is taken under the wing of Lady Catherine, and becomes friends with her daughter Anne. Whereby she finds love.
This story does need a lot of editing, but as it is an unpublished work I have taken that into consideration when giving a rating, as I did really enjoy the story, again.

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Madman by Tracy Tonkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chicago 1886, just a few days after an explosion haskilled and maimed some policemen Sergeant Doran gets a new partner - rookie Detective Diamond. They are sent to investigate a suspicious death, not realising the havoc that will follow.
An enjoyable story, and a good solid start to the series, with some likeable characters.

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Telling Lies by L.A. Dobbs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just after burying one of their officers, Chief Sam Mason and Sergeant Jody Harris of White Rock, New Hampshire are called out to a death of a camper.
An enjoyable and solid start to the series, introducing us to a set of varied characters, with a few sub-plots still unresolved. On to the next in the series.

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Service of a Friend: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy does not arrive in Hertfordshire until the Netherfield Ball. Having missed one opportunity to be rude and arrogant he finds another.
An enjoyable Darcy and Elizabeth romance.

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The Diary: The Complete Loving a Killer Serial by Julia Derek
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lexi Woods is happiy married or so she thought. After giving birth to a stillborn son can her life get any worse. It seems it can, she is married to a killer. But what to do.
An interesting story.

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Hiding in Plain Sight by Mary Ellis
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this first of a new modern series, Kate Weller is on the run and ends up as a P.I. in Charleston, South Carolina trying to trace a sibling of a terminal ill woman. Meanwhile she gets in involved with her landlord, Eric Manfredi, and his family problems which have escalated to murder.
With the undertones of religion in the story, it really didn't capture my imagination. Probably too much veering towards a cosy mystery for my tastes.
A NetGalley Book



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The Flying Star by Aurora Leon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is actually a re-read and as I enjoyed the story again it got 4 stars (though it does need some editing but it is an unpublished work)
While at Darcy and Elizabeth weddings, (at Pemberley) Mary Bennet sees a flying star and makes a wish.
Later Damian Hamilton, Duke of Hemingway and Mary. by chance, meet in the park at night. But can they find each other again and have a happy ending.
An enjoyable Mary Bennet story

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Quick on the Draw by Susan Moody
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Former D.I. Alex Quick helps a family friend when he discovers that items have gone missing from the home of his uncle when he held a dinner party. He is concerned that one of his friends may be guilty. Then one of the dinner guests is found dead.
An okay, easy read, with quite a bit of decription of Venice involved, but I am not sure I care much for any of the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Quick on the Draw by Susan Moody
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Former D.I. Alex Quick helps a family friend when he discovers that items have gone missing from the home of his uncle when he held a dinner party. He is concerned that one of his friends may be guilty. Then one of the dinner guests is found dead.
An okay, easy read, with quite a bit of decription of Venice involved, but I am not sure I care much for any of the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Primal Fear by William Diehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Martin Vail, is defending Aaron Stampler, a young man found in a confessional booth, holding a knife, assumed to have been used in the murdered of archbishop Rushman.
A very enjoyable and interesting read

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In The Presence of Evil: A French Medieval mystery by Tania Bayard
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Paris 1393 and scribe Christine de Pizan discovers a body, one that has been stabbed. Later Hugues de Precy, is found murdered, poisoned and his wife is accused. But Christine believes her innocent.
Unfortunately I struggled to finish this as I do enjoy historical mysteries of various kinds. I found it difficult to engage with the characters and therefore the story.
A NetGalley Book



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Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Circumstances have led to Darcy to look for a wife who is above everything else honest. It will not matter whether they like each other especially. And so Darcy is off to join Bingley at Netherfield.
I enjoyed the story, though not too sure about the premise behind Darcy's thoughts. Though I would have liked a lot more about Jane and Mary's relationships, especially Marys'.


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Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hamish DeLuca arrives in 1937 Boston to stay with his cousin, Luca Valari. Luca intends to open a new high end dance club, The Flamingo, and would like to use Hamish’s skills while also using the connections of his secretary Regina 'Reggie' Van Buren.
This is a slow paced, well-written mystery, with well-drawn out characters which allows the scenes to be set before a body is finally discovered. Then Hamish and Reggie want to find the killer.
A good and enjoyable start to this new series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Lost by annielikesgreen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the wedding at Pemberley of Darcy and Elizabeth, Mary Bennet wakes up after having spent the night alone in the grounds.
An interesting short story where Mary believes herself to be morally lost.

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Cake and Courtship by Mark Brownlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation we have events from Mr. Bennet's pov, but we also learn some of his past history when the son, John Barton, of an old friend asks for Bennet's help in courting a young lady he has fallen in love with. Yes, advise from Mr. Bennet. More importantly we learn about Bennet's love of cake.
An enjoyable and easy read which also introduced us to a few more new characters. Many which with probably reoccur in the next volume(s).

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Mary by 2give4get
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting version of Mary Bennet, unloved by everyone and loving no-one. Can Mary become a heroine, after all her trials and tribulations. Certainly some unlikeable Bennets in this story.

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Murder By The Broads by Anthony Tamiozzo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DS Adam Burnt's move to the Broads is not going well. But is made worse when he is called out to the scene of two deaths. What is the story leading to the deaths of these boys and who else has been and will be affected.
An interesting well-written story with a multi-lavered plot which kept my interest. A good start for a new series, in which I expect to learn more about these characters.
A NetGalley Book

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The Deepest Grave by Jeri Westerson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1392 London and the dead are walking at night at St Modwen’s Church. Crispin Guest is begged by Father Bulthius to investigate. But Guest receives a summons from former lover Philippa Walcote to help prove that her 7 year old son did not commit the murder is has confessed to.
An enjoyable mystery and easy read.
A NetGalley Book

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Mary Captures Colonel Fitzwilliam by Kristi Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of the Bennet business Meryton Matchmakers continues. But what of the people. Will the elder Bennet sisters ever understand their hearts. But what about Darcy and Charles.
Having just met, Mary Bennet and the Colonel, are unsure about their relationship or what it even is, can they possible have a happy ending.
I enjoyed this modern variation of Pride and Prejudice, and as it contains the story of my favourite couple in JAFFland, makes it even better.

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Lottie Pursues Bill by Kristi Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quick re-read of Book 1 before starting Book 2.
The story of Charlotte Lucas (baker) and William Collins (parson) living in the town of Meryton where they are friends with the co-owners of Meryton Matchmakers - the Bennet sisters. Unfortunately for Jane and Elizabeth, an investor in their company is Lady Catherine de Bourgh and when trouble occurs she arrives with her family - Anne, the Colonel and Darcy with his lawyer Bingley.
A modern day variation of Pride and Prejudice (not usually a genre I like), a very enjoyable read, I liked the story and style of writing was very easy to read.

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Cop Shot by David DeLee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

NYPD detective Frank Flynn teams up with Internal Affairs investigator Levy to find the cop killer. An interesting short story and introduction to the series

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Clues to a Mystery: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel: A short story of mystery and humor by Kate Speck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While at a house party at Pemberley, Charles Bingley is found injured and the Darcys are determined to find the guilty party.
An enjoyable short story

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A Marriage of Attachment: a sequel to A Contrary Wind by Lona Manning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of the Bertrams and Prices continue in this sequel, and variation of Mansfield Park. Characters from the first book are still here plus new ones. I would recommend that you read A Contrary Wind first (another excellent book).
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written variation and would recommend it even if Mansfield Park is not a favourite book.

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The Poisoned Rock by Robert Daws
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A film crew have arrived to shoot the fictionalised account of a female spy set in Gibraltar during WWII. Unfortunately events from that time impact on the modern day.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery with some good character development.

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The Scandal in Honor by Heidi Ashworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two years later and Lord Julian Trevelin is happily betrothed to Miss Jane Leavitt though without a wedding date set. While waiting Trevelin becomes interested in the story of a Miss Hannah Andersen and the scandal attached to the death of her father. But what of Trevelin's scheming cousin Evelyn Rogers-Reimann.
Trevelin is a damaged soul and wishes to right what he perceives to be wrongs but it doesn't make him a particularly likeable character.
Although I enjoyed the book I wish that I had re-read the first in the series to re-acquaint myself with the history of Trevelin
A NetGalley Book

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Pemberley Park - The Twelve Days of Christmas: Where Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park Meet, and Continue by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth and Darcy decide to invite family and friends for the twelve days of Christmas. Problems occur when unexpected guests appear, and of course there is always Mrs Bennet to make a fuss. But how close is Mary Fitzwilliam to giving birth.
An enjoyable story, probably a 3.5 star rating just because my favourite two characters are married to each other, though with Mary so close to her confinement she is not in the story much .

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Another time for Mary Bennet by Eugene Orlando
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

All Mary wants to do is read, but all her sisters seem to want to do is annoy her. How does fate intervene to help Mary.
A short delightful story

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Innocent as Sin by C.A. Asbrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy are in the process of robbing a bank when they recognise Pinkerton agent Abigail MacKay. They are concerned that she is back on their trail. Meanwhile Abigail, is also on the job, an undercover job. Then everything justs gets worse for them all.
Another really good entertaining murder mystery which grabbed me straightaway. The characters are drawn really well, and the interactions between the three main characters are a delight to read.
Overall I loved the story and look forward to the next in the series.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy

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Tunnel Vision: A Rock Ghost Story - DS Tamara Sullivan Short. by Robert Daws
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Sargeant Tamara Sullivan is driving through a tunnel when she sees a young women. But she disappears. Can Sullivan discover the truth behind the sighting.
An interesting short story


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CATHERINE by Sue Barr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as Catherine Bennet and Lord George Kerr meet at Pemberley, at the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth. But despite the attraction she feel for him she knows that because of her secret she will never marry anyone. Who is Lord George, is he the rake society believes him to me.
I love reading about these secondary characters, more so that Darcy/Elizabeth, and I liked how Catherine and Mary started their friendship. Hopefully in the future Mary's story will be told by this author.
A very enjoyable, well-written story and satisfying read.

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By Reason, by Reflection, by Everything: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P.O. Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Old university friends Mr Bennet and the elder Mr Darcy thought it would be a good idea if the son married Bennet's elder daughter. On arranging a visit to Pemberley, Darcy is captivated by the younger sister, Elizabeth. To complicate matters the Bingleys and de Bourghs are also visiting.
An enjoyable story, which has Wickham in good favour with the elder Darcy.

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Disturbing the Dust: A Variation on Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' by Ivy May Stuart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With this well-written Persuasion variation the basic story remain the same but with the added thoughts of the main characters. It seems to flesh out the original, and it also adds some new characters.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.

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Murder, She Reported by Peg Cochran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Manhattan, 1938 and socialite Elizabeth Adams, bored with her life gets herself employment on a newspaper as a Girl Friday. But when reporter Ralph Kaminsky needs a photographer quickly, she is recruited and then they are both going to the Waldorf Hotel to cover a murder. This is where her social connections help her towards the solution.
An enjoyable mystery, introducing the characters to this new series. I would be interested to read how they develop, especially Elizabeth, who i found to be the least interesting of the main characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Dead Hill by John Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Was he pushed or did he fall, either way DCI Jack Harris can't prove it. But suspicions can lead elsewhere.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery set in the Pennines of Northern England. Having likeable and a varied list of characters is always a bonus. A good start to a new series

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Diary of a Rogue - The Unlikely Romance of Mary Bennet by Roxanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Harry Sterling needs to marry money. Believing that Darcy will provide as he did with one Bennet daughter and Wickham, he decides to accept the invitation to Netherfield and view the remaining Bennet daughters.
An enjoyable short story.

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Darcy's Theta Magic by Enid Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the future, a time of magical Thetans, Thomas Bennet married an earthling and had five daughters, all who possessed Theta magic. Darcy is a Theta and wants a marriage with one of the Bennets to help him with a quest.
Three stars for a way out non-canon entertaining variation

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A Gentleman's Murder by Christopher Huang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1924 and Lieutenant Eric Peterkin is a member of a prestigious soldiers-only club in London, like all previous generations of his family. One evening a gentleman's wager is accepted but it results with a member stabbed to death. The previous evening the victim had said that he intended to right a wrong.
Peterkin decides to investigate when he believes that he cannot trust the police officer in charge. Problems arise because Peterkin is half Chinese, and many of his suspects suffer to varying degrees from shell shock.
An interesting mystery, well-written with well-rounded characters. It also seems to capture the English way of life after the Great War very well.
A NetGalley Book

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Lying and Dying: A thrilling police procedural with an unexpected twist... by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Prague the body of a strangled female is found in the early morning and Lieutenant Josef Slonský is put in charge of the investigation, with the help of new graduate Navrátil.
An interesting read, and an entertaining well-written mystery. With some characters that certainly grow on you as you read the book. A very worthy start to a new series.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy.

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CAROLINE by Sue Barr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So how does Caroline Bingley fair when Darcy announces that he is to marry Elizabeth Bennet? Then she meets Lord Nathan - he everything she has always wanted - society and a title.
Really enjoyed this re-read of this well-written Caroline's story. She certainly has become a likeable character.

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Murder at Ochre Court by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in 1898 Miss Emma Cross is back in Newport to cover the coming out ball of Miss Cleo Cooper-Smith, which is to be the social event of the season at Ochre Court. But a murderer stalks the ballroom. So now Emma investigates a murder partly to ensure that close friend Dale Hanson is not accused.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written mystery with likeable characters. This can be read easily as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book

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To Save Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet is the only survivor of a carriage accident which has killed all her family. (A pity as I do like to see all the Bennets and their interactions, and Darcy's reactions to them.) Very quickly Darcy and Elizabeth met and are drawn to each other. So a sweet romance.

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His First His Second by A.D. Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D. S. Alicia Friend is a criminal analyst who gets assigned to D.I. Murphy's team based in Leeds. Who are investigating the kidnap and possible murder of at least two females. The plot does move to the slightly bizarre but is carried by the two main characters.
Overall an entertaining story.

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After the Letter: A Persuasion Continuation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You would think that after that letter everything would be plain sailing for Captain Wentworth and Miss Anne Elliot. But no, not in this Persuasion sequel
A delightful story about lovely characters

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A Tale of Two Murders by Heather Redmond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the evening of 6th January 1835, Charles Dickens is having tea with the Hogarth family when a scream is heard. Going to the neighbour's house they find an ill Miss Christiana Lugoson. Who unfortunately by morning will be dead. Suspiciously on the anniversary of a previous death last year. Dickens feels that he must investigate and is helped in his endeavours by Catherine Hogarth.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery with thankfully not too much emphasis on romance. The characters were a likeable group who hopefully will turn up in the next book.
A NetGalley Book

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To Have His Cake (and Eat It Too): Mr. Darcy's Tale by P.O. Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Lydia, Wickham and Mr. Bennet have all perished. What becomes of the remaining Bennet ladies as we see Elizabeth being employed as Miss Darcy's companion.
This is my second reading of the book and I had forgotten how much I disliked Darcy, and that Collins marries Mary after Charlotte dies in childbirth.
Overall an enjoyable read.

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