A Complete Fiasco by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of how D.S. Slater received a suspension from duty before the start of Book One. A well-written story ranging from the absurd to probably rather bad events. But a good read.

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The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helena Reynolds has her secrets and must leave London and hide away. An ex-army captain Justin Thornhill living in North Devon has advertised for a wife. But he has his secrets, he needs redemption, and someone to manage his home.
This is a delightful, well-written Victorian Gothic romance. Another enjoyable story by this author with likeable well-drawn characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Harriet by CathyKing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Mary Bennet wakes up after a accident suffering from amnesia. Without any preconceived ideas of who she is in the context of her family, the real Mary Bennet comes out, with the help of the Earl of Greycote and his mother. An interesting story with some new characters introduced.
This is an unpublished work with some mistakes.
I am enjoying reading about the 'forgotten sister', and hopefully more with be written about her.
As this is a re-read which I still really enjoyed it receives 5 stars

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The 26th of November: A Pride and Prejudice Comedy of Farcical Proportions by Elizabeth Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Unfortunately for Elizabeth Bennet the Netherfield Ball keeps repeating itself but she is the only one to know.
The first 75% of the book, was well-written and I really enjoyed the story, but unfortunately the one event that I dislike occurring in JAFF books happened, and I stopped reading. I might in the future finish the book.



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When Anthony Rathe Investigates by Matthew Booth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Four stories concerning ex-barrister Anthony Rathe, trying to appease his guilty conscience, by investigating four cases with the help of Detective Inspector Cooke.
Though well-written I didn't really feel engaged with the characters. I would give three stars to the first three stories and a four star for The Quick and the Dead.
A NetGalley Book

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Georgiana Darcy: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Alice Isakova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this sequel Georgiana Darcy travels to Kent to spend time at Kleistringham House the home of the Townsend family. Who live near enough to Rosings that she is able to visit often with her cousin Anne. But for wealthy young ladies courtship and romance can sometimes lead to trouble.
An enjoyable story concerning Georgiana which also has a sub-plot of the Anne de Bourgh's trials and tribulations. The path to a happy ending is never smooth.

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Death Of a Temptress by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With DS Dave Slater on unofficial suspension he becomes the ideal officer to investigate a missing person discreetly. Unfortunately this is just the start of his problems. Soon he is joined by D.S Norman.
I enjoyed the mystery, thought it was well-written and liked the banter that existed between the main characters. So a good solid start to the new series

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Close Your Eyes by Thomas Fincham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Martin Rhodes, ex-detective, ex-convict, arrives in Bridgeton hoping for a new start. But where to begin. At what he knows best, solving crimes for payment.
Meanwhile a killer is leaving bodies on trains and will not stop until his message is received. That investigation is being lead by FBI agent Jo Pullinger.
These two cases run through the book. An enjoyable read and of the two main characters I liked Rhodes the best and hope to read more about him.

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Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lord of Vice Maxwell Gideon part owner of the gambling club, The Cloven Hoof, wants to find out who his silent partner is so that he buy the gentleman out. Miss Bryony Grenville that silent partner, wanting to determine what price to set, visits the club believing it to be empty. A night that changes both their lives.
A well-written good paced fun story with very likeable characters. It can easily be read as a standalone book but I would recommend the whole series if you like Regency romances.
A NetGalley Book


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The Maid’s Secret by Emily Organ
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1884 and Fleet Street reporter Penny Green is tasked to go undercover into the household of Victorian industrialist Alexander Glenville to find information on his working practices. Unfortunately for Penny a death occurs.
A well-written slow paced mystery, another enjoyable story in this series.

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The Lost Children by Steve Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being cleared of killing a suspect Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is back on the job. His first investigation involves the shooting of a man by a sniper. But this is only the begining. Horrendous events will be uncovered.
Because of the subject not a particularly enjoyable read but an interesting one. It certainly kept my interest right to the end. I did enjoy the interactions between the main characters though and look forward to the next in the series.
Received an ARC from Joffe Books

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Shipwrecked with a Suitor by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For Pierre d'Épiluçon France is now too dangerous to stay, so he flees across the Channel in a stolen boat. Fortunately for him he is shipwrecked but saved by a local fisherman's daughter, Helena. Can this chance encounter and the differences in their situations make a happy ending possible or not.
An enjoyable, well-written quick read with some very human characters.
Received an ARC

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An Act of Villainy: An Amory Ames Mystery by Ashley Weaver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amory Ames and her husband Milo find themselves involved with actors and the theatre when investor and writer Gerard Holloway invite them to view his latest play. They are asked to investigate the threatening letters that the leading actress Flora Bell has been receiving accumulating in a threat to kill her,
An enjoyable mystery, well-written, but I find it difficult to like the main couple in these stories.
A NetGalley Book

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Severed Relations by Rebecca Forster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having recently been cleared of killing a fellow police officer Detective Finn O'Brien is back on duty much to the disgust of the other officers. With Cori Anderson the only person ready to partner him they are sent to investigate the killing of a nanny and her two young charges.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery.

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Snowbound at Hartfield: A Sweet Tea Novella; Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Persuasion/Pride and Prejudice sequel where Colonel Fitzwilliam finds that he has inherited an estate. He then travels with the Darcys and Mr. Bennet to visit his inheritance near Hartfield and the home of the Knightlys.
Arriving in a snowstorm there are invited by the Knightleys to stay at Hartfield, as are the other travellers, Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth Elliot. Can the Colonel finds his future wife in the locale, and what of any happiness for the last remaining Miss Elliot.
Really enjoyed this re-read of the tale, and loved the Colonel is this story (but then I usually do), and even Elizabeth Elliot was likeable. And the writing style made it so easy to read.

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Miss Mary Bennet, Spinster by Mrs. Brownloe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed and Mary Bennet is the last unmarried daughter. Then tragedy strikes as Mrs Bennet dies. Is Mary doomed to spend her life alone with her father, a father whom has never seen her as an individual person. There is always hope.
A well-written, delightful story about this truly forgotten daughter and sister.

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Murder at Midnight by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another coldcase gets DI Hillary Greene investigating the death of interior designer Felix Olliphant back in 1999.
An enjoyable, well-written mystery with some good developed characters plus a couple of new recruits to the team. I really like how this series has developed and look forward to reading more.

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Charles: To Discover His Purpose by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charles Edwards, can think of no other purpose then to live a careless free life, is friend to Henry Crawford. The now reformed Crawford of Mansfield Park. Charles has no reason to reform until he meets Evelyn Barrett and begins to wonder if his life could have a purpose after all.
A delightful romance and a good read. I like that it has connections to the seemingly less popular book by Austen and hope for more of them.
Received an ARC

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Colonel Fitzwilliam's Challenge by Jennifer Joy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, as Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam cannot afford to marry for love without a dowry he accepts an assignment which promises him promotion and better pay. Unfortunately the person he needs to prove is a traitor is the French lady of his thoughts.
A well-written, delightful romance with its share of intrigue.

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Blood upon the Snow by Hilda Lawrence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mark East arrives at an East Coast estate near Crestwood, during a snowstorm. Basically he has been employed as a secretary to an archeologist, Stoneman. East soon determines that not is all as it should be with the inhabitants of the house.
I enjoyed this mystery which was written in 1944. A solid start to this series
A NetGalley Book

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City of Echoes by Robert Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matt Jones is called in early before his first day as a Homicide detective in LA to investigate a violent killing. His supervisor Grace believes it is the work of the serial robber that has been haunting the area. Jones believes otherwise and that leads to a lot of trouble.
I really enjoyed this story.

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VigilAnnie by Lia Fairchild
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Annie Crawford now an ex-cop after her fiancee and partner was killed, runs her own security firm while also working for a vigilante agency.
A decent, well-written revenge story

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None But You by Sarah Shuff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story starts in Lyme 1806, when Benjamin Whitehorn receives the news that his father has died he leaves his studies of becoming a doctor and returns to Lyme. Where he meets Matilda Dyson and her friends. Circumstances lead him to becoming a doctor on a slave ship, against his beliefs, while also being engaged to Matilda.
On his travels and adventures over the next few years he meets Captain Wentworth. So not a Persuausion variation, but a nod to Austen.
My problem with the book was that I didn't actual take to Benjamin all that much. But as there were parts that I did enjoy it receives 3 stars.

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The Other Victim by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The discovery of the stabbed body of estate agent Ronald Potter leads Brindle and his team to another body. This time a burnt body. Is there a connection to another case where a burnt body was found in a car pulled from the local canal.
An enjoyable story. A decent addition to the series.

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An Affectionate Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Winter's Tale by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel variation Georgiana Darcy wonders if she is capable of love. But circumstances lead her to help a wrongly accused girl. How will this affect everyone in the area and the new young temperory curate.
An enjoyable story which I would have liked to have been longer especially the actual theme of the book

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The Murder of My Aunt by Richard Hull
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It isn't bad enough that Edward Powell lives in Wales, in unpronounceable Llwill but that it is with his Aunt Mildred on whom he is financially dependant. Edwards decides this must come to an end. And who can blame him.
A very readable, enjoyable mystery with I am not sure any redeemable characters. First published in 1934.
A NetGalley Book

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Blood on the Moon by James Ellroy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Sergeant Lloyd Hopkins seems to be a genius at his job but so much in his private life. But his insight provides a link with the deaths of females over the last twenty years if only he could convince his superiors to provide the manpower.
Strangely I think overall I really enjoyed the book, but it had its moments when I was not too sure of that.

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Mrs. Hurst and the Huntsman: a Pride and Prejudice romance by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice variation. For seven years the Hursts have suffered in an unhappy marriage. To relieve the burden Mrs Hurst goes out for a ride while staying at Pemberley and encounters the 'huntsman' of the forest. Who is this strange man. Can they save each other.
Some mature content.
As I still enjoyed the story it receives 5 stars.

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A Necessary Murder by M.J. Tjia
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The murder spree starts in Stoke Newington, 1863 where three year old Margaret Lovejoy is found murdered. A few days later a man is murdered in a similar way and found outside the house of courtesan Heloise Chancey. What could possible connect them
I found that I really didn't care for any of the characters especially Heloise. Or the change in the pov telling, or the use of present tense in the story. There seemed to be too much historical fiction and not enough mystery for me.
A NetGalley Book


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Not Romantic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by L.K. Rigel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this re-read of a Pride and Prejudice variation we view the life of Charlotte Lucas and her marriage to Mr. Collins. Can either be truly happy in this marriage especially with the spectre of Lady Catherine hovering over their lives.
An enjoyable story bringing both characters to life.

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The Wager: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of a Pride and Prejudice variation, as mainly told from from Mary Bennet's point of view. Where circumstances lead Mary to be invited to visit Hunsford where she meets Major Quartermaine, a relation of Lady Catherine husband. Events make her think less of the Major, but can there be a happy ending for this shy and prim Bennet daughter.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, just wished it could have been a longer story. I liked this Mary and the new character.
Love finding stories about the minor characters in Jane Austen's works, I just wish there were more.
Five stars as it is a re-read and was still enjoyed, and millions of stars for not marrying Mary off to Collins or any other parson or clerk.

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THE GREEN PEARL CAPER: A DAMIEN DICKENS MYSTERY by Phyllis Entis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.I. Damien Dickens helped save Celine Sutherland life several years ago and now she needs his help again. She believes that corruption exists in the family business. But now Celine is dead and Dickens is being framed for the murder. Set on 1979.
An enjoyable mystery and a good start to the series.

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Resurrecting Mary by Kathlyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Mary Bennet is attacked by resurrectionists at the Parsonage where she was staying under the guise of Dr Townsend, her secret identity is then discovered. John Barrow, investigator is asked to find her family, by the parson Seth Shackleford.
Thankfully Barrow knows the Darcys and the Bingleys and of the disappearance of a sister six years previously. But now placed in the Darcy household in London what does happen to her life now. Barrow is then employed by Lord Rodale to solve the mystery of his birth. And what is the connection between the resurrectionists and Lord Rodale, if any.
An enjoyable well-written story, a mixture of romance and mystery.

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Rafferty's Rules: A Rafferty P.I. Mystery by W. Glenn Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fifteen years have passed since policeman Rafferty saved Vivian Mollison life from a crazed junkie. Now he is being employed as a private investigator by her parents to trace the bikers who had recently 'kidnapped' her and left her stranded.
An enjoyable quick and easy read, with some likeable wise-cracking characters.

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Nobody Wants Your Concertos Here by lilkawa
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation short story begins at the Netherfield Ball where Mary Bennet meets one of Bingley's friends.
I felt that the story could have taken longer to evolve but I enjoyed the tale anyway. As an unpublished work any errors are forgiven.

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The Deadliest Fever by June Trop
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Miriam bat Isaac, an amateur investigator lives in Alexandria. She is asked for her help when the Torah mantle in Alexandria’s Great Synagogue has been damaged, and wonders if there is a connection to the theft of jewels on a newly arrived ship.
Unfortunately I didn't take to the characters, or the mystery. This is the first of the series that I have read but I felt that there was too much information relating to past events spoiling the stories of previous books.
A NetGalley Book

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Reunited by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Persuasion variation concludes. Will there be a happy ending for Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot. Can misunderstanding and interfering relations be removed or forgotten.
A delightful story about a lovely couple. I also enjoyed reading about all the other characters in the book.

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Murder in the Oval Library by C.M. Gleason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1861 and the Civil war has just started. While the opposing army is less than a mile away, all of Washington waits to see the outcome. But the plans of Adam Speed Quinn are interrupted when a body of a Frontier Guard is discovered in the Oval Library. President Lincoln requests that he investigate. Although wishing otherwise for their safety only, he gets help from journalist Sophie Gates, Dr. George Hilton and Southern female Constance Lemagne.
An interesting and well-plotted, well-written mystery which kept my attention throughout. And the characters are well-drawn and mostly likeable, though I am not too sure about Constance.
Although this is the second in the series it can certanly be read as a standalone story and I look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book

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Lady Josephina's Secret by Agnes Forest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lady Josephina has a secret. She writes books but because of the expectations of society they are published under her brother's name, much to her regret. She also wishes to find an intelligent husband, who would also let her continue to write.
While at Almack's she meets, Gerald, Lord Richmond. A heir to a dukedom, who enjoys to paint. But this clever, gentleman is socially inept.
Will there be a happy ending for either of them.
An enjoyable romance with a diverse cast of characters.

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A Sunset Touch by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body is discovered in a burnt out house. But what of the children who are supposedly staying there with their father. But the case gets complicated. On the same day Cecily Haldane is attacked in her home which results in her being in a coma. Can Mayo and his team solves both cases.
An enjoyable mystery.

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Rediscovered by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Persuasion variation continues as the party travel to Lyme. Unfortunately illness breaks up their party but can one or more persons take advantage of this.
A delightful romantic story.

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Prince Edward's Warrant by Mel Starr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Edward, Prince of Wales in 1372 suffers a relapse of his illness and summons Hugh de Singleton to help again. While at dinner at Kennington Palace, the knight who collected Hugh, Sir Giles Cheyne, dies. Edward instructs Hugh to discover the culprit.
This is the first of the series that I have read and can easily be read as a standalone story.
I enjoyed the mystery set in this interesting time-period, the writing and the well-drawn out characters, and would like to read more of the series.
A NetGalley Book


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Reacquainted by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Persuasion variation the story starts with the Crofts already at kellynch Hall soon to be joined by Captain Wentworth. Meanwhile Anne Elliot is staying with her sister Mary Musgrove.
Soon fate lets them meet when young Charles Musgrove falls from a tree. But.....
An enjoyable story, a lovely read.

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Let Slip the Dogs by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s 1591, and the Queen and her entourage are at Richmond Palace. The peace one morning is disturbed by the scream of a lady-in-waiting, having discovered a body. Immediately the Captain of the Guard Sir Walter Ralegh is called for to announce his verdict. Which is one of accident but Lady Alice and Tom Clarady are not convinced, and investigate with the help of Francis Bacon.
Really enjoyed this Bacon mystery, as I have all in this lovely series. It is well-written, with some likeable, well-drawn characters.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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The Superintendent's Daughter by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two close friends since schooldays, Julie Mayo and Kathryn Conolly. But one is found dead in a hotel, murdered, and the other goes missing. Superintendent Gil Mayo is too close to the investiagtion but follows his own enquiries. Meanwhile Inspector Moon needs to find the guilty party.
I enjoyed this quite slowed paced police procedural

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Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1569 Madeleine Vernon rushes to battle to avenge the death of her battle but in doing so she goes against Queen Elizabeth. But she is caught, and her position has become perilous. To save herself she must act the spy in the Dacre houshold, under the eye of Nicholas Ryder - for some years now he has worked for his father in the service of the Queen.
A good paced and well-written story with characters I liked almost immediately. Overall an enjoyable story.
A Netgalley Book

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Late of this Parish by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another case for Mayo when The Reverend Cecil Willard is found dead in church. Not loved by all but who could want him dead.
Lots of clues about in this enjoyable well-written police procedural mystery. Easy to read and as a standalone story.

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An Ardent Affection: Part 1 of a Pride and Prejudice Intimate Variation by Grace Reeve
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The wedding day and night (spent at Longbourn) of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy.
A very quick okay read.

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Anne's Adversity by Jennifer Joy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor sickly compliant Anne de Bourgh. Nothing changes. Until she comes across a letter, a letter that may change her life if only she can discover some courage. This is her journey, a journey which takes her from her canon character and into a fully developed personality. A gradual progress.
A delightful well-written story of a usually forgotten character from P&P.

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Death's Privilege by Darryl Donaghue
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

PC Sarah Gladstone is now on the fast track programme to detective. She gets to attend to what is thought to be a routinue suicide in a hotel room. Though not long after another supposed suicide.
I just got too annoyed with the character of Sarah Gladstone to enjoy the story that much.


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