The Affacombe Affair by Elizabeth Lemarchand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While working at the school in Affacombe Priory Sister Roach disappears and later a body is discovered. The local police investigate but are unable to discover the guilty party. Therefore they call in Scotland Yard to Affacombe village.
A slow paced mystery set and written in the 1960's where Pollard and Toye don't appear to half way through the book.
An enjoyable story that kept me interested with its plot and characters.

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Peony Street by Pamela Grandstaff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire Fitzpatrick returns to Rose Hill after working for the actress from hell to visit her family. At the same time a dead body is discovered and it is someone she knows. With Police Chief Scott Gordon occupied with his dying mother, who will Claire rely on to prove her innocence.
Ths book is less about the mystery and more about the characters in small towns and how they all help each other. Still an enjoyable read.

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The Making of Meredith by M.K. Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this prequel to the Meredith and Hodge series we discover what made him the police officer and man that he became. A dysfunctional childhood, with his alcoholic mother, absent father and the need to rise his two younger sisters begins to form his character.
An interesting and enjoyable story which does include some mysteries to be solved.


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Mercy's Embrace by Laura Hile
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Persuasion sequel and Elizabeth Elliot's story continues and concludes. So will she have a happy ending, and who will she marry, if anyone. And what about Lady Russell and her solution to Sir Walter's debts.
Thoroughly enjoyable well-written story. I didn't think anyone could portray Elizabeth as a likeable character, and to feel sorry for her, but it happened. Though I defer anybody to make Mary Musgrove appealing.

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Ask Me No Questions: A Lady Dunbridge Mystery by Shelley Noble
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lady Dunbridge arrives in New York to make a new start after the death of her husband. She is meet by her friend Beverly Reynolds when a shot is heard, and they find her husband Reggie Reynolds dead in his car. But this is only the first murder.
Unfortunately I just didn't take to any of the characters. I didn't find them likeable which is a disadvantage for me when reading a book.
A NetGalley Book

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Creed by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two students, Joshua Widcombe and Kaya Trent, are discovered dead and the official ruling is initially of two suicides. But something is not right. Then another body is discovered, yet again a suicide. Chief Inspector Anderton and his team investigate. But how is Kate coping with the problems in her personal life.
An interesting mystery and enjoyable read

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Lady Catherine's Lover by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice short story sequel it seems that Lady Catherine has a lover but is he all that he seems. Darcy refuses to leave Elizabeth (as she is near to giving birth) to meet this gentleman, on the orders of Lady Catherine. I felt that the story could have been longer and I wanted it to be longer, and it seemed to end quite abruptly.
But overall an enjoyable quick read

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Longbourn's Lark: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Colonel Fitzwilliam gets lost on his way to Netherfield, he arrives at Longbourn, to ask directions. He is invited to tea by Mr. Bennet and Mary. Into the mix we have Mr. Collins. Is there a happy ending for any of the visitors to Hertfordshire. The first of six novellas.
Felt a need to read a sweet romance between my favourite JAFF couple - the Colonel and Mary Bennet - so I re-read this novella and as I still enjoyed the story it gets 5 stars.


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The Letter of the Law: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by J. Dawn King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are under a time constraint. Under the late Mr Darcy's will one og Georgiana's guardian msut marry before her 17th birthday or her guardianship is transfferred to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. By happenstance they both end up visiting Bingley at Netherfield where they meet the Bennet family. Naturally not all goes to plan. Not even with Charles Bingley.
An enjoyable story which has the added bonus of the Fitzwilliam family, always something to look forward to, especially the Colonel.

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Iris Avenue by Pamela Grandstaff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rose Hill, not the pleasant place everybody thinks especially when another body is found, and the link to drugs. Made more complicated when the FBI get involved. The story of how it seems everybodys' lives are affected.
A well-written story with its wide range of characters and a decent mystery.


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Mercy's Embrace: So Lively a Chase Book 2: Elizabeth Elliot's Story by Laura Hile
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Persuasion sequel (Book 2) Elizabeth Elliot's problems continue. Having fallen for poor Patrick Gill can she give up Mr. Rushworth and his fortune even if he is getting a divorce. With Sir Walter's debt mounting what can be done. And what are Lady Russell's plans
A very enjoyable well-written story, I like this Elizabeth in the first Book and I continue to do so. Sir Walter and Mary Musgrove are as annoying as ever.


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A Murder By Any Name: An Elizabethan Spy Mystery by Suzanne M. Wolfe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in 1585 at the court of Elizabeth 1 Nicholas Holt, spy and the younger brother of the Earl of Blackwell, is given the task of discovering the murderer of one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. But this is just the start.
A very enjoyable well-written mystery and the story is certainly helped by its likeable characters. A good solid start to what I presume will be a series. Setting the scene of Elizabethan England well.
A Netalley Book

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In at the Death by Francis Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the body of a doctor is discovered in the town of Bridgton, the local police call in Scotland Yard and Chief Inspector Jonathan Boyce. Amateur detective and friend Mordecai Tremaine has permission to travel with Boyce and become involved in the inquiry.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery and liked the style of writing. The author did provide clues so that it was possibly to find the guilty party. The two main characters are interesting ones, and I may prefer Boyce to Tremaine.
Originally written in 1952 before all the modern forensics were available to the police force.
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The Grimm Brother's Stake-Mad Sister: A Lunch Read by Minda Webber
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Faye Grimm is invited to a house party at Snow Manor when she is confronted by a dead body.
A very short story which didn't really have anything to do with P&P but was a paranormal mystery

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There's Somethng About Mary Bennet by Bouquet
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice short story Mts Bennet dies while Mr Bennet is visiting Pemberley and it's left to Mary to take charge.
Although this has 'The End' at the finish it reads as incomplete. So three stars for the start of the story which looks like it will not be finished

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Echo by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While the people of Abbeyford are suffering from torrential rain, a landslide results in the exposure of a body. One that seems to have been buried forty years ago. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman and the rest of the team investigaye. But where will it lead to.
An interesting story and more development of the characters as the series continues

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Morning Glory Circle by Pamela Grandstaff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Margie Estep is a vicious gossip and seems to have access to the town's secrets. So when she disappears nobody is cncerned, hoping that she has finally left. But things are not that simple.
A good mix of mystery and romance makes this an easily read story with quite a range of characters.

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Excellent Intentions by Richard Hull
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Great Barwick’s most unpopular person, Henry Cargate, dies on a train, probably murdered, no-one seems concerned. But to the police it must be investigated. So who of the possible suspects is on trial
I did find Prosecutor Blayton part of the narrative somewhat turgid and made the story drag at that point but it did pick up. Overall an enjoyable read.
Originally written in 1938.
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Murder on Millionaires' Row by Erin Lindsey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Nineteen year old house maid Rose Gallagher works for Thomas Wiltshire, businessman in 1886 New York. When he disappears she decides to investigate.
I didn't really take to the characters and when it turned into more of a paranormal story than a straightforward murder mystery I did lose interest. It just is not my sort of story though I suspect other readers will enjoy the book.
A NetGalley Book

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What's Past Is Prologue by Ann Galvia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A variation of Pride and Prejudice, where it was Jane that has already been to Derbyshire with the Gardiners, and Darcy has saved the Bennets from ruin because of Lydia. So what is a lady to do when Darcy offers again. She does not love him, and feels insecure in Darcys' feeling towards her. To make their lives worse they are summoned, with Georgiana and Kitty, to Rosings to save Lady Catherine and her estate from financial ruin.
An interesting and well-written story but didn't quite catch my total imagination.

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Dark Queen Rising by Paul Doherty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This new series starts with the Battle of Tewkesbury during the War of the Roses, and the machinations of Margaret Beaufort with her two henchman Reginald Bray and Christopher Urswick. In which Urswick is instructed by George of Clarence to find the guilty party in the deaths of four of his retainers
Unfortunately this first 60% of the book was historical fiction. (When I have wanted to read about this time period I have read history books.) So the first half was a struggle to get through, and then the mystery occurred. Basically a locked room scenario. Then the story became more interesting as did the characters. If this series develops as a mystery series (which is what the book was described as) then I could be tempted to read more.
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Chimera by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

During the celebration of its pagan festival two residents of Abbeyford discover a body. Before long several more bodies are discovered. Are all these deaths accidents or is there something more sinister involved.
Another enjoyable mystery in this series. Its well-drawen and likeable characters mkae this well-written series an easy read.

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Inspired by Murder by Audrey J. Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seattle based psychiatrist Eric Leroy is having writers block concerning his crime novel. He believes that once finished his novel will propel him to the heights of the literacy world. If only he could find some inspiration. It comes to him that for inspiration he must kill someone.
This well-written story has a slow build up but it easily kept my interest, making me look forward to where the plot would go next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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Mary Bennet Meets Her Match by SassyAssassin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel three years have past and the Bennets and Bingleys are at Pemberley. With the arrival of William Collins' younger brother and Mrs Collins with shocking news how will this affect everyone.
Enjoyed what was written, I just wish it was finished which is why it didn't get 4 stars. I also wanted to know what was going to happen to the two unmarried Bennet daughters

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Lydia Bennet's Story: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jane Odiwe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this story we see Pride and Prejudice from Lydias's eyes, her acts and thoughts. Which then continue with her life after with Wickham. With this story we have the introduction of quite a few new characters which are very welcome.
I have not been a fan of Lydia (she and Kitty are much too silly for me) but you can certainly start to feel sorry for this Lydia.
A well-written and enjoyable story.

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SKA: Serial Killers Anonymous by William Schlichter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When you are convinced that your sister was killed by a serial killer then joining a group of them who want to stop killing is the first step to find him. But how do you get an invite. Can killers truly stop.
An interesting and enjoyable story which pulled me in straight away though I would have preferred probably less killers in the group with more detail about their crimes and motives to make each individual stand out more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Wreath for a Lady by John Glasby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mike Torlin, private investigator is hired by Pete Donati to discover who is behind the strange happenings at his carnival ground. Then the first murder occurs.
A satisfying mystery and a quick read, a throwback to probably the 50's p.i. stories.

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Becoming Sir Thomas - sequel to Mansfield Park by C.D. Gerard
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It is now 1817 and so who will the new Sir Thomas offer marriage to. Susan Price his cousin and the lady he loves, or the lady with enough money to save Mansfield Park from ruin, Mary Crawford. Selling off the sugar plantation in Antiqua is ethically right but would lead to financial ruin.
The story was all right and it was an easy read.
Though I didn't think they had elephants in Antiqua, and slave emancipation arrived in England in 1772 so Mansfield Park would probably not have had any slaves even in the old Sir Thomas' time.

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The Angel in the Glass by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summer of 1604 and the body of a vagrant is discovered which physician Gabriel Taverner deems to be from natural causes. But who is he and why is he in the Devon village. But why do the residents of the Fairlights insist they have not seen him when their servants say otherwise.
A slow paced mystery as it introduces the characters. An enjoyable well-written story with a fine selection of varying characters. Although the second in the series it can easily be read as a standalone.
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Snarl by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Sergeant Kate Redman has returned to work after a long period of sick leave. Her first investigation is of the death of a doctor working at a new research laboratory. But it is not the last, so who is actually guilty.
Another enjoyable story in this series, with its well-rounded characters. Ready to read the next

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Mrs Bates of Highbury by Allie Cresswell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This tale is a prequel to the Emma of Jane Austen. Thirty years prior to Emma this story begins with the death of the Rev Bates and tells the story of the new and oldinhabitants but mainly the Bates family.
A wonderful and enjoyable well-written story, with the characters being brought alive. You can definitely see the older Miss Bates and Mr Woodhouse in these younger drawn characters.
Highly recommend

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Perennials by Bryce Gibson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A serial killer is active in South Carolina, seemingly killing people named after plants. And teenagers Dusty Miller and Nandina Bush could be next.
A slow-paced story that rushed to the end, interesting though.

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Slaughter and Forgetting: Murder and intrigue on the streets of Prague... by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holoubek, ex-police officer, approaches Lt Slonsky concerning a 30 year old case. Where he knows that the man charged and hanged for the crime of the murder of Jana Valkova was innocent. He would like Slonsky to investigate.
Very enjoyable and interesting mystery. A well-written story with well-developed and likeable characters. I look forward to the next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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The Cut Throat by Liz Graham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carmel McAlistair has just rented a house in St. Jude Without, on the East coast ofNewfoundland. But all is not what or who they seem. Then a body is discovered. But will it be the last.
A mixture of mystery, romance and possibly paranormal.
An enjoyable easy read, a good start for the series.

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Stone Cold, Stone Dead: A Mystery Set in Somerset and London by Margaret Duffy
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Patrick Gillard and wife Ingrid Langley have received a request from MI5. An organisaton that he used to work for to investigate a man that they knew as Julian Hardy but now calls himself Mannering. Then Mannering's body is found.
I didn't take to any of the characters or the story, and think it would have been better to have read previous books in the series. I certainly can't recommend this as a standalone novel.
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The Return of the Gallant Vicar: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is the early morning of Elizabeth's wedding she is out walking when disaster strikes. But what can Francis Martel, the Gallant Vicar want.
A quick paced adventure. A bit concerned about Darcy's ethics though.

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A Duel for Christmas by Rosanne E. Lortz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Maud Worlington has returned after the death of her husband to the family home in London. But she is hounded there by a her step-son who seems to have a hold over her. She is surprised to find that her younger brother, the heir, is to shortly marry. But what secrets have been hidden and will all be discovered when Jacob Pevensey, a Bow Street Runner starts to investigate.
Although this is the third in the Jake Prevensy series it can easily be read as a standalone story as I did.
An enjoyable Regency romance mystery, well-written with the right mix of characters.
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Hades by Candice Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Living in Sydney, Australia Hades is the fixer, if you have a problem then he is the one to go to. Then a kidnapping goes wrong and the lives of two children are changed forever.
Some twenty years later homicide detective Frank Bennett meets his new partner Eden Archer, and her brother Eric.
Their first case together is an attempted drowning, until the victim relates what he has seen.
A very enjoyable well-written story and a great start to a new series.


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The Gallant Vicar: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Barbara Silkstone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the proposal at Rosings, Elizabeth is sent away only to return with Mary to help Mrs Collins in her hour of need. But who is the new vicar that Elizabeth is attracted to. Can Darcy win Elizabeth after his previous disastrous proposal.
A re-read so that I can now read the sequel.
An enjoyable, quick light read

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Death of an Old Girl by Elizabeth Lemarchand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the annual festival at Meldon School for girls how does a person get killed without witnesses and without the prerequisite time. What could be the possible motive to kill old Meldon girl Beatrice Baynes. Chief Detective Inspector Pollard and Detective Sergeant Toye are send from Scotland Yard to find the answer.
This is the first book (published in 1967) of this police procedural series.
I enjoyed this somewhat slow paced old-fashioned story, with its lack of reliance on modern forensics. So it becomes a matter of discerning the liars with opportunity and motive.
I look forward to the next in the series to see how the main characters develop
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



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Deception & Debauchery: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cinnamon Worth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this variation Charles Bingley is in town fretting over Jane Bennet when he makes the acquaintance of George Wickham. Wickham now a rich man wants respectability and when Bingley returns to Netherfield he visits the Bingleys. It doesn't take long for Darcy to follow them. The story continues.
I found this to be an enjoyable and fun read, and I like this version of some of the characters especially Mary Bennet.

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Bloodmoon by Peter Tremayne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In 671 AD Fidelma is given a mission, under a sacred oath not to reveal the aim. This is my second attempt at the series and unfortunately I can't seem to like the characters or be interested in them, the story or the writing style. Two stars because I did manage to finish it.
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The Wrong Man by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Diana Woods is found dead her ex-husband becomes the first suspect. DS Slater is unsure, unlike his partner DS Norman and boss DCI Murray so Slater continues to investigate.
Another enjoyable story in this series.

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Not an Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a re-read of a Pride and Prejudice sequel where Colonel Fitzwilliam needs an heiress to enter politics. Mary Bennet wants to marry a parson so that she can help the poor. Lady Catherine has her scheme to playout. Can it bring happiness to two of the people she cares about.
Was there anything to dislike - only that it was too short. But one of those books you need the paperback in your collection.
As a re-read that I enjoyed again it gets 5 stars, as a story that contains my two favourite JAFF characters in one book is gets a million star rating

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Appleby Talks: 23 Detective Stories by Michael Innes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Where Inspector Appleby recounts some of his cases to a few of his friends over drinks. These are mainly very short stories, unfortunately too short to really get involved in the stories and characters. But enjoyable enough when you have a spare ten minutes to spend reading.
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A Lover Too Many by Roy Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jeannette Marlin has been killed and her husband Peter comes under suspicion but he is not charged.
It is not until after the inquest that Inspector Crow from Scotland Yard is called in to investigate.
First published in 1969 and this is reflected in the different style of the story. But I did enjoy the mystery, a good solid start to this re-publishing of the series.

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A Brazen Curiosity: A Regency Cozy by Lynn Messina
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor orphan twenty-six year old Beatrice Hyde-Clare is invited along with her aunt and cousins to a house party at Lakeview hall in the Lake District. The home of Lord Skeffington and his family. The pedantic, condescending Damien Matlock, Duke of Kesgrave evokes her ire. But is he the killer when she discovers him towering over a dead body. She decides to investigate.
An enjoyable fun read, a well-written Regency murder mystery with main characters which do grow on you as the story unfolds.
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Florence by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a Mr Winter is found dead in her home it is first presumed to be an accident due to old age. But events lead DS Slater to ask more questions and dig deeper. And what is the connection to Florence, an old lady tramp.
A good mystery and good characterisations.

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The Monastery Murders by E.M. Powell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a monk of Fairmore Abbey is discovered dead a summons from Ranulf de Glanville sends
Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling to investigate. In the wintery month of January 1177 they make their way from London to North Yorkshire and this very isolated community. They have not been long at the monastery when the murderer kills again.
A well-written mystery, an enjoyable read. A story where we also discover more of the history of the main two characters, who seem to complement each other throughout the book and become more well-rounded as a result.
It can certainly be read as a standalone story but I would recommend the first book as a worthwhile read.
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Wish Upon a Star by Ola Wegner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel/variation Jane and Bingley are married. At a low moment Elizabeth confessing her feeling about Darcy to Jane. Can the Bingleys help Elizabeth and Darcy to a happy ending.
An enjoyable novella

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