Angel by James Kipling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting mystery

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April's Desires by A.E. Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When best friend Pete Henley is presumed to be guilty of killing his daughter's ex-boyfriend criminal investigator Larry Macklin is given the case. But when a second body is discovered, maybe it is not as straightforward as everyone thought. Then enter an ex-Texas Ranger.
An enjoyable mystery

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A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Victorian romance Sophie Appersett is willing to marry a wealthy tradesman if it saves her family from ruin. But could she be happy with the taciturn Mr. Edward Sharpe. As Christmas approaches and after two months of courtship what does she decide to do.
A delightful romantic novella. The characters are a well-developed group most of which are likeable. Overall a charming read.
A NetGalley Book


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Confessional by Robert Innes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

No one is suspicious when two old people die in the confessinal booth at St Abra’s church from seemingly heart attacks, but when a third dies it's time for Harte and his team to investigate. Then a fourth person dies.
An interesting mystery

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Nobody's Sweetheart Now: The First Lady Adelaide Mystery by Maggie Robinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although Lady Adelaide as been in mourning for her dead husband Rupert for only six months she decides to hold a weekend house party. Unforuntaley for her a body is discovered on her estate grounds, probably murdered. Anglo-Indian Inspector Devenand Hunter is sent from the Yard to investigate. Complicating the issue for Lady Adelaide is her dead husband. It seems Rupert has been sent back as a ghost to redeem himself.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, and it is a good solid start to the series. I probably would have preferred it to be a straight mystery without a ghost.
A NetGalley Book.

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Missing Lies by Chris Collett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Inspector Tom Mariner and his team have been called in to investigate a missing female - 18 year old Grace Clifton. But when another female goes missing, Mariner begins to think it is worse than just missing females. Opportunity and motive are difficult to determine.
Another very enjoyable well-written mystery in this series. It always makes for a more interesting read if the characraters are likeable and well-rounded in their description.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Joffe Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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November's Past by A.E. Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Larry Macklin works, reluctantly, as a criminal investigator in a rural county of Florida when he is assigned the case of a mulitated body found in a ditch. Difficulties arrive when a motive cannot be found, but how does arson and the discovery of another body help.
An enjoyable story, with some likeable characters, which is probably more of a 3.5 rating

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Untouchable by Robert Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is Detective Sergeant Blake Harte's first day at his new position in Harmschapel when he and his team are called to Halfmile farm because of a disturbance. Only to arrive and find a body. Not only do they need to determine the murderer but how it was done.
An enyoyable mystery which is why it got four stars though I am not sure I care for the characters.

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With A Twist by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Jack Daniels short story where Jack is called to a murder scene which turns into a locked room and implausible scenario. In a locked living room a man's body has been found with injuries that point to a fall from a very great height.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery

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Dark Paradise by Catherine Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Transformation in Paradise, a reality show filmed on Lord Howe island has become a big television hit. When one of the contestants is found dead, Detectives Cooper and Quinn are sent out to investigate.
An enjoyable well-written novella

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Perception by Terri Fleming
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel we follow the fortunes and heartaches of the two remaining Bennet daughters - Mary and Catherine. Instantly recognisable from canon. Can either have a happy ending like their two older sisters.
A delightful, very enjoyable, well-written story. The main characters were a joy to read about. I look forward to reading it again soon

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Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So who was that Alex Kord killed last. Unfortunately it will not be the last loved one of Jack that she will go after. Will Alex win, can Jack and her friends win or will Jack be the last one standing against Alex.
An enjoyable thriller.

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A Stage for Murder by Peter Tonkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas 1598 and because of a dispute the theatre where Shakespeare and the Chamberlain’s Men perform is being dismantled and moved, hopefully before the owner is informed. On doing so a body is discovered. Shakespeare is dispatched to bring Tom Musgrave, Master of Logic, to the site, hoping that he can solve the mystery. But this is not the last body they found as Musgrave is drawn into political intrigues.
With its varied range of characters, and an interesting and entertaining well-written mystery, it kept my interest right to the end.

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Dark Heart by Catherine Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fraser Grant, was a kidnapper, and murderer. Called the Adultery Killer, he is now dead. But there is a possible victim missing. Can Detective Sergeant Charlie Cooper find her in time. But what connection is Eva Matthews, a recent recipient of a heart.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery.

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Lost Lake by Emily Littlejohn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A missing person call has gone out and Detective Monroe responds. A hiker has gone missing at Lost Lake. Later that weekend, a person is murdered. Is there a connection between this and a missing museum artifact.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, which contained some decent characters. For me it was a good solid read.

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Fuzzy Navel by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jack gets some good news when she is informed that Alex Kork has committed suicide. But then three vigilantes start shooting at people in their homes. Can her day get worse, yes it does.
Certainly a thrilling read with moments of dark humour. On to the next in the series

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Jack Daniels Stories by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On the whole I enjoyed this selection well-written stories. The one I didn't really care for was the last one - a Harry McGlade story - The Necro File

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A Shot in the Dark by Lynne Truss
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1957 and theatre critic A. S. Crystal has arrived in Brighton to review a play. But Crystal was once a witness to a robbery, the culprits never caught. But just before he exposes a clue he is killed.
Unfortunately I really didn't care for the writing style, and I certainly didn't get the humour of the story.
A NetGalley Book


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The Bead Seller by Wendy Meadows
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Couldn't really engage with the characters or the story. I expect this kind of cozy modern mystery is not for me. Though I believe readers who enjoy this genre will enjoy this book.

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Miss Bingley Requests: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation by Judy McCrosky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this variation we see the events of Pride and Prejudice from the viewpoint of Caroline Bingley. A viewpoint which is delusional as far as her aspirations towards Mr Darcy go. The story also introduced a couple of new characters to add to the tale.
(If you are only interested in the angst between Darcy and Elizabeth then this is not for you.)
I found this an entertaining well-written read and at times felt even sorry for Caroline Bingley. Though I am someone who enjoys reading about the secondary characters of P&P and variations of other Austen works.
A NetGalley Book

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The Poisoned Chalice Murder by Diane Janes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tom Dod's Aunt Hetty has approached him because she is concerned. Apparently there have been three accidently deaths in her home village of Durley Dean and she is worried that they may not have been accidents. So Tom with his sleuthing friend Mrs Frances Black visit her for the weekend.
With the local feuds, especially concerning the church and its new vicar, there does seem to be plenty of motives. Tom and Frances must sift through their interviews to find the guilty party.
A slow paced well-written cozy mystery set in the late 1920's.
A NetGalley Book

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Lady 52 by Jude Hardin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty-six years after she disappeared the remains of a woman are found. The daughter turns to Nicholas Colt, private investigator, to prove it was murder. His investigation takes him to Chicago, the home of Detective Jack Daniels. Jack and her partner are investigating the death of a doctor.
Interesting and enjoyable mysteries.


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Dark City by Catherine Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A prequel set in Sydney, Australia where detectives Cooper and Stockton investigate the disappearance of a married woman. Could she be the next victim of the Adultery Killer. Or is there another motive.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, which introduces some of the characters for the next in the series.

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

It's scrabble night at Alan Richmond's place but his three friends are unable to get him to answer the door. It's up to Claire Fitzpatrick to get a key from his landlady and discover his body. But why would anyone want him dead. With the help of her two cousins and the Sheriff they investigate.
Another enjoyable cozy mystery in this series

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Shot of Tequila by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Organised crime and Tequila Abernathy meet Jack Daniels. When Tequila Abernathy is accused by his boss of theft he runs to clear his name while the rest of the gang try and find him and the missing money.
Interesting read

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

The Fitzpatrick cousins are back at Rose Hill, after Maggie and Scott's honeymoon, and doing what they like best - solving crimes . So can they find the guilty party.
An enjoyable cozy well-written mystery

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Rusty Nail by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lt Jack Daniels has received some snuff videos, made worse because she knows the people killed. They were all involved in one of Jack's previous cases. Jack investigates to find out who and why.
An interesting, gruesome and very readable mystery

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Hollyhock Ridge by Pamela Grandstaff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire Fitzpatrick has only been home at Rose Hill for a couple of months and now she has found another body. It also seems her love life is getting complicated, but what does she really want to do with her life. Mayoral candidate Kay Templeton's love life is also improving.
An enjoyable romance mystery.

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Uneasy Lies the Crown: A Lady Emily Mystery by Tasha Alexander
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Agent of the Queen, Colin Hargreaves is given a mystery to solve by Queen Victoria when she is on her death bed. Meanwhile a body turns up in the Tower of London dressed as a murdered King Henry VI. Is there a connection between the two or is there a threat to the new King. Part of the book also details the life of William Hargreaves and his wife from 1415 which I didn't find particurly interesting.
This is my second attempt at reading a book from this series and I admit to not caring or especially liking any of the characters.
A NetGalley Book


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Girl Gone Missing by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Several months previously Alison Watts had gone missing, now her body has been discovered. So Lambert and his team are brought in to investigate.
Not too difficult to determine the guilty party but it still made for an enjoyable story.

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Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Christie Capps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darvy and the Colonel are arriving at Rosings, with the Colonel having already guessed that Darcy is attracted to an unknown female. How do events change if Darcy tries to tell Elizabeth and Mrs Collins about Wickham. Though the Colonel does seem to have an inappropriate loose tongue in this version.
A quick delightful novella

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The Senator's Assignment by Joan E. Histon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In A.D. 31 Senator Vivius Marcianus is sent by Caesar Tiberius to Palentine to investigate the Jewish situation and the corrupt practices of Pontius Pilate there. But he must keep his mission secret not just from the other Senators of Rome but also from Pontius Pilate.
A thoroughly enjoyable historical thriller, well-written with a good selection of characters. Certainly kept my interest throughout.
A Netgalley Book

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The Strange Inheritance of Mary Bennet by Annie Gluck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another re-read of a P&P sequel. Five years after the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, Mary is the last unmarried daughter. Unexpectedly she is bequeathed an inheritance by a distant cousin named Margaret Ashburn. An inheritance of Ashburn Keep. Follow Mary's trials and tribulation. Can she also have a happy ending.
Really enjoyed this story, especially as it is all about Mary, and I liked the new characters.

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And Then She Was Gone by Christopher Greyson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

17 year old Jack Stratton is going to join the army, then college, then the police. All nicely planned out, a career to escape his past. But when Stacy Shaw is killed, he puts his whole future at jeopardy to find the killer.
An enjoyable story, a good prequel to the series

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An Empire for Ravens by Mary Reed
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this 12th of the series former Lord Chamberlain, John has left his home in Greece to travel back to Rome to help his friend Felix.
I found it difficult to be interested in these characters or the story probably because I had not read the previous eleven books.
A NetGalley Book

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A Less Agreeable Man by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final part of the trilogy and the best story,(no, I need a continuing sequel to this book) and Mary's marriage to Mr. Michaels is approaching. Lady Catherine's mental health is failing and Colonel Fitzwilliam is struggling with the ownership of Rosings.
Just loved this book. So well-written, loved the characters and the story. I just didn't want the book to end.

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The Duke's Agent by Rebecca Jenkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Frederick Raif Jarrett has returned from war and while recuperating from an injury he has taken the task of an agent to the Duke of Penrith. He is on his way to Woolbridge to investigate the death of the Duke's steward and possible pilfering of funds. But he becomes intangled in the death of a young female.
I really enjoyed this mystery, a well-written one, slowly starting but which increased its pace as the story continued. With a good selection of characters portrayed.
Overall a good solid start to what I presume is to be a series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Sapere. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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

Why would anyone want old, ill Mamie Rodefeffer dead. Claire Fitzpatrick having recently returned home and now without a permanent job is curious. A continuation of the Rose Hill series, with its romance and mystery. Overall a enjoyable well-written cozy mystery

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Mistaking Her Character: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, as Bennet is the second son of a gentleman, he has trained as a doctor and now has the patronage of Lady Catherine DeBourgh - being the personal doctor to the unwell Anne. Jane and Elizabeth are not the current daughters of Mrs Bennet, but are the nieces of the Gardiners.
The story starts with the visit to Rosings of Darcy, Miss Darcy, the Colonel, Wickham and the Bingleys, as Lady Catherine is determined to control the lives of all around her.
A very enjoyable re-read of a well-written variation

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To Love, Honour and Obey: Spies, mystery and romance in 19th Century England by Valerie Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

By 1805 six years have passed since Willoughby Rossington's father had been killed while trying to discover the head of a smuggling ring . Now he is employed by his uncle - Nathaniel, who is directing a counter-intelligence operation against Napoleon’s spies, which he believes is centred around Whitby. On Willoughby's northward travels he saves a young female called Beth, but soon discovers that they have a common enemy. Can Willoughby succeed where his father failed.
An enjoyable mystery, with a hint of romance, mixed with spies and the ensuring deceit and intrigue expected.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Sapere books. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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An Affair at Brighton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Petra Belmonte
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Lydia is invited to Brighton by Mrs Forster, Mr Bennet's one stipulation is that Elizabeth also goes to try and curb Lydia's behaviour. But can or does she succeed. Or will Lydia rush into ruin anyway.
There is one scene of an intimate nature which can easily be skipped. I felt that it was not really necessary as the story was enjoyable without it.

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Darcy Overhears: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This variation is set after the stay at Netherfield of Jane and Elizabeth. While out, Darcy, Bingley and Hurst, overhear Wickham saying that he intends to seduce Elizabeth. On being informed Bennet is dismissive of this information. What can be done, and how does the situation go from bad to worse.
An enjoyable story

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A Picture of Murder by T E Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1909 has arrived and circumstances lead to Lady Hardcastle at Littleton Cotterell, hosting a group of film makers and actors. Their film The Witch’s Downfall, is being shown in the Village Hall but when one of the actors dies as in the film, Lady Hardcastle and her maid Florence Armstrong help Inspector Sunderland by investigating. We also get to hear about some of Lady Hardcastle and Florence's previous exploits.
A well-written enjoyable historical cozy mystery with some interesting characters

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Fury by Celina Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read to finish off the published books in the series.Looking forward to the next one, hopefully not to far in the future.
Dr. Roland Barry a retired academic arrives back at his isolated cottage. Inside he feels that there is something wrong, but it's too late. The next morning his body is found. It is for the newly promoted DI Kate Redman and her team to investigate this first, but not last, murder,
Another very good addition to this well-written series. Not just an interesting mystery but enjoyable to read how these characters evolve over the years.
Received an ARC

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The Wrong Shoes by M.K. Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nancy Bailey is convinced that her sister did not commit suicide three years ago, but no one believes her. So she takes drastic action to ensure that DCI Meridith will investigate the case. Meanwhile Hodge is employed by Kate Wilkinson to search for her husband Darren to prove to the police that she did not kill him.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written story. Really like the characters in this series.

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DARCY AND ELIZABETH’S AFFAIR OF THE HEART: by Joann Louise
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation when Elizabeth Bennet discovers that Darcy was at Lydia's wedding she heads to town find out what happened.
Two stars because I did finish, just. But who was this paragon of intelligence, Elizabeth is 'practical a doctor', speaks many languages and is more knowledgeable than Darcy and the Colonel. Just too much.

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The Assistant: Before Pride and Prejudice by Riana Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Edward Gardiner's story, the younger half-brother to Mrs Bennet of Longbourn. When Gardiner the merchant is in Derbyshire on business he rescues an injured youth, Matthew, while out walking one day. Little does he know how his life will change as he employs Matthew in his business.
A very enjoyable well-written prequel to P&P with some delightful characters

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An Unknown Welshman: A novel of Henry VII by Jean Stubbs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A semi-fictional account of the life of Henry Tudor who would become Henry VII, the story ending on his wedding day. An enjoyable well-written book and as I admit to knowing very little about this king I found the subject interesting.

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Error of Judgment by Roy Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Robert Fanshaw, an Inspectors of Schools, was visiting Burton Polytechnic and deciding to take a lift discovers the body of a female inside. Inspector Crow and Sergeant Wilson are called in, only to be faced with a large hostile crowd of students. Not a good start to the investigation.
Though I enjoyed the mystery I did find the student rhetoric somewhat boring and distracting from the story.

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Descent by Celina Grace


New Year has come and gone and Kate overhears a women reporting her friend missing, not long later a body of a female runner is discovered. Accident, suicide or suspicious. Up to Redman and the rest of the team, with their new DCI, to determine.
Another well-written mystery in this series with its well-drawn out characters.

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