Kith and Kin by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In December 1928 when two bodies are discovered at sea and brought ashore, at Otterham Creek in Kent, Chief Inspector Johnstone and Detective Mickey Hitchens are called in to investigate. When one of the bodies is quickly identified as Billy Crane, a member of Josiah Bailey's East End's gang. Will this be the start of a turf war or connected to something totally different
An enjoyable well-written mystery with interesting main characters. With a writing style that makes it very easy to get involved in the story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Burning Men by Steve Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paterson is called out to the latest crime scene - a man burnt alive at an stake. It is soon determined that he is one Davey Caine, only son of criminal mastermind William ‘Billy’ Caine. Not before long a retaliation killing takes place. This is just the start of Paterson and Clocks introduction into the London underworld.
This is the third in the series and have read them all. Certainly an action book, not the usual type for me to read but I still enjoyed the story but wonder where the characters are going next.
Received an ARC from Joffe Books

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Valentine's Vow by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lord Valentine is all set to duel over Lady Durrant with Jonathan Kendall when instead a young female turns up in his place. Strong willed, intelligent Miss Ava Kendall sees her role as protecting her brother. The initial attraction between Ava and Valentine, with the help of some friends, can only lead to adventure, mystery and passion.
This third in the series is another very enjoyable story. A well-written tale with likeable characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Mary Bennet: A Novella in the Personages of Pride & Prejudice Collection by Jennifer Becton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this sequel of P&P Mary Bennet is the last of the sisters living at home (Catherine is unmarried and staying at Pemberley) and becomes the focus of her mother's matchmaking. This is made complicated when she is given a dowry of 10,000 pounds from Mr. Darcy. Can she finally awaken to romance and marry for love by following her heart, and not spend her time trying to do what her mother believes to be the best. Can she evolve from her pedantic nature.
Very enjoyable re-read of this well-written story, I just wish it had been a lot longer

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Protecting the Duke's Interests by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the death of his father Lord Darwin discovers the extent of his gambling debt at the nearby Albemarle Club. Debts he cannot afford to pay unless he marries an heiress. But his pride stops him from asking for the hand of the lady he loves, Ruby Bancroft, and her fortune. But what secrets do the Albemarle Club hide, who is behind the club. The Duke of Winchester starts to investigate.
The story of the Winchester family continues in this story. As I have to expect from this author it is a well-written tale with characters that seem to develop over the series. An enjoyable story. To get the full benefit of the book I would recommend reading the books in order.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Elizabeth's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophia Grey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The time for the Meryton Assembley has arrived, and while Jane is introduced to Bingley, Elizabeth stays at home to care for their father. It is while Mr. Bennet's lies on his deathbed that Elizabeth concocts a plan to save Longbourn from the heir Mr. Collins, and keep all the Bennet females safe.
An enjoyable story if somewhat unbelievable.

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Sorrowful Road by Alex MacLean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the anniversary of the death of Mary Driscow, another body is found in similar circumstances. Detective Audra Price joins Stanton in the search for the killer but during their investigation the discovery of similar unsolved crimes Canada wide is disturbing.
Another interesting and well-written book in this series/trilogy.

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Death Comes to Bath by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Major Sir Robert Kurland and Lady Lucy Kurland are visiting Bath for the health of Sir Robert. Their Bath next door neighbour, Sir William Benson, happened to be an old acquaintance of Sir Robert's grandfather. Sir William is also at Bath for his health, with his three sons, second wife and her two sons. So it comes as no surprise when Sir William is found dead at the baths. But the Kurlands are suspicious and investigate.
Another enjoyable mystery in this series. I really like the writing style of this well-written story and the continuing development of the characters throughout the series. It can certainly be read as a standalone novel but I would certainly recommend the whole series.
A NetGalley book.

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Caroline Bingley: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Becton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation it is now December 1812, and Bingley and Darcy are married to the Bennet sisters. Refusing to apologise for her part in separating Bingley and Jane, and her attitude towards Elizabeth, Caroline is sent with a companion - Rosemary - to her mother and step-father's home in Kendal, Cumbria. This is the story of how Caroline tries to get back into the society she craves.
A very enjoyable well-written story.

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Death of an Artist by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the first day back at work after his honeymoon Inspector Riley Rochester is called to Dulwich where a female has been found dead. Miss Melanie Mottram was a governess and an aspiring artist employed at the home of Lord Vermont. Soon they appear to have more than enough suspects including Sergeant Salter's artist nephew.
Another enjoyable Victorian mystery in this well-written series. A delight to read when it also has likeable characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Pemberley's Christmas Ghost: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by K Scott Wood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the Darcys invite their families to visit for Christmas. This strangely includes the Wickhams, a dim Bingley, lovers Kitty and Caroline, and a very drunk Gardiner. All mixed together with a ghost inhabiting the blue bedroom. Two stars because I finished this quick read.

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One Kill Away by Alex MacLean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Allan Stanton has left Halifax to visit his son. Meanwhile Detective Audra Price has been called to a murder scene. When personal events overtake Price, Allan Stanton is contacted and takes over the investigation.
An interesting read and mystery

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Maria Lucas: A Short Story in the Personages of Pride & Prejudice Collection by Jennifer Becton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing on from the Charlotte Collins book, this is a short story about Maria Lucas marriage to Jonas Card and her epiphany.
An enjoyable well-written story.

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Death of a Scoundrel by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Now it is December 1870 and back after a two week leave of absence Inspector Rochester and Sergeant Salter are sent to Mayfair to investigate the death of a male. It turns out that the dead gentleman, Roderick Woodrow, is slightly know to Rochester. An investigation into his life reveals many suspects.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series.

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Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Becton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, some years have past and Mr. Collins has been involved in an accident and died. Left with a small income and no children Charlotte starts anew, living in a small cottage at Westerham in Kent. She invites her sister Maria to live with her and her life as a chaperone begins. With the introduction of many new characters a enjoyable well-written tale is the result.

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Grave Situation by Alex MacLean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Halifax Detective Allan Stanton is assigned a new case. A security officer has been found dead, but there also seems to be a second crime scene in the same vicinity. But this is only the start, and what is happening to the body parts and why.
Although we know the name of the killer this does not distract from an enjoyable well-written mystery.

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Death of a Prosecutor by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1870 when his friend and prosecutor Sir Robert Glover is found murdered Inspector Rochester is called on to investigate with the help of his sergeant, Jack Salter. Because of Glover's work it seems that there are too many suspects to deal with. Rochester is also occupied in wanting to know the response of Amelia Cosgrove to his marrigae proposal, and concern over the state of his nephew's health.
A very enjoyable and well-written mystery with lots of interesting characters.

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The Division Bell Mystery by Ellen Wilkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Home Secretary has invited an American financier George Oissel to a private dinner at the House of Commons to discuss the terms of a government loan. On leaving Oissel on his own a shot is heard and Oissel is found dead. Inspector Blackitt is brought in to investigate with various help including Robert West M.P. and Parliamnetary Private Secretary to the Home Secretary.
Set and written in 1930's England, with a writing style that is reflective of the period and including political details which is not surprising as Wilkinson was a M.P. at the time. Overall an enjoyable and interesting mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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Dear Laura by Jean Stubbs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Victorian London,Theodore Crozier, businessman, has been found dead. Initially thought to be a natural death, suspicions are raised and whispers about a relationship between Mrs Laura Crozier and her brother-in-law Titus are brought to light. It falls to Inspector John Joseph Lintott to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery and an interesting exposé of Victorian domestic life.
A NetGalley Book


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A Suspicion of Silver by P.F. Chisholm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is one of those series which I believe it is best to read all the previous books. It seems there are too many story lines from the previous books so I found it difficult to engage with the characters and the story, and to rate it, as I have only ever read Book one and that was many years ago. Though I do remember enjoying reading the book.
A NetGalley Book

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Death of a Courtesan by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1870 London and Detective Inspector Rochester and Sergeant Salter, of Scotland Yard’s Detective Department, are called to the brothel run by a Mrs Cora Sinclair. One of her girls has been found murdered. As the case progresses they learn more of the background of the victim and more suspects come to light.
A very enjoyable well-written mystery. Certainly helped by containing some well-rounded characters.

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A Moment in Crime by Amanda Allen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1922 Santa Fe and the film industry had arrived in town with the shooting of a film. As does Maddie Vaughn-Alwin’s cousin aspiring actress Gwen Astor. But murder also arrives.
A cozy mystery which took a long time to develop into a mystery. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be much investigating until Madddie decides who the guilty party is, and I didn't particularly take to the main character either. Although the second in the series it can easily be read as a standalone book.
A NetGalley Book

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The Secret Staircase by Melanie Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unexpectedly Tess MacKay comes into an inheritance. This leads her to Little Goose Island and the house that is now hers. But what secrets and curses do the house and island hold.
An easy to read,well-written novella.

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Blackwater Lake by Maggie James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matthew Stanyer is worried as he reports to the police that his parents have gone missing. When their bodies are discovered it is left to him to sort through more than 30 years of hoarding. What secrets are revealed.
A short novella, but an interesting read

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Butterfly Kills by Brenda Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jacques Rouleau is now head of Kingston's Criminal Investigations Division. His team is called out to investigate the death of student Leah Sampson. While elsewhere in the area Della Munroe insists that her husband has raped her.
Enjoyed these interesting mysteries with their complex characters. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

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Murder Among The Tombstones by Kim Carter
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Retired Clara Samples and Iris Hadley are two new private investigators. When the discovery of a dead female, Jasmine Baines, leads to no clues, Ginger Baines,sister, employs the p.i.'s to investigate. Then another body is found.
Unfortunately I didn't take to the writing style or the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder for Money by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Rutland, magazine writer, is investigating what he believes will turn out to be a big story, in Yorkshire. Totally unaware of the danger he is in. Unfortunately for D.I. Crow there does seem to be quite a few suspects for Rutland's killing.
An enjoyable well-written mystery written in the 1960's.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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Mr Campion's War by Mike Ripley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Albert Campion has reached his seventieth birthday and is having a celebration dinner at the Dorchester Hotel. Apart from friends and family, there are a crowd of unrecognibale foreigners.
During dinner Campion decides its time to tell of his wartime experiences in Vichy France during World War II, and introduce his family to the unknown guests. People he had met during the war. This is his, and their story.
An enjoyable historical read and mystery story.
A NetGalley Book

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Mary Bennet by Kate Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice sequel where Mary and Catherine Bennet are invited/sent to Pemberley to acquire husbands. On their journey northwards, while staying at an inn, Mary meets, early one morning a Mr Sharnbrook of Kent. This proves not to be an auspicious start to a relationship but they meet later at Pemberley. Can Mary overcome her faults to have a happy ending.
Still an enjoyable easy to read tale of one of my favourite characters.

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Ghost in the Machine by Ed James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several days after Caroline Adamson has gone missing Detective Constable Scott Cullen has been given the case to investigate. Then a body of a female is found in a hotel room. D.I. Bain and his team are now on a murder case. But this is only the first body.
A good enjoyable mystery, a very good solid start to the series which I look forward to read more

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Before It's Too Late by Jane Isaac
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While a student at Stratford-upon-Avon Chinese student Min Li has been kidnapped and kept in an underground room. Can Detective Inspector Jackman and his team find her before she dies.
An interesting mystery and a good solid start to the series.

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The Lure by S.W. Hubbard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Police Chief Frank Bennett of Trout Run investigates when Mary Pat Sheehan dies from complications of childbirth, complicated by the fact that no-one in town knew she was pregnant. That is when he discovers a black market adoption business in the area.
An enjoyable well-written mystery

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Only The Dead by Malcolm Hollingdrake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the bodies of two infants are discovered in the grounds of a college the investigation is given to DCI Cyril Bennett and his team headed by DS David Owen. Meanwhile a male is using sulphur mustard in attacking various people.
Two interesting stories in this mystery book, a good solid start to the series with some likeable characters.


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Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story by Bronwen Chisholm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice sequel - General Fitzwilliam has been left to care for his children after the death of his wife. Devastated by her death the General takes his family to Pemberley, hoping to find peace.
Meanwhile Mary Bennet, bored with living at Longbourn as the only remaining unwed daughter is staying at Pemberley. Can there ever be more than friendship between these two.
The writing style was so easy to read as the story moved along. I loved the story, the new characters but most of all the characters of the General and Mary.
Though I would have liked the story to continue more into their lives, and not jumped into the future with the epilogue which was unnecessary.
Loved the story again.


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Playing with Fire by Patricia Hall
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Soho in the 1960's and Detective Sergeant Harry Barnard has been called out to investigate a body having fallen from a building. Suicide, accident or murder. Meanwhile Barnard's girlfriend has been asked to find a missing female who has been attracted to London's musical scene. This is the first of the series that I have read and I found I couldn't really get interested in their lives, the characters or the plot.
A NetGalley Book


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A Missed Murder by Michael Jecks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Tudor story Jack Blackjack is now a paid assassin in the employ of one John Blount. Blount is servant to Sir Thomas Parry, controller to the Lady Elizabeth, half-sister to Queen Mary. But for Jack his latest assignment goes wrong and now he must try and make amends.
Unfortunately I still didn't take to the character of Blackjack and so didn't enjoy the story as much as I hoped.
A NetGalley Book

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A Very Mary Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Jane and Elizabeth nearly married Mrs Bennet turns her attentions to Kitty. As obviously Mary has lost any chance of marriage when she didn't catch Mr. Collins.
But Mary has friends on her side, so can she find her happy ending.
Loved this story, it was wonderful to read Mary's tale, and I really liked the new characters that were introduced.
An enjoyable re-read.

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The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel by Loretta Goldberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oxford in 1566 and Sir Edward Latham, at 22 years of age and a Catholic in Queen Elizabeth's Protestant England, is at a crossroads in his life. His decision to flee England for Scotland and his friend Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, results in him becoming a spy for Queen Mary on the Continent.
An interesting historical fiction story, with all its intrigue during this time of upheaval and war. One of my favourite times in history.

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Deadly Secrets by David Hodges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While serving a prison sentence for murder Lenny Stallard escapes. Detective Sergeant Kate Lewis is one of the team informing all the people who were involved in the case. When the first body turns up the police believe that Stallard is out for revenge.
While enjoying the writing style and the plot I was not to sure about the main character of Kate Lewis. But overall an enjoyable and interesting story

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A Bad, Bad Thing by Elena Forbes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eve West, a police officer, with her married lover investigate a tipoff. But all goes wrong and while on suspension she gets involved in trying to prove a jailed man innocent of his murder charge.
Although a somewhat enjoyable and interesting read I didn't especially take to the main character which is a big problem for me in any book.
A NetGalley Book

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The Unexpected Miss Bennet by Patrice Sarath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this P&P sequel where Mary Bennet is starting to feel dissatisfied with her life so Jane and Elizabeth decide it time for her to leave Longbourn and stay at Pemberley for a long visit. But the fates intervene and with Mary still unsure who she is decides to take up an offer that would give her independence from the other Bennets.
A very enjoyable sequel, with a lovely writing style. Again I like this Mary and the introduction of a new character.

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Missteps & Misfortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophie Rae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just as Darcy is approaching the Hunsford parsonage to offer marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, she is opening a letter from Jane informing her of the very bad health of their father. In the changed circumstances Elizabeth accepts the proposal. Many matters are unsettled between them but will they eventually have a happy ending.
An enjoyable variation

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Sam's Song by Hannah Howe
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Derwena de Caro, singer, has a stalker and Sam Smith, private investigator is hired to find its identity. But nothing in Sam's life is straightforward.
More of a character driven story then mystery driven and I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, but enjoyable enough to finish

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Twelfth-Night Cake & the Rosings Ghost: A Sofia-Elisabete, Love Child of Colonel Fitzwilliam Tale by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the winter of 1818, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his eight-year-old daughter, Sofia-Elisabete, travel to spend the season at Rosings. Here Sofia encounters the story of the Rosings Ghost.
A lovely Pride and Prejudice sequel. A well-written story that has the delightful Sofia-Elisabete as its main character.

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The Killings on Kersivay by Angus MacVicar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Peter Parsons, BBC prodcuer turns to his childhood home on the island of Kersivay. Only for a body to be discovered the next day. With an escapee from the local prison for the mentally insane assumed to be the suspected murderer. But there is an evil on the island, and can Parsons find the guilty party.
An enjoyable mystery written in 1962.

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Dying Breath - A Thriller by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phineas Troutt has been employed to find a missing daughter, one that disappeared several years ago. Now that the father is dying he wants to know if she is still alive.
Detective Jack Daniels with her partner are investigating the case of a serial killer. Meanwhile Harry McGlade, private investigator is looking for a missing dancer.
A story told from their three perspectives.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written story.



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The Parson of Pemberley by April Floyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this P&P variation, with Elizabeth's dismissal of Mary's feeling after the failed Collins proposal, Mary is determined not to be the sacrifice that will save Longbourn. She requests and receives permission to visit the Gardiners in Gracechurch Street. Her journey brings her into the company of a vicar named Andrew Moore. Can there be a happy ending for this put upon and forgotten sister.
An enjoyable variation which focuses of Mary Bennet

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Becoming Mary: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Amy Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, Mary Bennet, vain, conceited and plain, a matryr to her belief that her parents cannot do without her is invited to Pemberley with Kitty. Much to Kitty's annoyance. But is this the chance for Mary to change and grow, only if she thinks she needs to and then believes that she should.
A very enjoyable, well-written tale, kept me enthralled again.

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The Purple Rock by Angus MacVicar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Ronald Cooper receives a letter from a Reverend Macfarlane it results in them meeting and for Cooper to listen to a fanciful tale. But then the action begins, and can the prophecy be fulfilled.
An enjoyable thriller story though it could do with some proofreading.

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The Pemberley Affair by Charity McColl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel newly wed Elizabeth Darcy is asked by Lady Descartes (ex-actress, married to an Earl) t0 chaperone her daughter Lady Thomasina. This also brings out Georgiana into limited society. And shows Darcy in the light of the foil to Elizabeth.
So overall an enjoyable novella

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