The Amethyst Box by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the wedding party of Gilbertine Murray and Mrs Sinclair, being held in the Armstrongs' home, an amethyst box containing a vial of deadly poison goes missing. Will its use be put to act of murder or suicide.
An interesting little mystery.
First published in 1905

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Jane & Bingley: Something Slightly Unsettling by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, some thoughts of Jane Bennet as events lead up and include the Netherfield Ball. A pity she felt that her thoughts could not be spoken aloud, how much more sensible then Elizabeth she shows herself to be in this version. I would have liked to have heard more of her thoughts.
An enjoyable read

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I am Lady Catherine by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A re-read of the interesting life of Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Pride and Prejudice fame is portrayed. She certainly becomes a sympathetic character and I could have read more about her.
An enjoyable, well-written variation which I wished to be longer.

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Becoming Mrs. Norris: A Mansfield Park Prequel by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of the three Ward sisters who become Mrs Norris, Mrs Price and Lady Bertram. Mrs Norris a character you think you could never like is portrayed quite wonderful here as she grows up with her sisters in their uncles' home.
An enjoyable well-written prequel

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The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Richard Hannay has recently returned from South Africas but quickly becomes bored with the shallow life of London. Then he meets an American who has a fanastic tale to tell him. Soon Hannay is on the run and no longer bored.
An enjoyable thriller. Certainly different from the various film versions I have seen


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Emma and Elton: Something Truly Horrid by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this short story variation of Jane Austen's Emma, Emma Woodhouse is made aware of Elton's affection. But where does it go so very wrong.
A well-written very quick read.

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The Illusion of Desire: 1821 by Amy Corwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1821. Injured Captain Nicholas Ainsley, needs an occupation to help him cope with his nightmares from the war. He is finally offered the position of an Inquiry Agent, and after time spent in paperwork he is given the case of the murder of an Earl.
An interesting and well-written historical mystery, with a very likeable Captain, and with a hint of romance.



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An Eye for Death by Glenn Trust
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the lives of several people connect the outcome is not always welcome. Will any of them, a divorced man moving cross-country, a police man, a killer and a young woman, survive the encounter.
An interesting story

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The Murder in Mirth by Heidi Ashworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas 1814 Lord Trevelin and oldfriend Mrs Mildred Smurthwaite have been invited to a Christmas house party by Lady Charlotte of Maison Chien. But when a dead body is discovered Trevelin's reputation is against him as he is accused of the crime. These rumours have been spread by his evil cousin Evelyn who is also at the party. Can Trevelin ever have a happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written end to this historical trilogy.

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Lady Sophia's Sapphires by Sara Rosett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summer 1923. Miss Olive Belgrave investigates when Lady Sophia's sapphires disappear. An enjoyable short mystery.

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Russian Roulette by Keith Nixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Konstantin Boryakov is a dangerous man, a man with a past. A man who it seems cannot avoid trouble.
An interesting story and a good well-written solid start to the series.

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Most Ardently: An Austen-Inspired Christmas Collection by Sheena Austin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Stories inspired by Jane Austen and Christmas. I think my favourite was Twelvetide Chaos.

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First Blooms and Second Chances: Nature's Fury and Delights by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Four delightful and well-written stories about love, and second chances. I enjoyed them all.

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The Baffling Burglaries of Bath by Leighann Dobbs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1816. Lady Katherine travels to Bath under the guise of matchmaking Miss Prudence Burwick with Lord Annandale, but in fact to solve the spate of jewellery robberies.
Overall an entertaining story though the annoying Katherine is certainly an inept investigator and not as clever as she thinks she is. The characters I like were Prudence and Captain Dorian Wayland. Though I must suspect Wayland's mental state if he believes Katherine to be a brilliant investigator.

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Midnight Saints: Saints Mystery Series Halloween Short Story by Nicole Loughan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A story which is actually a prequel to the Saints Series. As it is time for the annual plantation ball Fanchon and Josephine are off to work but find themselves at the centre of trouble. Will they be able to survive the night without getting arrested.
An enjoyable story


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Caroline Bingley, Mistress of Pemberley by Rosemary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very short P&P variation, which I had hoped was true.

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All Saints' Secrets by Nicole Loughan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back in Louisiana Lisette's body is being exhumed to find out what really did happen. Was it an accident or was she murdered. But they are in for a surprise when they open the crypt.
An enjoyable story

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Death À La Carte: A Crime Thriller by Ian Honeysett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1791 While at the funeral of Charles Rives, restaurant owner, a death occurs, which provides to be the result of poison.
But this will not be the last. Who is killing off this business owners and why.
Inspector-General Rouget Maison, helped by Christine Gilbert, and Doctor Dernes investigate the cases.
Another enjoyable historical mystery



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Death at Brighton Pavilion by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1819 Captain Lacey comes to early in the morning standing over the murdered body of Colonel Hamilton Isherwood, in the Brighton Pavilion. A man that he had disagreed with some seven years previously.
Not remembering what has happened Lacey must determine the events of the previous night, even if it proves him guilty. Thankfully he has the help of Brewster, Grenville and his wife Donata.
Another enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.


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Darcy's Match: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Philippa J Rosen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the first anniversary of the Darcy marriage is approaching. Darcy decides to hold a house party which will also host a cricket match, between old friends and family against a Kent team.
An enjoyable enough read though I would have preferred a less fretful Lizzy, and a more developed and in-depth storyline between Mary and Hammond.

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

1825, Kurland Hall. As Lucy, Lady Kurland is expecting her second child and she is delighted when Agnes, her current nursery nurse recommends her cousin Polly Carter to help in the nursery. But Polly's ways bring trouble to the Hall and Village of Kurland St. Mary, ending in her body being discovered in a ditch on the Estate. Sir Robert and Lucy investigate.
Another entertaining and well-written histroical mystery which is not fully resolved until the end. The cast of characters in this series are very likeable and it is a joy to read about them.
A NetGalley Book


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To Murder a Saint by Nicole Loughan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Josephine and Fanchon, two Creole girls from Louisiana have recently moved to a third floor apartment in New York. Unfortunately one of them will soon be dead. Can Detective Banyon find the guilty party even though it seems she was attacked by a wild animal.
An enjoyable mystery

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Sniper's Nest by C.M. Sutter
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A sniper looks like he is taking revenge on the Chicago police force - but why. Detective Jesse McCord is one of the many police on the case.
I really didn't take to the characters, or writing style, and thought it was fairly obvious who the killer was.

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The Year of the Oath by Peter Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1790 Paris. Commissaire Rouget Maison and Inspector Drabert investigate the case of the murdered clergy. Members of the clergy are being murdered, and suspects appear to be many including a female and a giant of a man.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Countess of Sainte Toulours by Stanley Michael Hurd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam, as a second son has joined the army. But now during the peace he is working at Whitehall . Just as he meets the lady that captures his heart he is sent on a reconnoitring mission to France.
Lovely characters, tension, romance. Also a well-written story. Loved this Colonel.
Enjoyable re-read

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The Judas Murders by Ken Oder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1967. Sheriff Coleman Grundy is called to the scene of a killing. That of Betty Lou Mundy, who he finds dead in her front yard, and her husband, Leland, on the porch with a gun. The gun that probably killed her.
But is all as it seems. The story involves betrayal and secrets within families, with a multitude of well-drawn characters. Can Grundy find the answers before it is too late.
A interesting and well-written crime story
.

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Dark Embrace by Eve Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1839. When Sarah Lowell is left penniless on the death of her doctor father she starts working as a day nurdeat King's College Hospital. She finds herself drawn to the strange surgeon Killian Thayn. But who is killing the patients and who is stalking Sarah as she walks to and from work.
An enjoyable Gothic romance with a hint of mystery

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Murder on Vancouver Island: Hatred, prejudice, or a heinous crime without motive? by Kathy Garthwaite
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Inspector William Gibson of the Vancouver Island police is called out to the scene of a murder. The body is that of a maintenance worker on the university camopus and was found by a co-worker.
Just enough interest in the story to read to the end though I didn't take to the main characters


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Phoebe & the Steel City Vampires by Eileen Enwright Hodgetts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fearing to leave her apartment overweight ex-actress Phoebe, accidentally acquires a slave-vampire. Unfortunately for her and him his master wants him back.
An entertaining story

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The Journey by Annelie Wendeberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continue with Anna and Sherlock Holmes being hunted by Sebastian Moran. Can she survive long enough to give birth, unravel Moriaty's aim, and live. She will need the help of both Holmes brothers and Dr. Watson.
Another enjoyable well-written read in this series.

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The Blue Moon Caper by Phyllis Entis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Damien and Millie Dickens are living in Carmel when friend Bruno Caravaggio confesses to a murder in Atlantic City. So he leaves Millie to find the real killer. Meanwhile Millie investigates claims by a resident that her son is trying to poison her.
An enjoyable well-written crime story



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A Lesson in Crime by Wes Markin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this prequel, Michael Yorke is a student at Leeds University when at a student party a murder is committed. But this will not be the last. But he feels compelled to investigate.
A well-written interesting novella

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The Night Shift by Sally Rigby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On returning to work after the death of her father DS Whitney Walker takes the lead of the investigation of an abducted newborn.
An enjoyable crime novella, unfortunately I still cannot take to the character of Walker

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Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth: Under the Stars A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Alyssa Jefferson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation the story begins as the party leave Netherfield Park to travelto London, and follows Darcy as he spends his time thinking about Elizabeth. And continues as he and Georgiana travel to Pemberley for the Christmas period.
Certainly an arrogant and therefore normal Darcy is portrayed in this enjoyable story

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THE LEDBURY LAMPLIGHTERS by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas Eve, 1888. An unnamed stranger leaves a package with Ledbury solicitor, Anthony Midwinter. To look after the package until May 1st.
On New Year's Eve at the Lamplighters Ball, a death occurs. But this is not the last death that Inspector Ravenscroft with the help of Constable Crabb will investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.


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The Coroner by European P. Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the Dublin Coroner's Office, Benjamin Stirling receives a visit from Nicholas Spark to report a treasure find. Stirling sends him to the National Museum. Later, hearing that Spark has committed suicide, Stirling is unsettled by the verdict and decides to investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery.


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Marriage And Ministry by Amanda Kai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation we follow the story of Charlotte Lucas and William Collins as told from their points of view. Starting with Collins' arrival at Longbourn and continuing until the end of their first year of marriage.
A delightful and well-written story.

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THE WORCESTER WHISPERERS by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1888, Ravenscroft superior officer has received a request from the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, Touchmore, for his help in the case of the missing librarian and a very rare manuscript. On his arrival in Worcester Ravenscroft is helped by Constable Crabb in a case that is not as straightforward as he first believes. Meanwhile there is a killer causing mayhem in Whitechapel.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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An Invitation to Murder: An impossible crime with one clear prime suspect; herself. by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Replaced by a much younger actress, Mary Blaks accepts an invitation to a murder mystery party at her family home, Blancham Hall. But among the guests is that young actress, Melanie Shaw.
But next morning brings a dead body, in a locked room. As the prime suspect Mary intents to help Inspector Corrigan finds the guilty party.
An entertaining modern cozy mystery.


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The Body in the Ditch by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. Tremayne and D.S. Clare Yarwood are called out to the village of Brockenstoke. To a commune on a farm where a body has been discovered. A commune of people who are looking to escape from their previous lives for a more simple existence.
But as with all villages, secrets are all about. Is the second death related. What are the possible motives with the seemingly large number of suspects.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its extremely good, well-developed characters.
I received an ARC from the author

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

In this P&P variation Mrs Bennet overhears some officers disparging her daughters. Mr Darcy comes to her rescue, but when Mrs Bennet asks Darcy's opinion of her daughters the honest conversation results in her dislike of Darcy. Mrs Bennet does all she can to keep Elizabeth and Darcy apart. But can she change her mind and give the couple a happy ending.
An enjoyable story


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Deadly Games by Sally Rigby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Walking to her post at the University, forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish, discovers a body of a student. DCI Whitney Walker and her team are called in to investigate. Cavendish wishes to help Walker but at first is rebuffed. But when another student is discovered dead, a truce is called.
An enjoyable crime story

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The Truth About Murder by Chris Collett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stefan Greaves works for law firm PGW, and is approached by Rita Todd, a nurse and her daughter Andrea. But before their next meeting Stefan is brutally attacked, and has a stay in hospital. Police Constable Mick Fraser is sent to interview him.
But what is the link between this, and Fraser's partner, and the discovery of a body in the river.
The story is told from the two point of view's of Stefan and Mick, as both continue their separate investigations.
An interesting and enjoyable well-writen crime story, with its two main likeable characters.
Received an ARC from the publisher


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Burning Greed by Diane M. Dickson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DI Tanya Miller leads the investigation into a warehouse fire which turns into a murder inquiry when a body is discovered. Unforunately for her, her sister, Fiona in Edinburgh, demands her presence when her daughter goes missing.
An enjoyable story which is hampered for me by an unlikeable main character and her awful sister.

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The Malvern Murders by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1889. Inspector Samuel Ravenscroft, Whitechapel Constabulary, is ordered to take a holiday from his duties, in Malvern, to take the waters. On the train he meets a Mr Jabez Pitzer, of Malvern, who invites him to dinner. Unfortunately just before the dinner, a death occurs, which he pronounces to be murder. He is asked by Constable Crabb to lead the investigation. But this is not the last murder, but what is the motive and connection between the deaths.
An enjoyable historical mystery
(Revised edition)


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Scream Blue Murder by Linda Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a violent road rage incident, and death Detective Jack Rutherford is reminded of a similar case fifteen years previously. Meanwhile Detective Sergeant Amanda Lacey, has to deal with the fallout when a skeleton is discovered in the old garden of her father-in-law.
Although the seventh in the series I found I could read it as a standalone story.
An interesting and well-written story, I look forward to reading others in the series

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Deadly Election by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 89 AD. When a corpse is discovered in a trunk in the family auction house, Flavia Albia is determined to discover his identity. This does give her the chance to work withh er friend, the magistrate Manlius Faustus. As he is involved in the forthcoming elections, he would like Albia's help in discrediting the opposition.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written story

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A Fancy-Dress Death: A Sherlock and Lucy Short Story by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Holmes and Lucy are away, Flynn reluctantly has to repay a favour. Which leads him into trouble at Lady Dulwich's fancy-dress ball. Thankfully he has friends, which he finally realises.
A delightful well-written short story

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The Clown on the High Wire: A Sherlock and Lucy Short Story by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

10th March 1898. Holmes and Watson are called in to investigate the case of the dead clown hanging from a high wire in the London Olympia Amphitheatre.
Another enjoyable well-written short story

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One Last Prayer for the Rays by Wes Markin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

12-year-old Paul Ray has disappeared from his school, after being excused to visit the bathroom. A bathroom now covered in blood. The most obvious suspect is Thomas Ray, a recently released murderer. DCI Michael Yorke and his team investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written crime story. A very good start to a new series, and I look forward to reading the next

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