The Catherine Howard Conspiracy by Alexandra Walsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

London 1539 and Catherine Howard has arrived at court to be a maid of honour to Anne of Cleves. Unfortunately for her she catches the eye of Henry VIII and her fate has been sealed.
Modern day and Dr Perdita Rivers is on a dig when she is informed of the death of her estranged grandmother, an esteemed history author.
Two stories, one of Catherine Howard's life and a what if, and one of Perdita and what she discovers of Catherine's life.
I found the historical story much more interesting probably because I have an interest in history, and I couldn't take to the character of Perdita.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

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Madame Koska and Le Spectre de la Rose by Ilil Arbel
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In the 1920s during a ballet performance one of the dancers is killed. While the police are left clueless Madame Koska investigates. Madame Koska although English pretends to be Russian and so in her speech, she replaces the 'w' we a 'v', quite an annoying writing style.
For me I found the style of writing slightly stilted, and the story very slow, with too much description and not enough mystery.
But overall a decent cozy mystery.
Received ARC

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Death Of A Doll by Hilda Lawrence
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hope House is a boarding home for women and Ruth Miller is happy to finally have a room there. So why is she found dead a few days after arriving. But everyone is convinced she committed suicide or it was an accident. But the atmosphere insode the home seems to have changed. Who will come to the dead girls' aid.
First published in 1947, the style of writing did make it a chore to get into the story. I also found the two elderly amateur detectives somewhat annoying. Overall I liked the mystery but did not love it.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder in Midtown by Liz Freeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1913 and Louise Faulk has just sat the civil examination to become a Police Constable. Only to discover that her place of employment, publishers Van Hooten and McChesney, has gone up in flames. While friend Detective Frank Muldroon officially investigates the fire and the killer of the body discovered inside, Louise is employed to do her own investigation.
Easily read as a standalone story this was an enjoyable well-written cosy mystery with a varied cast of mainly likeable characters, obviously there are always villains.
A NetGalley Book

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The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Poirot places a bet with Inspector Japp that he can solve the case of the missing wealthy Mr. Davenheim, who left his home to mail a letter, then failed to return. All Poirot will do in listen to all the clues and solve the puzzle within the week without doing any investigation.
An enjoyable short mystery

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At Dark of the Moon: A historical romantic adventure story by Alice Chetwynd Ley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1804, and Emma Harcourt is unfairly dismissed from her post as a governess only to be rescued and offered a bed for the night by actress Antonia Maleverer. Antonia offers her hope via an acting job, where she soon meets Rupert Wynford. The position is to act as his wife for three months and to be very adequately rewarded. But can Emma trust him, who can she really trust in this game of espionage.
An enjoyable mystery and romance story.
A NetGalley Book

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A Gentleman's Curse by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hudson Lockhart has returned to England to seek his revenge with the help of his friends. For this task he need a wife, a pretend wife, to help him. Claudia Darling needs the money on offer from Lockhart to pay her dead father's debts or marry a man she despises. But who really are the people he needs to take vengence on
An entertaining and well-written romance mystery with some very likeable characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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THE CASTLE MYSTERY by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jenny Starling has just started a new permanent position working in a castle for food lovers Lord and Lady Avonsleigh. But it only takes a few days before a body is discovered. Can Jenny aid the police in finding the real motive among so many she uncovers and then the killer.
An enjoyable and entertaining well-written cozy mystery. Another good edition to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the pubisher.

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A Pattern of Lies by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Autumn 1918 and Bess Crawford is on leave for a few days. While waiting for a train she meets ex-patient Major Ashton who invites her to stay at the family home in Cranbourne. Onlyto become embroiled in their troubles. Lies are circulating the area which if true or believed will result in the death of one of the family.
An enjoyable well-written mystery

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A Spring Society: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variation continues with Book 6. A Pemberley heir is on the way, the Fitzwilliam fortunes are still low and there is to be a ball at Pemberley, among all the family quarrels.
But most importantly what of Brigadier General Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet and their wedding plans as he is about to be deployed.
Another enjoyable book in the series, not a standalone story

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Murder in Belgravia by Lynn Brittney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

London May 1915 and Chief Inspector Beech is convinced, and convinces the Chief Commissioner, that he needs the help of various females in his latest case. That is the case of Lady Harriet, who will only speak to a lady of a superior standing to explain the death of her husband. Beech collects his team and relocates to Mayfair, Mayfair 100 being their telephone number. Apart from Beech there is retired detective Arthur Tollman, P.C. Billy Rigsby, Dr Caroline Allardyce and Mrs Victoria Ellingham. Aided and abetted by various relations.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, with a good selection of likeable characters. A good start to a new series.
For me this is a re-read - possibly being re-published?
A NetGalley Book

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The Chestermarke Instinct by J.S. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1912 Scarnham and the manager of the Chestermarke Bank has gone missing. The owners of the bank find that securities and jewellery seem to have gone missing as well. The local police Superintendent Polke decides to bring in Scotland Yard as the case gets more complicated. So Detective Sergeant Starmidge of C.I.D. is sent to investigate.
An interesting mystery

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The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Captain Hastings invites Hercule Poirot to Brighton and the Grand Metropolitan Hotel for a weekend. While talking to a wealthy stockbroker and his wife, Mrs. Opalsen, she insists on showing Poirot a pearl necklace only for it to have been stolen. Poirot is asked by Mrs Opalsen to discover her necklace.
An enjoyable short story mystery

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The Adventure of Greystones Villa by Tony Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1896 and Ivy Jessop receives a letter from her sister. Worried about a close friend and incidents that have been happening at her home - Greystones Villa. Hester and Ivy go to investigate.
An enjoyable short story

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The White Alley by Carolyn Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Justin Arnold is hosting a house party at his property the White Birches, basically to celebrate his enhahement to Miss Dorothy Duncan. Unfortunately the host disappears from a house with the latest security systems turned on. A search in the house and grounds finds nothing. Eventually Stone is calledin to solve the case.
An enjoyable locked house mystery.

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Happier in her Friends than Relations: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jayne Bamber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation (plus characters from nearly all the other Jane Austen's books) Jane Bennet does what every sensible young lady should do when faced with an offer of marriage from the heir to the family estate. She says yes to Mr. Collins. Elizaeth lacking understanding, in a temper falls out with Jane, and in a huff goes and stays with the Gardiners. So she forgets her family for the 'better' option.
But Jane is not the agreeable Jane of canon as she threatened never to house Elizabeth at Longbourn, and her character does not improve with the story.
Various characters features on the journey of Darcy and Elizabeth to their happy ending. I only hope that Lady Catherine is told the truth in the next installment.
Overall an enjoyable very long well-written story with several different plots.

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Roller Coaster by Chris Simms
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Spicers' pre-police days what could possibly go wrong on a rugby party visit to Blackpool. Unfortunately for some quite a lot. Spicer after the weekend goes bad constantly visits Blackpool to search for the guilty party. Can he actually think he can do a better job then the loca lpolice.
Good enjoyable story

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Baba's Bites - A Short Story by Chris Simms
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What's to be done when a message is found in your favourite meal from Bab's Bites - a Rogan Josh that has recently improved in flavour.
An enjoyable short story.

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Death at Coombe Farm by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Claude Selwood, the owner of Coombe Farm is killed by his horse, Tremayne must decide if it was an accident or possibly murder. But this will not be the last dead body found. Will Tremayne be able to discover the secrets that belong to the Selwood family and the local village that may have caused these deaths.
An enjoyable read

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Six Men Died by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Budd decides to take a few days leave and visit friend and ex-reporter Alan Denman. Unfortunately for Budd it is not long before the first body is discovered killed by an unusual weapon.
An interesting story though with an irritating character in Inspector Noyes

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Murder in Park Lane by Karen Charlton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1812 and Detective Lavender is called out to the home of Mrs Sylia Palmer, as she has discovered one of her lodgers dead. Dead in a locked room. The lodger was a David MacAdam but who was he really and why was he killed. Lavender aided by Constable Woods must untangle the mystery.
Another well-written enjoyable mystery is this series, with its likeable characters. The book is easily read as a standalone novel but I would recommend reading the first four as they are such good reads.
A NetGalley Book

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Racing the Devil by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In June 1916, on the eve of the Battle of the Somme, seven officers agree to meet one year after the end of the war in Paris to drive to Nice. But only five survive the war to meet in the Autumn of 1919. In November 1920 a car owned by one of the Officers - Captain Standish, is involved in a fatal accident. Rutledge is sent to investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written interesting mystery

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Murder by Matchlight by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a dark night during wartime London a man is sitting on a bench in Regent's Park. When he notices another man approach the nearby bridge and climb below it. Minutes later another man approaches and stands on the bridge. But within a few minutes the second man is dead. It is up to Chief Inspector MacDonald to unravel the clues and find the murderer and the motive.
Originally written in 1945.
Quite a few interesting characters in this story, an easy well-written read and with a satisfying mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder in Manuscript by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jonathan Haines has planned his revenge but before he can finish he is murdered. But by who and why. Before the night is over Haines is not the only dead person discovered. Superintendent Budd is given the case to investigate.
An interesting little mystery. (Originally written in 1963)

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The Wolf and the Watchman by Niklas Natt och Dag
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1793 Stockholm, and Watchman Mickel Cardell is summoned to Larder Lake where children believe there is a body. The discover of the mutilated body compels Cecil Winge, a consulting detective to discover his history and thereby his name. Elsewhere various characters become involved in this search.
A dark story trawling through Stockholms' underclass resulting in an interesting mystery with engaging characters.
A NetGalley Book

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A Fine Summer's Day by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back to June 1914 and Rutledge is ready to propose to Jean. Meanwhile a wife of a man hanged for murder many years ago has died leaving their son alone. Then Rutledge is sent to investiagte a possibly suicide which leads to another body. But what is the connection.
An interestng and enjoyable well-written mystery with the backdrop of the bginning of World War I.

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Mayhem at the Minster by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&Psequel the adventures of Mary Bennet continue as she travels to York with her husband Major Ashton, as he helps with the preparation of the Prince Regent's visit. Kitty Bennet or Mrs Darnell already lives at York but she is not happy. For company Georgiana Darcy arrives a few days later. It is not long before suspicions are raised by various people they meet.
Another wonderfully well-written entertaining read. I am still waiting for the next in the series to appear.

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Wings Of Fire by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In post World War I Scotland Yard are asked to investigate when three people from the same family are suddenly dead. They appear to be two suicides and one accident. Inspector Rutledge is sent to Cornwall to look over the case.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery

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Mary, Mary, How Extraordinary by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel it is the continuing story of Mary Bennet and her life in London as she has a season with Georgiana, while still continuing her writing, hopefully without too much interference from Lady Catherine. And will the investigation into the spy affair finally be resolved, but what of Miss Bingley and her reputation. But will Anne de Bourgh have a happy ending.
Unfortunately the end of this trilogy of well-written delightful books.

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Voyage with a Viscount by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What could be possibly worse for Rowena Kerr than a failed elopement. How can James, Viscount Paendly escaped his bored rigid life. Help comes to both of them when they meet and start their carriage ride. But what of the consequences. How many mistakes can they make.
An enjoyable romance story. A standalone story in this series of books
I received an ARC and the opinions are my own.

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

1594 Christmas and Tom Musgrave is called back to the north by the death of his brother. But the journbey is not without incident but that is just the start. What and who is behind the unfolding story. Can Tom the Master of Logic solve the puzzles.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery

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Mary, Mary, Oh So Contrary by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With this P&P sequel with have in Book Two the continuing adventures of the new Miss Mary Bennet as she is summoned to Pemberley to help an ill Georgiana. Where they discover a shocking plot.
This is a delightful well-written story about my favourite Bennet, Mary. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this story

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Death by a Dead Man's Hand by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eighteen years after a gold bullion robbery went wrong a murderer is released. But within days he has been killed and he will not be the last. It's for DI Tremayne to unravel the connections.
An enjoyable mystery

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Mary, Mary, Not So Ordinary by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a re-read of this wonderful sequel to Pride and Prejudice. Whereby Mary Bennet decides to cast aside the persona she had created to prevent her mother from marrying her off to the first gentleman that took an interest in her.
When Elizabeth Darcy hears of this transformation she invites Mary to Pemberley, where her friendship with Georgiana, and her adventures begin.
Lovely story to start this series about mary Bennet, well-written and so it easy to read it is a shame to finish the book.

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The Cradle Queen by Steven Veerapen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1543 and Cardinal Beaton is still imprisoned, but he sends Simon Danforth and Arnaud Martin to Linlithgow Palace to join the household of Mary of Guise and her daughter Mary Queen of Scots. Just before they leave they are informed of the death of another of Beaton's men at Linlithgow. But that is only the start.
Another good mystery in this series

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Prussian Counterpoint by Nupur Tustin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1768 Haydn and his brother Johann accompany her Majesty Empress Maria Theresa and his Serene Highness Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy to Potsdam. This is at the request of the King of Prussia. But it is not long before they literaally stumble across a dead body. But how is this all related to the political climate of Europe and who is the person engineering the events.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written mystery. Althogh the third in the series the book can certainly be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Man in the Snow by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A few days before Christmas 1595 Joshua Peace, Searcher of the Dead is given a body. He turns to John Shakespeare to help identify and locate the murderer. Shakespeare's investigation leads to the Earl of Oxford, one time favourite of the Queen.
An enjoyable short mystery story

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The Heretics by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1595 and John Shakespeare receives information that there is a threat to the realm. He is sent out to investigate. But is the invasion on the Cornish coast the threat and who is killing Sir Robert Cecil's men. How much more danger is Shakespeare and his family in and why.
Another very enjoyable read in this series

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Cyanide with Christie by Katherine Bolger Hyde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finally the renovations have been completed on the Victorian mansion that is Windy Corner. Now literature professor Emily Cavanaugh can organise her first writers' retreat over the Christmas and New Year period.
But death is never far away, but who will be the victim and who the guilty party among all the suspects.
An enjoyable enough cozy mystery though I could not take to the main character. Also some of the guests' characters seemed to be a bit over the top, and therefore obvious.
A NetGalley Book

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Death and the Lucky Man by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alan Winters was a lucky man, he had won 68 million pounds on the lottery. But not so lucky now as he is found murdered on the altar slab at Stonehenge. It's for DI Tremayne to find the killers among the many suspects.
An enjoyable mystery

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For Richer, For Poorer: Love & Adventure in Regency England by Valerie Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1815 Captain Jerome Fender, barrister and ex-soldier, has returned from fighting on the Continent to England, determined not to settle for the society marriage his mother wishes to arrange.
In a Yorkshire market town, Gorebeck, his path crosses that of desperate, recently orphaned Miss Parthena Munro.
The next day he discovers that she has stolen some of his money. Determined to find her and discover her story he sets off in pursuit.
Can justice be serviced and true love succeed in these times.
An enjoyable well-written tale, with some interesting characters, that doesn't take overly long to get to the conclusion. Though I probably would have liked another chapter or two.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Secrets in the Snow by Michaela MacColl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane Austen's visit to her brother home at Godmersham Park is cut short because of worries over her cousin Eliza and the belief by the Government that she is a French spy. With Eliza and Jane at home at Steventon, life gets complicated for Jane with the arrival of Tom Lefroy.
A delightful well-written cozy mystery

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A Deadly Turn by Claire Booth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While on night patrol Branson county sheriff Hank Worth stops a speeding car to find six teenagers inside. He decides to let them off with a warning. Less than thirty minutes later he responses to a call, a car has crashed. But the case gets complicated when another body is found in an apartment, and a seriously hurt girl is discovered. Are these incidents connected.
This is my first Hank Worth book and it can easily be read as a standalone story.
It took me a while to get into the story but it is well-written with a good plot line. The main characters are likeable with some depth. Look forward to reading more from the series.
A NetGalley Book

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Scent Of Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emily Tolly, illegitimate sister of the Duke of Raven feels herself inferior to her family and that of the Sinclairs. She is determined to be independent. But what are her feelings for Cambridge Sinclair, can they ever stop arguing and disliking each other.
Another enjoyable story in this series

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They Found Him Dead by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Having celebrated his sixtieth birthday with a party, Silas Kane is found missing the next morning. Nearly everyone occurs that his death was an acident, until another body is discovered, murdered.
Superintendent Hannasyde investigates all the red herrings in the story.
The style of writing is certainly indicative of it being written 1937.
An enjoyable mystery but not with a lot of depth as far as the characters were concerned, and admittedly a couple of annoying ones.
A NetGalley

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Fire and Blood by Glenn Trust
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

George Mackey is now out of prison but lost. Then someone needs his help, again. The Stinsons are out for revenge and in their sights are their niece Lyn and her friend Clay Purcell.
The book can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the previous four.
Another good gripping thriller in this series.

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Pride and Prometheus by John Kessel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel thirteen years has passed and Mary and Catherine Bennet are still living at Longbourn. But Kitty has not given up hope of marriage and to that end they attend a ball in town where Mary meets Victor Frankenstein. As their story enfolds we have the tale from the point of view of Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature.
A very enjoyable and satisfying well-written story even if the ending was not what I hoped for.



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

Luther Kite, serial killer, pits his wits against a heavily pregnant ex-Lt. Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels. Lots of violence in this story, read to see who survives.
An interesting thriller

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Traitor by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1594 and Shakespeare is instructed by Sir Robert Cecil to bring Dr John Dee back from Lancashire and to protect him. Because he is one of the makers of Elizabeth's navy secret weapon - an optical instrument. That knowledge and the instrument must not fall into enemy hands. But nothing in Tudor England is ever straightforward or simple.
A very enjoyable well-written thriller

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Whiff of Murder by Nupur Tustin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Herr Altdorfer, baker, seeks out the help of Haydn when his wife goes missing.
An enjoiyable short mystery

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