Pages

Tuesday 30 April 2019

Murder, She Uncovered (Murder, She Reported #2)Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1938 and a hurricane has hit Long Island, in the aftermath a body of a maid, killed, is discovered. Ralph Kaminsky, reporter, and Elizabeth Adams, photographer, are sent to cover the story. Both follow the story and investigate to find the guilty party.
An enjoyable cozy mystery though I did find the character of Kaminsky much more interesting then that Elizabeth, maybe she might improve once she removes herself from his family.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
Ambush on the Creeks: A Klondike Era Short Story (The Klondike Era Mysteries)Ambush on the Creeks: A Klondike Era Short Story by Sharon Rowse
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

December 1898 and a miner is injured in a claim close to that of John Granville and his partner Scott. They both decide to investigate.
Another enjoyable short story and prequel to the series.

View all my reviews
Payback on the Creeks: A Klondike Era Short StoryPayback on the Creeks: A Klondike Era Short Story by Sharon Rowse
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

November 1898 and John Granville finds himself staked to the snow. How will he escape and get his revenge.
An enjoyable short story - prequel to the series.

View all my reviews

Monday 29 April 2019

Their Final Moments (Mike Croft #3)Their Final Moments by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It seems that there is a serial killer working in the area but there is no discernible pattern to his method of killing or type of person killed. Unfortunately there is also a serial rapist in the area or even two. D.I. Mike Croft is part of the investigative team called in to the cases.
A revised edition of two previously published books - Fade to Grey and the conclusion to the story, Final Round.
A very enjoyable well-written crime story, and with quite a few characters to keep track of.
Received an ARC from the publisher.


View all my reviews
The White CrowThe White Crow by Cynthia Peale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caroline Ames persuades their lodger Dr Mackenzie to attend a séance with her at the home of Mrs Sidgwick. But at the end one of the people round the table is found dead. Her brother, Addington Ames, a non-believer, is shaken when automatic writing reveals 'Ames next'.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery

View all my reviews
Night of the Hunted (Reed Ferguson #11)Night of the Hunted by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reed Ferguson, private investigator, is employed to help a female escape from her abusive husband. With a plan in place, all goes wrong when she fails to appear. Now he must find her. Which can only lead to danger.
An enjoyable well-written mystery


View all my reviews

Sunday 28 April 2019

The Sun Also Shines for meThe Sun Also Shines for me by Noe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this P&P sequel where Mary Bennet, the overlooked daughter decides that marriage is not for her, yet, but does not know what she really wants to do with her life. But with the help of Georgiana Darcy, and friends of Darcy, she sets out to London to find her future.
A very enjoyable, easily read and well-written story, of my favourite Bennet sister.

View all my reviews
A Forever Kind of Love: A Pride & Prejudice NovellaA Forever Kind of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Christie Capps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the Darcy's eldest son, Alexander, believes he has found his future wife. So the Darcys host a house party with a few select ladies and their families. While reminiscing about his marriage and family, Darcy hopes to help his son not make his mistakes.
An enjoyable well-written story

View all my reviews
The Missing Maps (Deadly Prequel Short Story)The Missing Maps by Kate Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1936 Summer, and Olivia Denis is meeting her husband Reggis for lunch in the park. He appears but not in a good mood as maps have disappeared from the Foreign Office.
An enjoyable short story

View all my reviews

Saturday 27 April 2019

True Love Never Fails...True Love Never Fails... by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, what if the Bennets are not what their friends and neighbours believe. What if it is an act to ensure that all the daughters marry amiable men, men that love them despite their family.
It begins withNetherfield Hall being occupied by Charles Bingley. Soon to be joined by the rest of his family and Mr Darcy
I enjoyed this story, very much, and I did know that their was a cliffhanger at the end. But this cliff-hanger??
I shall probably re-read this just before the next part comes out

View all my reviews
Death Report - The Sergeant Brad Braun Series, Book 1Death Report - The Sergeant Brad Braun Series, Book 1 by Erik Racker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Monday morning has arrived and for Sergeant Baun of the Major Crimes unit a new case. A dismemebered body in garbage bags has been discovered. But the killer promises that it will not be the last.
Athough we find out early on who the killer is the story still makes for an interesting read. A good solid start to this police procedural series

View all my reviews
MURDER AT BERTRAM'S BOWERMURDER AT BERTRAM'S BOWER by Cynthia Peale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1892 Boston and two females have been murdered. Both were residents of Betram's Bower a safe haven for fallen women. The home is run by Agatha Montgomery, and her brother Rev Randolph Montgomery involves himself with the fundraising. Friends to Agatha, brother and sister Addington and Caroline Ames carry out their own investigation.
An enjoyable read with its likeable characters

View all my reviews

Friday 26 April 2019

Curse of the Gypsy (Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, #3)Curse of the Gypsy by Victoria Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Anne has arrived back home to Kent, to Harecross Hall and her father. But while visiting the nearby gypsy camp she belives she has seen Lord Darkefell. Annoyed that he has appeared without contacting her she writes letters to Yorkshire demanding to know what is happening. But what of the other stranger in the area and the mysterious illness affecting the locals. Matters between the locals and the gypsies constantly get worse.
With everying that is happening can Darkefell and Anne ever reach an undertanding.
An enjoyable well-written story with its mixture of adventure, mystery and romance.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
Darcy's Secret Marriage: A Pride & Prejudice Novel VariationDarcy's Secret Marriage: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, four years previously Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet were separated by the deeds of Lady Anne Darcy. But now they have finally met again, and refusing to be parted secretly marry hoping to persuade Lady Anne to accept Elizabeth.
A different villain then usual and so an enjoyable story

View all my reviews
The Mistake of the Machine: A Father Brown MysteryThe Mistake of the Machine: A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Father Brown and Flambeau are discussing the investigative tool, the psychometric method. Father Brown relates a tale from twenty years previously proving how useless it is.
An interesting story

View all my reviews

Thursday 25 April 2019

Revenge of the Barbary Ghost (Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, #2)Revenge of the Barbary Ghost by Victoria Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two weeks have passed since Lady Anne Addison left Yorkshire. She is now staying in Cornwall, at the village of St. Wyllow with her old friends, brother and sister Pamela and Marcus St. James. But all is not well and as she spends a night on the cliff she sees The Barbary Ghost and what looks like smugglers down on the beach. So Lady Anne decides to investigate. Meanwhile Lord Darkefell has come looking for her.
Although this can be read as a standalone details from the first book are mentioned, and you can also read how these characters are developing.
Again, another delightful well-written Georgian mystery, with a touch of romance. I have enjoyed reading about these characters and not just the two main ones.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
You Can't Make Old Friends (Joe Grabarz, #1)You Can't Make Old Friends by Tom Trott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Joe Grabarz p.i. recognises the body that has washed up on Brighton beach as his old friend who he has not seen in ten years. He investigates to find out why and and how is friend got involved in drugs.
An interesting story.

View all my reviews
William Price and the ThrushWilliam Price and the Thrush by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a Mansfield Park sequel concerning the exploits of Fanny Price's brother William. The book contains two action stories - In the first Lt Price and the ship the Thrush are sent across the Atlantic to capture a ship, and the second - William Price and the Irish Problem, where the Thrush is sent out on patrol in the Irish Sea where they spot an American schooner.
Two enjoyable stories.



View all my reviews

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (Lady Anne Addison Mysteries Book 1)Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark by Victoria Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After receiving a letter from her friend Lydia, Lady Anne Addison rushes to Yorkshire and Darkefell Castle to be with her. But she arrives only to discover a body, and tales of werewolves. Being of an intelligent and curious nature she decides to investigate. But is she being helped or hindered by Lord Darkefell.
Set within the Georgian period, this is more of a mystery than a romance (thankfully), well-written and a story I really enjoyed with its very likeable characters. A very good solid start to a new series.
A NetGalley Book


View all my reviews
A Father Brown Mystery: The Man in the PassageA Father Brown Mystery: The Man in the Passage by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sir Wilson Seymour and Captain Cutler are visiting the actress Miss Aurora Rome when she is killed. It is left to Father Brown to uncover the murderer.
An enjoyable short story

View all my reviews
The Royal Assassin (Victorian Bookshop Mystery #3)The Royal Assassin by Kate Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been arranged that the Russian Princess Kira is to marry the son of the Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Sussex. But the Archivist Society are brought in when Kira's bodyguard is murdered. As she is staying at the home of the Duchess of Hereford, Georgia is recruited to work undercover as an English secretary.
An enjoyable mystery but still with unwanted Americanisms.

View all my reviews

Tuesday 23 April 2019

Beached with a Baronet: A Steamy Regency Romance (Ravishing Regencies Book 6)Beached with a Baronet: A Steamy Regency Romance by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Miss Chloe Vaughn is visiting the unoccupied Wandorne Estate when she decides to talk a walk on her own. Only to become stranded and left behind in a rain storm. Finding the estate house, she takes refuge there only to discover the owner Sir Moses Wandorne is in residence. Can these two people change each others lives.
An enjoyable romance novella
I received an Advance Reader's Copy from the author

View all my reviews
Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, #1)Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the 1880s forceful Amelia Peabody has at 32 inherited a fortune, and has decided to indulge her desire to travel and her passion in Egyptology. On her way to Cairo she meets Evelyn Barton-Forbes and they join together to travel down the Nile. Her adventure really starts when they meet the Emerson brothers.
A very enjoyable well-written read

View all my reviews
The Independence of Miss Mary BennetThe Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a re-read of a P&P sequel. Nearly twenty years have passed since the marriages of the Bennet sisters. But Darcy married to a lively and impertinent Elizabeth is too much for the too thin-skinned man, also being disppointed in his one and only son, combined with the connection to the too lowly, badly behaved Bennets has made the marriage an unhappy one.
Now only Mary remains unwed as she looks after Mrs. Bennet. But all is soon to change and so Mary's adventure begins and she also begins to develop.
I really enjoyed this story which is not just about Mary. But there are happy endings. And yes this is a variation, where characters can change and grow from canon.

View all my reviews

Monday 22 April 2019

Murder in the City of Liberty (Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery #2)Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several years have passed and the business of Regina Van Buren and Hamish DeLuca hask ept them busy. Now Errol Parker, black baseball player needs their help. The Boston police believe that they are just pranks, but he is unsure. Then a dead body is discovered. Is there any connection to the construction of new buidlings in their area, the closeness of the war, and what of Hamish's cousin, Luca Valari.
An enjoyable historical mystery,well-written with some very likeable characters. Although it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading Book One as it gives some background to the story.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat (Reed Ferguson Mystery #3.5)Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elvis impersonator, Perry Rawlings, has had his expensive baseball card stolen from his dressing room at the Tip Top Lounge. He employs Reed to recover it.
An enjoyable short mystery

View all my reviews
Darcy in WonderlandDarcy in Wonderland by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the Darcys have been married many years and it is their youngest, Alice, who seems the most creative. As the rest of the family visit the Bingleys Alice and her father are left to their own devices, until Alice sees the White Rabbit again. As she follows him down the rabbit hole what else can Darcy do but follow his dear daughter.
The part of the story before their adventure is just as an enjoyble read in this well-written story

View all my reviews

Sunday 21 April 2019

The Maltese Felon (Reed Ferguson #3)The Maltese Felon by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gail Saunders is desperate. The police can't help and so she has turned to private investigator Reed Ferguson. Her prize-winning Maltese show dog has been stolen from her back yard and soon she receives a ransom note. How does a dognapping get complicated.
An enjoyable read

View all my reviews
Once Upon a Lie (Alistair Fitzjohn, #3)Once Upon a Lie by Jill Paterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When businessman Michael Rossi's body is discovered in Sydney Harbour Fitzjohn is brought in to lead the investigation. What may seem at first a straightforward case becomes complicated .
An enjoyable mystery

View all my reviews
The Duel of Dr. Hirsch: A Father Brown MysteryThe Duel of Dr. Hirsch: A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Paul Hirsch is accused of treason by Colonel Jules Dubosc, but can Father Brown prove his guilt or innocence.
An interesting short mystery

View all my reviews

Saturday 20 April 2019

The Counterfeit Lady (Victorian Bookshop Mystery #2)The Counterfeit Lady by Kate Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Victorian England Georgia Fenchurch, bookshop owner is also a private investigator for the secret Archivist Societ
When a cousin of Georgia’s friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is killed in her home during which the theft of important blueprints were stolen, then she is asked to investigate. Whitehall have enlisted the Duke of Blackford to help.
I enjoyed this cocy mystery though I am not sure I took to the main female character but I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only problem was the use of the Americanism sidewalk in the story.

View all my reviews
Secrets and Lies (A Dewey Webb Mystery Book 3)Secrets and Lies by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Dewey Webb was 16 his father walked out on his family, now it's 1949 and he has come back asking for Dewey's help. Gus Webb needs to track down a friend who owns him money - Len Lipski. Unfortunately for Dewey his life just got complicated and more dangerous.
An enjoyable well-written mystery

View all my reviews
An Unexpected GovernessAn Unexpected Governess by Lelia M. Silver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this P&P sequel where Mary Bennet, twenty-two years old, is the last of the sisters still at home. A neighbour, Thomas Bowens, has acquired the care of his nephew and nieces after his sister dies. With the result that he hires Mary as their governess.
A delightful, well-written story, with a likeable Mary.

View all my reviews

Friday 19 April 2019

Murder at Morrington Hall (A Stella and Lyndy Mystery #1)Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

May 1905 and Stella Kendrick, heiress, has arrived with her father from Kentucky at Morrington Hall. There to attend a wedding which unknown to her she is to be the bride. The groom being the penniless Edwin Searlwyn, Viscount Lynhurst, known as Lyndy.
But that same day the vicar is killed in the library at the Hall.
There didn't seem to be much of a mystery or much to investigate. I didn't really care much for the characters and the style of writing seemed at times somewhat strange with the usage of Daddy, Papa, etc when the story was not from someone's point of view. Overall it was enjoyable enough.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
Murder In Fashion (The Dewey Webb Historical Mystery Series Book 2)Murder In Fashion by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dewey Webb is hired by the Washburns. Herb Washburn has been tried and convicted of killing his boss, Mel Templeton, the owner of Templeton Fashion but says that he is innocent. But with his finger prints found on the gun is he really innocent and what is he hiding.
An enjoyable well-written mystery with a likeable main character.

View all my reviews
The Graveyard Mystery (Blake Hartley Detective Novels Book 4)The Graveyard Mystery by John Waddington-Feather
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A bosy is discovered in the graveyeard of the church of the Revd Inspector Blake Hartley. This is determined to be of a professional hitman. In their investigation many criminal elements are unearthed in Keighworth.
The story really didn't hold my interest.

View all my reviews

Thursday 18 April 2019

The Body On the RoofThe Body On the Roof by Kevin Creager
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

One morning, in the village of Summerfield the body of well-loved Grace Mathison is found on her roof. An accident or murder. It is for Chief of Police Jeff Pierson and his team to investigate. But what possibly motive can there be.
For me I didn't really take to the writing style and it was just an okay mystery.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
Web of Deceit (Dewey Webb Private Investigator #1)Web of Deceit by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949 and Dewey Webb now works as a private investigator. He is approached by Gordon Sandalwood because his wife Edith is acting suspiciously and needs to why. The case turns out not to be as straightforward as Dewey first believes.
An enjoyable mystery, well-written, and a good start to the series.


View all my reviews
Deadly Scandal (Deadly, #1)Deadly Scandal by Kate Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1937 London and Olivia Denis life is changed when her husband Reginald is found dead. But Olivia is the only person who thinks he was killed and was not a suicide. What secrets will she uncover as she tries to discover the who and why.
An enjoyable mystery with some varied and likeable characters. A good solid start to the new series

View all my reviews

Wednesday 17 April 2019

The Burning Issue of the Day (Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #5)The Burning Issue of the Day by T E Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1910 and a shop in Thomas Street has been set ablaze late one evening. Leaflets and a note point to suffragette Lizzy Worrwel, as guility and whois consequently arrested. Unfortunately the next day a body was discovered inside. This turned out to be Christian Brookfield, a journalist. Therefore the police are treating it as a closed case but Lady Emily Hardcastle is asked to investigate, with the help of her maid Florence Armstrong. Both who have in past lives had many adventures as government spies.
An entertaining well-paced historical cozy mystery, number five in this well-written series.
A NetGalley Book


View all my reviews
These Honored DeadThese Honored Dead by Jonathan F. Putnam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Joshua Speed, son of a judge and second son of a wealthy plantation owner, now lives in Springfield managing a store. A new lawyer named Abraham Lincoln acrosses his path and and end up sharing a room.
An orphaned girl now living with her aunt is found dead. A previous close friend to Speed, the aunt comes under suspicion and he is determined to clear her name. But there are more deaths to come.
An enjoyable and entertaining well-written mystery.


View all my reviews
Pursued (Leaving Bennet Behind, #3)Pursued by Sarah Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this third part of the story the book concentrates on the story of Mary Bennet. Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, who we met in volume 1 has fallen for Mary, But she is scared, scared of her feeling, and concerned about the scandalous stories that have been hinted about the Viscount. Can there be a happy ending. And what about the schemes of Lady Catherine, will they finally be discovered. Having a soft spot for Mary Bennet I knew I would enjoy this continuation of the series, as I have. And of course who could not like the characters of the two Fitzwilliam brothers.
Another well-written book in this series.

View all my reviews

Tuesday 16 April 2019

Death and the Harlot: A Lizzie Hardwicke NovelDeath and the Harlot: A Lizzie Hardwicke Novel by Georgina Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1759 and in Soho, London Lizzie Hardwicke at the age of 19 has been forced to work as a prostitute in the house of Mrs Sarah Farley. Until one evenng a former client is found dead and Lizzie becomes a suspect. To stop the suspicion, she hopes, she suggests she can help, as her resources would be wider and more likely to talk to her than to the Bow Street Runners.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery, and liked the characters on the whole. I hope that future books will have more of the participation of the Runners in the story. A very good solid start to what I hope is a new series.
A NetGalley Books.

View all my reviews
A Father Brown Mystery: The Paradise of ThievesA Father Brown Mystery: The Paradise of Thieves by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can Father Brown solve the mystery of Muscari the poet, Ezza the courier, Montano the King of Thieves and Harrogate, the banker, and his family.
An enjoyable short mystery

View all my reviews
Sleeping Dogs (DCI David Fyfe Book 1)Sleeping Dogs by William Paul
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.C.I. David Fyfe is asked as a personal favour by Chief Constable Sir Duncan Morrison to investigate fraud at a Catholic Church. The main suspect seems to be a Father Quinn. He has been informed on by Father Byrne. But criminal Gus Barrie is somehow linked. And what of newly released prisoner John Adamson.
An enjoyable story, a good well-written solid start and introduction to Fyfe

View all my reviews

Monday 15 April 2019

Death by Dark WatersDeath by Dark Waters by Jo Allen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A burnt body, that of a child, is discovered near the shore of Haweswater on a Sunday, near the village of Burnbanks.
D.C.I. Satterwaite is joined by his team and new arrival D.S. Ashleigh O'Halloran to investigate.
It seems Satterwaite and his team all have their personal problems to deal with during the case, and I didn't take to O'Halloram's character. Unfortunately I did find the plot predictable and not all that exciting, so a like and not a love rating.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews
Where's Emily (Fleming Stone Book 23)Where's Emily by Carolyn Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just before her wedding to Rodney Sayre, Emily Duane, heiress, disappears. Having failed to arrive at the hospital she was on the way to visit. At the same time, her friend Pauline Pennington is also found to be missing.
An enjoyable mystery.

View all my reviews
Whose Body?  (Lord Peter Wimsey, #1)Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lord Peter Wimsey begins his investigation when he is called in to a suburban home where a naked body of a man has been discovered in a bath. At the same time a financier has gone missing but is not the dead man.
An interesting mystery, my first Wimsey read but I am unsure that I like the writing style

View all my reviews

Sunday 14 April 2019

Cherished (Leaving Bennet Behind) (Volume 2)Cherished (Leaving Bennet Behind) by Sarah Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Following on from Chosen, Book 2 of Leaving Bennet behind begins just after the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy. Continuing with the courtship of Jane and Bingley, while Charlotte Lucas wonders about her fate, and can Mary Bennet ever trust Viscount Primrose. Can Colonel Fitzwilliam finally end his investigation into the death of two of his soldiers and marry the lady he loves. But what are the intentions of Lady Catherine, Collins and Wickham.
A very enjoyable re-read of this well-written book.

View all my reviews
Apprehension and Desire: A Tale of Pride and PrejudiceApprehension and Desire: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Ola Wegner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

On the way to Hunsford, Elizabeth and Maria Lucas come across an old friend who is working as a governess as her father had recently died. Unfortunately they see her treated badly, and so when Darcy proposes to Elizabeth she reluctantly accepts. Darcy seems more in lust than in love and acts as so, though he does gradually change a little from his normal arrogant prideful self.
Only two stars as I skipped through the sex scenes and rushed the last half.

View all my reviews