For The Sake Of Her Happiness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Marley Fulton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation we begin with Elizabeth Bennet's visit to Charlotte Collins. The first half of this story is a re-working of the original with the added item that Elizabeth finds and reads Darcy's journal.
I felt that the first half of this novella could easily have been condensed and the second half expanded.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Greyfriars School Mystery by Val Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1912 and Dr. Watson has been called back to his old school Greyfriars by Dr. Locke the headmaster. It would seem that someone has stolen a manscript being written by Mr Quelch of the history of the school. Watson asks for Holmes help in the investigation.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Zero Commandment by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In New York City three men have been murdered, all Jews. Charlie Singer is called in to investigate when he saves a woman, Hannah Levinsky, from being beaten in a park.
An interesting mystery


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Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' by Sarah Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice variation whereby Elizabeth and Mary as the only two survivors of the Bennet family are taken in by their Gardiner relations. In an earlier tragedy Mary has been left deaf.
On a holiday with the Gardiners at Ramsgate they met Miss Darcy, but Wickham is also there. Can she be saved and how will the meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth fare.
This is more the story of Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam, which is why it is a favourite of mine.

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The Strange Crime Of John Boulnois by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reporter Calhoun Kidd of the Western Sun is off to interview John Boulnois, a philisopher, at his home, Grey Cottage at the edge of Pendragon Park. But he comes across a murder, but who is the guilty party. Father Brown investigates.
Anpther enjoyable short mystery

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Princes Gate by Mark Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1940 London and D.C.I. Frank Merlin and his team have several cases to investigate. Detective Johnson is charge of an hit and run of a scientist, while Merlin and D.S. Sam Bridges are making inquiries concerning the body of a female employee of the American Embassy which has been discovered in the River Thames.
I enjoyed this mystery set in wartime London and liked the main characters. A good solid start to this series.

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As Death Draws Near by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1831 and during their honeymoon the Gages are sent by Lord Gage and the Duke of Wellington to Rathfarnham, near Dublin to investigate the death of a postulant Nun. Though they have been given very little information to carry out their investigation.
An enjoyable mystery though I did get bored and irritated with the use of the vernacular once again

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Grave Expectations by Heather Redmond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1835 and Charles Dickens has moved to Selwood Terrace to be near fiancé Kate Hogarth for the summer months. One morning an old article is pushed under his door detailing the murder of a female mudlark by her friends some 50 years previously. Meanwhile having not seen his upstairs neighbour, Miss Haverstock, an elderly spinster for some days he decides to call on her. Unfortunately he finds her dead, and soon the local blacksmith, Daniel Jones, is arrested. Dickens is determined he is innocent and investigates with the help of his friends.
A very enjoyable book in this well-written series with its interesting and likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Thou Shalt Not Kill Twice by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1940 and mystery writer Antonia Boswell is witness to a murder. A murder by Katie Walker who is soon arrested and charged. Charlie Singer is convinced she is innocent and tries with the help of his friends to prove this. But with many suspects and motives can they solve the case in time.
An enjoyable mystery story

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The Lucases of Lucas Lodge by Clara Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Maria Lucas has nearly reached the age of 25, and is best friends with Mary King, but both are still unmarried. It has been a over a year since the Bingleys vacated Netherfield Park, and the young ladies have despaired of any enjoyment. But news has reached them that it has been let by the Fairhead family. Will this bring happiness to any of the ladies of Meryton.
An enjoyable well-written romance story

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Murder at Crossways by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1898 and Emma Cross is picnicing on the beach in Newport when a group of people discover a body of a man, presumably drowned. Emma is distressed to realise that the man resembles her half-brother Brady's father, presumed dead in a yachting incident many years ago.
Cicumstances a few days later mean that Emma although Editor-in-Chiefof the local newspaper, must attend a function of Mamie Fish, at their grand "cottage," Crossways. With the added bonus that Prince Otto of Austria will attend. But in the gardens his body is discovered.
Is there a connection between the two deaths, will there be more murders.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery, which also has a couple of sub-plots added to the mix. Joined to this are the likeable characters and description of the era, which makes a satisfying addition to this series.
A NetGalley Book

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Bella's Band by Alina K. Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the Earl of Harkwell was murdered his half-brother Major Steven Beauverde inherited the title. A title he never wanted. His solution is to find his brothers' mistress and son and find evidence that they were married.
Meanwhile Annabelle Harris, heiress, spends her time rescuing orphans and helping the poor. But she is desperate to find her disgraced sister, Veronica, the once mistress to the Earl of Hackwell.
Between them can they find the real murderer.
An enjoyable romance mystery with enough mystery to keep me interested.

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A Study in Death by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Edinburgh 1831 and Lady Kiera Darby has been commissioned to paint the portrait of Lady Drummond. A seemingly unhappy wife, but events take a fatal turn when she is found dying. Lady Darby is convinced that it is murder and by Lady Drummonds' husband.
I did get a bit fed up wth the use of the vernacular, and Lady Darby's interfence in her sisters' marriage.
But overall an enjoyable well-written mystery.

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The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy by David E. Fessenden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1926 and the son of Dr John Watson, Thomas Watson, is working as a newspaper reporter in Philadelphia. He is soon involved in a story that involves an explosion at a speakeasy, killing four men. He is soon joined by Mycroft Holmes and Basil Meridan, a butler, who help him in the investigation.
An enjoyable quick read of a mystery story

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Snap Shot: An atmospheric historical thriller by Marilyn Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895, London and Julia McAllister has found that the only way to carry on in the photography business left to her is by taking risqué photographs. One day Inspector Collingwood calls on her to inform her that some of her models have been killed, and it looks like she is being framed for their murders. So she decides that her only possible action is to find out who the murderer is.
An enjoyable Victorian murder mystery, with a touch of romance. The main characters were in the main likeable, and not working out who the killer was is a bonus. So overall a good solid start to what I presume is a new series which I look forward to reading.
A NetGalley Book

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Inspector Proby in Church by John Gano
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Inspector Jim Proby needs to first defuse a hostage situation. But what then is the connection between that and the a possible jumper, and the first murder. Then another body is discovered. Proby and team investigate while Proby needs to deal with his own personal issues.
An interesting mystery


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The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phyllida Satterthwaite, twenty-three, has lead a quite life with her grandfather Sir Charles of Satterhwaite Court in Devonshire, but after her time of mourning his death is over in 1814 she is taken to London by the only relations she has left. Edgar Townsend has agreed to give her season as she stays with him and her cousins Elizabeth and Abigail.
But unknown to her the cruel and sinister Duke of Moreland, a collector of items, wants her for himself. Who can she turn to in her need.
A delightful well-written romance. The main characters are quite lovely, especially the way they are able to interact with each other considering the period, and the story kept my interest right to the end.
Once again Ms Matthews has written an enjoyable story.
A NetGalley Book

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Lane: A Case For Willows And Lane by Peter Grainger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emily Willows is bored. Something that widowed Emily might regret saying later that day when her home is invaded by two men. Is there any connection to the fact that her son is a Detective Sergeant. Will there be an help from her closest neighbour Miss Lane.
An enjoyable thriller

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Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Prince and Other Stories by Edmund Hastie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The contains four stories none of which were of a complex nature or that well-written. I also didn't especially like the portrayal of Holmes and in particular Dr Watson.
Two stars for finishing the book

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Perception by Terri Fleming
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

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Bad To The Bones by James Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When private investigator Evan Buckley's last case was more than he wished police detective Kate Guillory sugests he talks to Linda Clayton to see if he can help. Ten years previously her son and husband had disappeared for no reason.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery

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The Case of the Black Tulips by Paula Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890s Victorian London, when Katherine Demeray opens a letter addressed to her missing father it begins an investigation into the black tulips. With the aid of her cousin Albert Lamont, and new friend Miss Connie Swift. The ladies to hide their real identity re-name themselves Caster and Fleet.
An enjoyable mystery, a good solid start to the series. Look forward to the next book to see how the characters and their relationships develop.

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Three Weeks in Kent by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues in this P&P variation as the Colonel takes his party to visit Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Mr Collins is also at Hunsford. Can Elizabeth and Darcy avoid their unwanted marriages and who is the secret admirer of Anne de Bourgh.
Enjoying this series but it now moving more towards Darcy and Elizabeth tale
But still a delightful re-read as we move towards the conclusion of Mary and Colonel's story

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Longbourn's Lark: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, when Colonel Fitzwilliam gets lost on his way to Netherfield, he arrives at Longbourn, to ask directions. He is invited to tea by Mr. Bennet and Mary. Into the mix we have Mr. Collins. Is there a happy ending for any of the visitors to Hertfordshire.
I admit my favourite JAFF story is the Colonel and Mary together, and I really liked the Mary of this variation.
This novella is only the first of six books in the series.
This is a re-read and again it was a delightful read

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The Case of the Attic Door: A Mini Mystery Series by Christopher Greyson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finnian Church with his new career as an insurnace investigator is joined by Annie Summers as the videographer on their first case together. Where Ralph Evans has been found murdered but nothing stolen or with any suspects.
An enjoyable short story

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

Twenty years have passed since Jack Daniels was instrumental in puting away criminal T-Nail. Now he wants revenge. Meanwhile Jack has retired, had a baby and got married to Phineas Troutt.
A fast paced thriller

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The Colonel by Beau North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A P&P modern variation. It's 2002 and Ben Fitzwilliam walked out of his life in New York and went back to his family home in Annapolis, Maryland. But as he tries to deal with his past and the relating traum he discovers letters written by his father Richard Fitzwilliam, the Colonel. He then decides to write a book about his afther which expands to deal with other members of the Fitzwillaim clan and the Darcys.
As much as I am pleased that there is a book about the Colonel (my favourite male character of P&P) I was wary about the content.
In this modern tale he is suffering the affects of the emotional abuse from his father, and being in love with with Elizabeth Bennet, (a story line I don't care for because I always feel he deserves better irrespective of the tale) and the effects the wars have had him emotional, physically and mentally. He ‘copes’ by being a serial womaniser and drunk.
But will either of the male Fitzwilliams know peace?
This is a well-written and interesting story but did I enjoy all the book. Not sure that I did but I would still recommend it.
A NetGalley Book


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The Odd Fellow: A Mystery by Ian Honeysett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Abbe Rene Reynard looks back twenty years to the 1770's when he was a curate in Montmartre and got involved in one of his earlier cases. The Odd Fellow or the Descrues de Bury. The count who bought an estate but then the previous owner disappeared.
An enjoyable short story mystery

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The Salad of Colonel Cray: A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Father Brown is walking home from Mass when he hears a pistol shot and some strange echoes. He feels compelled to investigate and so enters the home of Colonel Cray.
An enjoyable short story

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Sherlock Holmes: A Duel with the Devil by Roger Jaynes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1888 and three seemingly unrelated cases, one by one, confront Holmes and Watson. Can Holmes link them and come to the solution before the final result is acted out. But by whom?
The story is covered by two short stories and a short novella.
An enjoyable well-written mystery

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A House Divided: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery by Jonathan F. Putnam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1839 and Mary Todd has arrived in Springfield to stay with her sister Elizabeth Edwards. Which causes trouble between Lincoln and Speed and they both via for her attentions. But Lincoln is distracted by a new case. Henry Trailor has accused his two brothers, William and Archibald, of murder.
An entertaining story, which is well-written. I like the writing style of this series and the characters are a delight to read about. Although this is the fourth in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story but I would recommend reading the first three as they are all enjoyable reads.
A NetGalley Book

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Silk by Chris Karlsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1888 and in London Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and D.S. Archie Holbrook would seem to have a serial killer to investigate when one, then a second female body is discovered in the gardens near the British Museum. But is there a connection to William Everhard, Viscount Carlton from Cornwall.
An entertaining well-written mystery with its likeable main characters

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Hill of Secrets by Michal Hartstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Police Inspector Hades Levinger is called out to a crime scene of a religious family who have been found in their apartment, in the quiet suburb of Givat Shmuel (Shmuel's Hill). The suspicion is murder of the children and wife and then the suicide of the husband. Levinger's investigation is to try and find out the motive which results in discovering the hidden secrets.
An interesting well-written story

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Catastrophe with a Count: A Steamy Regency Romance by Emily Murdoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Anthony, Count of Stratham almost drowned as he travalled from London to Port Royal, Jamaica to face the man he believes has bankrupted him- Mr Fairchild, financial director of the Olympic Shipping Company. There he meets Miss Nerissa Fairchild and misunderstanding ensue. Will they have a happy ending.
An enjoyable well-written romance novella.

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Mayhem Mansion by Melanie Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1918 and as Christmas approaches Kenneth Mayhew has gone to spend the season with his Aunt Agartha and family at their ancestral home. Only to be confronted with the news that she believes that the house has ghost. Can Mayhew and his butler Bentley trap the spirit.
An enjoyable little mystery


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Testament: Two worlds collide in a startling timeshift thriller by Alis Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The fictional story of the medieval college of Kineton and Dacre as told in two different time lines. The time of 1385 onwards when the building was first conceived and built. The story of the people involved and the troubles they faced. With the present time line when the college is established but facing financial problems but coupled with the discovery of old wall paintings. And what do these picture represent and what does that say about the history of the college.
I enjoyed the historical story, with its much more interesting events and people. But not so much the present time line story. Though it was a well-written tale.
A NetGalley Book

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The Curse of the House of Foskett by M.R.C. Kasasian
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When a member of the Final Death Society dies in the home of Grice, he and his ward, March Middleton investigate.
I didn't take at all to these very unlikeable characters, and I failed to find the 'humour' entertaining. This is my second read of a story by this author and I don't think the writing style is for me.

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

While the permanent cook and friend is away on holiday Jenny Starling has agreed to work at the Spindlewood Inn in Caulcott Deeping for owners Richard and Muriel Sparkey. Her first assignment is to prepare the food for a 'Regency Extravaganza' weekend. Jenny is hopeful that the weekend will go off without a death. Unfortunately she is proved wrong and D.I. Thomas Franklyn is called in to investigate. Though he is intelligent enough to realise that Jenny can be a help and not a hindrance
Another enjoyable well-written cozy mystery in this delightful series, which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher

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The Black Cat Murders: A Cotswolds Country House Murder by Karen Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1921 and a performance of an opera to a private audience, as part of a wedding week, at Bloxford Hall has resulted in a death. Dr Cyril Fletcher is suspicious but the local police have ruled it an accident. Although Major Heathcliff Lennox has been invited to the week he has been reluctant to go until he hears from the Doctor of his suspicions.
But will this be the last death and will Chief Inspector Swift of Scotland Yard once again suspect Lennox.
A very enjoyable well-written mystery with the loveable Lennox.

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Everybody Dies - A Thriller by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hugo Troutt is determined to get his eighth teardrop tattoo, which he achieves by killing his brother Phineas Troutt. To this end he kidnaps Pasha, Phin's girlfriend. He is also aiming to become the biggest USA serial killer. Can Phineas with the help of Jack Daniels and Harry McGlade stop him.
An entertaining thriller

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Jane and the Sins of Society by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Emma sequel, Jane Fairfax is now married to Caleb Armitage, a Bow Street Runner. He and Jane have been approached to help solve two problems. One being determining who a Mrs Fielding and her daughter Cora really are. Are they worthy of being introduced into society, and if not how have they managed it. And secondly, there seems to be an unnatural number of deaths of wealthy people not expected to die so soon. Why is this happening and is there a murderer hiding in plain sight.
Another very enjoyable well-written mystery in this series.

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Field of Death: An atmospheric international mystery by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Pardubice, near Holice outside of Prague a bomb has exploded killing four people including a police officer. But evidence from the scene does not agree. Meanwhile Josef Slonský is preparing for his promotion to Captain when he is informed that he must pass a medical, but he decides to investigate.
Another entertaining well-written book in this series with its wonderful characters

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Deadly Wedding by Kate Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1938 and Olivia Denis is asked my old friend Celia Eustace to help her with preparing for her wedding, a wedding that had already been postponed. So when the murdered body of Celia's grandfather is discovered she persuades Olivia not to call the police until after the wedding.
She is asked by Celia to investigate the murder, but will it be the last. Meanwhile Olivia is sent by Sir Henry, her employer, to Vienna on a secret assignment.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, which can easily be read as a standalone story.



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Charlotte: A Pride and Prejudice Tale by Linda Phelps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of the life of Charlotte Collins nee Lucas of Pride and Prejudice. With a preface that covers her life before the start of P&P.
I really enjoyed this well-written, easy writing style tale, and to read about Charlotte's thoughts concerning her life and aims.

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And The Widow Wore Scarlet by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1820 London the life of rake, Damian Wycliff, illegitimate son of the Marquis of Blackbeck, is saved by Scarlett. In return he gives her his oath that if ever she needs him if will help her. Three years later she is now the widow of Lord Steele and she seeks him out. Someone is trying to kill her and she needs him to discover who.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery and romance. For all their faults some likeable characters are portrayed in the story.
Received an ARC from the author.

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Dead On My Feet by J.A. Konrath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phineas Troutt has been recommended to Brpasha Kapoor, a doctor. Why because he is a fixer of problems and she is being harassed and wants him to stop it. But the situation becomes deadly and he calls in back-up in the guise of Harry McGlade and Jack Daniels.
An enjoyable well-written thriller

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A Lord In Disguise by Fenella J. Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Lord Edward Stonham kills his opponent in a duel he is forced to flee to the country and assume a new identity, all arranged with foresight by his father. Due to reduced circumstances Miss Penelope Bradshaw decides to seek employment as a housekeeper at his new home. But soon she discovers his secret. Could be a possible happy ending for them.
An enjoyable well-written romance with a hint of mystery, but the ending did seem a bit rushed and left a few things unfinished.

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Werewolf: Murder in post WWII Germany by Matthew Pritchard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1945, Germany and Detective Silas Payne of Scotland Yard and the Contol Council for Germany (CCG) has been sent to Eichenrode to run a police training school. But events lead him to investigate the death of two people found in an abandoned house. One of whom is Waffen SS officer, Conrad Jaeger
But these deaths seems to be just the latest in a long spree.
Thankfully Payne's steady character carried him through the case, contrasting somewhat with those of the British Army.
An interesting well-written plotted mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author.
A NetGalley Book


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A May for Mary: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the continuing story of Mary Bennet and Brigadier General Richard Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam is stationed at Newcastle but is due on the continent, Mary wishes to marry before he leaves. So off to Newcastle Mary travels but can they both make it to Scotland and to the newly married Jane.
This P&P variation is part of the Seasons of Serendipity series and should be read as part of that.
Enjoyed reading this well-written story as Mary and Fitzwilliam are my favourite couple, just wished the story could have been longer, much longer.

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The Dark Web Murders by Brian O'Hare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chief Inspector Jim Sheehan and his team are called in to investigate the death of Judge Trevor Neeson. With his harsh sentencing there would seem to be ample suspects. But when another body is discovered, killed in the same way, what could be the connection or motive.
An intriguing mystery and police procedural story. The characters seem to be well defined as you would expect in the fourth of a series, and are a likeable bunch.
I admit to getting sidetracked with who I thought the murderer was, but at least I solved one major clue straightaway unlike the team or the expert.
This is my first book from the series and can easily read as a standalone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

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