His Last Confession by Mel Hodgkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1870. A death bed confession by thief Harry Parkes, and heard by ex-constable, now private detective Withers, leads Withers to the office of Inspector Drewes. Where he starts an investigation into jewels thefts and the possible murder of three men. Helped in the case by Withers.
An enyoyable investigation and murder mystery

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Darkness Peering by Alice Blanchard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Rachel Storrow decides to investigate a cold case from 18 years ago. In 1980 Melissa D'Agostino was found dead. Meanwhile in the present day, another female goes missing so police chief Jim McKissack and his team investigate. But will their be more bodies to discover.
An enjoyable and well-written murder mystery

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Dead Ends by Mel Hodgkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1869. Inspector Drewes is called to the West Bartonshire Railway Company in a case of suspected fraud. On arriving it is discovered that one of the foremen has been murdered. Drewes investigates both cases.
An interesting murder mystery

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Molly by Dan Ames
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wade Carver, a P.I. based in Delray Beach, Florida is hired by Margaret Hornor to find her missing daughter Molly. But cases are never straightforward.
An enjoyable and well-written thriller, a good solid start to the series.



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The Case of the Demented Spiv by George Bellairs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Inspector Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is called in to a case in Broadfield. The death of Ambrose Barrow has been investigated by loca lpolice Inspector Faddiman without finding the guilty party.
The story was interesting enough to finish the book

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Death in St James's Palace by Deryn Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1761. It has been announced that magistrate John Fielding, is to receive a knighthood. But it is when the days business has been finished and everybody's eyes are turned to the new Queen that a person falls from the stairs. Sir John is under the impression that it was a deliberate push. But how is John Rawlings to find out.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters


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But Not Forgotten by B.J. Bourg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Former police detective Clint Wolf is now the police chief for Mechant Loup, a town in southeast Louisiana. But tranquility of the town is broken when an arm in found in the mouth of an alligator. Unfortunately this is just the start.
An enjoyable and well-plotted story. A good solid start to the series.

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Yield Not To Misfortune by Suzanne Downes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cadmus Underwood is aproached by a Mrs Woodforde to look into the reappearance of her husband and daughter after twenty years missing. It is soon to be the daughter Lydia's 25th birhtday,the day she received her inheritance. But who is she really.
Meanwhile he is also asked by old friend Major Jeremy James Thornycroft to prove that the officer that has saved his life his not guilty of theft and therefore been transported to Australia.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with all its very likeable characters

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A Judge of Their Characters by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Jane is engaged to a wealthy Wickham. But Elizabeth is concerned and travels to Derbyshire to meet the Gardiners and enlist their help. Near Lambton she is meet and helped by Darcy. But what plots are a foot.
A fun read with some new characters. A re-read of this story with a mystery plot, which is so much more interesting than a straight romance story

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A Second Death by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Josef Slonsky and his team investigate when the body of a young female is discovered by two hikers on the banks of the River Vltava.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series with its delightful characters

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An Occupied Grave by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.S. Guy Poole has just arrived at new new posting at Bexford, and is teamed up with D.I. Sam Brock when they are called out to the graveyard at Lower Gladdock. It seems a body has been discovered in a grave, unfortunately in a newly dug grave meant for the coffin belonging to a Edie Gaven.
An enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters. A very good solid start to the series.

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Island of Last Resorts by Mary Ellis
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Price Investigation teaml are lured to the private island of Elysian, owned by Julian Frazier to solve the eight year old murder of his wife Ariana on the same island. Frazier has also made sure the people he believes are guilty in one way or another are also on the Island. It is up to the team to question the suspects and search for clues.
I found that I didn't like any of the characters involved in the investigation team, also there seemed to be problems with Frazier's recall of events, and I found it unbelievable that after eight years they could find any clues on the island.
A NetGalley Book

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A Lethal Spectre by Donna Fletcher Crow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Victorian England and India clash. With Antonia and Lord Danvers with their family caught up in the London season, with a couple of murders. While Antonia's childhood friend is caught up in the events in India.
Too much descriptive historical fiction not enough mystery.

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Play Dead by Anne Penketh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Inspector Sam Clayton is called out to investigate the death of Kristine Manning, a cello player with the Norfolk Festival Orchestra. But this is only the start. The retired conductor Mike Proctor is found next, but survives. Will there be more deaths and what is the motive.
D.I. Clayton and his team investigate.
Although the third in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story, it was also my first in the series.
An enjoyable crime story, with characters I look forward to reading about again to see how they develop.
Received an ARC from the publisher



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Sudden Acquisitions: A sequel to Pride and Prejudice by Louise Birkett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, seven years have passed and Mary is the only unmarried Bennet left at home. This has resulted in an improvement in her character with the help of her elder sisters and father. Then the Bennets and the other family members are invited to Pemberley for the Christmas season. Can this visit give Mary the chance to do something that none of her sisters have yet to do.
A really delightful story, well-written, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how events would unfold. Already looking forward to reading it again.

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The Recipient by Audrey J. Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sergeant Wade McKinnon is sure that the killer of Samantha Collins is Michael Rhodes. But he watched him died a year ago. So who is killing these people. Who is the copycat.
An entertaining read

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Lessons for Idle Tongues by Charlie Cochrane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1910. After solving the mystery of the missing wooden cat Jonty and Orlando are approached by a man called Barritt to look into the death of a friend's girlfriend. The friend Daniel Joyce is convinced that the death of Lucy French is suspicious.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery with these likeable characters.

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Shattered Clues by Mel Hodgkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1868. Inspector Drewes is called out to an unidentified dead man. A possible murder. Later that day he accompanys Nunnington to his home to visit with him and to meet his brother, Edward Smythe. Only for them both arrive to find the brother dead. The Inspector and his team investigate.
An interesting mystery, a good solid start to the series.

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Mrs. Collins' Lover by Bronwen Chisholm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variations begins just after Mr Bennet has recovered from a serious illness, and Mr Collins is about to arrive. These two situations convince Bennet that it must be Elizabeth who marries Collins. Can Elizabeth's strong Christain beliefs help her in a marriage that she cannot love or respect her husband, and the trials that the marriage brings. Or is Darcy her only saviour.
An interesting well-written variation but I would have loved to have read more about the other Bennet daughters, especially Mary, and how they developed over the years in this story.

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DEATH LIST by John Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a prisoner, George Killick, is killed on a secure wing and an undercover policeman is shot in his home, the police need to know whether there is a connection between the two. DCI Blizzard and his team investigate. But is this the last of the killings, and who has organised the murders.
Another well-written enjoyable crime story in this series

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From Death to Life - A Short Story Prequel to The Recipient by Audrey J. Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is execution day for Michael Rhodes, but the day is different because he will become the first man in U.S. history to donate his organs. What could possible go wrong.
Interesting short story

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Jane and the Careless Corpse by Sarah Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Among the dead at the Peterloo Massacre which took place at St Peter's Field, Manchester, Lancashire Monday 16 August 1819 was the body of Charles Heskyth. But why was a pig farmer there. His valet is convinced that there is something suspicious about his death, especially considering how many of his family have recently died. He goes to town to ask for the help of Sir Caleb Armitage and Lady Jane.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its bunch of very likeable characters

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The Vicarage Murder by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the quiet village of Heyford Bassett in the Cotswolds the life of Monica Noble, vicar's wife is about to change. Living in one of the converted flats that was once the Vicarage, her family are sharing the building with a murderer. Soon the body of one of the residents will be discovered. Will this one be the only one. DCI Jason Dury and DS Jim Greer investigate with the unexpected help of the Nobles.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery with its likeable characters. This is a good solid start to this series.
Received an ARC from the publisher

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Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darcy and the Bingleys left Netherfield over a month ago. Now it is December 23rd, again and again. What needs to be righted, who is aware, do people have to change and will there be any happy endings.
Enjoyed this tale especially as I am a Groundhog Day fan.
Would have liked more of Mary and the diary in Part One, especially with her interactions with the Colonel, and seen the scenes from more of her perspective but thats because I am a Mary Bennet fan.
An enjoyable re-read of this story

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Death in the West Wind by Deryn Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1759. John Rawlings and his new bride, Emilia, are on their four week honeymoon in Devon. Unfortunately for Emilia the discovery of a body means that Rawlings is drawn into the investigation, with the help of Fieldings' runners. Suspects seem many including the Society of Angels. But what is the mystery of the solitary highwayman, and a phantom coach which seems to have a headless coachman.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters

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The Monday Theory by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Rhoda Carvell and her lover Ralf Woodruff are found dead in her Sussex cottage Masters and Green investigate. The timing of her death meant that her divorce was not legal. Could this be a motive. Or could it have been an accident.
Another interesting case in this series.

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The Royal Baths Murder by J.R. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The White Swan Hotel is holding its annual Crime Writing Festival. All is going well until one of the writers is discovered dead in what looks like a locked room mystery in the Victorian baths, strangled. How did the murderer get in and out without being seen. What was the motive behind the killing. DCI Oldroyd and his team investigate. Then there is another murder, will this be the last.
Meanwhile D.S Steph Johnson is unfortunately working with the obnoxious D.I. Fenton, and has her own problems to deal with.
An enjoyable well-plotted mystery story with lots of suspects. With this book I actually took to Oldroyd much more than before which made the story more interesting to read.
A NeyGalley Book

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A Swan In Hiding by Skydancinghobbit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another re-read of this P&P fanfiction variation.
This is the story of Mary Bennet discovering what it is to be loved. While visiting the Collinses with Elizabeth she is taken under the wing of Lady Catherine, and becomes friends with her daughter Anne. Whereby she finds love.
This story does need a lot of editing, but as it is an unpublished work I have taken that into consideration when giving a rating, as I did really enjoy the story, again.


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The Dead Don't Wait by Michael Jecks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

April, 1555. In a village to the east of London, St Botolph, a priest has been discovered killed. His sexton Dick Atwood has accused Blackjack of the deed. Coroner Sir Richard of Bath finds Blackjack and takes him back to the village.
Unfortunately I just cannot take to the main character in this series which makes it difficult for me to enjoy the story.
A NetGalley Book

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A Breach of Trust by John Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wealthy industrialist, Smart, is found dead at the bottom of his stairs. An accident? DCI Blizzard is suspicious especially as he believes Smart to have been corrupt and uses this as an excuse to investigate, again, the family.
A good enjoyable well-written crime story

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Lessons for Suspicious Minds by Charlie Cochrane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1909. Dowager Duchess Alexandra Temple is suspicious of a death by suicide at her home Fyfield. She asks that the son of her god-daughter. Jonty Stewart, and his friend Orlando Coppersmith visit, with Jonty's parents, and investigate. On the way the family stop at Monkey Island and uncover another death by suicide.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery

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The Missing Diamond Murder by Diane Janes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930. When her solicitor learns of a spiteful letter being received concerning her divorce proceedings, Frances Black decides to take the advise of Tom Dod. So she is off to Sunnyside House, Frencombe in Devon to help the Edgerton family. The family's grandafther has died and at the same time a large diamond has gone missing. Was the incident really an accident and where is the diamond.
Although the third in the series it is easily read as a standaolone story.
In this historical mystery series this is another enjoyable well-written easy read with its delightful characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Heberden's Seat by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the way back home Detective Superintendent Masters’ car breaks down just outside a derelict church in Lincolnshire. While waiting for help he wanders around the churchyard and discovers a body in a well. He and his team are invited to investigate. But they discover that in recent times in the area, three men have gone missing and there have been five fires.
An interesting well-written crime story
Originally published in 1979

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An Aria Writ In Blood by Suzanne Downes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It would seem that everyone is surprised when the Reverend Gilbert Underwood announces his engagement to Lady Cara Lovell. Once the wedding is over and the remaining families have gone to Brighton at the request of the Earl of Lovell that disaster strikes, and a dead body discovered in a locked room. Can Underwood discover how and who.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters

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Their Share of Vexations by Lucrezia*
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth runs from Longbourn after a proposal of marriage from a vicar. But this is not Collins. The result leaves Elizabeth reputation in threads and only one of her sisters stands by her. But it is not Jane. There is disharmony, revenge, cruelty, (definitely mature content) but also happy endings for quite a few people. Will the guilty get their just punishment. Will I be happy in the outcome for Mary Bennet?
With all of that I found it a delightful story.

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Naked Flames by Graham Ison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DCI Harry Brock is called to the scene of a suspicious death. At a naturist camp called the Pretext Club. Initially thought to have been burnt in the fire, it is discovered that the man - Robert Sharpe - was first shot. On discovering that Sharpe was a con man the list of suspects lengthen.
An interesting well-written crime story which I liked but didn't love, nor did I have much interest in the main characters as none of them really grabbed my attention as individuals.
A NetGalley Book

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Death After Evensong by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Masters and DI Green are called in to investigate the death of a vicar. The body was discovered in the old village school of Rooksby. Because of the nature of the deceased there are no end of suspects. But can Masters and his team discover the guilty party.
An enjoyable crime story originally published in 1969

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Two Tocks before Midnight by C.J. Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carl Brooke recounts the events that occurred thirty years previously in October 1859. As a member of the Agora Society he becomes involved in the forgery of biblical documents. But how many members of the society are involved and will the police catch the guilty parties.
An enjoyable mystery novella

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Courtship at Rosings: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variation begins at Rosings where Darcy is contemplating proposing to Elizabeth Bennet but this time he has a hint of her feelings. So a courtship is more appropriate, but obviously nothing ever goes to plan when it concerns this couple.
An enjoyable sweet well-written novella.


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Fitzwilliam Darcy, Poet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jennifer Joy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, ten years have passed since the evenets in the prologue and the party at Netherfield have an added guest - George Wickham, as a friend of Darcy. Elizabeth has arrived to tend to Jane. At this point Elizabeth's heart has been taken by a poet she has never meet but has fallen in love with his words.
An enjoyable well-written variation. (What I didn't like was Collins and Mary).

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The Secrets Man by John Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI John Blizzard's past comes back to haunt him as criminal Norrie Raynor has been released from jail. He must also deal with an investigation into the deaths of several students by a drugs overdose.
An enjoyable well-written crime story

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The Mask of Midas by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is it true that Father Brown in this story feels out of his depth. Search warrants, escaped convicts and bankers. Can Father Brown solve the case.
An interesting mystery

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Lessons in Trust by Charlie Cochrane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1908 and while visiting the White City Exhibition Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith are drawn into, against the wishes of the police, an investigation into the case of the dead body. Meanwhile Orlando, upon the death of his grandmother, wants to learn more about his family.
Another enjoyable well-written story in this cozy mystery series.

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The Vampire of the Village by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several years after a body is discovered, murdered, in the village of Potter's Pond, Dr Mulborough asks for the help of Father Brown to find the guilty party.
An interesting and enjoyable short mystery

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Murder at Whitby Abbey by Cassandra Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1389 and for her penance Hildegard of Meaux, accompanied by her three companions, Gregory, Egbert and Luke, have left Swyne to travel to Whitby Abbey to acquire at all costs a relic. The situation is complicated by not knowing that there will be competition for the item. It is not long before a Brother of the Abbey goes missing and then is found murdered. But there also seems to be gold missing from the Abbey coffers. Events are made worse by the animosity between the Abbey and the townsfolk.
Although tenth in the series I found I could easily read this as a standalone story.
This is an enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery with its cast of very likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book


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The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleven short stories each with the theme or connection to the Christmas period. On the whole (10 of them were 4 stars) I enjoyed them all, they were well-written and a delight to read.
A NetGalley Book

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His Choice of a Wife: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Heather Moll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation what if after receiving that letter at Rosings, Elizabeth arrives back at the Parsonage to meet with Darcy. Can they come to a quicker understanding or will events contrive to pull them apart especially when you add the attitude of Mr Bennet. But what of Jane and Bingley.
An enjoyable and well-written variation.

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The Insoluble Problem by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On the way to protect a reliquary from a jewel-thief, Flambeau and Father Brown stop at an Inn only to be told that a murder had just be committed. Father Brown solves the case.
An enjoyable mystery

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Death at the Apothecaries' Hall by Deryn Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1758, and the Livery Dinner had just taken place at the Apothecaries’ Hall. Unfortunately there was an outbreak of food poisoning, resulting in the death of one of the apothecarys. John Rawlings is suspicious of the death and investigates. This will not be the last death but what could the possible motive be.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters



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Hide and Seek by Rob Costa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Al Harris has been assigned to the Cold Case section, then one day Mary Anne Cromway walks in stating that her stalker from fifteen years ago has returned.
Harris investigates.
An enjoyable crime novella

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