The Man in the Dragon Robe by Antony Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1922 and Emily Bennett is working at the Pennyfield Post in Limehouse. Have witnessed the death of magician Chung Ling Soo on stage four years previously she believes that contrary to the verdict that it was murder, and wants to investigate to find the truth. Along the way she meets a host of characters involved in the China tea trade, and drug supply. Will she uncover the truth.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written mystery, with its cast of colourful characters. A good solid start to a new series.


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A Knife in Darkness by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1829. Newly married Hippolyta Napier has arrived in Ballater with her husband, Dr Napier. She has made friends with Basilia Verney of Dinnet House. Only to arrive early one morning as per-arranged to find Basilia's uncle Colonel Verney, and his batman Foreman dead. Durris the Sheriff's officer is called in to investigate, but Hippolyta is curious to discover the truth.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery with a cast of varied characters. A very good solid start to the series

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Tragedy at Piddleton Hotel by Emily Organ
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1932. Annabel Churchill widow of DCI of Scotland Yard decides to buy a private detective agency in the village of Compton Poppleford in Dorset. Soon she is employed by the godson to investigate the death of a Mrs Furzgate.
Unfortunately I didn't take to the two main characters or the sense of humour style of writing.

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With Good Grace by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Olivia Grantley is surprised when her sister-in-law, Lady Grantley visits her for the first time in several years. But Lady Grantley must swallow her pride as she asks Olivia for help as her husband, Sir Hubert Grantley, has gone missing. Olivia asks Jacob Morton, the Earl of Torbayfor his help.
Another enjoyable and well-written story in this series with its cast of likeable characters.



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The Fressingfield Witch by Jacqueline Beard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 and Lawrence Harpham is employed by the church and Rev. Francis Raven to investigate a death in the village of Fressingfield. His research leads him to suspect that there is a link to the 17th century and the persecution of females, believing them to be witches.
Unfortunately while staying at the village there are more deaths.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery story, a good solid start to the series.

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A Death in the Pavilion by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1911. Euphemia is now been promoted to the post of paid companion to Richenda Stapleford. They are staying at the country estate of banker Hans Muller, the man that Richenda has matrimonial hopes on. But suspicions are aroused concerning the death of Muller's first wife, and Euphemia once again becomes embroiled in death when one of the staff is found dead.
An enjoyable well-written mystery featuring the deplorable Stapleford twins.

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The Odd Duck's Quest by Sempre libera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel, a Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park sequel, tells the story of Mary Bennet as she decides to take control of her life. Resulting in her becoming into her own, while able to become friends with Georgina Darcy and Susan Price. There is also the story of Kitty and her attempts to marry.
A re-read for me, and I found this a very enjoyable read again and liked the characters from Mansfield Park, and the new characters that were added.

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The Lady Flirts with Death by Peg Herring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mary Tudor is now Queen, and Elizabeth is in the Tower waiting. Meanwhile Simon Maldon visits her in the disguise of a priest. On one such visit he meets old friend and criminal Peto the Pope. He is accused of a murder, one that he insists he did not commit. Simon offers to help not realising the danger that will come to him and his wife Hannah.
A bit more of an adventure than a mystery story, though still an enjoyable read

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Heirs and Graces by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spring 1952 It would seem that the middle classes of Britain are getting richer but without any representation in Parliament, and so are looking for alternatives to the two major political parties. Jake Morton, Earl of Torbay is ordered to discover the identity of the killer of Smallbrook, MP, and the future plans of the Radicals.
An enjoyable and well-written romance and mystery story, with its bunch of likeable characters.

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Death Has Deep Roots: A Second World War Mystery by Michael Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Victoria Lamartine, an ex-French Resistance fighter and now hotel worker is standing trial for the murder of her former manager in France, and alleged lover, Major Eric Thoseby. A seemingly straightforward trial as she is the only logical suspect.
Just before her trial she changes her defence counsel, and solicitor. The latter, with help try and find new evidence.
It took a few chapters to get into the book but then I came interested in the story and really enjoyed the unfolding of this well-written story.
Originally published in 1951
A NetGalley Book

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Waiting Game by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1808. While waiting for the annullment of his marriage to Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, John Pickett is sent out to investigate a theft at a drapers shop.
An enjoyable novella

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Penny for Your Secrets by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919 After an evening spent at the home of Ada, a friend of Verity, she and her husband Sidney are awoken by a telephone call saying that Ada's husband, the Marquess of Rockham had been killed. Not trusting DCI Thoreau not to arrest her as the obvious suspect, she asks Verity to investigate. But Verity has also been approached by old friend Irene Shaw, to determine who killed her half-sister Esther was not an opportune burglar. While coping with her husband's guilt over the war.
This is the third in the series, though it can be read as a standalone, the story can be better understood after reading the first two. For me this is so far the best of the series.
An interesting well-written mystery with the introduction of an intriguing character (being portrayed as a a villain) opposed to Verity.
A NetGalley Book


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A Death in the Wedding Party by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1911, and the wedding of Lady Richenda Stapleford and Baggy Tipton is approaching. The wedding to be held at the home of a relation of Baggy. What could possible go gone? Only at least one death, but are they murder, accidents or suicides.
Euphemia with the help of Rory, Merry and Bertram investigate.
An enjoyable well-written mystery with a bunch of likeable characters, contrasting with the unlikeable.

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Into Thin Eire by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bow Street Runner John Pickett is specially asked for to investigate a case. A letter received asks for Pickett and one other runner to help Edward Gaines Brookton, at Dunbury in Somerset. But when Pickett and Harry Carson arrives all it not what is seems. Previous events have left his wife in peril, now he must save her.
Although this can easily be read as a standalone story, reading the previous book would probably give some background knowledge to this one.
Overall it was still an enjoyable well-written cozy thriller, but not really a mystery. The character of Pickett in this story seemed a bit clueless and weak, and not assertive enough for a Bow Street Runner. My favourite character, though only playing only a minor part, was his brother in-law Major James Pennington.
(Four stars but only just)
A Net Galley Book

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Poison, Your Grace by Peg Herring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is now Spring 1552 and it has been some years since Simon Maldon has spoken to Princess Elizabeth. But when one of the King advisors - Lord Amberson - is killed, Simon and his Master, the apothecary Thomas Carthburt are ordered to Whitehall to look at the body. Soon Simon and Hannah, with Elizabeth investigate. Unfortunately this is only the start.
Another enjoyable story in this series


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Murderland by Pamela Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A suspicious death at a care home results in DI Joe Burton and DS Sally Fielding being called in to investigate. When another death occurs with links to the first, they and the team need to find the possible motive and suspect. But these two deaths will not be the only ones.
An enjoyable crime story, a good start to a new series.

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

A year has passed and it is now time for the Caulcott Green village fete and flower show. Monica Noble and her husband Reverend Graham Noble have been invited by their friend Rev. James Davies to each judge one of the flower competitions. But who would think that by late afternoon two people would be dead.
Chief Inspector Jason Dury and his team are called in to investigate. And for him to reacquaint himself with Monica Noble and any insights she might have concerning the deaths.
Another well-written and enjoyable cozy mystery in this series with its well described bunch of suspects.
Received an ARC from the publisher.


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A Death in the Asylum by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What are the connections of a seance held at Stapleford House, Mrs Wilson, the housekeeper being attacked, and then Euphemia Martins accompanying Bertram Stapleford with his new love Beatrice Wilton (a gossip writer at her family's newspaper) as they investigate asylums in London.
What are the secrets that the Stapleford family are trying to hide.
Another enjoyable mystery.
The last of the re-reads for this series now onto the unread stories

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Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a remote Swedish farmhouse, an elderly farmer is beaten to death, while his wife is left dying, with a noose around her neck. It is for Wallander and his team to investigate.
An enjoyable police procedural, a good solid start to the series.

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Saving Grace by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's England 1851, plans are believed to be afoot to steal the Koh-i-Noor diamond on show at the Great Exhibition.
The Home Secretary has assigned to Jacob Morton, the Earl of Torbay, and his team the task of stopping the theft and discovering who is the mastermind behind it. They believe that a merchant by the name of Woodstock is involved but not who he reports to. But changes need to be made to their plans when Lady Eva Woodstock witnesses a murder and runs away from her husband.
A re-read of the first in the series as I now start to read the rest of the previously unread series.
An entertaining well-written romance and mystery story.

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Her Highness' First Murder by Peg Herring
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1546. When one of her maid is killed presumably by the same person who has killed before, 13 year old Princess Elizabeth decides she wants to investigate. With the help of the physician's son Simon Maldon and Captain of the Guards Hugh Bellows, they question all who they can, including the suspects, and pool their answers to determine the guilty party.
I enjoyed this historical mystery, a good solid start to the series, and look forward to reading the next one.

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A Death in the Highlands by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1910. Lord Richard of Stapleford Hall decides on a shooting party in the Scottish Highlands for the Glorious Twelfth. Meanwhile due to injury to Mrs Wilson, Euphemia has been temporarily promoted to housekeeper for this journey.
The day after the shooting party guests have arrived one of them is murdered. Euphemia decides to investigate and hopefully prove the innocence of the new butler. But does she really understand what is happening
This is a re-read, bur still an enjoyable well-written quick read.

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A Death in the Family by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1910 The death of her father, Rev Martins, results in the daughter Euphemia looking for a position in service to help her now poor mother and brother. She finds herself at Stapleford Hall to be employed as a maid. Unfortunately on her first day she discovers a body and becomes one of the suspects. Can she find the guilty party and clear her name, and before anorther body is discovered.
This is a re-read for me, as I start to read the rest of the series. I enjoyed this cozy mystery and liked the characters.

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Death Beside the Seaside by T E Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1910 and finally Lady Hardcastle has agreed to Florence's pleading for a holiday. So they are off to Weston-super-Mare for a week and staying at the Steep Holm View Hotel. Unfortunately instead of a rest they are asked by the manager Mr Valentine Hillier, knowing their reputation, to investigate the disappearance of a guest. But it gets more complicated when the first body is discovered.
Enjoyable diaglogue between the main characters makes for another delightful cozy mystery in this series.
A NetGalley Book

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Eye of the Moon by Ivan Obolensky
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Unfortunately I didn't take to the story or find any of the characters remotely likeable.

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The Curse of Braeburn Castle by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1921 ad Major Heathcliff Lennox is summoned by his friend ex-Chief Inspector Swift to his home, Braeburn Castle, in the middle of Loch Laich. It seems that he has discovered a skeleton, which has now misplaced his head. But not long after he arrives, there is a death and not the last. Between them Lennox and Swift must decide who among the guests which include an archaeology team, is the guilty party.
This is another delightful mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters plus of course the lovable Lennox.

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A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1860 Surrey. Three years have passed since Laura Hayes’s father died. Her invalid brother and Laura having to survive on the income from her father's failing perfume business. Their business affairs managed by solicitor Weatherwax
Alex Archer wants to marry for the land an heiress can provide and maneuvers George Wright, vicar's son, into an introduction to Henrietta Talbot, his lifelong friend and neighbour. But what of Archers' troubled past which started at the orphanage in North Devon.
Although the third in the series, it is easily read as a standalone story, though I would recommend the first two books as they are both an enjoyable read.
A delightful, well-written romance story, with such a group of likeable well-portrayed characters.
A NetGalley Book



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Six Years Too Late by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2013 and Marcus Matthews is waiting, waiting for the person that is going to kill him. But it is only now, six years later that his body has been found. Found by two young boys playing traunt. But why was the son-in-law of notorious gangster Hamish McIntyre killed and by whom.
DCI Cook and his team investigate. But this will not be the only murder as events seem to be spiralling out of control or is it organised.
This is my first read of a book in this series, and I found it can easily be read as a standalone story.
I found the story enjoyable and interesting, and well-written with a mixed bunch of main characters.
Received an ARC from the author.


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Death in Hellfire by Deryn Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1767. Sir John Fieldings asks that John Rawlings goes to West Wycombe and the home of Sir Francis Dashwood. He is concerned about the activities there - is there a possibility that they seditious. Or is the Hellfire Club something else.
After several days John discovers several bodies, but what are motives and who are the guilty parties.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters

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The Devil’s Due by Bonnie MacBird
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890. Sherlock Holmes becomes embroiled in the case of the French anarchists but then he is made aware of a series of murders which are then followed by family suicides. Mycroft wants him to concentrate on these killings. But he has his distractors in the persons of the new Chief Commissioner of Scotland Yard - Titus Billings - and Gabriel Zanders, a newsman.
With the help of Dr Watson can Holmes determine the motive and the guilty person.
Although the third in the series it is easily read as a standalone story, and I look forward to reading the first two.
A very enjoyable, well-written, mystery, with its likeable characters, and thankfully great support from Watson.
A NetGalley Book

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Escape by Neal Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

October 1558 and Menachem along with Yetta escape from Poland, to a ship sailing from Amsterdam and onward to England. Where Menachem becomes Noah Ames.
An interesting short story

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Over The Edge by Lisa Regan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first emotion Joselyn Rush feels when her car is hit, is anger. But when the woman driver jumps off the bridge to her death curiosity gets the better of her. So she is determined to find out why.
An interesting well-written novella


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The Career Killer by Ali Gunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The newly-promoted DCI Elsie Mabey is called in to investigate when a body is discovered in a church - St Dunstan in the East. Is this a copycat or the same killer as a murder from several weeks previously. DCI Fairbanks has no longer any interest in his case, so hands the two case over to Mabey and her team. But will the killer strike again.
Her team have their flaws but we get to know them over the story and become a likeable group, but can they come together to catch the killer.
An enjoyable and interesting crime story with characters I look forward to reading about again to see how they develop.
I recieved an ARC from Voracious Readers

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The Silent Dead by Keith Nixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The mummified body of a baby is found at the home of ex-foster carer Andrea Ogilvy - recently deceased. It was discovered by her children - Polly Draper and Philip Ogilvy - as they were clearing out the house. DI Solomon Gray investigates, but is it an accident or murder. He also gets drawn into the case of the teenage boys who have been deliberately attacked by a dog. What is the possible motive for the seemingly random attacks. Meanwhile he is trying to deal with his personal problems at home and work
An interesting and well-written story which I really enjoyed, and a standalone book as far as that is concerned. Though I would have like a bit more background detail concerning Gray’s personal life to put that part in context. I will just have to go back and read the missing books.
Received an ARC from the author

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Death and the Cornish Fiddler by Deryn Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1767. John Rawlings and daughter Rose are in Devon staying with Elizabeth the Marchesa. They travel to Helstone in Cornwall to watch the dance festival when a child disappears. But then a murder occurs. What is behind these events. Who else will die.
Once again another enjoyable mystery in this well-written historical mystery series with its very likeable characters

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Deviance by J.F. Penn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jamie Brooke is now living in Southwark and working as a private investigator. One evening she joins a march only for a body to be discovered. Although the the police investigate Jamie also decidees to search for the truth.
Unfortunately we know the name of the guilty party straightaway which distracts from the story for me

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Passage from Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Inspector de Silva has booked a holiday for him and Jane. A cruise on the ship - the Jewel of the East, travelling from Ceylon to Egypt. Once onboard it is not long before the first murder occurs. Inspector de Silva with the help of William Petrie investigate.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its very likeable characters. Hopefully there will be another book in the series

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What Comes Between Cousins by Jann Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Colonel Fitzwilliam or as he is now known, Lord Chesterfield, accompanies the party to Netherfield. Charlotte Lucas has already left the area to become a governess which has brought Elizabeth closer to Mary. At the Meryton Assembly Darcy's behaviour is improved by the presence of the Colonel but their close friendship is tested to the limits when they both become interested in the same Bennet daughter. Thankfully villains abound in the story, and I even liked both Mr AND Mrs Bennet at the same time in the same story.
The only improvement I would have wanted would have been more concentration on the Colonel and Mary Bennet are they are the much more interesting characters.

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Death in the Setting Sun by Deryn Lake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1764. All is happy in the Rawlings household especially when wife Emilia discovers an old school friend, Priscilla Fleming. Priscilla works in the household of the Princess Amelia and has been set the task of organising a play for their entertainment, and persuades Emilia to take an acting part. But on the night of the play at Gunnersbury House a body is discovered. As it is John Rawlings who is discovered next to it he is accused. Now John must prove his innocence and find the guilty party, but unfortunately there will be more deaths.
Although I found it fairly easy to know who the guilty party was I still found this to be an enjoyable read

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Delirium by J.F. Penn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.S. Jamie Brooke and D.C. Alan Missinghall are brought in to investigate the death of a prominent psychiatrist who has been found in the old hospital of Bedlam. Her investigation leads her to the subject of madness and its definition and cause. Meanwhile her friend and psychic Blake Daniel has his own personal issues to deal with. Then there is another murder.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery

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Fatal Finds in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The monsoon season has arrived in the area of Nuala and a drive home leads to the discover of a body. But there is more to the death then at first seems. Inspector de Silva investigates but must widen his search for the truth further than Nuala.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series, with its very likeable characters.


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Chocolate House Treason by David Fairer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1708 and Widow Trotter has plans for her Good Fellowship Coffee House. But a politcal scandal with connections to the crown and Queen Anne is brewing. Mary Trotter with her friends Thomas Bristowe (an aspiring satirist), Will Lundy of the Middle Temple and Constable Elias Cobb are drawn into the intrigue. But when a body is discovered and the wrong man accused, the group of friends are determined to find the guilty party and save their friend from the gallows.
It took awhile for me to get drawn into this long book, its story and the characters, and the politics of the Torys and Whigs. An era which I don't know a lot about but just enough.
Overall an enjoyable if somewhat involved read and I look forward to hopefully reading more of the adventures of this group of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Offstage in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1936. A professional theatre company has arrived in Nuala much to the delight of the inhabitants. But soon one of the group is dead and it is up to Inspector de Silva to investigate.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series with its cast of very likeable characters

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Requiem for a Patriot by David J. Oldman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Harry Tennant has been given the task by British Intelligence of following Joseph Wolff while he is in Riseborough, East Anglia. Tennant watches as Wolff commits suicide by drowning. Tennant investigates further by searching Wolff's hotel room. But he still wants to known more so starts his own unofficial investigation. When you are dealing with British Intelligence nothing is straightforward or even safe
An interesting and well-written story.

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

The wedding day is approching but when a man is murdered at the annual Mechant Loop funfair, this may postone the wedding. Clint Wolf andf his team have a deadline to find the motive and the killer.
Another enjoyable thriller in this series

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

The wedding day is approching but when a man is murdered at the annual Mechant Loop funfair, this may postone the wedding. Clint Wolf andf his team have a deadline to find the motive and the killer.
Another enjoyable thriller in this series

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

The wedding day is approching but when a man is murdered at the annual Mechant Loop funfair, this may postone the wedding. Clint Wolf andf his team have a deadline to find the motive and the killer.
Another enjoyable thriller in this series

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

One night after closing time bar owner Mitch Taylor is shot in the back. Clint Wolf and Susan Wilson investigate the crime as the list of suspects grow but what was the motive. Wolf meanwhile has to cope with revelations about his early life, while also 'helping' with the planning of his wedding (the wedding story I found to be somewhat boring).
So overall an enjoyable crime story

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Dover One (Wilfred Dover 1) by Joyce Porter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A house maid, Juliet Rugg, working for Sir John Counter at Irlam Old Hall has gone missing. The local police of Creed invite Scotland Yard to the case. They send Chief Inspector Wilfred Dover and Sergeant Charles MacGregor to investigate her disappearance. Motive and opportunity seem to be difficult to discover among the possible suspects.
Dover is not a likeable character and is not meant to be, always speaking his mind not caring who he upsets. But somehow with a lot of help from MacGregor the case gets solved.
Overall an enjoyable mystery though would Dover's overthetop character get too tiresome
Originally written in 1964
A NetGalley Book


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Dark Clouds Over Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The heir to an Earl of Axford has arrived in Nuala from Australia with his wife. Before travelling on to England. On a hunting trip there is a death, and Inspector Silva is sent to the area to confirm the verdict of suicide and retrieve the body. Meanwhile his Sergeant Prasanna is going through a crisis.
An enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters.


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