Dread Journey by Dorothy B. Hughes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Producer Vivien Spender believes he has finally found the female to play the part of Clavdia Chauchat. An unknown called Gratia Shawn. But there remains the problem of Kitten Agnew, the actress that has the contract to play the part. All three are on the pullman luxury train Chief, from Los Angeles to New York.
Quite a slow paced story, which portrays the sleezy side of Hollywood. Though it does have some well-drawn characters. Overall a story that I enjoyed
Originally written in 1945
A NetGalley Book

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Laetitia Rodd and the Case of the Wandering Scholar by Kate Saunders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1851. Mrs Laetitia Rodd has been asked by a wealthy businessman, Jacob Welland, who is dying of consumption to find his brother. A brother, Joshua, who he has not seen for fifteen years. To this end Mrs Rodd goes and stays with friends who live near the last sighting of Joshua. But peace will soon be broken when there is a murder.
Although the second in the series, and my first, it can easilt be read as a standalone story.
This is an enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of well-drawn characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1830 On the way to Edinburgh with her sister Alana and family, Lady Darby decides to stay at the home of her old friend Michael Dalmay as he is about to be married. But there is a secret to be revealed and the case of a missing local girl, Mary Wallace. But is there a connection between the two.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery.

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The Manor House Murder by Joyce Cato
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A church conference is being held at the manor house hotel owned by Sir Andrew Courtenay in the village of Heyford Bassett. Local vicar Graham Noble is one of the speakers. When a suspected murder occurs at the conference unfortunately Graham becomes one of the suspects. His wife Monica decides to prove him innocent based on her previous success of finding the murderers. Meanwhile Chief Inspector Jason Dury has been called in to investigate.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery, an easy read.
Received an ARC from the publisher

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These Little Lies by Gretta Mulrooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is Detective Inspector Siv Drummond's first day back at work after the death of her husband, and in a new place, Berminster. The day does not start well with the discovery of two bodies in a woodland by the River Bere. On the female's body is a photograph of a child.
Siv and her team investigate but are hampered when it seems everybody has something to hide.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story, with its cast of varied characters. A good solid start to a new series.
Received an ARC from the publisher/

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Illusions by Cecilia Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kathia Ivanova, a paranormal investigator on the programe Phenomena needs a big story for the 100th episode. So a feature on the Abbey?
An enjoyable modern take on the Austen story

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She Died Unshriven by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1571 Nottingham. Servant Amy Brindley has gone missing and now a body of a murdered female has been found. Coroner Sir Henry Grenville is determined to bring the proceedings quickly to a close as he believes he knows who the guilty party to the murder is. But Constable Thomas Lincraft believes that Anthony Featherstone, the Squire of Lenton Gregory and fellow Dissenter is innocent. He has a week to find the evidence to convict the correct person.
An enjoyable historical mystery, which is a good solid start to the new series.

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Infatuation and Independence: A Modern Austen Short Story by Jennifer Becton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern P&P short story sequel about Kitty Bennet. Kitty has decided that she has to start taking control of her life and stop being a follower of her sisters. So a summer spent in solitude at the country cabin of Colonel Michael Fitzwilliam should just be the thing.
A modern tale which I really enjoyed, a lovely well-written story

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Cast Iron: You can run but you can't hide... by Marilyn Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895, England. Because of her past Julia McAllister decides it's time to leave England but she is called to a crime scene in her role of photographer. To the scene of a female's battered body. Not only does she bring the eye of a photographer to the scene but that of a female's perspective. Julia's problems are added to when a fire nearby leaves two annoying old ladies homeless and she offers them a place to stay..
But will this be the only one body. While D.I. John Collingwood has problems of his own to contend with.
Another enjoyable and well-written historical mystery in this series

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Intimacies by Cecilia Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A modern day variation of Persuasion concerning Anne Elliot spending Thanksgiving with her family.
An enjoyabe story

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Insensibilities by Cecilia Gray
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Modern Sense and Sensibility variation Miriam Dashwood has an event to organised but her parents have run off with the money from the Dashing Events company of Heartfiled Oregon. She must use all her resources to make it a success.
An enjoyable story

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Disruption at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Emily Russell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, the Gardiners and Elizabeth Bennet are travelling in Derbyshire when they are set upon by highwaymen. This results in them being rescued by Darcy and spending time at Pemberley. The path to their happy ending is not smooth. But what of Lydia's visit to brighton, how will that effect them.
An enjoyable variation

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The Body in the Dumb River: A Yorkshire Mystery by George Bellairs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While staying overnight in east Anglia Superintendent Tom Littlejoihn is called out in the middle of the night to a crime scene. A body has been discovered in the River Dumb, stabbed not drowned. A man who seems to have two identities. Is his lifestyle the clue to the motive but who would want to kill such an inoffensive man.
Quite a basic plot but still an enjoyable well-written read.
Originally published in 1961

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Unquiet Spirits: Whisky, Ghosts, Murder by Bonnie MacBird
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1889 and Mrs isla McLaren of Braedern Castle arrives at 221b Baker Street needing the help of Sherlock Holmes. A maid, Fiona Paisley has gone missing. But Holmes is sent by his brother to France.
A very enjoyable, a well plotted, and well-written mystery. And the easily recognizable characters of Holmes and Watson.

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Death Makes No Distinction by Lucienne Boyce
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Principal Officer Dan Foster of the Bow Street Runners is called to a murder in the outhouse of a public house in Holborn. But soon he is surprised by the request from John Townsend to help in another murder. What could his possible motive be. This murder is of Louise Parmeter, ex-lover of Prince George. There is also the mystery of threats to Foster.
Unfortunately for the story these three storylines are not really related to each other.
The story was enjoyabe enough, though I found that I really didn't take to any of the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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The Journey Home To Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Joana Starnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, while touring the Lakes with the Gardiners Elizabeth Bennet encounters an injured Darcy. But this lead them to a better understanding, as they journey to Pemberley. But it is Lydia and her behaviour that will have a longlasting effect on them. Can there be a happy ending for any of the Bennet daughters.
An enjoyable and well-written story

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Murder is Only a Number by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why does she write number 2 on her kill, who was the first. The police know her name but she seems to disappear before their eyes. How many will she kill before they stop her, if they can.
An enjoyable read

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One Winter's Night by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To hold Hugo de Wold, Earl of Denham to his word, his mother Lady Penelope has invited three suitable ladies to spend Christmas at Wollaston Hall. It is for Hugo to offer marriage to one by his thirtieth birthday, Christmas Day. But how will uninvited guests and a murder determine the outcome.
An enjoyable well-written romance mystery. It has a cast of likeable and devious characters to keep your interest in the story.
Received an ARC


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Wolf of Wessex by Matthew Harffy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

AD 838. While out hunting Dunston comes across a mutilated body, in the forests of Wessex. Soon he finds the scared daughter, Aedwen, of the man. It would seem that Dunston's solitary life is soon to come to an end when he takes the body and girl to Briuuetone (the nearest settlement) for Rothulf, the Reeve, to investigate. But soon Dunston is under arrest. But this is only Dunston's first challenge as he tries to get to the truth and motive for the murder.
A very enjoyable well-written story. It caught my interest straightaway and I was eager to find out how the story developed, I was not disappointed.
A NetGalley Book



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The Unquiet Bones by Melvin R. Starr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1363. Hugh of Singleton, as the fourth son of a minor knight, had been educated as a clerk but feels a calling to become a surgeon.
On setting himself up in Oxford chance brings him to the attention of Lord Gilbert, Third Baron Talbot, lord of Bampton Castle. He offers Hugh the chance to be a surgeon to the area, but soon he finds himself investigating a death when bones are found in the garderobe of the castle.
An enjoyable historical mystery, well-written and a cast of likeable characters. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
A very good solid start to the series.

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The Body on the Train: A Kate Shackleton Mystery by Frances Brody
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

March 1928, London. At King's Cross railyway station a porter discovers a body on the Rhubarb Trainn from Leeds. When Scotland Yard fail to identity him Commander Woodhead employs Mrs Kate Shackleton to investigate. With the death of a shopkeeper, Mrs Helen Farrar, at the same time in the local area, Kate wonders if this is just a coincidence or part of her investigation.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery. Though I liked the story I didn't quite love it or the main characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Fellowship with Demons by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1810, Edinburgh. Charles Murray is flattered when Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville asks for his help in looking into the Ronaldson family. He starts his investigation by attending the trial of surgeon John Symons, uncle to members of the family. He is accused of murdering an engraver. Where will the investigation lead.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery, with a cast of likeable characters

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The London Matchmaker - A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Alyssa Jefferson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the Darcys are in London for Elizabeth's confinement. But can she arrange a match between Caroline Bingley and Sir Edmund Snowley. Or will Caroline's character be too much of a complication.
An enjoyable story (though there were several editing errors - characters named wrongly)

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Murder at Mondial Castle by Issy Brooke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Removing themselves from their home and problems Lord and Lady Calaway (Theodore and Adelia) arrive at Mondial Castle. The home of one of their daughters and her husband, John Haveringham, Lord Mondial. But they soon find their rest disturbed by a killing which also inflicts injury on Mondial. The Calaways decide to investigate.
An enjoyable well-written historical mystery with some likeable characters. A very good solid start to the series.
.

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The Illegitimate Heir: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Ayr Bray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, this is the story of Colonel Fitzwilliam and his love for Helen Malham. Who's father refuses to give his consent to their marriage due to his lack of prospects. But also a tale where the Colonel discovers his true heritage which results with him having to contend with the actions of his newly discovered cousin.
Some mature content.
A re-read of this enjoyable story of my favourite male character of Pride & Prejudice.

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The Three Gnomes by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Trevor Lowe receives an urgent request from Sir Robert Alperton of Stiltley Manor, Oxfordshire for help. A body has been discovered in his grounds and he believes that the police will arrest his son. But this will not be the only body to be murdered.
I enjoyed the story but it did become obvious who was guilty.
Originally written in 1937

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Addie: To Wager on Her Future by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this sequel, Adela Atwood or Addie, of Silverthorne Court, just to the south of Mansfield Park is inroduced to the brother of Tom Bertram's betrothed. Like Addie, Robert Eldridge has a great interest in horses. But her younger brother James has brought trouble to their home in the shape of gambling debts due to an unscrupulous Mr Camden. Can a solution be arranged, and a happy ending ensured.
Although I felt you could read this as a standalone I would recommend reading the series in order to get a feel of the characters involved as they develop.
Another delightful well-written story in this series with its cast of very likeable and well-drawn characters.
Received an ARC from the author

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Divorce Can Be Deadly by Emma Jameson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Birdswing, a tiny Cornish village, 1939. Benjamin Bones becomes obsessed with the ghost in his home, Fenton House, while Lady Juliet is annoyed by the return of what she hopes will be her soon to be divorced husband. Then a corpse in found in Fitchley Park the home of Lord and Lady Maggarty.
Ben and Juliet investigate.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery with its likeable characters

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Lethal Pursuit by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1892 London. Enquiry agents Cyrus Barker and his partner Thomas Llewelyn are employed by the Britsh P.M. to act as couriers and deliver a stolen satchel and its contents, to Calais and there hand it over to Monsignor Bello of the Vatican. But the package is wanted by various people who will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Can Barker succeed.
A very enjoyable well-written historical story, a well-plotted mystery with its well-developed characters.
A NetGalley Book

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The Watcher by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colonel Charles Raynham has recently inherited Lidstone Close from his uncle John Lidstone, and is living there with his daughter Mary. But on receiving a threatening note he contacts his journalist friend Dick Farrell. On discovering a dead man, they unexpectedly find that Trevor Lowe is also in the area on behalf of Dorothy Lessinger, the fiancée of the dead Lidstone.
An enjoyable read


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The Black Hills by M.J. Trow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

March 1875 Enquiry agents Grand and Batchelor are in their way to the Wild West in response to a call for help from Colonel Custer, a West Point contemporary of Grand. On arriving in Washington and meeting up with Custer, various incidents lead them to believe that Custers' life is in danger. Even more so when they proceed to Fort Abraham Lincoln where Custer is stationed.
While enjoyable enough there really didn't seem much depth to the mystery or the characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Script for Scandal by Renee Patrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Los Angeles, 1939 Edith Head hands over a script of a new film, entiled Streetlight Story to her friend Lillian Frost. It tells the 'true' story of the California Republic bank robbery in 1936. A case Lillian's frend LAPD detective Gene Morrow and his partner Teddy Lomax were involved in. Which resulted in the dead of Lomax, and the $20,000 still missing, with the three robbers also dead. The script revealing that there was a mastermind behind the robbery who was a member of the police. But why has the D.A Burin Fitts decided to investigate Morrow. Can Lillian and Edith prove Gene's innocence.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with a likeable style of writing and cast of characters. Quite a slow paced story but which kept my interest.
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The Saltergate Psalter by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1361. John the Carpenter is now married with a child on the way. But then Timothy, an old man, is found dead and the Coroner calls in John to the scene. The first thoughts being that the missing servant, Nicholas, had murdered his Master, and stolen a psalter. Events prove this wrong and more deaths follow.
An enjoyable well-written historical mystery.

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Dark Truths by A.J. Cross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the car park near to a jogging trail, a headless body is discovered. It is up to Detective Inspector Bernard Watts and his team to investigate. Complications occur when skulls are discovered nearby. Will Traynor a criminologist is bought in to help, though still trying to deal with his wife's death some ten years ago.
The story in this first book of the series deals more with the crimes and investigation of Watts than Traynor which may change as the series develops. I also found the character of PC Judd to be irritating and sometimes inappropriate for what is a hierarchical environment.
But overall an interesting and enjoyable well-written story, a good start to the series.
A Netgalley Book

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The Colonel's Timely Bride by Dana R. Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, set after the Darcy's marriage a young lady from the future - Mackenzie James - arrives at Pemberley right in front of Miss Georgiana Darcy. Miss Darcy befriends Miss James to help transform her into a Regency lady. All in well until Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives.
A re-read of ths story, and I still would wish this was longer, and some parts of the story filled out, but I still enjoyed the plot and the characters.

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A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1887. Veronica Speedwell has just buried the second and last of her guardians, Nell Harbottle in Little Byfield. When she is confronted by Baron Maxmillian von Stauffenbach who promises to reveal the truth about her past. But for her safety she is given into the care of his friend Stoker. But with the Baron murdered Veronica and Stoker are on the run before he can be arrested, but what of Veronica's past.
An entertaining well-written Victorian mystery, though I don't approve of Veronica's occupation as a lepidopterist. But Stoker is a delightful character.

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A Reputation Dies by Alice Chetwynd Ley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816 London. At an evening soiree, society gossip, Marmaduke Yarnton, is found dead in the gentlemen's cloakroom. On becoming the prime suspect due to his reaction to some gossip, Lord Velmond asks his friend, ex-Captain, Justin Rutherford to help. Justin teams up with his old Sergeant, Bow Street Runner Joseph Watts, and reluctantly with his neice Anthea.
An enjoyable and charming clean cosy mystery, well-written with its few twists, and a likeable main character.
Thankfully, for me, no romance involved. I look forward to the next in the series.
A NetGalley Book

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The Crooked Spire by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1360 John the carpenter arrived in Chesterfield looking for work. He is employed in building the St. Mary's spire. But he becomes first finder when he discovers the body of the master carpenter. To move suspicion away from himself he is determined to find the guilty party. But this leads to more trouble than he could imagine, danger to him, and more deaths.
An enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters. A very good solid start to the series.


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A Pretty Folly: A traditional British murder mystery by Charlie Garratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

6th March 1939. The rumours of the threat of war across Europe has reached England, and has resulted in an increase in violence against the Jewish community in Coventy. Inspector James Given, a Jew by birth, is seconded to the investigation, for one day a week.
Meanwhile, in Kenilworth, at the Hannah Robinson's Charity School a body is discovered. A mummified body in the Chapel's vaults. Inspector Given investigates the case and suspects with the help of Constable Sawyer.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with a likeale style of writing and good plotting.


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The Imbroglio at the Villa Pozzi by Clara Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While on holiday in Italy Angela Marchmont receives a request from her friend Mary Ainsley to vist them at Stresa and investigate two spiritualists. As her husband is convinced they are defrauding people of their money. But the investigation becomes more important when a body of one of the English residents in the town is discovered dead.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery in this series

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Elegance and Grace: Victorian Vigilantes by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spring 1854. Annabel youngest daughter of politican Aitken, has disappeared. Has she been abducted or eloped. No one knows but Thorndike tries to convinced Jake, Lord Torbay to find her. But are there political motivations behind it all, with the question of the Irish situation.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery and romance, the last in the series.

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Social Graces by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Autumn 1853. The actress mistress, Miss Constance Saville, of Lord Chichester is found dead, and he askes Jake Morton, the Earl of Torbay to clear his name. But her sister Sophia Larson is convinced that Chichester is guilty.
Another enjoyable mystery and romance in this series

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Winter of Despair by Cora Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November, 1853. The body of painter Edwin Milton-Hayes has been discovered, murdered, in his attic studio. Inspector Field has asked for the help of his friends, the writers Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
Near the body are the slashed remains of a painting entitled A Winter of Despair. During the search Collins and Dickens discover paintings with faceless people. Unfortunately Collins realises one of these people is his brother Charles.
Collins and Dickens investigate to help clear his name.
Easily read as a standalone story.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery with plenty of suspects to deal with in this cozy historical story.
A NetGalley Book

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A Case of Conspiracy in Clerkenwell by Clara Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unfortunately the Temperance meeting and the Communists have to share the Clerkenwell Central Hal with each other. The ladies of the Temperance society are not happy concerning this, especially Miss Olive Stapleton. This is made worse when Miss Stapleton is found dead.
Meanwhile Henry Jameson at British Intelligence asks Freddy to attend the Communist meetings as he suspects they are trying to arrange another general strike.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery with its likeable main character




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A Question of Hats by Clara Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1928, February. When a hat is wrongly delivered to her Angela Marchmont she attempts to give it to the correct person, but they do not want it. Unfortunately several other people do, but Angela is unable to determine why, at first.
An enjoyable and well-written little mystery

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A Deceitful Subtlety by M.J. Logue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1666. Thomazine and Major Thankful Russell are enjoying their married life at Four Ashes in the Chilterns with one son and another child on the way.
But then Mistress Aphra Behn arrives with a 'request' - her soon to be husband, merchant William Scot, failed to arrive for the wedding and wants Thankful to find him in Bruges.
Thankful soons realises that anything to do with Aphra is not straightforward, and may have brought the Russells into danger.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery with these likeable and complex characters

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The Incident at Fives Castle by Clara Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Angela Marchmont has been invited by the daughter Gertie, of the Earl of Strathmerrick, to Fives Castle to see in 1928. On arriving she becomes suspicious when she realises the Foreign Secretary, Alexander Buchanan and wife Eleanor, the American Ambassador, Audrey Nash and wife Selma with the Head of British Intelligence, Henry Jameson are among the guests. She is proved right when a body is discovered.
An enjoyable and well-written cozy mystery

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Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth: What Time Has Done: a Pride and Prejudice Variation Romance by Alyssa Jefferson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation the Gardiners and Elizabeth Bennet on on holiday, at the Lakes when Elizabeth finally receives the letter from Jane concerning Lydia and Wickham. But the news is of the worst kind, Wickham has not only abandoned Lydia, but Bennet has died, being as ineffectual as usual, even in his pursuit of Lydia. But Elizabeth is asked to stay at Longbourn as governess to the Collinses children. Then six years pass.
An enjoyable and well-written story.

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The Old Success by Martha Grimes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Three shooting, three different locations but is there a connection between them. Inspectors Jury and Macalvie, with the help of ex-police Inspector Brownell investigate.
I have in the past read a few of this series but not for sometime. The story felt like it was connected to past arcs in the series and therefore I feel it could not be read as a standalone. The story itself didn't really caught my imagination, nor my interest. There seemed to be too many names introduced which were really of no importance, and at times I found it difficult to know who was talking, which may be the fault of the formatting of this ARC.
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Break the Silence by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chrissie Lowe has just suffered the nightmare from hell at a college party held by the college's football team. Now her body has been found by her room-mate. Detective Alton and her team investigate. But is it a suicide or murder, the verdict is still out. M.E. Shane Wolfe is still considering the evidence. But then the body of another of the partygoer is found, another accident? Will this be the end.
Easily read as a standalone story though I would recommend the previous six books
Another excellent well-written story is this series, if a somewhat disturbing read. Though it kept me enthralled to the conclusion.
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