Where Shadows Dance by C.S. Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1812. Paul Gibson, anatomist and friend to St. Cyr, has illegally bought the body of a young man, Alexander Ross, who has died from a weak heart. But investigation reveals he was murdered. He asks for St. Cyr's help in discovering the murderer. A difficult case when there seems to be no motive. But soon another body is discovered.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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Mr. Darcy's Perfect Match: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Kelly Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variation begins just after the Hunsford proposal. While back in London and unhappy Darcy is pleased to see Georgiana in better humuor as it seems she has made a friend in a Miss Hester Drake. Who according to Lady Matlock is the perfect match for Darcy. Meanwhile at the Gardiners, Elizabeth sees how unhappy Jane is and asks a favour of her uncle - can he send a letter to Bingley explaining certain facts.
In this story Bingley grew on me as his character matured. Once again the Fitzwilliam brothers are more interesting characters than Darcy. A 4 star rating until the Epilogue, oh why pair Mary as the author did, a disappointment.

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The Pursuit of Mary Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Novel by Pamela Mingle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the story begins three years after the end of Pride and Prejudice where we find Kitty and Mary still unmarried.
But Mary has changed, and when once again Lydia and Wickham cause a scandal, Kitty and Mary are both sent to visit the Bingleys. Where Kitty is re-introduced to the gentleman she believes wants to marry her. But what about Mary. Some new characters are introduced into this lovely story.
A delightful well-written story, an enjoyable re-read.

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Two More Days at Netherfield by Heather Moll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, while staying at Netherfield, Elizabeth overhears the conversation between Darcy and Caroline Bingley concerning her fine eyes. This changes her attitude slightly towards Darcy, while they spend an extra two days at Netherfield. But will it make any difference to the events. What is to prevent them from reaching an understanding more quickly. Thankfully there is Wickham and Caroline to counterbalance the goodness.
An entertaining and well-written variation.


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Moriarty Lifts the Veil by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Augst 1888 and the Moriartys have a few weeks ahead of them of idleness, and so are happy when they each receive a case to investigate. Mrs Angelina Moriarty aka Lina Lovington, actress, is asked by an officer's wife to find a missing Indian female servant. While Moriarty's case is the possible swindle of the discharge pay of Army veterans. They agree to a competition of who can solve their case first, but the situations becomes serious when a body is discovered.
Another enjoyable and well-written historical mystery in this series, with a likeable, easy style of writing and good plotting. The book can easily be read as a standalone story but I would recommend the others in the series as they are all an entertaining read.
Received an ARC from the author

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The Pocket Book Series, Volume 1: Rumors & Revelations, A Collection of Pride & Prejudice Short Story Variations by Aubrey Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of six short story P&P variations (plus a bonus story) of of whom are clean reads. All the storries concern Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet and the different ways that they finally reach thie happy ending.
All were enjoyable well-written reads, though I would have loved to have at least one of them about any of the secondary characters in P&P just for a change of pace.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Death in Chelsea: A Mayfair 100 Mystery by Lynn Brittney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1915 and the Mayfair 100 team have started to get bored with no new case for several months to investigate. Then the team are called in when Lady Adelene Treborne is found hanged in her apartment. They find to their dismay that she had many enemies with motives wanting her dead.
Can the team with their new recruits unravel the truth to find the guilty party.
Although the story can easily be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the first in the series as I did find it an delightful read.
This is another entertaining well-written story and an easy read. The main characters as expected are a likeable bunch.
A NetGalley Book

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No Quiet Among the Shadows by Nancy Herriman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1867 San Francisco. Nurse Celia Davies is out watching the 4th of July celebrations when she believes she sees her supposedly dead husband. A few minutes later P.I. Smith who had confirmed his death is found dead in suspicious circumstances.
Detective Nick Greaves' investigation leads him and Celia to a suspect séance group and the attendees, but what is the connection.
A enjoyed the story, the mystery, and the character of Greaves. I really didn't take to the character of Celia and her seemingly demanding ways when it came to the police and their investigation.
A NetGalley Book


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The Hour of Fatality: A Jane Rochester Mystery by LeAnne McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane Eyre has been married to the injured Mr Rochester for six weeks. As Thornfield Hall has been destroyed by fire they are living at Ferndean Manor when they get an invitiation, which includes Jane's cousin Diana Rivers, to visit Ingram Park. Home of Lord Ingram and his sister Blanche.
But soon Jane discovers an injured man, what secrets is he hiding. What of the other guests.
An enjoyable well-written sequel to Jane Eyre. Jane and Edward are such a lovely couple.


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Sanditon by Jane Austen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have not watched the television series which this book is based on, but the story, characters and dialogue will obviously be constrained by the mini-series version.
Unfortunately I was not impressed with the Davies version of Pride and Prejudice so I was slightly concerned with what he would do with the fragment of Sanditon.
As a romance story it was an entertaining read, with its interesting characters, especially the Parker family and Charlotte Heywood. I also got to like the characters of Lady Dernham and Esther Denham.
But I felt the sexual innuendos were crude and totally unnecessary for a work supposedly based on a Jane Austen fragment, and some of the characters seemed extreme or acted in an extreme way.
I certainly have preferred other finished versions and it was disappointing to find that the story is not finished. Overall an enjoyable read but not a great read.
Received a paperback copy for review

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Caught Red-Handed by Denise Domning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the village of Mancetter, Warwickshire, the villagers are convinced that the dead Raymond, father of Dickie has come back to kill his son. Which means that Dickie will also become the walking dead. Sir Faucon de Ramis, with his brother Will, servant Alf and Brother Edmund journey to the village to investigate.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery in this series. With its likeable characters.

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A Murderous Game by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1831. Hippolyta's brother Marcus arrives in Ballater, on the same stagecoach as a pair of political rivals. Unfortunately their presence results in a morning duel and the death of one. But there will be another death and attacks on the inhabitants of the area. Sergeant Durris investigates with the help of Hippolyta Napier. But Hippolyta is worried as it seems her brother has disappeared.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery

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Elizabeth Bennet's Excellent Adventure: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation after the Hunsford failed proposal, Maria Lucas finds and reads the letter that Darcy had delivered to Elizabeth Bennet. As it is totally improper for a gentleman to send a letter to a lady, and knowing that Maria will not keep the secret, she nows needs to convince Darcy to marry her before her reputation is ruined. But will all go to plan.
An enjoyable story.

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The Vanishing of Dr Winter by L.B. Hathaway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

December 1922 and Posie Parker, private investigator is approached by Felicity Fyre, ex-nurse, to determine if her husband, Dr. Winter, is still alive and not killed during the war in 1918. Can events from the war echo through the years to 1922.
An enjoyable cozy mystery

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Scandal Comes to the Bingleys by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this short story P&P sequel the Bingleys' eldest daughter Maria is being courted. But then some scandal is unearthed about him. Will she have a happy ending.
Although the details of the scandal were stated nothing was actually investigated, so for me the story was unresolved.

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The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Cozy Mystery by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, Catherine Bennet is celebrating her marriage at Pemberley. But in Scotland, in a castle's dungean lies a young lady with no memory of her life before her capture. What are the intentions of the owners of the castle towards this lady. While staying in Alpin Hall in Scotland, Georgiana has received word of the death of her husband, Major-General Fitzwillian, and in her despair ridden out and has now be lost for several days. The search in on for Georgiana Fitzwilliam.
An enjoyable and well-written cozy mystery


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Jane and the Bow Street Runner by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Emma sequel features Jane Chruchill nee Fairfax and her close friend Bow street runner Caleb Armitage. The book contains three novellas, all well-written interesting mysteries

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A Grave Welcome by Blythe Baker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1926 Nellie Dennet or as she is now known Rose Beckingham has arrived from India only to see an altercation between two men. One of whom will soon be murdered. While staying with her new relations and claim Rose's inheritance she decides to investigate.
Too much was revealed about the plot of the first Book to want and go back and read it. Unfortunately not really much of an investigation, a couple of questions asked and the guilty party revealed themsevles to Rose.


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The Black and the White: The Black Death is raging but are some the victims of murder? by Alis Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

February 1348. The Black Death has come, and in the Forest of Dean Martin Collyer wakes up having survived, unlike the most of his family. Believing that Saint Cynryth, The White Maiden has protected him he vows to return her statue to Salster, on the other side of the country. On the way he is helped by Hob Cleve , a young man who saves him from an attack. On their pilgrimage deaths occur but are all the result of the plague.
An interesting and well-written historical story. Certainly shows the means that people may go to escape the plague, and survive to hopefully make a living once the plague withdraws
Received an ARC from the publisher


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The Final Toll by Denise Domning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sir Adam Bagot summons Sir Faucon de Ramis - the Keeper of the Pleas- to Offord as his father by marriage, Sir Robert Offord, has been murdered by Lady Offord, Sir Robert's third wife, or so he prefers to believe. But the evidence is somewhat lacking, but it does seem as theft as been committed.
Very enjoyable well-written murder mystery.

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Paragon Walk by Anne Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1885 Who would want to kill 17 year old innocent Fanny Nash of Paragon Walk. It is for Inspector Pitt to investigate. As his sister my marriage Emily lives on the same Walk, will she and his wife Charlotte be a help in this case. Is Fanny's death the start of a killing spree.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery

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Death Stops the Frolic by George Bellairs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1941 October. It is time for the Zion Chapel’s Anniversary Tea Party but this will not end well for one person, when falling through a trapdoor he is found stabbed. Will this be the only death. Inspector Nankivell investigates.
Not really an entertaining story, I onlyjust made it to the end, and it was made worse by being written in the prestent tense. No where near the best of Bellairs.
A NetGalley Book

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The Clue of the Green Candle by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Roger Tempest, novalist, goes misssing after a dinner party. Disappearing on his walk home. Some days later his body is found. Trevor Lowe is asked to investigate when brother, Richard Tempest, is suspected. But soon there will be death.
An enjoyable story though the guilty party I thought was quite obvious but not the motive.
Originally written in 1938

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Poison on the Levels by David Hodges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tony Samuels is concerned when his girlfriend Tammy Logan goes missing, but as an adult and missing for only a day the police are reluctant to start a major inquiry.
D.S. Kate Lewis offers to take his statement. Later she is called to a suspected suicide, and the discovery of a poison pen letter in his study points to a possible reason.
Are there more letters, who is sending them.
More deaths will occur and will Tammy be found in time.
An enjoyable and well-written read though I did have by suspicions for the murderer quite early on.
Received an ARC from the publisher

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Murder at Enderley Hall by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1933 Kitty Underhay of the Dolphin Hotel is finally going to meet her father's family. As she has received an invitation from Lord and Lady Medford, and their daughter Lucy to stay at Enderley Hall. But a quiet holiday is very early on interrupted by theft and murder. Inspector Greville with Kitty's friend Captain Matthew Bryant are called in to investigate. Though with Kitty wanting excitement she soon involves herself in the case.
Kitty also discovers more about the disappearnace of her mother back in 1916.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery, with its cast of varied characters. Unfortunately my suspicions of the guilty party were proved correct.
A NetGalley Book

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Death of a False Physician by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1830s The day has finally arrived, Hipolyta is about to be unfortunately visited by her sister, Mrs Milton, and her mother, Mrs Fettes. But she soon realizes that it's not her they are visiting but a Dr. Gilead who seems to be the next leg of his tour of spa towns, and followed by a group of patients. Who could know that a death would soon follow, and not just one.
An enjoyable and well-written historical with its cast of likeable characters which don't include the mother and sister.

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Sudden Acquisitions: A sequel to Pride and Prejudice by Louise Birkett
My rating: 5 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.
A re-read, which I enjoyed yet again

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The Ripper Deception by Jacqueline Beard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1891 Ipswich. After attending an inquest private investigator Harpham is asked by his friend Inspector Fernlagh to accompany him to view the body of a dead female, Miss Ruth Moss. Meanwhile Harpham's partner Violet Smith is in Chelmondiston, investigating strange ghostly goingons in a vicarage. There she meets members of the Society for Psychical Reasearch, there on the same mission. Do these two events have any connection to the death of Edmund Gurney in Brighton in 1888.
An enjoyable historical mystery, with its likeable characters.



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Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth: The Tree on the Green by Alyssa Jefferson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth meets Georgiana Darcy at Lambton, and helps the crying girl just before she meets Darcy. Later they meet at the Meryton Assembley. Of course events never run smoothly.
Darcy struggles with his attraction, while still his normal arrogant and hypocritical self, while Elizabeth does not seem to change at all. Bingley has more of a backbone, which is a relief to read.
Overall an enjoyable story

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A Conspiracy of Bones by Kathy Reichs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Pictures of a faceless corpse have been sent to Temperance Brennan's phone. Why and who is he? But with a new boss at work, one that she is in conflict with, Brennan's search for the truth results in an unofficial investigation with the help of retired detective, Slidell.
I finished the book but I just could not get my interest involved in the story and at times I felt that there was too much indepth pointless information.
A NetGalley Book

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Cousin Prudence by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some few months after her marriage to George Knightley, Emma discovers that she has a cousin. Her father once had a sister who married beneath her and now the husband, Mr Blenkinsop wishes for her family to introduce his daughter Prudence to society.
A delightful story, with likeable characters who are mostly new to the original. An enjoyable re-read.

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Hostage to Fortune by Sarah Hawkswood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1143 December. The journeyman of Master Osbern, moneyer, has been found dead in the river. While debased coinage has been found in Worcester. Coincidence?
Meanwhile Christina FitzPayne, betrothed of Under-sheriff Hugh Bradecote decides to go on a pilgrimage accompanying Brother Samson and his escorts. Plans go astray when they are captured and the leader wants a prisoner out of gaol in exchange. Can the hostages be saved. William de Beauchamp, Sheriff of Worcestershire directs the proceedings.
An enjoyable well-written thriller, my first in the series which can be read as a standalone story. The series has a cast of likeable characters, my favourite in this book is probably the Sheriff.
A NetGalley Book


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Christmas at Longbourn by Karen Aminadra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, the story continues with Lydia the widow having re-married. The gentleman concerned was thought to be Kitty's intended. So how it Kitty coping, do both remaining sisters believe they will never marry. With family and friends around them and with such a harsh winter, can either have a happy ending.
An enjoyable story of two of the forgotten sisters.

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Mrs Hudson and the Samarkand Conspiracy by Martin Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heatwave has arrived in Victorian London and all is quiet on the crime front, so Holmes and Watson are bored. Until the mystery of the disappearing train in a tunnel between the villages of Predeal and Tomos in the Carpathian mountains. But who was the passenger, why is he important, and how did the train disappear. The cleverly woven plot covers spies, diplomats, missing spectacles and blackmail.
An entertaining well-written read told from the p.o.v of Flotsam, maid to Holmes and Watson, with a cast of interesting characters.
A NetGalley Book



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A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1888. Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk needs the help of Veronica Speedwell and Stoker, to help solve a problem. Actually two problems, both involving Prince Albert Victor, known as Eddy. He the foolish man has given his l'amour a distinguish piece of jewellery, and now is the time of the Ripper.
An enjoyable and well-written historical story, with its entertaining interactions, not just between the main pair.
A NetGalley Book


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The Vanished Bride by Bella Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1851 and Charlotte Bronte is at Haworth Parsonage and reflects on the past. Back to 1845 when the three sisters learn of the disappearance of Mrs Elizabeth Chester, from her room which is covered in blood, too much blood to give hope. She is the second wife of Mr Chester of Chester Grange.
As they are friends with Matilda French, the children's governess, they decide to visit their neighbour on the morrow. Resulting in their determination to solve the mystery.
A slow paced historical mystery, well-written and an enjoyable story with its well-drawn characters.

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Death of a Fop by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sequel to Jane Austen's Emma where Jane Fairfax has married Frank Churchill but the marriage is not as happy as she hoped. So when Jane is informed of his murder she wishes to know who the murderer is but is not vastly upset considering his treatment of her.
Helping a Bow Street Runner, Caleb Armitage, they work to find out who and why.
Some of the characters spoke in the language 'cant' which I did find offputting and slowed the story for me, but this was easier on this second read.

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Her Broken Wings by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although its the middle of the night, Detective Jenna Alton receives an emergency call from Deputy Jake Rowley. An intruder has shot a Lucas Robinson in his bed, according to a phone call from the wife Carol.
But this is only the start of a killing spree, that will continue all week. What type of serial killer is this. Alton and Kane find that at least they do have some suspects.
Another enjoyable and well-written crime story with its cast of well-drawn characters. Though in this case suspicions were rised early concerning who was the guilty party.
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The Year of the Flame by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gaius Calidus Nerva, a former slave and now heir to the house of Nerva is instructed by the Emperor Nero to discover who has murdered one of his High Priests. To find the killer he must discover the motive before another is killed. Will he be in time.
Enjoyable historical story about Rome in the reign of Nero with a murder mystery added to the storyline.

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Miss Bennet's Adventure by Lis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet is invited to spend as long as she wishes at Pemberley. An invitation she is very eager to take. Soon an injured Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them but he has a secret mission to complete. Will they both get their happy ending.
A very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.

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Her Grandmother's Wisdom by Lis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story


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Lost Innocents by Denise Domning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1194. Sir Faucon de Ramis and Brother Edmund investigate the death of a leper's daughter found in a well in the village of Wike. Meanwhile another young girl has gone missing with Sir Faucon no closer to finding the murderer of these girls.
A very enjoyable well-written read, with its very likeable characters

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That Affair Next Door by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895. Miss Amelia Butterworth curiosity is engaged when late one evening she notices a couple enter her neighbours' house. The house belonging to the Van Burnams. And the next morning a body of a female is discovered within. Detective Gryce investigates but Miss Butterworth is determined to find the guilty party first.
An intriguing mystery, originally written in 1897

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The Wager: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of a Pride and Prejudice variation where we read about the circmstances that lead to the circumstances of Mary beinge invited to visit Hunsford where she meets Major Quartermaine, a relation of Lady Catherine late husband. Events make her think less of the Major, but can there be a happy ending for this shy and prim Bennet daughter.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, just wished Mary story's could have been a longer. I liked this Mary and the new character.
Love finding stories about the minor characters in Jane Austen's works, I just wish there were more.
Five stars as it is a re-read (again) and was still enjoyed, and millions of stars for not marrying Mary off to Collins or any other parson or clerk.

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Mr. Knightley's Secret by W.E. Dashwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Emma variation, when Mr. George Knightley's demeanour changes there are a few people in Highbury who are wondering what his secret is. Will he confide in anyone, can anyone discover his secret.
An enjoyable story

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A Very Mary Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, with Jane and Elizabeth nearly married Mrs Bennet turns her attentions to Kitty. As obviously Mary has lost any chance of marriage when she didn't catch Mr. Collins. But Mary has friends on her side. So can she find her happy ending.
Loved this story, it was wonderful to read Mary's tale, and I really liked the new characters that were introduced.
An enjoyable re-read of a well-written story with its delightful characters.

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The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1925 Sussex. While alone at home, Mary Russell receives a visitor, but not for her, but their housekeeper Mrs Hudson. Her son, Samuel, has arrived from Australia. But in the next few moments everything changes. What is the history of Mrs Hudson? and how does it impact on the present?
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery reaching bach to the 1850s.

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A Vigil of Spies: The Owen Archer Series - Book Ten by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1373. Archbishop Thoresby of York is dying, but who will succeed him in this important post. While waiting for a decision Joan, the Princess of Wales, and wife to the Black Prince, heir to the throne is due to visit.
Even before she arrives there has been a death in her entourage, Owen Archer Thoresby’s captain of the guard expects more trouble, unfortunately he is correct.
An enjoyable and well written historical mystery

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Inspector Ghote's Good Crusade by H.R.F. Keating
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Frank Masters, an American millionaire and philanthropist has been killed by arsenical poisoning at his Masters Foundation. Inspector Ghote is put in charge of the investigation.
Unfortunately the story really didn't engage my attention. The characters nor the story were that interesting
A NetGalley Book


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The Two Proposals by violet_baudelaire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P short story Mary Bennet has the choice between two suitors. Which will she pick.
Would have loved this to have been a much longer story.

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