Watson on the Orient Express by Charles Veley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

9th July 1888
Dr Watson was kidnapped on the 7th July, by members of the criminal organisation, The Sons of Helios - headed by Lord Sonnebourne. He is lead to believe that there will be an assassination in Constantinople of an official in the French government, his guard, and Sherlock Holmes. But what can Watson do.
Meanwhile Lucy, Mycroft and Holmes are at the Harwell Estate in Kent, as Gerald, Lord Harwell has been declared missing, having not been seen since 24th June.
Is there a possibility that these two events are connected.
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery in this series with its cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. (It might be useful to read the Sons of Helios short story just for context).
Received an ARC from the author

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The Rookie: A Young Culverhouse prequel novella by Adam Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1981 P.C. Culverhouse has been promoted to D.C. and it is now his first day at Mildenheath, as a detective. The first case is a burglery but will it be a straightforward one.
Another entertaining story

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Death of an American Beauty: A Novel by Mariah Fredericks
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1913. Lady's maid Jane Prescott is on holiday and aims to spend it with her uncle, the Reverand Tewin Prescott, at his women's refuge. But her selfish and self-centred employer Mrs Louise Tyler needs her help is making costumes for a pageant. Meanwhile one of the women at the refuge is murdered and the Reverand is suspected. So Jane decides to investiagte.
For me there was too much time spent on the social and historical background and not enough on the mystery. Though well-written is was just not interesting enough for me which is unfortunate as I enjoyed the previous two books in the series
A NetGalley Book

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In the Name of the Father by Adam Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When an anonymous phone call reports a murder, DCI Culverhouse and DS Knight approach the religious community at Hilltop Farm. But they find no evidence. But what will happen when the newspapers get involved.
Another entertaining crime story

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Baynard's List by Jason Vail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is now October 1262 and the list of spies for King and his rival Montfort, which was once held by King Henry's master spy in the area - Baynard - who had been recently murdered has gone missing.
By persuasion, from his former master, the crown justice Ademar de Valence - Attebrook has been forced to find the list.
Enjoyable re-read of the story and I continue to like the characters.

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True Love Conquers All by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues and ends with this variation. Colonel Fitzwilliam's anger has cost him his engagement with Mary Bennet. When the Colonel goes back to the war what will Mary and by association her family do.
An entertaining story but then Mary and the Colonel are my favourite couple

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The World of Sanditon: The Official Companion by Andrew Davies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The happenings behind the scenes of the series Sanditon with overviews of the main characters and the history of the age.
An interesting read with lots of illustrations

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The Thankless Child by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summer in Ballater and the town has many visitors. Mrs Kynoch’s school for young ladies is doing well but while at a picnic one of the ladies disappears. Has she eloped, or is the cause more deadly.
Sheriff's man Dod Durris investigates with the help of Hippolyta.
Another enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, full of likeable characters.



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True Love Never Fails... by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, what if the Bennets are not what their friends and neighbours believe. What if it is an act to ensure that all the daughters marry amiable men, men that love them despite their family.
It begins with Netherfield Hall being occupied by Charles Bingley. Soon to be joined by the rest of his family and Mr Darcy.
This is a re-read and once again I really enjoyed this story, very much.

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In Too Deep by Adam Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An investigative journalist is brutal attacked. With her lying in a coma they have no witnesses and no idea what could be her latest topic. It makes investigating the case difficult for D.C.I. Culverhouse and the rest of his team.
An interesting and well-written crime story



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The Paris Mysteries by Edgar Allan Poe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first three stories featuring the detective C. Auguste Dupin.
The Murders in the Rue Morgue
Dupin becomes interested in the unexplained (by the police) death of a Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter, Camille, in the Rue Morgue. Not just unexplained but brutal deaths.
It took a while to get into the writing style but an interesting mystery nevertheless.
The Mystery of Marie Rogêt
A story that is based on a real crime but this is the story of Marie Roget. Dupin investigates the case by reading and analysing all the newspaper reports to determine who may have committed the crime.
Unfortunately found it difficult to find his writing style interesting.
The Purloined Letter
Dupin is approached by Monsieur G-, the Perfect of the Parisian police. A letter has been purloined from the Royal apartments, and although the thief is known, a Minister D-, the letter has not been found even after a very thorough search. Dupin postulates that sometimes events are simplier then they seem.
This was an enjoyable mystery story


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The Best Of Relations: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by Catherine Bilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, a letter from Elizabeth to Mrs Gardiner which mentioned the likeable Wickham results in her rushing to Longbourn to tell her story and her connection to the Darcys.
An enjoyable and well-written story.
As this a novella events do proceed as quite a lively pace. I admit I would have preferred a longer story to have more of the Mary Bennet storyline

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The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With this the third of the stories about the detective C. Auguste Dupin, he is approached by Monsieur G-, the Perfect of the Parisian police. A letter has been purloined from the Royal apartments, and although the thief is known, a Minister D-, the letter has not been found even after a very thorough search. Dupin postulates that sometimes events are simplier then they seem.
This was an enjoyable mystery story

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Ditching Mr. Darcy by Samantha Whitman


Elizabeth Baker lover of Pride and Prejudice and believes Mr. Darcy to be the perfect man, has once again been let down by modern men. After an accident she is transported back to the time of P&P and has become Elizabeth Bennet. I just didn't find Elizaberth Baker to be a likeable character but I may come back to the book sometime in the future.

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Without Fear or Favour by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1571, Nottingham. Senior Constable Tom Lincraft and junior colleague Giles Bradbury are called to view the body of a suicide, the local miller Edward Franklin has been found hanging in his mill by his son. But Lincraft is suspicious. Their investigations lead to plots and political intrigue but can they catch the killer
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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The Body in the Garden by Katharine Schellman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1815. Widow Lily Adler finally decides its time to return to London society, and is eager to re-engage with friends, especially with Lady Serena Walter. To this end she accepts an invitation to a ball given by the Walters. While taking the air in the garden she oversees a disagreement, overhears an argument and then a gunshot. A few moments later with the help of acquaintance Captain Jack Hartley they discover a body. When the magistrate decides not to investigate, Lily undertakes the task.
It was an enjoyable mystery, but unfortunately I just didn't take to the character of Lily. Not an endearing character to me. Though a good solid start to a new series.
A NetGalley Book

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Rough Justice by Adam Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DS Wendy Knight and DCI Jack Culverhouse investigate when a male is found dead, mutilated in his own home. But they soon realise that he, Jeff Brelsford, was murdered because he was a paedophile.
Culverhouses' attitude to the killer and victim leave him sidelined in the investigation.
But Knight begins to wonder if the murderer is a member of the police.
An entertaining and well-written crime story

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The Mystery of Marie Rogêt by Edgar Allan Poe
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A story that is based on a real crime bur this is the story of Marie Roget. Dupin investigates the case by reading and analysing all the newspaper reports to determine who may have committed the crime.
Unfortunately found it difficult to find his writing style interesting.

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Glass Dolls by D.E. White
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A young girl has been found dead, encased in glass. D.C. Dove Milson is one of the team called out to the crime scene, lead by D.I. Jon Blackman
But Peter Hayworth who was convicted of the previous murders of females encased in glass has died in jail, after admitting to the killing of Dove's niece.
Then another Glass Doll is found, and other girls have gone missing.
An interesting and well written story though I didn't really take to the character of Milson or her family.
Received an ARC from the publisher


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Out of Bedlam by Stephen Gallagher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two stories - Out of Bedlam - August 1912, and Sebastian Becker is called to view John Raby who has died naturally in the ward. And The Plot - the story of vicar Matthew Price and Mary Tolliver and her unbaptised dead baby.
Two enjoyable short stories

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Death and the Chevalier by Robin Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1745. The Young Pretender's army is on its way southwards, towards Preston when two decapitated bodies are found. Coroner Titus Cragg and Dr Luke Fidelis investigate, is there a connection between the bodies and the approaching army.
The story really didn't catch my interest, this might be because I have not read the previous five books which may be why I didn't find the characters were interesting enough. It was presumed that we would know their individual histories. For me there was not enough of a mystery in the story.
A NetGalley Book

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A Third Proposal: A Short Story by Mark Brownlow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, as the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth approaches, words spoken by Mr Bennet have repercussions. What will be the result of this third proposal be.
An enjoyable short story

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The Pardoner's Crime: A historical crime thriller featuring Robin Hood by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1322, West Yorkshire. Sir Richard Lee, Sergeant-at-Law and Circuit Judge, with his assistant Hubert of Loxley have been sent to Sandal Castle by the King, Edward II, to preside over the court of the Manor of Wakefield. His first cases involve a rape, and a murder, is Robert Hood really the main suspect. Richard needs to stamp his authority on the area, while he and Hubert investigate. But soon there is another murder and threats to their lives.
An enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable main characters. A very good solid start to the series.
Received an ARC from the publisher



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One Dove by Stephen Gallagher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sebastian Becker,special investigator of the Visitor in Lunacy becomes interested in the suicide of Joseph Sachsm, a Bethlam resident, because of melancholy due the death of his wife.
An enjoyable short story

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An Alibi Too Soon by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-Chief Superintendent and friend Llew Hughes asks for th help of Richard Patten. Hughes has been writing his memoirs, and he believes that he may have discovered a miscarriage of justice. Thankfully Patton and his wife Amelia are visiting the area and so are able to visit Hughes that evening. But they arrive too late. Patton feels he must investigate.
An entertaining story

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Jane and the Wandering Eye by Stephanie Barron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1804 December. Jane is bored with Bath and is glad when friend Lord Harold Trowbridge asks her to shadow his niece Lady Desdemona. Resulting in an invitation to his mothers' party. But a body is soon discovered, and it is Lord Kinsfell, sister to Desdemona who is taken into custody. The magistrate having no choice as he was standing over the body with a knife in his hands. Jane and Lord Harold investigate determined to prove his inncoent.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery

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Jane and the Hidden Hoard by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane and Caleb are employed by a Lloyd's name - Sir Colin Neville - to locate the stolen jewels from his safe as Lloyds of London refuse to pay out on the insurance.
Although the thief's accomplices have been discovered and arrested they is still the mastermind behind the theft to discover. and the jewels
Another enjoyable and well-written mystery in this series. A re-read

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Malice Aforethought by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body is discovered in the Broughton Ash churchyard, Superintendent Lambert and D.S. Hook investigate. But why would any one want to kill Ted Giles, a well liked chemistry teacher.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery

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Lark Lost by Alexandra Amor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When an acquaintance of Freddie Lark disappears from Vancouver, she reports him missing to her policeman friend, James 'Mack' McCormack. But knowing that it will be a low priority she decides to look for him herself. The only clue is a pamplet for the Sacred Sobriety she finds in his room.
An interesting story

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Why Kill the Innocent by C.S. Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 While out visiting in Clerkenwell, Hero, Lady Devlin and midwife Alexi Sauvage discover a body. The body of music teacher to Princess Charlotte, Mrs Jane Ambrose. Due to her closeness to the princess the murder is not being investigated by the Runners. So Lord Devlin decides she deserves justice. But could the possible motive be.
An entertaining and well-written mystery

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Pride & Prosperity by Julia Fellowes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A novellette inspired by Pride and Prejudice wiht new names for the the characters, and it seems that Mary Bennet's character was not worth being included. A very quick paced story.

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The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first of the mysteries featuring the detective C. Auguste Dupin. He becomes interested in the unexplained (by the police) death of a Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter, Camille, in the Rue Morgue. Not just unexplained but brutal deaths.
It took a while to get into the writing style but an interesting mystery nevertheless.

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Death in Delft by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1671. Master Mercurius of the Leiden University is sent by request to Delft. The mayor wishes him to investigate the death of a young girl and the abduction of two more. Can he find them before they are also killed, and what is the motive behind the abductions. Is there a connection between the three girls and are more in danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with a likeable main character. A very good start to a new series.
A NetGalley Book



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Where the Dead Lie by C.S. Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1813. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, has a new case when the tortured body of a boy is discovered in an open grave in the grounds of an abandoned shot factory. But remains of other children are later discovered. Devlin is determined to bring the guilty to justice.
An entertaining well-written mystery

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The Mystery of Mr Daventry by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucius Daventry, is the illegitimate son of the Duke of Melverley, and consummate rake but what is he really hiding. Unknown to the ton he is now the leader of a secret group called the Order of Themis. A group formed to correct injustices. But it is the murder of the previous leader, Atticus Atwood, that Lucius wished to revenge.
But Sybil Atwood, his daughter, wants the return of her father's personal documents, held by Lucius. Drawn together they must survive threats and plots and hope to reveal the guilty parties.
Another fun and enjoyable well-written story in this series. A good mixture of romance and mystery with its cast of likeable characters, but it does contain mature content.
Received an ARC from the author

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Remember me, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Intimate Variation by Petra Belmonte
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The story continues as Elizabeth is now back at Longbourn and the Netherfield party have arrived.
A very fast paced story to get to the requisite happy ending.

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Drowning in Deception by Judith White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1943. Forty year old Private Investigator Sam Flanagan of St. Aubin, Detroit is approached by State Senator Victor Girard because he is not satisfied with a recent police investigation. The police have determined that the death of his second wife Sondra was accidental. He wants Sam to investigate, to make sure that is the case.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with a likeable style of writing and good plotting, and importantly a likeable main character.
Although this is my first read in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

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The Strange World of Victor Gilpin by William G Kestor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the will of Professor Ronald Gilpin, he leaves a message for his son Victor - the location of a family heirloom. Can Victor find in himself the answer to find this missing heirloom. But Victor's increasing mental problems are pointed out to him, and exasperate his search.
An interesting journey following a man's struggles, though I was hoping that the book would be more of a mystery story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

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Forget Me Not, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Intimate Variation by Petra Belmonte
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Charlotte Lucas has been invited to visit relations in Edinburgh and asks that Elizabeth accompanies her. At a masked ball she meets a Joseph Murray of Rosings.
Mature content.
I do wonder why you would travel from Hertfordshire to Edinburgh via London and Gretna Green, if you are not visiting people in those places.

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Past Due by Richard Stockford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can the events from 1937 Bangor result in murders in the present day. Detective Lieutenant Thomas Clipper must invetigate the past to helphim find the murderer.
I thought Clipper was a bit slow in discovering the truth, but overall an enjoyable enough story

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The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When detective Hercule Poirot receives a letter from a Paul Renauld asking for his help, he and Captain Hasting quickly travel to France - to Merlinville-sur-Mer. But on arrival they find that they are too late and Renauld is dead. Can Poirot unravel the motives, suspects and clues.
An enjoyable mystery

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Your Last Lie by Gretta Mulrooney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When pilot Greg Roscoe is discovered stabbed to death in his cockpit and with no suspects, his mother hires ex-detective Tyrone Swift to investigate. But Roscoe is not the loveable son that his mother believes, but can people be trusted to tell the truth.
An enjoyable enough mystery


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RANCOUR by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Four young females start the climb up Goat Fell on Arran. When three of them turn back they seem unconcerned about their friend, and it is not until some hours later that the rescue team are called in. Unfortunately they find her dead. D.I. West and her team are called in to investigate with the unofficial help of retired James Munro.
An enjoyable mystery, likeable characters and an easy writing style make this and the rest of the books in the series an entertaining read.

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The Modern Mother's Day Survival Guide by Laina Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this modern day P&P variation, the Bennet daughters are older, Mary as the only unwed one is now 40. This is the story of the trials and tribulations of Mothers Day for the various families.
I admit I am not a fan of modern variations but this had my favourite couple (Mary and Richard) so I had to be read it.
The four stars is just for the enjoyable story, obviously as an unpublished work it does need some editing.

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The Wayward Apprentice by Jason Vail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Its September 1262 and Sir Stephen Attebrook and just been appointed as deputy coroner for Ludlow, a town in Herefordshire. When he is required with his clerk Gilbert Wistwode to investigate his first death - that of Patrick Carter.
I liked the main character of Attebrook, and the other players which help him, and its a good mystery. As there is a new book to the series I have decided to re-read all of the other books first

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Talion by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. James Munro after blowing up his kitchen to remove a criminal is still missing. D.S. Charlotte West is now in charge of a case. A young lad, Cam Brodie, with his mother, has discovered a body on a beach. West decides she needs to find Munro first to help with the case.
An other enjoyable crime story with its cast of likeable characters.

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The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Great War has ended and Tommy Beresford and Prudence 'Tuppence' Cowley are broke. Wanting excitement they decide to form the 'Young Adventureres Ltd' - will do anything and go anywhere as their slogan. Before long they find themselves embroiled in an adventure, a deadly adventure. But who can they trust.
An enjoyable story, a good start to the series.
First published in 1922

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Jane Austen's Ghost by Jennifer Kloester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816 The Reverend James Stanier Clarke, Librarian at Carlton House offer marriage to Jane Austen, which she refuses most adamantly. With the use of a grimoire, he places a curse on her soul.
2019. Cassandra Austin has fled from another disaster to her Great-Aunt Butters. But something is happening at the nearby Winchester Catherdral, and when Aunt Butters casts a spell, Jane Austen's ghost appears and is bound to Cassandra. How can they send Jane to where she belongs.
A delightful and well-written read, which I really enjoyed.


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Closing Time: A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery by Brenda Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's late summer and Officer Kala Stonechild has a need to get away so she goes with her foster niece, Dawn, to Pine Hollow Lodge in the wilderness to the north of Sault Ste. Marie. But a teenage girl working at the Lodge goes missing and soon her body is found.
Kala is asked for her help and so assists Officer Clark Harrison, an old colleague. Can they find the guilty party among the many suspects and unravel the lies.
Unfortunately this is the last in this series. Again this is another entertaining and well-written series, with its excellently plotted stories. So we say goodbye to all these likeable and well-developed characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Terminus by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.C.I. Munro has been seriously injured after a hit and run traffic accident, but is determined not to stay at the hospital. Meanwhile Father Dalgetty is concerned after the death of a close friend because he believes that her will has been altered. His friend Alison Kennedy, manager of Glencree Care Home, approaches the police with her concerns. But is there a connection between the two events.
An enjoyable crime story but with this book it is best to have read number 4 in the series first.



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