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Thursday 30 April 2020

The AdvocateThe Advocate by Bill Mesce Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

England 1943 three USA airplanes are approaching from the sea to the coast of Sussex, after their mission of bombing fuel depots near the village of Halsvagen in Belgium. The leading plane is damaged and being fired at and then shot down by one flown by Major Albert Markham, the other pilot is Captain Jon-Jacob Anderson. The dead pilot is Lieutenant Dennis O'Connell. The two observers on land, Charles and Molly Gresham are then also shot at.
Major Harry Voss JAG heads the investigation with his team.
An interesting and well-written historical mystery

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Saint Milburga's Bones (Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #5)Saint Milburga's Bones by Jason Vail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1262 and Prince Edward has come to Ludlow in prepation for war with the Welsh. Attebrook wishes to join up but his injury prevents this so he must stay and investigate the death of a castle guard and a stolen relic.
Another enjoyable mystery as I re-read this series.

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Wednesday 29 April 2020

Jane and the Actresses (Jane, Bow Street Consultant Book 8)Jane and the Actresses by Sarah Waldock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The former Jane Fairfax, now Lady Armitage is approached by Miss Esmerelda deVere also known as Ellie Smith, to help find a missing friend, Jenny Black, aka Guinevere Lenoir, in the Case of the disappearing actress.
In the second of the storylines Jane and her husband Sir Caleb, a Bow Street Runner investigate The Case of the Dead Actress - A friend of Ellie's, Alice Drake, aka Alethea Fazackerly was found murdered but the death was not investigated.
In the last of the interwoven stories - The Case of the Frightened Actresses, Jane investigates when several actresses are threathened with disfigurement if they do not pay a price, a price one actress refused and was attacked.
Another re-read and an enjoyable story in this well-written series

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The Goldfish Bowl (A Willows and Parker Mystery, #1)The Goldfish Bowl by Laurence Gough
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Vancouver. It would seem that the city has a serial killer, a sniper. Jack Willows and his new partner Claire Parker, lead the investigation. But how does the sniper pick his victims, is their connection between them, and what are the motives for their deaths.
An enjoyable well-written crime story,a good start to the series
Originally written in 1987

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Tuesday 28 April 2020

Fortune and FelicityFortune and Felicity by Monica Fairview
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1812 In this Pride & Prejudice variation/sequel the Hunsford proposal has been received and refused, but this time Darcy does not deliver the letter.
Seven years later, after marrying Darcy, Anne de Bourgh has died leaving a five year old daughter, Catherine.
The last seven years have not gone well for the Bennet family. As now Mr. Collins is living at Longbourn, Elizabeth married a Captain Heriot who has since died and left her poor. Also Jane is married to a tradesman, a Mr Grant, and is expecting her fifth child.
Elizabeth decides it's time she earned some income and plans to become a governess, but she soon learns that she is uneducated even to become a governess. Thankfully Darcy needs a governess for Kathy as she needs some guidance in her life or she will turn into another Lady Catherine, or a new Anne de Bourgh. So it is no surprise that he employs Mrs Elizabeth Heriot.
But will this be a wise decision for either of them, what could go wrong with the arrangement, and how do others perceive the situation. Can there really be a happy ending.
A well-written and enjoyable Elizabeth and Darcy romance story. (Unfortunately though with very little information about the other characters from canon.)
Received an ARC Review draft copy

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Mrs Bennet's Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice VariationMrs Bennet's Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Phillipa J Rosen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mrs Bennet decides to invite all her five married daughters and their husbands for Christmas Day, with because of the situation with Darcy, the Wickham's coming on Boxing Day.
Why would these people travel all these distances for one day, and during the Winter.
Why would the Collins arrive at Longbourn, and not stay at Lucas Lodge.
It was an enjoyable enough read though the comic aspects passed me by.

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Monday 27 April 2020

The Wickenham Murders (Marsh & Daughter Book 1)The Wickenham Murders by Amy Myers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Georgia and father Peter Marsh investors of "Fingerprints in Time". They believe they have a new idea for their next book. The 1929 murder of Ada Proctor, a doctor's daughter, by Davy Todd in the village of Wickenham in Kent. Mary Elgin knows her young love was innocent of the murder but she was not believed at the time.
Then a skeleton is found at the bottom of a denehole in the woods of the Wickenham Manor Hotel, will this help her cause or not. But then long held feuds in the village come to a head over the selling of the village sports fields resulting in a death.
Is there any connections between all the various deaths over the years.
An interesting story. A good start to a new series

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Ghosts of Geneva: The Black StoneGhosts of Geneva: The Black Stone by Kate Hoyland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

May 1816 on the shore of Lake Geneva, writers Shelley, Byron, Polidori and Mary Wollstonecraft tell each other stories. Polidori's story ends in laughter, and disdain. Now it is Shelley's turn.
An enjoyable story.

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Sunday 26 April 2020

The Dain CurseThe Dain Curse by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Continental Op is employed by an insurance company to investigate a theft of diamonds from the Leggett household. What seems like any ordinary theft changes when dead bodies start appearing. But is Miss Dain really cursed, she believes so, as everytime she changes her abode people start getting killed.
An enjoyable re-read of this well-written mystery.
Originally written in 1929

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Spirited Away: A Pride and Prejudice NovellaSpirited Away: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Alix James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Jane and Elizabeth Bennet have just left Netherfield Park after Jane's illness. Then Darcy receives a letter from Anne de Bourgh, stating that she is in Meryton because she has run away and wants to marry Mr Daniel Sullivan who has recently proposed. Darcys interference results in various people disappearing (helping Anne), Elizabeth concludes that their disappearance is due to Darcy and so thinks the worst of Darcy.
Can this couple have a happy ending in this fast paced story
I admit I got really annoyed with this Darcy, more than I usually do

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The Filigree Ball Being a full and true account of the solution of the mystery concerning the Jeffrey-Moore affairThe Filigree Ball Being a full and true account of the solution of the mystery concerning the Jeffrey-Moore affair by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A story from the point of view of a policeman only named as F. He is called out to Moore House, a house owned by Mrs Jeffrey nee Veronica Moore. A house with a bad reputation, because so far three bodies have been found. The latest was at the wedding of Miss Veronica Moore to Mr Francis Jeffrey. Since then only several weeks have passed and now when a light is seen in this uninhabited house F investigates and finds a body. Is it suicide or murder. F is sure that it is murder and looks for the evidence. But what could be the motive, who are the suspects and what about the filigree ball.
An interesting crime story, originally written in 1903


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Saturday 25 April 2020

Red HarvestRed Harvest by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Donald Willsson from Personville employs the Continetal Detective but Willsson is murdered before he can explain why. Corruption is everywhere in the town and he decides to stay and clean up the town.
A mystery with lots of death and violence.
A re-read for me of a great well-written story.
Originally written in 1929

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The Smart Woman's Guide to MurderThe Smart Woman's Guide to Murder by Victoria Dowd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pandora Smart arranges a weekend away for her book club, unfortunately her daughter Ursula decides to tag along, an unwanted addition to the gathering at this country house of Ambergris Towers.
Then the snow starts to fall, and while trying to find a way to the village a body is discovered in the garden. But this will not be the last.
Unfortunately I found all the characters to be irritating, and hoped that they would all be murdered by the end of the book. They certainly seemed to be a bunch of inept characters to investigate a murder, which might be the comic aspect of the story which totally past me by.
Overall I enjoyed the plot, but didn't like the characters
Received an ARC from the publisher

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The Girl in the Ice (Stephen Attebrook Mysteries #4)The Girl in the Ice by Jason Vail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's now December 1262 and snowstorms are striking Ludlow making the going treacherous. On Christmas morning as everyone goes to Church, Harry the beggar finds a body under the snow, along the church path.
No one recognises the body and deputy coroner Stephen Attebrook takes responsibility to determine the who and why, which leads into enemy territory and danger.
Some minor mistakes found, which seems not to be unusual in most books but I enjoyed the story and really like the characters.
Another enjoyable re-read

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Friday 24 April 2020

Doctor Watson's WarDoctor Watson's War by Patrick Mercer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At 221B Baker Street the smell of one of Homes' chemicals evoke memories of the 66th Regiment in Afghanistan of 1880. This is Doctor Watson story of his time in that war.
An interesting story

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Jane and the Sins of Society (Bow Street Consultant #7)Jane and the Sins of Society by Sarah J. Waldock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Emma sequel, Jane Fairfax is now married to Caleb Armitage, a Bow Street Runner. This is three stories which merge into one
1 - Jane and the Impossible Lady - Jane have been approached to help solve a problems. That is to determine who a Mrs Fielding and her daughter Cora really are. Are they worthy of being introduced into society, and if not how have they managed it.
2 - Jane and the Deadly Wagers - There seems to be an unnatural number of deaths of wealthy people who were not expected to die so soon. Why is this happening and is there a murderer hiding in plain sight.
3 - Jane and the Dangerous Draisine - are riding draisines really dangerous or is someone trying to kill one of the riders, and if so why.
Three story lines linked together making another very enjoyable well-written mystery in this series.
Another re-read

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Thursday 23 April 2020

Darcy's Uneasy Betrothal: A Pride and Prejudice VariationDarcy's Uneasy Betrothal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation as Darcy arrives in the neighbourhood he saves Elizabeth Bennet from a raging bull, but it is a compromise, even though an innocent one. As both Bennet parents are eager to see all their daughters married (Mr Bennet because he wants to spend more on books and port) they are forced to become engaged to marry. Into this situation is Mr Collins and his wife who are soon to arrive to stay at Longbourn, even though Mr Bennet is concerned for their safety as he does not trust this disreputable man with any of his daughters.
An enjoyable read

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Dark HollowDark Hollow by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Judge Ostrander of Shelby has become a recluse, but he is approached by the wife of a murderer a Mrs Averill (a name she assumed after the hanging of her husband). The victim was the Judges' best friend, Algernon Etheridge, and he was the Judge on the case. The convicted murderer was John Scoville.
Now Reuther Averill (Scoville) and Oliver Ostrander, the Judges son, were to have married but on finding out the truth of her father, Reuther withdrew. Now Mrs Scoville wants to prove her husband innocent so that the offspring can marry.
So who did kill Algernon Etheridge.
An enjoyable crime story originally published in 1914

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Wednesday 22 April 2020

THE LOST FILES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes #1)THE LOST FILES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES by Paul D. Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 - The Adventure of the Connoisseur - Holmes is approached by Nathaniel Graves of the reform and Connoisseur Club because he has suffered a theft of one of his paintings, a fairly worthless landscape painting. But one that he liked.
2 - The Mystery of Avalon - Colonel Geraint Masterson of Avalon Estae near Slaughter Bridge in Cornwall wishes to employ Holmes, recently there have been two attempts on the life of his wife and the local constabulary have failed in solving the case.
3 - The Missing Don Giovanni -Sir James Mowbray, the director of the RToyal Opera House needs the help of Holmes as the actor playing Don Giovanni has disappeared.
4 - The Hooded Man - After receiving a letter from Miss Lucy Hardcastle of the Cliff Court Lodge, Holmes and Watson are off to Kent. She believes that she is being watched by the blind Captain Dyson. But how and why.
5 - The Old Grey Horse - While Holmes is busy with one of Lestrades' informers, Benjamin Matthews visits Baker Street and Dr. Watson. Matthews tells the doctor of his concerns, The Old Grey Horse inn, the place of his current employment. Dr. Watson investigates.
6 - The Adventure of the Conscientious Constable - Inspector Lestrade and his team are involved in secret government business when one of his team disappear. Detective Constable Nicholas Parkes, is an exemplary officer so Lestrade is concerned when he is reported missing, to the extent he asks for Holmes' help.
7 - The Adventure of the Dying Gaul - 1898 - Holmes' help is asked by the Italian police when the statute of the Dying Gaul is stolen from the Capitoline museum. On the journey to Rome, Holmes informs Watson that he believes that Moriarty didn't die seven years previously but is behind the theft and other crimes in Europe.
An enjoyable group of well-written short mysteries

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Inspector Proby's WeekendInspector Proby's Weekend by John Gano
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.I. Proby and D.S. Rootham have been marooned by the floods at Hatton Abbey when they were called there because of a death. On arriving they determine that it was murder. Circumstances means that the killer is still at the Abbey, can they find the murderer before they may kill again, and remain safe themselves and the innocent parties.
An enjoyable crime story

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Tuesday 21 April 2020

Elizabeth's Secret Admirer. A Pride and Prejudice NovellaElizabeth's Secret Admirer. A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Amanda Kai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Jane Bennet is staying at the Gardiners, Charlotte is married to Collins and it is now St. Valentines Day. But who has sent Elizabeth a poem and what will it lead to in the future when Elizabeth arrives in Hunsford. Will there be a happy ending for her.
An enjoyable story

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Inspector Proby in CourtInspector Proby in Court by John Gano
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While chasing a suspect in a Post office robbery, did Proby try to save the man's life as he hung from the roof, or help him fall, especially after witnesses and a policeman were killed in the robbery. But Proby needs to deal with a possible case of murder in the Hampton Clinic after an anonymous phone call.
An enjoyable story

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Monday 20 April 2020

Murder in the Holy City (Sir Geoffrey Mappestone, #1)Murder in the Holy City by Simon Beaufort
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1100 Jerusalem Sir Geoffrey Mappestone is 'asked' by his liege lord Prince Tancred to investigate the recent killings of the two knights and three Brothers. During the investigation he is instructed by the Advocate and Patriarch to report the results to them. But these will not be the last of the deaths. But what links these murdered men and what is the motive.
Really enjoyed this historical mystery, a very good start to the series with some very likeable characters


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The Kidney Donor (Dave Slater Mystery Novels, #8)The Kidney Donor by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Tinton when a homeless man, Morgan, is burnt to death in a skip the police believe it to me accident. Ex-dectives Slater and Norman are not convinced, but they are also looking for a missing homeless man, Ryan. Without the resources of the police behind them can they really expect to solve the case.
An interesting and enjoyable crime story

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Sunday 19 April 2020

Mr. Darcy's ClanMr. Darcy's Clan by Lari Ann O'Dell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Henry VII is England's first vampire, resulting in him marrying Anne Boleyn. This also results in First Born Sons as vampires and a new England environment.
So in this P&P variation Darcy and Bingley are vampires, and so they can feel the calling of the blood when they first meet the female who will be their eternal mate. Of course Darcy tried to resist this.
But will their be a happy ending for any of the Bennet daughters or even Charlotte Lucas
An enjoyable and different variation


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Hunted Down: the detective stories of Charles DickensHunted Down: the detective stories of Charles Dickens by Charles Dickens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Sampson, the Chief Manager of a Life Assurance Office tells the story of Julius Slinkton and the life assurance on his friend Beckwith.
My copy of this book only contained this one mystery which was an enjoyable read

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Saturday 18 April 2020

The Montpellier Mystery: A Lawrence Harpham Short StoryThe Montpellier Mystery: A Lawrence Harpham Short Story by Jacqueline Beard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

10th December 1894. Lawrence and Violet are on holiday in Cheltenham, when Violet is asked by Caroline (Carrie) Puddicombe to investigate a poisoning.
Meanwhile Lawrence has his own case. Is there any connection between the two.
An enjoyable historical novella

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Falling for Mr. Thornton: Tales of North and SouthFalling for Mr. Thornton: Tales of North and South by Trudy Brasure
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 - On the Island by Melanie Stanford - Meg Hale travel blogger visits a remote island owned by John Thornton to do a second review after her first impressions may possible be wrong
2 - Passages in Time by Kate Forrester - John Thornton is caught in a fire in his mill when he is transported to 2019. How and why, but more importantly can he ever get back.
3 - The First Day of Spring by M Liza Marte - it seems Miss Hale has bought a special daffodil as she is tranported into the future, with marriage to Thornton
4 - Loose Leaves from Milton by Damaris Osborne - not my sense of humour
5 - Reeducating Mr Thornton by Evy Journey - Mr and Mrs Thornton are on honeymoon, and visit Cadiz to meet Frederick, Margaret's brother and his wife. Can Thornton change his view of Spain and the Spanish
6 - Mistakes and Remedies by Julia Daniels - John Thornton arrives later in the evening at the Hale's home as his Fanny has failed to arrive back after visiting them. So where has she gone and why. Will this hinder their relationship.
7 -Her Father's Last Wish by Rose Fairbanks -As the Hales leave the Huggins home, Mr Hale collapses. Help comesin the form of John Thornton. Mr Hale only has time before he dies to ask Thornton to care for Margaret. But will she want to marry him after she has already refused him.
8 - The Best Medicine by Elaine Owen - The day after the annual dinner at Marlborough House, Thornton has a visit from old friend Dr Lawson. Can he help Bessy Higgins with her illness, but what of the workers strike
9 - Cinders and Smoke by Don Jacobson - Strike talks between Higgins and Thornton. Too much of the dialogue in the vernacular, ended up skipping most of the story
10 - Mischances by Nicole Clarkston - Frederick is visiting as Mrs Hale is dying. At his departure problems accur which means that Margaret has been compromised and a Mr Hamper offers for her. Can this problem be solved.
11 - Looking to the Future by Nancy Klein - Margaret is not back in London after the death of both of her parents when she discovers that Mr Bell is dying if not dead. Can she help Mr Thornton out of his problems
12 - Once Again by Trudy Brasure - Thornton mills have closed and Thornton is in financial trouble. But what can he do. How will Margaret help.
Twelve very good well-written variations, only a couple which I didn't care for as much. But overall an excellent collection of stories.

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Friday 17 April 2020

Murder at the Fitzwilliam (Museum Mysteries)Murder at the Fitzwilliam by Jim Eldridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894 Cambridge. Daniel Wilson, ex-Scotland Yard detective now a private inquiry agent is called to investigate the death of a man at the Fitzwilliam museum by Sir William Mackenzie.
He is helped in his investigation by the discoverer of the body, archaeologist Abigail Fenton. Who then discovers another body in her office. But will this be the last one.
I enjoyed this well-written historical mystery. I liked the characters and the plot. A very good start to the series.

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Inspector Proby's ChristmasInspector Proby's Christmas by John Gano
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

December in Hampton, but a young woman's body is discovered and Inspector Jim Proby is assigned the case. Then another murder occurs.
The story was okay but half way through we get told who the killer is and that is when I lost my interest. I also didn't find the characters that convincing.

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Thursday 16 April 2020

Dead Secret (DS Ava Merry and DI Jim Neal, #1)Dead Secret by Janice Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body has been discovered in Stromford. Amy Hill, a nineteen-year-old student, has been strangled and her body dumped. It is for D.I. Jim Neal and D.S. Ava Merry to investigate. But what are the secrets from the past that may be important in solving this case. Suspects abound but what is the motive. Will more bodies be discovered.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery, with enough plot twists and suspects

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Elementary: 4 Mysteries from the Case Files of Sherlock HolmesElementary: 4 Mysteries from the Case Files of Sherlock Holmes by William Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 Death of A Salesman - Holmes and Watson are off on holiday to the Kerrek House on the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall. Many of the passengers on their train also arrive at the hotel. But the next morning Watson witnesses a murder - a man standing near the cliff edge is shot from the hotel by an arrow. But what is the motive and who is the guilty party.
2 Elementary - Lestrade invites Holmes and Watson onto his case. The murder of a Professor Harold Austin in his laboratory in his home. Is his death connected to his experiments
3 The problem at Witney - Holmes receives a telegram from hotel owner Milton Hughes. A guest Francis Erdley has been murdered in his room. A room that was guarded at the door and around the hotel. A necklace was also stolen, but how did the murderer enter and leave the room unseen.
4 Mass Murder - Holmes and Watson are visiting their friend Phineas Whympenny in Woodford-Upon-Lea, when they come across a crime scene. The police are investigating the death of four men and attempted murder of a female.
Four enjoyable and well-written mystery stories.
A NetGalley Book

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Wednesday 15 April 2020

Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice VagaryElizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, the Gardiners and Elizabeth Bennet have toured Pemberley but do not meet Darcy. At Pemberley, Darcy decides to confess to Bingley his involvement with hiding the truth of Jane Bennet. At Lambton, when Jane's letter arrives Elizabeth enlists the help of Darcy, by insinuating that it is her that Wickham has compromised. It doesn't take Darcy long to realise the falsehood of this. But they are off to London.
There is an obstinate Elizabeth, then there is stupidly obstinate. It just got too tiring and annoying to read.
(Had enough when it was proposed that Mary would do for Philip's apprentice.)

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The Case of the Antiquarian’s Study (The Sebastian Symes Mysteries Book 1)The Case of the Antiquarian’s Study by G.W. Colkitto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Major Ritson decides that Sebastian Symes needs a rest and as he has a standing invitation to visit the excavations of a medieval chapel near Molesley House, he accepts Sir James Bellamy's invite. But soon there is a theft, and a death. Is there a connection and what could be the motives.
An enjoyable historical mystery novella

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Tuesday 14 April 2020

Dead Wrong (Calladine & Bayliss, #1)Dead Wrong by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.I. Calladine and his team investigate when body parts start appearing in the area. He alone among his team believe this has no connection to the gangs in the area.
A bit gruesome in places but still an interesting and well-written read

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Protecting Lady Esther (The King's League, #1)Protecting Lady Esther by Lucy Adams
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1815 Lady Esthers' father has disappeared, finding a mention in his correspondence of the gambling den The Shrew she foolishly decides to visit. Her stupid action gets her mistaken for a whore, but is rescued by Lord Westbrook, a member of the King's League. He and his fellow members are looking for a cipher to decode a book belonging to French spies.
Unfortunately for the reader, the cipher is in an obvious place.
Enjoyable enough romance with some mystery

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Monday 13 April 2020

Dressed to KillDressed to Kill by Margaret Duffy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mrs Pryce is not liked by her neighbours but when someone starts stealing her flowers she employs Joanna McKenzie, ex-detective now private investigativeto find the culprit. But then Mrs Pryce is found dead and her case is investigated by D.I. James Carrick. Joanna's old boss and ex-lover.
An enjoyable crime story

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Ardently Loved: A Pride and Prejudice VariationArdently Loved: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lory Lilian
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This P&P variation starts after the visit of lady Catherine to Longbourn, and Jane and Bingley are betrothed. But Darcy has not returned, yet. Various obstacles occur to the happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth.
An enjoyable story though I would have liked more villains to balance the sweetness.
(The epilogue mentioning Mary's marriage to yet another vicar was not necessary.)

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Sunday 12 April 2020

Gentlewoman Urgently Seeks HusbandGentlewoman Urgently Seeks Husband by D.L. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variation begins after the Netherfield Ball and the failure of Bingley to propose. So Mrs Bennet decides to take charge, Lydia is sent to Brighton, Jane and Kitty to the Gardiners and Elizabeth to Hunsford. Obviously the unmarriageable, according to Mrs Bennet, Mary stays at home.
Most of the story involves Elizabeth and Darcy in Kent. I would have liked to have read about Mary marrying, just to annoy Mrs Bennet (but not to a vicar), and more about the other sisters as well.
An enjoyable and well-written variation


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Mourning the Little DeadMourning the Little Dead by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Twelve year old Helen Jones disappeared twenty-three years ago. Now a confession has been found and handed to the police. Childhood friend of Helen and now due to blindness an ex-detective, Naomi Blake is eager to find out any information from her boyfriend Detective Alec Friedman. But the police are also investigating the death of Sarah Clarke aged six.
An enjoyable read


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Saturday 11 April 2020

The Mind of a Killer (Ripper Series Book 2)The Mind of a Killer by Amy Cecil
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1888 When the one he loves has been killed Jackson Kent is determined to find the killer. He looks for help from his old friend Detective Frederick Abberline to find out what the police know.
An enjoyable end to the story, but Book one must be read first

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Hold Back the Night (A Detective McDaniel Thriller #1)Hold Back the Night by Axel Blackwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Darren McDaniel is woken during the night to be called to a crime scene - a young girl has been found dead, dressed in a white dress and a long chain attached to her ankle.
Can they find where she came from and the guilty party.
An interesting crime story


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Friday 10 April 2020

THE SEARCHER a gripping historical crime mystery based on a true storyTHE SEARCHER a gripping historical crime mystery based on a true story by T.J. Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1822 Adah Flint is now the Seacher of London's Liberty of Norton Folgate and a body of a child has been discovered on wasteland in the neighbourhood. It is Adah's job to identify the body and the reason for her death
The story travels the timeline in this century and unfolds from various points of view.
An enjoyable Georgian historical mystery


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Dr Morelle and Destiny: A Classic Crime NovelDr Morelle and Destiny: A Classic Crime Novel by Ernest Dudley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Dr. Morelle's secretary, Miss Frayle is off on holiday for two weeks. A holiday with her friend Erica Travers on her Aunt Ediths' houseboat in Essex. But first she must meet Erica from her holiday in Paris.
Meanwhile Johnny Destiny, hardened criminal and murderer, is on his way to London from France wanting one more job. What could go wrong.
My first Dr Morelle story, but he seems not to feature much in the mystery.

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Thursday 9 April 2020

Kellynch: Sequel To Jane Austen's PersusionKellynch: Sequel To Jane Austen's Persusion by Kwen D. Griffeth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Persusion sequel three years have passed, and the Wentworths are living at Kellynch, an estate they now own. But enemies are working against them, how will Captain Wentworth and Anne solve their problems.
An entertaining story

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Murder Mystery Weekend (Detective Inspector Skelgill Investigates Book 11)Murder Mystery Weekend by Bruce Beckham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A murder mystery weekend is being held at Greenmire Castle in the Lake District. But when a body is discovered, an apparent suicide, D.I. Skelgill and D.S. Jones investigate. Will Liddell, who arranged the weekend for his friends and wives, seems to be a suspect in the death of his wife.
An enjoyable crime story

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Wednesday 8 April 2020

Vote For MurderVote For Murder by Jacqueline Beard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1911 Louisa Russell discovers a journal, portraying the life of a female who sixty years previously was hanged for the murder of her husband. Meanwhile in her time another woman is accused of the murder of her husband. Is she also guilty.
An interesting story

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When Duty CallsWhen Duty Calls by Belén Paccagnella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This P&P variation begins with the Netherfield Ball. But escaping after the marriage proposal from Mr Collins, Elizabeth meets Darcy. and events lead to a kiss which is seen by the village's gossip Mrs Rigby. This leads to a forced marriage, where Darcy feels affectionate for Elizabeth and believes she should be grateful to marry such a wealthy and high status gentleman, failing to realise that she dislikes him. Their relationship after the wedding can only get better, can't it?
An enjoyable story

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Tuesday 7 April 2020

The Streel: A Deadwood MysteryThe Streel: A Deadwood Mystery by Mary Logue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1877, when Brigid is fifteen and her brother Seamus, sixteen, they are sent from Galway to America. Eighteen months later Brigid joins Seamus in Deadwood via St. Paul, Minnesota, and the home of the Hunts as a servant. In Deadwood Seamus and his two friends, Billy and Padraic are hoping to sell their gold mine for good money. But on the day after her arrival Brigid discovers a dead female outside their home. Brigid is determined to clear Seamus of the accusation of murder.
Though an enjoyable story I was hoping for more of a murder mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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Murder to MusicMurder to Music by Margaret Newman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As his girlfriend Delia Jones is part of the choir, Detective Superintendent Simon Hudson is attending the Metropolitana Choir’s concert. But his position becomes awkward when the conductor dies at the end of the performance, and she is one of the suspects. But will this be the last death connected to the choir.
An enjoyable cozy mystery with enough suspects and motives in the mix.
Originally written in 1959.
A NetGalley Book

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