Long shadows by Derek Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DS‭ ‬Wild,‭ ‬two‭ ‬weeks‭ ‬into‭ ‬his‭ ‬transfer‭ ‬from‭ ‬London‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬Wiltshire‭ ‬countryside,‭ ‬is‭ ‬called‭ ‬out‭ ‬to‭ ‬a‭ ‬suspicious‭ ‬death.‭ ‬That‭ ‬of‭ ‬sixty-eight‭ ‬year‭ ‬old‭ ‬Alexander‭ ‬Porter.‭ ‬Missing‭ ‬from‭ ‬the‭ ‬scene‭ ‬is‭ ‬the‭ ‬shotgun‭ ‬that‭ ‬was‭ ‬used,‭ ‬and‭ ‬his‭ ‬walking‭ ‬stick.
DI‭ ‬Marsh‭ ‬is‭ ‬in‭ ‬charge‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬investigation.‭ ‬But‭ ‬it‭ ‬seems‭ ‬Wild‭ ‬has‭ ‬other‭ ‬concerns‭ ‬relating‭ ‬to‭ ‬a‭ ‬past‭ ‬case‭ ‬in‭ ‬the‭ ‬Met.
Do‭ ‬events‭ ‬from‭ ‬the‭ ‬past‭ ‬have‭ ‬any‭ ‬bearing‭ ‬on‭ ‬this‭ ‬present‭ ‬case.
An‭ ‬enjoyable‭ ‬and‭ ‬well-written‭ ‬crime‭ ‬mystery.‭ ‬With‭ ‬its‭ ‬bunch‭ ‬of‭ ‬likeable‭ ‬characters‭ ‬it‭ ‬is‭ ‬a‭ ‬good‭ ‬start‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬series.
Received‭ ‬an‭ ‬ARC‭ ‬from‭ ‬the‭ ‬publisher

View all my reviews

Death in White Pyjamas by John Bude
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A country House Mystery originally published in 1942
Old Knolle house in Sussex, is the home of Sam Richardson, a wealthy theatre promoter and owner of the Beaumont Theatre. Theatre producer Basil Barnes, lives nearby in Fallow Cottage, on the outskirts of the Lambdon village. Over time the actors stay at Old Knolle house to rehearse the latest play the actors will perform. Showing the various interactions between the characters, and relating the various motives, which in its slow build up, will climax in a death.
Inspector Harting investigates.
An entertaining and well-written mystery.


View all my reviews

Woman In The Dark: A Novel of Dangerous Romance by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Foreign woman Luise Fischer, walking in the dark arrives at a House. The home of Brazil, and his visitor Evelyn look after her.But then two man arrive. It appears that Luise has brought danger to Brazil.
An interesting story.
Another Hammett re-read

View all my reviews

Deadly Return by Daniel Bjork
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1865 Concord in the Sleepy Hollow cemetery the bodies of Mary and Sarah Chase have disappeared. Replaced with another one. But what about Henry Chases' body, where is it. Dr Bartlett starts to formulate a theory.
An interesting historical mystery.
But needs proof reading



View all my reviews

Last Seen Alive: A Rafferty P.I. Mystery by W. Glenn Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rafferty is on holiday, alone on a boat. It starts well as he is accused of the murder of Cynthia Lawson, then gets beaten up. This makes him involved. But why was she killed and by whom.
An entertaining crime story

View all my reviews

Five Pink Ladies: A Sherlock and Lucy Short Story by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1899 Flynn one of Holmes’ Iregulars visits his friend Amir Tremazian every Tuesday at his artist studio. This Tuesday after returning from an errant for him, Flynn discovers the studio burning. He rescues Amir, who is soon under the care of Dr Watson. But what could be the motive.
Meanwhile Holmes and Lucy are attending the National Portrait Galley as a guard has been killed and a painting stolen. But this is not the last of the deaths.
Is there a connection between the two events.
Another enjoyable and well-written historical mystery in the Holmes genre with its likeable characters.
Received and ARC from the author.

View all my reviews

Maythorn's Wish by Emily Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mistress Maythorn Miller lives near a Faeries place. After her husband mistreats her she is left a cripple, with three daughters to care for. Then she saves a Fey child, and so the Fey mother is in her debt. She intends to collect with a wish, but how far can she push the Fey to grant her request.
An enjoyable and well-written story

View all my reviews

A Bloody Hot Summer by Trevor D'Silva
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1927 Arthur Endecott has returned to the Fitzhugh Manor in time for Lady Doris 80th birthday party. But by the next morning Lady Doris is discovered dead. What could be the possible motive for the guilty party. What connection is there to the events of 1903 and Argyle Castle, and of the events in Kamalpore in 1857.
Inspector Lester Enderby calls in the Metropolitan Police who send Detective Dermot Lucian Carlyle who is visiting his familt in the area.
Enjoyable fast paced historical murder mystery, with many suspects.

View all my reviews

An Oxford Revenge by Maxine Barry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Davina‭ ‬Granger,‭ ‬famous‭ ‬modern‭ ‬poet‭ ‬is‭ ‬out‭ ‬for‭ ‬revenge.‭ ‬Her‭ ‬step-brother‭ ‬David,‭ ‬said‭ ‬that‭ ‬English‭ ‬Don‭ ‬Gareth‭ ‬Lacey‭ ‬was‭ ‬driving‭ ‬him‭ ‬to‭ ‬despair.‭ ‬Now‭ ‬David‭ ‬is‭ ‬dead,‭ ‬a‭ ‬suicide.‭ ‬And‭ ‬she‭ ‬is‭ ‬now‭ ‬at‭ ‬St.‭ ‬Bede‭'‬s‭ ‬in‭ ‬Oxford‭ ‬for‭ ‬four‭ ‬months‭ ‬as‭ ‬an‭ ‬honorary‭ ‬fellow‭ ‬putting‭ ‬her‭ ‬plan‭ ‬into‭ ‬action.‭ ‬But‭ ‬then‭ ‬she‭ ‬meets‭ ‬Lacey.
Meanwhile‭ ‬Alicia‭ ‬Norman‭ ‬has‭ ‬been‭ ‬coerced‭ ‬by‭ ‬friend‭ ‬Emily‭ ‬White,‭ ‬and‭ ‬Jared‭ ‬Cowan,‭ ‬producer,‭ ‬into‭ ‬writing‭ ‬a‭ ‬play,‭ ‬a‭ ‬murder‭ ‬mystery,‭ ‬for‭ ‬the‭ ‬St.‭ ‬Bede‭'‬s‭ ‬Easter‭ ‬play.‭ ‬Jared‭ ‬is‭ ‬smittened‭ ‬with‭ ‬Alicia.‭ ‬But‭ ‬does‭ ‬Jared‭ ‬have‭ ‬a‭ ‬rival‭ ‬in‭ ‬Lord‭ ‬Rupert‭ ‬Greyling-Simms.‭ ‬When‭ ‬her‭ ‬brother‭ ‬Neville‭ ‬Norman,‭ ‬literary‭ ‬critic,‭ ‬sees‭ ‬a‭ ‬chance‭ ‬to‭ ‬connect‭ ‬his‭ ‬famous‭ ‬literary‭ ‬family‭ ‬with‭ ‬an‭ ‬aristocratic‭ ‬one,‭ ‬how‭ ‬far‭ ‬will‭ ‬he‭ ‬go.‭
The‭ ‬more‭ ‬the‭ ‬story‭ ‬continued‭ ‬the‭ ‬more‭ ‬I‭ ‬disliked‭ ‬Davina,‭ ‬out‭ ‬for‭ ‬revenge‭ ‬with‭ ‬no‭ ‬proof‭ ‬who‭ ‬is‭ ‬the‭ ‬guilty‭ ‬person.‭
Overall an‭ ‬interesting‭ ‬and‭ ‬well-written‭ ‬thriller. (There is mature content)
Received an ARC from the publisher

View all my reviews

Dreaming Highbury by Ellen Mary Soule
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Emma sequel which begins with the story of Sir Rupert Broom Drew who has had enough of London society and decides to move to the country. Soon he finds an establishment near Box Hill, called Tinkling Towers near the village of Highbury.
After a disastrous marriage Jane Churchill nee Fairfax is back in Highbury. Hopefully the gentleman Emma has selected for her is not as weak-willed as Churchill is.
The tale continues with the story of the children's lives and their romantic entanglements.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

Directed by Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, Set in the Golden Age of Hollywood by Lesley T Franklin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation it is 1930s California. As Mrs Bennet is determined that Jane will be an actress they have moved from England to Hollywood. Where they are invited to a polo match and meet Bingley and Darcy. The pair are interested in making a film called 'First Impressions', a film set in England, and probably casting an unknown female lead.
Fast paced story, enjoyable enough though at times somewhat stilted.

View all my reviews

Murder on a Mississippi Steamboat by Leighann Dobbs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

12th June 1926. Nora Marsh, with her doctorate in psychology, and her Great Aunt Julia (aka Ridley Howes murder mystery writer) have been invited by the owner, Giles Hendricks, on the inaugural four day voyage of the steamboat Miss Delta Belle. They both feel that they are aptly qualified to investigate a suspicious death when it occurs.
A light historical cozy mystery. Although I really didn't take to the two main characters the book is a decent start to a new series.
A NetGalley book.



View all my reviews

The Continental Op by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1 - The Tenth Clew - Mr Leopold Gantvoort had arranged a meeting with the Continental Op for 9.00pm at his home. The Op arrives on time, but Mr Gantvoort fails to appear, after waiting several hours and just as he was leaving a call to house informs his son Charles that his father is dead. But why are there so many clues. The Continental Op and Detective O'Gar investigate.
2 - The Golden Horseshoe - Attorney Vance Richmond wants him to find missing Englishman Norman Ashcraft for wealthy Mrs Ashcraft
3 - The House in Turk Street - While looking for a man in Turk Street, what does the Continental Op stumble into.
4 - The Girl with the Silver Eyes - The Continental Op is called out of bed one Sunday morning to visit a Burke Pangburn. He states, eventually, that his fiancee Jeanne Delano is missing. Of course the case is not as straightforward as it at first seems.
5 - The Whosis Kid - after the kid is pointed out to him in 1917 as a suspected gunman, it is not until 1925 that he sees him again. The Continental Op decides to follow him. He's known as Arthur Cory or Carey. And follows him into a lot of trouble.
6 - The Main Death - Continental Op is employed by a Bruno Gungen to discover who killed his associate Jeffrey Main and robbed him of Gungen's $20,000.
7 - The Farewell Murder - He is hired by a Mr Kavalov because Hugh Sherry has threatened that he will die.
An enjoyable re-read of a collection of short mystery stories

View all my reviews

His Irreplaceable Belle by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bath, England.‭ ‬Mrs‭ ‬King‭ ‬keeps‭ ‬Dr‭ ‬Frederick‭ '‬Fritz‭' ‬Norman‭ ‬on‭ ‬retainer.‭ ‬But‭ ‬he‭ ‬has‭ ‬become‭ ‬increasingly‭ ‬reluctant‭ ‬of‭ ‬his‭ ‬weekly‭ ‬visits.‭ ‬Only‭ ‬because‭ ‬of‭ ‬her,‭ ‬the‭ ‬niece,‭ ‬Annabelle‭ ‬Chapman.‭ ‬How‭ ‬he‭ ‬has‭ ‬longed‭ ‬for‭ ‬her‭ ‬these‭ ‬past‭ ‬six‭ ‬years.‭ For ‬six‭ ‬years‭ ‬ago‭ ‬his‭ ‬suit‭ ‬was‭ ‬rejected‭ ‬by‭ ‬her‭ ‬father‭ ‬as‭ ‬he‭ ‬had‭ ‬no‭ ‬standing‭ ‬and‭ ‬was‭ ‬poor.
Friend‭ ‬Mrs‭ ‬Grace‭ ‬Blakesley‭ ‬is‭ ‬determined‭ ‬to‭ ‬find‭ ‬a‭ ‬wife‭ ‬for‭ ‬him.‭ ‬It‭ ‬would‭ ‬also‭ ‬seem‭ ‬that‭ ‬some‭ ‬of‭ ‬his‭ ‬patients‭ ‬intend‭ ‬for‭ ‬him‭ ‬to‭ ‬meet‭ ‬young‭ ‬relations‭ ‬with‭ ‬marriage‭ ‬in‭ ‬mind.‭ ‬What‭ ‬can‭ ‬Annabelle‭ ‬do‭?
Can‭ ‬either‭ ‬of‭ ‬them‭ ‬have‭ ‬a‭ ‬happy‭ ‬ending.
A‭ ‬delightful‭ ‬and‭ ‬well-written‭ ‬romance‭ ‬novella.

View all my reviews

A Lochgorm Lament by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ballater 1830s. Thomas Torrence wants to build the new Episcopalian chapel on his land, for his own convenience, but the result of the build would destroy a standing stone. Because of this he is receiving threatening letters, so he believes. Then a body is discovered at the stone. Then the next day a farmer dies after been attacked in the same area.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery story in this series. Which can easily be read as a standalone tale.

View all my reviews

Deadly Comrades by Daniel Bjork
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1862 and the Civil War is in progress. But a smaller war is occurring between Timothy Bartlett also know as Chase, Yankee, and former colleague in the Dead Rabbits, Jack Lennon, Southern. The two have history involving Timothy's dead sister. If they were to meet would either survive.
An interesting story set against the backdrop of the American Civil War

View all my reviews

Ice Blue by Emma Jameson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Anthony Hetheridge, 9th Baron of Wellegrave, aka Chief Superintendent Hetheridge is called out to the home of the Comfreys due to a suspicious death. He is assisted by DS Kate Wakefield and DS Paul Bhar in his investigation
Enjoyable crime story.

View all my reviews

Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darcy and the Bingleys left Netherfield over a month ago. Now it is December 23rd, again and again. What needs to be righted, who is aware, do people have to change and will there be any happy endings.
Enjoyed this tale especially as I am a Groundhog Day fan.
Would have liked more of Mary and the diary in Part One, especially with her interactions with the Colonel, and see the scenes from more of her perspective but that's because I am a Mary Bennet fan.
An enjoyable re-read of this story, again

View all my reviews

The Woman in the Alcove by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Anson Durand is accused of murder, Miss Rita Van Arsdale believes he is innocent and intends to prove to Inspector Dalzell the truth
An enjoyable historical murder mystery

View all my reviews

Mr. Darcy's Christmas Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Part 1 of Mr Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn
A P&P variation set at Christmas, as the 23rd December constantly repeats itself. The story is from several viewpoints. How can the people involved stop the day reoccurring.
An enjoyable re-read of this story

View all my reviews

A Mother's Touch: Inspired by Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Redlarczyk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scenes from the lives of Lady Anne and her son, Fitzwilliam Darcy
1 - Lady Anne's Quilt
Forgotten Treasures - While searching the Pemberley attics for toys for the soon to arrive Darcy child, Georgiana discovers a trunk with her name on it.
Of Days Gone By - 1780 - Thirty-two years previously, while staying at Pemberley Lady Anne teaches to James Darcy, the heir, the beauty of his estate.
To Kent - Later Lady Anne is sent to Rosings to stay with her sister to continue her studies and finish the quilt their mother started
2 - Her Most Precious Gift - the birth of a new heir in 1783
3 - An Act of Kindness - 1789 Fitzwilliam visits Lambton with Lady Anne
4 - Our Special Day - 1793 Lady Anne mourns her dead daughter, can she ever be happy again.
5 - Our Future - 1812 While waiting for the birth of their first child, Darcy reflects on the past
5 - The Teacher- 1817 Darcy teaches his son Bennet.
6 - Mr Darcy's Songbird - Darcy plays with his daughter
Well-written and sweet stories

View all my reviews

The Roman Heir by Zara Altair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Argolicus agrees to deliver a book from Boethius to young Philo in Ostia. On arriving he is informed that Philo's father has been killed. He is asked to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery novella

View all my reviews

The Asylum by Nathan Dylan Goodwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Morton Farrier is a forensic genealogist - A researcher into family history. He has been employed by Gerald Peacock to research his family. This brings up a few surprises.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

The Burned Man by Jason Vail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1263 former coroner Stephen afternoon becomes interested when a mill is burnt down and the body of the miller discovered, and is 'informed by the Ludlow castle constable to investigate. But this leads to a series of robberies, and more deaths.
Another entertaining historical mystery

View all my reviews

August's Heat by A.E. Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Conrad Higgins, antique dealer has been discovered dead, one early morning, by a neighbour. The list of suspects is large due to his 'criminal' activities involving it seems the whole town. Deputy Larry Macklin and his team investigate. Unfortunately for Macklin this will not be the last death.
An enjoyable crime story

View all my reviews

Fitz Darcy and the Drowned Heiress - A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Vic Neal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1840 In this sequel Charles Bingley has died and Jane is Heartbroken. Wickham is presumed dea, lost at sea. Will Darcy is in town searching for his younger twin brother Fitz. Fitz seems to be in a lot of trouble mostly of his own making. He is looking for the sister, Roksana, of his friend Angel. But Lydia wants Fitz's help. On his adventures he meets Ivy Flitwood, but what is her connection to the Earl of Witney, and the evil Lord Thorne.
A frantic series of adventures, a romp through Victorian England. The characters seem to be all extreme ones, in the end Fitz was the only one I liked.
The adventure continues in the next book

View all my reviews

Private Lives by J.G. Harlond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942 Bideford Due to the war DS Edgar (Bob) Robbins has been brought out of retirement to once again join the police force. While on holiday, walking a coastal path he hears shots and notices an incident, involving two men. The elder man looking injured but his help is not welcome. Then later while investigating at the Hentree Farm he hears a pistol shot and discovers the body of the young man. Soon due to local police shortages, Robbins is seconded to the area and is in charge of the investigations. He recruits his constable Laurie Oliver to help. While on the case he is staying at the Peony Villas, where he is sure that there is a mystery to be solved there.
An enjoyable historical well-written mystery with a couple of likeable main characters.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews

The Peach Widow by Zara Altair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

512 A.D. Argolicus is asked to talk to the newly widowed Livilla Valerius about her legal position now, as her step-sons want her to leave the farm. So Argolicus and his tutor, Nikolaos, visit the farm. But is the death of the much hated Valerius suspicious.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews

The Girl with the Silver Eyes: Short Story by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Continental Op is called out of bed one Sunday morning to visit a Burke Pangburn. He states, eventually, that his fiancee Jeanne Delano is missing. Of course the case is not as straightforward as it at first seems.
Another re-read of this enjoyable short mystery

View all my reviews

Kidnapped at the Tower by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1899 Holmes' new client is a Sir Humphrey Rollings. On a visit to the Tower of London, while Lady Rollings rested nearby, their six year old son Thomas, and his nursery governess Miss Abigail Marsh disappeared, presumably kidnapped for ransom. Holmes is called into the case, and a note is delivered with the first set of instructions.
An enjoyable well-written novella

View all my reviews

Awakened Hearts by Susan Potts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, and determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There she meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.
This is now the third read and I still loved the story

View all my reviews

The Fool's Folly: A serial killer is at large at the court of Richard III by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1485 During the reign of Richard III. Sir Giles Beestom is the Constable of Sandal Castle, under heir presumptive John de la Pole, and Judge of the Manor Court. When Dickon the falconer discovers a pigeon carrying a message, which he passes to Sir Giles, events start to unravel, with the first death. But who is the priest escaping from the hired assassins. But more deaths will occur before the motives are revealed.
Although the second in the series it can be read as a standalone story as events have moved on more than a hundred years.
An enjoyablewell-written historical mystery, with its good plot and likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews

The Tenth Clew by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr Leopold Gantvoort had arranged a meeting with the Continental Op for 9.00pm at his home. The Op arrives on time, but Mr Gantvoort fails to appear, after waiting several hours and just as he was leaving a call to house informs his son Charles that his father is dead. But why are there so many clues. The Continental Op and Detective O'Gar investigate.
An enjoyable re-read of this short story historical mystery

View all my reviews

Murder at Broadstowe Manor by Jason Vail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1263. Sir Stephen Attebrook, among others, have been called to Hereford Castle to select the county's representives to a Parliament of Simon de Montfort making. But Attebrook is striped of his coroner's duty by his enemy FitzAllan, so the new coroner, Sir Thomas de Mapuleye, investigates the death of Sir Rogier FitzHerbert, one of the candidates. But Sir Stephen is employed to find a letter missing from Sir Rogier's chamber.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series with its delightful characters.

View all my reviews

Mark My Words: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Variation Vignette by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P vignette, Lydia's behaviour has been noted by the Lucases. But as normal Mr Bennet is totally useless as a father in his (lack of) action.

View all my reviews

February's Files by Rich Curtin
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A body is discovered which turns out to be retired investigative reporter February Flanagan, who disappeared three years ago. Although known as a friendly person, and a married man, I was unconvinced that nobody seemed concerned when he left.
Deputy Sheriff Manny Rivera investigates.
I didn't really find the story that interesting

View all my reviews

The Golden Slipper: and other problems for Violet Strange by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Young society lady of New York, Violet Strange, investigates various cases
1 The Golden Slipper - who really is responsible for various thefts
2 - The Second Bullet - When George Hammond dies,is it suicide or murder. Finding a second bullet would mean mirder and finalcial relief for the widow.
3 - An Intangible Clue - When Mrs Doolittle is murdered there seems to be no clue to the murderer.
4 - The Grotto Spectre - Roger Upjohn, widower, a year after his wife's death needs to know the truth regarding his suspicions,
5 - The Dreaming Lady - Mrs Quintard sister to C Dudley Brooks, dead, has lost his latest will which has changed the main beneficiary to her family away from her brother's step-son.
6 - The House of Clocks - Arabella Postlethwaite, of Gloom Cottage, wants her will drawn and invites lawyer to her home, but it is the fate of the step-daughter that concerns him
7 - The Doctor, his Wife, and the Clock - It has been several years since the murder of Mr Hasbrouck, a crime that is still unsolved, until a confession is made, but is it the truth
8 - Missing: Page Thirteen - Mr Cornell believes his honour is at stake when a page with a formula on goes missing from a document. But what secrets will be revealed.
9 - Violet's own - Violet reveals the family secret to her future husband on the eve of her wedding.
A set of enjoyable short mysteries

View all my reviews

A Portrait Of Death by Rhen Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two deaths, one in 1889 and 1891. But what could be the link to 1899. Now there is a weekend house party in Marmis Hall, in south-west England, home to Lord Foster and Lady Rebecca Marmis. The party is being held to disguise a covert government meeting on the South African situation.
But when another two murders occur one, of the guests, Lord Vivian Lapotaire calls in distant cousin DCI Elliott Caine, and DS Abernathy Thorne to investigate. These two men seem to have a mysterious past but we are told very little concerning this.
An enjoyable and well-written Victorian murder mystery with just a touch (thankfully) of the paranormal. With a selection of interesting characters. A good solid start to the series.
A NetGalley Book

View all my reviews

The Grove of the Caesars by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

AD 89 Flavia Albia and husband Tiberius have workman in a grotto in the Grove who unearth some possibly ancient scrolls. Are they real or fakes, and if fakes who and why is involved. Flavis is interested in finding out the answer and so investigates among the many scroll sellers.
Meanwhile at a party held by Cluventius in the Grove of Caesars, his wife disappeared, and later her naked body is found. It is for Ursus, of the Seventh Cohort of Vigiles to investigate.
Flavia Albia discovers that many woman have disapppeared from the Grove, over the decades, and that bodies of murdered women have been found there but their deaths not investigated. Obviously their in a serial killer in the area. Eventually Flavia is engaged as a professional advisor to the Cluventius family to find the killer of his wife.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written historical mystery, with its likeable main character and secondary ones.
A NetGalley Booj

View all my reviews

The Journal of Miss Jane Fairfax: Weymouth to Highbury by Ronald McGowan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1808. The story begins when Dora Campbell is just about to meet Mr. Dixon. We read about Jane Fairfaxs' thoughts as she, the Campbells and Dixon venture to Weymouth. Then onwards to Highbury via a few adventures.
An enjoyable and well-written story.

View all my reviews

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variation begins with Mary's childhood, and the discovery that she is plain. The emotional abuse that Mrs Bennet afflicts on Mary affects her so much she withdraws from Jane and Elizabeth, thinking herself unworthy.
Then two years pass after Charlotte's wedding. It is now time Mary must decide what to do, as she visits, Jane, where Caroline is cruel to her, then Pemberley where Darcy makes her feel unwelcome then to the Collins' at Longbourn. But can the Gardiners save her, and offer her at the very least some peace.
Really enjoyed this delightful well-written story of my favourite Bennet daughter.

View all my reviews

Missing Persons by Daniel Campbell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

DI Rafferty responses when approached by a newly released convict, Faye. It seems Mark Sanders, boyfriend of Faye Atkins has disappeared. But what couldn be the possible reason. DCI Morton and his team investigate
An okay read, it just didn't really interest me and I didn't find any of the main characters likeable.

View all my reviews

Hawthorn Island by Geri Hemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been several years since rich lawyer, Henry Hawthorn, held a party for all his famous associates. But now he is is throwing a party on his island off the coast of Australia for the 'common man'. Who are these select eight people, and why them. But there is a prize of $500,000 for the person who can interpret a series of clues to solve a riddle.
But once they all arrive on the island it is not long before the murders start. Is anyone innocent.
An enjoyable murder mystery
Received an ARC

View all my reviews

The Bear Wagon by Jason Vail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1263 A body of a girl has been found in the River Teme near the Dinham mill, obviously murder. But before they can investigate Stephen Attebrook, coroner and his assistant Gilbert Wistwode are recruited by elder brother William Attebrook to find his missing daughter Ida.
Another enjoyable story in this series.

View all my reviews

Cherishing Kitty: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lorcan Langley, on the morning of his friends' Lord Westonbury's wedding, compromised Kitty Bennet. But Kitty refused to marry him, stating 'I am not marrying him' missing off the important 'yet'. Therefore Langley refuses to marry her on the grounds that neither want the marriage, but he does, desperately. What a tangled affair. Can either admit their true feelings
Another delightful and well-written story in this series. All the characters are a joy to read about.
Though it would be best to read the series from the beginning to understand the characters, and all their stories.

View all my reviews

The Marriage of Billie Birdsong by Laurie R. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sherlock Holmes is in San Francisco having having just successful closed a case, and now is bored. So he decides that he wants to experience the way of life of the area and he recruits pickpocketer Martin Ledbetter as his guide. Soon he is involved in another case, involving singer Billie Birdsong.
An entertaining story

View all my reviews

Assessing Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, William Collins, orphan, comes to live at Longbourn as its heir and takes the name of Bennet. he becomes protective of all his cousins but especially Elizabeth.
When the Netherfield party arrive, William takes against Darcy and tries to keep him away from Elizabeth as he deems him not worthy. Why does he feel this and how can William's dislike be overcome.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

Alexandra & Edith's Escapades - The Diamond Ring by Ellen Read
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Alexandra Thornton, while working at his father's antique shop, becomes suspicious of a customer. Will her actions result in success or embarrassment for Alexandra and her friend Edith Blackburn
An enjoyable short story

View all my reviews

The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nick and Nora Charles get involved with the Wynant family when Dorothy asks Nick if he knows where her father, Clyde Wynant is. This results in him re-acquanting himself with solicitor Herbert Macaulay, and the now divorced Mrs Wyant, who has recently re-married, Mrs Mimi Jorgensen. Then the bodies start appearing.
Just a wonderful well-written read

View all my reviews

The Nightingale Gallery by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1376 A goldsmith named Sir Thomas Springall has been found in his bed, murdered. Sir John Cranston, coroner and his assistant Brother Athelstan are called in to investigate. But how and why was he killed. Then there is another death.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews