A Marriage of Attachment: a sequel to A Contrary Wind by Lona Manning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of the Bertrams and Prices continue in this sequel, and variation of Mansfield Park. Characters from the first book are still here plus new ones. I would recommend that you read A Contrary Wind first (another excellent book).
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written variation and would recommend it even if Mansfield Park is not a favourite book.
An entertaining re-read

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The Redemption Murders by J.C. Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1851. As the captain, Louis Valentine, of the ship The Redemption, has been killed Inspector James Bold and Constable John Gaunt (nephew to Superintendent Jones) go onboard to investigate.
The only clue is a copy of The Old Curiosity Shop, inscribed to Kit. Kit Penney a friend of Dickens is a suspect and but is unfortunately missing. Superintendent Jones and Dickens investigate only to find this is not the first death. And there will be more, and also people start going missing.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, another good read in this series with its cast of likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Choir of Crows by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1374 and the reign of Edward III.
Alexander Neville is about to be anointed as the archbishop of York. But at York Ministera a body is discovered in the grounds. But there will be two more discovered that morning. Old friend and spy Ambrose Coates with singer Matthew arrive in York. Is there a connection.
Owen Archer as the Captain of the city bailiffs, and Prince Edward's man investigates.
But he must to it quickly and successfully as many prominent families are coming to York for the anointing of the new archbishop.
Another enjoyable and interesting well-written historical mystery, with its cast of varied and likeable old and new characters. A fine addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

P.I. Philip Marlowe gets caught up in an investigation when he meets Moose Malloy, who is looking for Velma, the love of his life
A great well-written and entertaining re-read

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

In this P&P variation Darcy's offensive words about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly do not go unchallenged. On asking Elizabeth for a dance, Elizabeth throws his words back at him. He becomes intrigued by her response bt what will he do. But with this couple nothing can be straightforward.
A delightful well-written story where all the characters are likeable. I especially like this Bingley.
Received an ARC from the author

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Surprised by Love: A Mansfield Park Variation by Miranda Elliot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Mansfield Park variation, Henry Crawford has proposed to Fanny Price. The proposal has the blessing of Sir Thomas Bertram. When she refuses him Sir Thomas suggests that Fanny go for a walk and think over the situation and its benefits. Can she start to think well of Crawford, is he willing to wait for her
An enjoyable and well-written variation

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The stranger's latchkey (Annotated): from "John Thorndyke's Cases" by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Jervis is staying at The Larches, Burling, at the practice of Dr Hanshaw while he takes a holiday. Apart from Mrs Hanshaw, there is Dr Hanshaw's sister, Mrs Halden. Her son Fred, niece by marriage Miss Lucy Hamden, and expected is her fiance Douglas Winter. Thorndyke is called in to find a missing person.
An interesting short mystery.

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The Man with the Nailed Shoes: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Jervis is staying at the seaside village of Little Sundersley, when Dr. Thorndyke comes for a visit. A walk along the beach reveal various footprints and later a dead man. Thorndyke acts in the defence of the accused.
Decent mystery but no development of the main character.

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The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sherlock has only been at Eton one term when he is recalled home to Underbyrne. Mycroft as well returns reluctantly from his third year studies at Oxford. Why? because their mother has been charged with the murder of a Mrs Emma Brown, the village midwife. Although Mrs Homes found the body in their garden it was not until Mr Brown insisted that Sergeant Gibbon arrest her was she taken to jail.
With the help of his Uncle Ernest Parker, and girl, Constance Straton, a poor neighbour, can Sherlock solve the crime, aided by his reliance on scientific proof as instructed by Mrs Holmes.
A well-written historical murder mystery with its very likeable characters. A very good solid start to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Pemberley: Before the Wedding by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A P&P vignette where it seems Miss Emily Collins is having doubts about her soon to be marriage to Fitzwilliam Darcy jr.
A quick read

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The Rise of a Forsaken Lady by Emma Linfield
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lady Penelope has no desire to be on the marriage mart or to be courted by her brother's best friend. Stephen Russell, Baron of Hillbrook. Her brother Edward, Earl of Allerton persuades her to arrange a ball but when a death occurs newly employed footman, Heath Moore, is assigned as her bodyguard.
A romance with little mystery with characters I didn't take to. The story just didn't catch my imagination.

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The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The seeds are sown in 1932 for a group of people to come together in Jane Austen's Chawton to help preserve her heritage. It starts with a chance meeting between an American lady, Mary Anne, a fan of Jane Austen and labourer Adam Berwick, which leads him to start reading Pride and Prejudice, and then her other works
By 1945 American actress Miss Mimi (Mary Anne) Harrison, acquires some of Jane Austen jewellery, via an auction at Sotheby where she meets auctioneer Yardley Sinclair. Then at Chawton we learn about Francis Knight, last of the Knights and an agoraphobic, Dr Grey, ex-school teacher Mrs Aveline Grover, Andrew Forrester solicitor and, Evie Stone, servant at the Manor.
A group of diverse people who are brought together because of their love of Jane Austen's books. Can the Society result in helping these wounded people. Will they be able to find what is missing in their lives, and will they at last allow romance to enter their lives.
An enjoyable and interesting story with its diverse characters
Received a paperback copy from the publishers

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SAFE by Jane Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lauren, daughter of mob boss Kyle Sykes has killed Charlie, son of gangster Gus Perrin. She is now on the run with Harry Prentice, employee of Sykes. Sykes wants them dead. But who can they trust.
A fast past well-written thriller of a story, with some interesting characters. A very good start to a new series.
Received an ARC from the publisher

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The Torment of Sherlock Holmes by Val Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1897 To activate Holmes interest, and help him from his depression, Watson on discovering a lost luggage ticket, decides to retrieve the item. Can this help revive Holmes.
Another interesting historical mystery

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The Red Thumb Mark by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Thorndyke latest client is a Reuben Hornby. Diamonds that were kept in his Uncle's safe have been stolen.. The keys were kept by his Uncle John Hornby. But a bloody finger print left in the safe points to Reuben Hornby. Who proclaims his innocence. Thorndyke is helped by old friend Dr Jervis.
An interesting historical mystery.
Originally published in 1907

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A Contrary Wind: a variation on Mansfield Park by Lona Manning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Mansfield Park Variation.
While Sir Thomas Bertram is visiting his plantations in the West Indies his family back at Mansfield Park have decided to put on a play. Fanny Price continually faced with the cruel remarks of her Aunt Norris and her unrequited love of Edmund Bertram secretly leaves to become a governess. So the future of all the players are changed.
A very enjoyable well written variation of Mansfield Park. A re-read

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A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1946 Miss Iris Sparks, ex-spy, and Mrs Gwendolyn Bainbridge, war widow, are owners of the The Right Marriage Bureau. They are approached by Lady Matheson to inquire into Prince Phillip, the possible future husband of Princess Elizabeth to determine the truth of the rumour of some scandal attached to him.
Unfortunately it took over the half way point for the first death. At times I did find the conversations between the two main females somewhat tiresome and didn't really find their characters that appealing.
Really a story about intrigue, rather than a murder mystery.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Solitary Witness: A Sherlock and Lucy Short Story by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lord‭ ‬Anthony‭ ‬Dale and his wife are in the chambers of 221b Baker Street. ‬Lady‭ ‬Constance‭, ‬his‭ ‬wife‭, ‬has‭ ‬been‭ ‬shot‭ ‬at‭, ‬but‭ ‬thankfully‭ ‬it‭ ‬only‭ ‬grazed‭ ‬her‭ ‬forehead.‭ ‬They‭ ‬are‭ ‬seeking‭ ‬protection‭ ‬because‭ ‬she‭ ‬is‭ ‬a‭ ‬witness,‭ ‬the‭ solitary‭ ‬witness‭ ‬left,‭ ‬for‭ ‬the‭ ‬prosecution‭ ‬of‭ ‬a Laurence‭ ‬Linden.‭ ‬He‭ ‬has‭ ‬been‭ ‬charged‭ ‬with‭ ‬the‭ ‬murder‭ ‬of‭ ‬their‭ ‬neighbour‭ ‬Mr‭ ‬Henrik‭ ‬van‭ ‬Rensburg.‭ ‬On‭ ‬the‭ ‬night‭ ‬of‭ ‬the‭ ‬murder‭ ‬Lady Constantance, saw a man leave the house which she later identified as Linden.
An‭ ‬enjoyable‭ ‬and‭ ‬well-written‭ ‬mystery,‭ ‬another‭ fine addition to‭ ‬this‭ ‬series.
Received an ARC from the authors.

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Who Saw Him Die? by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tom Harrison wants to sell his home but half the house belongs to his son Trevor who using the house to home ex-convicts. A situation Tom objects to. Soon there is the first of the deaths. But who by. Inspector Peach investigates.
An enjoyable story, solid start to the series.
Originally written in 1994

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Letters from the Heart by Kay Bea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation several days have passed since the Netherfield ball and the party left for town. But then Mr Bennet is taken ill and against his previous wishes Mrs Bennet arranges the betrothal of Elizabeth and Mr Collins. Soon the couple are off to Hunsford. In various letters we watch the unhappy Mrs Elizabeth Collins and Darcy. But there are changes for the better with the remaining Bennet daughters and their friendship with Georgina Darcy. Will happiness come to everyone.
A very enjoyable and well-written variation.

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Sound of Fear: Alma Novella Book 1 by Levi Fuller
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Marmet. Sergeant detective Mark Decleor and detective Violet Turner investigate a series of murders. Alma, a killer who knows your nightmares and fears. Unfortunately that that is how you will die.
The killer is identified early on, and none of the characters are really likeable.

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Lydia Wins Wickham by Kristi Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lizzy and Darcy's story continue Will she ever give him a break. Does he deserve one. But now Geo (George) Wickham comes to Meryton. Is it possible that Lydia is interested.
An enjoyable story

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Seven Keys to Baldpate: Mysterious Thriller in a Closed Mountain Hotel by Earl Derr Biggers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1911 Baldpate Inn in Upper Asquewan Falls, William Magee has made an arrangement to stay at the closed mountain resort, alone.
Then the holders of the other 6 available keys start arriving. What is it that they want, who is the real owner of the package. Is Magee the only innocent.
An enjoyable historical mystery story

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The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is employed by General Sternwood to deal with some debts belonging to his youngest daughter Carmen.
Brilliant, well-written, great crime story. Another re-read

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Sanditon by Another Lady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An accident at Willingden village results in a meeting between the Heywood family and a Mr Thomas and Mrs Mary Parker. The Parkers offer to the eldest daughter, Charlotte, a visit to their home in Sanditon. There she meets a cast of various characters.
The first eleven chapters of Jane Austen have been completed with this delightful story, and a cast of wonderful characters.
An enjoyable and well-written re-read.

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THE RIDDLE OF THE DUNES: a gripping historical mystery that keeps you guessing by James Andrew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Birtleby, post WW1 and the killing of young woman has started again. Did DI Blades and Sergeant Peacock arrest the right man who was ten hanged. Or who could the guilty party be and what is their motive.
An enjoyable historical murder mystery

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The Adventures of Miss Olivia Wickham by Kay Bea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel it is now 1823, and the Wickhams who have to constantly move to escape their debts have moved to Durham. After eleven years of marriage they have five surviving daughters, the eldest is Olivia. George Wickham has once again left the family home and again Lydia goes in search of him, but this time both fail to return so Olivia decides to take her sisters to Pemberley, not knowing how or if they will be welcome.
A delightful and well-written story.

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The Surrey Stalker: A Gripping Serial Killer Crime Novel by B.L. Pearce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First he stalks them then he rapes and kills them. Called the Surrey Stalker, he is happy to have a name. It for DI Rob Miller and his team to investigate. For Miller this is his first murder case where he is SIO. But can they catch him before he strikes again.
An enjoyable crime story with some likeable characters

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D for Daisy by Nick Aaron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1944 A Lancaster bomber D-Daisy returns from its mission, but one of the crew is dead. The victim's wife, Daisy, blind from birth, believes he was murdered and as no-one believes her decides to investigate.
The story also contains their romantic tale.
An enjoyable read and I liked the plot.

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Mortmain Hall by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930s London. Reggie Vickers is so concerned for the life of old friend Gilbert Payne that he contacts criminologist Rachel Savernake for help. Gilbert Payne has been presumed dead by faking his death, is back for the funeral of his mother. But there are men waiting to kill him.
A Mrs Dobell, a writer and criminologist, writing under the pseudonym of Leo Slaterbeck, invites Rachel to her husband's family home of Mortmain Hall. But what is the connection between the guests.
Rachel has previously been given four names by Reggie Vickers. Gilbert Payne is dead, but the other three are the guests. Clive Danskin, Henry Rolland,and Sylvia Gorrie.
Journalist Jacob Flint crime reporter for the Clarion and friend of Rachel, becomes interested in previous murder cases.
An interesting and well-written murder mystery with a cast of varied and curious characters.
A NetGalley Book

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Lady Susan Comes Alive Part 1 by Gillian Hiscott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Widow Lady Susan Vernon is staying at Langford, with the owner Mr Mainwaring, her wife and sister, Maria. In the next parish is the home of batchelor Sir James Martin. Who is of interest to Maria as a possible suitor. But Lady Susan has other ideas but what is she scheming.
The events leading up to the first letter in canon
An enjoyable variation

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The Patient Man by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kenneth Harcourt of Wit's End has suffered a burglary of his expensive guns, just after a burglary at his The Fenside Gun Club. Then there is a shooting, by a military rifle, of Christopher Keye a hit and run suspect in the death of Kirstie Harcourt.
If that is not enough for the team to cope with there is a series of petty crimes at the local farms.
Plus the biggest concern is that wanted killer, Alistair Ashcroft, is still at large.
Soon there will be more murders all witnessed by DC Kevin Stoner.
Are all these events connected, what are the motives. DI Jackman and his team investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written modern crime story, another good addition to this series with its cast of likeable characters.
Received an ARC from the publisher.

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A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1899 Frances, Countess of Harleigh's sister Lily is due to marry Leo Kendrick in two months time. But due to their stupidity they now must marry quickly. Friend George Hazelton offers Risings, his brother's estate, with its planned shooting party, to become a wedding venue for the couple.
Then the accidents start happening. How many people will die before Frances and Hazelton uncover the guilty party, or their motive
An enjoyable Victorian cozy mystery, but not one I found as entertaining as the first two. I seem to find Frances less likeable and parts of the story did drag slightly.
A NetGalley book

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Mary Captures Colonel Fitzwilliam by Kristi Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A modern sequel to P&P where the story of the Bennet business Meryton Matchmakers continues. But what of the people. Will the elder Bennet sisters ever understand their hearts. But what about Darcy and Charles.
Having just met, Mary Bennet and the Colonel, are unsure about their relationship or what it even is, can they possible have a happy ending.
I enjoyed this modern variation of Pride and Prejudice, and as it contains the story of my favourite couple in JAFF makes it even better. Another enjoyable re-read

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Rational Creatures by Christina Boyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 - Self-composed
Elinor Dashwood tries to impose control over her feelings for Edward Ferrars
2 - Every Past Affliction
Marianne Dashwood, after her illness at the Palmer's comes to know herself, therefore is a happy ending possible.
3 - Happiness in Marriage
Elizabeth Bennet ponders on various marriages. Would it be prudent to marry Collins.
4 - Charlotte's Comfort
Charlotte Collins' life from her point of view.
5 - Knightley Discourses
It would seem that after ten years of marriage Emma Knightley still wants to be a matchmaker. But what of the threat to her marriage.
6 - The Simple Things
Miss Hetty Bates, after rejecting a marriage proposal at the age of 35 looks back at her life.
7 - In Good Hands
Harriet Smith goes to stay with the Knightleys in London.
8 - The Meaning of Wife
A discussion at the Bertram's breakfast leaves Fanny Price indignant and determined to read A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. But how will this affect her future.
9 - What Strange Creatures
Mary Crawford of pre Mansfield finds proof that she can't stay with the Admiral.
10 - An Unnatural Beginning
Three years on from her broken engagement, Anne Elliott reflects.
11 - Where the Sky Touches the Sea
Sophia Croft reflects on her marriage.
12 - The Art of Pleasing
Persuasion from Mrs Penelope Clay point of view.
13 - Louisa by the Sea
The thoughts of Louisa Musgrove as she tries to awaken after the accident at Lyme, and her continuing story.
14 - The Strength of their Attachment
Catherine Morland feels she must go to Oxford to help her brother James in his troubles.
15 - A Nominal Mistress
Eleanor Tilney's courtship.
16 - The Edification of Lady Susan
The steps towards marriage of Lady Susan.
A bunch of enjoyable and well-written short stories.

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Interviewing The Dead by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1892 London According to medium Sarah Higgins, because the plague victims bones have been removed to make way for the Aldgate Underground Station, the dead will arrive on earth. Soon four deaths are attributed to these supernatural beings, But then survivors of encounters started to appear.
DI John Jennings of Scotland Yard joins with Professor James Carlyle, surgeon and preacher Matthew West to determine the how, why, and who behind these activities.
An entertaining well-written historical VIctorian mystery, with a cast of interesting and likeable characters. A good start to a new series.


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Mansfield Restored: Miss Crawford's Return by Ronald McGowan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set several years after the ending of Mansfield Park, Mary Crawford meets Captain William Price. A epistolary novel - where letters are exchanged between various characters as we see their growing friendship, and the important events of the Bertrams, Price, and Crawford families, as Mary Crawford tries to bring all these families together.
An enjoyable re-read

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The Reckoning by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1592. Henry Carey, Baron Hunsdon, has formed the Lord Chamberlain's Mens' troupe. But on the morning of their departure to Scadbury, one of the actors is found dead, stabbed, in his bed. Is he one of Burghley's men. But this is only the start of the deaths.
Does Burghley have another man in the troupe, and what other schemes is he orchestrating, with the other Privy Council members.
Meanwhile at Scadbury Manor the actors are rehearsing Marlowe's play Edward II, for its one performance, but are coming concerned over the content.
Is there a connection to Marlowe's past spying activities, will he discover the motive and the who behind the killings
An entertaining Elizabethan historical murder mystery.
A NetGalley Book



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The Hangman Murders by Alan Fisher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Straight out of BHendon police college, top of the class Oliver Cole joins the Northumbria Police. A few weeks later he is at his first murder crime scene under DCI Jack Collier lead. But there will be more deaths all female and all with a hangmans noose around their neck.
Unfortunate stilted conversations, and at times too much of the tiny details repeated with the unnecesary repetition of peoples name when only 2 or 3 people in a conversation
Overall enjoyable enough for a first in a series

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Marrying Mr. Gibson: A Regency Romantic Adventure by Alina K. Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1819 Guardian to Paulette Heardwyn, father to his bastard son, Bink Gibson, the Earl of Shaldon has died. From his grave he still tries to control their lives. But they both have plans which don't involve them marrying each other. And what is Paulette hiding. What is the puzzle.
An enjoyable romance mystery though I wasn't especially taken with the character of Paulette.

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Dinner at Rosings: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Variation Vignette by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P vignette, a conversation at Rosings where once again Darcy fails to inform Anne de Bourgh that he will not marry her. Deception is his abhorrence, what a hypocrite.

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The Man Who Knew Too Much, By GK Chesterton by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A set of mysteries solved by Horne Fisher, the man with too much knowledge.
1. The Face in the Target - Harold Marsh, reviewer and critic, is visiting Torwood Park, owned by Canadian Jefferson Jenkins. Approaching the estate he meets Horne Fisher, cousin to Howard Horne, M.P.,who is a guest on the estate. They witness a fatal car accident, dead is Sir Humphrey Turnbull. Considering the accident how is he dead.
2. The Vanishing Prince - Michael O'Neill seems to have the ability to hide in plain sight. But 3 officers of the law go to arrest him. With Sir Walter Carey, politician, is Horne Fisher.
3. The Soul of the Schoolboy - Why and how is an old coin stolen from an impregnable display box. Again Horne Fisher solves the case.
4. The Bottomless Well - in the Far East next to this well a death occurs.
5. The Fad of the Fisherman - While boating to visit the P.M. Harold March sees two incidents but barely acknowledges them. Meanwhile a murder occurs at his destination.
6. The Hole in the Wall - How can a murdered man disappear.
7. The Temple of Silence - When winning the election for a M.P. does be portrayed as a failure.
8. The Vengeance of the Statue - A murder occurs in a political gathering.
A group of interesting mysteries.

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The Gray and Guilty Sea by Scott William Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being nearly beaten to death and his wife murdered P.I. Garrison Gage retreats to Barnacle Bluffs in Oregon. Five years later he discovers a body on the beach. He can't help himself he has to investigate her death.
An entertaining murder mystery.

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Return of the Thin Man: After the Thin Man / Another Thin Man / Sequel to the Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1. - The script of After The Thin Man.
The Nick and Nora Charles arrive in San Francisco, to a surprise party at their home. A few minutes later as the door bell rings a man collapses, saying Mees Selma Young, and dies. The man is Pedro Dominges, ex-gardener of Nora Charles' father.
But the Charles pair are invited to her family home, run by her Aunt Katherine Forrest, a formidable character. To be informed that the husband of cousin Selma Landis, nee Forrest, has disappeared. Although the whole family disapprove of Nick's former profession Aunt Katherine wishes him to look for Robert Landis.
With the help of Lt Abrams, Nick investigates.
2 - Another Thin Man - The Charles are invited by Colonel Burr MacFay, a business partner of Nora's father. He believes that an old business associate is trying to kill him and wants Nick to stop him.
Enjoyable historical mystery stories, a re-read.

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Hue & Cry by Shirley Mckay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1579 Hew Cullan has returned to St. Andrews after six years where he soon finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation when the body of thirteen year Alexander Strachan is discovered.
The main suspect is his old friend Nicholas Colp, Master of St Leonard's College.
He's decides he must investigate. But there will be more deaths, can he find the truth.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, but also a view of Stuart St. Andrews and university life. A very good start to the series.

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Murder at the Playhouse by Helena Dixon


1933 When a body of a female is discovered on the Churston golf course next to Captain Matthew Bryant's home he volunteers what information he knows. Unfortunately this results in his arrest. Kitty Underhay knowing her friend is innocent, investigates. As the investigation involves the Torquay prominent family the Davenports, Kitty must act with caution. But she is helped by Mrs Craven, friend to her grandmother and finder of the body, and chambermaid, Alice.
An enjoyable and well-written historical cozy mystery, with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this series.
A NetGalley book

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Rest and Restlessness: Mary Crawford, The Second Heroine of Mansfield Park by C.M. Mitchell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Mansfield Park variation this is the Life of Mary Crawford from her point of view, which starts while she is staying with friends before her visit to the Parsonage. It continues when she receives an invitation to come and live with her sister at the Parsonage next to the Park, and finishes before the return of Sir Bertram. Continues in Part 2
A well written story with all the familiar characters plus a few of Mary's friends prior to her journey. An enjoyable re-read

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Fatal Sisters: A Rafferty P.I. Mystery by W. Glenn Duncan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Patty Akister hires Rafferty to find her husband. According to her he is away on a secret mission but he is overdue. Rafferty investigates but it seems like bee is always one step behind. Unfortunately there will be more deaths, but can he keep Patty safe.
An enjoyable murder mystery

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After the Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The script of After The Thin Man.
The Nick and Nora Charles arrive in San Francisco, to a surprise party at their home. A few minutes later as the door bell rings a man collapses, saying Mees Selma Young, and dies. The man is Pedro Dominges, ex-gardener of Nora Charles' father.
But the Charles pair are invited to her family home, run by her Aunt Katherine Forrest, a formidable character. To be informed that the husband of cousin Selma Landis, nee Forrest, has disappeared. Although the whole family disapprove of Nick's former profession Aunt Katherine wishes him to look for Robert Landis.
With the help of Lt Abrams, Nick investigates.
An enjoyable historical mystery story, a re-read.

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