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Friday 31 July 2020

The Long Goodbye (Philip Marlowe, #6)The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Terry Lennox, married to Sylvia, daughter of a multimillionaire needs help to escape to Mexico. He calls upon friend Marlowe for help. It seems his wife has died, and he is the assumed guilty party. But when Lennox is found dead, Marlowe is drawn into discovering the truth.
Excellent, well-written, a delightful re-read.

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A Pretty Deceit (Verity Kent #4)A Pretty Deceit by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919 October. Verify and her husband Sidney are asked by her father to visit her Aunt Ernestine and her cousin Baronet Reginald Popham, who was blinded in the war. Their home, Littlemote House, was requisitioned by the RAF during the war and was badly treated and she believes that they deserve compensation. Also Lady Lionel is convinced that some of the heirlooms have been stolen, and some forgeries replacing others. But then a body is discovered.
But the Kents have other problems as Lord Ardmore and his schemes continue. As this story is the series ARC, I would recommend reading the others in the series first.
Another enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A MUCH Later Meeting: A Pride & Prejudice Victorian RomanceA MUCH Later Meeting: A Pride & Prejudice Victorian Romance by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel it is now 1840 and Darcy is 57 and unmarried, but is visiting Netherfield for the first time when he meets a Elizabeth Bennet, the last unwed Bennet daughter who is caring for her father. Can they have a happy ending especially when the widow Mrs Charlotte Collins decides to attract Darcy.
An enjoyable novella.

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Thursday 30 July 2020

A Christmas Carol Murder (A Dickens of a Crime #3)A Christmas Carol Murder by Heather Redmond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1835. While covering the fire at Hatfield House, reporter Charles Dickens is given a four month old baby called Timothy Dickens. The childs aunt, Madge Porter, convinced that Dickens is the father.
Back in London, while out caroling he and his friends witness a man, Jacob Harley, fall from a second floor window, complete with chains around his neck. The house is owned by his business partner Emmanuel Screws. Dickens investigates but this will only be the first death, what could be the possible motive.
An enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Dangerous Goodbye: An absolutely gripping historical mystery (A Fen Churche Mystery Book 1)A Dangerous Goodbye: An absolutely gripping historical mystery by Fliss Chester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1944 Fenella Churche receives the dreaded last letter from her fiance Captain Arthur Melville-Hare. But he has left her clues in the letter to where he was sent. Deciphering the clues she discovers that he was on an undercover mission in France, in Morey-Fontaine.
After the end of the war Fen travels to France to discover any information about Arthur. Arriving at Morey-Fontaine where she finds employment and starts asking her questions. Not long after death arrives to claim its first.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery. A likeable cast of well-rounded characters and a good start to a new series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Wednesday 29 July 2020

A Patient ManA Patient Man by Charlie Garratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1939. Inspector Given is still recovering from his last case when a letter arrives from his Uncle Gideon saying that he and his family had left Germany and arrived in Paris. He leaves to bring them to England. But he is called back to investigate the murder of a Reverend Duncan Beattie.
An enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters. A good addition to the series.

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Life & Death (Hidden Norfolk Murder Mystery #0.5)Life & Death by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body of a teenage girl is found in the church grounds, DI Tom Janssen who is in his first week of a new job, is called in to investigate.
An interesting crime story, a good start to a new series

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Tuesday 28 July 2020

Mr. Darcy's Missing Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Power of Darcy's Love Book 1)Mr. Darcy's Missing Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Violet King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth Bennet meets Darcy for the first time at Rosings, where they begin a secret courtship. But when Lady Catherine discovers the truth danger beckons.
An interesting novella but the story continues

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The Horse's Mouth (DI Tremayne Thriller Series Book 9)The Horse's Mouth by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tremayne is having a day off from work and attending the Salisbury‭ ‬Racecourse. But work is never far away as he‭ ‬gets‭ ‬involved‭ ‬with‭ the investigation into ‬a‭ ‬substituted‭ ‬horse‭, ‬and‭ ‬a‭ ‬dead‭ ‬body.‭ ‬The‭ ‬body‭ ‬is‭ ‬of‭ ‭ ‬Sally,‭ ‬the‭ ‬daughter of‭ ‬the‭ ‬horse‭ ‬owner‭ ‬Barton‭ ‬Kirkland.
Online‭ ‬betting,‭ ‬horse‭ ‬race‭ ‬fixing,‭ ‬how‭ ‬is‭ ‬it‭ ‬all‭ ‬connected‭ ‬but‭ ‬the‭ ‬bodies‭ ‬continue‭ ‬to‭ ‬be‭ ‬discovered.
An‭ ‬enjoyable‭ ‬well-written‭ ‬modern‭ ‬crime‭ ‬story,‭ ‬with‭ ‬its‭ ‬likeable‭ ‬main‭ ‬characters. Another good addition to the series.
Received an ARC from the author

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Monday 27 July 2020

The Mystery of the Missing Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Variation NovellaThe Mystery of the Missing Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Riana Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1811 In this prequel to P&P, Darcy is worried as it seems that Georgiana with her companion Mrs Younge have gone missing. On a recommendation he employs private investigator Alexander Lyons.
Lyons is also investigating the background of Isabella Wood, for her fiance Peter Ecclesford, hopefully to prove that she is high enough socially so that his father will consent to their marriage.
An entertaining well-written mystery story.

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Divided House (Dark Yorkshire #1)Divided House by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in York. An ex-army soldier dies in police custody, a suicide by poison, but what will the investigation led by DI Nathaniel Caslin reveal.
An interesting and well-written modern crime story.
A good start to a new series

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Sunday 26 July 2020

First Christmas at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice SequelFirst Christmas at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Grace Sellers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, it is Christmas Eve at Pemberley, and they are holding a dinner party. But it is snowing, and Elizabeth is more than eight months pregnant. Can kittens really cause havoc.
Entertaining and well-written story.

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Felicity in Marriage: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice continues... Part OneFelicity in Marriage: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice continues... Part One by C.J. Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P sequel begins several months after the weddings of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, when Mr Bennet visits Pemberley. Where we follow the fortunes of the three married sisters, Georgiana, and the de Boughs.
An entertaining and well-written story, I look forward to Part Two

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Mr. Darcy Goes to Brighton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation NovellaMr. Darcy Goes to Brighton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Bella Breen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation instead of travelling to the Lakes, the Gardiners go to Brighton because Elizabeth is concerned about Lydia and her possible behaviour. Meanwhile Colonel Fitzwilliam is stationed in Brighton and invites his cousin Darcy to visit.
An enjoyable story with the Colonel being once again the most likeable character. Lydia's behaviour is a bit over the top, and Darcy is once again uncertain when faced with Lydia and Mrs Bennet.
Overall an enjoyable story

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Saturday 25 July 2020

Miss Price's Decision: A Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice variation (Austeniana Book 2)Miss Price's Decision: A Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice variation by Eliza Shearer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Mansfield Park sequel several years have passed. Now due to the ill health of Lady Bertram, they go to town staying with the Yates to visit a doctor for a medical opinion. Then onwards to Bath. How will Susan Price enjoy these travels and the new people she meets. Soon she becomes reacquainted with an old friend.
An enjoyable and well-written story.

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Mrs. Darcy's Masque Seduction: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice VariationMrs. Darcy's Masque Seduction: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by Violet King
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, fearing that her husband has a mistress Elizabeth Darcy follows him to town where they both attend a masquerade ball. Who will seduce whom, then the mature content follows.

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Watson's Last CaseWatson's Last Case by Ian Alfred Charnock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1 - Doctor's Orders
1880 In the Bar of the Criterion Where Dr Stamford meets a recently released Dr Watson from the army.
1918 once again Dr Watson meets Dr Stamford and tells him of his war adventures in Palestine, and asks him of a request, which sends Stamford to meet Dr Conan Doyle, literacy agent of Dr Watson, where they discuss the unfinished works.
2 - Watson's Last Case
Mycroft briefs and sends Dr Watson on his mission to the Eastern Front and the court of the Romanoffs
3 - A Scholar's Appendix
Victor Trevor's Narrative on his view of Sherlock Holmes. Then the story of Sherlock Holmes the early years by Miss Stamford sister to Dr Stamford.
The Attendant Three-Quarter - Dr Watson life
The Dresser - as told by Dr Stamford, his life until 1918 when he meets Dr Watson
An enjoyable set of short stories

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Friday 24 July 2020

A Death of Innocence: A Thomas Berrington Prequel (Thomas Berrington Historical MysteryA Death of Innocence: A Thomas Berrington Prequel (Thomas Berrington Historical Mystery by David Penny


1453 Lemster, The English Marshes. Thirteen year Thomas Berrington finds himself accused of murder. He must discover the guilty party to save himself.
Entertaining and well-written historical novella

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Mystery at The Hall: A British Mystery (The Devonshire Mysteries Book 3)Mystery at The Hall: A British Mystery by Michael Campling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Embervale Village. Dan Corrigan, newcomer to the area, is told the story of Helen Beecham, found dead seven years ago in the village hall, in a locked room. Finding that he is getting bored Dan is determined to unearth the killer.
An entertaining well-written novella

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Thursday 23 July 2020

Murder at Hotel 1911: An Ivy Nichols MysteryMurder at Hotel 1911: An Ivy Nichols Mystery by Audrey Keown
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Wealthy Amelia Swain and get son Jeffrey book into the Hotel 1911. A hotel that is made to look from the 1911 era.
The chef is informed that she is allergic to shellfish. Soon she is found dead. So the main suspect is the chef, George, but Ivy Nichols, his friend and hotel receptionist knows him to be innocent so she investigates.
The story is told from her point of view and so we get all her thoughts which usually sounds like some teenager not an adult of 28.
For me there was too much about her mental struggles and Jung and not enough of a mystery.
This is a lightweight modern cozy mystery.
The blurb does not indicate that this is story set in modern times, unfortunately, as I find novice investigators revealing the truth before the dumb police irritating.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Little Sister (Philip Marlowe, #5)The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Orfamay Quest wants Marlowe to find her brother Orrin. He has been laid off from his job and moved away from his lodgings. It doesn't take Marlowe long to come across his first, but not last dead body.
An entertaining and well-written mystery as you would expect from Chandler. An enjoyable re-read.

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Mr. Darcy is Diverted: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice VariationMr. Darcy is Diverted: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by Demi Monde
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, events move very quickly from the Meryton Assembly to the Netherfield Ball, where Elizabeth is repairing a ripped dress and is deliberately sort out by Darcy, who sees her undressed and in bed, which of course leads to mature content.

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Seducing Lizzy: Mr. Darcy's Discipline (Darcy's Honeymoon Heat #1)Seducing Lizzy: Mr. Darcy's Discipline by Chera Zade
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel a short story of the Darcy's wedding night, all mature content.

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Wednesday 22 July 2020

The Darkest Evening (Vera Stanhope, #9)The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Driving home during a snow storm, DCI Vera Stanhope comes across an abandoned car with a toddler inside. Taking the child she drives to the nearest house which happens to belong to her relations where a dinner party is in progress. Not long after at the back of the house a body is discovered.
But what could the possible motive be, Stanhope and her team investigate.
An entertaining well-written modern crime story with its interesting cast of characters. A fine addition to the series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Mansfield Park The Crawfords' redemption: An improved end to the classic storyMansfield Park The Crawfords' redemption: An improved end to the classic story by Kirsten bij't Vuur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Mansfield Park variation begins with Fanny Price in Portsmouth waiting to receive the dreaded news that her cousin Edmund Bertram is engaged to Mary Crawford.
Not sure that the characters would have acted the way they did once engaged, but apart from that a delightful story because the right couples ended up together.

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Tuesday 21 July 2020

The Borgias' Spy: An unputdownable, gripping thrillerThe Borgias' Spy: An unputdownable, gripping thriller by Andrea Frediani
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1497 Giovanni Borgia the favourite son of Pope Alexander VI, Rodrigo Borgia, is found dead, stabbed. Pinturicchio, painter to the pope, enlists the help of his fellow painters to discover information that would lead to the killer. Giovanni's bodyguard, Ramiro, is determined to avenge his death.
Unfortunately the story really didn't engage my interest and with such unlikeable main characters I didn't really care who the 'guilty' party was
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Crawfords Redeemed ......... And How!: A Tale Of RedemptionThe Crawfords Redeemed ......... And How!: A Tale Of Redemption by Anjali Desai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this variation to Mansfield Park, can either of the Crawford sibling change their behaviour and become better people.
I enjoyed this story though I do find the Crawfords more interesting characters than some of the Bertrams
(A few minor errors in the text.)

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Monday 20 July 2020

Murder at Kingscote (Gilded Newport Mysteries, #8)Murder at Kingscote by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1899 Newport, Rhode Island. Emma Cross, editor-in-chief of the Newport Messenger, and her friend Derrick Andrews, are attending a dinner party hosted by Ella King, when her drunken son disrupts the proceeding. A few minutes later the the butler is discovered, dying, pinned to a tree by Philip King's car. Detective Jesse Whyte investigates with the help of Emma and Derrick.
But was it an accident, or murder. But what could be the motive if murder.
An entertaining historical murder mystery, well-written and with a varied cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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EveringhamEveringham by katharhino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this sequel to Mansfield Park, Mary Crawford has agreed to marry Edmund Bertrum. But will Henry Crawford continue his pursuit of Fanny Price, especially when he discovers her love for Edmund.
Some lovely character development shown for the main characters, and a delightful story results in a superior unpublished fan fiction.

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Sunday 19 July 2020

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

1895 Partners Daniel Wilson, ex-Scotland Yard detective, and Abigail Fenton, archaeologist are called in by Miss Evelyn Scott, Curator of the Natural History Museum when shattered bones of an iguanodon exhibit are discovered. But the next day the body of one of the museum attendants is discovered.
What could be the motive, who is the guilty party. The partners investigate with the help of Inspector
John Feathers.
An enjoyable well-written Victorian Mystery, with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to the series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Our Stolen Pieces (North and Martin Abduction Mystery, #1)Our Stolen Pieces by James Hunt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

During a slumber party two of the girls decide to leave. The new partnership of detectives Jim North and Kerry Martin investigate. They must leave behind their troubled past to function as a team, if the girls are to be found alive, unlike the bodies that are soon unearthed.
An interesting read, a good start to a new series.

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Saturday 18 July 2020

His Father's Ghost (Mina Scarletti #5)His Father's Ghost by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1872 Brighton. Franklin Holt aged 14 is subjected to ghostly nightly visits. One of which he believes is his father, overall he is terrified, because eight years earlier his father Harper Holt was drowned in a yachting accident, presumed dead. Mrs Holt has now recently remarried a Mr Vardy. But Mrs Vardy has contacted Mimi Scarletti for help with her son. Unfortunately Mimi is recovering from a serious illness. But as her body recovers hermind wants stimulation and so enlists her friends for their help in the mystery.
Another enjoyable and well-written Victorian mystery. The main characters are all likeable in their own way and this is a good addition to this fine series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The New Arrival: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Variation VignetteThe New Arrival: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Variation Vignette by Margaret Lynette Sharp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P vignette, happy is the day that there is a new gentleman in the neighbourhood. Mrs Bennet has plans for him and Jane.
Enjoyable short story

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The Eye of Osiris (Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries #3)The Eye of Osiris by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr John Bellingham, archaeologist, goes missing when visiting his cousin Mr Hurst. Several years later bones are found in various ponds. But who do they belong to. Dr Thorndyke investigates.
An interesting mystery

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Friday 17 July 2020

Sincerity of Heart: Modern Austen Inspired Short StoriesSincerity of Heart: Modern Austen Inspired Short Stories by Melissa Buell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An enjoyable selection of modern Austen inspired stories

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The Nidderdale Murders (Yorkshire Murder Mysteries, #5)The Nidderdale Murders by J.R. Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Tom Oldroyd is called out to the village of Niddersgill where there has been a murder. A witness can identify the killer but he seems to have disappeared. Soon motives can be found for this unlikable victim. DCI Oldroyd and his team investigate. Then there is another murder.
An enjoyable well-written murder mystery with its likeable characters and where the plot keeps you guessing.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Dying Light (Matt Ballard #3)The Dying Light by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matthew Ballard and his partner Liz Haynes are now both retired and working as private investigators. Old friend ex-DI Will Stonebridge asks that they look out for his neighbour Emilia Swain, as she has suffered a few incidents. But they and Will are concerned about his wife, Kate, and her obsession with their home Holland House.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written mystery, with its cast of varied characters. Another good addition to the series.
Received an ARC from the publishers

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Thursday 16 July 2020

Five Bloody Hearts (DCI Matt Ballard, #2)Five Bloody Hearts by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Matt Ballard is waiting for his replacement so that he can retire. But he is called out to Washway Farm Drove as a body has been discovered. The third knife victim in the last few months. All with the same distinctive tattoo. All Lithuanian migrants. What is the connection between them.
Meanwhile a Mrs Grace Repton informs Ballard that her fiance, Jeremy Reader, convicted murderer of five woman has been told that a copycat, called Alex, is about to start killing. And he does.
An enjoyable well-written modern crime story

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Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Mysteries #4)Murder in the East End by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1882. Kat Holloway, cook at the home of Mrs Bywater, is introduced to Reverend Errol Fielding, foster brother of her friend Daniel McAdam. Fielding is on the Board of Governors of the Foundling Hospital in Brunswick Square. His attention has been draw by Nurse Nell Betts that three children have gone missing. He hopes that Kat will investigate but as her time is not her own she recruits her friends to help.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery, a well-written story with a varied cast of likeable characters, with a strong female lead. Another good addition to the series.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Wednesday 15 July 2020

Gods of Gold (DI Tom Harper, #1)Gods of Gold by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 Leeds. The gas workers are on strike but the company is bringing in replacement workers. Tension is high in the city. Meanwhile DI Tom Harper is looking for a missing child and trying to solve several murders.
An enjoyable historical mystery, well-written with its likeable characters. A good start to the series.

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The Lady in the Lake (Philip Marlowe, #4)The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marlowe is employed by Derace Kingsley to find his missing wife Crystal. She has been missing for a month and last seen he blieves at their cabin in Puma Point. When Marlowe visits the cabin he discovers another missing wife. The case gets more complicated from then onwards.
Another very enjoyable and well-written historical crime story. A re-read

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Tuesday 14 July 2020

Bacon's Dozen: Thirteen Historical Fiction Short StoriesBacon's Dozen: Thirteen Historical Fiction Short Stories by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 - For Want of a Book: A Francis Bacon Mystery Short Story
1586 and Francis Bacon is in desperate need of a book. So he is off to his favourite booksellers - Brooksby and Kellett. Only to discover a disturbed Brooksby who shows Bacon the murdered body of his partner.
2 - The Lost Mine of Don Fernando
Can Luke Turner, trading post owner and Flechas Velarde, Apache Elder, get even with corrupt US government agent, Wilkinson
3 - Artful Bargains
Lady Alice Trumpington at the age of 16 discovers the means to take charge of her life and do what she wants.
4 - Mustard on Velvet
Agnes Merrythought, laundress at Gray's Inn, has a problem. Two in fact, where is her husband, Jack, a carter and what is her daughter up to. She enlists the help of Francis Bacon in tracing her husband but she aims to solve the problem of her daughter Martha before her reputation is ruined.
5 - The Broken Circle
In Conil, Yucaton in 1546 Ix Cahum has learned to survive in her village after many deaths from disease bought on by the invaders, and death of her husband in the many wars between the Mayas.
6 - fraNCIS Bacon - The Shirt
1587, and Trotter the executor of the will of Lady Thursby has found a body in her old home. He calls on Francis Bacon for help. The only evidence to the identity of the body and the events that preceded his death is the shirt he is wearing.
7 - Dark Tales from the School of Night
1591 Sir Walter Ralegh, Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Harriot tell tales of ghosts and other strange beings as they sit in an inn sharing wine.
8 - The Sneeze
Austen, Texas, 2019. Elizathan literacy scholar finds that her sneezes sends her back to late Tudor times. Is it an allergy induced hallicination that lets her meet Henry Claybrook subject of her thesis or is it real.
9 - All Englishman Look Alike
Captain Valentine Clarady is captured and must find a way to escape
10 - Hamlet Reinvestigated
Horatio is asked to investigate the death of Hamlet’s father.
11 - The Stockbroker’s Wife
Richard Barrett, a stockbroker, has been offered a new position at Clements Bank but he is suspicious of the offer. He is encouraged to approach Professor Moriarty for his help. But then Barrett's wife becomes suspicious and ask Sherlock Holmes to investigate.
12 - In Walked a Lady
Tom Clarady, the clerk of Francis Bacon, is approached by Joan Pettwood because her uncle has just died and she is suspicious of the cause of death. Tom investigates but needs the help of Bacon to solve the case.
13 - Extinction
Melody Mockingbird of Austin Druidic Detective Agency investigates the death of jazz singer Gilda Sanger. She must be quick before her memory of the crime disappears. A paranormal mystery.
I enjoyed all the stories, a good collection of varied interesting stories, all well-written.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Henry and Fanny: An Alternate Ending to Mansfield ParkHenry and Fanny: An Alternate Ending to Mansfield Park by Sherwood Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Mansfield Park variation we begin when Henry Crawford attends a party where he meets Mrs Maria Crawford. Will he think of Fanny Price or be peeved by Maria's assumed indifference. Fanny is in Portsmouth and Tom Bertram severely ill at home.
Is it possible for any of them to have a happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written variation.

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Monday 13 July 2020

Avarice (DI Munro & DS West #2)Avarice by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Munro is pulled out of retirement when a body of a female is discovered in the remote Daff Glen. He takes with him DS Charlotte West to help in the investigation.
An entertaining well-written crime story, helped by a cast of well-rounded likeable characters.
A good addition to the series.

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John Thorndyke's Cases (Dr. Thorndyke Mysteries #2)John Thorndyke's Cases by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1 - The Man with the Nailed Shoes
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.
2 - The Stranger's Latchkey
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.
3 - The Anthropologist at Large
After a burglary the only clue is a retrieved hat. Can Dr Thorndyke solve the case with just this one clue.
4 - The Blue Sequin
Artist model Edith Grant has been discovered dead on a train. Last seen with her, painter Harold Stopford has been arrested.
Quite an implausible cause of death
5 - The Moabite Cipher
Spectators lie the route to watch the arrival of a Russian Grand Duke. When one is killed. A letter, a crytogram is discovered in the dead man. What does the cipher say. Dr Thorndyke investigates.
6 - The Mandarin's Pearl
Solicitor Mr Brodribb has a client, Fred Calverley, who seems to be suffering from delusions. Is there a connection to a recent purchase of jewellery.
Dr Thorndyke investigates.
7 - The Aluminium Dagger
Henry Curtis needs the services of Dr Thorndyke as his brother-in-law, Alfred Hartridge has been murdered. Stabbed with an aluminum dagger in a locked room.
8 - A Message from the Deep Sea
Dr Hart asks that Dr Thorndyke attend to a crime scene. The victim ia a young female called Ninja Adler.
A collection of interesting mysteries, with my favourite being The Mandarin's Pearl, but there is no character development of Thorndyke.


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Sunday 12 July 2020

Legacy of Evil (A Jonathan Harker Mystery)Legacy of Evil by Tony Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1898 Jonathan Harker is sent by his employer, solicitor Maurice Joplin to oversee the purchase of the Davila Estate near Bistritz, Transylvania. The home of the former Count Dracula. A Lord Tavistock wishes to buy it. The Harkers decide to mix business with a holiday. But has the evil really been conquered.
An entertaining read. A re-read

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Ration of Lies (Maggie Sullivan mysteries Book 8)Ration of Lies by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

16 year old Japanese American Daisy Hashimoto wants to employ Maggie Sullivan to find her brother, Tosh. He worked at the Kirby Printing establishment and is the main suspect in the arson of the building and the resulting two deaths.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of interesting characters

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Saturday 11 July 2020

The Aluminium Dagger: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: (R Austin Freeman Classic Collection)The Aluminium Dagger: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Henry Curtis needs the services of Dr Thorndyke as his brother-in-law, Alfred Hartridge has been murdered. Stabbed with an aluminum dagger in a locked room.
Interesting mystery

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A Message from the Deep Sea: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: (R Austin Freeman Masterpiece Collection)A Message from the Deep Sea: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Hart asks that Dr Thorndyke attend with him to a crime scene. The victim is a young female called Ninja Adler.
An interesting mystery

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The Mandarin's Pearl: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: (R Austin Freeman Masterpiece Collection)The Mandarin's Pearl: A Dr John Thorndyke Mystery: by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Solicitor Mr Brodribb has a client, Fred Calverley, who seems to be suffering from delusions. Is there a connection to a recent purchase of jewellery.
Dr Thorndyke investigates. One of the better mysteries


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