A Gift of Sanctuary: The Owen Archer Series - Book Six by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1370 Owen Archer and Geoffrey Chaucer are sent to St. David's in Wales by the Duke of Lancaster. To recruit archers, inspect fortifications and investigate, John Lascelles, the Duke's steward. But a body discovered causes complications.
An enjoyable historical mystery with a large cast of characters.

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Death's Disciple by James Whitworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The morning after her birthday, Mabel Downing is discovered murdered. With only family and a friend staying the night who is the guilty party and what could be the motive.
DI Frank Miller and Sergeant Paul Riddle investigate. their first case together
A solid modern mystery though I thought the police were a little slow in identifying the murderer.
A good start to a new series

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Officer of the Court by Bill Mesce Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1943 Major Harry Voss, lawyer in the Army's judge Advocate office is called in by Captain Woody Kneece of the Criminal Investigation Corps. To investigate the death of a Lieutenant Armando Grassi, Voss's old assistant, when his body is washed up on a remote island off the coast of Scotland.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical story.

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The Blakes by Helen Price
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story of two sisters, Meg and Augusta Blake, and their lives in Wiltshire and beyond. A straightforward romance story with really no mystery involved.
Enjoyable enough

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The Outcast Girls by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1881 the owner of the World's End Investigation Bureau, Lily Raynor, is called upon by schoolteacher Georgiana Long, of Shardlowes School in the Fens. It seems that pupils are disappearing and no-one is doing anything about the situation. Lily goes undercover as an Assistant Matron. Meanwhile Felix does his own investigation. But soon trouble arrives for Lily.
An interesting and entertaining well-written Victorian mystery. Lily and Felix are likeable and well-developed characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone novel.
The only thing I didn't like was that the story was written in the present tense.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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A Fatal Truth by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oxford 1961. Mr Thomas Hughes has been killed in a tragic accident on Bonfire Night. Newspaper reporter Duncan Gillingham's article hinting at a cover-up leads WPC Trudy Loveday, with the help of coroner Dr. Clement Ryder to investigate.
Another enjoyable well-written crime story in this series with its two likeable main characters.

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A Swan In Hiding by Skydancinghobbit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another re-read of this P&P fanfiction variation.
This is the story of Mary Bennet discovering what it is to be loved. While visiting the Collinses with Elizabeth she is taken under the wing of Lady Catherine, and becomes friends with her daughter Anne. Whereby she finds love.
This story does need a lot of editing, but as it is an unpublished work I have taken that into consideration when giving a rating, as I did really enjoy the story, again.

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Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1807 Bastard son of Gentleman Jim, Nicholas Seaton, a groom on Beasley Park, owned by Squire Honeywell, has been wrongly accused of theft, by Frederick Burton-Smythe. Friend and lady, Maggie Honeywell helps him to escape. Between these two is a young frustrated love, they feel only complete with each other.
But after ten years apart is it time Maggie married as her father's will instructed. But after the death of her father she visits friend Jane Trumble, in town, where events conspire for her to meet John Beresford, the Viscount St. Clare and heir to the Earl of Allendale.
Can secrets be uncovered, what family mysteries are there to be solved.
A delightful well-written Victorian romance with its hint of mystery. It is wonderful to read a story where the author can write conversations that read so true, and have such well-developed characters.
Received an ARC from the author


Received an ARC from the author.

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False Gods: A Rafferty P.I. Mystery by W. Glenn Duncan Jr.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kathy-Lee Troupe has after a couple of months become concerned about her missing 18 year old daughter, Kimberley. Rafferty believes it will be only a couple of days work, but he is so wrong.
An interesting story

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Death Never Strikes Twice by John Glasby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Johnny Merak, P.I. is employed by Charles Jensen III to find proof of adultery against his second wife Janine. But where is his ex-wife Arlene. Arlene's sister, Barbara Winton, believes she was killed by Jensen.
An enjoyable crime story

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Lady in Pearls by Elizabeth Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1806 Nathan Bancroft, ex-member of the Zodiac spy group is now a solver of people's problems. He is hired to find out why Vanessa Phillips pays a stranger a large amount of money each month. It seems her grandmother has become concerned for her welfare.
An enjoyable and well-written historical romance and mystery story

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Miami by A.C. Fuller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marcode De Santis, hired assassin is in Miami. But who is the next target. Cole and Warren try to find out before the target dies.
The story conbtinues with this part

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Washington, D.C. by A.C. Fuller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as crime reporter Jane Cole and NYPD cop Robert Warren investigate the assassination of a former VP in Washington.
An intersting story which must be read in order, and not as a standalone


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Calamity under the Chandelier by Bianca Blythe
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

December 1937. Hollywood scarlet Veronica James has eloped with Lord Holt, son of the Duke and Duchess of Hawley, from Chalcroft Park. She invites her friend Cora Clarke to join her in Yorkshire. When a murder occurs Cora decides to investigate. But then there is another
Lightweight cozy historical story, with no depth to the bunch of unlikable characters.

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The Body in the Marsh by Nick Louth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Missing person Liz Knight is an old girlfriend from 30 years ago of DCI Craig Gillard. Then her husband goes missing. Gillard is put in charge of the case.
I admit to have a suspicion of the guilty party long time before the reveal.
But still an entertaining police procedural.

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The Secret Diary of Dr. Watson: Death at the Reichenbach Fall by Anita Janda
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At the instigation of his wife Mary, Dr John Watson starts a diary detailing his writing of Holmes' adventures and his thoughts of Holmes
Enjoyable story of Watson's thoughts.

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The Gentlemen Are Detained: A Pride and Prejudice Short Story by Heather Moll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Bingley and Darcy are attending a dinner party at Longbourn post Lydia's elopement. Can Bingley and Darcy speak to their loves and have a happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written short story.
Received an ARC from the author

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The Greek Island Killer by Frances Lloyd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

DI Jack Dawes and his wife Corrie are finally off on their belated honeymoon to the Greek Island of Katastrophos arriving with 8 other people. Then the attempted murders start until someone is killed.
Really didn't like Corrie, I found her character very annoying and childish, to the extent that I found it hard to finish the book.
A cosy crime story

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Letters from Derbyshire by Lucrezia*
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This P&P variation begins when Elizabeth Bennet is visiting the Hunsford Parsonage where she refuses Darcy. But her adopted father Bennet, has given her some letters concerning her past. Will she be able to find out who her parents are, how will this affect her relationships with the Bennet family.
An enjoyable variation though containing mature content which I skipped. This content could easily have been replaced with more about the Bennet family

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Untrue till Death by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1674 Leiden, Netherlands. Mercurius is sent by William of Orange to investigate his agent at Utrecht, who he believes is too old for the assignment and wishes Mercurius to help find a replacement, when a colleague at the University of Leiden is killed. But is Mercurius in danger of forfeiting his life.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.


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We Are Death by Douglas Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two men have been killed, shot. Is there a connection between them. DCI Jericho and DS Haynes investigate, but it seems that Jericho's past is connected to the case. How many more must die before the end.
An interesting story but it is best that the the series is read in order.

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Death Comes But Twice by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1893 To preserve Dr James Carlyle's theory that no person has the same fingerprints Matthew West and Carlyle must prove that Argus Skuja hanged a year ago is the same man called Arthur Skelton, poisoned recently by digitalis. But then people involved in the hanging of Skuja start to die so West is now in danger as he was the cleric administering to Skuja.
An entertaining Victorian mystery, with its interesting and likeable main characters. Another good story in this series.
Received ARC from the publisher.

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The Inspector of Strange and Unexplained Deaths by Olivier Barde-Cabuçon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1759. When a young female is found mutilated and carrying a letter from King Louis XV, Inspector Volnay worries that she is was one of the King's harem of young mistresses. Then there is another murder. Spies and plots abound from Madame Pompadour, various groups calling themselves The Devout, and The Brotherhood of the Serpent.
Overall an entertaining story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Portrait of Peril by Laura Joh Rowland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

October 1890. Just as Sarah Bain has married DS Thomas Barrett, a body is discovered. It is identified as Charles Firth, photographer, who seemingly died during the night in a locked church. While Sarah and her two friends Mick O'Reilly and Hugh Staunton investigate Firth's death, Sarah and her half-sister Sally investigate the 24 year old murder of Ellen Casey, as their father is the prime suspect.
For me there was not enough mystery and too much emphasis on the past.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Where The Truth Lies by M.J. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten years after DC Ridpath helped to capture killer James Dalbey, a female body is discovered. Is it a result of a copycat or what?. Due to a serious illness DI Ridpath is working for the Coroner's Office investigating the missing body of one of Dalbey's victims. But the police are investigating the death of another female. Is there a connection. Gory in places.
An interesting and well-written crime story.

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All She Loves by Amy Corwin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elspeth with her mother and aunt are attending a house party at Chiswick Hall, owned by their neighbour Charles Chiswick. Unfortunately he is soon killed. Elspeth is determined to uncover the killer.
Didn't really take to Elspeth and I did determine the killer. But still an enjoyable read.

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A Curse of the Heart by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rebecca Linwood, Egyptian museum owner believes that she had been cursed. The only person who can save her is scholar Gabriel Stone. But will he help and what secrets will be revealed.
An enjoyable well-written romance with a hint of mystery.

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Their Share of Vexations by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth runs from Longbourn after a proposal of marriage from a vicar. But this is not Collins. The result leaves Elizabeth reputation in threads and only one of her sisters stands by her. But it is not Jane. There is disharmony, revenge, cruelty, (definitely mature content) but also happy endings for quite a few people. Will the guilty get their just punishment. Will I be happy in the outcome for Mary Bennet?
With all of that I found it a delightful story even in the re-read.

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A Lady Compromised by Darcie Wilde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rosalind Thorne has been invited to a house party at Cassell House by Devon Winterbourne, Lord Casselmaine, officially to help his cousin Louisa Winterbourne plan her wedding, unofficially to see if Devon and Rosalind can rekindle their romance. But she receives a letter from Helen Corbyn, neighbour of the Duke, needing her help to find out who did kill her eldest brother, Colonel William Corbyn.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery, though I suspect it would be helpful to have read the previous books in the series to get some of the background of the characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Dog in the Dark by Gerald Hammond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-army Captain John Cunningham, has joined civilian life by buying a property in the Scottish Lowlands - Three Oaks Farm, to start kennels for breeding and training working springer spaniels. Then there is a murder.
Quite a bit of the story is about the dogs and guns, a slow paced murder mystery, though it is well-written and does have likeable characters. A good start to a new series.

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Secrets at Kellynch Hall by Maria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Persuasion story, secrets are revealed and Anne Elliot's life changes when Charles Musgrave offers marriage to her.
An enjoyable and well-written story.

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The Ruffler's Child by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1586 Nathaniel Pickering, brother to Lady Margaret Vicary of Petbury, Berkshire is found murdered.
Lady Margaret with Thomas Finbow, Falconer travel to London to settle her brother's debts and buy a falcon for her husband. But the Lady has secrets, which brings them into danger.
An enjoyable well-written historical mystery, with some likeable characters. A good start to the series.

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Implant by Ray Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Gardener and his team investigate when a body is discovered in a basement, in a horrible way to die. But this will not be the last. Who are the guilty party and what could the motive possibly be.
An interesting and well-written crime story

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I Have Been Jaeled: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A P&P variation where Georgiana Darcy aims to expose Wickham, in Meryton where he is stationed. Can his character be redeemed or will he suffer the ultimate penalty.
An enjoyable novella from Wickham's point of view of I am Jael, which I have not read

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Dead Harvest by Andrew Leatham
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When a mummy is discovered on a truck, DI Ray Wilson of the Arts and Antiques Unit at Cambridgeshire Police gets involved. Soon organ transplants, and the dead make the case more complicated. Turned into a story I didn't expect, not a murder mystery more of a thriller, and for me too much swearing.

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Absence of Mercy by S.M. Goodwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1857 Lord Jasper Lightner, hero of the Crimean war and Detective Inspector of the London Metropolitan Police has embarrassed his father for the last time, so he is sent to New York City to train detectives. Arriving just as the dead body of a Alard Janssen has been discovered, murdered. He meets disgraced detective Hieronymus Law and they partner up to investigate a series of murders but with no motive, and no hint of a suspect.
An entertaining well-written Victorian murder mystery with two likeable but flawed main characters. A very good start to a new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Trip to Pemberley by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, although Mary is unhappy she is resigned to spending her time at Longbourn. Until a letter arrives inviting her to Pemberley. Is it fate that on the journey northwards the Bennets briefly met a Robert Ashton, and then meet the Ashton brothers again at Pemberley.
A delightful novella about Mary Bennet. I do enjoy reading stories where she is brought to the forefront of a tale, though my only negative thought is why a curate.


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Bluegate Fields by Anne Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1886 A corpse is found in the sewers below Bluegate Fields. He turns out to be Arthur Waybourne, son of Sir Amstey Waybourne. A post-mortem reveals he was drown in a bath, and sexually abused. Inspector Pitt with the help of Charlotte attempt to find the guilty party.
An entertaining well-written Victorian mystery

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Tales of HMS Laconia - A Prequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion by Jack Caldwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three short stories concerning Captain Wentworth and one concerning the Mugraves on hearing of Wentworth's arrival in the district.
A delightful well-written read

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Return to Longbourn: The Next Chapter in the Continuing Story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Shannon Winslow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sequel to Pride and Prejudice where Mary Bennet is now in her late twenties, and with her sister Catherine they are still unmarried.
Mary has been working as a governess to the new family at Netherfield for four years. It starts with the death of Mr. Bennet and the arrival of the new heir Tristan Collins from America, (Mr William Collins having died). Will either of the sisters have a happy ending.
Will Mary continue to be happy as a governess or does she wish for love - this is her story.
A delightful and well-written sequel

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Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1892 Bombay Two sisters, Bacha and her sister by marriage Pilloo, have jumped from a university clock tower in daylight and three men were charged with murder and later acquitted, with the evidence stating it was suicide. The Family is convinced that it was not and the husband Adi Framji is approached by Captain Jim Agnihotri who is then hired for a six month period to investigate. The story is from his point of view.
An interesting and entertaining complex Victorian mystery and adventure story, with its varied and likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Trial by Fire by Eightyearsandahalf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With a fire at the Great House the occupants are housed at the Uppercross Cottage. So the Crofts invite Anne to stay with them at the Hall, where Wentworth is also staying.
A delightful, Persuasion variation

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Rutland Place by Anne Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with a series of thefts in various houses in Rutland Place, home to Charlotte's parents. Then a murder occurs. Because of the nature of the society, Charlotte and her sister Emily help Pitt in his investigation.
An entertaining Victorian mystery

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The Eyes of the Queen: A Novel by Oliver Clements


1572 Spy master Walsingham is in Paris, while the massacre of St. Bartholomew is occurring. But he must retrieve an important document. Later, events result in sending Dr John Dee into France. Meanwhile Walsingham believes he must deal with the threat from Mary, Queen of the Scots.
An entertaining well-written historical thriller with some interesting characters.
A good start to a new series even though the story was written in the present tense, not something I particularly like.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Repentance by Eightyearsandahalf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who will rescue Lady Russell and Anne Elliot who have been stranded in a snowstorm by a broken carriage wheel.
An enjoyable Persuasion story

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Leaving Longbourn: A Compilation of Five Short Stories by E A Batten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1 - Finding Elizabeth
In this P&P variation, the Bennets are so desperate for an heir that they arrange a kidnapping of a gentleman's son. Unfortunately this turns out to be Elizabeth Darcy, cousin to the Darcys of Pemberley. Then Darcy visits Netherfield.
I admit that I didn't care for Mary Bennet's future pairing and so lost some interest in the story, and I would have liked to have read about the later events at Longbourn which I think would have been more interesting.
A well-written story
2 -Her Grandmother’s Wisdom
In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story
3 - Miss Bennet’s Adventure
In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet is invited to spend as long as she wishes at Pemberley. An invitation she is very eager to take. Soon an injured Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them but he has a secret mission to complete. Will they both get their happy ending.
A very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.
4 - Hurst Knows All
A short Pride and Prejudice variation where Hurst proves he is more than a gentleman who spends his time drinking and eating. Helping Darcy to an early HEA.
A nicely written enjoyable story
5 - Storms over Hunsford.
Elizabeth while reading Darcy's letter is caught in a thunderstorm. Unfortunately she has been afraid of them since childhood. The colonel and Darcy go looking for her. Does this action change their future.
A well-written story

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Murder Comes to Call by Jessica Ellicott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1921 Walmsley Parva. There have been a spate of burglaries in the village with the prime suspect according to Constable Doris Gibbs is the new Irish under-gardener Declan O'Shea of Edwina and Beryl. But then they come across the dead body of the magistrate in his ransacked house. When they are employed to investiage a theft they are pleased to get an official case whereby they then can unofficially investigate the death and the other burglaries. So they join forces with Constable Gibbs.
A well-written enjoyable cozy historical mystery with a cast of interesting people. A good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Captain Wentworth's Christmas Carol by Eightyearsandahalf
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Captain Wentworth is onboard the Laconia when he is visited by three spirits. Can these events lead to a quicker understanding with Anne Elliott.
An enjoyable short story variation

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SLASH KILLER an absolutely addictive crime thriller with a huge twist by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Mike Nash and his understaffed team investigate a series of killings. Alan Marshall once a convicted killer seems to be the prime suspect, but there is more going on behind the scenes.
An entertaining well-written crime story

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No Simple Death by Valerie Keogh
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West is called out to view a dead body found in Foxrock village churchyard, found by local Edel Johnson, who's husband had disappeared several months previously. The next day she disappears. A straightforward case suddenly becomes complicated.
Irritated by the cliche attraction between Edel and West. Also as the story continued it became more farfetched and Edel actions annoying.

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