The Dead Call by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of eighty-three year old Mary Beckett is discovered at Blakeney Point. DI Tom Janssen and DC Eric Collet investigate. But when another body is discovered, at Cody, it is DCI Tamara Greave and DS Cassie Knight who investigate. But are the two cases connected. What are the motives.
An interesting and well-written crime story with its cast of well drawn characters. A good addition to the series.
Received an ARC from the author.

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The Forgotten Sister: A Sequel to Pride and Prejudice by Louise Hathaway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the account in Pride and Prejudice of her family life Mary Bennet decides to share some of her diary entries of the last twenty-six years.
An interesting sequel concentrating on Mary

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Dead on Course by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A group of people are staying at the Wye Castle Golf and Country Club. When one of the party is discovered murdered, a man of many enemies. Superintendent Lambert and DS Hook investigate to discover the motive before another death occurs.
Originally written in 1991.
An entertaining story

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A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1865 Events lead to a newspaper column being written by Lady Katherine Bascomb (owner of the The London Gazette) which results in an arrest in the case of the 'Commandments Killer'. Much to the annoyance of Inspector Andrew Eversham.
On realising that she needs help Lady Katherine, accepts an invitation to a house party at Thornfield Hall, Lewiston, Lake District, home of old friend Lord Valentine Thorn where she discovers a body, murdered. The inspector is sent to investigate.
Unfortunately I didn't take to Lady Katherine, but the story was entertaining enough, a well-written historical romance and mystery. Though I prefer little or no romance in my mysteries. A good start to the series, though interest in future books will depend how much Eversham will continue to be part of the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



Received.......

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Murder Among Friends by Janice Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane Bell is on her first night patrol as a SPC when she discovers a body. DI Stephanie Warwick is in charge of the investigation, but she has already been irritated with Bell. This attitude get worse as Warwick becomes increasingly annoyed at what she perceives as Bell's interference in the case.
But will this be the first and last death. What could be the motive.
An interesting and well-written crime story. A good start to the series, though I am not too sure about the main two female characters and their likeability.
Received an ARC from the publisher

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A Deadly Tonic by V.L. McBeath
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1900. Early one morning a man arrives at the home of Dr. Thomson. Some seconds later he is dead. So Mrs Eliza Thomson decides to investigate.
Unfortunately I did find Eliza annoying, in her actions and manner.
But overall an enjoyable quick paced Victorian novella

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Cornflowers by Julyza
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With three sisters already married all Mary Bennet wants to do is stay single. Is it possible with a mother like hers.
An enjoyable short story.

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The Dentist by Tim Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DS George Cross investigates the death of a homeless man. But what could be the possible motive. Is there a connection to a murder some years ago. Soon the case gets complicated.
An enjoyable well-written crime story

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Thorough-bass and human nature by MildredMost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet stays with the Darcys in London. But at the balls she spends her time in the libraries. Is there a possibility of a happy ending for her.
An enjoyable story.

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The Dons and Mr. Dickens: The Strange Case of the Oxford Christmas Plot by William J. Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1853 Due to a murder in Limehouse Inspector Field send Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins undercover to Oxford to investigate, with the undercover players of Ellen Ternan and Tally To Thompson. There they have the help of Charles Dodgson and Constable Morse. Will this be the last death, who will be in danger.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery

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The Dead Crawl Home by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942 New York. Ryder gets asked to investigate why a Saul Heller killed himself, and who murdered Philip Whitty. But he starts to discover information about his background. Meanwhile what are the Nazi's up to.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Time to Kill by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DS David Mallin is playing snooker with criminal Eldon Kyle, when Mallin's friend, Geoff Forbes, is killed. Mallin suspects Kyle, as he threatened both Mallin and Forbes, but how would it be possible.
An enjoyable crime story, a good start to the series

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The Syndicate Six Murder by Geoffrey Osbourne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Police Staff College in Bramshill, Hampshire has had a murder, one of their own - Chief Superintendent Harold Ashington. Even with his close links to the man Detective Superintendent Ralph Blade is put in charge. So he and his team investigate.
I did not find many likeable characters, though all of them are the suspects, of which there seemed to be many.
An enjoyable enough story which just kept my interest to the end. Overall a good start to a new series, and I am interested to see how the characters develop.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Pride and Prejudice: Mary's Story by Jeanne Desautel Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet's point of view, with the addition of new characters which takes the story beyond canon. Can Mary also have her happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written story. Another re-read

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Murder by Magic: A Charles Dickens short story by J.C. Briggs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Young female bodies are being discovered, strangled with a ribbon. Is there a connection to magician Count Foscolo and his assistant. Superintendent Jones and Charles Dickens investigate.
An enjoyable short story.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Frightened Golfer by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1896. Golfer Alfred Bullimore needs the helps of Holmes. There have been incidents and threatening letters delivered to the Blackheath Golf Club where he is the Secretary. Soon there is the first attempt on his life.
An entertaining historical mystery, though not the best of portrayals of Watson

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The Guilty Man by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Five weeks ago three year old Lucy Green disappeared. Albert Sykes confessed to her murder and is now awaiting sentencing, but Lucy has just turned up, alive.
Meanwhile local villain Nick Sutton has disappeared. But is his arch rival Andy March behind it. The case gets more complicated as DI Harry Lennox and DS Jess Wilde investigate.
An interesting and well-written crime story. A good start to the series with its cast of varied characters.
Recieved an ARC from the publisher.

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Blood and Parchment: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet by A.J.L. Zarychta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This P&P variation is set two years after the marriages of the three Bennet sisters. One day Mary Bennet is walking back from Lucus Lodge to Longbourn with her sister Kitty, when Kitty is attacked. Attacked by a vampire. Only with the help of vampire hunter, Benjamin Gordon, can Kitty be saved aided by Mary, if they can kill the master vampire.
Very enjoyable, well-written Mary Bennet story. The first I have read of Mary and vampires.
Another re-read and just as delightful.


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Dance of Death:A Blistering Golden Age Mystery by Helen McCloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In New York, Debutante Kitty Jocelyn is found dead one morning, in a snow bank, killed by heat stroke. But how is that possible when she was seen at her own party until early in the morning and has not been reported missing, and in winter. Assistant Chief Inspector Patrick Foyle investigates with the help of psychologist Dr. Basil Willing.
An entertainingwell-written golden age mystery. A good start to a new series with a likeable main character.
Originally written in 1938.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Written In Blood by David Andrew McGlone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues in Book 3. Mark Rennie is alive, and now has an assistant. He wants vengeance, she wants to kill. But what of Dr Andrews and Lara. DCI Marlin is on their trail. Who will survive. Who is guilty.
An interesting and entertaining crime story

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Deadly Intent by David Andrew McGlone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues in Book 2 . Mark Rennie, reformed serial killer has been released from prison after 15 years. But then a murder occurs with the same M.O. as the now dead serial killer, Phantom. It is for DCI Peter Marlin and his tean to investigate. But the murders continue.
An interesting well-written crime story

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The Case of the Bourbon Street Hustler by Gene Poschman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1930s. Jonas Watcher is in New Orleans looking into the alleged death of painter Martin Stanton. Hired by old Mr Stanton. In his investigation he is helped by Lt David Sanders of the SFPD and his wife Betty.
Enjoyable though the story probably would have been more enlighting if I had read Book 1


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Off The Boyle by S Thomas Thompson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Washington, Tyne and Wear. When John O'Toole ex-PCSO, has been discovered murdered it is Boyle and his team who investigate.
An entertaining crime story

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Dishonour and Obey by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1676 Leiden. Master Mercurius is instructed by Stadhouder William of Orange to go to England as part of a delegation to secure the hand of the Princess Mary on his behalf. On arrival it is obvious that not everyone is in favour of the alliance. Mercurius is instructed by Charles II to investigate when a death occurs.
Another entertaining well-written historical mystery. With its likeable characters, it is 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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The Hope That Kills by Ed James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body of a teenager is discovered in an abandoned building D.I. Simon Fenchurch and his team investigate. But with no identification and a lack of interest because she was deemed to be a prostitute the case becomes frustrating. Fenchurch is hampered by his past and the disappearance of his eight year old daughter ten years ago. Then another body is discovered. Is there a connection between them.
An interesting well-written police procedural. A good start to the series.

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Lessons in Desire by Charlie Cochrane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1906. Jonty Stewart and Orlando Coppersmith are off on holiday to Jersey. But soon there is a death but how many suspects will they find. Inspector Wilson is also here on holiday and is helping the local police. Between them can they find the murderer.
An entertaining historical cozy mystery

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Devil May Care by Tony Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895. Harker's reputation takes him and Mina to Cornwall. Where the Haywood family are concerned about their daughter's relationship with Sir Owen Velland of Carrick Manor. They want Harker to investigate his character and hopefully find against him.
An entertaining historical mystery

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REDHEAD: a private detective courts danger in this domestic murder mystery by Stan Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

University professor and part time P.I. Perry Webster has a new case. Can he prove that fifty years ago his wife, Julia's uncle did not kill his own wife. A case that involve wealthy people who if found guilty have everything to lose.
An entertaining well-written crime story

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Silence in Hanover Close by Anne Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1884, a burglary at the home of Robert York, of the Foreign Office, results in him being killed. Now three years later Inspector Pitt as been told to open up the investigation again. But what is the real rason why. Was it just murder, or was treason involved, and if by whom. His wife Charlotte and her sister Emily help in the case.
A bit too much vernacular, but still another entertaining story in this series.

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Promises in the Dark: A totally gripping serial killer thriller by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's been a quiet several months in Black Rock Falls, but then a house explosion in nearby Lohan means an investigation for Alton and Kane especially when thrree bodies are discovered. They soon realise that they need the help of the local FBI team particularly when they discover that not all of the Woods family died in the deliberate explosion. But more is to come. What is the possible connection between the victims, is there actually one.
Another interesting serial killer story with its cast of varied characters. Another good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Mary Bennet's Chance by Virginia Aitken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, three years have passed. Mr and Mrs Bennet with Mary visit Mr Bennet's younger sister and her family in Cambridgeshire. How will Mary's life proceed after she has met Charles Treymayne and Fitzroy Sinclair.
I enjoyed re-reading this well-written story of Mary Bennet and how her life changes.

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Her Convenient Forever by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Felicity‭ ‬Love has been selfish‭ ‬and‭ ‬self-centred‭ ‬all her life, but she has made a mistake, and must now deal the the consequences of being‭ ‬loved‭ ‬and‭ ‬abandoned‭ ‬by‭ ‬Simon‭ ‬Ramsey.‭ ‬‬With‭ ‬her‭ ‬parents,‭ ‬she‭ ‬is‭ ‬staying‭ ‬in‭ ‬a‭ ‬cottage‭ ‬next‭ ‬to‭ ‬the‭ ‬sea where ‬she‭ ‬meets‭ ‬a‭ ‬Mr‭ ‬Hedrington.
Mr‭ Boyd‭ ‬Hedrington,‭ ‬and‭ ‬his‭ ‬son‭ ‬Matthias,‭ ‬have‭ ‬arrived‭ ‬from‭ ‬Nova‭ ‬Scotia‭ ‬to‭ ‬take‭ ‬up‭ ‬ownership‭ ‬of‭ ‬Grenwood‭ ‬Hall.‭ ‬But‭ ‬the‭ ‬stipulations‭ ‬in‭ ‬his‭ ‬Uncle‭'‬s‭ ‬will‭ ‬mean that‭ ‬he‭ ‬must‭ ‬be‭ ‬married‭ ‬at‭ the ‬one‭ ‬year‭ anniversary ‬of‭ ‬arriving at the estate.
Can‭ ‬either‭ ‬end‭ ‬the‭ ‬summer‭ ‬happy‭ ‬and‭ ‬content. What forces can prevent either having a happy ending.
A delightful‭ ‬well-written‭ ‬romance‭ ‬story. An enjoyable addition to this this series with its cast of mainly likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Lord Valiant by Wendy Vella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Miss Charlotte Radley, bastard daughter of the Duke of Marlton approaches the Lords of the Night for help. Prostitutes are being abducted and she needs the help of Marcus, Viscount Needly aka Lord Valiant for help.
A fast paced romance story with a touch of mystery, though Charlotte's actions seem to border on stupidity and became annoying


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Ten Guilty Men by Daniel Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The police have received an anonymous call stating that there is a body in a house. On investigation the body of Ellis DeLange is discovered in her home of Edgecombe Lodge. Who out of the attendees at the 30th birthday party for Ellis committed the murder, or was it an intruder. DCI Morton and his team investigate.
An enjoyable crime story

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Checkmate by Mark Dewar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cordoba 948 A.D. After a chess match, Aiden, a Christian professor of mathematics is found murdered.
The Caliph's Jewish Vizier, Hasdai ben Shaprut investigates with the help of General Ghalib, commander of the Personal Guard.
An enjoyable historical mystery, a good start to the series.

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The Dead List by Martin Crosbie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hope, B.C, 2002. Constable John Drake is called to a crime scene. A man has been found dead on the pavement, accident or murder. He was one of a drinking group of five, but was once six people. Is there a connection. It;s not long before another death occurs.
An enjoyable crime story

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A Cold and Distant Place by Bill Mesce Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1944 Germany. JAG Lt Colonel Harry Voss is called in to defend Lt Dominick Sisto against charges of desertion under fire and disobeying a direct order while on hill 399.
Voss's team include lawyer Peter Ricks, Andy Thom, and journalist Eddie Owen. But time, people and events are against them. As Voss has been told it is a no win situation, but having known Sisto from his neighbourhood he takes the case
An interesting and well-written World War 2 thriller with a lot of likeable characters.

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Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eight years previously at their daughter Cecily Treharnes wedding, Frank Parris, 53, was murdered. Maintenance man Stefan Codrescu, 22, was arrested and imprisoned for the murder. Having recently read Alan Conway's book entitled 'Atticus Pund Takes the Case' which is set in the 1950s and based on the case, Cecily states she knows who the murderer is, but she promptly disappears. Parents Lawrence and Pauline Trehearne of Branlow Hall ask amateur detective Susan Ryeland to investigate, as she was the previous editor of Conway's books and might understand the clues.
An interesting and entertaining well-written mystery with a cast of varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Tyger Tyger: DCI Will Blake Prequel by J.E. Mayhew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Will Blake are called out when the body of a cyclist is discovered. A hit and run. But why and by who. Unfortunately Blake has personal problems with his mother's health to deal with.
An enjoyable police procedural story

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Pride & Regicide by Cathy Bryant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three years after the end of Pride and Prejudice, Mary and Kitty Bennet are still single and living at Longbourn. Mary has become friends with Cassandra Lucas the youngest of the Lucas daughters.
As these three young ladies are out walking they watch as a someone falls from the local bell tower. But only Mary of the three sees a shadow in the tower and decides to find out who the murderer is.
An enjoyable re-read of this mystery. I just wish it was longer and that there is a Book 2

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An Unconventional Holmes: Three Unnatural Cases by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1 - The Adventure of the Missing Irregulars
1895 Wiggins comes to Holmes for his help as his friends have disappeared.
2 - The Adventure of the Counterfeit Squire.
Mrs Heather Miller's husband has returned after the Great War badly burnt. But she is convinced that he is not her husband. She wishes Holmes to prove it.
3- The Adventure of the Tainted Blood
1892 An epidemic has spread from the continent affecting even Holmes and Watson - vampyre. Who can save the humans, or even the vampires.
An entertaining trio of well-written stories.

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Lord Gallant by Wendy Vella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Nicholas, Earl of Attwood knew he must marry but to be compromised into the situation by Grace. Grace Esseltte, clumsiness leads to a marriage she does not want. But can they ever understand each other. Grace seems totally to have no idea how to behave as a lady or wife .
Fast paced romance with little mystery or character development.

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Where Every Man by Charlie Garratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1940 France. Ex-detective James Given and his wife Rachel have settled on Malo Legrand's farm in Vieux Croix. After an accidental death young Marie-Clair asks James for help in investigating her death as she is interested in becoming a policewoman. But what secrets will they unearth against the background of the German army advance
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series

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Written In Blood by Stephen Puleston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Called out to a holiday home in Pwllheli, DI Ian Drake and DS Sara Morgan face a gruesome sight. The M.O. Is the same as a jailed serial killer, the so called Alphabet Killer. Did he have an accomplice, is it a copycat and why target these people. Questions to answer before Drake and his team can catch the killer.
An entertaining and well-written crime story.

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The Silence of Severance by Wes Markin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One police wedding day ends in death, another finishes but they are called into a crime scene. Where they arrest a suspect. Several days previously Susie Long was abducted, but by whom and why. Is there a connection between the two cases.
DCI Michael Yorke and his team investigate.
Another entertaining and well-written crime story in this series.

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Times Like These by Stephen Puleston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body of a man, Frank Armagh, an accountant, is discovered behind rubbish bins at a builder's merchant. He is thought to have been repeatedly run over. Investigation showed that he has faced two failed rape prosecutions and one current case. Later the mutilated body of banker Raymond Carey is found. Is there a connection. Will there be more victims. What could be the motive. DI Marco and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written crime story, with its cast of likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Death in Damascus by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1921. Ex-chief Inspector Swift arrives at Major Heathcliff Lennox's home to inform him that the ex-fiance, Charles Lambton, of his girlfriend Persephone Carruthers is in jail in Damascus. He has been accused of the attempted murder of American actress Josephine Belvoir. And that Persi needs their help.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its loveable characters. A very good addition to the series

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The Fatal Flying Affair by T.E. Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1911 Littleton Cotterell. Florence Armstrong and Lady Emily Hardcastle, are asked by her brother Harry, of the Secret Service Bureau to investigate the recent events at the British Aviation company and their failed parachute jump. Which resulted in the death of Dickie Dupree. Was it a result of foreign espionage or a tragic accident.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with is cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Time to Kill by Stephen Puleston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harry Jones from Llanberis has disappeared. But it is not a high priority until very soon the antique dealers body is discovered. But why, who was he dealing with in his business or private life to warrant his death. Then another body is found. Is their a connection. DI Drake and his team investigate.
Another entertaining well-written story in this series, with its likeable characters

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The Ghost It Was by Richard Hull
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rich James Warrenton, has recently purchased Amberhurst Place, reportedly haunted. He is interested in spiritualism and hopes to contact the dead. With the arrival of the last of his four nephews, they and one niece, are now all in the neighbourhood, so schemes to ensure they are each the main beneficiary of his will start. But then there is a death, but will this be the last.
An entertaining historical mystery though with hardly any likeable characters.
First published 1936
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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