Ten Years Gone by Jonathan Dunsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949 Tel-Aviv. Henrietta Ackerland wants P.I. Adam Lapid to find her son Willie. Last seen on 27 February 1939 because as a baby she gave him to Esther Grunewald to take him from Germany to Palestine while she stayed behind in Germany.
A interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery with a complex main character plus some fascinating minor ones.

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Darcy's Love of a Rose by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, in Meryton, the Militia have gone rogue. Strangely not one single man thought to secretly ride to town and inform the authorities. But Elizabeth Bennet stupidly confronts them, is kidnapped and sent to London where she escapes and fortuitiously lands right into the hands of the Darcys. Who with help from the Colonel save the day. A pity that the Colonel ended up with the wrong partner.
A quick read

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I Am Jael: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Georgiana Darcy becomes inspired by a warrior woman from the Bible, she decides she is now strong enough for vengeance on Wickham. So she travels to Netherfield where her brother is visiting. While at Netherfield Darcy has become enthralled of Elizabeth Bennet but does she return his affection. Will vengeance be served, will anyone have a happy ending.
An enjoyable P&P variation

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Legacy Of The Dead by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919 Inspector Rutledge has been sent to Scotland. The remains of a female have been found, but do they belong to Lady Eleonor Gray, missing since 1916. Her mother Lady Maude refuses to believe so. Meanwhile in Duncarrick, Fiona MacLeod has been accused and arrested for among other crimes, murder.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its interesting main character

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I Shot the Sheriff by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1817 London. Because of his past misdemeanors, the reputation of William de Wendenal, Sheriff of Nottingham, is not high with society. But then he becomes injured in preventing an attack on the Prince Regent. But who was the shooter really aiming at. Events lead various people into danger, but who's reputation will suffer the most. Can the sheriff find redemption.
An entertaining historical tale with its story of romance and mystery. Also with its cast of likeable characters, which all contributed to make this a good start to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.





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The Trafficking Murders by Brian O'Hare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body of a Chinese female is discovered in a garden belonging to businessman James Gifford, chief inspector Jim Sheehan and his team investigate. The facts lead them to Queen's University in Belfast and the Shenzhen university in China, and the local Chinese community. But what are they hiding. Who is the main man in charge.
An interesting and entertaining story, with likeable main characters, and with enjoyable interactions between the police team. A good addition to the series.
I received a copy from the author

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Pursued by Sarah Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this third part of the story the book concentrates on the story of Mary Bennet. Alexander Fitzwilliam, Viscount Primrose, who we met in volume 1 has fallen for Mary, But she is scared, scared of her feeling, and concerned about the scandalous stories that have been hinted about the Viscount. Can there be a happy ending. And what about the schemes of Lady Catherine, will they finally be discovered. Having a soft spot for Mary Bennet I knew I would enjoy this continuation of the series, as I have. And of course who could not like the characters of the two Fitzwilliam brothers.
Another well-written book in this series.

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The Snowdonia Killings by Simon McCleave
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Ruth Hunter has just arrived in North Wales from London when she has her first case - murder of a school teacher. With still no suspects there is another death. Hunter and her team continue the investigation but can they find the murderer before the case is taken away from them.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story, with its likeable but flawed characters. A good start to a new series.

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SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FOUR-HANDED GAME a gripping mystery inspired by the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Paul D. Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1896 October A series of crimes are been presented to Holmes to solve. Why so many. Is there a reason for the number. Who is their adversary.
An entertaining story
(The second part of this trilogy)

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Mary and the Captain: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Nancy Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this sequel, Caroline Bingley arranges that her best friend, Miss Paget, the lady receiving the attentions of her brother - Captain Bingley - is invited to Netherfield for Christmas. Not to spend time with the Bingley and Bennet families but to ensure that the proposal that the Captain and Miss Paget desire is done. But plans do not always go smoothly.
Loved this, the story, the writing style, it kept me enchanted so much that I read it in one sitting.
A delightful and well-written story and another re-read

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The Unexpected Miss Bennet by Patrice Sarath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride & Prejudice sequel where Mary Bennet is starting to feel dissatisfied with her life, so Jane and Elizabeth decide it time for her to leave Longbourn and stay at Pemberley for a long visit. But the fates intervene and with Mary still unsure who she is decides to take up an offer that would give her independence from the other Bennets.
A very enjoyable sequel, with a lovely writing style. I like this Mary and the introduction of a new character.

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Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman by Lee Strauss
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

October 1924 Chief Inspector Reed and Mrs Reed are on the their honeymoon. Traveling on the Flying Scotsman, when a body is discovered. Reed is asked to investigate. Then it is discovered that some jewellery has been stolen from the train safe.
An okay mystery, though the guilty party seemed obvious from the beginning. It also seems Mrs Reed has a sense of entitlement, she wants to be called Lady Gold when she no longer has the legal right to do so. Did get a bit fed up having her attire described.

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The House of the Whispering Pines by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elwood Ranelagh is riding past the closed Whispering Pines Country Clubhouse when he notices smoke coming from a chimney. On entering Carmel Cumberland, the woman he loves rushes out, on investigation he discovers his betrothed, Adelaide, sister to Carmel dead. A few minutes later the police arrive and he is arrested.
An entertaining mystery originally written in 1910

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Motive by Alan McDermott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dishonorable discharged from the army Ryan Anderson needs a job. Then he meets Manchester gangster Franklin Marsh and he has employment. Karen Harper enjoys killing and framing the innocent, but why. This includes ex-DCI James Knight. Scott Davison believes he is in love with Kelly Thorn but do they have a future.
DI John Latimer believes his friend Knight is innocent and starts to investigate
An entertaining well-written crime story

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You're Invited: The Wedding of Ginger & Basil by Lee Strauss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1924 October The wedding day of Lady Gold and Chief Inspector Reed has finally arrived. But a missing ring and a murder may cause problems. Told from various p.o.v. No mystery, or character development but still an enjoyable quick read.

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Murder at Kensington Gardens by Lee Strauss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1924 Lady Gold while walking her dog in Kensington Gardens discoves a body of a female. Unfortunately for her and her friend Chief Inspector Basil Reed, it is his estranged wife Emelia. Soon he becomes the main suspect.
An enjoyable cozy mystery

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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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Accident by Design by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Walter Fletcher died in an accident working on the outside of his house. But his granddaughter Hannah, is not convinced. So Lambert and Hook investigate.
An enjoyable crime story

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The Strange Inheritance of Mary Bennet by Annie Gluck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel five years have passed since the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, and Mary is the last unmarried daughter. Unexpectedly she is bequeathed an inheritance by a distant cousin named Margaret Ashburn. An inheritance of Ashburn Keep. Follow Mary's trials and tribulations. Can she also have a happy ending.
Really enjoyed this story, especially as it is all about Mary, and I liked the new characters.
Another re-read

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Becoming Mary: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Amy Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, Mary Bennet, vain, conceited and plain and totally ignored and mocked by her family, is a matryr to her belief that her parents cannot do without her when she is invited to Pemberley with Kitty. Much to Kitty's annoyance. But is this the chance for Mary to change and grow. But first she must believe that she has to change, will her actions and thoughts bring on a catalyst for this change.
A very enjoyable, well-written tale, kept me enthralled again.

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Lady Gold Investigates by Lee Strauss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two short stories involving the Lady Gold Investigations -
1 - The case of the Vanishing Boy - Reverend Oliver Hill is concerned when one of the street boys has failed to appear for his twice weekly meals.
2 - The Case of the Missing Fox Stole - A fox stole disappears from Lady Gold's fashion shop and by a process of elimination she has results in three possible suspects.
Enjoyable cozy mystery stories.

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THEY DISAPPEARED a gripping crime thriller full of stunning twists by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the Saltern-le-Fen police station head of I.T. Orla Cracken, aka Orac has failed to turn up for work. The team are worried as this is totally out of character for her.
Meanwhile ex D.S. Stella Clark contacts friend D.C. Robbie Melton as she is concerned because two urban explorers have gone missing. But more have gone missing and bodies are now being discovered. But the team are no nearer to a motive or suspect.
An entertaining well-written crime story with its cast of varied and likeable characters
Received an ARC from the publisher.

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From Tolerable to Lovely: A Teatime Tales Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, what if before Darcy could finish his insult about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly he is interrupted, and they start to dance and converse. Could their relationship develop from that situation.
A delightful well-written novelette.

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The Corpse at Windsor Bridge by Jason Vail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1263. Sir Stephen Attebrook and Gilbert Wistwoode are near their journey's end at Windsor. Their timing is unfortunate as the body of Father Giles de Twet, confessor of Prince Edward, missing for two weeks, is dragged from the river. On sighting Stephen, Prince Edward instructs him to investigate the death.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters.

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SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE UNHOLY TRINITY a gripping mystery inspired by the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Paul D. Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holmes is requested by Cardinal Pietro, the Pope's confident to investigate the death of Cardinal Tosca, in Rome. At the time of his death he was translating some ancient scrolls. But where will the evidence lead.
An enjoyable Holmes thriller

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Penitent by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While DI James Munro is supposedly recuperating, DI Charlie West has been left in charge.
Eight years ago 64 year old Flora MacDonald disappeared, but her body has just been discovered, up a chimney. Munro is interested in the case. Meanwhile West and her team are investigating the murder of Nancy Wilson, found fully clothed in a swimming pool.
A entertaining well-written crime story with its team of very likeable and varied characters.

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THE BLOGGER by James Raven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beth Fletcher arrives home to find her fiance, influential blogger, Daniel Prince is dead. Is it suicide as the police originally suspect or murder. DCI Jeff Temple and his team investigate.
An entertaining and interesting story

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Mary Bennet and the Substitute Vicar by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing the story in the fourth of this sequel to Pride and Prejudice, the wedding day of Mary Bennet is approaching but disaster strikes when the vicar is found dead, murdered. Haste is required to find a substitute, but who is the murderer.
A re-read of this delightful cozy mystery featuring Mary Bennet

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Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues with this P&P sequel with the militia arriving back in Meryton, this means that the Wickhams are back. How much chaos and trouble can they cause. But Wickham has been injured, has he been a hero? Has Lydia improved on marriage? As expected the Wickhams insist on staying at Longbourn, upsetting everyone except Mrs Bennet. How will it end.
Another enjoyable re-read, love reading about this sister and how she has becomes into her own.

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Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Tutor by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, now that Longbourn and Mary Bennet are financially secure she decides that employing a tutor is appropriate to fill in the large gaps of her education. All the tutors are failures until Grayson Everfield arrives for an interview. But when a body is found Mary and Dr Atlas Sutton are once again investigating.
Another re-read of a lovely well-written mystery with Mary shining.

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Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Heiress by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where with falling finances particularly after paying for the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, and with Kitty staying at the Gardiners, and her father being attended by the new doctor Atlas Sutton- it is left to Mary to organise the running of Longbourn. Including the overseeing of the cellar repairs where a body is discovered. With the help of Dr Sutton, Mary is determined to discover her history.
Another re-read of this enjoyable well-written mystery, investigated by my favourite Bennet.

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The Pershore Poisoners by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 Inspector Ravenscroft is called to Pershore because of a suspicious death. But he is too late as the body has already been buried. Then there is another death at the Talbot Lodging House. And with it they now they have some suspects.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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DYING WISH by James Raven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With virtually his dying breath author Grant Mason asks his assistant Hilary Dyer to burn his house down and all its contents. But instead she informs her friend DCI Jeff Temple. An investigation reveals the reason. Does this have any connection to the team's current missing persons case.
(Pity that Temple's private life interfered with the story)
An interesting crime story

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RANDOM TARGETS by James Raven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rush hour on the M27 in Hampshire soon results in a multi-vehicle pile up. Investigators at the scene discover a man, a driver, has been shot. Then they discover another shooting victim in the wreckage. Is this a terrorist attack, or a lone sniper. What if they attack again, how can they be stopped.
DCI Jeff Temple and his team investigate.
An interesting crime story

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Dark Entry by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1583 Cambridge. Christopher Marlowe is concerned when his friend Ralph Whitingside has not been seen for several days, especially as they are about to graduate. He is found dead in his chambers and Kit investigates because he believes he was murdered. But when another body is discovered what could be the possible motive or is there any connection.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with various likeable characters. A good start to the series.

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The Canterbury Murders by E.M. Powell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1177 King's clerk Aelred Barling is on a pilgrimage to Canterbury, accompanied by Hugo Stanton. On arrival they are requested by the Archbishop himself to investigate the death of a stonemason, Peter Flocke. The body of which was mutilated and killed near the cathedral. But the pressure is on them to find the guilty party before the King arrives in a few days, a pressure that pushes their friendship to the limits. But there will be more deaths.
Another well-written entertaining historical mystery in this series with its two interesting and well developed characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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An Oxford Murder by G.G. Vandagriff
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1934 Oxford. At a retirement party for Dr Sarah Sargent, Catherine Tregowyn and Dr Harry Bascombe discover the body of Dr Agatha Chenowith. As discoverers of the body they become suspects, so to clear their names they investigate the killing.
Unfortunately there were a few historical inaccuracies in the story. Catherine is obviously not as intelligent as she thinks she is, and I really didn't find her that interesting.

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Murder at the Village Fete by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1921 Hessleham Hall, East Yorkshire. The 7th Earl of Northmoor, and ex-policeman Tommy Christie, and his wife Evelyn, are holding a weekend house party which coincides with the village fete. The morning of which a body is discovered in a nearby stream. But why, and by whom.
DI Andrews and DS Montgomery investigate but Tommy and Evelyn feel that can help, and so ask their questions. Who will be the first to solve the case.
An enjoyable well-written, fast paced, cozy historical mystery, with its likeable main characters. I look forward to reading more in the series, and although this is the second in the series it can easily be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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URBAN MYTH by James Raven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jack Newton has booked a holiday in the New Forest for his family and so he decides to ignore the warning phone call to stay away. On arrival incidents start occurring, and a body of a female is discovered on nearby Cranes Moor. DCI Jeff Temple and his team investigate the death.
An entertaining well-written story

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Angelique and the Pursuit of Destiny by Alicia Cameron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Angelique is told by her grandmother that if she wants something to go after it. Angelique, is living with the Duke and Duchess of Saith and their daughter Rosalind when she sees Sir Rafael Villiers who is destined for Rosalind. But she wants him and does everything to attract his attention.
An enjoyable historical romance short story

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Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An American financier Sigsbee Manderson has been found dead at White Gables, Marlstone, near Bishopsbridge. Inspector Murth investigates in 'competition' with private detective Philip Trent.
An entertaining historicalmurder mystery
Originally written in 1913

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The Jade Tiger by E.W. Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1928 New York. Penelope Harris and her family have left Shanghai after her husband, Kinkaid Ambrose, was killed and she settled all his debts. In New York she meets the ex-lover, Renee Strong, of her husband who is now involved with Penelope's cousin, the supposedly rich Charles Staughton. But when Renee is found murdered, suspects abound, all with secrets to keep hidden, and how many have been blackmailed by Renee. Lt Nathan Blake and Patrolman James McCain investigate.
An enjoyable cosy historical mystery though I admit I didn't take to many of the characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Travels of Sherlock Holmes by John Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

During the Great War, Dr Watson is working in a convalescent hospital where he meets a Major Harold Dyce. On his death bed he gives Watson his journal, an account of his time in Tibet and Persia where he met Holmes, in the post-Reichenbach Falls time. Can Watson unravel the truth.
Enjoyable historical thriller

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A Litter of Bones by J.D. Kirk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Connor Reid, 7 years old, has gone missing in a forest near Fort William, while out walking with his father. DCI Jack Logan is sent from Glasgow to investigate, as 10 years previously he had captured the murderer Mister Whisper. The case seems to be similar, is it a copycat or?
A well-written interesting and entertaining crime story, and I really liked the main character.

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The Droitwich Deceivers by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In November 1889 Alice has to give away her baby, Lily, as she is an un-wed servant. To a Mr and Mrs Huddlestone of Cheltenham. In April 1890 Alice Corbett approaches the Ravenscroft home looking for help. Mrs Lucy Ravenscroft decides to help as the inspector is busy on another case. The case of the missing nine year old daughter of Sir Charles and Mildred Chilton of Hill Court in Droitwich.
A enjoyable cozy historical mystery.

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Night Train to Paris by Fliss Chester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1945. Fen is travelling to Paris to stay with old friend, artist Rose Coillard, along with Captain James Lancaster. But when Rose is murdered Fen decides to unravel the truth of Rose's work during the war, and find her killer. If the motive is hidden in the war years, with many dead who can help her, especially when there is another killing. Although the Captain helps he is distracted by his new love.
Another entertaining well-written historical mystery with its slow build towards the climax. With its very likeable and well-drawn main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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The Lady Chapel: The Owen Archer Series - Book Two by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1365 York and the day of the Corpus Christi procession. A man is killed and a young boy is a witness who now is in danger. Then there is another death. Archbishop Thorseby instructs Captain Archer to investigate.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series

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Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, Colonel Fitzwillian is visiting Hertfordshire looking for a different life. But another reason slowly matures, he becomes aware that he would like to have a wife, but who. Can he avoid the matchmakers and find his happy ending.
A delightful and well-written story, with is very likeable characters.
It can easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the prequel -
Matching Mr. Darcy (Sweet Possibilities, #1) first.
I received a copy from the author

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The House of Women by Alison G. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Michael McKenna and his team are called in to investigate a death. That of Edward Jones, found in the room he occupied in the home of Edith Harris and her daughters. But was it suicide, accident or murder. And what could be the motive.
A slow paced but interesting crime story

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