The Dead Chase by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alester Blair and his daughter Isobel are guests of Lady Akehurt, in town. But Blair needs the help of Charles Murray and asks that he comes to London. Blair believes that there is danger to someone, and he is right.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its wonderful characters.
A very good addition to the series

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THE Bromsgrove Bookseller by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1892 Inspector Ravenscroft is asked for help by Maisie Stebbins as her husband, an old friend, has been accused of the murder of his uncle Stebby, a Bromsgrove bookseller. Accused as he was found next to the body very soon after the killing. But this will not be the last death.
Another enjoyable historical mystery in this series

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Karolina and the Torn Curtain by Maryla Szymiczkowa
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Cracow 1895. Korolina ex-servant to Zofia Turbotynska has been murdered. With the help of her maid Franciszka she investigates.
Unfortunately the story, the characters or the writing style just couldn't keep my interest that much.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Peggy Smith, murder consultant is dead at 90. Having died in her sleep. But carer Natalka is concerned and approaches the police. D.S. Harbinder Kaur with the aid of three of Peggy's friends, Natalka, Benedict, and Edwin investigate. But what secrets will they reveal. Will there be more deaths.
An enjoyable cozy mystery with some likeable characters but unfortunately written in the present tense.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Lies People Tell by Liam Hanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cardiff. DCI Bran Reece has been suspended and replaced by D.I. Adams. But when a local gangster's sister is murdered he finds himself out of his depth. D.S. Elan Jenkins continues her investigation with the help of Reece.
An entertaining crime story, a good start to the series.

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The Cyanide Ghost by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brighton 1872. While having portraits taken of the family by photographer Beckler, because of Edward Scarletti's forthcoming marriage, one photograph shows the ghost of the late Mr Scarletti. Now Beckler is informing various residents of Brighton of his photographing their dead relations. Then an inhabitant of Brighton has an attempt on their life.
Unfortunately for Mina, her nemesis, influential spiritualist, Arthur Wallace Hope has returned to Brighton. What mischief can he cause. What will Mina discover in her investigation of these ghostly photographs.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery story in this series, with iits likeable main character. A good addition to the series.

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An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alpinist Miss Baker-Greene has died climbing in the country of Alpenwald, an accident. But was it, Stoker has found evidence showing otherwise. Now the ruler of the country wishes to open the exhibit at the Hippolyta Club celebrating her life. Unfortunately the princess, her Serene Highness, Gisela Frederick Victoria Helena, soon disappears. So they have two mysteries to solve with the added complication that Veronica needs to impersonate Gisela at various important functions.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. A good addition to the series with its likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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As a Thief in the Night by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Reverend Amos Monkhouse is concerned about his very ill brother Harold. When he dies an inquest is held - it seems he was poisoned. But by whom and how.
Story told from the P.O.V. of lawyer Rupert Mayfield.
An enjoyable mystery
Originally written in 1928

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The Felsham Affair: A Lawrence Harpham Murder Mystery Book 4 by Jacqueline Beard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1896 Bury St. Edmunds. While Violet Smith is employed by Drucilla Brown of Felsham to investigate a 30 year old case of a child, Frederick, thought to have been poisoned by his mother Julia Brown. Who was acquitted of his murder. Meanwhile Lawrence Harpham is employed to find the missing child of Flora Johns of London.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters except Loveday, I hope she disappears soon.
Another good addition to the series

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The Crooked Inn by Ernest Dudley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two playwrights travelling from London to Llanberis, to write their next play arrive during a storm and with a murderer on the loose. Even worse they are taken to the wrong inn, The Crooked Inn.
An entertaining story
Originally written in 1953

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The Sign of the Tooth by Craig Stephen Copland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1902 Miss Mary Morstan needs the help of Sherlock Holmes as she believes her father, Captain Robert Morstan and his closest friend, Major John Sholto, were murdered. And do their deaths have anything to do with the Buddist Tooth.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Flashpoint by John Russell Fearn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gordon Drew has returned to Halingford after eight years only for the town to be faced with death and disasters. Drew is employed by Dr. Carruthers who in the past has helped the police. Can he with Superintendent Denning and his team solve the case. The clues were there to find.
But still an enjoyable crime story
Originally published in 1950.

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The Haunting of Netherfield; a Pride & Prejudice Variation by RampantWolfhound
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, is Netherfield Park haunted and evil, and is Elizabeth Bennet the only person who can feel the evil - of course she is. Can she save the inhabitants which now include Jane.
An enjoyable variation, though a pity a sequel was not written.

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The Faceless Man by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DI Harry Lennox and DS Jess Wilde investigate when a body of a teenager boy is discovered in Cheetham Park, Ryebridge. It would seem that his project was tracking a serial killer. Is this what got him killed, will there be more murders. Meanwhile is Harry's past getting closer.
Unfortunately I guessed the guilty party before the end. Though still an enjoyable crime story.
Received an ARC from the publisher.

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On an Outgoing Tide by Caro Ramsay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The body of Aasta Ariti is discovered in the Firth of Clyde, a case headed by DCI Colin Anderson and DI Costello who believe they know who the murderer is. (Felt that this sub-plot was not really necessary).
But soon they are given another case, the murder of eighty-one year old Jimmy Pearcey in his home in Invernock. But old and new secrets surround the case. Can Anderson and his team reveal all.
(Unfortunately part of the story continues from the previous book in the series, which really makes it necessary to read the previous book)
Still couldn't take to the two main characters which does tend to affect my enjoyment of the story.
But overall an enjoyable crime story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Younger Sister Vol 3 by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as Emma's situation starts to improve. But can all the sisters have their happy ending. (At times Emma Watson is so insipid she becomes annoying, too much like Jane Bennet.)
Otherwise an enjoyable Watson completion story

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The Dower House Mystery by Patricia Wentworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amabel Grey desperately needs money so that her awful and spoilt daughter, Daphne, can travel to Egypt to catch her wealthy gentleman. So she agrees to spend six months in the haunted Dower House belonging to George Forsham. It doesn't take long for the hauntings to start.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
Originally written in 1925

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Longbourn's Trustee by P.R. Hood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this variation, thankfully Bennet has died as virtually anybody is better than him as a father. So there is hope for all the daughters when the Gardiners become their guardians.
An entertaining short story

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Matching Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lady Jane Bennet has fallen ill after her marriage to cousin Lord William Collins. Lady Elizabeth tends to her sister while trying to find evidence of her claim on the Pemberley estate. Meanwhile tradesman Darcy is trying to trace his claim.
An enjoyable and well-written variation

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Be Mine Forever by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Fall Parade is approaching but the quiet of Black Rock Falls is about to be disturbed with a death of one of the cheerleaders. Alton and her team will need to discover a motive, but can they in time to prevent any more deaths.
Another entertaining serial killer mystery in this enjoyable and well-written series with its likeable characters. The story can easily be read as a standalone one.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Death Among the Nightingales by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895 A bomb explosion in the Tower Barracks results in mayhem, with many dead and injured. The injured are housed in the London Hospital and looked after by Florence Nightingale's nurses. Then one of them is murdered. Dr. Carlyle, Matthew West and his wife Adelaide all become involved, while D.I. John Jennings investigates.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.

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The Status of Murder: A Murray of Letho novella by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charles Murray has not long been secretary and tutor at Scoggie Castle, when one of the servants has an accident and is killed. But is it can accident. Murray wonders.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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The Whistling Sands by Ernest Dudley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On the death of her uncle Alice Ames inherits the house called The Whistling Sands and a fortune. A chance meeting with criminal Wally Somers changes her life as he and Loder, her butler and ex-criminal, have concocted a plan to acquire her fortune.
An entertaining thriller

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The Younger Sister Vol 2 by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as the circumstances of the Watson's sisters changes. And not all for the good. Will there be a happy ending for any of them.
Entertaining story

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

February 1907. A friend of the pair, Matthew Ainslie, asks that Coppersmith and Stewart investigate a murder, as a friend of his, Alistair Stafford, is the accused. But the victim is Lord Christopher Jardine which brings to the fore bad memories to Stewart.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with some likeable characters. A good addition to the series

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The Art of the Assassin by Kevin Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1899 Glasgow Juan Camaron, serial photographer is instructed by Captain Smith, of Special Branch, London to take photographs of a murder scene in a tenement. Anomalies in the photographs lead him to investigate. But this will not be the last murder, and what is the motive.
An enjoyable historical mystery told from Camaron's point of view.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Younger Sister Vol 1 by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A completion of The Watson's, written in 1850.
Emma Watson has spent most of her life in the superior company of her Aunt and Uncle. But on his death and her re-marriage she returns home to Winston. The home of her Reverend father and threes sisters. Her two brothers live away. Here she meets the inhabitants of Osborne Castle, and the parsonage.
An enjoyable story

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Murder on the Lake by Bruce Beckham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A writer's retreat at Grisholm Hall on an island in Derwentwater results in a death. D.I. Skelgill, fortunately for them, is fishing on the lake and comes to their aid. But this will not be the only death before they all leave the island. Skelgill must discover the motive.
An enjoyable story

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Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth: After the Storm by Alyssa Jefferson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation a storm occurs after the Meryton Assembly and Elizabeth discovers a dog. How will this event impact on Darcy, and his behaviour with the perfect Elizabeth. But what of her inferior and badly behaved family. Ironic then that it is Darcy's sister that has behaved the worst.
A quick and enjoyable enough read.

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Secrets on the Fens by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two bodies are found in Saltmere Woods, D.I. Nikki Galena and her team are finding discovering their identities a problem. Then two more bodies are discovered. What could be the motive, will there be more deaths.
Meanwhile Nikki Galena's mother, Eve Anderson and her friend Wendy Avery are still on the trail of disappeared painter Robert Matthew Richmond. Will they every solve their mystery.
Another entertaining and well-written crime story with its cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. A very good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Lady Darcy's Bluestocking Club: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues as Lady Darcy tries to establish herself in society and resurrect the Bluestocking Club. But will the scandal of Lydia ruin everything. What of Jane's marriage.
An enjoyable P&P sequel

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A Study in Stone by Michael Campling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don Corrigan is on holiday in Embervale, Dartmoor for his health. With his neighbour Alan Hargreaves he comes across a coded message on a stone in a coffee shop. He comes interested and they start to investigate the history.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery that searches into the past. A good start to the series

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Too Hot to Handel by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1809 Due to a series of jewel thefts at the Drury Lane Theatre, Bow Street Runners are sent to prevent another, this includes Pickett who accompanies Julia, Lady Fieldhurst.
This is another in the series which is a romance (somewhat tiresome by now) with a bit of mystery.
And unfortunately it was very obvious who the guilty party was from the beginning.

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An Extravagant Death: A Charles Lenox Mystery by Charles Finch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1878 Due to the results of a recent case Lenox is on a fact finding mission in the States. When he is invited to investigate a death in Newport, R.I. The death of socialite, 19 year old Lily Allingham.
A story showing the ostentatious flouting of the wealth of the inhabitants, and a good well-written historical mystery.
An enjoyable story with in the main, likeable characters. 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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Old Friends and New Fancies: An Imaginary Sequel to the Novels of Jane Austen by Sybil G. Brinton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sequel that includes many of the characters from all of Austen's finished works. Though concentrating on the Darcys, the Colonel, and Kitty Bennet who still is as foolish. Elizabeth still can't sketch a character as she befriends Mary Crawford. I disliked her pairing, as she is totally unworthy of him, and how strange that in a sequel only four of the Bennet daughters were mentioned.
Enjoyable enough, though I can't imagine reading it again.

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Hare Sitting Up by Michael Innes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Professor Howard Juniper, highly acclaimed scientist has gone missing. For Sir John Appleby of Scotland Yard the implications are of a serious nature. To the extent that he wishes for Howard's identical twin brother, Miles, to impersonate him for several days. Can the ruse work and will Appleby find Juniper before the press discover the truth. Appleby follows the clues, but will he be in time.
An enjoyable and interesting thriller and mytsery story.
Originally written in 1959
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Murder in the Evening by Blythe Baker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While attending a dinner party in London, one of Alice Beckingham's friends is murdered. She decides she is more than capable to investigate, even more so than the police.
Unfortunately Alice is not a likeable character, and there was not much of a mystery as there were very few possible suspects, if not just one, and then she seems to just stumble over them.

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Death in Highbury: An Emma Mystery by Riana Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

11 May 1812 Events have led Mary Bennet to leave Brighton and Lydia and arrive at Highbury, Surrey. Here she is staying with the Woodhouses when she hears of a death. The fourth accidental death in the area. Because of another case Alexander Lyons is also in the area. With the help of Mr Knightley they start their investigation.
A thoroughly entertaining and well-written mystery with its very likeable main characters. A very good addition to the series.

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A Darcy Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Bennet's and Bingleys travel to Darcy House for Christmas. As Elizabeth (behaving stupidly stubborn) and Mr Bennet reflect on the past.
Enjoyable variation.



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Mr. Collin's Perspective: A Pride and Prejudice Reimagining told from Collin's view. by Whittney Teague
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pride and Prejudice as told by Mr. Collins. Where we become aware of his thoughts about the Bennets and the Lucases among others.
An enjoyable read, entertaining to see these characters from another's viewpoint

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Hung Out To Die by Anthony Litton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beldon Magna. While walking his dog, local Desmond Appleby comes across a body, attached to the scarecrow posts in a field. D.I. Robert Calderwood and D.S. Colin Bulmer investigate with the help of Appleby and his friend Gwilym Owen.
An entertaining mystery

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The Murdering Wives Club by Sharon Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The rumours state that there is a Murdering Wives Club. In 1944 Laurie Davenport has returned to Davenport Manor, from the war blind, convinced his wife, Charlotte, intends to kill him. Family friend General Frederick Ashfield involves him, and his carer and assistant, Noran Walsh in the case of murderer Eve Good and her connection to the Sinful Sisters and the Club.
An interesting and entertaining well-written historical mystery with its varied and absorbing characters.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review

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A Certain Dr. Thorndyke by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

John Osmond has escaped from England as there is a warrant for his arrest. We read tales of his adventures in Africa in Part 1. Meanwhile Dr. Thorndyke has been employed to prove Osmond's guilt.
The first Part is more of a adventure story while the second half is an enjoyable historical mystery.
Originally published in 1920

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The Suitcase Murderer by James Andrew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Birtleby. A shop assistant, Emma Simpson, is reported missing by her mother. Inspector Blade and Sergeant Peacock investigate. But will this case turn into a murder one. With so many suspects who will be the guilty one and why.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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Murder in Adland by Bruce Beckham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A company get together at a hotel in the Lake District results in murder. D.I. Daniel Skelgill investigates with the help of D.S. Emma Jones. What coul be the motve for the death of a popular man.
An enjoyable mystery

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Devil Under the Skin by James Pattinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Debbie Layton, 18, member of the The Merrymakers concert party is found dead by Mark Ringer. The story tells of the events leading to her death. And the investigation by D.I. Drake
An enjoyable mystery

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Dinner Most Deadly by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emily, Lady Dunnington, friend to Julia, Lady Fieldhurst, arranged a dinner party for her friend. She believes that Julia needs a lover and invites prospects. But the evening ends early and one of the gentlemen is dead.
Certainly be better for the continuing 'mystery' series if Pickett got over and forgot Lady Fieldhurst, it would make for better stories.
But still an enjoyable story

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Murder on the Old Bog Road by David A. Pearson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the body of Lisa Palowski is discovered in waterlogged ditch in the countryside, Inspector Lyons and D.S. Maureen Lyons lead the investigation.
An enjoyable crime story, a decent start to a new series.

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Number Seventeen by Louis Tracy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 17 Innesmore Mansions the body of Mrs Lester is discovered. Her neighbour Francis Theydon saw, he believes, a Mr Forbes leave the apartment around the time she was killed. Chief Inspector Winter and D.I. Furneaux investigate, as they and Theydon become embroiled in a Chinese conspiracy.
An enjoyable story
Originally written in 1915

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Masking The Truth by Max Parker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

East India Company man Andrew Green is seconded to the Metropolitan Police to uncover the opium trade. Meanwhile female Bow Street Runner, Scarlett Pembridge, who I found to be an annoying character is searching for the Matchstick Mangler, a murderer. Soon their paths will cross.
Enjoyable enough thriller but without any character depth.
With the story spposedly set in 1840s London I did have a problem with a female Bow Street Runner especially when the force was disbanded by 1840, and electric lights?
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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