His Sensible Heart: A Touches of Austen Novel by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miles Chapman has fallen in love with Charlotte Wesley, a sensible young woman, but who's family has had connections to trade. But has he inadvertently ruined Charlotte, who has escaped back to her parents. Sir Allen, a cruel man, and father to Miles, has instructed him to cut all ties to Charlotte or lose his inheritance. What will Miles decide and what will Charlotte do.
Another delightful and entertaining well-written story in this series, with its 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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A Killer Between the Lines by Stephen Wade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1885 Sarah Dalby, widow, has gone missing from a dinner party celebrating her victory against the railway company. A week later Inspector Fred Gooch, and advisor George Grossmith are sent to Sussex to investigate. Then they are faced with a murder. The Inspector needs to find the killer quickly or face retirement,
An enjoyable mystery

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The Oxford Illustrated History of Britain by Kenneth O. Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting set of essays detailing British history up to the twentieth century.

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A Comedy of Terrors by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rome A.D. 89 December. Festival of Saturnalia, the time to play pranks. Husband Tiberius is investigating gangsters involved in a nut war, but this also involves loan sharks. Meanwhile Flavia is helping a wife leave her gangster husband. Is all as it seems
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its large cast of likeable and well-drawn characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Waiting to Die by Christopher Kenworthy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Cunsey Nab, Lake District. The peace of this quiet area is broken by the first murder, that of farmer Batty Hogben. After the second, hotel owner Peter Miller seems to be the target.
Enjoyable enough that I finished the story

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Of Silver Linings And Glad Tidings...: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by S. Neha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation which begins a year before canon when an unfortunate occurrence with one of their friends changes the dynamics of the Bennet family. Now it is a year later and the Netherfield party and Mr Collins have arrived. How will this impact on the Bennets.
A delightful story of all of the Bennet family, especially enjoyable as the story did involve all of the daughters and not just the usual Elizabeth and Darcy interactions.

N.B. I believe that English is not the author's first language which might explain some of the errors.

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The Christmas Card Murders by Anthony Litton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Unfortunately too many characters from Maximian Productions were introduced at once, making for a boring start.
People are getting murdered, with a Christmas card left on their bodies. But why and by whom. D.I. Calderwood investigates but it's Gwilym Owen and Desmond Blaine-Appleby who discover the main clue.
Once I got over the beginning it was an entertaining cozy mystery

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The Summoner's Sins by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1323 Events have lead Andrew Harclay, Earl of Carlisle to his death for treason, where he curses among others, King Edward II, who had also been cursed by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster a year earlier.
Then the first death occurs. Sir Richard Lee, Circuit Judge of the Northern Realm is sent by the King to investigate at Pontefract.
An entertaining and well-written historical novel with a likeable main character. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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The Chase of the Golden Plate by Jacques Futrelle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At a masked ball at the home of Mr Stuyvesant Randolph gold plates are stolen. Presumed by people to be by people dressed as a burglar and cowgirl. Reporter, Hutchinson Hatch investigates. But soon approaches detective Professor Augustus S.F.X. Van Risen a.k.a. The Thinking Machine to solve the case.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1906

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The Viking Prince by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dublin 1148. When merchant Rickard is discovered dead, Lord Conall and Prince Godfrid are instructed by King Otter of Dublin to investigate. But there are secrets that they must keep while uncovering others. But what is the motive and who is the guilty party.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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The Custard Corpses by M.J. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1943 Once again on the anniversary of her brother's death Rebecca McFarlane visits the police, her seven year old brother Robert was killed in 1923 and the case remains unsolved. This year she brings with her a newspaper report of similar old case. Back in 1923 Sam Mason was still a rookie but now he is a Chief Inspector and he investigates the cases with the help of Constable O'Rourke. But soon they find there have been more similar murders, and countrywide. But what is the connection and the motive.
An entertaining and well-written interesting historical mystery with its likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Sister's Twin by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The death of her sister Rose has been foretold by the cards. So Miss Lily Spencer contacts Ray Flowers to help prevent her murder. Meanwhile other old ladies are being killed, with a tarot card left at the scene. That is tarot cards from the Book of Angels created by Alice Weston.
An enoyable crime story though there was reference to previous books - the story and characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Gunshy by Louise Titchener
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1882 Ex-Pinkerton detective and former army sharpshooter, Oliver Redcastle is forced to investigate a railway explosion at the Carrolltown Viaduct which killed three men. Who and why was John D. Rockefeller's private railroad car sabotaged. But what secrets will his investigation reveal.
An entertaining historical mystery with a likeable main character. 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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Lethal Secret by Sally Rigby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Is it a coincidence that three suspected suicides have links to the Wellness Spirit Centre run by Troy Randall. DCI Whitney Walker and her team investigate with the help of Dr Georgina Cavendish.
A decent police procedural story


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The Many Lies of Mary Bennet by Kathy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice sequel details the life and coming out of Mary Bennet as managed by herself or so she believes. A story I really enjoyed, and I liked this Mary, and the other characters that were portrayed.
An entertaining re-read

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Pontifex, Son & Thorndyke by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A mystery from two points of view. Firstly, Jasper Gray, 17, a messenger boy and his various adventures which might fill in the gaps of the second. That of Dr Jervis and his help to Dr. Thorndyke as he investigates the death of Sir Edward Hardcastle.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1931

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The Favored Son by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1147. Gareth and Gwen have been called to Bristol Castle by Prince Henry, son of the Empress Maud. As he believes his half uncle Robert, Earl of Gloucester was murdered. Then within a couple of days his valet and wife died. On their arrival the steward has now been killed.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its group of likeable characters. A good addition to the series

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The Colour of Evil by Toni Mount
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1479 The lucrative trade of coin counterfeiting seems to be thriving in London, and two men have been murdered brutally. Is there a connection. City bailiff Thaddeus Turner and Sebastian Foxley investigate. But problems arrive when Sebastian's brother, Jude, returns. Sebastian is a fool not to realize the trouble his brother can cause.
An enjoyable cozy historical story though not enough mystery for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Madeglobal Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Raven by Stan Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the headmaster of St. Barnabas's Academy is found dead the main suspect is a teacher, and a former student of Webster called Raven. She asks friend Professor Perry Webster to investigate.
On the whole an enjoyable story though I found I couldn't take to Raven

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The Deadly Truth by Helen McCloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Roger Slater has developed a new 'truth drug' which he believes friend and socialite Claudia Bethune has stolen a sample because she believes that it would be fun to use on her house guests at Blessingbourne. Dr Basil Willing is her tenant for the season, and investigates the aftermath of the dinner party with the aid of the local police.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Originally written in 1941

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Murder in Pembrokeshire by Gretta Mulrooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Old friend Afan Griffith invites Tyrone Swift to his new home, in Tir Melys a remote community in Pembrokeshire as he has concerns but does not say what or who concerns him. But on arrival Afan has disappeared and it seems that there are many secrets to be revealed.
Swift helps the understaffed local police with the investigate, but will there be more deaths before the conclusion.
Another entertaining and well-written crime story in this series with its likeable main character. A good addition to the series which can easily be read a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Copycat by C.S. Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the body of a young woman, Jennifer Grantham, 17, is discovered, D.I. Melanie Watton and her team investigate. Is there a connection to the serial murderer Michael Richards, who murdered five women twenty years ago. Unfortunately for the police he was killed in prison five years previously.
A well-written and enjoyable crime story.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow of the Rat by David Stuart Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can Holmes and Watson save London from the Giant Rat of Sumatra and the bubonic plague.
An entertaining read

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The Fallen Princess by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1144. A desiccated body is found on a beach. It is identified as Princess Tegwen, who was thought to have run away with a Dane five years previously. Prince Hywel, her cousin, investigates with the help of Gareth and Gwen.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters

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Dark Angel by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dante D'Angelo at the age of eight witnessed the murder of his parents. Unfortunately this has left a mark on him. Miss Beatrice Sands has been recruited as an enquiry agent to help Dante on his latest case. Can they together lay to rest the guilt he carries. Soon all Gentlemen of the Order are involved in the case of finding the truth in the past of Dante and Beatrice.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series with its likeable characters.
(The story contains mature content)
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

1943 Detective Simon Hill asks Ryder to investigate a bank robbery and the subsequent death of the supposed guilty man, Stevie Ryan, but Hill is not convinced. Ryder is also looking for the husband of Rebecca Frankel.
Meanwhile a German is sent to frame Ryder for murder.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In Sleepy Hollow schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and Brom Van Brunt compete for the affections of rich Katrina Van Tassel, but the spirit of the Galloping Hessian must have its say.
Originally published in 1820.
Not really that interesting a read

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Mr. Pottermack's Oversight: A Dr. John Thorndyke Story [Annotated] by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr. Pottermack has had enough of his blackmailed and decides to kill him. But why is he being blackmailed, will it solve all his problems. And what will be the result when Dr Thorndyke involves himself in the case.
Enjoyable though there certainly was a much easier solution to the problem. And at times too much painstaking detail.

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The Crimson Ramblers by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Crimson Gamblers concert party while travelling by train to Westpool, have a packet thrown into their darken carriage. But by whom, who are all the people interested in the packet and why.
An enjoyable mystery

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Mr Walker Wants to Know by Ernest Dudley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Alfred Cartwright, a Jeweller is murdered but why when there is no robbery. Inspector Wedge investigates with some aid from Mr Walker.
Cash poor Miss Tillington sells her uncle inheritance to Mr Walker, a rag and bone man, including an aspidistra, which seems to be popular with various thieves.
A lot of dialogue in the vernacular which was irritating
Originally published in 1939

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Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 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.
A re-read of this story


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Matching Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darcy's offensive words about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly do not go unchallenged. On asking Elizabeth for a dance, Elizabeth throws his words back at him. He becomes intrigued by her response but what will he do. But with this couple nothing can be straightforward.
A delightful well-written story where all the characters are likeable. I especially like this Bingley, and Mary.
A re-read so that I can read the sequel


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Diamond Cut Diamond by Jane Jakeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1835 So how does Lord Ambrose Malfine find himself next to the ruined castle of Pribyslav. Well it started with a dinner party, and an expensive diamond necklace which proves to be a fake.
One concern is although the story is set in 1835 Queen Victoria is mentioned a few times, otherwise an entertaining historical story.

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A Shot in the Dark by Neil Richards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sussex 1929. Sir Harry Mortimer and his wife Kat Reilly finally arrive at Mydworth Manor, though due to circumstances, separately. Only to be faced with a robbery and gun shots. Aunt and owner Lady Lavinia Fitzhenry, asks them to investigate.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery.

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City of Vengeance by D.V. Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1536 Travelling to Florence, Cesare Aldo, law enforcer, and Samuels Levi, are attacked but survive. Although late Levi is murdered in his home and Aldo is given four days to find the guilty party. But this is not the only murder the Otto need to investigate. But political intrigue and secrets seem to be everywhere.
A entertaining and well-written historical mystery, I found the characters to be likeable in the main especially that of the complex Aldo. A good start to the series which I look forward to reading the next.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Missing And The Dead by J.F. Burgess
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. Tom Blake and his team investigate when the remains of a body are discovered. examination reveals the man has been dead for 42 years. In the same year several young girls and another man also went missing. What is the connection to these circumstances, who is involved.
An enjoyable crime story

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The Ryder Code by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Spring 1943 A request comes from a Nun for Jack Ryder, P.I. or Fixer as he prefers, and if he succeeds the nun will receive money to help Jewish children in Europe. The money would come from Adam Lonigan and only if Ryder can solve the murder of his daughter Rebecca.
An interesting historical mystery

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Murder at Melrose Court: A Country House Christmas Murder by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1920, and as Christmas approaches a body is discovered at the door of Major Heathcliff Lennox's home at Ashton Steeple. This prompts him to accept his uncle's invitation to Christmas at Melrose Court. Unfortunately surprises await him, and then another body. As he is the prime suspect he attempts to find the real killer.
A really enjoyable mystery, and Major Lennox is such a loveable character.
An entertaining listening experience

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The Chinese Puzzle by J.C. Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What can link a missing Chinese man at the Crystal Palace, a dead banker and secret marriages, to the opium trade, if there is one. Superintendent Sam Jones and Charles Dickens investigate.
An entertaining, well-written and well plotted historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story

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Blue Christmas by Emma Jameson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Story seems to talk a lot about the aftermath of the previous book, which I have not read, and there is not enough of a mystery in this story concerning the death of millionaire Barnaby Galen.


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Midnight with Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1811. Elizabeth and Mary Bennet have returned to Longbourn while the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families stay at Netherfield. Will my favourite couple of the Colonel and Mary get their heart's desire. Or will circumstances get in the way.
A delightful and well-written Pride and Prejudice sequel.
Sequel to Christmas in Gracechurch Street

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Dead Man's Trench by Keith Finney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At a dig at Stanton Broad the body of land agent Collins is discovered. Lord Anthony (Ant) Stanton and friend Lyn investigate.
An enjoyable cozy mystery

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Madness in the Ruins by John A. Connell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Munich, winter, 1945. Mason Collins a U.S. Army Investigator in the American Zone of Occupation is hunting a killer. Already one multilated body has been discovered. The reasoning is that there will be more. And he is right. He investigates with the help of Warrant Officer Vincent Wolski, and Inspector Becker of the Munich police.
Interesting historical dark mystery.

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Murder at Wedgefield Manor by Erica Ruth Neubauer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1926 Mrs Jane Wunderly and her Aunt Millie Stanley are staying at the home of Lord Edward Hughes, of Wedgefield Manor. Millie is an old lover of Lord Edward and are parents to Lillian. Not long into their stay an accident occurs resulting in a death. Jane and friend Redvers help in the investigation of Inspector Gregson.
An entertaining historical cozy mystery, with not too many suspects which makes it fairly easy to solve the identity of the killer
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Hentzau Affair by David Stuart Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895. Colonel Sapt needs the help of Sherlock Holmes. He is in the service of King Rudolf V of Ruritania. Due to an illness the help of the King's impersonator is needed again. But he has gone missing.
An enjoyable adventure story

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Lizzy Fitzwilliam, A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lizzy Fitzwilliam, granddaughter of the current Earl of Matlock, is crippled in an accident that kills her sister Jane, and her parents. Consequently she spends her time at Pemberley with her relations, the Darcys.
Some of the characters are OOC but it was an enjoyable story


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The Albert Gate Mystery Being Further Adventures of Reginald Brett, Barrister Detective by Louis Tracy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a heavily guarded house four murders occur and the diamonds held there disappeared. Assistant Under-Secretary at the Foreign Office, Jack Talbot and man put in charge of proceedings has disappeared. The Earl of Fairholme, fiance to Miss Edith Talbot seeks the help of Reginald Brett, barrister and detective.
An entertaining mystery and thriller
Originally published in 1904

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Bit of Bobbin Lace by Maria Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Seven short stories that fill in some blanks to the 'Given Good Principles' series which should be read first.
A well-written set.

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