The Stowmarket Mystery Or, A Legacy of Hate by Louis Tracy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

David Hume-Frazer has been accused but cleared of the murder of his cousin Sir Alan Hume-Frazer. He approaches Reginald Brett, barrister and detective for help to find the guilty party so that he can marry his fiancee, without all the suspicion that surrounds him
Originally published in 1904
An interesting and entertaining historical mystery

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A Continued Affection: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The variation continues, with everyone now relocated to town, can there be happy endings for any of them. What about Wickham, will he achieve his aim.
An enjoyable variation

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Christmas in Gracechurch Street: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

November 1811. In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Collins is visiting Longbourn, and Mr Bennet decides to take action. Soon an invitation from the Gardiners arrive for Elizabeth and Mary. Meanwhile Darcy has gone to town hoping to forget Elizabeth. But he has not bargained for Bingley's initial action and the results it brings.
An enjoyable and well-written story, a delightful re-read with its interactions of various characters.


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The Whitby Murders by J.R. Ellis
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Louise Oldroyd and her friends are attending the Whitby Goth Weekend. When experiencing an escape room puzzle one of the group stabs another. She calls on her father DCI Jim Oldroyd for help. Former colleague D.I. Alice Granger welcomes the help of his team.
I found the group of people annoying, and didn't care for the characters of the police or their interactions and dialogue. Other stories in the series have been better.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Beginning of Hope: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues with Georgina arriving at Netherfield only to find everyone has left to stay in town. But she now comes face to face with Wickham. Will any relationship be resolved.
An enjoyable variation

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A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1940 Rather than join the war effort Electra McDonnell becomes a thief. When caught she and her Uncle are recruited by the British Government via a Major Ramsey to steal blueprints from a safe. But while on their mission they discover a body inside the house. Is there a double agent in their midst?
The story is more a spy thriller than historical mystery, with some light romance. Though I did quite like the character of Ramsey. Overall an enjoyable story and a decent start to a new series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

(I do wish that if a book is set in Britain that it is written in British English.)

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Two Days in November: A Teatime Tales Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, after their stay at Netherfield, Elizabeth and Darcy happen to meet. She tells him a tale and between them they seek an answer.
An enjoyable and well-written short story.
Received an ARC from the author

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Call Back to Crime by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Laura Selby burnt to death in a fire in her home. A man beaten up and hospitalized. D.I. Fusil of Fortrow C.I.D. wonders if they are suspicious and with a connection to each other.
An entertaining crime story

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The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet by Katherine Cowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Mr Bennet has died, and during her nighttime vigil Mary receives a visit from unknown relations, introduced as Lady Trafford and her nephew Henry Withrow. Lady Trafford invites Mary for a visit to their home of Castle Durrington in Sussex to be educated in various subjects. But mysteries surround her. Can they be resolved.
This is Mary of canon, struggling with herself, the interactions with other people, and the circumstances of her current life.
A delightful and entertaining well-written historical mystery. A wonderful start to the series.

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The Lying Game by Maxine Barry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oriana Foster has been released from jail after serving 13 years for a murder she did not commit. Now with a secret inheritance she intends to expose the real killer.
An enjoyable crime story though more romance than I actually like in a crime story

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Edinburgh Midnight by Carole Lawrence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1880 Edinburgh. Detective Hamilton's Aunt Lillian invites him to a seance held by Madame Veselka. But soon one of the guests is murdered. Then another. He investigates while still searching for the killer of his parents.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery in this series with its likeable characters

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Dr. Thorndyke Intervenes by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Mr Dobson went to the Fenchurch Street station lost property office to retrieve his case and found a head instead he quickly left. Leaving two confused witnesses. Meanwhile some Americans called Pippets have come to claim the Earldom of Winsborough. 'Helped' by a Mr Buffham and solicitor Gimbler.
An entertaining mystery

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Murder at Elmstow Minster: A Father Eadred Tale by Lindsay Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

830s A.D. Elmstow East Anglia. Hereburg is the Abbess of Elmstow, but unfortunately against her best efforts it has become a den of iniquity. So Ceolfrith ealdorman of the East Angles has be sent by the King to the minister. Meanwhile Father Eadred has been sent by Bishop Aethelbert to assess the minster and its sins. But death soon arrives. Father Eadred investigates but these will not be the last killings. But before all the guilty parties are discovered, a Mercian force approaches the minster.
An entertaining and well-wriiten historical mystery with its cast of well-drawn characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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An End to Estrangement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A P&P variation where Darcy and Elizabeth had met some four years earlier. With a parting that was not explained to the other so now they act as strangers. But what of the connection between Darcy and Egerton's injury. But soon Wickham and Collins appear.
The story to be continued in Book 2
An enjoyable story

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Hanging Murder by A.J. Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894 Wigan. Simeon Crosby, retired executioner, has arrived with his wife Violet, and brother Gilbert, to give a talk about his life. But soon there will not be one death but two. Detective Sergeant Michael Brennan investigates.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series

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Murder at Flood Tide by Robert McNeill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body of a female is discovered on Longniddry Beach D.I. Jack Knox and his team investigate. But soon another team join them headed by DCI Alan Naismith. Between them can they determine the guilty party.
An enjoyable modern crime story

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Never Doubt I Love: A Tale of Mary After "Pride and Prejudice" by Ashlynn Chantrea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, Mrs Bennet has four daughters married. The last daughter at home, Mary goes to visit Pemberley for a change of scene, but she is not looking for an attachment as her mother hopes. Navy Captain James Langston travels to Pemberley to get away from ladies only interested in his wealth. Can either have a happy ending
A delightful and well-written Mary Bennet story. An enjoyable re-read.

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The Wedding Night Affair by L.C. Sharp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1748 Obedient Lady Juliana Christianson, heiress, only child of the Earl of Hawksworth has married Godfrey, the second son of the Marquees of Urmston. After a horrendous wedding night she wakes up to discover her husband dead, stabbed and herself accused of his murder.
Sir Edmund Ashendon, criminal lawyer takes her case on. Juliana changes overnight from a 'pampered princess' to taking part in the investigation! But does the criminal known as The Raven have any involvement in the killing.
Overall an enjoyable enough story though not a complex mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.




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Secret Mischief by Robin Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1746 Coroner Titus Craft is once again sent to Chimneystacks Farm to investigate a death, this time taking with him his friend Dr. Luke Fidelis. The investigation exposes a Tontine Fund of which the victim was a member. So who will be next. Is this the motive, and who is the guilty party.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with some likeable characters. The book 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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The Unread Letter: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Kara Pleasants
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A P&P variation which starts after the Hunsford proposal, and with Elizabeth ripping up Darcy's letter. Later at Longbourn the Bennets decides to visit Brighton, where the militia are stationed. There to stay with their relation Mrs Bartell, inviting the Gardiners to join them. Soon to be followed by the Darcys and Bingleys.
An enjoyable story

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The Moonlit Murders by Fliss Chester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1945 Fenella Churche and Captain James Lancaster (Viscount Selham) are on their way back to Southampton via Le Havre and on the ship De Grasse. But soon they are on the way to New York, faced with two dead bodies and a jewellery theft. James and Fen decide to investigate.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its two main likeable 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.

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Devil in the Detail by A.J. Cross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Birmingham. So far there have been six carjackings with no leads in the area. The seventh one results in a death. But why, is there a motive, are they all random attacks.
D.I. Bernard Watts leads the investigation.
A slow paced police procedural with input from criminologist Will Traynor. Though his input does seem to be ignored. I still didn't take to the character of PC Chloe Judd.
Overall an entertaining crime story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Vanishing Children by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1680 Master Mercurius has been summoned by William and sent to Amsterdam. As William is convinced that there are plots against him by the English exiles which is compounded by the Dutch merchants refusing to pay their taxes. An uphill mission for Mercurius to solve both problems. But on arrival he discovers that some children have gone missing and no action taken.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series with its likeable and interesting main character.



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One Must Tell The Bees by J. Lawrence Matthews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1918 As requested, Dr. Watson is travelling to visit Holmes. On the journey the doctor begins to read the real autobiography of Sherlock Holmes. But his reading is interrupted by a murder on the train. But why has Holmes urgently demanded Watson's presence. What danger lurks in Went Hill. Who is the murderer.
I enjoyed the well-written mystery part of the story. Holmes and Watson stories are usually entertaining. But I found the life story was overly long, and of not much interest unless you are curious about in the American Civil War
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Fifth Suspect by Robert McNeil
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Newly promoted DCI Alex Fleming has his first murder case in the MCU at Oxford . That of nightclub owner Ronnie Nielson, a man with a past, and with plenty of suspects Fleming and his team have to explore all options. But Fleming has his own problems to contend with, and which will soon be used against him.
An enjoyable well-written modern crime story.

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The Right Connections: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by K.E. Northwood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Read the unpublished version.
The Netherfield party have arrived and attend the Meryton Assembly. But it is not until a few days have passed when it is discovered that Bingley is engaged. And Darcy's mother and sister arrive.
Everybody seem to shout at each other. And really no likeable characters, plus storylines with some inaccuracies.

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The Miracles of Marriage: A Pride and Prejudice Novel Variation by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues. Will there be a happy ending for any of the characters. What will happen to Georgiana, and the Bennets. Will the Fitzwilliams survive Lady Catherine.
An enjoyable story

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Cathedral of Bones by J.G. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1226 on the day of her husband's funeral, Ela of Salisbury takes over the role of sheriff and investigates her first death. That of Katherine Morse, whos body was found in a nearby water.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery. A good start to a new series with its likeable characters

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Longbourn Inheritance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr Bennet turned to drink when his heir, Matthew and twin to Lydia died. It fell to Elizabeth to take control. When the Netherfield party arrive it is Kitty that Darcy insults. But then Darcy is injured and helped by Elizabeth. Can their relationship develop from this. But then Collins and Wickham arrive.
An enjoyable and well-written variation

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Murder at the Old Abbey by Pippa McCathie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Owner of the White Monk Abbey, Carodoc Mansell has recently died and the doctor is suspicious. The family who are all awful have just found out that he has recently changed his will. And an illegitimate granddaughter has turned up.
Enjoyable mystery

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The Colonel's Spinster: A Regency Romance by Audrey Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Colonel Fitzwilliam realises it time to find a wife, a rich wife. But the ladies of the ton don't interest him, and they usually want more than a poor second son of an Earl. He visits his aunt, Lady Catherine, at Rosing Park, and there he meets his long forgotten cousin Prudence Bamber, daughter of a mill worker. Is it possible for anyone to have a happy ending or will the restrictions of society prevent these events.
An enjoyable and well-written re-read of this story, with a delightful Colonel and other well-drawn characters

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Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

They were not his first but she was different. But Nic knew that only she could help herself. Finally she is free, but for how long. But she is not the only one in danger. D.I. Ram from Leeds has been sent to Northern Ireland to help in the investigation with help from locals D.S. Asha Harvey and D.C. Aaron Birch, with a lot of input from Nic.
A fast paced story, entertaining but it seems the story will continue.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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The Trappings of Marriage by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Darcy and Elizabeth saga resolves itself when they finally marry . But Geoorgiana Wickhams's problems continue. And will Anne Fitzwilliam every resolve the problem of her mother Lady Catherine.
An enjoyable story

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The Blessing of Marriage by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Continuing with the problems that Darcy and Elizabeth especially have to face. After all the weeks it has taken for Elizabeth to recover they could have been married by Common License instead of planning to travel to Scotland. But we also learn of the problems that have beset the Fitzwilliams and Wickhams which are much more interesting.
Apart from disliking this portrayal of Mary it was an enjoyable re-read

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Powder Island: the Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mysteries, Book 26 by Charles Veley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nine months after an explosion at his works, where his brother-in-law, Marcus Thiel, was killed, Rexford Gunpowder Factory owner Bradley Rexford approaches Holmes for help. The case had been sent to the Home Office with the result that the investigating Inspector, Tobias Gregson, demoted to a constable in Whitechapel. Now Rexford has received a warning of more danger.
Told from the viewpoint of Lucy James and Dr. Watson.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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R. Austin Freeman - When Rogues Fall Out by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Sudbury Toke discovers a diamond necklace inside a clock he has recently bought from a Mr Hobson. But when he meets Alfred Hughes his troubles start. Meanwhile Thorndyke is concerned with the murder of Inspector Badger.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1932

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Dance with Death: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1893 Barker and Llewelyn are approached to protect tsarevich Nicholas from an assassination attempt by an assassin called La Sylphide. Circumstances change when an attempt in made on Prince George, as he is mistaken for Nicholas. Unfortunately for the agency potential suspects abound and not all Russian.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to the series. The book 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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Murder on Lot B by London Lovett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1923 Los Angeles. Poppy and Jasper Stafford of the Starfire Detective Agency are hired by Anna Colton. To investigate the death of her stuntman brother Roger 'Rowdy' James. A death the police have declared an accident.
Jasper was a bit of an annoying character, and Poppy really should dress for the occasion especially when partaking in an illegal activity.
Overall an enjoyable cozy historical mystery.

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The Bartlett Mystery by Louis Tracy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1913 Who is Winifred Bartlett and why are people eager to hide her or find her. Detectives Steingall and Clancy investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1919

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A Virtue of Marriage by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation continues, with the Wickham's marriage going from bad to worse. The Bingleys return from their honeymoon to Netherfield, but Elizabeth is still staying with the Gardiners until she gets an invitation from Charlotte Lucas to visit. Can the plans of the Colonel and Darcy succeed.
An enjoyable re-read

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The Sign of Death by Callie Hutton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1891 Bath. William, Viscount Wethington and Lady Amy Lovell are drawn into another investigation when his man of business, James Harding, is found drowned. Wethington had recently become suspicious of Harding's activities and this according to the police gives him a motive. Can William and Amy find the true killer before he is charged with the crime.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery (not enough) and romance (too much) with an annoying dog.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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By Consequence of Marriage by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice variation problems start for Darcy and his Fitzwilliam family when he fails to arrive at Ramsgate to stop his sister from eloping with Wickham.
To save face he is persuaded to let Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam search for them alone while he visits Netherfield Park, and in his haste to arrive (the day after the assembly) he nearly kills Elizabeth Bennet. The scene is set but can there be a happy ending for any of these characters.
An enjoyable re-read of the story, which continues into Book 2

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Face Value by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Several days from retirement D.I. Richard Patton becomes involved in a missing person case, that of the husband of Amelia Trowbridge, who's burnt out car has been discovered. Then the threats to convicted rapist and killer Clive Kendall become known. What is the identity of the dead man found in a cottage.
An enjoyable mystery

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RAVENSCROFT'S LAST CASE by Kerry Tombs


1893 Maud Fincher of Colwell has written a letter to the police because she fears for her life. D.I. Ravenscroft is sent to investigate but is too late as she is already dead. This will be his last case, can he solve the mystery.
Enjoyable historical mystery

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Land Rites by Andy Maslen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While out walking, Polly Evans' dog discovers the remains of a body in a badger sett, on private lands. D.I. Henry Ford is called out to investigate. Is the body that of Tommy Boltor, from a local criminal family. He is soon identified as such.
Meanwhile Ruth Long reports her husband ex-vicar Owen , 70, missing after five days to D.C. Wallace.
Ford and his team must unravel the mysteries.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its cast of varied characters. A book that 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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Insight and Suitability by James Wollak
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed. The Darcy's are at Longbourn when Anne de Bourgh visits Elizabeth for her advice, travelling from Rosings for afternoon tea to discuss her two suitors, Tarquin Duvall and Lord Edgar Rutledge.
(A return trip in an afternoon from Rosings to Longbourn in an afternoon?????)
Meanwhile, Georgiana and Kitty have their own romances to deal with. But poor Mary Bennet is just an after thought in the last few pages as she gets another poor pairings. (no stars for that.) Another sequel where again and wrongly Mary wears spectacles.

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Coffin Cove by Jackie Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sacked from her job Andi Silvers now works for the Coffin Cove Gazette on Vancouver Island. Soon she becomes involved in the twenty year old cold case murder of the young Sarah McIntosh. Then the arrival of eco-terrorists adds to the hostilities, because their leader is seen by many to be the murderer. But soon a body is discovered. But it will not be the last.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to a new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Irish Bride by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1148 Gwen and Gareth have arrived in Dublin for the wedding of Godfrid and Caitriona. But they are met by a request from Bishop Gregory to view a dead body. That of monk Harald Ranulfson. But the wedding has brought political intrigue to the front and so more deaths.
An enjoyable and well-wriiten historical mystery.

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The Flinck Connection by Estelle Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Corrupt politicians, dead people, art thefts, and conspiracies. All come together for an enjoyable thriller.

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What the Devil Knows by C.S. Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 A body of a magistrate is discovered in London and the killing is similar to the the Ratcliffe Highway killings of three years earlier. But someone was found guilty of those crimes or were they. Sebastian St. Cyr is asked to help in the investigation by Bow Street magistrate Sir Henry Lovejoy. Then another murder occurs.
An entertaining and well-written, plotted mystery with a good cast of well-developed characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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