The Intelligencer by J.R. Tomlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1425 Perth and Mistress Elspeth Wrycht employs Sir Law Knitour to search for her missing husband. The quest gets complicated when Sir Law discovers his body and is accused of his murder. Strangely the Sheriff comes to his rescue and then charges him to look for a missing item.
An enjoyable well-written mystery with its likeable characters. A re-read.

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Only Sofia-Elisabete: A Magical, Coming-of-Age Historical Romance That Sweeps from Spain to Scotland by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, it is now 1825 and Sofia, love child of Colonel Fitzwilliam is living with her mother, Dona Marisa and her family in Andalucia. At nearly 15, head-strong Sofia is bored and wants adventure. Can she survive the oppressive regime she lives in to find happiness or will she take action, whether it is wisely done or not.
An entertaining and well-written story with an interesting main character and a varied cast of secondary characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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When Murder Comes Home by Shana Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aileen MacKinnon has arrived in Loch Fuar to take over the running of her grandmother's inn, Dachaigh Inn. After renovations, her first guests, ten of them have arrived, but before long one is murdered. D.I. Callan Cameron investigates but Aileen has wrangled a place as his partner.
An entertaining well-written mystery, though I did find Aileen a bit of an annoying character. A good start to the series

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The Winter Kill by J.R. Tomlin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After catching a thief Sir Law is detailed by the Sheriff of Perth to determine the cause of death of one Jannet Neyn Patrik Ross, who was found buried in snow. But another body is found, and so with the help of his friend Cormac, he must found the evidence that will be believed when he catches the murderer.
An enjoyable historical mystery in which I liked the characters. Another re-read

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When Will Thou Die by Shana Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When there is a death of a seemingly unpopular resident, Aileen MacKinnon once again partners D.I. Callan Cameron to solve the case. But is her grandmother also being targeted.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Best Of Relations by Catherine Bilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, a letter from Elizabeth to Mrs Gardiner which mentioned the likeable Wickham results in her rushing to Longbourn to tell her story, and her connection to the Darcys.
An enjoyable and well-written story.
As this a novella events do proceed at quite a lively pace. I admit I would have preferred a longer story to have more of the Mary Bennet storyline

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The Sedleigh Hall Murder by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Following his medical retirement from the police Eric Ward is training to become a solicitor. He is given two cases to close, one dealing with the estate of Arthur Egan, and th other of of payable death duties for Lord Morcomb at Sedleigh Hall.
An entertaining mystery,a good start to the series.

Originally published in 1980 as A Certain Blindness

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A Vow of Silence by Veronica Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Circumstances lead Sister Joan to be sent to the Cornwall house of the Order of the Daughters of Compassion. Can she discover the cause of the unrest in the house.
An enjoyable cozy mystery - Originally published 1990

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Christmas at The Grange by T.E. Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1909 Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence Armstrong have been invited to their friends Sir Hector and Lady Farley-Stroud for Christmas, when a theft occurs. While over eating and drinking they investigate.
A delightful well-written novella

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The Jacob Street Mystery by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While out painting, Thomas Pedley witnesses the actions of two men and one woman, he thinks nothing of it until friend Mr Polton informs him of a murder that took place that same time. Several months later Pedley makes the acquaintance of modern painter Mrs Lotta Schiller.
Can Pedley help Dr. Thorndyke solve two murders.
An entertaining mystery

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The Wayward Alliance by J.R. Tomlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1424, Sir Law Kintour arrives in Perth, Scotland, injured from the wars in France. While looking for his next patron he is employed by a Sir Blinsele to look for his wife and lover. He agrees but rightly becomes suspicious when people start getting murdered and he becomes the man the sheriff wishes to hang for the murders. To save himself he must untangle the mystery and find the guilty party.
An enjoyable historical story, and re-read.
(Originally entitled 'The Templar's Cross")


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Ramsgate Reimagined: in Three and a Bit Acts by TrixFan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice seqel where Elizabeth Bennet is visiting relations in Ramsgate, so does it change Georgiana Darcy's actions. And what of Elizabeth and Darcy.
An enjoyable story.

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Scandal in Babylon by Barbara Hambly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1924 Widow Emma Blackstone is working for her sister-in-laws, actress Kitty Flint aka Camille de la Rose in Hollywood. When the man Kitty married at 15 arrives on set. But not for long as he is found shot. Emma decides to investigate, and continually show off her intelligence.
A cozy historical mystery
The story was not really for me, as I found the characters unlikeable and not a style of writing I enjoyed reading.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Moriarty by John Gardner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1900 Moriarty has returned from America to take back his criminal network. But first he must contend with the new kingpin, Sir Jack Idell, and find the traitor in his midst.
Overall an entertaining historical thriller

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The Good Wife by Paula Harmon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1895 Edmund Addison has been killed, and his quiet, shy wife Charlotte tainted with the rumour of her involvement. Old friend, reporter Tom Powell, investigates Addison's involvement in an orphanage for profit with the help of Charlotte.
Enjoyable cozy historical mystery

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Mr. Polton Explains by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Polton , assistant to Dr Thorndyke explains his life story as it reflects on a case. That of the burning down of a building and the discovery of a body within. A lot of technical explanations which were not that interesting. But the mystery was of interest.

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The Devereaux Affair by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Childhood friends Bennet Devereaux and Julianne de Lacey, daughter of a notorious courtesan, meet again 17 years later in 1824 when as a Marquess, Bennet seeks the help of The Order as he has received several death threats. He is assigned Julianne and together they travel to Witherdeen Hall in Hampshire to begin the investigation.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery and romance (with mature content), with its likeable characters. A good start to the new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Dark Sin by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Years ago, fifteen year old Ciaran Haverson was found hanged in Grimston Warren Reserve, Royston Common. In the present day, at the same location journalist Gavin Felgate is found dead, under a rope and noose.
DCI Tamara Greave, and DI Tom Janssen, and their team investigate.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written crime story, with its likeable main characters. An other good addition to the series, which can easily be read as a standalone story. Though to get the full affect of the relationships between the characters it might be worthwhile reading the other good books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Body On The Beach by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-policeman D.S. Norman is bored, so he is tempted when he is asked to come out of retirement and mentor some young police. So he arrives at Llangwelli, with new member D.I. Sarah Southall. It is not long before a body is discovered on the beach, and the education of the team begins.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable characters. A good start to the series.

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Murder on Pay Day by David Pearson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

An informate of DCI Mick Hays believes that a post office is soon to be robbed of its money in Galway. But the plans to capture the criminals in action goes wrong. Can they capture them at the second attempt.
Didn't really keep my interest

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Bright Young Things by Jane A Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1930 Early in the morning a man dumps the body of Faun Moran on Bournemouth beach in front of witnesses. But she was supposedly killed the previous Autumn in a car accident. DCI Henry Johnstone and DS Mickey Hitchens investigate both cases.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, a well plotted story with likable and intelligent main characters. Another 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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The Stoneware Monkey: A Dr. John Thorndyke Story by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two separate crimes - the murder of police constable Murray, while the theft of diamonds occur. And secondly the attempted poisoning of modern potter Peter Gannet.
Dr Thorndyke is brought in to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published 1938

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They Walk in Darkness by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What is happening at Fendyke St. Mary. First is was the slaughtered lambs, then five babies, and now four adults. All dead. Peter Chard with his wife Ann is visiting his Aunt Helen in the village. The Chards help Scotland Yard detectives with the investigation.
An entertaining mystery



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Tempting Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Alice Sinclair first meets Nicholas Raven, Marquis of Braithwaite, she saves him, twice. Though attracted to each other, he insists there can be nothing between them. But she comes to him in his visions, visions this time of new born babies being removed from their parents and given to others.
Is there a more anoying female then Alice Sinclair.
Though overall an entertaining story

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The Franklin's Felony by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1327 Wakefield. Evil has arrived in the area. But is it connected to the witches of Kilkenny, of three years previously or is the evil local. Sir Richard Lee, circuit judge, investigates the resulting deaths.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good addition to the series.

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Lost Hearts: Pride and Prejudice Variation by B.J. Rumph
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation to avoid the unwanted attentions of the new vicar, Mary is sent to Pemberley. In the same carriage, avoiding his matchmaking mother is the Colonel. Circumstances force them to wed.
As with the author's other work (Coping) I like the pairings, and the story. For thoses two items the story receives 3 stars. Buut once again the execution of the story is bad.

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A Corpse at a Birthday Party by Benedict Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Issy Palmer is invited by an old school 'friend' to a birthday party. Unknown to her it is a children's birthday party. One that will result in a murder. Can she solve it before the police.
An entertaining story

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Fate Makes a Change by readergirl4985
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, while Jane is staying at the Gardiners she reassess her life choices. She ultimately makes her choice of husband before her 'superior sister' can interfere and give her advise. How will this affect the futures of her sisters. Although we have stories concerning the other Bennet sisters this is basically Jane's story.
And a delightful one.
(A relief that it did not evolve into another Darcy and Elizabeth story.)

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Murder at the Mill by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1866 Inspector Daniel Haze is called in when the naked body of Frank Darrow is found attached to a wheelwright. Haze is helped by captain Jason Redmond who seems to have his own problems to contend with.,
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to the series

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Vision of Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Captain Wolf Sinclair first meets Rose Abernethy when he rescues her from ruffians. Their paths cross again as she is music teacher to the Sinclair children. It seems someone is out to hurt her, what is her secret, can Wolf keep on protecting her as he becones attracted to her. Found Rose to be a totally annoying female.
Overall an enjoyable story

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Devil by the Tail by Jeanne Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1867 Chicago. Mrs Quinn Sinclair aka Mrs Paschal, widow of a a Union soldier has teamed up with Garnick, an ex-Confederate soldier to form a detective agency. At the moment they have two cases, but there are it seems, connections between them. Can they solve the cases while their lives are being threatened.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. 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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Coping: Pride and Prejudice Variation by BJR
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First the positive points - The story has my favourite pairing, and secondly I liked the story. For that I have given it 3 stars.
But the execution of the story was bad, it needs not just editing but I would suggest a re-write.

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Cross My Heart by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Kane is away, Sheriff Alton is under attack in her home. Later a body of a male is discovered in the woods. Soon there are more dead to find. Each time a witness comes forward but are they as innocent as they say. Is there another serial killer or killers in the area. What is the connection to convicted serial killer Stone. Are coincidences just that.
Another entertaining well-written mystery with its cast of very 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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MARSHLIGHT by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-policemen and now P.I. Ballard is asked by the police to look into an old murder case, that of Lindsay Harrison. On one of their cases his partner Liz has to inform Frances Morton of their failure to locate her sister. Meanwhile Liz's cousin, Christie McFerran, visits for a working holiday. Soon she takes an instant dislike to a local female, and her treatment of her friend's. Will the truth be revealed.
An entertaining and well-written psychological thriller. Another good addition to the series with its likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley by Louis Tracy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mortimer Fenley is shot dead on the steps of his home, The Towers. But how and why. The eldest son calls in Scotland Yard to investigate.
An entertaining mystery

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Another time for Mary Bennet by Eugene Orlando
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

All Mary wants to do is read, but all her sisters seem to want to do is annoy her. How does fate intervene to help Mary.
A short delightful story, a re-read.

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Governing His Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P Variation Bennet has died and now Elizabeth is being interviewed by Gerald Darcy for the position of governess to Georgiana Darcy., and is judeged to be perfect for the role! Meanwhile Fitzwilliam Darcy is on his Grand Tour. Soon the elder Darcy is dead and Wickham and Caroline do their best to cause havoc.
Would have loved to have more about the Colonel and Mary Bennet in the story.
An enjoyable read



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Felo De Se by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first part of the story is from the pov of Robert Mortimer, bank clerk, as he discovers a body on a church steps. In his shock he is befriended by John Gilliam, a gambler. But once his fortune has gone Gilliam is discovered dead, an apparant suicide. But Gilliam's cousin is not convinced and asks Dr Thorndyke to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Allah's Architect by Mark Dewar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caliph Hakam's new extension to the Great Mosque will house a copy of the Quran, with the resulting procession to the Mosque. Meanwhile his brother intends trouble. Who will survive the resulting fight.
An enjoyable historical story

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Death from High Places : A 1920s Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s. Christopher Prentiss 16, has arrived home to Cranley Hall, that of his grandfather, the Marquess of Edgington, ex-superintendent of Scotland Yard. Lord Edgington has decided that it is time to be adventurous and so the next day they are up in a balloon piloted by Chet Novicki when a death occurs. Edgington and Christopher investigate.
An entertaining historical cozy mystery

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Consequence & Consequences: "Ooops" A Regency Romance inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darcy and the Bingleys are spending time at Netherfield. But as Darcy leaves the area he informs Elizabeth that the vast difference in their social standing prevents them being anything then friends. Elizabeth angry at the statement agrees, not informing him that she and her sisters are now duke's daughers. How will each of Bennet family respond to their elevated standing, will their be happening endings for any of them. It is such a shame that once again Darcy does not get his comeuppance as he is such an arrogant hypocrite.
An entertaining and well-written story

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The Modern Mother's Day Survival Guide by Laina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this modern day P&P variation, the Bennet daughters are older, Mary as the only unwed one is now 40. This is the story of the trials and tribulations of Mothers Day for the various families.
I admit I am not a fan of modern variations but this had my favourite couple (Mary and Richard) so I had to be read it.
An entertaining re-read of this story


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Tied to Murder by Brian Battison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Due to her lifestyle when Stella Carway is murdered the police discover they have a long list of suspects. It is up to D.I. Jim Ashworth and his team to find the motive and the killer. But Ashworth is at odds with the team.
An entertaining and well-written crime story.

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A Marriage of Reason by Eugene Orlando
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A P&P sequel short story. I thought I would read again as it is a short story to see if I liked it better. But no.

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A Corpse in the Freezer by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

EIghteen year old Issy Palmer arrives at university hoping to find like minded people, but for her peace in the student halls to be destroyed by the arrival of Eilish Hart. Can the five students find a way to live with each other.
An entertaining story

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Miss Bennet Blooms by Reina M. Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet, the last unmarried daughter, arrives at Pemberley for a visit, content in thinking she knows what her life will be. Until she meets another Bingley.
A sweet novella showing Mary falling in love. Love reading stories about my favourite female character from Pride and Prejudice (except when she is married off to Collins or the local curate/clerk)
An enjoyable re-read

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Eight Faces at Three: A John J. Malone Mystery by Craig Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holly Inglehart has woken up at 3.00am. But why? And as she is concerned she checks on the other occupants of the house. Only to find all the clocks have stopped at 3.00 am and the only other person in the house is her dead aunt, stabbed three times. Because she has a motive Fleck, Maple Park's Chief of Police arrests her. Who can come to her aid. It is friends Helen Brand, and Jake Dayton, with the help of lawyer John J. Malone that help her. But does the amount of alcohol they drink help or hinder them.
An entertaining historical mystery, a good start to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally published in 1939

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In Plain Sight: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Don Jacobson


In this P&P variation, because of an injury to one man, and the death of another Darcy has been sentenced to seven years hard labour in Britain. Five years later the prisoners arrive in Hertfordshire.
Another story where Mary is paired with a vicar which is when I gave up.

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The Knight's Tale by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1380 Geoffrey Chaucer's former guardian, Lionel, The Duke of Clarence has been found dead in his locked bedroom at Clare Castle in Suffolk. Finder of the body, Sir Richard Glanville asks him to come and investigate. But will this be the only death and what could be the motives.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters, especially Richard Glanville and John Hawkwood. A good start to a new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Bottled Spider by John Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940 When Jo Benton a BBC employee is murdered WDS Suzie Mountford is put in charge of the case. But this is not the first killing or the last. We know virtually from the beginning who the guilty party is, but not the why. Soon Mountford is involved in the bigger investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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