A Learned Romance by Elizabeth Rasche
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride & Prejudice sequel where Mary Bennet's peace may be about to challenged as she goes to live with the newly wealthy Wickhams in London, to have her Season. Unfortunately for the nature that she has cultivated over the years she faces challenges. Can she overcome them and become a better person, with a possibility of her own happy ending.
An entertaining and well-written story, with a cast of likeable and interesting characters.

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Their Share of Vexations by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth runs from Longbourn after a proposal of marriage from a vicar. But this is not Collins. The result leaves Elizabeth reputation in shreds and only one of her sisters stands by her. But it is not Jane. There is disharmony, revenge, cruelty, (definitely mature content) but also happy endings for quite a few people. Will the guilty get their just punishment. Will I be happy in the outcome for Mary Bennet?
With all of that I found it a delightful story even in the second re-read.

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Writerly Ambitions: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story by Timothy Underwood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1820 Seven years have passed since Elizabeth Bennet's actions, her conceited independence, resulted in ruining the prospects of her sisters. All married but not well. But she meets Darcy, a man who thinks so highly of himself that only a perfect lady is good enough for him to marry.
Didn't care for either of their characters. Once again Mary is wrongly described as wearing spectacles.
Unfortunately I didn't find the story that interesting

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A Flight of Arrows by A.J. MacKenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1346 After landing in Normandy, King Edward 111 and his army proceed into French lands. But with the murder of a knight, herald Simon Merrivale investigates as he believes there is a traitor in Edward's retinue.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery

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Darcy's Hidden Desire: A Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by V.L. King
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, what does Elizabeth do when she discovers that Darcy sleepwalks.
Not really that interesting

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Studying Scarlet by Craig Stephen Copland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1902 Mrs Cutler has travelled from the States looking for her missing husband. Missing 17 years, but is now needed. Which is why she approaches Holmes. What of the three recently garrotted men. Hints towards Gone With the the Wind.
An enjoyable story

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Death in Highbury by Riana Everly
My rating: 5 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.
A re-read, this time the paperback

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The Set Down: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, at the Meryton Assembly Mr Bennet takes Darcy to task resulting in Darcy and Elizabeth talking. But Darcy has been shunned by society. Can this prevent a happy ending with Elizabeth.
An enjoyable story.

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Wolf at the Door by Sarah Hawkswood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1144 Sergeant Catchpoll and his assistant Walkelin are called out with Under-sheriff Bradecote when a body is discovered in the village of Feckenham. Initially thought to be a wolf attack. But they are not convinced. Who did murder this unlikeable man. Soon there is a raid on a nearby manor, and more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written historical novel set in the time of King Stephen. Containing a cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. Another good addition to this 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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Four Wedding Anniversaries and a Birthday: A Pride and Prejudice Intimate Variation by Elle E Walsh
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A P&P intimate sequel describing the events (intimate) of four couples.
Not really interesting.

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Victory Garter by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1945 Dayton, Ohio. Maggie Sullivan is asked by madam Mrs Salmon to investigate the death of a previous employee - twenty-two year old Charlotte Littlefield. She was about to marry Jack, the second son of the wealthy Barrett family. Charlotte was killed in a car accident, or was it.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story

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Mr. Darcy's Seaside Romance: All Go to Brighton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Violet King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, post Hunsford proposal, Lydia Bennet goes to Brighton but is accompanied by Elizabeth. Meanwhile the Bingleys and Darcy with the Hursts also arrive, so that they can meet the gentleman who Caroline is interested in. Of course they meet, but has Darcy been a coward and not informed Bingley of Jane's regard. An off canon Lydia makes her more likeable.
An enjoyable variation

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John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1843 After the death of Lady Helen Burn, at Lowton, tutor John Eyre takes a position far away in Yorkshire. At Thornfield Hall home to Mrs Rochester and her two young wards, Stephen and Peter.
Following the deaths of her parents and acquiring her inheritance, Bertha Mason, travels the continent and meets her future husband Mr. Rochester. The story of her life from then is told in conjunction with Eyre's until they met.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian Gothic story, blending seamlessly two classic books. With its wonderful portrayal of the two main characters and their story.


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Earning Darcy's Trust by Jennifer Joy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Darcy's father has been killed, and several years later his mother dies. Now he must protect Georgiana from Wickham, at which he nearly fails. So they both to to Netherfield when Bingley leases the estate. Where the actions of both of them may lead to their downfall.
An enjoyable variation


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Chrysalis by Cindy C
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet spends time with the Darcys in town, and decides it's time to improve her appearance, with surprising results.
An enjoyable and well-written story. Another re-read

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The Plowman's Plight by E.A. Rivière
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cathar Country, France 1200. Bertwoin Teisseire, the plowman, when he is accused of murder escapes to the alchemist hoping for his help to prove his innocence. As prevously the alchemist had solve several murders.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery

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The Silent Murder by Peter Tonkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1595 On the body of a dead messenger Tom Musgrave finds a letter addressed to him asking for help from Lady Margaret, Countess Cotehel. On the discovery of another body, Musgrave and his apprentice Ben Jonson follow her trail to the Castle of Cotehel in Cornwall. But is the situation as simple as they first thought.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to the series.

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The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Back-to-Front Murder by Tim Major
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1898. Miss Abigail Milne writes murder mysteries under the non de plume Damien Collinbourne. She approaches Holmes when her latest 'victim' is actually killed. Can Holmes and Watson prove her innocent before the police find and arrest her. But why was her victim Ronald Bythewood killed.
An interesting and entertaining well-written historical mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Another Fine Meryton Assembly by Heather
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, two new characters (Mr. Pickard and his son Robert) impact on the Assembly, but with what results.
An enjoyable short story

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The Sign of the Raven by L.C. Sharp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1749 A year has passed since the accusation of murder and her proven innocence. Now Lady Juliana and her husband Sir Edmund 'Ash' Ashendon investigate the murder of James, Baron Coddington, shot while visiting Vauxhall Gardens. But what of a motive or suspects. Is the master criminal known as The Raven involved.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone novel.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Echo of a Mutiny by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The arrival of a new lighthouse man, James Brown, results in a murder. Can Dr Thorndyke discover the truth,
Enjoyable short story

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Mr Bennet leaves his study : A Regency Romance based on P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet finally becomes fed up with the attitude of Lydia. So he leaves his study and takes action, resulting in the improvement of all the Bennets including himself. A year later Netherfield is taken. I enjoyed reading Darcy getting upbraided for his attitude at the Meryton assembly.
An entertaining, low angst story but would have liked more of Mary's story


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Mr. Darcy's Comedy of Errors: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Bella Breen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A p&p sequel where three months after the Darcy wedding the Bennets arrive at Pemberley looking to stay awhile because of their changed circumstances
Unfortunately I did found the story more annoying than a comedy, and not really believable. Why the Darcys couldn't think and do the obvious action and solution to get rid of the 3 most irritating members - Mr and Mrs Bennet and Kitty - is beyond me.

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The Merciless Dead by John Frederick Burke


The Ross Foundation wishes to recreate the living conditions of an ancestor from the Highlands of Scotland clearance programme
Got fed up with the rabid attitude of a character and the story was not that interesting.

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Native Blood by Mark Reps
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Two young girls are brutal murdered on the same date seven years apart, one of them an Apache. Sheriff Zen Hanks investigates.
For me too much mysticism not enough police investigation.

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Deadly Connections by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Denver. Detective Sarah Spillman's day starts with the discovery of a body of a young boy - A missing child. The obvious suspects being the divorced parents. But this is not the last death. Is there a connection.
An interesting crime story.

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Crooked in His Ways by S.M. Goodwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1856 is the last time Albert Beauchamp is seen by his servants. In July the following year his dismembered body arrives back in New York City from New Orleans. But who and why would anyone want this wealthy financier dead. When Jasper Lightner and Detective Law discover Beauchamp's black book the suspects increase dramatically.
An entertaining Victorian mystery with very likeable but widely different main characters, who are both delightful in their differences. Add to some lovely and varied secondary characters and this makes 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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THE BOX HILL KILLER an absolutely gripping mystery and suspense thriller by Biba Pearce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twelve years ago four murders were assigned to The Pentagram Killer who was never caught. Now a new lead has been discovered and DCI Rob Miller and his team investigate. But as it was with the past investigation nothing will come easily.
An entertaining well-written crime story with its likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
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 Riddle of St. Leonard's: The Owen Archer Series - Book Five by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1369 York St Leonard’s hospital is suffering from thefts, and the death of some of their corridians. Are the deaths connected to the lack of hospital funds. The Master of the hospital, Sir Richard Ravenser, summons Owen Archer, the soldier-spy, to investigate the scandal before it ruins him.
Meanwhile the plague seems to be sweeping through the area of York.
Another entertaining and well-written book in this series, with its likeable characters.

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Diary of a (former) Rogue - The Unlikely Marriage of Mary and Henry by Roxanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A P&P sequel, a continuing story of the now married Mary and Harry. Is Harry still a rogue and has love transformed him.
An enjoyable short story

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Diary of a Rogue - The Unlikely Romance of Mary Bennet by Roxanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Harry Sterling needs to marry money. Believing that Darcy will provide as he did with one Bennet daughter and Wickham, he decides to accept the invitation to Netherfield and view the remaining Bennet daughters.
An enjoyable short story. A re-read

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A Corruption of Blood by Ambrose Parry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1850 On walking back from a delivery in the Port of Leith, someone discovers the body of a baby in the River Forth. Dr Will Raven becomes interested in the case. Meanwhile Sarah Fisher has returned to Dr Simpson's home only to become involved in the disappearance of a maid's baby. Also Dr Will Raven is ask to help prove the innocence of a murder suspect, but it is someone he dislikes.
A slow paced Victorican mystery, well-written and entertaining with its likeable 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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A Case of Premeditation by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ex-jail warden Pratt believes he has recognized an escaped convict and decides to blackmail him. But the victim fights back.
Can Dr Thorndyke convince the police they have arrested the wrong person.
An entertaining short story

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Sherlock Holmes and the Circus of Fear by Val Andrews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson become embroiled in the affairs of 'Lord's George Sanger and his circus when he starts to receive threats.
Didn't really find the story that interesting

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Murder at High Tide by Lee Strauss
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1956 WCP Rosa Reed is spending time with her American family in Santa Bonita California. Soon she becomes involved in a murder investigation, lead by her old boyfriend.
For me too much description and not enough mystery.

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Murder at Saint Giles by J.R. Tomlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1426 The stabbed body of saddler, Nychol Granger has been discovered. Glover Alan Foular seeks sanctuary and confesses to the murder. But he is found hanged the next day. Sir Law Kintour, coroner, is not satified and investigates.
An enjoyable medieval mystery, anouther good addition to the series.

But it needs a bit more proofreading.


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Altered Beginings by TrixFan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, the story changes at the Meryton assembly. Though Darcy is still the arrogant hypocrite snob he always is treating Bennet family with disdain except the two eldest daughters.
Overall an enjoyable story

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Murder at Standing Stone Manor by Eric Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1950s Donald Langham and wife Maria Dupre have moved to a cottage in Ingoldby-over-Water. Soon they are meeting their new neighbours including Professor Edwin Robertshaw of Standing Stone Manor who is convinced something is going on in the village. Now a body has been discovered. Langham and Dupre decide to help in the investigation.
A slow-paced, well-written entertaining mystery, with its likeable 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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The Case of Oscar Brodski by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A body is discovered in a railway line, beheaded. Can Dr Thorndyke piece together the clues to find the murderer.
An entertaining short story

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The Missing Mortgagee by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Poor artist Thomas Elton has fallen to his death from the top of a cliff. But Dr Thorndyke is not convinced and so investigates.
An enjoyable short story


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The Wallflower’s Revenge: Or The Coming of Age of Mary Bennet by A.L. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mary Bennet is saved from the behaviour of her parents by her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner as they invite her to their home. Can an accidental meeting in a book shop give her a chance to overcome her shyness, and have her happy ending, with a gentleman her parents say is beneath her socially.
An entertaining variation with its delightful characters, with my favourite Bennet daughter.

(It might have be better if I had read the previous two books in the series, but I am not a great fan of either Elizabeth or Jane)

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Brass Lives by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leeds 1913 Deputy Chief Constable Tom Harper's life is about to get busy. A suffragist march is arriving in Leeds and then travelling onto London, as suffragette Lilian Lenton is being released from jail to recover her health before her trial, under the watch of The Special Branch. Meanwhile several American gang members have arrived, resulting in a crime spree. Are any of them involved or is it the local gangs which are the cause. Harper and his team investigate.
Another entertaining mystery, a well-written story with its 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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The Streets of Town by John Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1940 The Ghoul is on the prowl, but who is he, why does no one know he exists. Meanwhile the team at Camford, including WDS Suzie Mountford investigates the Balvak twins. But can they be caught.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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The King's Coroner by J.R. Tomlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Perth a naked body has been found which means that this is Sir Law Kintour's first case as Coroner. But the murdered man is a stranger to all. Meanwhile the King is in residence in the Abbey as a civil war is coming closer
An enjoyable historical mystery, a re-read, though it does need better proofreading

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Mary Bennet of Meryton: Can Mrs Bennet finally marry off her last daughter? by Barbara Randell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet is last of the daughers living at home. This is her story as she attempts to survive the nerves of her mother, and the various young man who come into her life. Can there be a happy ending.
An enjoyable story though it does need proofreading
A re-read

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Murder of a Chinese Girl by Brian O'Hare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Chen Li has been drawn into the escort industry, the seedy side. But all ends badly when she decides to run away. Can D.I. Robert Williams catch the killer known as The Shadow.
An enjoyable crime story

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A Novel Crime by A.C.F. Bookens
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Harvey Beckett has no idea how much her life will alter when she discovers a body of a man in a garage. But she decides to start asking questions.
A modern cozy mystery

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Rivals and Rascals by Maggie Page
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation who can win the love of Elizabeth Bennet. Will it be Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam. And what will they do to be successful.
An entertaining variation, where the Colonel chose wisely.

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Dead Against the Lawyers by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Radwick Holter, 58, successful, wealthy lawyer, is married to Charlotte, 26. One morning he finds a body in his office. Who is the guilty party and why was he killed.
An entertaining crime story
Originally published in 1965

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