Mary, Mary, Oh So Contrary by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With this Pride & Prejudice sequel with have in Book Two the continuing adventures of the new Miss Mary Bennet as she is summoned to Pemberley to help an ill Georgiana. Where they discover a shocking plot.
This is a delightful well-written story about my favourite Bennet, Mary. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this story again

View all my reviews

A Rather Inconvenient Corpse : A Bingham and Gladstone Mystery by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Lord Hugo Bingham reurnslate at night to the Royal Hotel in Weston-Super-Mare, and somehow fails to see the dead murdered man,it is up to his valet, Gladstone to clear his name.
An enjoyable short story.

View all my reviews

The Pickwick Murders by Heather Redmond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1836 Charles Dickens is in Newgate prison accused of the murder of Samuel Pickwick, president of The Lightning Club. His fiancee Kate Hogarth is sent riddles which must solve quickly or Dickens will die.
Can she solve them and discover who is the guilty party, while Dickens attempts to stay alive.
Unfortunately although well-written I did not find this story as engaging as the previous books in the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

View all my reviews

Murder in an English Glade by Jessica Ellicott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1921 Maitland Park is hosting an artist’s retreat when Constance Maitland approaches Edwina and Beryl to undergo a pretense investigation into adultery, to satisfy a family member. But then the next morning a body is discovered, strangled. Constable Doris Gibb is informed, but soon she realises she needs the help of Edwina and Beryl.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

A Spider's Web by Liz Hedgecock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1882 Sherlock Holmes is investigating a possible fraud case involving Humprey Montagu for Inspector Lestrade. Meanwhile Holmes receives written clues to various bombs planted around London. While Mrs Nell Hudson involves herself in various cases. But are they all separate cases.
Overall an entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters.
Though probably it would be better to have read the previous two books in the series to acquire some context concerning various characters and their actions and consequences.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

View all my reviews

Mistaken by Jessie Lewis


The story begins after the Hunsford proposal. Bingley has returned to Netherfield but which Bennet daughter does he really care for. What will Jane do. Unfortunateley we seem to have a perfect Elizabeth which is quite boring.
Too much about the Darcy's marriage and not enough about the other more interesting characters. An out of character Bingley. An unlikeable Elizabeth, even more superior, than her belief that she is superior to everyone in canon
Got as far as 65%

View all my reviews

The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden by Kate Saunders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1853 Laetitia Rodd, widow of an Archdeacon is asked to help in the negotiations between theatre owner and actor, Thomas Transome, and his wife Sarah. Inspector Blackbeard comes into the situation when a body is discovered in the King’s Theatre, which burnt down ten years previously when Transome owned it. What could be the motive and who is the guilty party, and will this be the only murder.
An entertaining and well-written cozy Victorian mystery with its likeable characters. The novel can easily be read as a standalone story and is a good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Mary, Mary, Not So Ordinary by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful sequel to Pride and Prejudice. Whereby Mary Bennet decides to cast aside the persona she had created to prevent her mother from marrying her off to the first gentleman that took an interest in her.
When Elizabeth Darcy hears of this transformation she invites Mary to Pemberley, where her friendship with Georgiana, and her adventures begin.
A delightful and well-written story to start this series about Mary Bennet, with its cast of varied and likeable characters

View all my reviews

The Sister She Always Wanted by desertrat68
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners visit the North earlier than in canon. Here they meet a sad Georgiana Darcy trying to recover from the the events at Ramsgate. This will change the future interactions between the Darcys and the Bennets.
Elizabeth was too much of a Mary Sue character to be interesting.
Overall an enjoyable enough story

View all my reviews

Vengeance is Mine by Sven Andersson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Umea, Sweden. D.I. Jonanna Apelgren and D.S Andreas Stenman investigate the killing of two Syrian refugees found at Loki’s Leap.
An interesting modern crime story

View all my reviews

Refusing Mr. Collins: A Pride and Prejudice Possibility by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Longbourn 1813 In this Pride & Prejudice variation, every female at Longbourn eagerly awaits the arrival of Mr Collins, the heir to the estate. Then he arrives. What can the daughters do so that one of them does not have to marry him.
A delightful well-written story which I really enjoyed

View all my reviews

Sherlock Holmes and the Morphine Gambit by Jason Cooke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1912. Holmes is called out of retirement by Mycroft to investigate the burglarys at the the homes of German Sir Edward Muster. He and Dr Watson travel to Sea Marge in the village of Overstrand near Cromer, one of his homes.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews

Mary Bennet and the Substitute Vicar by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Autumn 1819 A Pride and Prejudice sequel with the continuing story of Mary Bennet of Longbourn. The wedding day of Mary Bennet is approaching but disaster strikes when the vicar is found dead, murdered. Haste is required to find a substitute, but who is the murderer.
A delightful well-written cozy mystery featuring Mary Bennet. Another enjoyable re-read.

View all my reviews

A Matter of Manipulation; a Pride & Prejudice Variation by Lady Jaeza


I was so enjoying this version of Jane . It makes a change for her to have some intelligence but when it became obvious that it would be Mary and Collins I gave up. A totally unacceptable pairing.

View all my reviews

Mary Bennet and the Return of the Soldier by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Autumn 1818 The story continues with this P&P sequel with the militia arriving back in Meryton, this means that the Wickhams are back. How much chaos and trouble can they cause. But Wickham has been injured, has he been a hero? Has Lydia improved on marriage? As expected the Wickhams insist on staying at Longbourn, upsetting everyone except Mrs Bennet. How will it end.
Another enjoyable re-read, love reading about this sister and how she has becomes into her own.

View all my reviews

Lady Tinbough’s Dilemma by Clare Jayne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1788 Edinburgh. Friend to Lady Tinbough, Lady Harriette Huntly instructs her young cousin Ishbel Campbell, and Ewan MacPherson to discover Lady Tinbough’s missing emerald necklace. Though where to start the investigation. Then they discover that a maid has gone missing.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery. A good start to the series.

View all my reviews

Perfect Happiness: The sequel to Jane Austen's Emma by Rachel Billington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Emma sequel, Emma Knightley has just received the news that Jane Churchill, nee Fairfax, has died giving birth to a son. But where is Frank Churchill. What is George Knightly hiding from Emma. Can Emma finally grow into her role in life.
An entertaining and well-written story

View all my reviews

Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Tutor by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, now that Longbourn and Mary Bennet are financially secure she decides that employing a tutor is appropriate to fill in the large gaps of her education. All the tutors are failures until Grayson Everfield arrives for an interview. But when a body is found Mary and Dr Atlas Sutton are once again investigating.
Another re-read of a lovely well-written mystery with Mary shining.

View all my reviews

Death in Londinium by John Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A.D. 100 Rich merchant Fabius Gentilius Scorteus wants to become a Roman citizen but needs the help of his slave Ikaros who he will free if the plan succeeds. But when Scorteus is discovered murdered it falls to his Greek slave Ikaros of Apollonius to investigate, with the help of First Javelin Morganus.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters

View all my reviews

Death in Perspective by Joan Lock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a teenage girl goes missing D.S. Bridgeman is assigned the case. Complications occur when another girl disappears, and a body is discovered. But what is happening at Beeny Hill House and the house sitters there.
An entertaining modern crime story.
Originally written in 2001

View all my reviews

More Than He Seems: Reinventing Pride and Prejudice's George Wickham by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, unknown to most people Lt Wickham is a spy. A spy for Colonel Fitzwilliam and his uncle Padgett, M.P. After growing up at Pemberley, and friends with both the Colonel and Darcy, Wickham starts his career while at university.
A wonderful well-written variation, following the story of Pride and Prejudice perfectly

View all my reviews

Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Heiress by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where with falling finances particularly after paying for the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, and with Kitty staying at the Gardiners, and her father being attended by the new doctor Atlas Sutton- it is left to Mary to organise the running of Longbourn. Including the overseeing of the cellar repairs where a body is discovered. With the help of Dr Sutton, Mary is determined to discover her history.
An enjoyable well-written mystery, investigated by my favourite Bennet.
Another re-read

View all my reviews

The Case of the White Footprints by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Margate. While visiting with Dr Foxton, Dr Jervis accompanies him to a suicide at the Beddington Boarding House. But Dr Jervis is not convinced. Soon Dr Thorndyke is asked to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery

View all my reviews

The Blue Scarab by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr James Blowgrave approaches Dr Thorndyke to investigate a robbery at his home. A deed box containing papers and a blue Scarab. But why would anyone want a worthless scarab.
An entertaining story

View all my reviews

Charlotte's Story by Carolyn Korsmeyer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet has just refused Mr Collins. But soon it is Charlotte’s turn and in the desire for her own home she accepts.
The first half of the story roughly follows canon from Charlotte's point of view. Then we have her life at Hunsford onwards.
While on a visit with the Bennets to Bath, this went wrong for me as I did not like this portrayal of Mary Bennet at all. It really does spoil the story for me as it is so very out of character.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review

View all my reviews

May The Rain Fall Softly On Your Fields by Elin Eriksen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"What if Elizabeth had brown eyes while Mr and Mrs Bennet had blue..." This is genetically possible so I don't understand the point of the statement.
A P&P variation starting after the Pemberley visit by the Gardiners and Elizabeth. I found Darcy annoying with his interference in other’s people's marriages. For me too much about the Darcy marriage and not enough about the other more interesting characters.
Though I liked the ending a lot
Overall an enjoyable story

View all my reviews

More than a Masquerade by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1825 Rachel Gambit is a new Enquiry Agent for The Order, but she needs to undergo some tests before she receives her first assignment. Eli Hunter, also works for The Order but also for the secret organisation, The Order of Themis. He needs an agent to help him recover a stolen artefact and papers, and uncover a traitor. Can they work together to unmask the guilty parties.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery and romance in this series, with its likeable characters. Which can easily be read as a standalone story. A good addition to the series though it does contain mature content.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review

View all my reviews

Spoken into Existence by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P short story what ever Mrs. Bennet foretells will come true. No matter how outrageous or that she is laughed at by the Meryton ladies.
An entertaining story

View all my reviews

A Very Mary Christmas: A Sequel to Waking to Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P story, with Jane and Elizabeth nearly married Mrs Bennet turns her attentions to Kitty. As obviously Mary has lost any chance of marriage when she didn't catch Mr. Collins. But Mary has friends on her side, so can she find her happy ending.
Loved this well-written story, it was wonderful to read Mary's tale, and I really liked the new characters that were introduced.
Another enjoyable re-read.

View all my reviews

Darcy Vs Bingley by Gianna Thomas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation at the Meryton assembly Darcy asks Elizabeth for a dance, the only problem now for their future happiness is Caroline Bingley. With Darcy and Elizabeth as a couple it becomes easier for the other pair to come to an understanding.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

To Die For by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gary and Jenny Bartlett have gone to the home of their neighbour, Billy Moy, to find out why he failed to turn up for work only to find him dead. D.I. Tom Janssen and his team investigate. But what could be the motive for killing such an inoffensive man.
An entertaining and well-written modern crime story, with its cast of varied and likeable characters.A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews

Betrayed by Death by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the last two years eight boys have gone missing. Inspector Fusil now investigates when there is another attempt.But he also has to deal with bank robberies and stolen antiques. Will he be able to catch the killer before another death.
Unfortunately for me we know who the killer straightaway
Overall entertaining crime story
Origanlly published 1982

View all my reviews

Bad Blood: A gripping historical murder mystery by Marilyn Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1895, London
Eight years ago Thomas Forbes, seventeen months old, was kidnapped and the ransom paid but the child was not returned. Now his father Austin Forbes, wealthy jam factory owner, has been shot. As a police photographer though unofficial, Julia McAllister is called to take photograhs of the scene. She decides to investigate both events. Unfortunately Inspector Collingwood is involved in the case of jewel thefts.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its interesting main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

The Opium-Eater by David Morrell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1855, Thomas De Quincey relates how he became the Opium-Eater. It all starts in 1808 Grasmere and the story of George and Sarah Green
A short story

View all my reviews

The Strange Inheritance of Mary Bennet by Annie Gluck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel five years have passed since the marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, and Mary is the last unmarried daughter. Unexpectedly she is bequeathed an inheritance by a distant cousin named Margaret Ashburn. An inheritance of Ashburn Keep. Follow Mary's trials and tribulations. Can she also have a happy ending.
Really enjoyed this story, especially as it is all about Mary, and I liked the new characters.
Another re-read

View all my reviews

By Order of Their Birth, First by desertrat68
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation how to the lives of the Darcys change when Georgiana is the first born and has all the traits of a Darcy, with Fitzwilliam the second born and then a much younger sister Beth. The Bennets now have an heir, Robert, with three sisters. Can Georgiana overcome her heritage to have a happy ending. Unfortunately after a long read I didn't get the pairing I wanted.
Overall an entertaining variation

View all my reviews

A Quiet Place to Kill by N.R. Daws
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1940 Scotney, Kent. The ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) unit have been moved to RAF Scotney. But as the female pilots arrive a body is discovered. That of Lavinia Scott of the ATA. Sergeant Dennis Wright receives help from D.I. Jonathan Kemper. As part of rhe ATA is Lizzie Hayes, PHd, in Psychology, specialising in the study of criminal minds. She offers her help. But soon there is another body. Can Kemper and Hayes determine the guilty party, but what of the motive.
An entertaining, but slow paced, historical mystery with its cast of varied and likable characters. A good start to a new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

View all my reviews

We Owe It All To Leonard by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A P&P entertaining short story where Leonard Bennet causes mayhem with Mr Collins.

View all my reviews

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930s Devon. Mallowan Hall is home to Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan. During a house pary housekeeper Phyllida Bright discover the body of Charles Waring, supposedly a reporter for the Times. He was murdered in a locked down house during a severe storm. But who was he really, and why was he at the Hall. Even with the presence of Scotland Yard Detective Cork, Phyllida decides to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with a cast of varied and mainly likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Death at the Wedding Feast by Deryn Lake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1768 John Rawlings travels to Devon to await the birth of his child with Marchesa Elizabeth di Lorenza. There he meets Lady Sidmouth, who’s cousin, twenty year old Miranda Tremayne is to marry the rich seventy two, Earl of St. Austell.
Unfortunately the first death didn’t come until after half way through the book, so really not enough of a mystery for me.

View all my reviews

True Love Conquers All by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues and ends with this variation. Colonel Fitzwilliam's anger has cost him his engagement with Mary Bennet. When the Colonel goes back to the war what will Mary and by association her family do.
An entertaining story but then Mary and the Colonel are my favourite couple.
Another re-read of this story

View all my reviews

True Love Never Fails... by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, what if the Bennets are not what their friends and neighbours believe. What if it is an act to ensure that all the daughters marry amiable men, men that love them despite their family.
It begins with Netherfield Hall being occupied by Charles Bingley. Soon to be joined by the rest of his family and Mr Darcy.
Another re-read and once again I really enjoyed this story, very much

View all my reviews

From Admiration to Love by April Floyd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jane Bennet has married Bingley and are living at Brambling Hall, next to Pemberley (though still letting Netherfield) Staying at their estate is Elizabeth. On one of her Pemberley walks she meets a grieving Lady Anne Darcy, who is mourning the death of her daughter Georgiana. But soon she is called home to Longbourn and there her trials begin, seemingly constantly.
An entertaining read


View all my reviews

The Dead Fall by Nic Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why would anyone want to kill teacher Simon Fisher. DI Olivia Austin and DI Dean Lawrence of Newquay CID investigate.
An entertaining read

View all my reviews

Murder at the Wedding by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1934. Kitty Underhay and Captain Matthew Bryant have been invited to her cousin, Lucy Medford’s wedding, to be held at the groom’s home of Thurscomb Castle in Yorkshire. On arrival Kitty is faced with Lucy’s concerns of a ghost roaming the burnt out wing, which foretells a death. Soon a murder occurs, but will this be the last. But what is the motive and the guilty party. Kitty and Matthew start to investigate, parallel with the local police.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Death and the Chapman by Kate Sedley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1471. Roger Chapman, ninenteen, has just started out on his new career in Bristol where he hears about the disappearance of Clement Weaver in London, As he is journeying there the family ask that he try to find more informarion. At Canterbury he hears about another disappeanace from the same area. Little does he know that his investigation will lead him into danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. A good start to the series with its likeable main character

View all my reviews

Rarer Than Gold by Holly Newman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke, on their honeymoon at Summerworth Park have received a notification of the death of their neighbour, Lord Aldrich. Soon they arrive at Bartlett Hall to determine what has happened. They have no idea what they will become involved in as they look for the truth. But who are the real guilty party
An enjoyable historical mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Master Wycliffe's Summons by Melvin R. Starr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1375. Sir Hugh de Singleton is summoned by Master Wycliffe to Oxford. As during a recent storm oone of his scholar's died. But he is suspicious of the cause of death and wishes Hugh to investigate. Unfortunately the plague has once again come to the area.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of 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.


View all my reviews

The Apple Of Her Mother's Eye by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P story has does the fact that Elizabeth is the favourite of both her parents alter the future of the Bennet family especially when she decides that she should talk to her mother. Unfortunately Elizabeth is a bit of a Mary Sue character, which is quite boring. But there are many new characters introduced.
An entertaining variation.

View all my reviews

Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1937 Christmas Eve and a house party at Westbury Manor and all the guests have arrived. But by Christmas morning one of them will be dead. Neighbour and guest Hugh Gaveston, reader of mystery novels, is not totally convinced that it is suicide. So he starts his investigation. Can he find the murderer and motive before they all depart on the 27th.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its varied cast of characters, very few actually likeable
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews