Non-Suspicious: A Detective Brook Deelman Mystery by Ed Church
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who is killing World War II veterans. Starting with 92 year old Victor Watson. Is there any connection to Stalag prison camp in 1945 or the Foundling Hospital. D.C. Brook Deelman investigates.
An interesting well-written mystery. An entertaining read with its likeable characters.

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The Truth about the Merry Widow: A Pride and Prejudice retelling full of rumours and villains by Enid Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet turns into a gambler, Mrs Bennet, Jane and Lydia are wonderfully out there. More characters move to the bad side. Collins Senior is still alive. Charles Bingley and Jane are married, Elizabeth has been married twice.
A delicious out there variation which I enjoyed, especially the ending

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Hue and Cry by Patricia Wentworth


Boring. Gave up after 15%. No likable characters

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The Saltwater Murder by L.B. Hathaway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1924 lawyer Amyas Lyle's body is discovered at his office by head clerk George. DCI Richard Lovelace with the help of his assistant private investigator Posie Parker investigate. But who was Amyas Lyle, and why kill him now.
An enjoyable cozy mystery, though I did not really take to the character of Posie.

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Prodigious Good Care by Maria Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride & Prejudice sequel where Elizabeth Darcy, is still childless but is once again with child. Surrounded by inept family it is Lydia that comes to her rescue.
A delightful story

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Murder & Miss Austen's Ball by Ridgway Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1815 For Jane Austen's 40th birthday she has decided to spend some of her money from writing books on a ball and so employs Dancing Master Freddy Worth. But the ball is disrupted by a robbery and a death. With the help of Worth Jane decides to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery.

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Christmas Celebrations Anthology: Short Stories of Jane Austen Fan Fiction by Cristy Huelsz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. Twelve Days - J Redlarczyk
The 12 days of gifts are sent to the Darcys
2. A Christmas Story - N Clarkston
Bingleys are married and Elizabeth is in town
3. Darcy and the Harlequin- M Grace
Darcy attends a pantomime
4. A Wedding for Christmas- C Almario
Bingley and Jane are about to marry
5. Swinging Emma - F G Paneda
Modern
6. Christmas at Hunsford Parsonage- A Kai
My favourite story
7. A wish for Jane - S Hanford
Elizabeth wishes on a falling star
8. The Christmas Wish - L L Diamond
The Bingleys first christmas
Overal an enjoyble set of short stories

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The jagged line by Carolyn Mahony
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paul Copeland, ex-convict's body is discovered in a park. But why and by whom. Estate agent Dominic Cartwright is severely injured by a hit and run. Is there a connection between the two events.
DS Harry Briscombe and the team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written story
Though I didn't care much for the Kirsty Cartwright character

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An Accidental Shroud by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The body of Nigel Fontenoy, a local jeweller, is discovered the night after a severe storm, in an alleyway. DCI Gil Mayo and his team investigate. But what of a motive. So what is the team missing.
An entertaining mystery, originally written in 1994

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The Lancashire Leopard by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The body of Hannah Woodgate is discovered in the Lancashire town of Brunton. It woud seem that she is the latest victim of the serial killer called “the Lancashire Leopard” by the media.
Detective Inspector Percy Peach and his team continue to investigate, but are without any motives or clues.
An entertaining crime story

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A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Victorian England opposing forces gather as a psychic event that will threaten the safety of humanity is soon to take place.
An entertaining and well-written story

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Fool Me Twice by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of semi-retired barrister Henry Crowe is discovered one Sunday morning by his much younger wife, Natalie. He had been cruelly tortured. But why, what possible motive could have this result. D.I. Tom Janssen and his team investigate as motives and secrets are revealed.
An entertaining, well-written and well-plotted crime story. With its cast of likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Murder At Afternoon Tea by Rosie Hunt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1921 Lady Felicity Quick interviews her old friend and actress Olivia Heygate-Harper for her brother Lord Jasper's newspaper at Wolborne House. When a death occurs. Felicity decides to ask questions as she thinks the death is suspicious.
A enjoyable cozy mystery

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An Antique Murder by Norman Russell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The quiet of the Irving Home for Retired Actors is broken by the death of one of the guests, stabbed.
D.I. Paul French and D.S. Glyn Edwards investigate. But who was Sir Frank Taylor, what was his history.
For me the police seemed a bit slow to conclude who he really was. But overall an interesting 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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Murder at the Manor by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1921, Evelyn and Tommy Christie are staying Hessleham Hall, home of his uncle, the Earl of Northmoor. But soon the Earl is dead and all the dinner guests confined to the house while the police investigate. Evelyn takes it upon herself to help.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery. A good start to the series.

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The Artisan by M.K. Farrar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.I. Erica Swift and her team investigate when the body of a female is discovered, posed on her bed. But this will not be the last one. Unfortunately it becomes obvious who the killer is and I didn't really take to the character of Swift.
Overall an entertaining story.

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A Death, A Duke And Miss Mifford by Claudia Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miss Mary Mifford having returned to Plumpton after an unsuccessful season has decided to be a spinster. But then the local rector is found dead with Mary as the prime suspect. Henry William Lockheart, Sixth Duke of Northcott having returned to his seat has decided his estate needs his attention, until he meets Mary, and and offers to help her find the guilty party.
An enjoyable historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters.

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Traitor in the Ice by K.J. Maitland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1607 Daniel Pursglove is sent to Battle Abbey to infiltrate the home of the Catholic Montagues to discover traitors to King James.Also to discover what happened to pursuivant Benet and what did he unearth. But it would seem secrets abound along with the dead.
An entertaining and interesting well-written historical mystery. With its varied 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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There's Something About Mary Bennet by Sebastian Di Mattia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice sequel continues as Jonathan Thomas and Georgiana Darcy approach their wedding day. But Mary Bennet has become enamoured of Thomas and is determined to break them apart. But she has a secret, a secret that will soon be exposed. A secret that the Bennets have kept since her birth.
Would have loved to read more about Mary Bennet and her predicament and less of the descriptions in the book.
Another re-read

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Front Page Murder by Joyce St. Anthony
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Progress, 1942 Irene Ingram, now Editor in Chief of the Progress Herald, investigates the crime against Jewish store owner Sam Markowicz. Then a Jewish janitor at the local Tabor Ironworks is attacked. Meanwhile one of her reporters is discovered dead. Not agreeing with the police that it was an accident she investigates.
An entertaining cozy historical mystery, well-written with some likeable characters. A good start to this new series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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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.
Another re-read

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The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, #1) by Mimi Matthews

March 1862 London. Evelyn Maltravers, knows she has nothing to offer a rich well-connected husband but her horsemanship. Naively believing this will be enough to overcome her lack of accomplishments and her scandalous connections. So to marry well she must shine as a horse-rider while wearing haute couture.
To this end she visits tailor Ahmad Malik, half-Indian. The designer of riding habits for the infamous Pretty Horsebreakers of Rotten Row.
To suceed he needs a patron to launch his designs on society. But what is he prepared to do to obtain this end.
And what of the attraction between Evelyn and Ahmad, and all the obstacles they must face individually, and as a partnership.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian romance with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to this series.



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Sketches and Secrets of Summer: A Pride and Prejudice Novel by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stuart Alford due to the death of his elder twin has inherited the family estate and his two young nieces. Past events have made him determined never to marry. Meanwhile Mary Bennet has been staying at Pemberley and has befriended the two young nieces.
A delightful and entertaining well-written Pride and Prejudice sequel, with its lovely characters. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone story.
Another enjoyable re-read

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Assumptions & Absurdities: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cinnamon Worth


A Pride and Prejudice story which unfortunatelyonly Mary Bennet agrees to marry Collins very early on in the story.
This is a very big no for me and so I gave up.
.

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A Gift from Rosings Park by Maria Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, the Darcys are married and Elizabeth is pregnant, but Lady Catherine insists they visit her at Rosings during the festive season so she can give them a special gift.
An enjoyable short story

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A Very Austen Advent by Maria Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Six Pride and Prejudice short stories
1.A Christmas Letter from Lydia Wickham - to Elizabeth Darcy
2.Yankee Swap - modern, set in the States
3.Wrapped up Charlotte - modern story set in N ew York. Drew Fitzwilliam arrives from England
4.Mr Darcy's Advent Season - Darcy is in town back from Netherfield
5.Mr Collins's Last Supper - set at the Hunsford Parsonage. It would seem that Collins does not have all that he wants. But when he does will this be his downfall.
6.A gift from Rosings Park - The Darcys aremarried and Elizabeth is pregnant, but Lady Catherine insists they visit her at Rosings during the festive season so she can give them a special gift.
Enjoyable stories, more so the Regency era ones

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Murder in the Valleys by Pippa McCathie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-superintendent Fabia Havard now lives in Pontygwyn, while out walking she discovers the body of teenager Amber Morgan. Old friend Chief Inspector Matt Lambert with his team investigate. But soon there will be another death. Is there a connection and what could be the possible motive.
An entertaining crime story

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The Window at the White Cat by Mary Roberts Rinehart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jack Knox, lawyer is asked by Margery Fleming to find her missing father. Who has been missing for ten days. He is instructed by Miss Letitia Maitland (aunt to Margery) to visit as she wishes to change her will, again. Strange events occur while staying at the Maitland's home. Then a body is discovered. Can he solve the mysteries.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1940

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The Key In The Vase by Autumn Barlow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flaxbury 1925. Widow Polly Lavelle is drawn into an investigation of a missing will, aided by her estranged mother, an ex private eye, and widow to a policeman.
An entertaining cozy mystery. A good start to the new series

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Murder Most Vile by Eric Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Donald Langham is employed to find artist, Christopher Lombard, missing son of Vernon Lombard, known to Ryland's father. But at the farm commune Lombard has not be seen for some time. It would seem that the case is not as simple and straightforward as he hoped.
While partner Ralph Ryland investigates the case of a missing greyhound belonging to Arnold Grayson, he meets old associates from the past and his fathers' connection to the British Union of Fascists.
Soon a body is discovered. Ryland and Langham investigate, but what could be the motive and will there be more deaths.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written mystery. With its cast of likable and interesting 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 Strangled Servant by E.L. Johnson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1806 Hertford. After cross words at an assembly, Poppy Morton pushed her best friend, Mary Pendle, through a glass door. Later that evening Mary is found dead in a suspicious carriage accident. For no intelligent reason the whole town seems to blame Poppy for the death. New to the area Constable Henry Dyngley investigates but needs Poppy's help.
Unfortunately I found the majority of the characters unlikeable.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Murder in First Class by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Bryant is instructed by his former boss to collect Simon Travers from the local train as events mean he needs a safe haven for a few days. Unfortunately when the train arrives he is dead, stabbed. In the enclosed First Class compartment there can only be six suspects. But what motive could any of them have. and how was he killed in plain sight. Inspector Greville asks that Captain Matthew Bryant and Kitty Underhay help in the investigation.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters especially the two main characters. Another good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Sherlock Holmes and the Explorers' Club by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1876 The strange case of a dead man accidental killed who had seven digits on one foot leads to a mystery of several dead ex-college men. Men who are all part of The Explorers' Club, and were part of a rowing team at the college. Sherlock Holmes decides to investigate, aided by Stamford.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable main characters. A good addition to the series.

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Jane and the Year Without a Summer by Stephanie Barron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1816. Jane feels unwell, and added to this the problems of her family, she intends to visit Cheltenham Spa for a rest. Accompanied by her sister Cassandra, they stay at an Inn which contain a number of people with their own concerns. But is there a murderer in the area. Jane decides to investigates.
A historical mystery, entertaining and well-written. With its cast of varied and likeable characters it is 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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Death of a Good Woman by J.F. Straker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After an argument between Eric Cawthorne and his wife Grace, he storms off. Later he presumes that she has gone to visit her sister. But the next day she is found dead and he becomes the obvious suspect. As Detective Pitt investigates so does Cawthorne's friend Sheila Loveday.
An entertaining mystery

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A Change of Fortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if instead of a fifth daughter being born to Mrs Bennet she gives birth to twin boys. How will this affect the future of the Bennets and all their friends and neighbours.
An interesting premise but where all the good people are good and all the bas quite wicked.
An entertaining variation and I did like the pairings.

(I read the new edition)

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The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Emersons, including their son Rameses, arrive at Mazghunah, a cemetery site. leaving behind the death of antiquities dealer, Abd el Atti. But death, danger and thievery follow them. They investigate in between their excavations.
An entertaining mystery thought I did find Rameses speech patterns annoying.




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Arguing With Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the house party at Netherfield continues. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet continue to argue with each other. Thankfully for them neither is looking for marriage, or are they.
A well-written and delightful story

(Sequel to With Quill and Ink.)

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A Deadly Vice by Jack Probyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The death of local businessman Zeke Harrison is investigated by DCI Payne and his team which include DC Jake Tanner, eager to impress his boss. But it becomes apparent that Harrison was not who he seemed.
An entertaining and well-written story


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Pride & Distance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, the Netherfield Ball is halted and the guests told to return home and stay in, as there is an epidemic. How will this change the lives of the Bennet daughters. And those in the neighbourhood.
An enjoyable story

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Tunny: An unstoppable killer. A copper obsessed. by Robin Roughley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A ten year old boy has disappeared but unfortunately his dead body is later discovered. Then another child is abducted. But what is the real motive.
D.I. John Tunny and the team investigate.
A well-plotted, and well-written crime story.

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Changeling Child: A Jane Austen Fantasy Variation by Natasja Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, not long after her birth, Mary Bennet is swopped for a changeling child. At the age of 19Netherfield Park has been let. Now she is not the only being that has been Fairy-touched. But not all are good. Can she survive to have a happy ending
A delightful and well-written variation.


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Lock Up Honesty by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1594 Thomas Clarady is now a barrister. His next step is to attain his livery from the Court of Wards. Unfortunately an Attorney of the Court of Wards has been poisoned, a Richard Strunk. The same man that Thomas recently threatened. Frances Bacon is asked to investigate the murder. Also friend and bored Lady Dorchester helps. Hoping to catch the guilty party before the Sheriff arrests Clarady.
An entertaining, well-plotted, and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likable and varied characters. A good addition to the series, which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Mary's Song: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Amanda Orneck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where at the Netherfield Ball Mary Bennet is determined to conquer her fear of that pianoforte. But observing a Mr. Thorne playing the piano she remarks on his mistake. What will be the result.
A delightful and well-written short story.

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Submitting to Change: Pride and Prejudice Variation- A Mary Bennett Story by CP Bridges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, with three sisters married and Kitty mainly away from home, what is life at Longbourn for Mary. Can she come to terms with her life or does she want a change. Can her family help her. Can she have her happy ending.
A delightful story.
(It does need proofreading)

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The Blood Covenant by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1823 Leeds. Simon Westow, thief taker, has retrieved items for local businessman Thomas Arden, but becomes concerned when the thief turns up murdered. Meanwhile he is investigating the death of local man Sebastian Ramsey, clerk in Seaton's mill. But what of the deaths of the young boys who worked at that mill. But soon there will be more deaths to solve. And why is someone trying to kill him. Events soon escalate.
An entertaining, well-plotted, and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A 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.

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Mr. Collins' Will: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann


In this Pride and Prejudice variation so confident is William Collins that Elizabeth Bennet will be his wife he makes out his will to her benefit. When he dies in a fire how will this change the future of the Bennets.
A well-written story but unfortunately I gave up when it was becoming obvious about Mary's future pairing, plus the Colonel's marriage.

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The Chapel in the Woods by Dolores Gordon-Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s - The new owners of Birchen Bower in Croxton Abbas, Mr Tom and Rosalind Jago, report to Constable Catton, that diamonds have been stolen by their ex-employee, Derek Martin, who has now disappeared with his wife Jean.
Superintendent Ashley of Lewes and Major Jack Haldean, Detective story writer, investigate. But soon a body is discovered, murdered seemingly by a jaguar. Has the curse of Birchen Bower been awoken.
An entertaining, well-plotted, and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A 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 Case of the Mysterious Madam by Elise M. Stone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1894 Whitby, Mass. aka Shipwreck Point
When the body of lighthouse man is discovered, killed the same night as a shipwreck. Evidence leads to an arrest Visiting lawyer Titus Strong takes on the case to prove the innocence of his client.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1862 London. Evelyn Maltravers, knows she has nothing to offer a rich well-connected husband but her horsemanship. Naively believing this will be enough to overcome her lack of accomplishments and her scandalous connections. So to marry well she must shine as a horse-rider while wearing haute couture.
To this end she visits tailor Ahmad Malik, half-Indian. The designer of riding habits for the infamous Pretty Horsebreakers of Rotten Row.
To suceed he needs a patron to launch his designs on society. But what is he prepared to do to obtain this end.
And what of the attraction between Evelyn and Ahmad, and all the obstacles they must face individually, and as a partnership.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian romance with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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