The River Runs Deep: A Yorkshire Coast Crime Thriller by Mark Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gina Foster's body is discovered floating down the Rjver Esk. Is it an accident or murder. But why would any one want to kill a farmer's wife. Can DCI Michael Brady and DS Frankie Thomson discover the truth.
An interesting and well-written mystery

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Mr Darcy's Honeymoon: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Jackie Wellman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel the Darcys are travelling through Europeon their honeymoon. Meanwhile that leaves two unmarried daughters at Longbourn. But Kitty soon becomes interested in a flautist - Sinclair Clarey, and Wickham devises a scheme with Alfred Catt to enable him to obtain his inheritance from his scrap metal baron of an uncle.
Once again Mary is wrongly stated to be wearing glasses.
I managed to finished the story

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Beyond Watson: A Sherlock Holmes Anthology of Stories Not Told by Dr. John H. Watson by Derrick Belanger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

12 Holmes stories narrated by other than Dr Watson
1 Mrs Hudson's Lodger - Her first meeting with Holmes in 1877
2 The Tarleton Affair - 1878 Josiah Wakeley, solicitor, wishes to prevent a crime
3 The Mortal Condition - Lestrade while waiting for a criminal reflects on Holmes and Watson
4 Some Notes Upon the Mztter of John Douglas - Sebastian Moran in prison in 1894 reflects upon the past and Ted Baldwin's association with the Professor
5 The Curse of Cairgannham - Reporter Larkin Cobb and the masked man
6 The Tiger's Master - Violet Thane, née Hunter, involves Holmes in the problem of the Joneses
7 Kidnapped - ex-mudlark Rusty Russell has gone missing, feared kidnapped, but why.
8 The Adventure of the White Cedar Hotel - Holmes is approached by servant, Percival Tremayne because he is concerned about the events at the hotel and the owner.
9 An Adventure in the Midday Sun - 14 year old Raymond Chandler is working as a pageboy for Holmes and helps in the retrieval of diamonds.
10 A Lesson in Mercy - Winston Churchill looks back to his 14 year old self at Harrow where he is accused of theft. Enter Holmes.
11 The Lost Equation - Why did not Steve Addington's equation of relativity appear in public before Einstein's publication.
12 Yes, Virginia, There is a Sherlock Holmes - Bert Proven her intends to prove that Holmes really does exist to a young Virginia, reader of the Holmes stories.
An entertaining and well-written set of Holmes short stories

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An Unfortunate End by Lisa Zumpano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919 Oxfordshire Edgar Swindon, son of deceased Lady Eleanor Swindon asks his friend Harry Green to investigate her death. But Harry believes the best person to report would be Lillie Mead, but will she come back to Britain, having left after the death of her love.
An entertaining historical mystery. a good start to a new series, only marred by the Americisms in a story based in England




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A Winter Wrong by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decided to re-read the 6 Seasons of Serendipity novellas which are a Pride and Prejudice variation plus the accompanying two novellas

In this first volume an epidemic sweeps through Hertfordshire while Jane and Elizabeth are staying at Netherfield bringing unwanted consequences to the lives of the Bennet family.
Enjoyed reading a variation which is not totally about Elizabeth and Darcy, but includes all the Bennet daughters, and we still have Wickham, Caroline, and Lady Catherine.
So an enjoyable read and 5 stars, because this is the third read for this volume.

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Anniversary February by Diana Birchall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eight short stories of the wedding anniversaries about various characters from Jane Austen's books.
Mostly enjoyable storie

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Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1932. An old flame of Drew Fathering , Mrs Fleur Landis appears, wanting Drew's help. Actor Ravenswood is dead and she believes that the police think her guilty. She wants his help to prove her innocence.
An enjoyable cozy mystery but the touch of religion is not for me

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The Bedroom Window Murder: A 1940s 'Country House' Mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949 Brigadier Sir Francis Sherwood has been shot while standing at his bedroom window. DCI Bryce and DS Haig are sent from Scotland Yard. As Sherwood was popular and well liked they are unable to determine the motive. How will they determine the killer.
An enjoyable mystery story

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The Adventure of the Purloined Portrait by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Holmes family, which includes a fourteen year old Sherlock, are off for the summer to Paris. What in Mrs Holmes past has made her fretful, what secrets are there for Sherlock to discover. But soon a old friend is killed.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story, with its cast of likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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HUNTED: A DI Harry Briscombe Detective Mystery Novella by Carolyn Mahony
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brimscombe has been invited by his friend Max Templeton to his Wilderness Camp in Tanzania. But the holiday does not go as planned when one of his trackers goes missing.
An entertaining story

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Look Down: A Jonboy File in the Brook Deelman Series by Ed Church
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 2004 a Royal Military police officer Corporal 'Jonboy' Davies is sent to Kosovo to determine the amount of unrest. But he believes that something is wrong.
An interesting well-written story.

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Murder by Magic by Bruce Beckham


At the two thirds point I just got bored with the story and characters

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A Treacherous Trade by Kerrigan Byrne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Postmortem sanitation specialist, Fiona Mahoney, is still searching for Jack the Ripper. But now she has been asked to investigate the death of two more prostitutes. Much against the advise of Inspector Grayson Croft. Danger is all around, not just from the killer but the possible men in her life.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, it was well-written, with its varied and likeable characters. But there are references to Book One and it's events which is unfortunate as it might have been useful to have read that first.
But overall an entertaining mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Bishop of Barchester is dying but who will take power, it will all depend on what day he dies and who in the Government is in power. Unforunately for the clerics of Barchester it is Dr Proudie with his scheming wife and Chaplain Obadiah Slope. How will all their lives be affected.
An entertaining story, a re-read.


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Letters From Mary Bennet: A Discreet Adventure by Amaritta Beane
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, its seems that Mary Bennet is in constant correspondence with her sister Lydia Wickham. One such letter describes Mary's encounter with Lady Sarah.
Not for me and thankfully short (mature content)

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Letters From Lydia Bennett 1: A Saucy Gamble by Amaritta Beane
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, It would seems that that Wickhams have found a solution to their money problems as Lydia explains to Mrs Darcy in a letter.
Not for me and thankfully short

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Poison at the Village Show by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1947. Martha Miller, 33, lives in the village of Westleham in Hampshire. Looked on with suspicion by many of the inhabitants as her husband disappeared a year ago. So no surprise when a death occurs the finger is pointed at her. Even though Detective Inspector Ben Robertson investigates she feels the need to find the killer to clear her name.
An entertaining cozy mystery, well-written with its varied and engaging 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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Better The Devil You Know by James Whitworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whitby 2014. After DCI Frank Miller had spent the evening with Samantha Thompson her body is discovered in the graveyard of Curlew Chapel. But soon another body is found, desiccated, that of a missing girl since 2010. Is there a connection.
An entertaining mystery

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The South Bank Murders by Biba Pearce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Rob Miller is called out to a crime scene. The shooting of three males, unfortunately one is that of an old friend. Miller and his team are determined to investigate the case but who would want him dead. But soon the case gets complicated .
An interesting and well-written modern crime story. Another good addition to this series with its cast of varied and likeable characters. Which can easily 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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Murder at the Spring Ball: A 1920s Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1925 Lord Edgington (ex-detective superintendent) of Cranley Hall decides to hold a spring ball to celebrate his seventy-fifth birthday. But the celebration is ruined by a death. But this will not be the last. Although the police are called in he decides to investigate with the help of his grandson Christopher.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its likeable characters.

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Who's Calling? by Helen McCloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Someone is trying to frighten nightclub singer, Frieda Frey, from travelling to Willow Spring, to meet her future mother-in-law, Eve Cranford. When she arrives strange events start happening. Who or what is causing this and why. Her fiance Archie Cranford asks Dr Basil Willings for help.
An entertaining mystery with some 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.
Originally published in 1942

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Of What You Hear: A David and Trait Mystery by Shane Chastain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chicago. Habitual liar Joe Durkin is being shot at, but he makes it to The David and Trait Detective Agency. But how can they help when he never seems to tell the truth. But the body of Moose Traynor, gangster, has been discovered. What is the connection.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to the series.

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The Warden by Anthony Trollope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr. Harding, a clergyman, a warden for the establishment of poor man is seemingly overpaid for his position. Young doctor John Bold turns his interest to this case and involves a newspaper reporter. Will anyone come out of the investigaton with their integrity intact.
An entertaining re-read.

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Death on a Silver Tray by Rosemary Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1805. George 'Beau' Brummell is asked by Frederica Duchess of York to investigate the death of the Countess of Wrayburn. As she suspects Lavender, a Bow Street Investigator will arrest the wrong person.
Why he is asked is not explained as he is shown to be nothing more than a fashion clothes horse.
Still an entertaining cozy mystery.

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Pray for Mercy by D.K. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Agnes Wagner is discovered dead, brutally stabbed. Why would any one harm a defenseless old lady. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team investigate. Then another old lady is killed. But the team still have no motive. When will the killing stop.
Another entertaining and well-written mystery. A good addition to the series with its varied and likeable characters.
I have read all the books in the series but this is the first time I got an inkling of the guilty party so early on.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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That's What Makes It Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Iris Lim


A Pride and Prejudice variation where at about 39% a Charlotte and Colonel pairing came about. Tha's when I lost interest

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Violet and the Bow Street Runner by Emily Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Violet Garland, at 25 is still looking for adventure. On one if her nighttime travels she starts to follow a Bow Street Runner, Periander Wintersmith. Soon she has wrangled herself into his investigation of thefts of clocks from Lord Abbishaw. A case where secrets will be revealed.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, and romance (mature content) with a touch of the paranormal. An enjoyable read with its likeable and varied characters. A good addition to the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Death by the Book by Julianna Deering
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1932 Village of Farthering St.John. Drew Fathering is drawn into a new case when the family solicitor, Quinton Colman Montford, is discovered dead, a note attached to his body with a hatpin. But he is not the last. Chief Inspector Birdsong tolerants Drews' involvement.
An entertining mystery though I would have preferred the story without the romance and the Madeline character.

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Letter From The Dead by Jack Gatland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. Declan Walsh is recruited by old collegue of his father, DCI Alexander Monroe to join his team investigating cold cases, nicknamed 'The Last Chance Saloon'. It seems new evidence may have appeared in the 2000 New Years Eve killing of Victoria Davies. Has the wrong person been convicted. It now seems that they have several suspects to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable characters. A good start to the series.

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The Poisoned Peer by Emily Organ
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Private investigators Mrs Annabel Churchill and Miss Doris Pemberley of Compton Poppleford, are asked by friend Tryphena Ridley-Balls to investigate the death of her 99 year old father. Local Inspector Mappin leads the official enquiry into the death.
Still didn't take to the main characters or the sense of humour in the story.

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Jane and the Year Without a Summer by Stephanie Barron

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.

A Deadly Dividend by David Pearson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dublin. When a young banker is stabbed to death D.I. Aiden Burke and D.S. Fiona Moore investigate. But then his girlfriend Emma Rowe is attacked. What could be the possible motive.
An entertaining mystery.

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Long Shadows by Joanna Cannan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Who killed popular novelist Dawn Meadowes and why.
Unfortunately the policeman - Superintendent Price was an insufferable bore, Sergeant Frobisher was useless. And the style of writing did not appeal.
Though I did manage to finish the book.
Originally published in 1955

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Dark is the Grave by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scotland. The Peek-a-Boo killer is dead, having blown himself up and seriously injuring DCI Duncan Bone in the process. But now there seem to be a copycat and Bone is called back to duty and lead his team before another murder occurs.
An entertaining and well-written mystery. A good start to the series.

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What Hides Beneath by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the hot summer progresses the water level in the Auchinbary quarry lowers enough to expose a car. A car with a body in it, that of Paul Conlan. DCI Bone and his team investigate, revealing three suspects. But which one is guilty.
An entertaining and well-written mystery

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Tricks of the Trade by Euan B. Pollock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A client of firm SSM, Edinburgh based lawyers, has died, a suicide according to the police. If it was a suicide the estate goes to charity. The family obviously disagree. First year trainee Stewart Scott is sent with ex-detective Sebastian Dakar to investigate.
An entertaining mystery

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Liquidate the Profits by Jack Gatland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After DI Declan Walsh punches a priest in full view of cameras he is used by DCI Ford to help solve a murder. That of Bernard Lau, a Chinese student dealing with cybercurrency.
An entertaining story

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Midnight Lies by Chris Collett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Tom Mariner is called out to a car crash, the driver is dead but a concealed body was discovered in the car. Following an incident with an alleged criminal he is also under investigation by the IOPC. Meanwhile a forty year old cold case in Norfolk has retrieved his statement, and so he decides to spend a few days helping DCI Ginny Reid. But will either of the cases be solved.
An entertaining and well-written mystery. Another good addition to this 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 Hollows by C.L. Monaghan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1860 D.I. Arthur Gredge is investigating the death of Miss Emeline Rowbotham with the help of Midnight Gunn. A man with special powers. But this is not the first death, but what of a motive.
An entertaining Gothic, supernatural mystery.



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The Postmaster's Daughter by Louis Tracy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Steynholme Village. Actress Adelaide Melhuish is found murdered at the bottom of the garden at the home, 'The Hollies' belonging to author John Menzies Grant. Suspicion quickly falls on him, especially when it is discovered that he had a prior relationship with this married lady. Detectives Fueneaux and Winter investigate.
Entertaining story
Originally published in 1916

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A Poisoning In Piccadilly by Lynda Wilcox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Years Eve 1923. At a party organised by Lady Ann Carstairs and attended by Lady Eleanor Bakewell, at the Rudolph Hotel, a death occurs. A poisoning. Ann asks Eleanor to investigate because she thinks that Chief Inspector Blount believes her guilty.
An entertaining cozy mystery with some likeable characters. A good start to the series.

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Fierce Poison by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1893. Early in the morning newly elected M.P. for Shoreditch, Roland Fitzhugh arrived at the offices of Barker and Llewelyn. After asking for help he promply dies. Barker feels obliged to investigate his death. But what could be the motive and by whom. But soon there are other deaths linked to his.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written historical mystery. With its two likeable 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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Bliss Uncovered by Tony J. Forder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this prequel to the series it is 1991 and DC Jimmy Bliss is new to the Detective job. He has been assigned to an undercover operation, but will it go as planned.
An entertaining and well-written mystery

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Impression by Ray Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While DI Karen Goodman is investigating the disappearance of 5 year old Chloe Summerby, DI Stewart Gardener, DS Sean Reilly, and the team are investigating the death of Nicola Stapleton. But more bodies will soon appear. Vincent Baines, self styled p.i. believes he knows who is behind the killings.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable main characters.

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Mystery at the Derby by Ann Sutton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1921 When the Earl of Trent's horse, Arabian Knight, fails to win its latest race, owner's daughter Dodo Dorchester decides to investigate.
A cosy mystery

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Death of a Schoolgirl: Book #1 in the Jane Eyre Chronicles by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yorkshire 1920 In this sequel to Jane Eyre, Jane Rochester receives a letter from their ward Adele Varens, who is away at school, asking for help. Circumstances lead Jane to stay at the school as a teacher while she discovers who killed pupil Selina Biltmore and why.
An enjoyable cozy mystery.

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The Red Triangle Being Some Further Chronicles of Martin Hewitt, Investigator by Arthur Morrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Six stories which seem to be connected
1. The Affair of Samuel's Diamonds. When believes £15000 worth of his diamonds have been stolen he contacts Martin Hewitt for help. But it results in a death by tourniquet and a red triangle on the forehead of the dead body.
2. The Case of Mr Jacob Mason. Rev James Potswood is concerned about one of his parishioners, Jacob Mason, and requires Hewitt's help. Again the result is the same.
3. The Case of the Lever Key. The coincidence of the discovery of a key containing a cypher, and the theft of £25,000 worth of bonds.
4. The Case of the Burnet Barn. Claire Peytral requests the help of Hewitt as her father has been killed and friend Percy Bowmore arrested. But is there a connection with the Red Triangle.
5. The Case of the Admiralty Code. The Admiralty telegraphic code has been stolen. The main suspect to the previous three murders was seen leaving the appropriate office.
6. The Adventure of Channel Marsh. Can the guilty an be finally caught and the solution to the red triangle and his power solved.
An enjoyable set of mysteries.
Originally written in 1903.

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Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation by Alice McVeigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Emma variation where seventeen year old Harriet Smith is a boarder at Mrs Goddard's school. She is clever and accomplished, but to succeed in her aim of marrying a gentleman and leaving Highbury, she must pretend to be someone else. Assessing the character of Emma Woodhouse she knows that she must act submissive and unintelligent to win her friendship, and therefore her ambition.
Meanwhile Jane Fairfax is living with the Campbells, and observes the events surrounding her especially that of the courtship and marriage of her friend Caroline Campbell to a Mr Dixon. But soon her life changes.
An entertaining, delightful, and well-written variation. With its cast of very likeable and interesting characters. A wonderful take on Emma.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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