A Malignant Death by Charlie Garratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940 James Givens as a favour to his old boss Henry Dyer investigates the possible theft of important military blueprints from a factory, but when Dyer goes missing finding him takes priority.
An entertaining and well-written world war mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this series.

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The Lying Dutchman by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1685. King Charles II is dead and his brother James is now King. But Charles's son the Duke of Monmouth plans an invasion to take the throne. Stadhouder, William of Orange friend to the Duke but wants his plans to fail so that evenually his and his wife Mary, daughter of James become the next King and Queen. So he has a plan, and to this end he sends Master Mercury's to England. But plans rarely turn out as wanted.
Another entertaining and well-writtn historical mystery with its likeable main character. A good addition to this series which cn 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 Mystery of the Murderous Boots by T.E. Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1922 London. One of American Renie Brien's customers states that she thinks she may have killed her husband. When they arrive at her home the body has disappeared, or is she disillusional. Superintendent Mrs Sophia Stanley and Renie investigate, though there are a limited number of suspects.
Unfortunately Renie thinks too well of herself and this doesn't make her that likeable.
Overall an enjoyable mystery.

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Trapped by Laina Lee


A Pride and Prejudice prequel detailing how Mr and Mrs Bennet married. For me there were too many different points of view of the same situations and with the two main characters both so unlikeable I just lost interest in the story at the half way point.



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The Raven Song by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of 27 year old Scarlett Turnbull is discovered in her bedroom. Unfortunately her seven year old severely disabled daughter Maggie is missing. The team prioritise finding Maggie. But who would want to kill Scarlett after she had turned her life around to become a devoted single mother.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written mystery, with it likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this 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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The Vanishing Thief by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

431 A.D. Dumnonia. Tin ingots have been stolen from a store room in Bran Castle which can only opened by one of two keys. One held by the king, the other by Rudhek, leader of his warriors. Can pagan priestess, Morvoren, and Christian deacon, Uxio work together to solve the mystery of how the ingots were removed from the castle sight unseen and who is a murderer.
An entertaining historical mystery. Another good addition to this series with its interesting and likeable main characters.

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Probably Dead by Ed Church
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

South Africa 2017. Brook Deelman on a career break meets ex-policeman Mike Morley who is convinced that his missing daughter from thirty years ago is alive. Deelman agrees to review the case, and on returning to London starts his investigation.
Another entertaining and well-written mystery in this series with its likeable main character.

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Miss Marjoribanks by Mrs. Oliphant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At the age of 19 Lucilla Marjoribanks has returned home to run her father's home and deciding to start Thursday Evening at home to raise the social activities of the town . This is her story of her trials and tribulations, mixed in with her triumphs.
An enjoyable re-read.
Chronological the first in the series
Originally written in 1866

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Poison at Pemberton Hall: the first Vita Carew historical mystery by Fran Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1903. Vita Carew with her aunt Louise Brocklehurst are invited to Pemberton Hall of her Aunt's friends the Pembertons. Eventually there will be a death though very little investigation is done by Vita, and the guilty party of another incident seems obvious.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery, a fairly decent start to this new series.

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The List: A gripping police procedural set in Wales. by Graham H. Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.S. Jonah Greene has been removed from the CID and moved to the Coroner's Office. His first job is to catalogue the death of a homeless man, Patrick Kinsale. A friend if his soon gives Greene a list of seven names that was entrusted to him by Kinsale. Where will his private investigation lead him and can he obtain any help from his colleagues.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery. A good start to this new series with its likeable main character.

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The Odd Duck's Quest by Sempre libera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel, a Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park crossover, tells the story of Mary Bennet as she decides to take control of her life. Resulting in her becoming into her own, while able to become friends with Georgina Darcy, and Susan Price at Mansfield Park. There is also the story of Kitty and her attempts to marry.
A re-read (again and again) for me, and I found this a very enjoyable read again and liked the characters from Mansfield Park, and the new characters that were added.

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The Road to Murder: A Tudor espionage thriller packed full of intrigue by C.P. Giuliani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1581. Nineteen year old Thomas Walsingham, cousin to Sir Francis, is a courier between London and France. His latest assignment is as a messenger, and escorting glove-maker Simon Litcott to the French Court, but a murder occurs. With so many suspects and time running out, can Thomas solve the murders and find the guilty person.
An enjoyable, well-plotted and well-written Tudor mystery. With its varied and interesting characters, mostly likeable, it makes a good start to this new series.

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The King's Bishop: The Owen Archer Series - Book Four by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1367. Owen Archer's travels begin when a page is found dead at Windsor. Rumour indicates that the responsible party is Archer's friend and comrade, Ned Townley. But more deaths will follow. Can Archer found out why and by whom.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery, another good addition to this well-written series.

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Stolen Interviews: A Regency Romance Inspired By Jane Austen’s Sanditon by Alma Kelleher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Clara Brereton, 23, has spent four years as a guest and companion to Dowager Lady Denham, at Sanditon House. Unfortunately she is in love with Sir Edward Denham, as he is with her. But he is unhappily married, marrying for the much needed money to Mary Crawford.
I found Clara to be a bit foolish by constantly risking her reputation by meeting Denham. So can she have her happy ending.
Overall an entertaining story.

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Mr Darcy Came Riding...: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jackie Wellman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy is bored and decides to become a highwayman to give the spoils to his tenants to help them. Are his tenants so badly treated by him that he needs to rob people.
Not really for me as I obviously missed the humour in the story.

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The Man in the Shadows by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1881. After a series of divorce cases the World's End Bureau get two new cases. Firstly they are approached by the Reverend James Jellicote to find a missing Russian Jewish refugee fleeing with his family from the pogroms, who had recently arrived in London. A job for Lily Raynor. And that of a possible miscarriage of justice. Jared Spokewright believes his brother Abel, was wrongly hanged for the murder of Effie Quittenden in Kent during the last hop-picking season. With connections in the area Felix Wilbraham journeys to Crooked Green.
Another entertaining, well-plotted and well-written historical mystery. With its array of varied and likeable characters, especially the two main charcters, it is another good addition to this Victorian series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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The Secrets of Mabel Eastlake by Donald S. Olson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1939 two people are killed in the home of actress Mabel Eastlake. Who the same night was involved in a car accident, killing her passenger and severely injuring herself that from that night she became a recluse in her home the Glass House. Now in 1979 Alex Klein wants to write her story but he needs to get into the house. But what will he find and what secrets will he discover.
An interesting mystery though the main secret was not that difficult to discover.

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The Elizabeth Conspiracy by Jennifer Joy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins at Rosings Park. There is the offer, the refusal, and the letter. Then Anne de Bourgh invites Elizabeth to stay at Rosings but what are her motives and aim. Finally there is a death to be solved.
Slow-paced mystery, but an enjoyable and well-written variation with its romance and mystery.

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The Unquiet Spirit by Marguerite Steen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Brian, Lord Whittenham is invited for the weekend by old friend Arnold Lewes. Tension arrives from the various famiies, and the dynamics within the family. But also Arnold's obsession with a witch, hanged in 1765, her body disappearing, and what of the disposal of her child. Is there a supernatural element in their lives or is it mental anguish.
An entertaining read.

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Maria Bertram's Daughter: A Mansfield Park Sequel by Lucy Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Mansfield Park sequel Dorothea Henrietta Rose is the unwanted child of Maria Bertram and Henry Crawford. But she is unrecognised by all tbe Bertrams and associated families. But at first unknown to Henry Crawford. So what has life in store for her - a life of a governess? Or is there more.
An entertaining and well-written sequel with its cast of varied characters and mainly likeable ones.

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Tempted: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nicole Clarkston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This pride and Prejudice variation is set in 1900 Wyoming. Due to her actions Elizabeth Bennet has to leave her home, and travel to England to learn news of her husband, Colonel Fitzwilliam. An honourable man who married Elizabeth to save her. What will she find when she arrives with Jane and Collins.
Had to read the epilogue first to see if I was tempted to read the story as I really dislike a Elizabeth and Colonel pairing. Would have preferred more of the Colonel's story but overall an enjoyable variation.

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Mysterious Lover by Mary Lancaster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1851 London. Lady Grizelda Niven on accompanying her family to the theatre spies her maid, Nancy Barrow leaving the theatre. Curious she follows her out, only minutes later to discover her dead. Shortly after Hungarian Dragan Tizsa arrives on tbe scene. Together they investigate as it seems Tizsa is the main suspect.
An enjoyable Victorian mystery with its touch of romance. A good start to this series.

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The Perpetual Curate by Mrs. Oliphant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Perpetual Curate of the church of St Roque's in Carlingford is Frank Wentworth. A position that is too poorly paid to pay court to Lucy Wodehouse. But events brings him trials and tribulations, including those from his family. Can he overcome all these and save his reputation and achieve peace.
An enjoyable re-read of this Victorian story.

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The Forgotten Man by Schizophren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here we have the Forgotten Sister but from Henry's point of view, so obviously there is some overlap of conversations. But still an interesting tale of the instant attraction of Henry to Mary Bennet and his desire to be married to someone who cares for him, and not his title and wealth.
A re-read of this story, again, which I enjoyed again. The story of how Mary became appreciated by a worthwhile gentleman.

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Lying Under Water by Wendy M. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1880 Torrential rain has seen floodwaters rising, resulting in the Hardy family marooned with two other families. But one of them is a murderer as a body is soon discovered. Can Hardy determine the murderer before they may kill again.
An entertaining historical mystery, another good addition to this New Zealand series.

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

1934. A invitation to the local golf club for Kitty Underhay and Captain Matthew Bryant results in Kitty discovering the body of their host. But not a likeable man, but to murder him. Inspector Greville investigates with the help of Matthew and Kitty.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery in this series. With its cast of likable and varied characters, especially the two delightful main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Forgotten Sister by Schizophren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice sequel is a delightful story of Mary Bennet as she visits Pemberley to stay with the Darcys. Can she ever find happiness, is there someone who doesn't see her as the 'plain' sister. Some new characters as you would expect. A short novel/long novella.
A re-read, again, of an enjoyable Mary Bennet story.

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An Eye for an Eye by Carol Wyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Kate Young has been on extended leave due to a traumatic event in her life. But now she is needed back to investigate the death of businessman Alex Corby. A man who seems to have been tortured. But why and by whom. But soon there will be another death.
An entertaining and well-written mystery though I did determine the killer before Kate.
A good start to a new series.

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Front Page News by Sadie Gordon Richmond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DCI Lawrence Forrester and DS Rebecca Palmer lead the investigation into the death of nineteen year old model, Zoe Mitchell.
An entertaining mystery but I didn't care for the ending



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The Case of the Christmas Angel by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1932 London, Jack and Frances are on their honeymoon. So when some risqué photographs are discovered of Alice Sweet, friend Sal Bernardo investigates.
An enjoyable little mystery

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A Dark and Painful Mystery by Wendy M. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1878 Frank Hardy is engaged to discover the whereabouts, if alive, of missing Peter Kane. Travelling for over a year and last heard of four months previously. He was seen lastly in Woodville at the same time as the murder of George Ollandt. Is there a connection.
An entertaining mystery

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A Quite Deadly Affair by Anthony Slayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr Quayle, Principal Private Secretary to Sir Edmund Ferrier M.P. finds the body of Mrs Susan Pulver, in Ferrier's study, stabbed. D.I. Inspector Harcourt investigates. But both Quayle and Ferrier are the main suspects concerning missing classified documents and therefore treason. Can Quayle clear his name and find the murderer.
A prequel to "A Most Efficient Murder".
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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Salem Chapel by Mrs. Oliphant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The previous minister Mr Tufton has retired and the dissenting Salem Chapel is looking for a new minister. This is the story of Arthur Vincent, his family, associates and the people of the Chapel.
An enjoyable re-read.

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The Seventh Link by Margaret Mayhew
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Colonel is invited by friends the Cheethams to spend a weekend at their b&b in Lincolnshire. Other guests include a WWII bomber crew as part of the reunion celebrations to honour these men.
Although it was an entertaining read I did not like the solution of the murder, so only three stars

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A Willful Grievance by Lisa Zumpano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919-1920. Two deaths have already occurred, and there are three still left on his list. One is Rumple, butler to Harry Green of Tynesmore. Crime reporter and friend Lillie Mead decides to help the investigation of Superintendent Felix Petters. Between them can they prevent more deaths, and not just those on the list.
An entertaining well-written mystery with its mainly likeable main characters- though I am not too sure I care for Lillie's character which is a problem. A good addition to the series.




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Dry Bones by Margaret Mayhew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A letter from his wife Laura's old friend sees the Colonel visiting Cornelia Heathcote in King's Mowbray. As builders have found a skeleton in her barn and she needs his help as her husband in away on business. Can he determine the guilty party.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery

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From Highbury with Love by Corrie Garrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Austen variation, after the Netherfield Ball Jane has gone to the Gardiners, and Elizabeth Bennet has gone to stay with cousins Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax in Highbury. Soon to arrive there are Knightley's friend Darcy, and also Frank Churchill. How will matters resolve themselves. As Emma interferes from boredom, while Darcy acts out of arrogance and pride. How will staying with the poor Miss Bates affect Elizabeth's view on marriage.
An entertaining and well-written variation with its likeable and varied characters.

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The Scandalous Lady Sandford by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having been ruined two years ago the ton have not forgiven her, but Lady Lillian Sandford, has a protective brother - Ross, Marquess of Trevane. Fabian Darcy, Lord Ravenscroft believes Trevane is responsible for the disappearance or death of his sister. How will he get his revenge
An entertaining Regency story, a romance with a hint of mystery with mature content

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Mary Bennet's Chance by Virginia Aitken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, three years have passed. Mr and Mrs Bennet with Mary visit Mr Bennet's younger sister and her family in Cambridgeshire. How will Mary's life proceed after she has met Charles Treymayne and Fitzroy Sinclair.
I enjoyed re-reading, again, this well-written story of Mary Bennet and how her life changes.

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Death on a Deadline by Joyce St. Anthony
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1942. It is time for the County Fair at Progress which is hosting a War Bond Drive. Unfortunately for Irene Ingram, Reporter and Editor-in-chief of the Herald, she discovers a body of one of the actors from the Drive. She assists Police Chief Walter Turner with her own inquiries. Can either discover the motive, and so the killer before any one else is killed.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. It is a 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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A Certain Something: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet has the ability to detect lies. So how will this effect, if it does, the events at the Meryton Assembly, and the future interactions with the various characters.
An entertaining story

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Death at the Manor by Katharine Schellman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lily Adler arrives with her friends the Carroways to stay at her Aunt Eliza Pierce's home. On finding that a nearby house is been haunted they visit with various expectations. Only to discover that the mistress, Mrs Wright has died, in her locked bedroom. On seeing the body, Lily and her friend Ofelia Carroway are suspicious and so decide to investigate.
A somewhat slow paced but well-written cozy mystery set in the Regency era. There are enough likeable characters in the story to make it an entertaining read.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Murder at Beacon Rock by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1900 After a dinner party hosted by the Morgans at their home of Beacon Rock reporter Emma Cross discovers a body of a female. But why and by whom was she killed, unfortunately the suspect pool was very small. With the help of her fiance Derrick Andrews she investigates. But soon there will be another death.
Overall an entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its array of likeable and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Three Silent Things by Margaret Mayhew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Colonel is out collecting for a charity which includes visiting the newly converted flat housing aging actress Lois Deleney. He finds her dead, an apparent suicide which is confirmed by the inquest but he is not convinced. So he decides to start asking questions.
An entertaining cozy mystery. A good addition to the series.

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Old Soldiers Never Die by Margaret Mayhew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Colonel has finally retired to a cottage in Dorset. All goes well until Lady Ursula Swynford is discovered dead in her bed. While she was generally disliked, was that enough to get her killed. But by whom or why was she killed. The Colonel being curious starts to ask questions,
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery, a good start to the series with its likeable and varied characters/
Originally published in 1999

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Mycroft Holmes by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1870 Cyrus Douglas, friend to a young Mycroft Holmes has received worrying reports from his home of Trinidad. Also the home of Holmes fiancee Georgiana Sutton. What will they find when Holmes and Douglas travel to te Island.h
An entertaining Mycroft mystery

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Brighton Rescue: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet discovers Lydia's letters to Kitty detailing her relationship with Wickham. As usual Bennet is totally useless and it is the Gardiners on being told that decide to travel to Brighton. After Gardiner discusses the situation with Darcy. Who will have a happy ending, who will be changed.
An entertaining story with some likeable new characters.

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A Jar of Thursday by Liz Hedgecock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jack Hargreaves has a new job, working for Mr Molloy. Unfortunately Fingers Molloy is a time travelling burglar, stealing jewel to order, and now he is stealing precious metals.
An entertaining mystery

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The Rescue of Elizabeth Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Bella Breen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what would happen to the Bennet ladies when Mr Bennet dies after the Netherfield Ball and Mr Collins has arrived.
An entertaining story

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A Letter Most Curious by May Bridges
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1925. In this prequel twenty-three year old Florence Winters is concerned. What is in the letter, sent by whom that seems to have affected her parents.
Enjoyable short story


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