Low Treason by Leonard Tourney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Late Tudor England. Thomas Ingram brother to their daughters husband has gone missing. So Matthew Stock decides to travel to London to find answers. But life becomes complicated when he gets entangled with criminals.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters.

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Lizzy Fitzwilliam, A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lizzy Fitzwilliam, granddaughter of the current Earl of Matlock, is crippled in an accident that kills her sister Jane, and her parents. Consequently she spends her time at Pemberley with her relations, the Darcys.
Some of the characters are OOC but it was an enjoyable story

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Darcy's Awakening: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Bennet is in mourning, and Darcy is unofficially engaged to Caroline Bingley when they meet at the Meryton Assembly. So how can they ever reach a happy ending.
Hopefully one day I will read this author's story of the Colonel and Mary and as a main story and not just as a background mention in some of her books.
An enjoyable, well-written story. Another re-read.

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Fountains and Secrets by Lisa E. Betz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rome in the time of Emperor Claudius.
Jonas, friend and mentor to Avitus has gone missing, presumed dead. So starts his investigation with the help of his wife Livia. Though the clues lead them to danger can it bring a new understanding to their marriage
An entertaining historical mystery

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Murder by the Book by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. A Lesson in Crime by G.D.H. Cole and M. Cole (1953
Crime writer Joseph Newton is killed while travelling on the Cornish Riviera express. Who and why was this simple murder committed.
2. Trent and the Ministering Angel by E.C. Bentley (1938)
A client of solicitor Arthur Selby has died. But he states his suspicions about the will to Philip Trent.
3. A Slice of Bad Luck by Nicolas Blake (1939)
A group of people called the Assassins - Crime writers, judges, etc attend a dinner party when one of them is murdered.
4. The Strange Case of the Megatherium Thefts by S.C. Roberts (1945)
Who is stealing the books from the Club and why.
5. Malice Domestic by Philip MacDonald (1946)
Is someone trying to kill Crime writer Carl Borden.
6. A Savage Game by A.A. Milne (1950)
Chief Constable Saxe gives writer Mr Colby details about the latest murder to see if he can solve the case.
7. The Clue in the Book by Julian Symons (1952)
Who dies kill invalid Silas Brinn. This was just too obvious.
8. The Manuscript by Gladys Mitchell (1953)
Why was a manuscript burnt and a female convict killed. Not that interesting.
9. A Man and his Mother-in-law by Roy Vickers (1953)
How did Arthur Penfold end up as a murderer
10. Grey's Ghost by Michael Innes (1956)
A conversation overheard - Grey's ghost was black - is finally explained
11. Dear Mr. Editor by Christianna Brand (1958)
In response to a request for a story the author sends a document to an editor - Detailing attempts at killing Helen
12. Murder in Advance by Marjorie Bremner (1958)
Why was likeable playwright Lewis Maynard murdered wonders Inspector Dacre to his friend Dr Allerton
13. A Question of Character by Victor canning (1960)
Geoffrey Gilroy has decided to murder his wife, a more successful and famous novalist.
14. The Book of Honour by John Creasy (1965)
Why does Barurao's son hate him.
15. We Know You're Busy Writing.... by Edmund Crispin (1969)
What is a stay at home writer to do when he keeps getting interrupted while writing.
16. Chapter and Verse by Ngaio Marsh (1973).
Book man Timothy Bates has a mystery for Superintendent Alleyn concerning entries in an old bible he has discovered.

A collection of short stories all with a connection to books, for example crime writers.
There were only a couple of stories that I was not impressed with as far as they were not that entertaining. But overall the collection is an enjoyable set of mystery short stories, well-written and in the confines of shortness, well-plotted, with its collection of interesting and somewhat likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Holmes Picks a Winner by Charles Veley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 It is nearly time for the Ascot races but a plot is afoot to disrupt the event by The Syndicate. Can Holmes and his team find the guilty party and prevent mayhem.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Light in Mr. Darcy's Eyes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Georgina Young-Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, does Darcy have a rival for the hand of Elizabeth Bennet in Wickham. How can he afford to marry. Soon after Charlotte's marriage to Mr. Collins, Elizabeth and Mary venture to Hunsford to find their futures.
An enjoyable re-read, but it was a pity that the opportuniy was dismissed to portray, in detail, the second romance in this story. That I would have loved to read about. Which is the only reason I re-read the story.

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All Hallow's Eve by Wendi Sotis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice variation, on Halloween, the ritual of Sanun is performed by the High Priestess of Sanum to allow the dead to connect with the living, but just for one night. But back in the past one evil spirit escaped returning, the Olc, and now seeks the Priestness. It has finally found the right body to inhabit.
In Regency England the High Priestess is Elizabeth Bennet, and she must be protected. But who is her soul mate, who really are the Bennets. Darcy, Bingley and the Fitzwilliam brothers are recruited by Mr Bennet.
An entertaining re-read of this story.

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Villette by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miss Lucy Stowe story begins in her God-mother's home, Bretton of Bretton. But later she travels to France and finally artives at Villette where thankfully she becomes employed as a teacher.
An interestig re-read

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The Bridge to Pemberley School by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, with the threat of marriage to Mr Collins, without the protection of her useless father, Elizabeth Bennet flees Longbourn and arrives with the help of the Gardiners at Lambton where she is employed as a teacher on the Pemberley estate. So a quick start to the romance of Darcy and Elizabeth. We have high drama, a wicked Wickham, illnesses, possibly madness, bodily attacks and of course a foolish Lydia.
Entertaining story

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Sherlock Holmes and the Longacre Vampire by Val Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1899 Sir Henry Irving is putting on the play Dracula at his theatre, the Lyceum. But soon bodies are discovered nearby seemingly with wounds on their necks and drained of blood. Irving asks Holmes for his help.
An entertaining mystery

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Betrayal by Hannah Howe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kenrig, 1944. Ann Morgan discovers her employer, private investigator Trevor Bowman, dead. He has been shot and D.I. Max Deveraux is given the case but Ann decides to investigate herself.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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Loveda Brown: Summer Storm: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book Four by Jolie Tunnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1912. John Wyman's empty home has been ransacked and blood found inside. Then a body is discovered hanged in Idyllwild. But this is just the start of the troubles.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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Guarded Ground: A Becky & Flynn WWI Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Western Front, 1915. Dr Becky Kelly and Major Flynn, who is recovering from his wounds, are confronted by a disguised Sherlock Holmes. He needs their help to catch a German Spy.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. A good start to a new series.

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Storm Clouds of Love by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where after being given the letter at Rosings Elizabeth is caught and hurt in a day long storm. Only to decide she was wrong about Darcy. Soon more of the Bennets arrive to stay at Rosings. Will there be happy endings for everyone.
An enjoyable re-read.

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Terror Tower by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Over the last two years four Scotland Yard detectives have gone missing. One evening dramatist Trevor Lowe gets a telephone call which results with him and his secretary travelling towards Stonehurst for a meeting at 1.00 a.m.. Instead they find a body. On staying in Stonehurst to investigate more deaths occur. But why.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1935

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Death in a Stately Home by Sara Rosett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kate Sharp is coerced to fill in the role of researcher at Parkview Hall at a Regency themed house party home of Lady Beatrice and Sir Harold Stone. She is also asked by Beatrice to help find which member of staff is posting the equivalent of poisoned pen letters online. Then a murder happens.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Fifth Column by James García Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930s Spain. Ex-detective Paco Ruiz, Constable Felipe Fernández and translator Cindy Walker are ordered to San Antonio de la Jarre to determine the killer of Sam Johnson. Johnson was a member of the Araham Lincoln Battalion of the International Brigade, fighting on the side of the communists.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery.

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Governing His Heart by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice Variation Bennet has died and now Elizabeth is being interviewed by Gerald Darcy for the position of governess to Georgiana Darcy., and is judged to be perfect for the role! Meanwhile Fitzwilliam Darcy is on his Grand Tour. Soon the elder Darcy is dead and Wickham and Caroline do their best to cause havoc.
Would have loved to have more about the Colonel and Mary Bennet in the story.
An enjoyable re-read

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Happy Was the Day: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice story Bingley and Darcy have arrived back at Netherfield (after Elizabeth's visit to Hunsford). How will the engagement of both sisters play out.
An enjoyable story

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The Tango School Mystery: A Crampton of the Chronicle adventure by Peter Bartram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1964 Brighton. A dinner date with girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith, goes wrong when Colin Crampton, notices blood dripping onto their table. In the flat above he discovers a body. What is the motive. Then he is instructed by his news editor to find missing Gervase Pole, brother to their Editor-in-chief.
An entertaining mystery.

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Every Form of Malice: A Short Story by S.H. Livernois
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Why has Gideon Aloways returned at the funeral of Henry Whitelock. What is the relationship between Amity Whitelock, her sister Theo, and Gideon.
An enjoyable mystery though some of it was too obvious.

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The Frightened Man by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Samuel Coyne needs the help of ex-policeman Paul Rivington as there have been several attempts on his life. But he can think of no reason. Instead Rivington sends his brother Bob to stay at Coyne's home. Then a body of a man is found, with his head shaved, but why.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1937

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ellen Dean, housekeeper to the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, Mr Lockwood, narrates the history of Catherine and Hindley Earnshaw, and Heathcliff. Of their family conflicts and interactions which will carry on to the next generation. Will any one have peace.
A interesting re-read, not for me of a great romantic story but of in the main truly awful people.

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Galahad's Castle: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1900. Preston of the Pinkerton agency wants Holmes to discover if Roderick, Earl of Tottenham aka Sir Galahad Trent is using stolen U.S. Treasury bonds to fund the restoration of his castle. Trents's father-in-law also approaches Holmes as he is convinced that Trent is about to kill his daughter so that he can marry another million dollar dowry. But soon Galahad's banker is discovered dead. But what could be the motive for this quiet and hard working man.
Another well-written and entertaining historical mystery. A good addition to this series with its cast of interesting and very likeable characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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No Life for a Lady by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who is Miss Trimble really. Master of the Order Lucius Daventry knows. She has been hiding from the ton for seven years ever since her brother tried to have her killed. So she believes. Alexander Grayson wants to know who killed his brother three years ago. The pair are matched by Daventry to solve the mysteries.
A entertaining well-written historical romantic mystery with mature content. Another good addition to this series with its likeable and interesting main characters, which can easiy 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 Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Widow Mrs Graham and her son arrive at Wildfell Hall. Her lack of openness leads to speculation and rumour. Gilbert Markham soon becomes intrigued by her and we read about his thoughts and actions. Which lead to Mrs Graham's story and how and why she arrived at the Hall.
An enjoyable and interesting re-read.
Originally published in 1847

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The Revenant of Thraxton Hall by Vaughn Entwistle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1893 Doyle has killed Sherlock Holmes. After being contact by a medium to prevent a murder, and being willing to escape London, Conan Doyle travels to Thraxton Hall accompanied by his friend Oscar Wilde. Home of the medium, Hope Thraxton. She is also hosting a meeting of the Society for Psychical Research. Can Doyle and Wilde narrow the suspects down to the guilty party while finding a motive for her death.
An entertaining paranormal mystery.

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To Die For by M.A. Comley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

D.I. Sam Cobbs and her team are called in when the body of 76 year old farmer is discovered in his home. But why was he killed.
Unfortunately I didn't really like any of the characters or the writing style. Though I did finish the story.

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Murder in Friday Street by Amy Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2005 On a ghost tour, in the village of Friday Street, during the reconstruction of the medieval murder of Lady Rosamund, Alice Winters is stabbed to death and consequently her boyfriend Jake Baines is charged.
1968 in the same village Frances Gibb was stabbed with the same knife, and her music partner Adam Jones, was convicted of her murder. Fifteen years later he was released and then committed suicide.
Peter March and daughter Georgia investigate to determine if there is a link between the cases and did the police charge the right people.
An entertaining mystery story.

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A Twist of Murder by Heather Redmond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1836. Charles Dickens is urgently called to Harrow-on-the-Hill, in particular to the Aga School, by his good friend William Aga. For it seems William's cousin, Agnes, a maid at the school has disappeared with her treasure map. Also, several days earlier Dickens's three mudlarks had also gone missing from the school. Soon after his arrival Agnes is discovered dead. Dickens and Aga investigate both cases.
For me not really enough of a mystery. But overall an interesting historical novel with its likeable main character.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Loveda Brown Sings the Blues: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book Three by Jolie Tunnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1912 A musical event is being held at Lindley's Inn at Foster's Meadow with the opera singer believes he is being stalked for over a year. Can he be kept safe. Bringing more problems Loveda and the town are the various guests at Idyllwild, and now an abandoned baby.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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The Laird of Drumlychtoun by Hilary Pugh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.I. Ian Skair is employed by Alexander Lyton, Laird of Drumlychtoun, to find his missing sister, Ailish, gone now for fifty years, and hopefully she will possess the missing C17th bishop's ring as the one he has is a 1960s copy.
An entertaining modern mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to this new series.

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A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930s. A Murder Fete is being held at St. Wendreda's Catholic Church in aided of the orphanage. Along side a competition for the best short story from the members of the Listleigh Murder Club. But soon there is a murder, were they murdered by mistake. If so who was suppose to be the real victim. Agatha Christie's housekeeper Phyllida Bright investigates, with help from various staff.
Another well-written historical mystery in this entertaining series. 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.

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A Precarious Homecoming: An Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery by D.S. Lang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1919 Moreley. Arabella Stewart has finally returned home to the resort of Ballantyne only to become involved in a murder. That of farmer Gustav Schwarz. With so many of the suspects veterans of the war can another veteran Constable Jackson Hastings be impartial. Plus he has secrets to keep away from Arabella.
Unfortunately I found the main female character barely likeable, but she may grow on me.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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To Run a Little Faster by John Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1938 M.P. Michael Hensman has travelled to Boscastle to spend a holiday with his wife but soon disappears. A man is shot at a prearranged rendezvous. A bank is robbed. Can reporter Simon Darrell find the link, if there is one, solve the various deaths and survive.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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The Seven Stars by Anthea Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helen Campbell is forced by bad weather to spend the night at The Seven Stars guest House, the same night that a hit and run incident occurs resulting in a death. She returns for a fortnight stay when attending an antiques course, but is increasing suspicious of the inhabitants.
DCI David Webb finally becomes involved in a robbery at a local country house. The 10th burglary at country houses across the country. Now involving a death. There is also a theft at an evening fashion show to investigate.
An entertaining mystery, another good addition to this series.
Originally published in 1995

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A Respectable Occupation: A Pride and Prejudice / Cinderella Variation by Amaritta Beane
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where the Bennets are in a precarious position financially, to the extent that they are living in a tenants cottage. Elizabeth intends to lower their social position even more by going to work as a maid at Netherfield. Elizabeth really is quite stupid in this story as she doesn't understand the consequences of her future actions.
The story doesn't seem to have a beginning or an ending.


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You Are Not Alone! by Flan838
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Jonathan, thirty year old son to the Gardiners, and cousin to the Bennet daughters has finally arrived back in England. Now he and his parents are due to spend the Christmas season at Longbourn. What will his actions be after seeing his cousins situations. Will any of the sisters have a happy ending. Will he find his future wife.
An entertaining variation.
English is not the authors first language, that, and that this is an unpublished work is reflected in the four star rating though with Mary wrongly wearing glasses.....

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Lessons for Sleeping Dogs by Charlie Cochrane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1921 Cambridge. A new case for the amateur detectives, Dr. Jonty Stewart and his partner Professor Orlando Coppersmith. Was it a double suicide, that of Dr Paul Robertson and his patient, severely disabled Edward Atherton.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Hester: Volume 1 by Mrs. Oliphant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The bank of Vernon is brought close to collapse because of the activities and expenditure of Mr John Vernon. It is his cousin Catherine Vernon that saves the bank from ruin. Years later John Vernon's widow and daughter Hester arrive to become one of the inhabitants of the Vernonry. A house of dependents on the largesse of Catherine Vernon.
Hester's youthful pride results in her instant dislike of Catherine. Can they ever reconcile themselves to each other through all their trials and tribulations.
An entertaining re-read. The story continues in Volume 2 and 3
Originally published in 1883

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Phoebe Junior by Mrs. Oliphant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miss Phoebe Beecham, daughter of dissenting minister of Chapel Crescent in London, and the former Miss Phoebe Tozer of Carlingford goes and visits her Tozer grandparents back in Carlingford. This is her story, of her trials and tribulations and friendship with the church minster's family the May's.
An enjoyable re-read of this Victorian story.
Originally published 1876

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Miss Bennet's Adventure by Lis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet is invited to spend as long as she wishes at Pemberley at the request of the Darcys. An invitation she is very eager to take. Soon an injured Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them, but he has a secret mission to complete. Will they both get their happy ending.
Another re-read of this very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.

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Her Grandmother's Wisdom by Lis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier, when she is travelling with Mary and the Gardiners. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for the three of them.
An entertaining short story, another re-read.

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The Girl in the Yellow Dress by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930 Brady Brewer has been hanged for the murder of young Sarah Downham, though he constantly proclaimed his innocence. Now another murder has occurred in the same area and with similar conditions, of seventeen year old Penelope Soper. So was he innocent. DCI Henry Johnstone and DS Mickey Hitchens are sent to Market Harborough to investigate.
An enjoyable, well-written and well-plotted historical mystery. Another good addition to this series with its interesting and likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Unauthorised by Ed Church
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who is killing policeman named Jonathan Davies and why. D.C. Brook Deelman is concerned for his friend JonBoy who he is unable to get in touch with and is also named Jonathan Davies. And why is a person from the United Nations interested.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written mystery with its likeable characters.

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