Dead Man's Bluff by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two bodies are discovered in a burnt farm building. It is for D.I. Jim Clayton to investigate. But soon Scotland Yard detectives are brought in. But can Clayton determine the guilty party.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1970

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A Fox in the Fold by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1376 York. A body has been discovered north of the city on Sheriff Ralph Hastings' land. As Archer investigates he at first thinks that it is connected to the arrival of William Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester. But soon he believes that his past has finally arrived. How many must die before the end.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this entertaining 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 in Ravenna by Richard Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

618 A.D. Roderic of the Byzantine secret service is sent to Ravenna. He is to look for evidence against Eleutherius, the Exarch of Ravenna. What could go wrong.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Blood & Secrets by Richard Foreman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

25 B.C. Former spy Rufus Varro has been ordered back to Rome by Marcus Agrippa to solve the murder of Marcus Corvinus.
An entertaining and well-written Roman mystery with its likeable main character.

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Playing Dead by Vena Cork
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rosa Thorne is a star of the series Camden Lock. But soon she will be connected to a murder of a fellow actor. How in the future can she be connected to two morw murders.
An entertaining cozy modern mystery though Rosa doesn't seem to do any detecting.

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Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816 While at breakfast at the home of the Earl of Thorndike, Bow Street runner Daniel Swann is asked to find out why mill owner Garfield Montgomery failed to appear. Approaching the mill he is caught in an explosion, and later he finds Mongomery dead, shot. He then investigates while coping with his activities as an agent of the Crown, and various personal problems.
An entertaining and well-written Regency mystery with a hint of romace, with its varied and likeable main characters. A 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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Meet Me at Oakham Mount by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Darcy falls for Elizabeth Bennet at the Meryton Assembly and they begin a courtship.Unfortunately other people conspire to tear them apart.
An enjoyable re-read

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The Deeds of the Disturber by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1896 The Emersons have arrived back in London only to be saddled with the children of her brother James Peabody. Will they be companions to their son Ramses. But soon they are embroiled in an investigation into the death of a British Museum nightwatchman.
An entertaining historical mystery with its hint of romance, with Radcliffe the more lovable character.

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Anarchy by Olivier Bosman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1884 The assumed seven guilty men for an anarchist attack in France are in London. Of the seven brothers one has already been murdered. Can the police and especially Special Branch find them before they are all murdered.
D.S.Billings is distracted and so slow to solve the case.
Overall an enjoyable mystery.

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Death at the Dolphin by Gretta Mulrooney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Post VE Day 1945. Daisy Moore's secret employment at Whitehall has finished and after causing the death of her mother (so she believes) and burning down their home, she finds herself at the Dolphin Hotel in Fernfield, Oxfordshire. When a murder occurs at the hotel Daisy starts to ask questions much to the irritation of Inspector Peter Thaxted who is investigating. But between them can they gather all the clues.
An entertaining well-written cozy mystery with its cast of varied, and likeable characters especially the main ones.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation circumstances have led Darcy to look for a wife who is above everything else honest. It will not matter whether they like each other especially. And so Darcy is off to join Bingley at Netherfield.
I enjoyed the story, though not too sure about the premise behind Darcy's thoughts. Though I would have liked a lot more about Jane and Mary's relationships, especially Mary.
An enjoyable re-read.

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The Benefits of Death by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Charles Leithan inherited money but which had very strict rules. Now unhappily married how can he preserve his inheritance but not be married and still be the innocent party.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1963

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Angela's Christmas Adventure by Clara Benson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As Christians draws near Angela Marchmont's elderly neighbour has misplaced the diamond ring she wishes to give to her niece as her engagement ring
Enjoyable short story

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A Case of Some Delicacy by K.C. Kahler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, rumours are started about the engagement of Jane Bennet and the Longbourn heir, Mr Collins. Elizabeth does all she can to stop the event, helped by Charlotte Lucas and surprisingly Mr Darcy. Bennet is his usual useless self.
An entertaining variation.

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Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Because Richard Grey has lost family money on a speculation, one of his daughters, Agnes, decides to help the family financially by working as a governess. These are her experiences as told by Agnes.
An entertaining re-read.

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Till Death Do Us Part by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In pre-WWII village of Six Ashes, Richard Markham with his fiancee, Lesley Grant, arrive late to a village fete. Events leads Lesley to shooting the fortune teller, renowned crimologist Sir Harvey Gilman. Later Markham hears from Gilman the story of Lesley's life as a serial poisoner. Soon Superintendent David Hadley and Dr. Gideon Fell become involved when another murder occurs.
An interesting and enjoyable murder mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. Another good addition to this series which can easiy be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally published in 1944

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Saving Elizabeth Bennet by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation set after the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield Park. With disaster striking the Bennet family, and the remaiing members having to leave Longbourn immediately, Elizabeth decides takes a position of lady's companion. This unfortunatey leads to more disastrous consequences. Can they expect any help.
An entertaining re-read in my quest to find Mary and Colonel stories.

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For the Deepest Love by Mary Anne Mushatt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Georgiana Darcy's failed elopement with Wickham is public knowledge and the Darcys are now on the fringes of society. Then Darcy meets the oh so perfect Elizabeth Bennet, they marry and the plots start.
Overall an entertaining read but Elizabeth Bennet is too much of a Mary Sue character for me

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Slay Bells: A Vintage Mystery by Eunice Mays Boyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Post WWII San Francisco and the ten year reunion for the Big Five and Half, has arrived. As this is Christmas Day so has Santa Claus, unfortunately for some.
An entertaining mystery with some likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Dune House: A Vintage Mystery by Eunice Mays Boyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In post WWII San Francisco, Dune House is an anachronism from the 1880s, as is the owner the very rich Julia Paget. Now she decides it time to find the daughter or grandchildren of her disherited brother Ulysses. Lark Williams believes she is the granddaughter and comes to stay at the house, never able to leave. But what mysteries does the house and its occupants hide.
A combination of a murder mystery with a herioine in possible trouble coupled with manipulation by Miss Paget, makes for an interesting and entertaining read.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
(Probably written between 1948 and 1950)



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Murder On The Sea by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Frantham-on-Sea. DI Sebastian McGregor has returned to duty but to a new district. To ease him in he investigates a series of robberies. But soon one of the victims is killed. He and his team investigate will a little help from Rina Martin, a retired actress.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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The Butcher of Smithfield by Susanna Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1663 Thomas Chaloner has returned to England but his paymaster the Earl of Clarendon has a job for him. To investigate the death of newsbook minion and solicitor Thomas Newburne, presumed dead by eating cucumbers. Soon Chaloner uncovers more deaths but what is the motive, by what means and who is behind the deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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The Lost Book of Hours by Michael Lynes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1495 Seville. Isaac Alvarez investigates the mystery of the missing Book of Hours from his home.
An enjoyable short story.

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By Miss Bingley's Persuasion by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where after the obvious dislike between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet at various functions, Caroline Bingley decides to befriend Elizabeth, hoping to improve the relationship between those two. Her motive, she would like another friend to invite to Pemberley when she becomes Mrs Darcy. This is a delusion shared only with her sister Mrs Louisa Hurst.
An entertaining variation as we notice the improvement of the Bennet family, and especially of Darcy.

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Body by the Docks by Diane M. Dickson


Liverpool. A burnt body of an elderly female is discovered on waste ground. The family seem reluctant to approach the police to discover if it is their missing mother. DI Jordan Carr and his team investigate.
I just lost interest in the story, and the people at about 23%

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

Is Guy Lavender murdered because he is interfering into the life of Frank Renfield, Baron of Renfield Hall. Or because the daughter, Jessica Renfield, wants to marry his poor nephew. Will it stop at one death.
Entertaining mystery of a bunch of awful people.

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Shirley by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1811 The time of the Luddites in Yorkshire, and the Napoleonic wars, are the backdrop to the lives of the two heroines, vicar's niece Caroline Helstone, and heiress Shirley Keelder.
An entertaining re-read.
Originally published in 1849

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The Lost Sister by M.L. Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the body of a female is discovered on Clapham Common, damaged DCI Arla Baker and her team investigate. But then another body is discovered. Is there a link.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Prince of Darkness by Sharon Kay Penman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1193 Can Justin de Quincy prove that Prince John is not conspiring against his brother and king, Richard, as he proclaims his innocence.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting characters.

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The Secret of Bow Lane by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1882 Kat finally meets Charlotte Bristow the real and first wife of her supposed husband Joseph. She needs Kat's help as she believes Joe was actually murdered for his wealth, and promises to share when it is found. As Kat investigates she has the help of her friends, but what will be revealed about Joseph. And what of Kat's friend Daniel.
A well-written, enjoyable, and well-plotted historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this entertaining series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Time to Forgive Life: A Pride and Prejudice Time-Travel Story by Enid Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation after refusing Mrs Collins, Elizabeth is attacked by him as she walks to Oakham Mount. Runing away she falls into a time portal which send her away from Regency England. Can she find her way back. Meanwhile Sir William Lucas, magistrate, struggles to find the killer as he contends with his ill feelings towards the Bennets
An entertaining story.

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Mr Darcy's Christmas Ghosts: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jackie Wellman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation both Darcy and Elizabeth are visted by spirits which show them possible futures. Can they then have a happy ending.
An entertaining quick read

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A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1921 After solving a case in Shropshire, Detective Inspector Rutledge is sent to Avebury as Chief Inspector Brian Leslie was unable to solve the murder of a female found in a ditch next to the stones. But can Rutledge.
Another well-plotted and entertaining historical mystery. A good addition to this well-written series with its likeable and interesting main character.

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High Wire in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1939 Nuala. A Russian circus has arrived. But soon an accident occurs in the Big Top, but was it an accident. On the same day there is a suicide. But are both murders.
Inspector de Silva and his team investigate.
Another well-written and entertaining historical mystery. A good addition to the series.

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Blood Water Falls by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While out taking photographs at Craigend Cap, Geography teacher Richard Jones is murdered. It is up to DCI Duncan Bone and his team to investigate. As Bone tries to cope with his mental health issues and Mullen with his father.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery.

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The Elementary Cases of Sherlock Holmes by Ian Charnock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seven mysteries concerning Sherlock Homes and the young Stamfords, a time before Dr. Watson.
An entertaining set of short stories.

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The Professor by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orphan Charles Crimsworth life story starts with his rejection of his wealthy relations plans for him, and against all the social expectations he approaches his older brother Edward, a tradesman, for an opportunity. During his servitude he a Mr. Hunsden. Who after William resigns from his employment recommends him to a friend in Brussels who might help him.
An entertaining re-read of this story.


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The Predisposition of Miss Elizabeth Bennet by Hunter Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation which begins after the Hunsford proposal but no letter is received from Darcy. Then Lydia's elopement occurs. How will they have a happy ending. Enjoyed the story more before the wedding rather than after.
But overall an entertaining story.

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Forever Yours, Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice variation by Manuh Port
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Elizabeth Bennet writes a letter she does not intend to send to Darcy. But Bingley sends it instead. There is also a problem with Anne de Bough after Lady Catherine dies.
It was an enjoyable read but it needs proof reading

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A Good Memory is Unpardonable by Alix James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice story after being married for 20 years Darcy and Elizabeth decide to tell their story. For Elizabeth it starts with the death of her husband Andrew Bingley, older brother to Charles, and friend to Darcy.
An entertaining and well-written novella.

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Taken in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1939 Nuala. A kidnapping occurs at a social event that the de Silvas have been invited to. Soon a ransom demand is delivered. Can all end happily and can Inspector de Silva discover the guilty party.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery


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Tight Circle by J.F. Straker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A bank robbery is investigated by Superintendent Sherrey's team, namely D.S. Johnny Inch. But soon there is a murder. Will this be the only one. Is there a connection between the two events.
Although I enjoyed the mystery I just didn't find the characters likeable.

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The Trouble With Horses by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet's early morning walk is disrupted by finding a riderless horse. When she eventually discovers the rider unconscious - Mr. Darcy - her woes are only beginning.
Liked the input of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary into the story, as we are swept to the happy ending. Just wish that there was more of their story.
An entertaining re-read.

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Murder Backstage by Nupur Tustin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1770 Vienna. The Burgtheatre's impresario has been killed and Joseph Haydn is appointed as the temporary replacement. When his brother Michael insists the arrested Leopald Mozart is innocent of the crime Haydn agrees to investigate, again he has help.
Another well-written and entertaining historical mystery. A well-plotted story with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.

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Sherlock Holmes: Adventures in the Realms of H.G. Wells Volume 2 by Derrick Belanger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twelve short stories connecting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to H.G. Wells and his stories.
Overall an entertaining collection of short stories

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Service of a Friend: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy does not arrive in Hertfordshire until the Netherfield Ball. Having missed one opportunity to be rude and arrogant he finds another.
An enjoyable re-read

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Darcy & Elizabeth: Mischief and Misunderstanding: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra Knightley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice story, at the Netherfield Ball Darcy and Elizabeth exchange a kiss. The Bingley party then leave the next day. Soon Mr. Bennet finds he has inherited a new estate and a title. Two years later and the Bennets receive a request from Lady Catherine to allow a visit from her nephews, plus Wickham and Bingley. How could there possibly be any happy endings.
I can't comment on this mash up with Much Ado About Nothing as I have not read that play.
This was an entertaining re-read.

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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orphan Jane Eyre is living, unhappily, with her relations the Reed family. When it is decided to send her away to Lowood School. But what does the future bring for Jane.
An enjoyable re-read

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Sick to Death by Douglas Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Masters and Green are called to Gloucester to investigate a suspicious death. That of 22 year old diabetic Sally Bowker who died of a diabetic coma. But why.
An enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1971

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A Dangerous Time by Bud Craig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Retired detective inspector Kate George is house-sitting in Alderton when a body is discovered in the shed in the garden. But this will not be the last murder. What is the connection between the deaths. Kate investigates.
An entertaining well-written modern mystery

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