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

In this Pride and prejudice variation, on her way to Netherfield to attend a sick Jane, Elizabeth Bennet stumbles and hits her head. Fortunately Darcy sees her fall but she has lost all her memories.
How will this affect the happiness of them.
An enjoyable story with a reasonable Mrs Bennet

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Spies of Our Acquaintance: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Brigid Huey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation while thevp two eldest Bennets are staying at Netherfield Darcy learns that there may be a spy in the militia stationed at Meryton and that Wickham has joined them.
Not much spying involved.

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Error of Judgement by John Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty years ago a plane crash at Hobb's Point left all 14 dead. But with one body missing. Now while out with the hill rescue team has DCI Jack Harris found him. The case is now re-opened.
An entertaining modern mystery with its cast of likeable characters.

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Field of Dreams: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by J. Dawn King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet is gravely ill and Eluzabth against opposition has taken control of the estate. She has written to Darcy for help, on the advice of Mrs Gardiner. What will the result be when the Bingleys and Darcy arrive at Netherfield.
An entertaining and well-written variation.

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Devil's Chimney by Adam Lyndon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2001 Eastbourne. Constables Barnes and Holden night duty is disturbed by a fleeing burglar from Holden's house. Soon she will be murdered. Now a DC, Barnes is determined to find the killer. But what will he unearth and at what personal cost.
An entertaining read apart apart from the boring fertility problems of the Barnes

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Small Mercies by Alex Walters
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Off duty detecives come across a body, a male om the moors. But he will not be the last. DI Annie and her team investigate while her partner MP Sheena Pearson is shot at.
Meanwhile Clive Bamford wannabe journalist investigates his conspiracy theories.
The story has diversity sown up but proofreading fails to correct the incorrect identity of one of the bodies
Somewhat slow paced and the characters are not that interesting.

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No Choice but Murder by Norman Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oldminster Gallery owner Louis Gillette has been discovered dead. Was it murder or suicide. Detectives French and Edwards investigate. Then another body is found. But that is not the end of them.
An enjoyable modern mystery.

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After Anne: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation while staying at the Hunsford Parsonage Elizabeth Bennet meets Anne de Bough out walking. A talkative and healthy Anne who eventually escapes Rosings. But why and where to. Is it possible for anybody to have a happy ending.
An entertaining story

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The Secret of Bagnett Hall by Norman Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Con woman Janet Baxter discovers Bagnett Hall and its owner Bridget Messiter and is invited to stay. But soon Bridget dies of natural causes. Events lead to a murder and the unravelling of the secrets of the Hall.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Mr Darcy's Christmas Carol: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield for town at Christmas. But strange dreams are invading Darcy's reality. But are they dreams. A mixture of Christmas Carol with P&P.
An enjoyable story, a lovely written novella

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Murder at the Seven Dials by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1819. Seven Dials London. Philip Sinclair, Duke of Fournier is discovered covered in the blood of dead opera singer Belladora Lovejoy. Who had been stabbed multiple times. He is arrested by Principal Officer at Bow Street, Hugh Marsden. Audrey, Duchess of Fournier, along side Marsden, knowing her husband is innocent investigates with the help of her special skill.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its element of paranormal. A good start to this new series though I didn't take to the character of Audrey. Hopefully she will improve as the series continues.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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Murder at the Charity Ball by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1934. With their wedding day approaching Kitty and Matthew decide to attend a charity ball held at Lady Eliza Foxley's home of Villa Lemora. Near the close of the evening Kitty's father discovers a body and becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Can their investigation find the true murderer.
An entertaining and well-written historical murder mystery with its cast of varied and likable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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An Unsuitable Governess: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Violet King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet is employed by the second Mrs Darcy as governess to her daughter Rose. Accepting only because Darcy is not expected at Pemberley. But due to the activities in the area of highwaymen Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive. As Darcy claims no interest in Elizabeth, the Colonel decides to pursue her, but Elizabeth is only interested in Darcy.
An entertaining variation.

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Christmas at Blackthorn Manor: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas by Lucy Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1813 In this Pride and Prejudice sequel 16 months have passed since Elizabeth Bennet met Darcy at Lambton. In the meantime Jane has married Thomas Ridley who are spending the Christmas season with their cousins, the Ledburys. Taking Elizabeth with them. Soon they are joined by the Darcys and Charles Bingley.
An entertaining and well-written story.

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A Less Agreeable Man by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final part of the trilogy, and the best story of the three
A Pride and Prejudice sequel and Mary Bennet's marriage to Mr. Michaels is approaching. Lady Catherine's mental health is failing and Colonel Fitzwilliam is struggling with the ownership of Rosings and the debts of the estate.
Just loved this book. So well-written, loved the characters and the story. I just didn't want the book to end.
Another re-read of this delightful story with its lovable main characters.

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Crime in the Boutique by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bromgrove (or is it really Bromsgrove) Boutique owner of the Confetti Club, Gino Everard, is discovered dead, murdered. But soon DI Gilbert Markham and his team have a serial killer to investigate without an obvious motive.
An entertaining modern mystery with its likeable main characters

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A Natural Daughter: A Pride and Prejudice / Mansfield Park Variation by Amaritta Beane
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Mansfield Park variation (?) Fanny Price, lady's maid to Emma Woodhouse, discovers she is the natural daughter of Sebastian, Lord de Bough. The dead husband of Catherine. Lady Catherine takes her as her ward and companion to her daughter Anne.
It was an okay read
Continues in Book 2

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Captain Hazard’s Game by David Fairer


1708. Gambling, speculation, manipulation of the stock exchange, promissory notes. Giving an an indepth explanation to some of the gambling games is not of interest to me, and does not further the plot, after skipping another explanation I gave up at just over 40%. A great pity as i liked the characters and enjoyed the first in the series..

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A Corpse for Christmas by Benedict Brown


Katherine Taggart employs p.i. Izzy Palmer to find out who wants to kill her. This during a week spent in the Scottish Highlands. When a murder occurs the police state they will arrive in a couple of days - really - I gave up (at 33%)

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Complementary: A Jane Austen’s Persuasion Variation by Juliette Rouge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where in 1814 Anne Elliott is instructed by her family to join them immediately in Bath as Kellych Hall has been let. There she meets an old friend Mrs Smith, and a new one, Miss Fanny Harville. Events lead them to Lyme for Miss Harville's marriage to Captain James Benwick. Who is joined by Captain Wentworth.
An entertaining story

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Reckless, Headstrong Girl: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Grace Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation during their flight/elopement from Brighton Lydia is flung out of the carriage by Wickham. With no money or luggage how will she survive. Will it change her at all.
An entertaining story, surprisingly as it is about Lydia.

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Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come: A Tale Of Pride And Prejudice by Linda Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Darcys continue their lives.
Overall taking the trilogy as a whole there was too much mature content, though you are able to skip most of it. And personally I would have like more about all the other couples rather than concentrating on the Darcys so much.
But an entertaining trilogy.

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Memory: Volume 2, Trials To Bear: A Tale Of Pride And Prejudice by Linda Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice variation the story continues with Jane back at Longbourn. Mary is to go and stay with the married Darcys before going to school with Georgiana. Other couples begin their lives together.
For me there was too much mature content though it can easily be skipped. Overall an enjoyable story.

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Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions: A Tale Of Pride And Prejudice by Linda Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy has returned from his Grand Tour to discover his father is dying. Out for a walk he spys a happy Elizabeth Bennet with her sister Jane who are staying with the Gardiners. Over the next few years they see each other until finally they meet when Elizabeth is 17. How will this impact the other three daughters. But what of Jane's marriage prospects.
Again a useless Mr Bennet and a quite vulgar Mrs Bennet.
An entertaining story

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What Lies Beneath by Adam Croft
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Caroline Hills has just moved to Rutland and now she has her first case of murder. Why was construction owner Roger Clifton killed and left at an unconsecrated church.
An entertaining modern mystery. A good start to this series.

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What Comes Between Cousins by Jann Rowland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Colonel Fitzwilliam or as he is now known, Lord Chesterfield, accompanies the party to Netherfield. Charlotte Lucas has already left the area to become a governess which has brought Elizabeth closer to Mary. At the Meryton Assembly Darcy's behaviour is improved by the presence of the Colonel but their close friendship is tested to the limits when they both become interested in the same Bennet daughter. Thankfully villains abound in the story, and I even liked both Mr and Mrs Bennet at the same time in the same story.
The only improvement I would have wanted would have been more concentration on Lord Chesterfield and Mary Bennet are they are the much more interesting characters.

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Holmes Away From Home, Adventures From the Great Hiatus Volume II: 1893-1894 by David Marcum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The adventure of the old brownstone by David Marcum - Holmes involvement in the 1893 financial depression
2. The adventure of the flaked breakfast cereak by Mark Levy - 1893 a secret ingredient is poisoning people, but by whom and why
3. For want of a sword by Daniel Victor - Watson us invited to the Diogenes club gir the decade memorial to the sinking of two naval ships but why were they sunk
4. The case if the fragrant blackmailer by S F Bennett - as Sigerson Holmes is travelling aboard ship where his diguise is discovered leading to blackmail
5. A case of juris imprudence by Robert Perrot - Massachusetts - Lisa Bilings has been convicted of 2 murders. But Detective Shea is not sure and asks Mr Baker aka Holmes to investigate
6. A mistake careful, strategic, and logical mind by Derrick Belanger - Holmes tells the story if when he met American civil war hero Colonel Chamberlain
7. The aviators murder by c. Edward Davis - 1894 Paris and the death if Lacombe
8. The French Affair by Mark Mower - Montpellier, in is role as a chemist Holmes is asked to investigate the death of retired chemist Laroche
9. The woman returns by Richard Paolinelli - Mrs Irene Norton nee Adler sees through Holmes's disguise and asks him to investigate the murder of her husband
10. The adventure of the melting man by Shane Simmons - Mycroft Holmes conmissions a wax bust of Sherlock
11. The adventure of the empty house by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Watson decides to investigate the death of the Hon.Ronald Adair when he is confronted by the alive Sherlock Holmes
A collection of enjoyable Holmes stories

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Not In Want of a Wife: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Amanda Kai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bingley party has arrived in Netherfield. On talking to Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly Darcy suggests a pretend courtship to save both of them from match-making Mama's. Darcy shows himself to be pleasant and so Elizabeth agrees, but will it last among their misunderstandings.
An entertaining and well-written romance story with its cast of mainly likeable characters. A good start to this new series.
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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Death Mask by J.F. Straker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While attending g a fancy dress party at Abstock Hall p.i. Johnny Inch witnesses a car explosion and in consequence a death. But why. Unfortunately thus is not the last murder.
An enjoyable modern mystery from the 1970s

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The Loch Ness Horror by Charles Veley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 Continuing on from Galahad's Castle, an explosion underground has cut off the water supply in Whitehall resulting in three deaths. As Beau Preston, a Pinkerton agent, and Violet Leverton, are still chasing the theft of bearer bonds which are in the possession of Blinder and Urquhart, where will they go now. Is there a connection between the events. Holmes and the others must decide and follow their leads.
An entertaining historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this well-written and enjoyable series.
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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Not so Wicked by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Because of lies told by Mr Wenham, Miss Mina Stanford's name has appeared in the Scandal Sheet. But because of her brother Thomas's gambling and huge debts Mina finds herself at the home of Devon Masters, the man who holds his vowels and the one he is due to fight a duel the next morning. Then her brother is discovered murdered and Masters accused. Together can they find the murderer.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery and romance, with its mature content. A good addition to this enjoyable 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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Lydia is a Widow by Eliza Heaton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice sequel after the death of her husband Lydia Wickham returns to Longbourn but all is not well with the three remaining inhabitants. So Lydia asks that she visit Pemberley. Has her terrible marriage resulted on a better Lydia.
An entertaining story

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Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story by Bronwen Chisholm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, General Fitzwilliam has been left to care for their three children after the death of his wife. Devastated by her death the General takes his family to Pemberley, hoping to find peace.
Meanwhile Mary Bennet, bored with living at Longbourn as the only remaining unwed daughter is staying at Pemberley. Can there ever be more than friendship between these two.
The writing style was so easy to read as the story moved along. I loved the story, the new characters but most of all the characters of the General and Mary.
Though I would have liked the story to continue more into their lives, and not jump into the future with the epilogue.
An entertaining and well-writting story, another re-read.

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The Master of Mysteries by Gelett Burgess
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Astro the Seer cultivates the persona of a psychic to solve crimes but instead he uses his logical mind, with the help of his assistant Valeska Wynne. In each story (except the last) Valeska misses a few clues so that Astro needs to offer his explanation of the mystery. With its twenty-four short stories it is for me the type of book to dip into over a period of time.
Overall a collection of entertaining short stories.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Orginally published in 1912

1 - Missing John Hudson - Mrs Hudson approaches Asro the Seer as her husband has been missing for ten days
2 - The Stolen Shakepeare - the First Folio Shakespeare of skeptic Mr Barrister has been stolen.
3 - The MacDougal Street Affair - sceptical Officer McGraw needs help as a shop owner is being threatened
4. The Fanshawe Ghost - who is the ghost haunting the Farnshawe Farm in the Vandyke village
5. The Denton Boudoir Mystery - Edward Masson insists that Astro finds the murderer of his fiance Miss Elizabeth Denton
6. The Lorsson Elopement - Ruth Lorsson secretedly corresponds with Sherman Fuller, but how and why
7. The Calenson Kidnapping Case - Five year old Harold Calendon has beeb kidnapped with a demand for inside information on the Stock Exchange.
8. Miss Dalrymple Locket - Her locket that was lost has now been returned to her but how will it help in solving her father's will.
9. Number Thirteen - Why is a female found by Valeska terrified of the number"13".
10. The Trouble withTulliver - Astro aims to discover what is causing the problem with D.A. Tulliver.
11. Why Mrs Burbank Ran away - Why has Ellen Burbank left her husband Major George Burbank, who is frantic with worry
12. Mrs Selwyn's Emerald - Astro has been invited to the Selwyn' home as his first appearance in society as a guest but Mrs Selwyn's emerald is stolen.
13. The Assassins' Club - Miss Violet Mannering is worried about the behaviour of her fiance navel lieutenant Robert Cameron.
14. The Luck of the Merringtons - a three year old has found an opal and a shriveled black hand. But who do they belong to.
15. The Count's Comedy - Stolen jewels have been delivered to a Ethel Shaw by a dressed gorilla. Her brother wants Astro to solve the puzzle.
16. Priscilla's Presents - Priscilla Quarich has on the last five Saturdays received a gift from an unknown source. But who.
17. The Heir to Soothoid - due to a mix up at the hospital Colonel Mixter is unsure of who is his heir to his fortune.
18. The Two Miss Mannings - on another train a young lady asks for help from a Mr Jensen. But how can he find her.
19. Van Asten's Visitor - When lawyer Paul Van Asten arrived home he found a stranger claiming to be his sister. Locking her in, he contacts Astro to come immediately
20. The Middlebury Murder - Lt. Graw asks for Astro's help with a murder in the office of Mr Middlebury
21. Vengeance of the Pi Rho Nu - Pauline Wister is to marry Edward Farralon tomorrow but he has disappeared.
22. The Lady in Taupe - who is the lady dressed in taupe that is following playwright Lionel Pinkard and why.
23. Mrs Stellery's Letters - who is writing, in a complimentary style, to Mrs Stellery - A bit obvious
24. Black Light - can the theory of black light help Valeska trace the location of Astro - again an obvious solution.

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Regency Rumors by Bethany Swafford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Julie Sinclair needs to know the truth about her brother’s death five years ago, and the truth about the new rumours concerning her family. To thus end she goes to work as a lady’s maid in the Burnham household. A friend of her deceased father.
An enjoyable Regency mystery



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As Good As A Lord by Rosemary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variatin when Elizabeth Bennet reaches the age of 13 her mother discovers a secret about her. This in turn changes Mrs Bennet attitude towards Elizabeth. What will the result of this be for all the Bennet daughters.
An entertaining story

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Thief Taker by Alan Scholefield
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Robson Healey, businessman, has been killed. An unlikeable man reveals a few suspects. Detectives Macrae and Silver investigate meanwhile Leo Silver's girlfriend Zoe is still concerned about Ronald Purvis. Is he still in prison or has he been released.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Original published in 1991

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Perdition by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bank employee Alan Byrne is discovered dead. But what and who killed him and why. For newly promoted DI Charlie West this is her first case as SIO. Newly retired detective James Munro is there to help or hint.
An enjoyable modern ystery

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Backdrop Dead: A Magnolia Showboat Mystery by Cynthia Thomason
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1898 Lilian Barlow inherits a showboat, Elis Magnolia Palace, from her dead brother, Eli. With her daugher, Gwen, and son Preston, they travel to the Mississippi River. All is not well as it seems Eli Willloughby was murdered and in debt. Can Gwen solve the murder before another death.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Dark Service by Linda Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Dark Web and fetishism are connected and have been over many years,. Now DS Amanda Lacey and DC Jack Rutherford investigate when events in the past connect to the present.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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The Unsolved Case of The Secret Christmas Baby: A Victorian Cozy Mystery by Hannah Byron
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1895 On his death bed Sir Reginald informs his son, Sir Finley Lowther, that he is adopted and tells him to trace his birth mother. The case is given to his brother-in-law policeman Lynch. On his death his wife Mrs Imogene Lynch takes over the case.
For me even for a cozy historical mystery there is not much of an investigation or even a mystery. For some reason Imogene is deemed by those who know her as a wonderful detective though this was not shown in this story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Modern Mother's Day Survival Guide by Laina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this modern day Pride & Prejudice variation, the Bennet daughters are older, Mary as the only unwed one is now 40. This is the story of the trials and tribulations of Mothers Day for the various families.
I admit I am not a fan of modern variations but this had my favourite couple (Mary and Richard) so I had to be read it.
An entertaining re-read of this story again.

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Graves on the Fens by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Several items of mail sent to DI Nikki Galena indicates she has failed. It concerns the cases of four missing girls, never to have been found. But who, how and why has someone else solved these cases. Her team also have to contend with a stalker and a domestic abuse situation on their patch. Plus Nikki's mother also has some interesting finds.
An entertaining and interesting modern mystery with its cast of likable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable 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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All At Sea by Liz Hedgecock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1893 Maisie Frobisher is a Victorian lady of some independent fortune on a ship destined for India, without a companion. When costume jewellery and an important government document goes missing from the same cabiin she aims to investigate even though there is a policeman aboard.
Unfortunately she is certainly unlikeable with her sense of entitlement and thinking she is so clever. She slightly improves of the course of the story but not relly enough.
Overall an enjoyable cozy mystery

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More Than a Pretty Face: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Frances Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Elizabeth leaves the Hunsford Parsonage and joins Jane in London seemingly determined to reveal the character of Wickham to their father.
Can this have a change on the lives of the Bennets
An enjoyable story

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