Dark Queen Wary by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1472. Edward IV is now back on the throne and is parading a supposed imposter of Prince Henry, son of Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond. Soon Margaret, with her henchmen Christopher Urswicke, Reginald Bray, and the imposter converge on the Nevilles at The Moor house. Where Christopher is tasked with discovering a murderer.
A entertaining and interesting well-written historical mystery with its slant towards the Lancastrian cause. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its wide ranging characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Artist's Missing Muse by Helen Goltz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brisbane 1888. A painter is discovered dead, a parody of one of his own paintings. Then another painter is found dead. Detectives Harry Dart and Thomas Ashdown investigate with the help or hindrance of Miss Matilda Hayward, a writer for the Woman's Journal.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters.

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A Skeleton in Every House by Isabella Duke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1880 London. Atherton Norris, Marquess of Stratton's body has been hauled out of the river, suicide, accident or murder. It is for newly arrived from Birmingham Detective Inspector Thomas Marlowe to investigate. Catriona Winters, journalist and daughter of the owner of the newspaper the Messanger also decides to investigate for a story.
I admit I really didn't take to the character of Catriona and wanted to know more about Marlowe's investigation.
Overall it was an enjoyable historical romance and mystery story. A decent start to this new series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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My Foe Outstretch'd Beneath the Tree by V.C. Clinton-Baddeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While staying at his Chesterfield Club, in London, Dr R.V. Davies, one morning discovers a body in the garden and the police start their investigation. Meanwhile Davie is learning the art of audio tapes and the learning of English grammar, when he comes across an anomaly. What will his investigation lead to.
An entertaining cozy mystery
Originally published in 1968

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A Perfect Time to Murder by N.R. Daws
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1941. ATA Pilot Lizzie Hayes has been temporarily grounded due to a crash landing. With time on her hands and discovering that DI Jonathan Kember has been sent to Canterbury and the Bekesbourne Colliery due to the suspicious death of Christopher Morris, she decides to join him. With her psychology skills she is able to help Kember determine who is lying in their interviews. Can they catch the killer before they kill again.
An entertaining and well-written wartime mystery with its likeable main 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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Sherlock Holmes and the Chinese Junk Affair and Other Stories by Roy Templeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. And the Chinese Junk Affair - Has Rodger Hardy discovered teleportation.
2. And Tick Tock Man - after the German clockmaker died the local vicar was unable to discover the money he left in his will
3. And the Trophy Room - Viscount Siddens built a thief proof trophy house to keep his polo trophies safe. But one by one they are being stolen
Enjoyable short stories

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Seven Days to Die by Michelle Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 2012. Another female body has been discovered. As before she hs been left in a park, strangled, and with one shoe found at the scene. DI Jack MacIntosh and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Dead Innocent by Norah Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Saskatchewan 1931. Dr Maggie Fitzmorris, M.E. is called out to the scene of a murder. That of Phillip Johnson, a member of the Ku Klux Khan of Canada. Soon she discovers a connection to a previous suicide. Can she unravel the clues, lies and motives to discover the killer.
Inspector Hislop investigates.
I thought the method of killing and killer obvious but still an entertaining mystery.

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Death’s Bright Dart by V.C. Clinton-Baddeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

St. Nicholas's college Cambridge. Dr. Paul Brauer had just sstarted his speech when he collapsed dead. Does his death have anything to do with the conversation he had with puzzle solver Dr. Davies.
Dr Davie decides to aid Chief Inspector Hodge in his investigation.
An entertaining cozy modern mystery. A good start to this series.
Originally published in 1964

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The Flying Star by Aurora Leon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and prejudice sequel where while at Darcy and Elizabeth's weddings, Mary Bennet sees a flying star and makes a wish.
Later Damian Hamilton, Duke of Hemingway and Mary, by chance, meet in the park at night. But can they find each other again and have a happy ending.
An enjoyable re-read of an unpublished Mary Bennet story (which does need some editing). Another entertaining re-read.

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Undermined by Ripley Hayes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Daniel Owen is sent to the Clwyd Police area as rhe cousin of the Chief Constable, Suzanne Price, has been found murdered. There he works with DCI Maldwyn Kent.
An enjoyable mystery

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A Gentle Touch by Corrie Garrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the story concludes. Anne de Bourgh is now married to James Sutherland. How will the self-centred Anne cope.
An entertaining and well-written story

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A Murder in Mayfair by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1936. After staying a year in the country Miss Dorothy Drew and her small household staff are back in town. Only for her lady's maid, Verity Hunter, to receive a letter from a friend, Theda Samuels, who is in trouble. Her employer Jacob McMullen has been murdered and she is worried that the police suspect her. The investigation is led by old friend Inspector Marks. Joan Hart and Verity decide to help her and investigate.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its cast of likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Storm Clouds of Love by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 4 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.
Another enjoyable re-read.

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The Wooing of the Bennet Girls: A Sequel to The Kiss at Lucas Lodge, A Pride & Prejudice Variation by William D. Jamison


This Pride and Prejudice variation continues with the Darcys married, and Wickham dead. But what of the other Bennet daughters, and Caroline Bingley. When it was obvious that it was a Mary and Collins pairing, even a decent Collins, I got bored with the story.

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Final Bow at the Bijou by Amy E. Lilly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1920s. Harry holding asks ex police George Harris to investigate the disappearance of Flira Thompson, ladt seen on stagecdyring a magic set. Daughter Evie decides to investigate and so auditions and joins as the magician's assistant.
Overall an enjoyable cozy historical mystery

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Mr Darcy and the Castle in the Forest: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Jackie Wellman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel the Darcy's first anniversary and they invite all the family to Pemberley but put Wickham in the derelict Lodge. Though he becomes useful later.
Most of the characters are just annoying.

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Extended Candour by annielikesgreen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The continuing tale (third part) of Mary Bennet and Captain Denny in this short (4000 words) story. An enjoyable story but unfortunately the tale has not so far been continued. Another re-read.

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Extended Conflict by annielikesgreen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The tale of Mary Bennet and Captain Denny continues in this short Pride and Prejudice story (13,000 words). A month after the Netherfield Ball the Lucases hold a ball to celebrate the engagement of Mr. Collins and Charlotte. Could the relationship between Mary and Denny go more wrong.
Another re-read of this enjoyable part to the story. Another re-read.

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Extended Courtesy by annielikesgreen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short (5,500 words) Pride and Prejudice story - at the Netherfield Ball Mr. Bennet persuades Captain Denny to cheer up Mary Bennet after her performance at the piano. Captain Denny surprises himself that he actually enjoyed the resulting conversation.
Another re-read, though much too short for this enjoyable story. Thankfully it continues with Extended Conflict. Another re-read.

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The Bones of Santorini by Joni Swift
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1863 Egypt. On leaving a Ball separately, Edward Tyrington and Miss Catherine Briggs come across a body. That of the Suez Canal Operations Manager Pierre Dupont. Tyrington, the chief Archaeologist for the Company is joined by the Briggs family as he travels to Santorini, Greece, to oversee the dig. Where soon he discovers another body. Is this enough for the police to make him the prime suspect. Edward and Miss Briggs investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Case of the Exploding Shop by Michael Leese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What starts as three separate incidents, accelerates. Detectives Hooley and Roper have a large case to investigate as more people are killed while Hooley combates a possible health problem.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its two interesting main characters.

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Blood and Fireflies: An absolutely enthralling historical mystery by B. M. Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1797 Villa Mombello, Milan. The owner of the villa the Comte Mombello has gone missing and guest General Bonaparte instructs retired Commissaire of Police Felix Gracchus to investigate, aided by Lt Dedmide Vanderville. But when a body is discovered it will not be the last.
An interesting and entertaining historical mystery. This well-written story with its cast of varied and likeable characters is a good start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Lost by annielikesgreen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice short story sequel where after the wedding at Pemberley of Darcy and Elizabeth, Mary Bennet wakes up after having spent the night alone in the grounds.
An interesting short story where Mary believes herself to be morally lost.
A re-read.

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A True Likeness by Corrie Garrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variarion the story continues. To appease Lady Catherine de Bourgh, because of the engagement between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, Georgiana Darcy agrees to visit her. There she meets James Sutherland who Lady Catherine believes would be a good match for her, and the painter John Turner who is doing a portrait of Anne de Bourgh.
An entertaining and well-written story.

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An Incident at the Royal Rest Inn by leavesfallingup
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation a storm brings two couples to the Royal Rest Inn where both wives give birth to daughters. But they are returned to the wrong mother. Twenty years later Darcy is tasked with finding one of them so that she can be returned to her rightful family, her very high ranking family.
Entertaining variation made so with the pairing of Mary's. Another enjoyable re-read.
Though I would have liked to have read more about Mary and her marriage. Another re-read.

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The Kiss at Lucas Lodge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by William D. Jamison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation events lead up to the evening at Lucas Lodge. There Darcy has an impetuous moment and seals his and Elizabeth Bennet's fate when he kisses her. For once Collins turned out to be quite a decent sort of man, unlike Darcy, which probably spells disaster for Mary Bennet.
Overall an enjoyable story.

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The Lady's Guide to Death and Deception by Katherine Cowley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1815. In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Lady Trafford, Henry Withrow and Mary Bennet travel to Brussels to help gather information in their role as spies. But soon an officer is murdered and Withrow and Mary investigate. How many must die before the murderer is revealed.
An enjoyable well-written historical mystery, another good addition to this series with its very likeable main characters.
Another entertaining re-read of this story.

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Changeling Child: A Jane Austen Fantasy Variation by Natasja Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, not long after her birth, Mary Bennet is swopped for a changeling child. At the age of 19 Netherfield Park has been let. Now she is not the only being that has been Fairy-touched. But not all are good. Can she survive to have a happy ending
A delightful and well-written variation. Another enjoyable re-read

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Submitting to Change: Pride and Prejudice Variation- A Mary Bennett Story by CP Bridges
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, with three sisters married and Kitty mainly away from home, what is life at Longbourn for Mary. Can she come to terms with her life or does she want a change. Can her family help her. Can she have her happy ending.
A delightful story. Another re-read.

(It does need proofreading)

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Leaving Longbourn: A Compilation of Five Short Stories by E.A. Batten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1 - Finding Elizabeth
In this P&P variation, the Bennets are so desperate for an heir that they arrange a kidnapping of a gentleman's son. Unfortunately this turns out to be Elizabeth Darcy, cousin to the Darcys of Pemberley. Then Darcy visits Netherfield.
I admit that I didn't care for Mary Bennet's future pairing and so lost some interest in the story, and I would have liked to have read about the later events at Longbourn which I think would have been more interesting.
A well-written story
2 -Her Grandmother’s Wisdom
In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story
3 - Miss Bennet’s Adventure
In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet is invited to spend as long as she wishes at Pemberley. 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.
A very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.
4 - Hurst Knows All
A short Pride and Prejudice variation where Hurst proves he is more than a gentleman who spends his time drinking and eating. Helping Darcy to an early HEA.
A nicely written enjoyable story
5 - Storms over Hunsford.
Elizabeth while reading Darcy's letter is caught in a thunderstorm. Unfortunately she has been afraid of them since childhood. The colonel and Darcy go looking for her. Does this action change their future.
A well-written story
Overall entertaining and well-written stories, though this re-read I just read my two favourite stories

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Postscript to Poison by Dorothy Bowers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Minsterbridge. Just as she was recovering from a long illness 78 year old Mrs Cornelia Lackland is dead, her tyranny over her step-grandchildren and staff is over. Was it a coincidence that she was about to change her will. The local police call in Chief detective Inspector Dan Pardoe and D.S. Salt of New Scotland Yard.
An entertaining mystery

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Black Heart by Anna-Lou Weatherley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story is from th POV of the killer and detective Dan Riley. As Goldilocks has just killed Daddy Bear who is next the list for the killer
DI Dan Riley and his team investigate.
Overall an enjoyable modern crime story


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No Stone Unturned by Pam Lecky
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1886. With her husband dead and with threats directed at her, Mrs Lucy Lawrence decides to take up her family's offer of spending Christmas with them at Somerville Hall. Where her life gets even worse. Insurance investigator Phineas Stone comes to her aid.
A pity the story and probably the series concentrates on Lucy instead of Stone.

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A Woman Worthy of Being Pleased by Nerdanel14
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are staying with their relations the Gardiners, and soon met Darcy and Bingley. While their sisters and brother stay at Longbourn.
Would have preferred more about the other characters not just a round up in the Epilogue.
An enjoyable story

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A Second Chance by Nerdanel14
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy is dead, and Darcy has been left with two young children to care for, but eventually he is persuaded to visit Town. Meanwhile Bennet and his new wife, and his four daughters are also travelling there. What secrets does Darcy conceal.
An enjoyable story

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Something to Think Of by P.O. Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth has left Hunsford and arrived at the Gardiners in town. There she meets Jane's suitor. Soon they return to Longbourn followed by Bingley and Darcy. Who will have their happy ending.
An enjoyable story.

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Death of a Dandy: A Mansfield Park Mystery by Riana Everly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel. October 1813. Mary Bennet is travelling from Pemberley to Longbourn, accompanied by Alexander Lyon. On route they are staying at friend of his, when he is approached by Edmund Bertram to discover the location of his missing brother Tom. To this end he and Mary reside at Mansfield Park, the home of the absent Sir Thomas Bertram. But then a body is discovered, more than one. What could be the motive behind the killings and at the instigation of whom.
An entertaining, well-written and well-plotted historical mystery with its many likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
Another enjoyable re-read.

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Snowbound at Hartfield: A Sweet Tea Novella; Pride and Prejudice sequel by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Persuasion/Pride and Prejudice sequel where Colonel Fitzwilliam finds that he has inherited an estate. He then travels with the Darcys and Mr. Bennet to visit his inheritance near Hartfield and the home of the Knightleys.
Arriving in a snowstorm they are invited by the Knightleys to stay at Hartfield, as are the other travellers, Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth Elliot. Can the Colonel finds his future wife in the locale, and what of any happiness for the last remaining Miss Elliot.
Really enjoyed this re-read of the tale, and loved the Colonel is this story (but then I usually do), and even Elizabeth Elliot was likeable. And the writing style made it so easy to read.

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A Shot of Murder by Brenda Gayle
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1948 Kingston, Canada. Reporter Charlotte (Charley) Hall is concerned as her brother has gone missing. Following his trail leads to a dead female, and Toronto detective Mark Spadina.
Didn't really take to the character of Charley, and the genetics in the story is flawed.

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Bag of Bones by Jason Vail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1264 Ludlow. The bones of two men have been found north of the town. Newly appointed coroner Sir Stephen Attebrook doesn't believe the accused, Will Thumper, is guilty of the merchant Kembold and his bodyguard Faget deaths
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its cast of varied and likeable characters.

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The Retirement Party by Graham H. Miller
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

DC Emma Angel is new to DCI Rob Haines team when they are confronted with the first murder. That of a teenager girl. But Haines is involved in a drug operation - this story line is always boring to me. I also didn't take to the character of Angel.
Outside of the drug storyline it was an enjoyable story

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Blood and Parchment: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet by A.J.L. Zarychta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride & Prejudice sequel is set two years after the marriages of the three Bennet sisters. One day Mary Bennet is walking back from Lucas Lodge to Longbourn with her sister Kitty, when Kitty is attacked. Attacked by a vampire. Only with the help of vampire hunter, Benjamin Gordon, can Kitty be saved, aided by Mary, if they can kill the master vampire.
Very enjoyable, well-written Mary Bennet story. The first I have read of Mary and vampires.
A re-read and just as delightful. Another re-read.

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Fraternity of Brothers: A novel about the redemptive power of friendship by Marina Pacheco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

996 A.D. Abbey of Yarmwick, The Fens, Enga-lond. 15 year old scribe Brother Galen is an outcast in the community because of a crime committed against him and the resulting suspicions. Will his life improve when renowned illustrator Alcuin joins the Abbey, and face and possibly overome his greatest fear.
An interesting, well-written and entertaining story of friendship with just a hint of mystery. A good start to this new series with its cast of varied characters.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Dead Will Rise by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1824 Leeds. Thief-taker Simon Westow and Jane Truscott are employed by Joseph Clark to find the body snatchers who had unearthed 10 year old Gwendolyn Jordan's body. Meanwhile rich widow Mrs Amanda Parker wants them to find a Tom Rawlings, for not paying back a loan of £50. But the investigations are not as straightforward as first thought.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable and well-plotted series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Heart of the Demon by Michael Fowler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a mutilated body of a young female is discovered, D.S. Hunter Kerr and D.C.Grace Marshall are sent to investigate. But the team lead by Detective Superintendent Michael Robshaw soon realize that they have a serial killer in the area.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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A Change of Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by E.A. Batten
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice Variation, what if Darcy did not make the Hunsford proposal because Elizabeth reacted angrily to the Colonel and his story of Bingley. As the Colonel informs Darcy, Darcy's actions change and so the future changes.
An enjoyable and well-written tale..Which I think could have been expanded to give more time to the Colonel and his romance.
Yet again another re-read.

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Killer on the Moors by Priscilla Masters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1995 Leek. Newly promoted D.I. Joanne Piercy has her first case. Nurse Marilyn Smith has been found dead in her home. But was it murder. If so how was it done and what was the motive.
An enjoyable modern mystery.

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The Crossbow Stalker by Tony Bassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2017 A campaign of harassment leads to the first murder. But soon Heart of England CID have a serial killer on their patch. The murder weapon a croosbow. But what could be the motives behind the killings. DCI Gavin Roscoe and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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A Curious Death by Jason Vail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1264 Stephen Attebrook and Gilbert Wistwode are at the muster at Oxford. On the death of his nephew, Miles, Percival FitzAllan, Earl of Arundel, asks his old enemy Attebrook to investigate. But Prince Edward wants him to travel to Northampton to investigate if there is a breech in the defenses.
An entertining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyble and well-written series.

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