Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Akhenaten Era. Egyptian diplomat Lord Hani is sent to Syria to investigate a murder.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to this new series.
A book I read last year but forgot to review.

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Elizabeth Bennet's Gallant Suitor: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation can Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy prevent the arranged marriage instigated by Sir Wesley Belwood between his nephew Colonel Fitzwilliam and his granddaughter Jane Belwood previously known as Bennet. A daughter from Mrs Bennet's first marriage. Do either Jane and the Colonel want the marriage or are there other options.
An entertaining and well-written story which thankfully other Bennet daughters stories were also told not just Elizabeth's. Though I would have prefered more time spent with Mary and possibly Jane.
A re-read.

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Death at Fournier Downs by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hertfordshire August 1819. When she sees her friend, Charlotte, the Countess of Bainbury running, Audrey, the Duchess of Fournier, follows but finds her dead. Her suspicions lead to Bow Street officer Hugh Marsden being sent to investigate. Obviously with the help of Audrey and her special gift. Van they work together and solve the mysteries.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters. (Audrey does grow on you.) A good addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Crime in Carton Hall by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Markham and his team are called out to Carton Hall when the body of Charles Larrain is discovered. Poisoned. But what could be the motive. Then another death occurs.
Another entertaining modern mystery in thus enjoyable series.

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Pretending to Love Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the story continues on from 'His Father's Last Gift'. So what will be the result of Colonel Fitzwilliam's strategy to pretend to befriend Mary Bennet. Especially now that his parents have arrived in time for the Netherfield Ball.
A delightful and well-written romance story with its very likeable characters.

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

When the body of Dr Timothy Colthurst is discovered in the Reynolds Museum in Oxford DI Gilbert Markham and his team are seconded from their respective posts to Oxford. Soon there will be more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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Dead to Me by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body of a male is discovered in a breakers yard in the village of Fring, brutally murdered. Who is later identified as 32 year old Simon Shears. But what could be the motive and will this be the only death. Meanwhile habitual absconder Katy Roper has gone missing from her foster home.
D.I. Tom Janssen and his team investigate both cases.
An entertaining well-written modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its cast of likeable and varied characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Anne: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation William Collins is the curate at Hunsford, which is adjacent to Rosings Park, home of the de Bourghs. The daughter Anne is quite a healthy lady and it seems that Collins is taken with Anne. But what about the de Bourghs. Soon they have a visit from a recovering Colonel Fitzwilliam. How will he perceive the situation.
An entertaining and well-written variation with its likeable main characters. An enjoyable start to this new series which continues with 'Elizabeth'.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Bitter Remedy by Alis Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1881 Jesus College Oxford. After the death of a student, Fellow of the college, Basil Rice, and female attendee Rhiannon 'Non' Vaughan investigate his death.
A difficult read for me as I found Non totalling annoying and irritating and there didn't seem to be many totally likeable characters. The mystery itself was okay.
Overall just about enjoyable read.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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

When popular teacher Jayne Padgett is murdered there is no obvious motive. Then another teacher is killed. But there will still be more deaths. DI Markham and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery with its likeable characters

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IF THEY KNEW by Norah Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1931 The head teller at the local BMO is a popular young man. But when he dies suddenly his sister wants him buried immediately. Unfortunately that is not possible and Dr Maggie Fitzmorris discovers his secret. But why is he dead. But he will not be the last.
Inspector Hislop and Maggie investigate.
An enjoyable historical well-written mystery with its likeable main characters.

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Death Rides the Zephyr by Janet Dawson


1952. For me there was way too much description, a very slow paced story. I managed just over a third, I just got bored waiting for the mystery to happen

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Heart of the Nile by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1893, London. Phillip Addison, an evening volunteer at the British Museum has discovered an item in the body of a mummy. But when he goes missing later that evening, Mrs Addison approaches investigating partners Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn to find him. Soon he is discovered dead and now various people are looking for the item he found. Can they solve the mystery before anyone else dies.
Another entertaining historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good addition to this 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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A Vow of Evil by Veronica Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two years have peacefully passed for the Sisters of Compassion in Cornwall, but now evil is felt all around. Little incidents which grow into more than one death. Can DI Hill with the help of Sister Joan solve the mysteries.
Another enjoyable cozy modern mystery in this series with its likeable and varied characters
Originally published 2004

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A Vow of Compassion by Veronica Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

St. Keyn's Cottage hospital seems to have a spate of unexplained deaths. Sister Joan and DS Mill are suspicious. Is there a serial killer in the area or are the deaths accidents.
Another enjoyble cozy modern mystery
Originally published 1997

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A Vow of Adoration by Veronica Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sister Joan discovers the body of a male in an abandoned Chapel, with no identification on him. Meanwhile Michael Peter insists his wife Crystal is on holiday with her family. But her sister Caroline Hayes arrives in the area looking for her sister. Sister Joan helps DS Mill with his investigation.
An enjoyable cozy modern mystery.
Originally published 1996

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

While attending a conference in Oxford a skeleton is discovered below a stairwell. Identified as a missing student from twenty years ago. DI Markham and his team are seconded to investigate. But then a murder occurs. But it will not be the last one.
An entertaining modern mystery with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this series.

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Never Doubt I Love: A Tale of Mary After "Pride and Prejudice" by Ashlynn Chantrea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Mrs Bennet has four daughters married. The last daughter at home, Mary goes to visit Pemberley for a change of scene, but she is not looking for an attachment. Navy Captain James Langston travels to Pemberley to get away from ladies only interested in his wealth. Can either have a happy ending
A delightful and well-written Mary Bennet story. Another re-read.

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The Edinburgh Mystery: And Other Tales of Scottish Crime by Martin Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A collection of short stories all set in Scotland or by Scottish writers. I especially enjoyed the stories by Orczy, Wynne and Bashford.
Overall an entertaining read with some well-written stories.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

1. Markheim - Robert Louis Stevenson (1885) On Christmas Day Markheim is looking for a present for a lady. But he kills the shop owner. Will his day get worse or will he survive.
2. The Field Bazaar - Arthur Conan Doyle (1896) Watson has received a letter and Holmes deducts
3. The Edinburgh Mystery - Baroness Orczy (1902) The man in the cafe gives his theory on the death of Lady Donaldson abd the theft of her jewels
4. The Honour of Israel Gow - G.K. Chesterton (1911) Father Brown investigates the mystery of the odd objects found after the death of Lord Glengyle
5. A Medical Case - J. Storer Clouston (1920) P.I. Carrington is requested to come to Kinbuckie, to investigate 5 burglaries which had strange items taken
6. Footsteps - Anthony Wynne (1926) Dr Eustace Hailey, amateur investigator is asked to Ardvore Castle by Lord Tarbet and the case of the mysterious footsteps.
7. The White Line - John Ferguson (1929) Can Francis McNab discover the thief aboard the ship Magnificent
8. The Body of Sir Henry - Augustus Muir (1929) while on duty in Battlekirk, MacIver becomes suspicious of a car and its occupants.
9. Madame Ville d'Aubier - Josephine Tay (1930) A couple on walking to the Ville d'Aubier receive a hostile reception in a cafe and later they read..
10. The man on Ben Ne Garve - H.H. Bashford (1933) At a dinner party, guest Wentworth tells of an event he saw while visiting Ross-shire the previous year. Should he go to the police or wait for an explanation
11.Before Insulin - J.J.Connington (1936) Is the will of dead diabetic Robin Ashby, valid.
12. The Case of The Frugal Cake - Margot Bennett (1955) Who did kill rich and miserly Aunt Allen
13. Thursday's Child - Cyril Hare (1959) On the island of Cara who is James Filby
14. The Alibi Man - Bill Knox (1965) Why has Manny Davis been locked in a cellar for 7 days
15. The Fisherman - Michael Innes (1970) playwright Freddie Vivarini arranges a fishing party in Dunwinnie which includes ex-policeman Appleby. When a body is discovered can he solve the case.
16. The Running of the Deer - P.M. Hubbard (1974) it is time for the hind season on Colonel Guthrie's estate but the keeper is ill. Without his expertise what could happen
17. Hand in Glove - Jennie Melville (1974) Mr Macaulay always wore gloves even when intimate with Desiree Lindsay. But why does he want the letters written to her back.







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The Rewards of Treachery by Rosemary Rowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CE 198. It all starts with a broken clasp on a piece of jewellery belonging to Lady Julia, which when repaired and returned is the wrong piece. Her husband instructs Junio to investigate. Soon the bodies of murdered men are discovered. Can Junio unravel the motive behind the killings.
A well-written and entertaining Roman Britain historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Bidding to Die by James Whitworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keith Hill and family have arrived in Whitby for a few days holiday. Staying at Campus View where by chance he discovers letters written by Victorian writer Mary Linsall. After advertising them on eBay he is found dead, with the letters gone. Also the man who had bid on them, is found murdered. But why.
DCI Frank Miller and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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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. Another enjoyable re-read.

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Bitter Draughts by Yves Fey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1898 Paris is in the aftermath of the Dreyfus Affair. When several murders occur Inspecteur Michel Devaux investigates.
What I wanted to read was a murder mystery where I coukd work out the murderer, unfortunately that was not what i got. i also felt it might have been a better read if I had read the first book in the trilogy.
But overall an interesting read with its 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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Then There Was Mary by Amy Goddard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where all of Mary's sisters are now married. But she notices the failing health of her father. What becomes of her and Mrs Bennet when he dies.
A delightful story about my favourite Austen couple.

(It does need some editing/proof reading)

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

When Michael Dominguez battered body is discovered in a train carriage the other members of the Book Club become the main suspects. Then another member is murdered. D.I. Gilbert Markham and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Entanglements of Honor: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann


Read to just over half way,then it became a Mary and Collins pairings - which for me is totally unacceptable and so I lost interest.

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A Pale Horse Passing By by John Seeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2009. For nearly a 100 years the Manchu Stallion, a jade statuette has been lost. Now Mrs Alison Grey has been approached to buy back what once belonged to her family. She employs private detective Harry Webster to investigate. Unfortunately for him and others it leads to many bad situations, and murder.
An entertaining well-plotted, and well-written modern mystery. A good start to this new series.
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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Crime in the Ballroom by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the body of Shirley Bastin, owner of the Bluebell Dance Studio is discovered in its garden D.I. Gilbert Markham is suspicious. Then another member of the studio dies. He and his team investigate the cases as murder.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Dead Cannot Hide by J.L. Buck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1812. Government agent Lucien, Viscount Ware, has been tasked by his grandmother to find governess Lucy Drayton who went missing on November 18th the previous year, from her employment at the Harwicks of Harwick Hall near Blinker's Marsh. He engineers an invitation to a neighbour, the Barnetts of Barnett Park. But soon remains of a body are discovered. But what of the Harwicks and their guests. Suspicions are raised and events accelerate.
An entertaining well-written Regency mystery with its cast of varied characters and its likeable main character. A good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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NO AGE TO DIE by John Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sex offender is released from prison and is offered a place at a hostel attached to a church. Then the body of a teenage boy is discovered. Then protests at the church start. DCI John Blizzard and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery with its likeable characters

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Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 Mrs Jane Wonderly and her fiance Mr. Redvers have travelled to Boston to introduce him to her father, Professor Henry Wonderly. But he seems to be missing. They trace him to Istanbul, with his quest to find 'The Sultan's Heart'. But again on arriving there they found he has been missing for a week. They continue thier search. At times I found it was difficult to like Jane.
But overall an enjoyable historical thriller, rather than a mystery. Another good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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No Case for the Police by V.C. Clinton-Baddeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1970 Tidwell St Peter's. Dr. RV Davie is the literary executor to old friend Sir Robert Cassilis's estate. On arrival he is approached by Giles Gifford and the mystery of the accidental drowning of Adam Merrick. Can he determine the cause and motive for the death.
An entertaining cozy modern mystery.
Originally published in 1970

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Green for Danger by Christianna Brand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942. Seven letters have been sent to the hospital delivered by Postman Higgins. Only for Higgins to die on the operating table. DI Cockrill determines there are seven suspects for this one death. All are suspect for the next death. What motive could any of them have, and who is the guilty party. How many have to die before Cockrill arrests the killer
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written WWII mystery, with its cast of varied characters. 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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Darcy and the Spring Surprise: Regency Pride and Prejudice Variation by Andrea Duke


A pride and Prejudice sensual sequel - not really for me.

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His Father's Last Gift: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth is attending to an ill Jane at Netherfield Park. During her stay Elizabeth meets and talks with Darcy where he apologizes for his behaviour. Meanwhile Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives with the last letter Darcy Senior wrote to his son. These events, combined with Jane showing her steely character, will this change the timing of future events, especially when Wickham and Mr. Collins arrive in the neighbourhood.
A delightful and well-written story, with its lovely characters. I even liked Darcy. Another good addition to this series.

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Darcy’s Wedding Surprise by Andrea David


A Pride and Prejudice sensual intimate variation - not really for me

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Turnabout: A Regency Romance inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bennet family has a wealthy relation who contributes to the daughters dowry, and as the owner of Netherfield Park she has put in various stipulations as far as any occupants are concerned. Darcy arrive in time for the Meryton Assembly and his insult. How will these items affect everyones future.
An entertaining and well-written variation.

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Only a Matter of Time by V.C. Clinton-Baddeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr RV Davie is spending time at the King's Lacey music festival. Sponsored by owner of Bexminster Electronics, a firm being subjected to industrial espionage. Then a man going missing, and later found dead.
An entertaining cozy modern mystery
Originally published in 1969

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The Mystery of the Downs by Arthur J. Rees
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Harry Marsland seeks shelter during a storm in a seemingly deserted farm house he is surprised to find an unknown female inside. Later known as Elsie Maynard. On hearing a noise above they discover a body. The police and p.i. Crewe investigate
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published 1918

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When supper was ended… by Michael G T Stokes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2002. DCI Henry Hood and his team are called in to investigate when the body of Benedictine monk Father Dominic Renville is discovered in a priest-hole at Eaton Grange. Home of Sir Robert Southall, and a former Augustinian Priory. What could the possible motive be.
An entertaining and interesting police procedural told in great depth.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Bad Times by Mark Yarwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Peter Moore has just moved to Plymouth from London when a mutilated body of a man is discovered. Next to the body they find the bones of a young boy. Are they the bones of missing 11 year old Danny Sawyer. Moore and his team now have two cases to solve as it gets more complicated.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Omens of Death by Richard Kurti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1497 Rome. Pope Alexander VI has been convinced to build a new St Peter's Church, until the murder of the Count Barberini. He is sure that it is divine intervention. Siblings Cristina and Domenico Falchoni investigate to determine the real motive and guilty party. But events accelerate and more people die. Cristina because of her studies believes she knows best, coupled with a stubbornness and unworldly view causes problems.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to this new series.

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The Biscuit Barrel Murder by Geoffrey Start


1922 The Fescue Detective Agency has been approached to prove the innocence of convicted murderess Josephine Leighton. Who was found guilty of the murder by poison of fiancé George, Viscount Thurmaston. After having cases of only looking for lost animals are are they up to the challenge. Are they a competent group of people.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery written with humour, with its group of mainly likeable characters. A easy read and a decent start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Thistlewood Manor: Murder at the Hedgerow by Fiona Grace
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1928 Eliza Montagu 27, rejects her family values but not their financial support which makes her a hypocrite. She is ordered home to Thistlewood Manor and issued with an ultimatum - marry or the financial support stops. Lucky for her a murder occurs. I found Eliza unlikeable and much of the rest of characters as well, though I did finish the book.

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Deep and Deadly: Murder on the Scottish coast by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

West Uist. D.I. Torquil McKinnon is called to the salmon farm as a body has been discovered. Does this have anything to do with the eco-activists on the island. Meanwhile it seems 'Mungo' the poison-pen letter writer has started their campaign again. Soon the incidents accelerate.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written modern Scottish mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its cast of likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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