Murder on the Pneumatic Railway by Lisa M. Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1870 Horace Wright a postal clerk is discovered dead inside a pneumatic railway car. Surgeon Samuel Light was seen arguing with him, and so was promtly arrested and charged by Inspector Morgan. Friends including Tommy Jones know he is innocent and so they begin their investigations.
But what could be the possible motive, and if Light is innocent who is the guilty party.
An entertaining Victorian mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good addition to this trilogy.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review

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A Rather Dastardly Death by Anthony Slayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 The Unsworth family have decided to escape from the problems at home and travel to the French Riviere. There they are invited to a party by an old flame of the Earl. Unfortunately a murder occurs and DCI Tallier of the Surete who suspiciously just happens to me on holiday asks Arthur Quayle for his help. Will there be more deaths but could the possible motive be.
An entertaining and well-written historial mystery with its varied and likeable characters. Including an interesting main character in this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejuive sequel, Colonel Fitzwillian is visiting Hertfordshire looking for a different life. But another reason slowly matures, he becomes aware that he would like to have a wife, but who. Can he avoid the matchmakers and find his happy ending.
A delightful and well-written story, with is very likeable characters.
It can easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the prequel - Matching Mr. Darcy (Sweet Possibilities, #1) first.
A re-read of this story again. And again.

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Matching Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy's offensive words about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly do not go unchallenged. On asking Elizabeth for a dance, Elizabeth throws his words back at him. He becomes intrigued by her response but what will he do. But with this couple nothing can be straightforward.
A delightful well-written story where all the characters are likeable. I especially like this Bingley, and Mary.
A re-read so that I can read the sequel again. And again.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Persian Slipper by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1877 Arthur Stamford's cousin, Lily is concerned about her friend, newly married Mrs Una Clark, because of her letters written to Lily. Stamford agrees to visit Mrs Clark in Coldwell only to find that Mr Clark was killed the previous evening. Holmes arrives to help.
An entertaining Holmes mystery. Another good addition to this series with its likeable characters.

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Falconer and the Face of God by Ian Morson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1266 A band of players have arrived in Oxford. But a death soon occurs among them. Master William Falconer investigates while on an errand for Roger Bacon. But can he and Constable Peter Bullock find the guilty party before another death occurs.
An enjoyable historical mystery with it cast of varied characters. Another good addition to this series.

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Blonde by Stan Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When he discovers his girlfriend dead and the police no nearer catching the killer Professor of Philosophy Perry Webster decides to start asking questions which leaves him in danger. But can he find the killer before another death
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Gladiator's Tale by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

AD 63 When gladiators belonging to trainer Aemil go missing he employs Leonidas to find them. Only for Leonidas to discover a body, cut into various parts. With the help of Cassia, his scribe, they investigate. But what could be the motive.
A entertaining and well-written Roman mystery with its likeable main characters. A good addition to this series.

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Murder in the Parish by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cold case for ex-DI Hillary Greene and her team. Thirty years ago the Reverend Keith Coltrane, 35, of Lower Barton, was murdered. The weapon, suspected to be a spade was never recovered. With many of the possible suspects dead how will the team uncover the guilty party.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its likeable main character. 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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Big Swamp by Kelly Dean Jolley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.I. Ford Merrick of Opelika, Alabama is approached by newcomer Rachel Gunner to investigate her Uncle Wylie Stroud. To determine what he is scheming. Then he gets another case, was the death of Jane Pimberly suspicious.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters.

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Of Silver Linings And Glad Tidings...: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by S. Neha
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation which begins a year before canon when an unfortunate occurrence with one of their friends changes the dynamics of the Bennet family. Now it is a year later and the Netherfield party and Mr Collins have arrived. How will this impact on the Bennets.
A delightful story of all of the Bennet family, especially enjoyable as the story did involve all of the daughters and not just the usual Elizabeth and Darcy interactions.
An entertaining re-read, again.

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The Fear at Rockbridge Hall by Tim Heath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1890. The owners of the bank of Manveham needs a new safe at his home of Rockbridge Hall to keep his secret papers. But why. Then there us the children's nanny Miss Maitheson, what does she hide or will reveal.
An interesting Victorian story.

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Something New to Observe A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet takes action after Darcy's behaviour at the Meryton Assembly, in front of Bingley, the Colonel and his brother the Viscount. The three elder Bennet sisters and Charlotte Lucas have more accomplishments than canon. Can there be a happy ending for all the participants.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written variation, with its so many likeable characters. An entertaining re-read

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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 and Darcy overly solicitous. Though an enjoyable re-read.

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A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1923 So far there have been three deaths, and three flower bouquets delivered to the victims. The deaths are investigated by DI Green. With help from Saffron Everleigh, a researcher for aBotany department, who reveals their meaning, then she and Dr Michael Lee continue their own investigation.
A mixture unfortunately of romance and mystery.
Overall an enjoyable story which did seem to drag a little in the middle.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Falconer's Judgement by Ian Morson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1261. In Rome Pope Alexander IV is dying. In England Henry III backs Bishop Otho to be the next pope in the return of favours. A Templar is sent on a mission to England and a man is killed at Oseney Abbey. Can master William Falconer with the help of Constable Peter Bullock solve the mysteries.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good addition to this series.

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Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At Alastair Bing's Country Manor Chayning Court a body lies in an upstairs bathroom. Unknown to everyone except the murderer. Mrs Beatrice Bradley watches the guests. Can she unravel the mystery before another death occurs.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published in 1929

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A Man Condemned by Roderic Jeffries
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.I. Robert Fusil is assigned to arrange the protection of oil businessman Jazeyeri. Meanwhile there has been a bank robbery, and a policeman killed. Soon bodies will be discovered, but who and why were they killed
A enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1981

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The Bennets: Providence & Perception by K. C. Cowan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel four years have passed, and soon many changes will occur. As in a new rector for Longbourn is needed, and Mrs Bennet dies while on a visit to Lydia. Still Mary and Kitty are at home and as usual Mr Bennet dismisses them both. But what of the Collinses. What changes will happen. What will the new and varied characters bring to Longbourn. Willthere be a happy ending for anyone.
An entertaining and well-written story with its cast of likeable and familiar characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Quayside Murder by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Philip Scarn, successful businessman recruits solicitor Eric Ward to help expand his entertainment business into the North-east. But nothing is straightforward.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1983

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Falconer's Crusade by Ian Morson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oxford 1264. When Margaret Gebetz, servant to Master John Fyssh is murdered Regent Master William Falconer Investigates.
An enjoyable historical and well-written mystery with its likeable main character. A good start to this series.

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The Horsea Marina Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Andy Horton is called out to a fire on a boat in Horsea Marina. That of Guernsey financier Tom Brundall. Originally from Portsmouth. But is there a connection to the next several deaths, and is there a connection to Horton
An entertaining modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
Originally published in 2009

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The Langstone Harbour Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the body of Jessica Langley, headmistress is discovered murdered, DI Horton and his team investigate. But soon another body is found. The team are also investigating a spate of antique burglarys.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published 2007

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Love and a Scoundrel at Pemberley by Eliza Heaton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where six months after Elizabeth has given birth to twins Darcy leaves to go and help his uncle. Meanwhile a healthy Anne de Bourgh arrives at Pemberley, but with an admirer.
An enjoyable story.

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Sepulchre Street by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1931. Artist Damaris Gethin at an art exhibition in the Hades Gallery, asked Rachel Savernake to solve her murder, then she kills herself in front of the invited guests. Meanwhile, Jacob Flint, crime reporter, for The Clarion is interested in socialite Mrs Kiki de Villiers, someone with a murky past and connected to gangsters. Together there will soon be other deaths to investigate.
An entertaining historical thriller and mystery, written in the style of 'The Golden Age'. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its varied and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review


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The Long Road to Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what could go even more wrong when Darcy proposes to Elizabeth at the Hunsford parsonage. They are abducted and eventually find themselves in Scotland but with Wickham. How will they all survive.
An entertaining story.

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The Crocodile Makes No Sound by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lord Hani's brother in law, priest, Amen-em-hat has disappeared and his family wish Hani to find him. Meanwhile Hani is requested by Kiya, Beloved Royal wife to determine who is blackmailing her and how to prevent p a major incident for her homeland.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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Betrothals & Betrayals by Cinnamon Worth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation after the death of Mr Bennet, Elizabeth working as a companion meets Georgiana Darcy. Saving her from Wickham results in Jane becoming Georgiana's companion at Pemberley. But after marrying Bingley, Elizabeth takes the position.
An enjoyable story

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The Black Ascot by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1910 Alan Barrington escapes the country after being the main suspect in a murder. Now in 1921 has he been sighted back. Inspector Rutledge is given the cold case to find him and arrest him.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting and likeable main character. Another good addition to this series.

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Mr Darcy's Legacy: A Pride and prejudice Variation by Florence Gold
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice Variation begins after Elizabeth has accepted Darcy’s second proposal, and Lydia and Wickham's marriage. What could go wrong as Darcy and Elizabeth travel to town. What secrets will be revealed.
It was just about enjoyable enough.


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Never a Duchess by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being betrayed Miss Lillian Ware is writing a book on how to spot a rogue. On discovering this Callan MacLean, the Duke of Dounreay, offers his help. But they are soon witnesses to an abduction and decide to investigate. But what of the relationship between them, can Lillian overcome her past fears and trust Callan.
An entertaining and well-written romantic mystery (with mature content) with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable 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 Farming Murder by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dispute among the Saxby farming family results in a death. Was it an accident or murder. Ex-detective and now solicitor Eric Ward wonders.
An entertaining modern cozy mystery
Originally published in 1982

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Mothers Know Best: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Iris Lim
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Lady Anne Darcy believes it time her son married. Lady Bennet believes her daughter Elizabeth would be suitable and so does Lady Anne. So no better place to meet than a ball.
Not much of interest in the story for me.



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Overwhelming Evidence: A classic British police procedural packed with plot twists and intrigue to keep you guessing until the end. [DCI Bentley: The London Years Number 1] by Steve Bentham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who did kill private investigator Christopher Vernham. As he was stabbbed while in his office late one Thursday evening. DCI Haydn Bentley investigates.
An enjoyable modern crime story.

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Who Shot Mr Darcy?: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Variation by Laura Nickleby
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy is shot in a duel with Wickham, but not by him. As Elizabeth Bennet is the healer in the family she nurses him. But who did shoot him.
There is no angst, no Caroline Bingley, Lady de Bourgh , Colonel or Collins. So basically not very interesting.

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The Portsmouth Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Andy Horton is finally back at Portsmouth CID, but on a morning run he discovers the body of a naked man. Soon there will be more deaths but what is the motive. Is it just one killer. Horton and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery which would have been better without Horton's angst about his failed marriage.
Originally published in 2006.

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

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Bennet is in mourning, and Darcy is engaged to Caroline Bingley when they meet at the Meryton Assembly. So how can they ever reach a happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written story which for me only gotinteresting with a couple of sentences in the epilogue. Another re-read.

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The Last Straw by Paul Gitsham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Warren Jones is new to the Middlesbury force. But soon he and his team will have their first murder case. That of universally disliked professor, Alan Tunbridge. Quite easily they find a prime suspect.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery. A good start to this new series.

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The Vengeance Trail by Elizabeth Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1796 While at Dalesford Hall Lady Ottilia Fanshawe is dragged into the river. But who from her past is trying to kill her.
Overall an enjoyble mystery but I felt not as good as previous stories.

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Fate and Consequences: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Georgiana Darcy elopes with Wickham with the result that she is ruined, and with consequences to the Darcy name as it becomes known among the ton. She is intercepted at Meryton by the Colonel and Darcy, where Elizabeth than aids Georgiana which is the start of their correspondence. This soon leads to an exchange of letters between Elizabeth and Darcy. It is a much humbled Darcy that gets to know Elizabeth. A Darcy that has been lonely all his life. The Bingleys and Darcys eventually arrive at Netherfield.
There is some mature content before marriage and after. For me there was actually too much of their interactions and would have been a better story without.
A re-read and it had been a very long while since I first read it.

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The Cargo From Neira by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1605 An attempted suicide is saved and taken to Doctor Gabriel Taverner's home. But Artemis Brownyng is pregnant and unmarried. But she can pay with nutmegs, a rare commodity. Is there a connection to the body of Malin Piltbone who's mouth was full of nutmegs. But this will not be the last of the killings. Can Taverner find the motives and solve the mysteries. But what is the real plan.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyble series with its likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Royal Assassin by Adele Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1584. Having learnt that assassin, Gregorio Luca, will be arriving in England, Walsingham instructs Kit and Iomhar to find him and bring him back to London to go on trial. But also is there traitor in the Privy Council.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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Song of the Dead by Douglas Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

12 years ago in Estonia John Baden, disappeared, and then his body was discovered and identified by his family. Now he has reappeared in Estonia. If he really is Baden where has he been all this time.
It is for DI Ben Westphall and his team to unravel the mystery.
An interesting and entertaining modern mystery

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Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery by Riana Everly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 In this sequel, while staying with the Gardiners Mary Bennet meets Elinor Dashwood and they become close friends. Among the circle are the Ferrars brothers and the Steel sisters. Investigator Alexander Lyons arrives when a body is discovered, murdered.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its lovable and varied characters. Again another enjoyable addition to this delightful series.

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Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Monica Fairview


In this Pride and Prejudice magic variation poor Mary Bennet the plain daughter is now the only one blind to magic. When that was revealed I lost interest.

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Mary Bennet Takes Charge - A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation 'plain and not a son' Mary Bennet is the younger twin of Elizabeth, but when the militia and Mr. Collins arrive she decides her family must change and so 'takes charge'. But what effect will this have on her family and her neighbours as she must also change.
A delightful and well-written historical romance story with its enjoyable pairings

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The Bad Lot by Wade H. Mann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation according to Elizabeth Bennet as all men are idiots she will consider the marriage proposal of Mr. Collins.s. But she needs more information, so to London she goes.
An enjoyable short story.

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Murder at the Freak Show by Helen Goltz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brisbane 1888. Matilda Hayward a writer for the 'Woman's Journal' is writing a piece about the newly arrived Burnham's Freak Show. But soon there is a death. Detectives Thomas Ashdown and Henry Dart investigate with the help of Matilda.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to this series.

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Requiem by Lucrezia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern and long Pride and Prejudice variation which is not my usual read. But I enjoyed the story and especially the pairing of Mary Bennet.

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The Scarlet Thread by Kat Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1889. When a young lady is seemingly scared to death, Harrison Pell is asked to investigate while she is under suspension from the SPR. Is the guilty party the ghost of Mary Worth.
An entertaining paranormal historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this series.

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