A Deadly Coincidence by Keith Finney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940s Lipton St. Faith. Postman Ted Fleming has had a bicycle accident but his wife doesn't believe it was and so asks vicar's daughter Anna Grix to investigate. She recruits/forces American Lt Eddie Elsner to help.
An entertaining historical mystery but I did find Anna unlikeable.

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Dark Secret by Janice Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gray Mitchell's body is found at the base of Stromford Cathedral. A genuinely good man. So why was he murdered. Motive and suspects are missing. D.I. Jim Neal and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery.

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A Fire at the Exhibition by T.E. Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1912 and it's the Little Cotterell Augural Art Exhibition. During a fire several items are stolen but why and by whom. Is the death of a cyclist connected or not. Then a pair of treasure hunters appear at The Grange. Can Lady Hardcastle and Florence Armstrong solve these mysteries while Inspector Sunderland also investigates.
An entertaining cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting 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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The Forgotten Sister by Kyron Pennie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel. So what does happen to Mary and Kitty, and the rest of the neighbourhood after the marriages of the three Bennet sisters.
Though an enjoyable and quick story it did feel rushed most of the time. I felt the story would have been better told at a slower and more in-depth pace.
Still an entertaining re-read. Another re-read.

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Dead Guilty by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three year old Sophie Alder has been taken from the family's back garden. That coupled with a drugs gang and a murder keeps the team occupied.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Mary and the Captain: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Nancy Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Caroline Bingley arranges that her best friend, Miss Paget, the lady receiving the attentions of her brother - Captain Bingley - is invited to Netherfield for Christmas. Not to spend time with the Bingley and Bennet families but to ensure that the proposal that the Captain and Miss Paget desire is done. But plans do not always go smoothly.
Loved this, the story, the writing style, it kept me enchanted so much that I read it in one sitting.
A delightful and well-written story and another re-read. Again another re-read.

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Elizabeth’s Rush to the Altar: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Bella Breen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mrs Bennet has found a loophole that breaks the entail when a daughter marrys a man of substantial means. Can she marry Jane and Elizabeth, to Bingley and Darcy quickly before Collins wedding.
Overall an enjoyable read with its likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Palette of Blood by Richard Kurti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1503 Rome. The newly elected pope Julius II has commissioned artists to design the St. Peter's Basilica. When the first backer of one of the artists is discovered multilated Cristinia and her brother Domenico Falchoni investigate.
An entertaining and interesting historical mystery with its likeable characters.

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The Suitors by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another re-read of the Pride & Prejudice variation. A sequel to A Judge of Their Characters.
The story of the Bennets, Fitzwilliams, Darcys, de Bourgh, Belmonts and Bingleys continues in this sequel.
A very enjoyable tale, a good mix of mystery and romance. Again another re-read.
NB There is mature content

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A Judge of Their Characters by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudive variation Jane is engaged to a wealthy Wickham. But Elizabeth is concerned and travels to Derbyshire to meet the Gardiners who are on holiday there and enlist their help. Near Lambton she is meet and helped by Darcy. But what plots are a foot.
A fun read with some new characters. Another re-read of this story with a mystery plot, which is so much more interesting than a straight romance story, and with pairings I like. Another re-read.
NB There is mature content.

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Dead Bad by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The multilated body of a female is found in a disused church, the m.o. the same as a killing 20 years ago. That murderer is in prison. But then Calladine is attacked and kidnapped. That plus the spread of new drugs on the street keeps everyone busy.
An entertaining modern mysery.

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The Wager: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Bedlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of a Pride and Prejudice variation where we read about the circmstances that lead to Mary beinge invited to visit Hunsford where she meets Major Quartermaine, a relation of Lady Catherine's late husband. Events make her think less of the Major, but can there be a happy ending for this shy and prim Bennet daughter.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, just wished Mary story's could have been a longer. I liked this Mary and the new character.
Another enjoyable re-read.

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Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

May 1890, London. American book agent Wolcott Balestier has gone missing after going on an evening stroll. Friend Rudyard Kipling dismisses Enola's help and turns to Sherlock to investigate.
Overall an enjoyable story though not an intricate mystery. Enola is more of the role of helper to Sherlock. As this is the first of the series I have read I don't know if that is the usual situation.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The River House Mystery by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trevor Lowe is invited to a house party by a worried Montague Hammond as he has received anonymous threatening letters. When a death occurs, but not the last, can Inspector Cotter determine the guilty party or will it be Lowe.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1938

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The Gallery and Murder by T M Goble
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jenny Maltravers after her time in the army as a Matron has opened a shop in Peaklow. Not long after a death in the town, the police become suspicious of her involvement. With the help of Captain Daniel Harrison of the Royal Military Police she tries to clear her name.
An entertaining modern cozy mystery.

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Jealousy & Disappointment - A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lorena DiChiara


A Pride and Prejudice variation which I gave up at 37% When Mary agreed to marry Collins. For me a totally unacceptable pairings which obviously ruined the story.

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Dead Jealous by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flora Appleton, 16, is found dead in the boot of a car. The ashes of a child have been found while a house is being renovated. If that is not enough to investigate by D.I. Tom Calladine and his team they soon have another murder.
An enjoyable modern mystery.

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Pride and Prescience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged by Carrie Bebris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where Mr and Mrs Darcy become concerned over the behaviour of Mrs Parrish née Caroline Bingley.
An enjoyable mystery though with a very limited number of suspects.

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Time for Yesterday by A.C. Crispin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Guardian of Forever is malfunctioning causing the death of planets. So Starfleet Command sends the Enterprise uniting Admiral James T. Kirk, Spock, and Dr. Leonard McCoy to investigate. This will send them back 5000 year to Sarpeidon and Zar. Who has his own problems to solve.
An entertaining story. Another re-read.

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Murder at the Village Fair by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1935. The Bryants are having a delayed honeymoon and have arrived at his Aunt Euphemia's home at the Dower house of the Quixshotte Estate. When a murder occurs, the body is discovered by them and they are asked to investigate. Will this be the only death but want could be the possible motive. Inspector Woolley arrives to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery. With its likeable main characters it is 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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The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Local legend and adventurer Jeremy Rosco has returned to Greystone in Devon. Renting a cottage rather than stay at his home while he waits for a particular someone to arrive. But soon he is found dead. D.I. Matthew Venn and his team investigate
A very slow paced mystery which really didn't really capture my interest. For me there was too much description and not enough mystery, and the previous interesting characters became less so.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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An Accomplished Lady by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins with Jane ill at Netherfield where she is cared for by Elizabeth. Can Bingley and Hurst convince Darcy that Elizabeth is the accomplished lady of the right sort to be perfect for him.
A very enjoyable and well-written story with its likeable characters, surprisingly that includes Hurst and Mrs Bennet.
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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Blood on the Tiber by B. M. Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rome December 1797. Finally Felix Gracchus has woken up in the French embassy after suffering from malaria. Then with the help of Lt Dermide Vanderville, they investigate the possible missing last will of the late Prince Cesarini. But where is Donn'Assunta who nursed Gracchus through his illness. Matters are complicated with the threat of riots and a missing member of the Bonaparte family.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery with its cast of varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Familiar Spirits by Leonard Tourney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1602 Chelmsford. 15 year old Ursula Tusser is hanged as she has been found guilty of being a witch. Soon suspicion of witchcraft are raised against other females. Constable Matthew Stock attempts to find the reasons behind them.
An enjoyable historical mystery though not a great fan of witches stories.


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Dead Nasty by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first body is found soon after the release of murderer Craig Donnelly. D.I. Tom Callandine is convinced he is the murderer, but is he right. The team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery spoiled by the overuse of the word copper, which was annoying

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Murder by Another Name by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

432 A.D. Comux King of Durotriges requests the help of priestess Morvoren. Eudaf has been killed by Kenosaglas because he was a Saxon spy. If true he can go free as it is a valid reason for murder.
Morvoren investigates.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this entertaining series.

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Perfect Record by Kerry J. Donovan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What will happen when DB Parrish, major criminal, and lover of diamonds, finds the perfect safe breaker, Sean Freeman. DCI Jones and his team need to investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable modern mystery/thriller.

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Dead Lost by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Homeless men are going missing from a camp in Leesdon, in the grounds of a disused cotton mill owned by Damien Chase who wants to develop the site. Also teenage girls are disappearing. Couple that with personal problems for Calladine, and a new DCI makes for a hard time for him. As he and the team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Legend of the Great Auk by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1877. How and why does the disagreement over the providence of a stuffed Great Auk result in a murder. Was there also previous attempts of poisoning to others related. Holmes and Stamford investigate.
A well-written and entertaining Holmes mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable characters.

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Yesterday's Son by A.C. Crispin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 6324.09. The result of Spock on 5000 year ago Sarpeidon has been discovered. Using the Guardian of Forever can they retrieve Zar, and with what result. Especially with the Romulans in the area.
Excellent Star Trek story. Another enjoyable re-read.

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Dead List by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harriet Finch has a list of people she wants to kill. She starts with Dr Ahmed. But why are they on her list. DI Tom Callandine and his team investigate (Hopefully the awful Lydia is out of Tom's life).
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery.

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The Uniform by Jodie Lawrance
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1977 Edinburgh. DS Helen Carter is new to CID when a new case arrives. A male has been murdered in a disused cinema. But he will not be the last. What is the connection between them. D.I. Jack Craven and his team investigate.
Not sure there were any likeable characters in this modern murder mystery.

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The Dead Came Calling by J.L. Buck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1812 London. Andrew Sherbourne has an unexpected visitor from his time in France working as a British agent. That of Maria Pembroke and her young daughter. Suspicion falls on him when Maria is discovered dead. Leading him to go into hiding while fellow spy Lucien Grey leads the investigation to prove him innocent and find the murderer before it's too late.
An entertaining and well-written Regency mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. It is another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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AN INCONSPICUOUS MURDER by Norah Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1931. Young female Lacey Gibson is found dead at the bottom of the stairs in her home. The police quickly decided it was an accident but Dr Maggie Fitzmorris is unsure and so will not sign off the death certificate. This leads her to investigate to convince Inspector Hislop otherwise.
An entertaining historical mystery set in Canada.

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Making A Killing: A Maggie Fitzmorris Mystery Novella by Norah Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1931 Sunnyville. Mrs Gorman housekeeper to deceased Joseph Stroud is on trial for his murder. Dr Maggie Fitzmorris is uncertain of her innocence and investigates.
An enjoyable short historical mystery, a prequel to the series

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The Bookshop Murder by Merryn Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abbeymead, 1955. Bookshop owner Flora Steele discovers a body one morning in her shop. That of 21 year old Australian Kevin Anderson, later deemed to have died from natural causes. But why was he in the shop during the night. Flora with the help of writer Jack Carrington investigate, hopefully solving the death before anyone else dies.
An entertaining historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters.

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Web of the Romulans by M.S. Murdock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 3125.3 The Romulans are on a mission which will take them into Federation spaace. Kirk and the Enterprise are part of the delegation to discover the truth. But trouble looms.
An entertaining re-read.

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The Porcelain Cat by P. Ganendran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1900. After a spate of burglaries, one of which resulted in a death. Sherlock Holmes determines the guilty party. But Detective Rahul Amarath is employed to discover the truth, aided by Miss Madeleine Carmichael.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Mystery in the Highlands by Lydia Travers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1911 Daisy's cousin Clara Ross of Fort William is concerned as there have been two sudden deaths in the local choir. So Maud and Daisy now have new case. On arriving they start receiving riddles informing them of where the next death will occur. But why would anyone want to kill them.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. With its likeable main characters, back-up by the cast of varied characters. Another good addition to this cozy series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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The Girls In The Water by Victoria Jenkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a body is discovered D.I. Alex King and her team investigate. But D.C. Chloe Lane's mind is not totally on the job. But that of her brother's assumed guilt of murder 8 years ago and his consequent suicide. Can the cases be resolved.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Lady Clues and the Mystery of the Missing Letters: A Lady Clues Short Story by Ava Ness
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1920s Mrs Caroline Huntington-Jones approached Lady Clues because letters written by her lover had been stolen and she wishesthemback.
Not much of a mystery in this short story.

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Murder at Farrington Hall by Ann Sutton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1923. A house party at Farrington Hall results in the theft of an very expensive necklace, followed by a murder. Lady Dodo wangles a place in the investigation.
A slow paced historical cozy mystery, unfortunately I found Dodo to not be particularly likeable.

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Crook o' Lune: A Lancashire Mystery by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1953. Inspector Robert MacDonald is on holiday at the home of the Hoggetts in Lancashire when he becomes interested in several events before becoming involved officially. That of sheep theft, and a house fire resulting in a death.
An entertaining and well-written slow paced, historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another enjoyable addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Flowering Death by Angus MacVicar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Dr Abraham Mcintee is found dead, his murder is investigated by the head of Department Q7, Dr William 'Spike' Dorrance, and his sidekicks detectives McGonagle and Spring.
Spike is bit of a strange character but overall an enjoyable historical mystery.
Originally published in 1937

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Dead Silent by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of a naked mutilated female is dumped in the back of a car involved in a multi-car pile up. But who is Vida no.5. D.I. Tom Calladine and his team investigate. But then another body is discovered and an American student goes missing.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery.

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Redemption by Andrew Murrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1643 Is the start of a vendetta between farmer Nathaniel Salt and Erasmus Carew, his neighbour, which carrys on through the English Civil war, one on either side, and beyond. His obsession is to destroy Carew and all his kin.
An interesting historical story

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A Far Better Prospect: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by MJ Stratton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

February 1807. Twenty year old tradesman daughter Louisa Bingley has fallen for tradesman Henry Tillman, much against her mother's plans. Treating Louisa cruelly Mrs Bingley has forced Louisa to marry a grandson of an Earl, Reginald Hurst. Can she find the strength within her self to survive this unhappy marriage and her sister Caroline (who is so like their mother). But hope is available from a stronger brother Charles.
A delightful and well-written Pride and Prejudice variation telling the story of poor Louisa Bingley from her marriage, to Netherfield, and beyond. Overall an entertaining story of a likeable character deserving of our sympathy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Vocation of Mary Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel, fifteen years have passed since the wedding of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet It is now June 1830. Mary is now the last of the daughters at home, spending her time looking after her parents and cultivating her interest in the sciences. So when an illness spreads through Meryton she is able to help, but will there be problems arising from her help. Can this last daughter have a happy ending, one that she really wants.
I really enjoyed the story, again, but I freely admit that Mary Bennet is my favourite Bennet daughter.
Another enjoyable re-read.

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Miss Morton And The Spirits Of The Underworld by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1838 Lady Caroline Morton due to a perilous financial situation is the companion to trade woman Mrs Frogerton and is guiding her daughter Dorothy through her first season in town. When spritualist Lavinua Dubois is killed, Mrs Frogerton and Caroline investigate to prove the innocence of their friend Dr. Harris.
An entertaining cozy historical mystery with its likeable main characters. A good addition to this series set in early Victorian England.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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

A Pride and Prejudice variation where after the obvious dislike between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet at various functions, Caroline Bingley decides to befriend Elizabeth, hoping to improve the relationship between those two. Her motive, she would like another friend to invite to Pemberley when she becomes Mrs Darcy. This is a delusion shared only with her sister Mrs Louisa Hurst.
An entertaining variation as we notice the improvement of the Bennet family, and especially of Darcy.
My usual complaint is that again there is not enough about the Colonel and Mary Bennet. But anouther enjoyable re-read.

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