Murder In The Library by Brian Battison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of a male is discovered in the home of Reggie Carter. One of the ganglords who believes he is beyond the law. Is this the start if a gang war. Ashworth, his team and a Special Unit investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Cornwall Mermaid by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1901. Lucy and Jack Kelly are sent by Holmes to the village of Porthcurno as the station chief, Bousbib, of the undersea telegraph company is missing. In a few days the last link to England from South Africa will be completed, important because of the Boar War and the need for speedy communications. Then Holmes, Watson with Becky and Flynn join them. But can they unravel the mystery in time and find the spy, and possible murderer.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting and likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Suspect from Berlin: A Cold Case Mystery by Lyle Nicholson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alberta. Five years ago the Paradis Brothers were murdered. Detective Bernadette Callahan is pregnant and working in the cold case department when she comes across the file containing an unfollowed lead, of a Hanna Winter, who may be connected to human trafficking. She contacts Katriona Sager of the German BKE. But the case leads them both into danger, not just them but family. Can they survive and stop, with a lot of help, this organisation.
An entertaining and well-written modern thriller mystery. With its interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Murder at the Ritz by Jim Eldridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940. A body of a man is discovered in a room in the Ritz, belonging to one of the entourage of King Zog of Albania. Is there a connection to the rumour that Zog has £2m in gold bars in his suite. Then local gang members are being given killed, but why and by whom. DCI Edgar Coburg and DS Ted Lampson investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery with its likable main characters. A good start to the series.

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Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 Old army friend of Wrexham's dead brother asks for his help. But when he arrives at the Merton Library in Oxford, the librarian Neville Greeley is dead. Back in London the race is on to invent an ocean going propulsion system. But rivalrys abound with some destruction resulting. Can this extended family solve these two mysteries.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and varied 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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The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Victoria England. Friends Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer get sent to a magical land by his uncle Andrew Ketterley. First they met Queen Jadis, and in another land Aslan. How Narnia came into being.
Several re-reads of this first in the series (chronological order) of Narnia books.


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The Nunnery: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Anne Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mrs Bennet has been dead for a long while, leaving conflicting memories with her daughters, reflecting how they have lived their lives. But now winter has returned to Meryton and more gentlemen become stranded in Meryton starting with Bingley and Darcy, but they are soon joined by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Very soon they met the Bennet daughters of The Nunnery. The colonel decides to help them, but can they change and will there be a happy ending for any of them.
An entertaining variation with a lovable Colonel. Another re-read. Again.

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Death in the Cove by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1950 Portland Island, Dorset. When an unusual male body is discovered in one of the coves Scotland Yard detective Alun Ryga is sent to investigate. But without an identification how will he succeed and will there be more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written post WW2 mystery with its likeable main character. A good start to this series.

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Immortalised to Death: The Dunston Burnett Trilogy by Lyn Squire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1870. Charles Dickens is dead, officially a heart attack. But his family believe he was poisoned, though why. Is there any connection to a previous robbery at his home and Dickens illegitimate son. Sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth and nephew Dunston Burnett are determined to discovery the truth while protecting the reputation and legacy of Dickens.
An enjoyable historical mystery, well-written with its cast of diverse and likeable characters. A good start to this trilogy.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Case of Robbery on the Riviera by Clara Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930s. Firstly the grandmother of Freddy Pilkington-Soames, Lady Cecily Wareham wants a divorce, and secondly, friend Angela Marshmont needs his help. Thankfully both are staying on the French Riviera. Can he help them both without getting in too much trouble.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with iys likeable main character. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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The Final Reflection by John M. Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Enterprise crew come back from shore interested in a newly published book - 'The Final Reflection'. The story of a Klingon captain called Krenn. But how much is fact and fiction.
Another entertaining re-read.

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The Apothecary's Daughter by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Ray Flowers life changes when he us subject to to an acid attack. But is it a case of mistaken identity. Then he moves into his aunt's house and finds that she had been visited by Kitty, a ghost from 1643. Soon Ray investigates her life and that of his attack.
I don't really care for storys about witches, and thought the story would have been better just to concentrate on the present, that part was an enjoyable modern mystery.

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Lost Hearts: Pride and Prejudice Variation by B.J. Rumph
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation to avoid the unwanted attentions of the new vicar, Mary escapes to Pemberley. In the same carriage, avoiding his matchmaking mother is the Colonel. Circumstances force them to wed.
As with the author's other work (Coping) I like the pairings, and the story. For thoses two items the story receives 3 stars.
But once again the execution of the story is bad, it badly needs a proof reader and an editor. Still I had to read it again.

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The Darcys' First Christmas: The Disappearance by Andrea David
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where the honeymoon is at an and the Darcys and Bingleys are in town for Christmas, when Kitty goes missing. Not really that interesting, just foolish Lydia and Kitty.

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THE LOST DAUGHTER by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twenty-eight year old Ashley Summers, widow, has finally moves on and meets Tim Bennett. Then she disappears. Ex-detective Ray Flowers is employed to find her. But nothing is simple, as lives are threatened and lost.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery thriller with its cast of varied characters. 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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Murder in the Cottage by Brian Battison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A new Superintendent brings trouble to Ashworth, then the Witch's Cottage becomes occupied by bestselling author Joyce Regent, and the curse resumes.
A entertaining modern mystery
(Prologue is not an easy read)
Originally purchased 1996

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As Above, So Below: A Hermann Horst Mystery by Ingram Hargrave
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1886 Austra-Hungary. Professor Hermann Horst is recruited by the police to help in the investigation of the murder of head gardener Andrej Feher The request comes via Senior Inspector Orczy Géza of the Budapest Gendarme because he is deemed to be an expert on the supernatural. There is an old castle, a curse, and of course the murder.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with it's cast of diverse and interesting characters. Hopefully the start of a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Mary Bennet and the Shades of Pemberley by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Mary Bennet, apprentice magician, continues as she goes to spend the Christmas time at Pemberley. Happy to be with Elizabeth but concerned because of Darcy.
But on arriving she finds Elizabeth in somewhat of a state, believing she is going mad. Now it is time for Mary to be useful. Ghosts have been appearing at Pemberley, and accidents are happening. Can Mary's magic ability solve the problems
Another delightful and enjoyable well-written story in this series. Another re-read.
A pity there are no more in the series.

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Mary Bennet and the Beast of Rosings Park by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet's story continues as she goes and stays at the Hunsford Parsonage to recover from her recent experiences. But what is it about the old woodland on Rosings Park and who is killing the animals. During Mary's stay she unites with old friends and makes new ones as she unravels the mystery.
Another enjoyable and well-written story featuring my favourite character. Another re-read, again.

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The Secret at Sunset Hill: A Katie Porter Mystery by K.T. McGivens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1947 Katie Porter's first assignment for the Fairfield Gazette is the debutante party of friend Boots White's. There she investigate the theft of jewellery which soon leads to a mystery from the war.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Mad About the Boy? by Dolores Gordon-Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1923. A ball at Hesperus House, Sussex, home of Lady Alice and Sir Philip Rivers results in a suspicious suicide and a murder. Writer Jack Haldean investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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Mary Bennet and the Wickham Artifact by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel, while the Bingleys are showing their new born son around the various families, Mary Bennet, is staying with the Gardiners who believe she is helping a history professor at the British Museum. But she is actually in their basements learning magic at the Order of Saint George.
Her life becomes more complicated when the Wickhams come to stay, with his lucky charm, an amulet, which may bring forth an ancient evil.
A very delightful and well-written Mary Bennet story. I really enjoy these Mary stories where she comes into her own and is able to grow, and certainly becomes a much more interesting character.
Another re-read, again.

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Awakened Hearts by Susan Potts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, she is determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There she meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.
An entertaining re-read, again. And again.

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Corona by Greg Bear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A group of scientists, mostly Vulcans, are on a station on the edge of the Black Box Nebula. Ten years previously they sent out a distress signal. Only now has it reeached the Federation and the Enterprise has been sent to investigate, with the aid of monitors. Monitors that will take over the running of the ship if necessary. There they face Corona, a force that has taken over the scientists.
An entertaining re-read.



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Where There's A Will by Alex R. Carver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. Nathan Stine and his team have a lot on their hands. First, an armed robbery at a music festival, and then the kidnapping of the daughter of a wealthy local businessman.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Mary Bennet and the Bingley Codex by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet finally escapes from her mother's machinations and goes and stays with the Bingleys. In their estate called Pleasaunce, Mary finds the library she has dreamed about and starts her cataloging task, and discovers the books of magic. And so her adventures starts.
A very enjoyable and well-written story, with its cast of characters that are introduced throughout the story.
Another re-read of this first book in the series. Another re-read.

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Blackstone and the Wolf of Wall Street by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 Millionaire recluse William Holt has been kidnapped from his Coney Island mansion. How, when he has Pinkerton agents as guards, lives behind several steel doors and has no visitors. Sergeant Alex Meade and inspector Sam Blackstone investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery. Another good story in this enjoyable series.

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Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1915 Hannah Merrill arrived at her aunt's bookshop only to find the murdered body of her best friend, Lily-Anne Soames, stabbed. She and her aunt decide to investigate meanwhile Inspector Farrell has his own investigation going. Did Hannah real know Lily. I think Farrell would have been the more interesting character rather than focus on the somewhat immature and shallow Hannah who is obviously not as intelligent as she thinks. Maybe she will improve as the series develops.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Colourful Cases of Sherlock Holmes: Volume 1 by Roger Riccard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Olive Garden Painting - 1900 - a painting in the National Galley which has been lent to them and was authenticated at the time is discovered not to be the original.
2.The Black Irish Gig - 1908 - Why has boxer Black Jack O'Neil be kidnapped.
3. The Golden Grail - 1888 - supposedly King Arthur's grail has been stolen from the home of the Baron of Bellrose
4. The Blue Parrot - 1906 - the cafe The Blue Parrot in Casablanca is being threatened, but to make improvement to the business. But why and by whom.
5. The Gray Elegy - 1900 - the original hand written first completed draft of Gray's Elegy has been stolen. But by whom and why.
An enjoyable set of short stories.

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Last Place You Look by Louisa Scarr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body has been found in a hotel room, that of the married kover of DC Freya West. Keeping the relationship quiet, she and her boss DS Robin Butler investigate. But she is not the only one with secrets.
An enjoyable modern mystery, a good start to this series.

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Flirting with Murder by Brian Battison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First one female is murdered then the next day, another. Will there be a third. But the results of the investigation are more than any could anticipate. DCI Jim Ashworth, while grappling with his personal problems, investigates with his team.
An entertaining modern mystery.
Originally published in 1995

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Murder at Midnight by Katharine Schellman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816. Mrs Grantham's Christmas ball has turned for some into a longer stay for the guests because of a snow storm. But the next morning the body of Gregory Edison is found in the snow covered yard. The magistrate Sir John Adler investigates ably partnered by his sister-in-law Lily.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with a touch of romance, with its cast of diverse 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 Cliffs of Hertfordshire by Wade H. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation - what if at the Netherfield Ball, Mary Bennet and Darcy collided - literally. What if that was Mary's breaking point after all the years suffering while living as a Bennet, and she went straight over her personal cliff and left Meryton. What if it was found out that both Kitty and Lydia were 'increasing'. This is that story.
Overall this is such an enjoyable story. Another entertaining re-read. Another -re-read.

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Murder on the San Juan Express by K.C. Sivils
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1943 Did government physicist Johann Mueller jump from the San Juan express or was he pushed. FBI Special Agent Nelson Paine is sent to investigate. But the case is not straightforward as more bodies are discovered.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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Pride or Dignity: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lorena DiChiara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice varation Elizabeth is a cousin to the Bennets. Living near Pemberley she is known to the Darcy family. But on the death of her parents she and her younger brother (heir to Longbourn) go and live there with varying reactions from the Bennets. How will this affect their individual futures.
An entertaining story.


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Pinchgut: An Australian Crime Thriller by Phillip Strang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sydney Australia 2005. While out jogging Sasha Cornell disappears, the daughter of a wealthy businessman. In 2022 a body is discovered on an island called pinchgut. Cornell uses all his power and money to make sure the police treat it as a priority. Sergeant Natalie Campbell and inspector Haddock investigate. But it seems to be crime where everybody who is even remotely involves, lies. Can they determine the truth, and unravel the past.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of varied and interesting characters. A good addition to this 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 Trellisane Confrontation by David Dvorkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 7521.6. The Enterprise is sent on a mission to retrieve nine prisoners of the United Epansion Party. Soon after they receive a message from Trellisane who are under attack from their neighbouring world Sealon. Kirk decides to investigate even though he has nine prisoners and the Klingons are involved.
An entertaining re-read.

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The Price of Murder by Brian Battison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Factory owner Simon Edwards has gone missing having failed to turn up for a business meeting. Can DCI Jim Ashworth find him. But this is not the only case that the team must solve while coping with their private lives.
An entertaining modern mystery
Originally published in 1994

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A Change of Fortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if instead of a fifth daughter being born to Mrs Bennet she gives birth to twin boys. How will this affect the future of the Bennets and all their friends and neighbours.
An interesting premise but where all the good people are good and all the bad quite wicked.
An entertaining variation and I did like the pairings. A re-read.


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Death in Rheims: A thrilling espionage adventure in Elizabethan Europe by C.P. Giuliani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1585 Thomas Roland aka Tom Walsingham has been sent to Rheims to determine if an English spy was murdered. Another spy resides in the Catholic college who believes that one of the students has been murdered. Tom investigates but the murderer kills again.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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And Then She Came Back by Joshua Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1982 Who is the White Mouse killer. And in 2023 is it a copycat or is the killer back, and why. D.I. Beneduct Paige and his team investigates.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Mary Bennet of Meryton by Barbara Randell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet is last of the daughers living at home. This is her story as she attempts to survive the nerves of her mother, and the various young man who Mrs Bennet forces into her life. Can there be a happy ending. Such a pity her elder sisters couldn't be bothered to protect her.
An enjoyable story though it does need proofreading
Another re-read

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Her Husband's Secret by Janice Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two children out late at night looking for the ghost of the 'White Monk', see a man carrying a body. Tipping off the police they discover the body of Edinburgh man Ewan Cameron. What secrets will be revealed. D.I Neal and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Blue Murder by Cath Staincliffe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2003. Who would want to kill deputy headmaster Matthew Tulley. Newly promoted, and separated, and pregnant with her fourth child DCI Janice Lewis investigates with her team.
An entertaining modern mystery with its cast of varied characters. A good start to the series.

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Love, Lovecraft and Mr. Darcy: A Gothic Pride and Prejudice Variation by Violet King
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet is concerned over the strange behaviour of the inhabitants of Netherfield Park, especially as Jane's illness becomes quickly worse. What evil resides in the house. Who can she trust.
An enjoyable story.

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The Wounded Sky by Diane Duane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kirk and his crew on the Enterprise have been chosen to test the new Intergalactic Inversion Drive lead by the chief of the installation team, K't'lk. What could possibly go wrong.
Another entertaining re-read.

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A Fete Worse Than Death by Dolores Gordon-Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1922 Stanmore Parry village fete. In the tent of Madame Zelda lies a body. Can amateur sleuth and mystery writer Major Jack Haldean along with Superintendent Edward Ashley solve the crime. But soon there is another murder. But what could be the motive.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. A good start to this series with its likeable main character.

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A Lifetime of Regrets - A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lorena DiChiara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the result in Ramsgate changes several peoples lives. But what changes when one of the Bennets die.
An entertaining story

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Last Impressions: A thrilling crime caper set in Regency England by Laura Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Misses Cassandra and Jane Austen have been invited to stay at the home of the Paulsons, at Melmont Hall and are now snowed in. That evening Mr Paulson is discovered dead in his study, with the windows and door all locked. Jane investigates with the help of Colonel Rushton while waiting for the magistrate to arrive. Then there is another death. Is there a link between the deaths, or separate motives.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied characters.

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The Spanish Diplomat's Secret by Nev March
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894. Captain Jim Agnihotri and his wife Lady Diana Framj are on board HMS Etruria travelling to Liverpool. When the Governor of Bilbao Don Juan Nepomuceno is killed in the locked music room, Captain Hawley insists that Jim investigates. But why was he killed in that way. Then a suicide occurs. Are they linked.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
n ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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