Petteril's Thief by Mary Lancaster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1812. Piers Withan is the new Viscount Petteril. At home, saved by thief Ape, he discovers the Petteril rubies missing. Which one of his family is the thief, he investigates aided by Ape, who has secrets of his own.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main character. A good start to this series.

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A Gentle Axe by R.N. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1866. Petrovsky Park, an elderly woman steals what she can from two dead bodies, one a dwarf in a suitcase, the other hanged. When finally the bodies are reported, the official line is murder, suicide. But investigating magistrate Porfiry Petrovich believes not and so investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery with some interesting characters. A good start to a new series.

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Mr. Darcy's Impulsive Moment: A Pride & Prejudice Novel Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice Variation Caroline Bingley has ruined herself and has been sent away by the family. At Netherfield Bingley's guests are the Hursts, Darcy and Albert Madison. On hearing that Elizabeth Bennet will marry Mr Collins, Darcy acts impulsively. How will both these events affect the neighbourhood families.
An entertaining and well-written variation.

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The Arnifour Affair by Gregory Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1899. Private detective Colin Pendragon is employed by Lady Arnifour, to determine who killed her husband, and niece Elsbeth. Also street urchin Michael wants him to find his missing sister. Aided by partner/lover Ethan Pruitt he investigates.
An enjoyable historical mystery
(Kilometers, slacks - anachronisms. Some swearing)

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The Absent-Minded Gentleman: A Scandinavian Mystery Classic Short Story by Frank Heller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1908 Fake coins are circulated around London. After the failure of the police to catch the forger, private detective James Kenyon investigates but what is theconnection with Professor Pelotard and his research
An enjoyable short story
Originally Published in 1924

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Mycroft Holmes and The Adventure of the Silver Birches by David Dickinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mycroft Holmes is concerned as someone is trying to debase the British currency. Can one of the Holmes brothers solve the case and capture the mastermind behind it.
Enjoyable story

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Redemption by Janis Miracchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice why are Jane and Elizabeth treated better than the other 3 daughters of Longbourn. Even they don't know. How will this affect the future of them all, including the parents. But what of Georgiana Darcy and Wickham.
An entertaining story.

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Spock's World by Diane Duane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarek has recalled to Vulcan, with the Enterprise. The people of Vulcan have called for a vote on seccession from the Federation. The history of the peoples of Vulcan are told from the beginning millions of years ago.
An entertaining re-read.

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The Body on the Beach: A Regency murder mystery with a literary heroine by Laura Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1798 Lyme Regis. The Austens are on holiday when Jane discovers a female body on the beach. The authorities aim to cover up the murder but Jane decides to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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A Man Named Baskerville by Jim Nelson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1888 Jack Stapleton has died on Grimpen Mire. Or has he. Rodger Baskerville tells his story from being born in Brazil. Detailing the travels and events that take him eventually to Devon and Baskerville Hall making the man that he became.
An enjoyable story though not really any likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Leasing Longbourn: A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Variation by Victoria Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Longbourn has no entail, but the daughters have unworthy parents. Then Bennet dies and the Gradiners buy Netherfield for themselves and the Bennets. Then Longbourn is leased by Bingley, with Darcy, Richard Fitwilliam and Wickham, their old tutor as guests. How are everyones lives affected by this circumstances.
An entertaining and well-written variation .

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Assassins by Jim Eldridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1921 London. Lord Amersham was the first death, shot three times. The next a M.P. But what is the connection between these two deaths and the next one.
DCI Paul Dtark and DS Robert Danvers investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters. A good start to this new series.

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The Case of the Purloined Pyramid by Sean McLachlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cairo 1919. Sir Augustus Wall has opened his antiquities shop but soon becomes embroiled with a gang of Germans. But what are they looking for and is it worth killing for. Wall investigates with help.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting characters. A good start to this series.

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Rome's End by Fiona Forsyth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

45B.C. Defending historian Sallust causes a chain of events leading to death and exile. Can lawyer Lucius unravel the truth.
An enjoyable historical mystery with its varied characters. A good start to this series.

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Demon of Truth by Richard Kurti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1506 Rome. During construction St. Peter's tomb is found but without his bones. An elaborate hoax is implemented to convince the populace that the bones exist. But then a murdered priest is found, then another. What is the connection between all these events. The Falchoni siblings investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Anne de Bourgh Takes Charge : A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation starts with Elizabeth visiting Charlotte Collins at Hunsford and befriending a physical ill, but mentally strong Anne de Bourgh. How will this effect Darcy, the Fitzwilliams and the Bennets.
An entertaining variation.

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Death at Lovers' Leap by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

February 1948. Mrs Martha Miller while walking her dog discovers the body of young man Steven Strickland. Entreated by his mother she investigates with the help of vicar Luke Walker, much against the instruction of friend DI Ben Robertson. But why would anyone want to kill the teenager and how many people are telling lies.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery with its likeable main characters which are supported by varied characters. Another good addition to this entertaining series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Plethora of Peers: A Regency Romp inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice variation Thomas Bennet is the younger son, and married to Lady Henrietta Ashworth. Their children are twins James and Elizabeth, and Mary. Henry Bennet is the older son, just before dying he married pregnant Frances Gardiner who has twins Catherine and Lydia. With Thomas Bennet now the estate owner of Longbourn how will this affect all their lives.
An entertaing and well-written variation.

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Star Trek The Three Minute Universe by Barbara Paul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sackers, deadly to touch, and the appearance and smell makes them hated throughout the universe. But the universe is on fire and they have stolen the device to stop it. The Enterprise is sent to save the universe.
An entertaining re-read

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Chaucer and the House of Fame by Philip Gooden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1370 Geoffrey Chaucer is sent on a diplomatic mission by John of Gaunt to Henri, Comte de Guyac. To persuade him to side with the English king and not the French. A mission fraught with danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical thriller mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to this series.

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A Most Alarming Report: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Michelle D'Arcy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation it is a few days before the Netherfield Ball and Wickhan has arrived at Meryton and soon becomes convinced that Darcy is interested in Jane Bennet and decides to befriend her. Meanwhile Collins has arrived and is looking for a wife. How will these affect the future of the Bennet daughters.
An entertaining variation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.


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Spellbound at Pemberley by Abigail Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fantasy Pride and Prejudice variation where Darcy is a Maga, and capable of illusions, perfect to be sent on a mission to kill Napoleon. Then he meets Elizabeth with her Land Talent. But Napoleon is using dragons and sea serpents against the British forces is there any chance that Darcy will survive.
An entertaining and well-written variation. The story continues in the next part of the trilogy.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Mr Bennet leaves his study : A Regency Romance based on P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet finally becomes fed up with the attitude of Lydia. So he leaves his study and takes action, resulting in the improvement of all the Bennets including himself. A year later Netherfield is taken. I enjoyed reading Darcy getting upbraided for his attitude at the Meryton assembly and for Bennet not to be as useless as he is in canon.
An entertaining re-read, low angst story but would have liked a lot more of Mary's story.

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From Hell and Back: Return To White Chapel by Garrett Gorham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1898. Ten years after Jack the Ripper stopped, woman are again being killed. Has he come back. Detective Liam Naughton and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Dear Sir, - A Pride and Prejudice variation novel: A Jane and Darcy story by Kinga Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation both Jane and Elizabeth are at the Gardiners after Elizabeth's visit to Hunsford and that proposal. After telling Jane everything Jane decides that she must write a letter to Darcy explaining her feelings for Bingley. How does that change everyone's future. Who will have their happy ending and who their deserved endings.
An entertaining and well-written story especially as it did not go down the usual route for Darcy and Elizabeth. For me that made a lovely change.

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Sherlock Holmes: Adventures in the Realms of H.G. Wells: Volume 1 by Derrick Belanger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. The Case of a Natural Solution by M.M. Elmendorf
Martians have invaded with their red weed, can Holmes find a natural solution to killing it and the Martians
2. The Pigeon's Rest by Emma Tonkin
1899. Asquith, private detective needs help in discovering the theft of a necklace
3. The Curious Case of the Sleeper by Stephen Herczeg
One of the irregulars brings a man to Baker street, says he is from 1790
4. The Manor House Horror by Michael Siverling
1895 The Invisible man aka as John Grayson is employed by Holmes to enter a manor house. Within the Windsor forest to determine what is taking place inside
5. An Adventure in Darkness by Daniel D Victor
Blind Anna Numez is concerned about the behaviour of her husband mountaineer Juan Carlos, recently returned from an expedition after being presumed dead.
6. The Adventure of the Traveler's Bootstraps by William Campbell Powell
Holmes meets a time traveller
7. The Mystery of the Last Martian by G.C. Rosenguist
Holmes and Watson while trapped in Baker street come face to face with the last Martian
8. The Affair of the Red Opium by John Linwood Grant
Holmes employed by Miss Xun Guan to find the source of red opium and the killers of her father
9. The Adventure of the Invisible Man by David Friend
1897. Dr Samuel Kemp informs Holmes that he has encountered an invisible man, an ex-fellow student called Claude Griffin, which is using this ability in a criminal a way
10. A Matter of Some Gravity by Derrick Belanger
Mr Cavort is left behind on the moon, but soon he is able to journey through other minds while his body is capture in a very small metal container. Can he ever be set free
11. The Adventure of the Man Elephant constructed from fragments by Dr Watson
Merrick Thorsen, goes missing
An entertaining set of short stories.

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Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1866. Detective Inspector Richard Tennant is investigating the death of the Rev. Tobias Atwater. Dr Julia Lewis is called to the scene of crime as the medical examiner. Then another murder occurs. Both murders seem to have connections to a previous murder some years ago where it now seems an innocent man was hanged. Between them can they discover the motive and the killer.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting and likeable characters. A good start to hopefully a new series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Thirty Days of Silver by Lucrezia*
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, it has only been several months since Elizabeth Bennet refused the offer of marriage from Darcy. Now due to family finanancial problems she now has to ask him for a marriage. But Bennet’s actions soon come back to affect the Darcys and other members of the family. Surprisely it is Mary that Elizabeth eventually becomes close to.
An enjoyable story but a pity that more of the story was not spent on the other Bennet daughters.

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Rumours & Recklessness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nicole Clarkston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the morning after the Netherfield just when the Bingley party had intended to leave for London, Mr. Bennet is injured. Bingley and Darcy are asked to help the Bennet household, and not just because of the visit of Mr. Collins. But everything again changes when Collins offers for Elizabeth in public.
We also have the usual bad characters of Wickham, Caroline and Lady Catherine.
An enjoyable tale with the added benefit of the more involved characters of Miss Darcy and especially Colonel Fitzwilliam.

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The Business in Blandyce by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816. Dr Robert Wilson with his secretary Gil Archibald are on a tour of Europe starting in Northern France. The aim is to write a book of his journey. Then they enter the village of Blandyce, and soon a body is discovered.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting characters.

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The Castle Abductions by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nottingham, 1590 County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel is investigating the theft of deer from a local estate, while Town Bailiff Francis Barton is investigating the disappearance of several town prostitutes.
An entertaining historical mystery withis likeable characters. A good start to this new series.

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Murder in the Churchyard by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1922. While the village attended a church service at St. Augustus, the body of Phillip Newley is discovered, in the churchyard, stabbed. Suspicion falls on estranged wife Isolde, and her close friend Dr. Teddy Mainwaring. The Christies investigate as the village has been cut off due to a snow storm.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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An Invisible Betrayal: A Myles Devereux Tudor Murder Mystery Set in London by Sam Burnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1553. First it was the bookkeeper of moneylender Myles Devereux that is discovered murdered. Then it's his debtors are found dead. But why and by whom.
An entertaining historical mystery with its cast of varied characters A good start to this new series.

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Timetrap by David Dvorkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On board the Enterprise a freak accident has propelled Captain Kirk a hundred years into the future and on board a New Klingon ship. In this future there is peace between the Klingons and the Federation, originated by Kirk in his own time.
An entertaining re-read

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The Talisker Dead by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's Burns Night when teenager, Finn MacGregor, is reported missing. Then a body of a female is found on Talisker Beach, stabbed, with DI Duncan McAdam's phone number on her body. McAdam and his team investigate both cases, but is all that it seems.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. A 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 Mystery of Mistletoe Hall by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1925 Lord Edington with his family arrive for Christmas at the home of Lord Mountfalcon, his old police boss. Soon more guests arrive to this house empty of the host and staff. Then the first body is discovered. Can Lord Edington solve the mystery with the help of grandson Christopher as everyone is snowed in.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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The Hanging Cheat by Elizabeth Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1796. The Fanshawes are visiting her brother Dr Patrick Hathaway on the death of his wife. Unfortunately sons Ben and Tom Hathaway discover the murdered body of Justice Hector Penkevil. Lady Fan investigates but the suspects are many as the dead man was universally disliked.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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That Older Sister of Mine: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by SIS André
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Lydia adores her older sister Elizabeth and the two are close. How will this affect the future of all the Bennet sisters.
A delightful story

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Saving Elizabeth Bennet by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation set after the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield Park. With disaster striking the Bennet family, and the remaining members having to leave Longbourn immediately, Elizabeth decides takes a position of lady's companion. This unfortunatey leads to more disastrous consequences. Can they expect any help.
Anther entertaining re-read in my quest to find Mary and Colonel stories.

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The Stranger in the Asylum by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1883 Felix Wilbraham is in Paris collecting a windfall from the will of a past lover while back in London Lily has a new case. The fiance of Wilberforce Chibb, who has been committed to a French asylum for murder, wants Lily to determine if he is innocent, so that they can marry, or not. Soon Lily and Felix are united and set off to Paimpont Asylum. But Wilberforce has escaped. Can they find him and prove his innocence.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Banished: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson


In this Pride and Prejudice variation which I was enjoying until it became obvious that it would be a Charlotte Lucas and Colonel Fitzwilliam pairing. I have no interest in reading that storyline so I gave up.

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A Grave for a Thief by Douglas Skelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1716. Christopher Templeton, lawyer to The Fellowship has disappeared. Colonel Charters of the Company of Rogues wants him found and gives the mission to Jonas Flynt. But he is not the only one looking for Templeton, and it seems Flynt's life is also in danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery thriller with its interesting and varied characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Quasimodo Killings by John Broughton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The speech of police commissioner prokes a killer into action, they will kill 9 people and only stop when an apology is given. DI Vance and his team investigate.
Didn't really care for the writing style or conversational tone between the characters.

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The IDIC Epidemic by Jean Lorrah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Science colony Nisus consists of a multitude of species which now is subjected to a deadly virus which soon spreads to the Enterprise which is circling the planet.
An entertaining story, another re-read.

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Murder on the Flying Scotsman by Jessica Baker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1910. Lady Theodore Prescott-Pryce is travelling to Scotland, on returning from the dining car she finds a dead man in her carriage and soon her maid Molly is arrested. So she decides to investigate. Unfortunately the culprit is fairly obvious but it takes a while for her to realise this.
A cozy historical mystery

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The Waxwork Man by J.C. Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1851. Charles Dickens is persuaded by judge Fabian Quarterman to view his collection of waxwork woman. The next day he is found dead, frightened to death and the waxworks missings.
Dickens and Superintendent Jones investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery with ist likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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The Pike by J.J. Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What could have started as nothing more than a bit of fun turns serious when one of the party dies. Charlotte Porter, 16, is found dead at Pike Tower. But what really happened to her and why. Will there be more deaths. DCI Jonathan Walker and his team investigate.
An interesting and entertaining modern mystery with its likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. A 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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Heir Apparent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Clarissa Joy Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the first born Bennet is James (instead of Jane) and it is he who informs Darcy of Georgiana and Ramsgate. Now the Betherfield party have arrived (including the Colonel) how does this all change their futures especially as Catherine and Lydia are not out and at school. Bennet is his usual uselessness. I would have liked more of the married life of the Fitzwilliams and less of the Darcys.
But an entertaining story.

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Blood of the Knights by B.M. Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1798 Lt. Dermide Vanderville is sent to Valletta, the stronghold of the Knights of Malta, to meet agent 'Mayflower'. The adventure begins as he believes he has found the agent dead, but eventually he mets up with Felix Gracchus, who seems to be on his own mission and undercover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. 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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Peacocks of Pemberley by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice Variation Darcy does not visit Bingley at Netherfield. Later he invites the party which includes the Bingleys, Jane Bingley (who he believes is a fortune hunter) and her sister Elizabeth Bennet to Pemberley. Where Elizabeth meets the unusual character that is Georgiana.
An entertaining story.

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