Outmatched: A Mansfield Park / Sense & Sensibility Vagary by Jayne Bamber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this variation, Sir Thomas Bertram is the actual father of John Dashwood, the new owner of Norland Park. But only the eldest child of Norland Snr can inherit. The Bertrams, Dashwoods, Rushworths with their guests the Crawfords and Willoughby descend on Norland Park. Will John be told, will the issue be resolved, who will find their happiness or despair.
An entertaining variation of the two stories.

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The Murder of a Quack by George Bellairs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942. Quack bonesetter Nathaniel Wall (72) of Stalden village has even murdered, in a locked room in his surgery. DCI Littlejohn is brought in to investigate.
An entertaining mystery

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Mr Budd Novelettes Stories of Crime and Detection Volume 2 (contains The Whispering Man, The Black Widow and The Leering Lady)andNew Title by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Whispering Man - In Reponse to an urgent request solicitor Larry Graham arrives at Moorland Lodge home of dying Benjamin Starl. Within minutes of his arrival two men are dead and Superintendent Budd has also arrived.
1935
2. The Black Widow- a stranded police car in the dense fog on Dartmoor, missing car, missing occupants of a house and a killer in the area.
1937
3. The Leering Lady - what is the connection between the death of Lionel Craif and the painting of the Leering Lady.
1939
Entertaining historical short stories

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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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The Ponson Case by Freeman Wills Crofts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920. Sir William Ponson goes missing on a Wednesday evening and is found dead the following day in the nearby river. Suspicion falls on his son and nephew. But what would be their motive.Inspector Tanner of Scotland Yard investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1921

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Sanctity of Hate by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1276 A stranger in discovered dead in the priory ground with suspicion pointed towards a Jewish family who are only passing through.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Murder Will Speak by George Bellairs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940 The human remains of Enoch Sykes have been discovered, missing since 1917. If he is dead then who killed Jerry Trickett in 1917. On holiday in the area DI Thomas Littlejohn unofficially investigates
An enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1942 as The Dead Shall Be Raised

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Chain Reaction by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with the discovery of two severed fingers at the Boar's Head Hotel during restoration work. Add that to a spate of thefts but then the discovery of several missing local woman keeps DI Mike Nash and his team busy.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Mystery of the Fabergé Egg by S.J. Bennett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1982. The Queen is visiting an old friend Antoinette Otterden, when part ofher Faberge Egg goes missing.
Enjoyable short story

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Sherlock Holmes Letters from Jack by Don Henwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1892. Letters supposedly from Jack the Ripper dated 1888 are found in the old room of Anthony Colton at the Wellington Institute. Dr Collis worth passes them onto Holmes. Can he determine the identity of Jack.
An entertainign Holmes mystery

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Shelf Life by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a death occurs in a police cell Scotland Yard is brought in, in the form of Masters and his team to ensure that the correct procedures occur.
An entertaining mystery

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Detecting Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The final pairing of Warwick and Lady Samantha who acted stupidly concerning the matter of her kidnapping and treasonous behaviour of ber father.
Overall an enjoyable end to the series.

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Defending Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While on an investigation for Miss Ellen Nightingale, concerning her father's financial situation, Miss Dorset Sinclair saves the life of a man called Ash. Only for him to turn up at Raven Castle seeking his brother Gus, a Raven, about to marry Dorset's twin Somerset.
An enjoyable story

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The Red Tape Murders by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A solicitor is strangled with lawyers red tape. But he will only be the first . What could be the motive and by whom. Superintendent Budd investgates
An entertaining mystery

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Last Known Address by Malcolm Forsythe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The police open a cold case, that of the disappearance of Australian Katrina Kovacs twelve years ago. Last seen leaving Hawkhills home of the Laytons where she had been employed as an au pair to cousins Drusilla and Richard. Detectives Millson and Scobie investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Emma Watson and Her Sisters: A continuation of Jane Austen's fragment by Anne Toledo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first four chapters of Jane Austen's The Watsons is continued and finished in a very satisfactory manner when Emma Watson returns home to the Stanton parsonage after fourteen years away. How will her different upbringing affect the family and its interactions with the neighbourhood.
An entertaining story

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The Stolen Sparkler: A Victorian Christmas Mystery: A Prequel Novella to the Lady Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries by Magda Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1888. On arriving at her best friend home, Lady Rosalynd Rosehaven is informed by Lady Eleanor that a diamond necklace, a priceless heirloom has been stolen, jeopardizing her engagement to Stephen Cumberforth. Rosalynd joins forces with the Duke of Steele to investigate.
An entertaining Victorian mystery, a good start to this new series with its likeable main characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Hunt By Moonlight by Shawna Reppert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Inspector Royston Jones hunts for a killer in Victorian London. Can werewolf and Lord, Bandon, and alchemist Miss Fairchild help.
Am entertaining historical mystery with its diverse characters

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The Beast Within by Shawna Reppert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Are werewolf and rich land owner Lord Richard Bandon fated never to meet scientist and heiress Catherine Fairchild. But with a killer on the prowl can he save her
An enjoyable Victorian mystery, a short story


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A Killing Season by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Doux et Dur castle home of the returned from Crusades Baron Herbert, and his family of five sons. When Prioress Eleanor and her companions arrive they witness the death of the third son to die. Are all accidents or suspicious deaths. Unfortunately the killer was too obvious
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery

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The Bleeding Heart Killer by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The murders in the present day started with Georgina Drake. But is there a connection with the following ones and the ones in the past. DI Nash and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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A Tear for the Dead by David Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1491 it would seem that Queen Isabella will finally rule over a united Spain. But assassins abound. Who will survive.
An entertaining historical thriller/mystery

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Only Living Witness by Malcolm Forsythe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Work on a back garden reveals a body under the patio. A male from about 20-30 years ago. But who was he. Detectives Millson and Scobie investigate. But is there a connection when the next body is discovered.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Mr. Budd Novelettes Stories of Crime and Detection Volume One (contains Sinister House and M r K): Vintage Crime Library by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sinister House- While walking home Journalist Anthony Gale discovers a body at Whispering Beeches. But that is just the start of his problem when Superintendent Budd is informed of the happenings.
1930
MR. K - In debt Dr Peter Lake decides to walk home and is caught in a rain storm. On taking shelter in a public phone box, it rings. In result he runs to the home of Mr Slade fearing for the safety of the female caller.
1933
Two enjoyable historical stories

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Blood Thicker Than Water by Don Henwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holmes faces his unknown past when Fiona Wilcox needs his help. The real heir to her uncle's estate and businesses is the man's son Nigel Cunningham who has disappeared. Meanwhile at the
Wellington Instiute Anthony Colton has escaped.
An enjoyable Holmes story

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How to Marry an Accomplished Lady: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth and Darcy have to an agreement. But will their courtship be as smooth as Jane and Bingley''s. What of the interference of family and an old former friend. But Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy have been invited to the Netherfield Ball, how will both interact with the Bingleys and especially the Bennets and Collins.
An entertaining and well-written romance story, with all the Bennets as varied and likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Killing Me Softly by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It starts with the problem of drugs in the community but soon there is a death, missing females and an attack on a male. But who is the female being kept prisoner and by whom.
An enjoyable modern mystery


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The Anatomy of Sherlock Holmes: Persuit of a Serial Killer by Don Henwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Reichenbach Falls was a year ago and it is now 1892 Holmes has been suffering from amnesia the past year. Now he is a patient at the Wellington Institute, where he is sure he has known one of the inmates Anthony Colton.
An entertaining Holmes mystery

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Courting Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Somerset Sinclair is determined not to save a Raven and consequently marry him as would be her destiny, but then she saves Professor Charlton. Meanwhile an investigation becomes deadly to the Sinclair and Raven family. With all their powers can they defeat it.
Enjoyable story

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A Species Of Revenge by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body of a male is discovered on the local allotment in Lavenstock. With no motive and the person unknown to the locals, the police are baffled. Then another murder occurs. Superintendent Mayo and his team investigate both deaths.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1996

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Requiem by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 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. Though I would have liked more abour them.

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Murder at Mistlethwaite Manor by A.J. Skelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1895. Ten guests, two staff members and one I despicable host. Solve the poem by connecting the secrets to the guest to win the prize of money. Then the murders started.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery
(Pre book death - was he shot or hung, or should be hanged)

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Lady Ambition's Dilemma by Jane Steen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1883. Lady Helena's nephew Lord Hastings is accused of the death of his very close friend Lord Arthur Southgate-Haigh. Or did he just fall from the train, drunk.
For me too much romance not nearly enough mystery. While Helena tries to be strong character she seems to let her family manipulate her - very irritating.

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The Longest Pleasure by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Botulism. A series of illnesses and deaths have been attributed to botulism found in various tins of meat and fish. But how did it get to the tins, and why, and why only the tins from one nationwide store. Masters and his team investigate
Enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1981

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Valley of Dry Bones by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1274. Queen Eleanor hs decided to go on a pilgrimage. A party is sent to judge whether Tyndal Priory will be worthy. But a murder occurs. But it is only the first.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Sherlock Holmes A Baker's Dozen demise by Don Henwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After returning from New York on business for Mycroft and the British Government Holmes and Watson are urgently needed by Inspector Lestrade. There have been a series of mysterious deaths over the last year, on the first of every month.
An entertaining Holmes mystery

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Their Share of Vexations by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Elizabeth runs from Longbourn after a proposal of marriage from a vicar. But this is not Collins. The result leaves Elizabeth's reputation in shreds and only one of her sisters stands by her. But it is not Jane. There is disharmony, revenge, cruelty, (definitely mature content) but also happy endings for quite a few people. Will the guilty get their just punishment. Will I be happy in the outcome for Mary Bennet?
With all of that I found it a delightful story even in the re-read, again.

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Mister Big by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Superintendent Budd has been tasked to capture the criminal mastermind known as Mister Big, but who Is he.
An enjoyable mystery

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Mary Crawford: Revisiting at Mansfield Park by Julia Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Mansfield Park variation that concentrates on the Crawfords, especially Mary and her development. Will she get her redemption and a happy ending, but what of her brother Henry.
An entertaining story

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Unfairly Caught: A Mansfield Park Variation by Bethany Delleman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Mansfield Park variation where Fanny Price is coerced into an engagement with Henry Crawford, hoping that he will soon change his mind. At the time unfortunately for her the marriage goes ahead.
A much better ending for Frances Price than canon. An entertaining and well-written story.

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Seductive Danger by Wendy Vella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rory Huntington estranged from his brother, is found bounded and gagged on the shore with an incoming tide by Kate Sinclair.
An enjoyable story

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Safe in Death: An Esther Hardy Victorian Mystery (Book 1) by S.K. Rizzolo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1861. A woman has been attacked and arrives at the home of the doctor, only to die. But who was she really. Boredom leads the doctor's daughter Esther Hardy to start asking questions.
An enjoyable hitorical mystery

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The Message of Blood by David Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1489 Cordoba. Soon Thomas Berrington becomes involved in a murder investigation unfortunately for him the only suspect is his closest friend, the eunuch Jorge. But who is really behind the killings and why.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death of an Airman by Christopher St. John Sprigg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A pilot and flying instructor has died in a crash, or did he. But how was he killed, by whom and why. Aided by Bishop Edwin Mariott, Inspectors Bray and Creighton investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published in 1934

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Hide & Seek by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young female painter is attacked in Madrid and only stopped by the intervention of DI Mike Nash. But who is she, why have her parents been murdered and who is trying to kill her.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Sole Mates: A Pride and Prejudice Magical Short Story by Melanie Rachel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation will Darcy and Elizabeth find their sole mates, only found when touching while dancing.
An enjoyable short story

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Listen To Your Heart by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Anne and Wenworth are engaged but will Anne be able to resist the call to end her engagement from family.
An enjoyable short story

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A Penny Earned by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1955 Heebs Kelly arrived in Cheyenne to join ex army buddy lawyer Paul Richardson only to find him dead at his desk. Glen Prescott the father-in-law asks Heebs to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its likeable main character. A good start to this new series.

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The Ladies of Norland by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(1797) In this Sense and Sensibility variation what if the Henry Dashwoods family on his death are not required to leave Norland but Mrs Dashwood has a lifetime proprietary and the daughters a dowry. How will this affect their futures, and relationships with the Dashwoods and Ferrars.
An entertaining story

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