The Missing Schoolgirls: A 1930s detective mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1938. DCI Adair and his team investigate when two fourteen year old schoolgirls, daughters of very wealthy parents, go missing from Willowbank School.
An entertaining police procedural mystery

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War Dragons by L.A. Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On meeting Captain Hikaru Sulu, new commander of the U.S.S. Excelsior, Captain Kirk takes him to the Captain's Table where he relates his crew's first meeting with the saurian race the Nykkus and Anjiri. Then Sulu relates his interactions with them.
An entertaining re-read

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An Aunt's Assistance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation continues with Elizabeth and Mary staying at the Gardiners and hoping to reunite Bingley with Jane. Enter Colonel Fitzwilliam.
An entertaining story.

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A Friend's Betrayal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation continues with Mr Collins arriving at Longbourn, and the Netherfield party making arrangements to leave the area.
An entertaining read

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Crime in the Gallery by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Curator Helen Melville, is employed by the Bromsgrove Art Gallery. Did her secret research mean she had to die. But she is only the first death. DI Markham and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Thirteenth Apostle: A killer seeks salvation on the streets of London... by Rose M Cullen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1793 While coping with the demands from the Prince Regent, Sheridan is helping Constable Nicholls uncover aerial killer.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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One Last Chance: to begin again by A.L. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where on the way back from Hunsford to London, Darcy arrives in Meryton months earlier. He is back at his arrival at Netherfield. How will the past evebts impact on his behaviour and the Bennet family especially.
An entertaining and well-written variation

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A Sister's Fault: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Jane Bennet decides to fake her illness so she can stay at Netherfield. But then Elizabeth falls ill. Is Elizabeth illness also faking, Darcy is undecided.
An entertaining story, which continues in Book 2

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Private Lives by J.G. Harlond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942 Bideford Due to the war DS Edgar (Bob) Robbins has been brought out of retirement to once again join the police force. While on holiday, walking a coastal path he hears shots and notices an incident, involving two men. The elder man looking injured but his help is not welcome. Then later while investigating at the Hentree Farm he hears a pistol shot and discovers the body of the young man. Soon due to local police shortages, Robbins is seconded to the area and is in charge of the investigations. He recruits his constable Laurie Oliver to help. While on the case he is staying at the Peony Villas, where he is sure that there is a mystery to be solved there.
An enjoyable historical well-written mystery with a couple of likeable main characters

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What Truth Reveals: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Katelyn Rae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Colonel Fitzwilliam is held captive in Scotland. Then Mary Bennet is abducted, but why and by whom. Together they must try and escape. Meanwhile in Meryton what can Darcy and Elizabeth do.
A delightful and well-written story.

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The Kennel Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arthur Coe, collector, is found dead in his bedroom, in a locked bedroom. Vance is convinced that it is murder. But what of the second death and the attack in the house on a stranger's dog.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Suitably Wed: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues with Darcy and Elizabeth and their convenient marriage. Will either be able to tell the other of their true feelings. But what of Anne de Bourgh and her secrets. Caroline is still the same, basically just concerned with herself.
An enjoyable re-read

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The Austen Intrigue by Julia Golding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1812 Henry Austen employs Dora and Jacob to investigate the murder of associates the D'Antraigues by his valet, and his subsequent suicide. As he is concerned the connection may affect his Bank's financial performance. But he wants his sister Jane to be involved, but events become dangerous as it seems to concern national security.
An entertaining and well-written 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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Silent Nights: Christmas Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Blue Carbuncle - 1892 - A.C. Doyle - How did Lady Morcar's stolen carbuncle end up inside a goose. And by whom.
2. Parlour Tricks - 1930 - R. Plummer - Can the stolen money been found.
3. A Happy Solution - 1916 - Who stole the cheque.
4. The Flying Stars - G.K. Chesterton - Flambeau and three large diamonds.
5. Stuffing - E. Wallace - What will be discovered in the turkey
6. The Unknown Murderer - H.C. Bailey - Can Reginald Fortune discover the guilty party of two deaths and one attempted murder.
7. The Absconding Treasurer - J.J. Farjeon- The money and the treasurer of the Club have gone missing.
8. The Necklace of Pearls - D.L. Sayers - Lord Peter Wimsey uncovers the pearl necklace thief.
9. The Case is Altered - M. Allingham - Albert Campion saves a man from blackmail.
10. Waxworks - E.L. white - Can reporter Sonia be the first person to survive a night at the Waxworks museum.
11. Cambric Tea -M. Bowen- Dr Holroyd's patient believes his wife is poisoning him.
12. The Chinese Apple - J. Shearing - Returning to London Isabelle Crosland is confronted with a murder.
13. A Problem in White - N. Blake - A train, a blizzard and a death.
14. The Name on the Window - E Crispin- Fin Gervase finds the murderer after a locked room death.
15. Beef for Christmas - L. Bruce. Sergeant Beef finds the murderer.
Enjoyable short stories


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Murder at Midwinter Farm by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1937. The Bryants become involved in another investigation when the body of a man who disappeared ten years ago is discovered at the newly purchased home, Midwinter Farm, of their friends. But what of the spate of robberies that also occurred ten years ago, coincidence?
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable 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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VENGEANCE PART I: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION BROTHERS OF BLOOD AND BONE NOVEL by Selene L. Garrou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where can the Bennet family change their ways. Well maybe most of them. So what will be the result, but who is out to destroy Darcy via Elizabeth and will they succeed. It would seem that virtually everyone is out for vengeance against everyone else.
An entertaining story which does need a little proofreading.
Look forward to Part 2

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Fallen into the Pit by Ellis Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Comerford. Why was ex-pow Helmut Schauffler attacked and killed. Sergeant Felse investigates, though it seems that his son Dominic found some of the clues to the murderer. Then there is another death.
an enjoyable mystery
First published in 1951

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The Poisoned Quill by Karen Charlton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 Lavender is sent to Ealing when the vicar's wife wealthy Clara Langford is discovered dead, poisoned. Fortunately for him his family is holidaying in the area, not that far from the Woods family. So Ned woods soon joins the investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Case of the Cackling Crocodile by Sean McLachlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1921 When Wall is told of the death of an Italian scholar in the Fayoum region he and his friends decide to journey there and investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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All The Dead Poets by Douglas Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At an environmental conference the Scottish National poet is found dead. High up a decision is made to keep the death quiet, but DI Buchan and his team investigate. Then there is another death.
An entertaining modern mystery though there is a fair bit of swearing.

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Brotherhood of Death: An 18th century physician is caught up in a murder mystery... by Stephen Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1795. When several cabinet members have been killed, Augustus Swift is brought in initially by the Home Office to determine which poisons have been used.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to this new series.

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Death of a Stranger by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1594. Paulo Brisco, perfumer and money lender is brutally murdered in his shop. Constable for the parish of Spitalfields, Matthew Cutler investigates. But the more he investigates the more dangerous and complicated it becomes.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Emma’s Dragon: London and Pemberley by M. Verant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues in this Pride and Prejudice sequel where Emma, as usual is quite annoying finds her dragon has been taken already. How will this affect the war and disruption within Britain. Will Mary Bennet and Georgiana Darcy (horrible pairing) music help.
Ignoring the unliked pairing it is an enjoyable story but I only reading the book because of part three to come.

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The Numbered Murders: A 1939 mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1939. Why have four seemingly unrelated men been murdered. DCI David Adair investigates.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Ultimate Collection of Victor L. Whitechurch. Novels and Short Stories. Illustrated: The Crime at Diana’s Pool, Shot on the Downs, The Canon in Residence, ... Case, Murder At The College and others by Victor L. Whitechurch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Other Short Stories plus
1. The Mystery of the Boat Express - A passenger is killed in a locked carriage while alone.
2. how the Express was Saved - how is a case of sabotage stopped
3. A case of signalling - Morse code stops a burglary
4. Winning the Race - Can aGerman envoy be delayed
5. The Strikes - an they stop a train full of soldiers
6. The Ruse that succeeded - a need to escape from England
7. And other Railway stories
Entertaining railway stories

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Moonshine and Mercury by Harriet Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1842 The remains of Captain Carrington, owner of the Hydropathic Institute in Stanegate, is discovered dead in the leopards cage in the Askham Menagerie. Captain Vernon and Dr Carwell are sent to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Enterprise by Michael Jan Friedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story concludes as Kirk discovers the secret the Federation has kept from his time on The Republic.
An entertaining re-read

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The Queen Who Came in from the Cold: Her Majesty The Queen Investigates by S.J. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1961 It all starts when a passenger on the Royal Train believes she has seen a murder. Is it the missing photographer Pavel Michalowski. If so why has he been killed and by whom. What was he involved in. Joan McGraw, and Queen Elizabeth become involved and decide to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written mystery thriller with its cast of varied and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Drawing Mr. Darcy Duology by Melanie Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where the two Drawing Mr Darcy books - Sketching His Character and A Faithful Portrait are published as one. Previously both books read separately. A pity there was not more about Mary Bennet and her pairing.

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See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy: A Collection of Pride and Prejudice Vagaries by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three stories, concerning what would be the result if Georgiana Darcy arrived at Netherfield with her brother.
Enjoyable and well-written stories though no favourite pairings.

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Clubbed to Death by Ruth Dudley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the gentleman club, ffeatherstonehaughs, did the club secretary Trueman committ suicide. Robert Amiss is sent in undercover as a waiter. Then there is another death.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Case of the Disappearing Dervish by Sean McLachlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1921. Moustafa has been informed that his cousin Abdallahi has gone missing after killing a religious dervish. With Wall and Faisal they journey to his birthplace of Danjarab to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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Poisoned on the Moor by Ric Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A party at Craig Hall home of the Hardys results in three deaths and one person in intensive care. Ward becomes an unofficial consultant on the case.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Constitution by Michael Jan Friedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues as second officer Kirk joins the U.S.S. Constitution and Gary Mitchell. The starship is directed to Sordinia Four and events lead Kirk to the Captain's chair to make life and death decisions.
An entertaining re-read

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Serpents in Eden: Countryside Crimes by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Black Doctor - 1898 - A.C. Doyle - Who killed Dr Lana.
2. Murder by Proxy - 1890s - M.M. Bodkin - Can detective Paul Beck discover who and why, and how Squire Neville was murdered.
3. The Fad of the Fisherman - G.K. Chesterton - While boating to visit the P.M. Harold March sees two incidents but barely acknowledges them. Meanwhile a murder occurs at his destination.
4. The Genuine Tabard -Americans, the Langleys buy a tabard, but is it genuine.
5. The Gylston Slander - H. Jenkins - p.i. Malcolm Sage investigates a series of anonymous letters received by the inhabitants of Gylston village
6. The Long Barrow - H.C. Bailey - Reggie Fortune is suspicious when both archaeologists Jospeh Larkin and his secretary are concerned for their safety.
7. The Naturalist at Law - 1929 - by R. A. Freeman - The body of Mr Pedley is discovered in a ditch. His brother, Wilfred, is convinced that it is not suicide and seeks the help of Dr. Thorndyke
8. A Proper Mystery - 1942 - M. Allingham - who deliberately ruined the garden plots
9. Direct Evidence - A. Berkeley - As Sheringham believes circumstantial evidence is more important that direct, will this help him in his latest case.
10. Inquest - 1932 - L. Woodhouse - Dr. Mellan reflects on an inquest of two years ago.
11. The Scarecrow - E.L. White- Can Kay survive a second attack by Waring.
12. Clue in the Mustard - L. Bruce - Sergeant Beef tells of his first case from over 20 years ago.
13. Our pageant - G. Mitchell - A death at the pageant.
Entertaining short stories.

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Crime in the Ballet by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bromsgrove. Ballet choreographer George Baranov is discovered dead. But he will only be the first death in the company. DI Markham and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Last Days: A Father Eadred Murder Mystery by Lindsay Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

833 A.D. Fifteen year old Alcuin has been punished for his crime and sent to Lyndon Abbey to serve as a postulant. But on his murder miracles occur. Father Eadred is sent by Ealderman Aelfric to discover the murderer. But this is not the only death or disappearances to occur and for him to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting and varied 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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Three Weeks in Kent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues in this Pride and Prejudice variation as the Colonel takes his party to visit Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Mr Collins is also at Hunsford. Can Elizabeth and Darcy avoid their unwanted marriages and who is the secret admirer of Anne de Bourgh.
Enjoying this series but it now moving more towards Darcy and Elizabeth tale
But still a delightful re-read as we move towards the conclusion of Mary and Colonel's story. Another re-read.

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Longbourn's Lark: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, when Colonel Fitzwilliam gets lost on his way to Netherfield, he arrives at Longbourn, to ask directions. He is invited to tea by Mr. Bennet and Mary. Into the mix we have Mr. Collins. Is there a happy ending for any of the visitors to Hertfordshire. The first of six novellas.
Felt a need to read a sweet romance between my favourite JAFF couple - the Colonel and Mary Bennet - so I re-read this novella and as I still enjoyed the story it gets 5 stars. Another re-read, again.

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A Traitor in Paris by Jonathan Digby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1589 John Lovat is sent to Paris to uncover a traitor and spy in the English Embassy, and to assess the succession situation, while finding the cause of bad wine delivered to wine merchant Sir Montague Haggard. Close to Paris he discovers a murdered dwarf disguised as a child.
an enjoyable historical mystery

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The Case of the Drowned Man by G.W. Colkitto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1896 Blegmouth harbour a ship is wrecked, and on board were 3 men. Symes believes that it was deliberately done, as the marker buoy was cut and the guiding light moved, and so it would be murder.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Drawing Mr. Darcy: A Faithful Portrait by Melanie Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and & Prejudice variation the story continues of Elizabeth Bennet Russell and Mr. Darcy. The story unfolds with the arrival of Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine and Wickham, with varying threats to the couple.
I enjoyed this well-written story but would love to also read the concurrent story of the Bennets after Elizabeth had left and more about the other Bennet daughters' romances.

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Drawing Mr. Darcy: Sketching His Character by Melanie Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Thomas Bennet has received a request from his childless Aunt Olivia. To raise one of his daughters as her own. With the three youngest deemed to be too young and Mrs Bennet refusing to send Jane. That leaves Elizabeth to grow up in her wealthy and well-connected relation's home.
Then she returns to Longbourn for a long visit just as the Bingleys and Darcy arrive at Netherfield.
I enjoyed this well-written story a lot. I even actually liked Elizabeth, and enjoyed the portrayal of Jane and Mary. The characters of the Bingleys sisters were wonderful, and look forward to their reactions to Elizabeth in the next book.
An entertaining re-read.

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Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816 Emma Knightley is shocked by the announcement by her father, that he is to marry Miss Bates. But even more so when at the engagement party held at Donwell Abbey a maid dies. But is it murder. What are the strange lights in the area. Emma decides to investigate with the help of Miss Bates. But more shocks are yet to come.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Case of the Peruvian Diamond by G.W. Colkitto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Contessa Marguerite Del Sechura employs Symes and Ritson to find her stolen diamonds. But all it not what it seems.
An enjoyable story

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Vengeance is Mine - A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Caroline Bingley has been ruined, and when Darcy refuses to marry her as payment of a supposed debt owned to the Bingleys, Charles vows to take revenge on the Darcy family. How does this change the future of the Bingleys and the future of the families they meet. In this story it is not just Elizabeth that is her father's favourite but also Mary. Mrs Bennet's favourites, the other three, all because they have the same colouring as her, blond and blue eyed.
An entertaining story with lots of new characters added.
An enjoyable re-read, again.

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The Holly Village Murders by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1928. Lady Bella's "Aunt" Adele has died after attending the family party. So Bella and Marius decide to visit her home at Holly Village in Highgate only to become suspicious about her death. Eventually they inform friend Detective Inspector Lovebrook for his help. But what will their investigation reveal.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its 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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Shooter on the Moor by Ric Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of local businessman and property developer, Maxwell Birchwood,is discovered shot on the moor. But why and by whom. Due to an overload of work ex-DCI Ward is sanctioned to investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Gentleman's Rescue: How Bingley Met Darcy by Brandon Dragan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice prequel. How did Bingley and Darcy meet and Bingley’s father is accused of fraudulent actions.
An enjoyable short story

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Mary's Story: Pride and Prejudice and Potions by J. Ann Curtis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern day Pride and Prejudice variation situated in Austen Heights, Maine, where the Bennet daughters are half Witch and half fae. Isabella Ravenswood has been murdered and wants Mary, who turns out to also be a medium, to find her killer. Is it werewolf Frank Churchill, Mary's crush.
An entertaining and well-written variation with its likeable characters.

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