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

The Egyptolist patron of the Bliss Museum is found dead at the museum by Donald Scarlett. He informs Philo Vance, an old friend, along with the police they arrive to investigate. But Vance becomes suspicious of the many clues pointing to one suspect.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1929

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The Last Escape by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A prisoner has escaped from Dartmoor, an ex-pow. Retired Police inspector Macdonald has bought Fellcock Farm to keep himself active. But a body has been discovered in the neighbouring abandoned farmhouse. So he helps the local police in their investigation.
An entertaining mystery

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Calista by Laura Rahme
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1848 French inspector Maurice Leroux arrives at Alexandra Hall to investigate two deaths, that of a maid and a sister to the owner, Miss Vera Nightingale. But were the deaths of owner Aaron and his wife Calista natural. Is something or someone haunting the Hall.
An enjoyable Gothic mystery

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A Fated Death by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

435 A.D. Dummonia priestess Morvoren and Christian priest Uxio are sent by the King to investigate the murder of Morcant, horse breeder. While she tries to understand a vision sent to her of a possible death.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good addition to this enjoyable series to finish.

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Comeuppance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jayanth Subramanyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel the Bingleys and Hursts leave after the Netherfield Ball. Darcy stays to write letters, thus avoiding Caroline, but letters arrive for him stating that Colonel Fitzwilliam is intending to visit and stay. He is on his ways and gets lost near Longbourn. How will they both change the Bennets future and them theirs.
A delightful and entertaining, well-written variation.

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Untimely Graves by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the floods a female body is recovered having been shot. But she remains unidentified. Then another body, of a male, is found shot with the same gun. Superintendent Mayo and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Gowden Wifie by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940 Aberdeen. It would seem Inspector Alec Cattanach is very busy dealing with several cases. That of the death of a history professor, the disappearance of the Gowden Wifie, the attacks on Italian residents and a ARP warden, a missing man and the possible sabotage of a paper lworks. And how much help with the newly arrived constable Dunning be.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery wth its likeable main character. A good second book in this series.

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Sherlock Holmes and the Real Thing by Nicholas Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter 1890s Holmes is saved from boredom by the appearance of Lady Glendenning. It seems one of her London tenants has gone missing, probably some months ago. But as the snow melts a body is discovered disguised as a snowman. But his investigation uncovers more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written Holmes story with its likeable and interesting two main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Death of a Scribe by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter 1872. Rochester is called out to another murder. That of a solicitor's clerk, and scribe to the 'Society Sentinel', Edward Nesbitt. A publication that tells of the gossip from society .
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Phantom by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

February 1920. Several jewellery robberies have occurred. But it can not be the Phantom as he is still in prison. Was he wrongly convicted or is it a copycat. Chief Inspector Jellicoe investigates. While Lord Kit and other members of his family also investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Justice Lies Bleeding: An Angel & Kincade Mystery by James Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body of a female is discovered in Southampton Old Cemetery. Is there a connection to a murder in the same place in 1990 when ex-army Amos Church was convicted of a murder. DI Angel and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery.

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Federation by Judith Reeves-Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Their histories intertwine that of Thorsen, Zefram Coctrane, Kirk and Picard. How will it end for them all.
A very entertaining Star Trek story. A re-read

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Murder at the Loch by Eric Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1955. Langham and Ryland are asked by their old army major to visit him at his castle in the Scottish Highlands. As he believes someone is trying to kill him. On arrival they are soon snowed in, with it seems a killer. Would this be connected to the operation to salvage a Nazi plane from the nearby Loch Corraig which sank back in 1945.
An entertaining mystery

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Shroud of Darkness by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1952 Five strangers on a fog bound train arrive in London. Soon one will be dead and one attacked. Are other deaths connected. But why and by whom.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1954

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Network of Evil by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first body is found hanging from a tree, the next at the bottom of a cliff. Suicide or murder. Then a child goes missing. Is there any connection between these events. Is it the end of the killings. DI Mike Nash and his team investigate.
A well-written and entertaining modern mystery with its interesting and likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Wickhams (Book 1): A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by M. A. Bard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where Lieutenant George Wickham is now married and joined the 95th Rifles. How will he and Lydia fare especially when they are called to war on the Peninsula. Or will the officious Darcys ruin everything.
An enjoyable story

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A Secret in Soho: An unputdownable Golden Age cozy mystery by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1937 Wealthy Helena, wife of poor Cedric Davenport has gone missing. The police believe him to be the main suspect, so will Davenport, friend to Misses Hart and Hunter's employer, Dorothy Drew, be charged with her murder. They decide they must ask questions to hopefully clear him.
An entertaining and well-written cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Body Politic by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

M.P. Raymond Keane is murdered in his home but his body is not discovered until a week later, as his surfaces from an iced pond. Disliked by various people will Superintendent Lambert uncover the murderer.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1997

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The Gathering of Clan McFee by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1924 The gathering of the potential heirs is taking place at Castle McFee of the Clan McFee. After one death Major Heathcliff Lennox and ex-detective Jonathan Swift are sent to investigate.
An entertaining and well-writeen historical mystery with its very likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Mary's Choice: A Pride and Prejudice Spin-Off by Ivy Rios
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where Mary comes into her own, but would and will she find happiness. Will Mrs Bennet ruin everything or is there a rival to ruin Mary's hapiness.
An entertaining and well-written story

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A Silence in Belgrave Square by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1884. Will it be Daniel McAdam's last mission for Monaghan of Scotland Yard as he infiltrates the home of Lord Peyton, a known supporter of Irish Home Rule. Is he involved with various plots against the government. Meanwhile Kat is Informed of blackmailing letters among her friends, not for money but for influence on their families.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its interesting and 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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Leasing Longbourn by Victoria Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Longbourn has no entail, but the daughters have unworthy parents. Then Bennet dies and the Gardiners 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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Dead Loss by Joan Lock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884. Bombs in London and the Fenians are blamed and sort. Then an American wine grower is found dead, a missing gentleman and a scam all keep inspector Best busy.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Sherlock Holmes Alphabet of Cases, Volume 2 by Roger Riccard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Adventure of the Fool and His Money - December 1881 Warson is invited by an old comrade to Falgreen Castle to help discover buried treasure
2. The case of the Gunsmith of Sherwood - 1895. Gunsmith George Burton has been kidnapped and fored to do work for 'Colonel White.'
3. The Mysterious Horseman - colonel Ross's new partner, Jim Reese, believes his life is in danger
4. The Adventure of the Italian Gourmet - restaurant reviewer is murdered after posting a scathing review.
5. The Judgment of Doctor Watson -1905 Watson must go into hiding as a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Entertaining short stories

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Murder on Platform Four by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1859. Inspector Sebastian Bell has arranged to meet his brother at Paddington Station unfortunately he is directed towards the body of a female, stabbed and place in a trunk, ready to board a train. But who is she and why was she killed. He investigates with the help of Gemma Tate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and 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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The Ely Testament by Philip Gooden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When a partner in rome Ansell's die he is sent to Ely to search for his will. Coincidentally wife wife is asked to write a piece about Cambridge. Soon they come across a murder with a group of suspects but who will find the murderer.
An enjoyable mystery

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I Could Murder Her by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Both families of Mrs Muriel Farrington live in the house that belongs to her. Each with their own floor. But who is the guilty party when she is found dead. Detective Macdonald investigates
An entertaining mystery
AKA Death Of a Martinet
Originally published in 1941

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Wildcard by Gail Meath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1923 Arriving at their honeymoon hotel the Diamonds find a skeleton in their bedroom. What is the connection to the events from 1913 and their good friend Orin.
An enjoyable mystery

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Accident by Design by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gerald Vanstead is the surviving son and heir to Templedean, home of his father Sir Charles and sister Judith. He and his wife are not liked and few mourn their death in a car accident. When another death occurs Macdonald of Scotland Yard is brought in to investigate both events.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1951

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Vulcan's Heart by Josepha Sherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ambassador Spock is on a secret mission to Romulus where he becomes embroiled in a mission with old foe Commander Charvanek.
An entertaining re-read.

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Anne de Bourgh's Best Friend: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice prequel/variation ten year old Elizabeth Bennet witnesses a carriage crash. Her quick thanking saves the lives of Sir Lewis de Bourgh and his sickly daughter Anne. From that day a very close friendship exists between the two girls, and the rest of the loving Bennet family. How will this affect all their future lives.
An entertaining story. An enjoyable re-read.

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Heirs and Assigns by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1928. Wealthy widower, Penrose Llewellyn of Bryn Glas, Hinton Wyering, announces he is to remarry and the next morning he is found dead. DI Herbert Reardon is sent to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Devil's Share : A DCI Bone Scottish Crime Thriller by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Glendurie distillery and guide Hamish Durie is killed at the end of the whisky tasting tour. But why has another employee gone missing, and others acting suspiciously.
An entertaining and well-written modern Scottish mystery. Another enjoyable story in this series with its likeable characters.

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The Casebook Chronicles: Shadows of Truth by D.W. Merryman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

P.I. Evelyn Hawthorne solves the following problems, each with a summary of the clues and then the solution - a collection of very short stories.
1. The Case of the Missing Heirlom
2. The Mystery of the Vanished chef
3. The Mystery of the Empty Safe
4. The Case of the Shattered Window
5. The Disappearing Manuscript
6. The Case if the Poisoned Goblet
7. The Case of the Vanishing Violin
8. The Case of the Stolen Sapphire
9. The Case of the Missing Sculptor
10. The Mystery of the Lost Treasure Map
Enjoyable mysteries

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The Silent Bullet by Arthur B. Reeve
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A collection of short storys featuring Craig Kennedy as a scientific detective and college professor, and his friend, a reporter Walter Jameson. Set in the USA. Originally published in 1912.
1. The Silent Bullet - Broker Kerr Parker is shot but how and by whom.
2. The Scientific Cracksman - Steel magnate John Fletcher is found dead by apoplexy next to a forced open safe, the will missing but money untouched.
3. The Bacteriological Detective - Eveline Bisbee is frightened that she will be next to die from typhoid.
4. The Deadly Tube - Dr James Gregory, X-Ray specialist, has had a suit filed against him.
5. The Seismograph Adventure - Investigated the death of Mrs Mary Vandam.
6. The Diamond Maker - An insurance policy investigation involving a death and a robbery
7. The Azure Ring - An engaged couple are found dead, but how did they die.
8. Spontaneous Combustion - an old school friend is concerned as his uncle died in mysterious circumstances.
9. The Terror in the Air - Suspicious plane accidents at Belmore Park are investigated.
10. the Black Hand - Gennaro, tenor, his daughter has been kidnapped by 'The Black Hand'.
11. The Artificial Paradise - Miss Gerrero's father has gone missing along with government funds.
12. The Steel Door - Deputy Commissioner wants to raid crooked gambling joint The Vesper Club.
Enjoyable historical short stories.

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Death of a Milliner: Riley Rochester Investigates by Wendy Soliman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1872. The body of Mrs Faulkner, a milliner, is discovered early one morning just after she was murdered, by Maureen Slater, daughter of Sergeant Salter. At the premises of her rival Madame Boise.
Detective Rochester and histeam investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Checkmate to Murder by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Old miser Mr Folliner is discovered dead by his great nephew Neil. Did the London fog help or hinder the murderer. Detective Macdonald and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1944

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Forsaken: An Angel & Kincade Mystery by James Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with a hijacked lorry arriving from Romania and the death of the driver. But what was he carrying and why was he killed.
An interesting modern mystery

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Murder on the King's Jaunt by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1822. As King George IV is visiting Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse is being cleared of its pensioners. But a body of one of them is discovered. As Charles Murray is visiting he is assigned the task of finding the killer. But then there is another death.
An entertining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another enjoyable mystery in this series.

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The Legend of Long Jones by European P. Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1800. Lord Muc has left Dublin and has lived in Five Points, New York for several years. Then there is a murder, that of a Stephanie O'Malley, but only the first. Soon Muc involves Mullins, the blacksmith in the investigation.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Lady Fetton's Longbourn Legacy by Victoria Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Mrs Fetton, older half-sister to Bennet of Longbourn decides to take charge of her family before they are ruined. But how is she treated by the people of Netherfield Park and how will her actions affect all the Bennets.
A delightful and well-written entertaining story. A re-read.



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THE TIPNER LAKE MURDERS by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of a female, Roxanne Keay, is discovered near to the Tipner Leisure Centre. But who would want to kill such an unassuming and shy soul. The police investigate but soon another body is found. Is there a connection. DI Horton and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another enjoyable mystery in this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Live Wire by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

50 year old Jeff Lorimer has just left prison and decides to use the brains everyone says has. So he has a plan.
Enjoyable short story

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Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Twins , Joe and Meredith are travelling on the Orient Express from Paris, for rest and recuperation. Then the murders start, the first in their neighbours cabin. The cabincontents a lot of blood but no body. Is it a coincidence that so many varied detectives are on board. But who is telling the truth.
With all that happens is it all plausible though a nice twist at the end.
Overall an enjoyable mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Something New to Observe A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet takes action after Darcy's behaviour at the Meryton Assembly, in front of Bingley, the Colonel and his brother the Viscount. The three elder Bennet sisters and Charlotte Lucas have more accomplishments than canon. Can there be a happy ending for all the participants.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written variation, with its so many likeable characters. An entertaining re-read

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The Will of the Standing Stones: A 1920's historical mystery whodunnit by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s. A group of people, mainly strangers, are invited to the reading of the will of Mr. Badala. Totally unknown to them all. Is there a connection? Then the first death occurs.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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

Joseph Cochrane Robin is murdered at the home of Professor Dillard. Philo Vance is invited to the scene. The connection to the children's nursery rhyme is soon noted. Then there's another death.
An entertaininghistorical mystery
Originally published in 1928

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People Say I'm Different by John E. Conley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

July 1930 Lord Charles Stewart and Mary Hasting are o holiday in Almouth when a murder occurs. They decide to investigate.

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The Diamonds by Gail Meath
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1923. The wedding of Laura and Diamond is approaching. He off chasing jewellery robbers after stupidly insisting on seeing Laura in the bridal shop and so sees her wedding dress even knowing how superstitious she is. Which means Laura needs a new dress. What could go wrong.

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A Very Elegant Murder by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1923. Miss Isabelle Busby and Mrs Adeline Fanshawe are asked by Inspector Alistair McKay to stay at the Hammett Hall Hotel. To discreetly ask questions, as the owner Mrs Olivia Fortesque died at their Halloween Ball.
An entertaining historical mystery

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