Murder at the Orpheus Theatre by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


1859 Gemina Tate and Sebastian Bell are attending a performance of Romeo and Juliet. But the play ends with both actors actually dead. Bell and Tate start their investigation, with all the cast and employees suspect. Most with secrets to hide.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian mystery with its very 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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The Queen's Constables by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1572. Special Constables Lincraft and Bradbury are sent to London by Walsingham to infiltrate sea captains and the sailors to discover where Catholic priests are being landed. But that is just the start.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Knot of Sparrows by Cheryl Rees-Price
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An arson attack kills two people. Then Dr David Rowlands has disappeared, has he really left his wife.
Than a teenager is murdered. Is there a connection between all the events. DI winter Meadows and his team investigate.
an entertaining modern mystery

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Character and Countenance by M.J. Stratton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where the Bennets are a family welded together by misfortune, with only Elizabeth and Mary the daughters of Bennet's first marriage to the daughter of an Earl, and all with varying financial situations. But what will become of them as they grow up, and will meet the Bingleys and Darcy at Longbourn and in town.
An entertaining and well-written story with its cast of varied characters, some unlikeable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Frozen Minds by Cheryl Rees-Price
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bethesda House is a residential house for 6 residents with various learning difficulties. One morning the body of the supervisor Alan Whitby is discovered in the freezer in the cellar. DI Winter Meadows and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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The Little Girl in the Wardrobe by C.J. Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The police receive a call from a young girl hiding in a wardrobe as a man is trying to find her after he has killed the female downstairs. But who is she. Soon there is a missing girl, girls who have escaped from West Manor and a killer on the loose. Byrd and Tanzy with their team investigate all the cases.
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Little Bit Foolish: A collection of Pride and Prejudice April Fool's Stories by Amanda Kai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. A good Joke - Lydia in Brighton p,as hernprqnjs but can she escape her fate of Wickham
2. two Fooks In April - What can the Collines and Colonel Fitzwilliam do to bring Elizabeth and Darcy together
3. Unconventional- read previously
4. An Unexpected Party - Lady Catherine's rest is interrupted but who organised the party.
5, April Fish - who is playing fish related pranks at Rosings on Colonrl Fitzwilliam
Not really my sense of humour

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Mr. Darcy & The Lady With The Fine Eyes: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Glenna Mason
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy sees Elizabeth for the first time at Lambton with the Gardiners and falls in love/lust straightaway. It doesn’t take long before Elizabeth feels the same. Then Lydia decides to elope with Wickham. Can any one have a happy ending.
Too much of the giggling of Elizabeth, Catherine and Georgiana and not enough about Mary. Very little angst but still an entertaining story. A re-read.

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Entailed to Heirs Female by Victoria Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet is a cruel and vindictive husband and father. But Mrs Bennet has been taught how to protect herself and her daughters. How will Bennet's actions reflect on his family. Enter the Bingleys, Hursts, Darcy, the Fitzwilliams and Anne de Bourgh (slightly too much about her situation).
An entertaining variation. A re-read.

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The Name Game Murder by Bruce Hammack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very wealthy gaming designer has been missing for years . Now his nearest relations want him declared dead to collect the insurance money - $15m and his money. Smiley and McBlythe follow the clues.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Lingfield Point Killings by C.J. Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An arson attack kills a family of four. But this is just the start of the killings. Then the team get help from a retired DI. Four women have also disappeared. Can the team find the killer before they all die.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Marbeck and the Gunpowder Plot by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1605. Marbeck is ordered to watch papists\ Thomas Percy. Doing so what plot does he think he has uncovered.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Murder on the Cornish Coast by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1937 Kitty and Matt Bryant have been contacted by Lady Cordelia Hedges as she wants them to come to Highcliffe Hall in Cornwall to investigate the death of her father last August. Also since then there have been several incidents that have happened to her.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy 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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The Bodmin Moor Murders: A Cornish Crime Thriller! (DI Ryder Murder Mystery - Book 2) by Jack Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It takes three days before 15 year old Jade Maynard is reported missing, Why? Then another pupil is reported missing. It will not be the last. DI Ryder and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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A Sensible Solution by Beth Poppet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sense and Sensibility variation where the two eldest Dashwood daughters have arrived in Town. But events are worse than Willioughby's betrayal, Marianne discovers that she in pregnant. What is the sensible solution.
An entertaining story

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The Body in Seven Dials by H.L. Marsay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1914. The first body is that of an actress found in her dressing room, the second after an air raid warning she is found dead in her home. Is there a connection between them. Inspector Derwent jnvestigates while Dorothy Peto insinuates herself into the case.
For a book that is classified as a mystery there is very little mystery involved until nearly the half way point. Very slow first half.
So overall enjoyable historical mystery

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

1912. A large cask arrives from Paris for Monsieur Felix. But it causes suspicion and so eventually it is discovered and opened. Only to find the body of a female. Inspector Burnley investigates in London and Paris. Then he makes an arrest. But is he innocent or guilty.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1920

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Mr Budd Novelettes Volume 6 - Stories of Crime and Detection (contains The Clue of the Whispering Pines & Bullion) by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Clue of the Whispering Pines - Bank robber Joe Bennet had a deadly accident just after his last job. So the money is still missing. Then in Avernley, while Budd is on holiday he hears of a cottage that has been burgled twice and then the occupant is killed. - 1937
2. Bullion- 1947 After 8 years in prison James Milford is released ready to collect his share of the proceeds from the theft of bullion from the Bank of England. Then the killings start.
Two enjoyable stories

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The Trouble With Horses by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet's early morning walk is disrupted by finding a riderless horse. When she eventually discovers the rider unconscious - Mr. Darcy - her woes are only beginning.
Liked the input of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary into the story, as we are swept to the happy ending. Just wish that there was more of their story.
Another entertaining re-read.

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The Pleasure of Remembrance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Amanda Kai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation. 4th June 1811. Travelling from Pemberley to town, Darcy and his staff are attacked by highwaymen. Darcy and his valet Perkins are left for dead. But the Bennet daughters discover Darcy and he is taken to Longbourn but among his wounds he suffers from amnesia. For all an enjoyable month passes then Collins arrived. Can there be a happy ending for any of the young ladies or will the plots succeed.
An entertaining and well-written story with its cast of mainly likeable characters, countered by the evil plotters.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Bouquet Garni by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three girls have all on the same day died from poisoning. Two of them worked together but had no known contact with the third. The local police ask for the assistance of Scotland Yard. Masters and his team investigate
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1984

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Bye Bye Blackbird: A Babs Norman Golden Age of Hollywood Mystery by Elizabeth Crowens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1941 Hollywood. First a female collapses outside their office door with a dead bird inside her coat then Humphrey Bogart employs p.i. Norman and Brandt as he found a canopic jar with a dead bird inside. But why and by whom. Seems virtually every actor of the period is interviewed (and therefore would be innocent of the crimes) coupled with a large amount of animals. Not sure how they managed to solve the case.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Denes Park Killings by C.J. Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Darlington. While walking in a park Anna Greenwell discovers the body of her 17 year old son. But he will not be the last. Who is killing them and why. But this is not the only problem the police have as 3 children have been abducted. Tanzy, Byrd and their teams investigate
An entertaining modern mystery

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Marbeck and the Privateers by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1604 Will there be a new peace with the Spanish after 20 years of war. Marbeck is sent to keep watch on the building holding the talks but soon events lead him elsewhere.
An entertaining thriller/mystery

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Murder In the Dunes by Bruce Hammack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Padre Island. Smiley is visiting his writing mentor, while McBlythe has a business deal to arrange. But its not long before they are al involved in a murder.
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Lesson in Scandal by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sofia Moorland needs an escape from the predicament arranged by her step parents. She persuades Dr Reid Gentry to employ her as his herbalist. But he has troubles of his own, not just from his family but it seems there is an attempt to frame him for murder of several of his female patients. So can they help each other.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery and romance with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to this new series. Does contain mature content.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Second Attachments by Betty King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sense and Sensibility sequel where five years have passed but trouble comes to the Brandons with the appearance of Willoughby, and the rumours surrounding Marianne and him. The he is discovered dead and Colonel Brandon comes under suspicion. But this will not be the last of the killings. But why and by whom.
An entertaining story

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The Invention of Fire by Bruce Holsinger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1385 London. The bodies of sixteen men are discovered in a public privy. All shot by the new handgonnes or so it seems. John Gower investigates.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Deadly Discovery by Ciar Byrne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1928. When the body of archaeologist Gideon Rivers is discovered at the Brack Mound dig, sisters Virginia Wooolf and Vanessa Bell decide to investigate. Because one, they believe the wrong person had been arrested and two to protect another suspect.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting main characters. A good start to this new series.

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Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Early Adventures Volume I by David Marcum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1881
1. Study in Scarlet - Doyle - extract
2. The Adventure of the Persistent pugilist- Thomas A Burns Jr - The badly beaten body of Sir Aubrey Strongheart is discovered. But why and by whom was he killed
3. The Two Bullets - David Marcum - The consequences of solving a series of burglaries and a death
4. Brother's Keeper - Robert Perret - The brother of Watson's saviour in India, Murray has gone missing.
5. Bad Blood at Bart's - Harry DeMaioa - A death occurs at Bart's Hospital.
6. The Inside Man - M.J.H. Simmonds
7. The Adventure of the Villainous Victim- A man is discovered cobered in blood at Brighton train station - Chris Chan
8. The Cable Street Mummy - Holmes brings home the head of supposed murderer Able Abless from 1842. Is he guilty - Paula Hammond
9. The Picadilly Poisoner - Second wife Mrs Bertram Morgan nee Dinah Patel, is unwell, Watson believes she is being poisoned, but by whom and why - Roger Riccard
10. The Adventure of the Modest Inspectors - 18 members of the McLeod's gang have been captured, but not McLeod. Can Holmes find him - Derrick Belanger
11. The Case of the Melancholic Widow - Mrs Mellow, widow but is causing it - Deanna Baran
12. Angelique - Mrs Angelique Berenger has disappeared - Mike Hogan
A group of enjoyable short stories

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The Perranporth Murders: A Cornish Crime Thriller! (DI Ryder Murder Mystery - Book1) by Jack Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Ryder is sent to Cornwall under a cloud, and forced on the local police. The day before he is due to start he witnesses a possible suicide though he is not convinced. His team take convincing and what is the actual job of DC Ellie Tozer. Is she out to make more trouble for Ryder.
An enjoyable modern mystery. A good start to this new series.

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The Twice-Hanged Man by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1282 Arriving at Wynethorpe Manor to escape the Welsh and to allow Robert's wife to peaceful give birth. Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas are soon engaged in another mystery. A twice hanged man is seen to have committed murder. How is that possible.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death Sentence by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While our walking his dog, son of DI Nash, Daniel hears gunshots and then a loud rumble. Four bodies are finally discovered in an old mine. But then recently released from prison, members of the'County House Bandits' are killed. That plus a spate of burglaries, and the introduction of new drug gang keep DI Nash and his team busy.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Guilty as Sin by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sixteen years ago Nicholas Sinclair is convicted of two murders, one of which is his wife though no body has been found. Now some skeletons have been found in Layton woods. Is Sinclair a serial killer. DI Mike Nash and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Alone: A Pride And Prejudice Variation and Continuation by B J Rumph
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Colonel Fitzwilliam is peruaded to marry Anne de Bourgh but the marriage is a failure and he returns to duty. But after Anne and Lady Catherine have died the Colonel returns from the wars to run Rosings, a broken man. Can he find his happiness like his friends who have married Bennet sisters.
Although the story need a lot of editing and proofreading and formatting, I enjoyed the story and of course the pairing of the Colonel. Another enjoyable re-read. Again.

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Fear Stalks the Village by Ethel Lina White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quiet and social village suddenly has an outbreak of poison pen letters. The first to the village's most saintly person. Suspicions are raised among the residents. The Rector decides to invite his friend Ignatius Brown, who enjoys solving problems, to the village.
An entertaining character driven cozy historical mystery with its cast of varied and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally published in 1932

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Mr Budd Novelettes (Stories of Crime and Detection) Volume 5 (contains The House of the Goat, The Seven Sleeping Men and The Man on the Train) by Gerald Verner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The House of the Goat - a man stabbed to death while looking for Harvey Bradshaw leads Budd to an island in Norfolk and another body. But why are people interested in the house and island. 1939
2. The Seven Sleeping Men -Mitchell Petegrew in his newly leased house has received on 7 consecutive days a playing card with writing on each. Then he is killed - 1940
3. The Man on the Train - Michael Dene head of British Security Service and his agents cross with Budd who is traveling on a train towards his holiday destination. When a murder occurs - 1941
Enjoyable short stories

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

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bennets have five children, but one is a boy, Ben. While at a school he becomes friends with four other boys, but tells them little about his sisters. Until one day they visit and all their lives are changed.
The two good points are that I have my favourite Mary Bennet pairing, and I enjoyed the story. For that 3 stars. Another enjoyable re-read
It really needs a proofreader and to be formatted correctly.

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The Proud Sinner by Priscilla Royal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1282 Seven abbots are travelling to Norwich to meet a special papal envoy but because of the weather they most stay at Tyndal Priory. On arrival the first one dies.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Skeletons in the Closet by Bill Kitson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body of a female is found in a derelict cottage, dead about five years. Tied to a chair and gagged. But this is only the first one. DI Nash and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery


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Murder of a Medium by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1869 Famous medium and friend to Lord Jason Redmond, Alicia Lysander, is murdered after a séance that ended early. A séance at the home of the Earl of Ongar, instigated by his second wife Lady Cynthia. Redmond and Haze investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enoyable series.

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Vicious Circle by Douglas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unlikeable old Mrs Elke Carlow has died after being poisoned. But how was that accomplished. Due to the family connection Scotland Yard is brought in to investigate as in Masters and Green's team
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1983

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Marbeck and the King-in-Waiting by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1603 Elizabeth has died but plots are in progress to change the succession. Marbeck becomes involved even though an enemy has accused him of treason.
An entertaining thriller/mystery

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A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1867. In the female artist world, the painters are receiving threatening letters demanding money, and their sitters are disappearing. Then bodies are discovered, and a suicide occurs. But this is just the beginning. Is there a link between the two. Inspector Tennant and doctor Julia Lewis investigate. But what will they uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main 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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To Have Such a Sister: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Ashley Gabriel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel, on returning to Longbourn from a holiday in Lyme widow Lydia Wickham ensures that Mary misses both of their carriages. Now she is left stranded with no luggage and very little money. How will her future pan out.
A delightful, well-written and entertaining Mary story.

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Spock Must Die! by James Blish
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 4011.9. The Klingons have started a war against the Federation, and the Organians have it seems disappeared. The Enterprise in attempting to contact them results in a transporter malfunction and two identical Spocks. Who is the original and can the Enterprise stop the war.
An enjoyable re-read

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50 First Impressions: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variayion, Darcy states his usual borish comments at the Meryton assembly but meeting Elizabeth the next morning she has forgiven him, until she has an accident, and loses her memory. A memory which is reset everyday. Colonel Fitzwilliam was not at first likeable but he redeemed himself with his marriage - the only reason for 3 stars
Some crude language.

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

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

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The Tees Valley Killings by C.J. Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Darlington. First its the body of Julia Porter that is discovered. But what is the connection with the next several females. And what of missing 7 year old Evelyn Jones. Detectives Byrd and Tanzy and their teams investigate.
A good start to this new series

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I Died for Beauty by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amherst, 1857 is experiencing one of its worst winters. Keeping warm creates disaster for one family in the Irish quarter, as only their 8 year old daughter survives, but is taken in by the Dickinsons. But why was the fire deliberately started and will any one care. Emily will her maid Willa investigate with the unofficial help of Officer Matthew Thomas
An entertaining and well-written slow paced cozy mystery with its cast of 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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