The Return of Sherlock Holmes: Further Extraordinary Tales of the Famous Sleuth by Maxim Jakubowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Silver Lining - Bonnie MacBird - Countess Rameau approaches Holmes as her silver has been stolen and she knows by who, but that is just the start.
2. The Curse of Carmody Grange - Eric Brown - 1890. The occult writer Oswald Carmody has disappeared from a locked room.
3. Sherlock Holmes and the case of Humbug - Paul A. Freeman - The thought that the skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge has turned philanthropist intrigues Holmes.
4. The New Messi - Nick Sweet - Watson's future stepson has been abducted, but why and by whom.
5. The Adventure of the Talking Board - Using an ouija board who do they contact but Holmes.
6. The Booby's Bay Adventure- O'Neil De Noux - Miss Emily stares she needs the help of Holmes to authenticate a rare painting
7. The Adventure of the Red Dress -Ana Teresa Pereira - A writer needs to write a Holmes story
8. the Wargrave Resurrection - Matthew Booth - 1888 Mr Henry Collins has just seen in Whitechapel a man who shot himself in the head three years previously. And what of the wife.
9. The Case of the Waterguard - Jan Edwards - Billy involves Holmes to prove that his father Caleb Thomkins is innocent of murder
10. the Adventure of the Bloomsbury Pickpocket - David N Smith - A master criminal, a series of thefts and a missing young woman for Holmes to investigate.
11. The Dulwich solicitor- Martin Daley - Holmes investigates the fraud and murders committed by solicitor Silas Wagstaff on numerous orphans
12. The Adventure of the Missing Master - Phillip Vine - Reincarnation and the betrayal of state secrets
13. The Pale Reflection - L C Tyler - Cheap imitators of Holmes
14. Sherlock Holmes and the Butterfly Effect - Cristina Macia with Ian Watson - Time travellers from 2050.
15. The Case of the Secret Assassin - David Stuart Davies - 1942 London and the arrival of a Nazi Assassin.
An entertaining group of short Holmes stories



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The Long Fall by Bruce Hammack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Private detectives Steve Smiley and Heather McBlythe investigate an apparent suicide. Did he jump from a hotel balcony during a reunion or was he pushed.
An entertaining modern mystery

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

1600 intelligencer Martin Marbeck is ordered by Cecil to find the spy Mulberry and learn the truth of the Spanish Kings scheme against England
An entertaining historical thriller/mystery

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A Death in Diamonds by S.J. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1957. The body of a female escort, wearing a diamond tiara, is discovered with an older dead man, in a bedroom of a mews house near Buckingham Palace. But how and why were they killed and by whom. Inspector Fred Darbishire investigates but the Queen takes an interest with the help from her APS Joan McGraw. But is someone trying to undermine the Queen.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery, the first I have read of this series which can easily be read as a standalone story with its interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Big Ben Strikes Eleven: A London Mystery by David Magarshack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unpleasant wealthy businessman Sir Robert Boniface is found dead in his limousine, shot. Presumed murdered. Very quickly three suspects emerge. Superintendent Mooney and Inspector Beckett, with contrasting styles of investigation are assigned the case.
An entertaining police procedural with a varied cast of characters though not all likeable.
First published in 1935
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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In at the Death by Judith Cutler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1861 While the Rowsleys are visiting Oxford, a decapitated and multilated body of a male is discovered at the Thorncroft estate. The non-local police seem to be incapable of an investigation. Why and what are they covering up. Meanwhile the legitimate heir of the Estate has been finally found, and unfortunately the American man and wife are visiting them. But what are his motives. Hopefully all will be revealed.
An entertaining historical mystery which would seem to be the last in this enjoyable series with its vast cast of likeable and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Blackout Murders by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1941 Crofter's Green, Kent. Mrs Evie Harris has been left her grandmother's home and derelict business and so moves in. But then when the death of an air raid warden occurs five of the villagers, including Evie and an ex-Scotland Yard detective, help the local inspector to investigate. Unfortunately as he was not well liked there are many suspects.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with a cast of likeable and well rounded characters. A good start to this new 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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The Serpent Under by Bonnie MacBird
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1891 Holmes is called late into the investigation of the death of lady's companion Miss Jane Wandley. Found with a tattoo of an ouroboros on her face and head, fully clothed in a bath at her workplace of Windsor Castle. Holmes declares it a murder but by whom and why. Unfortunately this will not be the last death.
An entertaining, well plotted and well-written Holmes mystery. 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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