Death on the Oxford Road. The Robert Macdonald Mystery. Illustrated by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While travelling back to town, Robert Macdonald with his passenger, journalist Peter Vernon, and another car come across a dead man in the road. Dead some hours. Identified as 20 year old Bert Rodmell. Detective Macdonald investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1933

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Silence of Deceit by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1819. The body of Delia Montgomery has been discovered in the river. Her connection to Audrey, Duchess of Fourier is a secret to be kept from the ton, but it seems she have been blackmailing other patients of the sanatorium. Then the body of another ex-patient is found. Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden investigates.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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Season of Death by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1895 Barker and Llewelyn are employed by Lord Danvers to find his missing wealthy sister-in-law May Evans who has been missing for six months. But problems arise in their lives which include the collapse of a tunnel which killed all the London gang leaders. Was this an accident. And who is the beggar called Dutch and what is her involvement in events if all.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting and likeable main characters. Who are 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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Woodston: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey by Kate Westwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1798 A Northanger Abbey sequel where Catherine is newly married. But seems unable to cope with being mistress of the parsonage. Will she be able to grow into her postion. Though it beggars the question why would Tilney marry such a uneducated, non-practical female.
Overall an enjoyable story

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All Hallow's Eve by Wendi Sotis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, on Halloween, the ritual of Sanun is performed by the High Priestess of Sanum to allow the dead to connect with the living, but just for one night. But back in the past one evil spirit escaped returning, the Olc, and now seeks the Priestness. It has finally found the right body to inhabit.
In Regency England the High Priestess is Elizabeth Bennet, and she must be protected. But who is her soul mate, who really are the Bennets. Darcy, Bingley and the Fitzwilliam brothers are recruited by Mr Bennet.
An entertaining re-read of this story. Another enjoyable re-read.

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The Infidel Stain by M.J. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1841 London. Viscount Allington employs Jeremiah Blake and Captain William Avery to investigate the death of two printers Blundell and Wedderburn. But what else will Blaake discover.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Galactic Whirlpool by David Gerrold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 4496.1 The contact team land on a spaceship and bring back one of the inhabitants, she believes that she lives on a planet, which acording to the Enterprise is heading for disaster. Travelling toward two rotating black holes - the Galactic Whirlpool
An entertaining re-read.
Adventures Number 1

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None So Accomplished as Mary: A Sweet Extras Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel a year has passed and Mary is accompanying the Darcys to a ball where she meets the Colonel again. Can her strategy work as she interests the Colonel with a puzzle he believed he had solved.
An entertaining and well-written story with its very likeable main characters with its amiable supporting cast.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(Sequel to 'How to Marry an Accomplished Lady' which really should be read first)

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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 come 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.
Read again so as to read the sequel

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Hunting Down the Darkness by European P. Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alderman James travels to Waterford to investigate the death of a servant at Wild Boar Hall. Meanwhile it seems that Steven Olocher, son of a murderer has decided to start his killing spree as organised by Edwards.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Tincture of Murder by Donna Fletcher Crow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Due to a fire at their home the Danvers move to York, where his brother Frédérick, a vicar. He is concerned about the deaths in the refuge for fallen woman. Also of interest is the trial of William Dove accused of killing his wife Harriet. The Danvers are taken out of their soft rich lives and are faced with the reality of the poor. Not much of an investigation.

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The Prankster by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1793. A prank is being played on estate owner Miss Emma Lee. Ishbel and Ewan investigate, then someone tries to kill Emma. Who and why. Unfortunately Ishbel's dislike of Lord Ashton blinds her to the truth.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Third Fan by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Baseball player Charlie Preston is a suspect in the murder of friend and steroid provider Pete Westhaven. He employs Reed to prove him innocent.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Killing Moon: A Murder Mystery by Alex Woolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The staff of a book publishing company and their most successful author are having a drinks get together in the Moonlight Lounge at the top of their building when one of the people is killed. But now there is no escape from the room as the building is shut down.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Safe Place by Alex Scarrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When pumping out the water from a ruined Martello Tower, once owned by ex-band member Ricky Harris, a bone is discovered. When the police are brought in, more bodies are found. DCI Boyd and his team investigate. But a friend of Boyd, Charlotte believes she is being stalked by her tortured ex-husband, Ewan Jones. Can Boyd help her.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Method of Revenge by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1884. Leonora Spencer is attending the Striker's Wharf nightclub when one of the female customers dies. It is newly wed Mrs Gabriela Carter, wife to gang member Andrew, caused by arsenic poisoning. D.I. Jasper Reid is given the case to investigate. With help from Leonora. Reid is also still concerned about a recent Jane Doe death.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. A good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

1. The Adventure ofthe Substitute Detective - I.A. Watson - - Inspectors Gregson and Lestrade both have case needing Holmes's expertise but his away. His location unknown to Wtson.
2. The Adventurenof the Resident Patient - A.C. Doyle - Dr Trevelyan is set by in his iwn practice by a Mr Blessington and become the resident patient. But what is he hiding (Read previously).
3. The Locked Room Mystery- D .J. Tyrer - Robert Louis Stevenson needs the help of Holmes as his manuscript has been stolen from a locked drawer in a locked room.
4. The Adventure of the Missing Shadow - J. Gangly -Shadow, the dog belonging to 10 year old Lord Adrian Lawson is missing. But why.
5. A Diplomatic Affair- M. Mower - 1882 Holmes uncovers a plot to kill Gladstone
6. The Adventure of Stonehenge in London - GC Rosenquist - 1882 As with all the previous earls, the old and invalid 8th Earl of Rendlesham has disappeared.
7. The Doctor's Tale - D. Marcum - 1882 - Holmes investigates the supposed murder of Dr Leland Smalĺwood.
8. The Finding of Geoffrey Hobson - D.B. Beckwith - 1882 - Holmes is employed to find the co-conspirator of rhe assassination attempt on the Queen.
9. The Adventure of the Last Laugh - T.J. Revel- 1882 - Ambrose Bartley approaches Holmes as a self portrait bynhis friend Eustis Lacey hold the key to a great fortune.
10. The Penny Murders - R. Stapleton - the events of 10 years past with the castaways on Dragon island have come back to haunt them.
11. The Adventure of the Disappearing Debutante - Why does Lady Elizabeth disappear from her own Debutante Ball.
A set of enjoyable short stories.

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Miss Eleanor Tilney: or, The Reluctant Heroine by Sherwood Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Northanger Abbey variation which tells the story of Eleanor Tilsey, up and including where she meets Catherine Morland in Bath,and beyond. Can she have her happy ending.
An enjoyable story

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An Impossible Crime by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1792. The MacPherson are staying on their estate. While attending a ball a neighbour, Lady Catherine Ashton is killed. Though suspects are plenty, the timing makes it impossible for any of them to be guilty.
An enjoyable historical mystery though Ishbel seems to becoming unlikeable.

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The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The six members of the Crime Circle headed by Roger Sheringham decide to investigate the death of Mrs Joan Bendix. Sir Eustace Pennyfather, club member of her husband Graham, received a sample of chocolates which he passed to Graham, who gave them to his wife in payment of a bet, who consequently died.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1929

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Deadly Kin by Lucinda Brant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1764. The Halseys are staying ar their estate in Kent awaiting the birth of their first child. When a 13 year old son of the steward is found dead. Alec Halsey decides to investigate but what secrets will he reveal about the local families, his family and his personal history
Although too much prevarication, overall it was an enjoyable enough read.

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Murder On The Wichita by Bruce Hammack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wichita. Fen Maguire, Lou and Bailey get involved on a cold case, that of fraud to the amount of $7m. Which is probably linked to a current murder. Which occurred in the hotal they were staying in. Actually in the adjoining room next to Bailey's.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Bitter Poison by Margaret Mayhew
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A death occurs at the party after the last performance of the Christmas play (at 64%). Who going to be the victim was obvious.
Overall an enjoyable story

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Awakened Hearts by Susan Potts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, she is determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There she meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.
An entertaining re-read, again. And again.

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The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1929. Invalid Colonel Coombe has arranged a house party at Black Dudley mansion. One of the guests is Albet Campion and Dr. George Abbershaw who is occasionally employed to help the police with mysterious deaths. Then a death occurs. Although Campion plays his part it is Abbershaw who investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Murder On The Guadalupe by Bruce Hammack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body is discovered in the Guadalupe river and Fen Maguire recruits Lou and Bailey in helping in the investigation. Then a second body is found.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Mycroft Holmes: The Case of the Romanov Pearls by David Dickinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mycroft Holmes is convalescing at the Majestic Hotel in Brighton with his assistant Tobias. When the White Pearl's of Romanov are stolen from the Duchess of Alcester. He is asked to investigate but Sherlock and Inspector Lestrade arrive. But who will solve it.
An enjoyable short story

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A Dead Man on Staffin Beach by J.M. Dalgliesh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isle of Skye. The body of well known author Bruce Dunmore is discovered on An Corran beach. Suicide or murder. DI Duncan McAdam and his team investigate but how does the distant past connect to the case, and what might be the relationship to his family. What secrets are some islanders keeping.
An interesting and entertaining well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and well-drawn characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Death of a Racer: A Grace & Favour Mystery by Tracy Tonkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1924 Someone certainly wanted to make sure that Jonny Wavertree, heir to Lord Foxton, would not end the race considering the number of ways he could have died and did. But he is only the first.murder. What could be the motive . Superintendent Maxim Favour and his team investigate but the case gets complicated.
An entertaining historical mystery A good start to the series though I am not sure I like Grace.

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The Wintringham Mystery by Anthony Berkeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1927 Stephen Munro having gone through his inheritance finds employment as a footman at the home of Lady Susan Carey, whom is having a house party. During a witches séance Cicily Vernon disappears. Is it a trick, and where is she. Stephen and friend Pauline Mainwaring investigate. What secrets are hidden. Who will die.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Mr Guthrie's Double by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1790. The MacPhersons are asked by the newly arrived in Edinburgh Mrs Guthrie, to find the doppelganger of her son Samuel. Who has been impersonating him and using his credit.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Impact of Evidence: A Welsh Borders Mystery by Carol Carnac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

During a snow storm, a collision on a country road results in the injury of the van driver, and the death of the car driver. But in the car is a body already dead. Scotland Yard detectives Julian Rivers and Lancing are called in to investigate.
A well-written and entertaining 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 1954

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The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anthony Cade returns to England doing a favour for a friend by delivering a manuscript. Another favour results in him staying at Chimneys where a murder has just occurred. Superintendent Battle of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. Cade also decides to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published in 1925

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Harriet's Secret: An Emma Variation by Hailey Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Emma variation 17 year old Harriet Smith is at home to receive Mr Robert Martin's proposal personally rather than by letter. She accepts him but lies to Emma. When will Emma find out, But what of Emma and Knightley.
An entertaining story

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The Last Train by Alex Scarrow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Boyd is returning to Hastings on the last train that night when it is hijacked. The hijacker is killed but what was his reason. Soon an anti-terrorist unit is brought in to investigate. But Boyd has other ideas. (Okeke gets more annoying as the series goes on)
Not really my favourite type of story.

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Wentworth's Christmas Wish: A Persuasion Christmas Alteration by Susan Kaye
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Anne manipulates Mary Musgrove into leaving Lyme after Louisa's accident, while she stays. Though that changes quite quickly. Mary is her usual awful self - selfish and self-centred. (Austen must have really hated the name.)
An enjoyable story

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Rising Storm: A Hunters Crime Thriller by Glenn Trust


Drugs cartel invading Georgia - not really a subject I am interested in reading about.

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Fire-Tongue by Sax Rohmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Charles Abingdon approached Paul Harley for his help. Before he could tell him his troubles he was murdered. His last words were fire-tongue and Nicol Brinn. Harley decides to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Little Trip to France: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Julia Waverley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and prejudice variation where not realising that there is a war on in France, and after boasting about where they buy their clothes the Bingley sisters are off to France taking Hurst and Jane Bennet with them
Not my sense of humour.

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Blood on the Tracks: Railway Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. The Man with the Watchers - A.C.Doyle (1898) 1882 On the train London to Manchester, there were only 3 first class passengers in the carriage, all 3 disappeared but a body of male is found. His pockets containing 6 gold watches.
2. The Mystery of Felwyn Tunnel - L.T. Meade & R. Eustace (1898) In 1893 Mr John Bell is called in by Geoffrey Bainbridgee to solve the death of a signalman.
3. How he cut his stick - M.M. Bodkin. A bag of money is stolen from a junior clerk in a closed moving railway carriage and the thief disappears. Private detective Dora Myrl is asked to investigate.
4. The Mysterious Death on the Underground Railway - Baroness Orczy (1901). The Man in the Corner relates to Polly the mystery of the lady found dead in a first class carriage (Read previously)
5. The Affair of the Corridor Express - V.L. Whitechurch (1912). Thorpe Hazell is asked to investigate by schoolmaster Wingrave, when a schoolboy disappears from a moving train.
6. The Case of Oscar Brodski - R.A. Freeman. Dr. Thorndyke investigates the discovery of a beheaded man found on a railway line (Previously read).
7. The Eighth Lamp - R. vickers (1916) what does signalman George Raoul see coming from the Underground Railway tunnel.
8. The Knight's Cross Signal Problem - E. Bramah. Who caused the crash that killed many, the signalman or the train driver. Blind detective Max Carrados investigates.
9. The Unsolved Puzzle of the Man with No Face - D.L.Sayers (1928).A group of people speculate on what happened concerning the dead man on the beach. One of which is Lord Peter Whimsey.
10. The Railway Carriage - F.T. Jesse (1931). Three strangers sit in a train carriage, one Solange Fontaine, a detective. what does fate have in store for them.
11. Mystery of the Slip-coach - Sapper. A man is murdered in an enclosed carriage. Standish and Inspector Grantham investigate. Is the raw egg jmportant.
12. The Level Crossing - F..W.Crofts (1933). Duncan Thwaite decides it time he killed his blackmailer John Dunn.
13. The Adventure of the First Class Carriage - R. Knox (1947) Holmes investigates the case of the missing man in a locked compartment on the train he and Watson are travelling on.
14. Murder on the 7.16 - M. Innes (1956) The body of the director is found dead on the film set inside a train carriage.
15. The Coulman Handicap - M. Gilbert. Although 24 police were involved in the operation it failed and Mrs Coulson, a fence, was still free. Can it work next time.
An enjoyable set of stories.

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A Most Attentive Father: A Regency Novel inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if Longbourn was not the Bennets home but the estate next door, Longford. What if Mrs Thomas Bennet rejected her four youngest daughters and Mrs Bennet the elder was still alive with her good connections.
An entertaining and well-written story. A re-read

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A Simple Murder by Eleanor Kuhns
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1795 Wiliam Rees has returned home only to find his son has joined the Shakers. On arriving he is asked to determine who killed one of the sisters, Sisters Chastity. He receives help from Lydia Farrell. An ex-sister.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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World Without End by joe-haldeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 7502.9 The enterprise comes across a large artificial planetoid with 1 million inhabitants and 3000 years old. Once transported to the surface, the landing party are unable to leave. Then the Klingons arrive.
An entertaining re-read.
(Star Trek Adventures 12)

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Governing His Heart by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice Variation Bennet has died and now Elizabeth is being interviewed by Gerald Darcy for the position of governess to Georgiana Darcy., and is judged to be perfect for the role! Meanwhile Fitzwilliam Darcy is on his Grand Tour. Soon the elder Darcy is dead and Wickham and Caroline do their best to cause havoc.
Would have loved to have more about the Colonel and Mary Bennet in the story which is why I re-read the story. And Elizabeth is much too perfect
An enjoyable re-read.

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An Ill Wind by M.K. Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-policeman, JJ Jenson, now a photographer catching the last moments of the life of Amber Wilton. Seemingly a murder. It takes the police a while to believe him but he is joined in his investigatin by ex-journalist Davie George.
An entertaining modern mystery. A good start to this new series.

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Maxwell's House by M.J. Trow
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1993. Peter Maxwell Head of the Sixth Form, returning from his holiday discovers one of his pupils has been murdered. Caring or just bored he decides to investigate, but obviously not as intelligent as he thinks he is. Seems a bit of an idiot the way he runs his private life. Is he likeable? Not at the moment. Can he escape being charged with the murder and the subsequent killing.
Overall an enjoyable mystery. Will see if he improves in Book 2

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Mycroft Holmes and Murder at the Diogenes Club by David Dickinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

William St John Plunkett has died at the Diogenes Club. Tired Mycroft Holmes investigates although Inspector Lestrade has been called in.
An enjoyable Holmes mystery

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There Will Be Bodies: A Flavia Albia Novel by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

89 A.D. Flavin Albia and husband Tiberius Manlius are employed by his uncle to travel to Vesuvius and restore his newly bought villa. Unfortunately they deiscover various bodies. But were they killed by the eruption or not. There is also the matter of the missing tribune to investigate.
An entertaining slow paced historical mystery with its likeable main couple supported by a 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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The Convenient Murder by Clare Jayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Edinburgh 1790. Lord Strand is poisoned while hosting a house party. Soon Mr and Mrs MacPherson investigate helped by Jed, Rabbie and Miss Chiverton. King's Messanger George Wiliamson also Investigates. Then there is another murder.
An entertaining and well-written Georgian mystery.

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Bring Forth Your Dead by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thirteen months ago Edmund Craven was buried now he is being exhumed. The findings shiw that he was killed by arsenic poisoning over several months. The trail may be cold but Superintendent John Lambert and DS Bert Hook investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery
Originally published in 1991

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