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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Death Came Softly by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Valehead House, Devon, home of widow Mrs Eve Merrion has her family and various guests to stay. Then a body is discovered in the nearby cave. MacDonald of Scotland Yard investigates
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1943

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The Murders at Clarion Castle: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1941. The Homefront Sleuths have realised that Evie is missing, but Harry and Nigel are sent to Clarion Castle where the first under-butler has been killed. Concerns have been raised as Churchill is due to visit. Together they must find Evie, solve a murder, and its possible threat to Churchill.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting and very 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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Vulcan's Forge by Josepha Sherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

2296 A.D.Captain Spock of Intrepid II, meets up with old friend Captain David Rabin on the planet Obsidian, near the Neutral Zone, with its various problems. They first met back in 2247 on the planet Vulcan.
An entertaining re-read

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The Chess Board Murders by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1920. Several murders may have a connection to the Russians. Is it a coincidence that a Russian chess player is touring Britain, playing matches, including one against Kit Ashton, and speaking to the working classes.
An entertaininghistorical mystery

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The Holborn Murders: Book 6 in the Mayfair 100 series by Lynn Brittney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1915. The team are brought in to investigate the murder of Gamage department store magician Charlie Sheridan. But this is only the first death. Then Peter Beech is arrested for the death of an actress.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters.

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Charming Caroline by M.J. Stratton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where Caroline Bingley is now Lady Caroline Harpwell, widow, after two years of marriage. She has been invited with the Bingleys to Pemberley for the Christmas season. There she meets an old acquaintance.
An entertaining story

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Not to Be Taken by Anthony Berkeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

John Waterhouse, a healthy male unexpectedly dies after several days of illness. His brother is not convinced it was a natural death and insists on a post-mortem. What will be found. What will friend Douglas Sewell discover.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1938

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The Durham Deception by Philip Gooden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1874. The Ansells travel to Durham, Tom on company business concerning the dagger of Locknow, and Helen to discover the extent of her aunt's financial involvement in a medium Eustace Flask.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Broken Music by Marjorie Eccles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919. Ex-D,S, Herbert Reardon decides to re-investigat the death of Marianne Wentworth presumed accidental drowned back in 1914. But when there is another death is it related.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Miss Gardiner Got Herself a Husband: A 'Pride and Prejudice' Prequel by David Nickleby
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where we read how Miss Gardiner married Mr Bennet. Not sure I recognise the characters.
Overall a quick read

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Rope's End, Rogue's End. The Robert Macdonald Mystery. Illustrated by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wulfstane Manor home of the Mallowoods. The first reunion in many years brings about a suicide. Then why is Detective Macdonald of Scotland Yard brought in to investigate. Is it pure coincidence that another death occurs.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1942

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The Modern Mother's Day Survival Guide by Laina Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this modern day Pride & Prejudice variation, the Bennet daughters are older, Mary as the only unwed one is now 40. This is the story of the trials and tribulations of Mothers Day for the various families.
I admit I am not a fan of modern variations but this had my favourite couple (Mary and Richard) so I had to be read it.
An entertaining re-read of this story again. And again.

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When Mary Met the Colonel: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Victoria Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, at the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth, the Colonel escaping from the attentions of Kitty Bennet and Maria Lucas, rushes into the Longbourn garden. There he finds in a sheltered spot Mary Bennet. Has the Colonel finally found an intelligent lady, has Mary found some one who appreciates her.
An entertaining and delightful and well-written story which I have read many times
Loved this tale though would have wished it to be much longer. For me the best of this author's stories.
Another re-read, a yearly event

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Elizabeth: Secret Heiress by Sharon Garrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, when the treatment of Elizabeth by Mrs Bennet comes too much (as usual Mary's treatment is to be ignored) Mr Bennet sends her to the family of her godmother, the Fitzwilliams. Where Elizabeth discovers she is a very wealthy heiress. How will this affect the rest of the daughters.
An entertaining story

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Death of a Nobody by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carpenter, Charlie Pegg, but also a police informat for Superintendent Lambert. His job means he can collect secrets. Was that why he was killed. That is the first murder Lambert and his team investigate but not the last.
An enterataining mystery
Originally published in 1995

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A Killing Near Waterloo Station by Lynn Brittney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1915. Tension is high in London and foreign establishments are being attacked. Meanwhile 2 females and 2 baskets of pigeons have disappeared from a guards' train compartment. The team investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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

Ex-detective, now p.i. Charlie Slater is shot dead in his car on Lepe Beach. But what in his latest case could have caused his death. Any connection to Alderney and WW2.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Murder in Bloody Weald: A Redmond and Haze Mystery Book 16 by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1869 The body of crime boss Tristan Carmichael is discovered in Bloody Weald, the son of leader Lance. Redmond and Haze investigate but will this be the only death, and will this finish in time for Daniel's wedding.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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Trial and Error by Anthony Berkeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On being informed that he probably has only a few months to live Lawrence Todhunter decides that he will murder someone. Someone who is doing more harm than good. His first victim dies before he can act. But who will be next.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1937

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Death Makes a Prophet by John Bude
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940s. The religious group The children of Osiris reside in Walworth Garden City, where there is an attempted murder, theft and blackmail. Then actual deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1947

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

The body of a female is discovered in the river Severn, dead some days, strangled. Business woman , wife and mother Mrs Laura Pritchard is identified as the body. But why was she killed. Superintendent Lambert and DS Hook investigate.
An enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1994

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

Summer 1872. First a male body has been discovered in Clapham.Then Lady Ida Randall requests the help of Lord Riley Rochester as her latest favourite, a footman, has disappeared.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Twelve Dates with Gentlemen Friends: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Reimagining by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern day variation of Pride and Prejudice. Various Kappa mothers have named their offspring after characters in The Novel and have for years tried to arrange them to meet. Now they have been in the same town for some time but how will Jane, Elizabeth and Mary Baker plus Charlotte Perth met their counterparts. Until one day Elizabeth not knowing this makes a move.
A fin read.

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Killjoy by Gail Meath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1923 It all starts with the death of a chorus girl at the New Amsterdam theatre. But that is only the first. Who is the murderer, and is the theatre haunted. Diamond is also looking into the apparent suicide of a journalist.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Affair of the Christmas Card Killer by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919 Lord Kit Ashton has been invited for Christmas by Lord Arthur Cavendish and his two granddaughters. Guests also include Lady Emily, widow of second son Robert, and their son, Henry, the heir, and Eric Strangerson.
An entertaining historical mystery


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Mary Bennet and the Schoolhouse Scandal: Mary of Longbourn #9 by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel it is now 1824 and the latest Meryton Schoolmaster, Mr Sheridan, has accepted a new position, yet another master lost to the school. But now 16 year old Rebecca Walford has disappeared, again. Is there a connection. Constable Andrew Campion and Mary Bennet Sutton investigate.
An entertaining story

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Sarek by A.C. Crispin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarek has a decision to make, as he belives there is a threat to the Federation. To prove this he must break Federation law. Then he is called to a peace conference with the Romulans but his wife Amanda is dying. As he leaves her he takes her diaries with him to read. But what of Peter Kirk, nephew to James T. Kirk.
A well-written and entertaining re-read

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Double Cross by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellis Dukakis hires Webb for a surveillance job but unfortunately for Webb neither are trustworthy.
An enjoyable short story

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Murder At Eight by Renee Pawlish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1951. Chet Inglewood, friend of Dewey arranges a met, when he fails to show Dewey goes looking for him. Unfortunately he has been badly beaten, but why. Webb investigates.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Corpses at Waterloo by Lynn Brittney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1915. At the London Necropolis Railway Station, the team find a female body draped over a coffin. On opening all the coffins there are a few surprises and events to investigate by the team.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast oflikeable and varied casts. Another enjoyable mystery to this series.

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Arsenic and Old Lies by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1928, when the body of Gilbert Baines, fiance of Lady Bella, is discovered in his flat, Quin is warned off investigating. He becomes interested in the fifteen year old trial of Mrs Felicity Mortimer, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her husband. It doesn take long for a death related to the case to occur and vital documents stolen. Soon Lady Bella becomes involved as well.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good mystery in this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Children in The Shadows by Stuart S. Laing


1745 A story of child prostitution in Edinburgh. Can Robery Young and the Town Guard find the culprits

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The Missing Wife: A 19th century Parisian mystery by Donna Gowland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1814 Shelley and Mary Godwin with her sister Jane run away from his marriage and her boredom, and travel to Paris, with no realistic plans how they are going to live without money. They are directed towards a M. Lamont who hires them to find his missing wife Claudine.
They all come across as particularly unlikeable.
An enjoyable mystery

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