Murder on the Rhône by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1820 Captain lacey has travelled to Lyon for the marriage of his daughter Gabrielle to Emily Devere. But he comes across a body seconds after it is discovered by a Colonel Moreau, an old enemy from the war. But what secrets does the city hide.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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THE BENNET SISTERS QUEST FOR LOVE : by Joann Louise
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

December 1811. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are visiting the Gardiners where they met Georgiana Darcy and are introduced to Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bingley and are invited to Darcy House.
All very quick to the pairings, no angst and very non-Regencylike behaviour.

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Death of a Serpent by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1928. Ex-member of The Children of Eden' Joe Dutton is found at the bottom of a cliff and stabbed. Alive long enough for the finders to hear his fiancee's name and pushed. DCI Felix and his team investigate.
Entertining historical mystery

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Mrs. Bennet Troublemaker by Sharon Garrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. Elizabeth’s Champion - Begins with Mary
2. The Problems with Anger - The anger of Mrs Bennet
3. Elizabeth Banished - From Longbourn and saved by Mrs Harper
4. Elizabeth’s Distress - Elizabeth leaves Longbourn to stay with a friend
Enjoyable short stories

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The Staircase by AG Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oxford 1925. History Professor Eustace Langton lies dead at the bottom of the stairs. Classified as an accident by the police. But 19 year old Nell Blackwood is not convinced and so visits recluse, wheelchair bound ex-detective Roderick Fane.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terminally ill Alan Conway, writter of Atticus Pund mysteries has delivered the final book in the series but the last chapters are missing. Unfortunately for the publishers he kills himself. Editor Susan Ryeland while looking form the chapters is not convinced it was suicide.
An entertaining mystery

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THE COLOUR OF FEAR an utterly gripping crime mystery thriller full of twists by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Student Toni Brent witnessed a hit and run, the death of Inspector Flagg's wife. The driver, the brother of criminal Arturo Petrucchi. He employs Mallin to change her testament.
An enjoyable story

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Much Ado About Persuasion by Barbara Cornthwaite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Persuasion variation Sir Walter Elliot admires the men of the Navy. So he decides to invite a group to Kellynch. Including previous admires of Elizabeth and Anne. That is Admiral Baldwin and Captain Wentworth. Will there be a happy ending for anyone especially as William Elliot decides to maliciously interfere.
An entertaining story

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The Lost Letter: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where at Netherfield after the party have left, Elizabeth happens upon an unfinished letter from Darcy to the Colonel. But the Hunsford proposal has the same result. How will Mrs Gardiner's friendship with the Viscountess Doncaster, daughter-in-law of the Matlocks affect the Bennets, especially Mary.
An entertaining story. Another 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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A May for Mary: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

May 1813
This is the continuing story of Mary Bennet and Brigadier General Richard Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam is stationed at Newcastle but is due on the continent, Mary wishes to marry before he leaves. So off to Newcastle Mary travels but can they both make it to Scotland and to the newly married Jane.
This P&P variation is part of the Seasons of Serendipity series and should be read as part of that.
Enjoyed reading this well-written story as Mary and Fitzwilliam are my favourite couple, just wished the story could have been longer, much longer. Another re-read.

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The Afternoon Tea Murders by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942 Jane Treen of the Secret Detective Agency is sent to Downland House where Arthur Cilento is working as part of a team of codebreakers. It seems Benson is concerned about a series of incidents within the team and staff. On arrival Jane and Arthur soon discover a murder.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting and likeable main 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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A Spring Society: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

March 1813 - This Pride & Prejudice series continues with this Book 6. A Pemberley heir is on the way, the Fitzwilliam fortunes are still low and there is to be a ball at Pemberley, among all the family quarrels.
But most importantly what of Brigadier General Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet and their wedding plans as he is about to be deployed.
Another enjoyable book in the series, but not a standalone story. Re-read

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A Terribly Savage Killing: A 1920s Mystery by Anthony Slayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 Withermere Island, one of the homes of 5th Viscount Featherstone is invaded by all his family to attend his funeral. Only to find him alive. But then the murders started. Quayle, shadowed by the family lawyer, Asquith, is called upon to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting main character. Another 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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The Davidson Case. Illustrated by John Rhode
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Hector Davidson, businessman, is travelling home with a crate full of patterns. On arrival the driver finds him dead and the crate missing, and the van doors still tied closed. Dr. Priestley is called in to help in the investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1929

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A January for Jane: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

January 1813 This is the story of Jane Bennet where she is staying at Mr. Darcy's Scottish estate with the child of Lydia and Wickham, her orphaned illegitimate nephew. Also staying there as a guest is Graham Hamilton. Who is homeless due to a fire destroying his home Blaylock House.
An enjoyable well-written story.
This P&P sequel is part of the Seasons of Serendipity series and should be read as part of that. Re-read again.

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A Winter Wonder by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

October 1812 In this Pride and Prejudice sequel the story continues as the Darcys, Bennets and Fitzwilliams descend on Pemberley with all their problems.
An enjoyable well-written story. Another re-read.

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The Surprising Mr. Darcy by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A pride and prejudice variation. The morning after the Meryton Assembly and the insult, Darcy and Elizabeth meet. And start over.
Enjoyable short story

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An Autumn Accord by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel it is the end of the first year of the Seasons of Serendipity series. Are there happy endings for all of the Bennet daughters? and what of Mrs Bennet, and the Fitzwilliams. And of course the Colonel and Mary Bennet - my favourite JAFF couple
Another enjoyable re-read in the series. Again.

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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 in Patent Leather by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1927 The plans of the Felixes go wrong when Connie is forced to give birth at Ickborne Abbey in the middle of a thunderstorm. The other guests being of dubious character. Then they meet again, and a murder occurs.
An entertaining hstorical mystery

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The Dark Lady by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1960s DCI Woodend and DS Ruter are sent to mid-Cheshire to investigate the death of German Gerhard Schultz, employed by the British Chemical Industries, and an ex German flyer.
An enjoyable mystery

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Winter of Shadows by Clare Grant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1862 York. DI Samuel Straker is sent to York to investigate the death of, so far, three young females. Against the wishes of the local (corrupt) police. But unfortunately for her he needs the help of forensic photographer Ada Fawkers.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Sacrilege: The BRAND NEW blood-soaked medieval mystery from Keith Moray for 2026 by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1361 Marske. While holding a court session Sir Ralph de Manderville, Justice of the Peace, is informed of the discovery of a Nun in a boat on the River Swale. But this is not the first death in recent years, and it will not be the last. Sir Ralph, with his assistants Marek and Peter Longwood, investigate. But what could be the possible motive for all the deaths and is there more than one killer.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting main characters. A good second book in this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Tyranny of Indulgence: Will Rome's greed be its downfall...? by Richard Kurti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1517 The shipment of gold which are payment for The Indulgences are being stolen. The latest shipment arrived, though instead of gold it contained the heads of eight men. Cristina Falchoni, with a troop of Palace guards travel to the German States to uncover the perpetrators.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Matrons of Dishonour by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1909 Where in one way or another the Enright family becomes involved with the Suffragettes. But how will it all end.
An enjoyable historical story


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A Summer Shame by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Seasons of Serendipity story continues with Darcy and Elizabeth honeymooning with Lydia in Scotland.
Jane and Mary come under the protection of Lady Matlock, while Kitty and Georgiana become close friends. The trials and tribulations of the Bennet sisters continue.
Enjoying re-reading this story. Again.

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A Spring Sentiment by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seasons of Serendipity Book 2 - this Pride and Prejudice variation continues.
With the trials of the remaining Bennet family now living with their relations. This leads up to the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth but what of Lydia and Wickham, and Jane and Charles.
An enjoyable re-read of this continuing story. Again

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A Winter Wrong by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice first volume an epidemic sweeps through Hertfordshire while Jane and Elizabeth are staying at Netherfield bringing unwanted consequences to the lives of the Bennet family.
Enjoyed reading a variation which is not totally about Elizabeth and Darcy, but includes all the Bennet daughters, and we still have Wickham, Caroline, and Lady Catherine.
So an enjoyable read and 5 stars, because this is the third read for this volume. Another re-read

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Death and a Snapper by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1927 DCI Felix is at a restaurant with his team when a fracas develops with a table of Russians (possible ones) resulting in the tried intervention of MI5. Love evolves but also injuries.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Meeting in Monkford by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Captain Wentworth has suffered an injury so he is persuaded to join the Crofts at Kellynch, not having any memory of a prior visit, while Anne Elliot is staying at Uppercross.
An enjoyable story

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A Return to Lyme Regis by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A persuasion variation where Mr Elliot persuades Anne to revisit Lyme Regis with Lady Russell. She hopes that a proposal will be forthcoming. But Captain Wentworth is also visiting.
An entertaining story

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Mary's Choice: A Pride and Prejudice Spin-Off by Ivy Rios
My rating: 5 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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First Impressions of a Second Nature: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Darcy is his normal insulting and arrogant person at the assembly, behaving as a rake towards Elizabeth, who accepts his advances.
Wanted more about Mary Bennet and her romance.
An enjoyable story.

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Love and Murder Dance at the Bingley Ball by Glenna Mason
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice vaariation where a death occurs at the Netherfield ball. It is soon decided that he was killed. It seems that virtually everybody has a contribution to make to the investigation. Although an enjoyable story it does seem that the social mores of the day are forgotten.
Another re-read due to the lack of Mary and Colonel stories.

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The Treason of the Ghosts by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1303 Melford. Five years previously Sir Roger Chapeley was hanged for several murders. His son believes his father innocent, the result is the Hugh Corbett and his associates have arrived to investigate the recent murders of a young woman and the murders of the Sir Roger's jurymen
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Saint Mary's Cipher: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

27th March 1942 Crofter’s Green, Kent. Danger comes to the village with a murder, and then a cipher indicates that Saint Mary's Church is being targeted. Can the sleuths gather enough information to foil that and others plots in the village, and abroad.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its wonderful characters. Another good addition to this very 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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The Grand Babylon Hotel by Arnold Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The new owner millionaire American Theodore Racksole starts to find out what is happening in the hotel shadows. All starting with a murder.
(Daughter Nella is just too annoying)
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1902

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Comeuppance: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jayanth Subramanyan
My rating: 5 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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In Netherfield Library and Other Stories: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. In the Netherfield Library - Elizabeth joins an ill Jane at Netherfield.
2. Mr Bennet Pays a Call - to Bingley at Netherfield.
3. One Dance at the Assembly- between Elizabeth and Darcy.
4. Almost a Collision - Between Elizabeth and Darcy's carriage.
5. Henry Crawford's Redemption - Post Maria Rushworth, can he be redeemed.
6. Rumour of an Engagement - Wentworth hears of the engagement of a Miss Elliot.
Enjoyable short stories

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Death of a Cave Dweller by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1961 Cellar Club, Liverpool. The local police are baffled when band member Eddie Barnes is murdered on stage. So Scotland Yard and DCI Woodend are called in to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery

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Look to the Lady by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Campion becomes involved with the Gryth family, the keepers of the Chalice since before the Conquest. But what happens when each son reaches 25 years old and a secret is revealed. Who is behind the attempts at stealing the chalice.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1931

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Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Zoe Burton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation circumstances have led Darcy to look for a wife who is above everything else, honest. It will not matter whether they like each other especially. And so Darcy is off to join Bingley at Netherfield.
I enjoyed the story, though not too sure about the premise behind Darcy's thoughts. Though I would have liked a lot more about Jane and Mary's relationships, especially Mary.
Another enjoyable re-read.

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A Surprise in Shropshire by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where two-year-old after the failed engagement Captain Wentworth is visiting his brother at his parsonage in Shropshire. Due to an illness with Mrs Musgrove's sister Anne Elliot is on her way to the same village.
An enjoyable story

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A Dangerous Duet by Karen Odden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1875 While working at the Octavian music hall dressed as a man Nell Hallam comes across a possible crime. A crime that her brother, policeman Matthew is investigating.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Reunion in Bath by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where both Lady Russell and William Eliot have plans for Anne Elliot. Are they to be thwarted by the arrival of the Crofts and Captain Wenworth in Bath.
An enjoyable story

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Gallows Walk by Giles Ekins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1954 West Garside. D.I. Yarrow and his team investigate when a bank robbery goes wrong and a young man and a female child are killed.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Pride or Dignity: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lorena DiChiara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice varation Elizabeth is a cousin to the Bennets. Living near Pemberley she is known to the Darcy family. But on the death of her parents she and her younger brother (heir to Longbourn) go and live there with varying reactions from the Bennets. How will this affect their individual futures.
An entertaining story.

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Murder at the Gasworks by Lisa M. Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1860 London. When stoker Joe Carter is discovered dead, poisoned, 10 year old Tommy Jones, is arrested. Sergeant Slaughter is convinced he is innocent and continues the investigation only to discover a previous death of another stoker. Is there a connection between them, and what of the strange happenings at the Bank of England.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good start to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via LibraryThing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Blind Barber by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Four passengers on board the Queen Victoria sailing to Southampton come across a theft of a jewel, and a film detrimental to a prominent American, and a killer.
Too much use of the vernacular.

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