Gospel: A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 18 by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jerry Roxham has been discovered dead in his bed in the family home, stabbed. Found by their cleaner, while his wife and children are on holiday In France. DI Redman and her team investigate. But what could be the motive.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting 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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A Change of Fortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if instead of a fifth daughter being born to Mrs Bennet she gives birth to twin boys. How will this affect the future of the Bennets and all their friends and neighbours.
An interesting premise but where all the good people are good and all the bad quite wicked.
An entertaining variation and I did like the pairings. A re-read.

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A Curse in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949. With independent Inspector de Silva has a new boss. Now an ex-maharajah living in Nuala has been murdered and the rare and expensive Star of Ceylon stolen.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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The Gracie Allen Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The police are watching the Domdaniel cafe while searching for the escaped convict, Benny Pellinzi, only for a body to be discovered. [ No idea who Allen - much too annoying, and Burns are].
Didn't take to the story, though I managed to finish it

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Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejuive sequel, Colonel Fitzwillian is visiting Hertfordshire looking for a different life. But another reason slowly matures, he becomes aware that he would like to have a wife, but who. Can he avoid the matchmakers and find his happy ending.
A delightful and well-written story, with is very likeable characters.
It can easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the prequel - Matching Mr. Darcy (Sweet Possibilities, #1) first.
A re-read of this story again. And again.

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Matching Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy's offensive words about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly do not go unchallenged. On asking Elizabeth for a dance, Elizabeth throws his words back at him. He becomes intrigued by her response but what will he do. But with this couple nothing can be straightforward.
A delightful well-written story where all the characters are likeable. I especially like this Bingley, and Mary.
A re-read so that I can read the sequel again. And again.

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Crime in the Tower by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Margaret Esdaile, The Tower of Lomdon curator is found murdered, in her office by the cleaner. Is there a connection to the 2008 disappearance of 9 year old twins or her research into Richard III. DI Markham and his team or requested to join the investigation by DCI Knevitt.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Pemberley in Peril: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Arthel Cake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Mr Bennet, solicitor, and owner of the Longbourn estate arranges a marriage between Elizabeth to Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. But threats to the Darcy family will come from several sides. Will all the Bennet daughters have their happy ending.
An entertaining and well-written variation apart from the few Americanisms.

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The Kidnap Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It would seem that Kasper Kenting, an in-debt gambler has been abducted. A ransom note is delivered to his wealthy older brother. Philo Vance is involved in the case with the police and D.A. Markham.
An enjoyable historical mystery
originally published in 1936

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Tears for the Forsaken by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leonora and Reid are summoned to a reading of a will, that of Mrs Francise Stroud. Much to the annoyance of her family they are left a house in a wealthy area and a request to investigate the death if her 10 year old son Theodore, who died 12 years ago. Complications arise and a murder occurs. Just the first.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series

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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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A Pretender's Murder by Christopher Huang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1925, Colonel Hadrian Russell, President of the Britannia Club, father to 4 dead sons due to the war, is found dead after beihg thrown through a window and shot at the club. Club secretary Lt. Eric Peterkin starts to investigate. But events from the war are not far away and complicate the issue.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters A 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 Stones of Scarpleigh by Julian Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phyllis Rufford has been requested by Sir Miles Chadwick to finish his late father's novel. Leaving Thomas to investigate happenings at an archaeological dig, a possible murder and suicide resulting in a riddle to solve, and a questionable series of photographs.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Garden Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Philo Vance is one of the guests at the Garden's home. While listening to a horse race one of the guests dies. At first it is presumed to be a suicide but Vance determines that it is murder. And so investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Marquess Scorned by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can two people who find it difficult to trust anyone, and have secrets learn to trust each other and work together to solve the various mysteries in their lives. Miss OIivia Woolf and Gabriel, Marquess of Rothley, must if they are to have peace and be safe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery and romance with its likeable and interesting main 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.
(Mature content)

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GRAVE MATTERS a gripping English cozy murder mystery full of twists by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While on holiday In Athens Dr Patrick Grant witnesses what is determined to be an accident. On visiting the dead females niece he becomes entangled in the family's lives. Then another accident occurs.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1973

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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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Nun Shall Sleep by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1689 Abbess Mathilde wants the help of Master Mercurius. The convent has been given a bequest which she wishes to spend on books and needs his help to do so. A dream come true for him. But on arrival strange happenings occur.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Silent Witness by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Patrick Grant is on a skiing holiday in Greutz, Austria, staying at the Hotel Gentiana. But a body of one of the guests is discovered in the nearby river, was it an accident or is there a murderer in the area. When the village is cut off because of a storm he decides to investigate
An enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1972

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The Final Problem: A Novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1960 A storm leaves nine guests stranded at the Hotel Auslander, on the island of Utakos. With no police on the island, after a death occurs it is suggested that actor Ormond Basil who played Sherlock Holmes in fifteen films investigate. But can he find the motive and solve the mystery before any one else dies.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its cast of varied and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Starless World by Gordon Eklund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 6527.7 The Galactic Core. The Enterprise discovers a Federation shuttlecraft from the ship USS Rickover, that disappeared 20 odd years ago. The craft contains one crew member, Thomas Clayton, who disappeared 5 years previously. Soon they are caught within a large planet.
An enjoyable re-read
Star Trek adventures No.3

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Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1948 After disappearing two years ago Stan Miller returns to Westleham with two friends, ready to make amends for wrongs he committed before he left. When he is murdered several suspects come to light. Martha is determine to find the killer by asking questions, even if that puts her in danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its cast of likeable 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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Death on a Dark Sea by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Businessman luis Perez has invited family and business associates to a dinner on board his schooner, Isabella. But the evening ends In a murder. DI Felix and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Crime in the Salon by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When staff arrive at work, The Mane Event', on a Saturday morning it is to find owner Andrew Coxley dead, stabbed. DI Markham and his team investigate but is there a connection with a ten year old cold case.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Coping: Pride and Prejudice Variation by BJR
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation after many traumatic events Elizabeth and Mary Bennet met Darcy and the Colonel in India. From there their adventure continues.
First the positive points - The story has my favourite pairing, and secondly I liked the story. For that I have given it 3 stars.
But the execution of the story was not good, it needs editing and proofreading and formatting. Though I did manage to read it again. and again, so this time it gets 4 stars.

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Holmes Away From Home: Adventures from the Great Hiatus, Volume I: 1891-1892 by David Marcum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Final Problem by Sir A.C. Doyle - Holmes tells Watson of his meeting with Professor Moriarty.
2. Over the mountain in the darkness - S. featherstone - A family meets Holmes on his travels in Italy.
3. An Englishman (or two) in Florence - D. Ruffle - Peterson recognises Holmes and needs in help in the theft of a Botticelli painting.
4. The secret adventure of Sherlock Holmes - D.G. Madsen -Mycroft recalls Holmes to London as he has discovered a plot to destroy the monarchy.
5. The Harrowing Intermission - C. Janacek - What is the connection between the deaths of a soprano and a wealthy businessman. Dr Watson investigates.
6. The Adventure of the Indian Protégé - J. Ganguly -Holmes meets Jyoti and investigates an attempted murder.
7. The Incident at Maniyachi Junction - S. Subramamanian - Who assassinated Collector Nash.
8. The Adventure on the Road to Meeca - D. Baran- Adventure on the road and emeralds.
9. The Adventure of the Dragoman's son - J.L. Grant - Holmes investigates weapon smugging in Arabia.
10. A Murder on Mount Athos - K. Magnusson- Sigerson investigates the murder of a female visiting the retreat.
11. The President's Roses - S. Seitz - Holmes advn ture in the American army
Enjoyable short stories



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The Hawksbridge Worm by Julian Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1849 While out on a picnic Thomas Rufford and his wife Phyllis discover the body of a young female. Meanwhile his friend Mrs Campbell in her newly acquired inn discovers s statement which leads to two skeletons of more than 100 years old. But life gets worse for Rufford when his past comes back to haunt him.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Turnabout by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bennet family has a wealthy relation who contributes to the daughters dowry, and as the owner of Netherfield Park she has put in various stipulations as far as any occupants are concerned. Darcy arrive in time for the Meryton Assembly and his insult. How will these items affect everyones future.
An entertaining and well-written variation.

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The Footlights Murder by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1905 when Lucy Masefield, director of the amateur Holburn players, believes she is a suspect for murder as one of the actors, Valentine Primrose was killed by a retracting knife, which didn’t. She asks the help of her uncle Percy Enright and brother Jack.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Charlotte Lucas Takes Charge: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Fanny Bennet has died. Two years later the Netherfield party arrive. But then Collins arrives and what Charlotte Lucas overhears him saying changes many lives.
An entertaining variation with the right pairings. A re-read. again

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Sherlock Holmes and the Widow's Key by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1878 Elderly widow Mrs Orless has died and four men, individually claim to be the inheritor of her property including the house. But did she die a natural death. Holmes with the help of Arthur Stamford investigates.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series

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The Devon Murders: A 1951 Philip Bryce mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Torquay 1951. DCS Bryce and his team is called in on an ongoing case when one female is attacked and two others murdered.
An entertaining police procedural story

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A Winter's Night: Christmas at Longbourn by Elaine Burkett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and prejudice variation where the Darcys and Charles Bingley decide to return to Netherfield for the Christmas holidays only for a snow storm to change their destination to Longbourn.
An enjoyable and well-written story

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Mary Bennet and the Embers of Obligation: Mary of Longbourn #10 by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1824. In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, Lucas Lodge is on fire resulting in the death of three people. But one is unnamed and none of the survivors have laid claim to him. Constable Campion with the Suttons investigate.
An entertaining cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Crime in the Allotment by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Headmistress Catherine Leckie is discovered dead in her allotment shed, garotted. But she will not be the last. DI Markham and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Valentine Cipher: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crofter’s Green, February 1942, It all startswith a stolen church relic and a murdered curate. But why was he killed and what is the connection to possible irregularities in marriage certificates of the seven couples who will marry on Valentine's Day. An added problem will be that they are to marry in front of a V.I.P. with the threat of Nazi spies in the area.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of very likeable and interesting characters living in this appealing village. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Christmas Unicorn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Christmas Short Story by Summer Hanford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice vaiation where unfortunately Kitty has night terrors as she now sleeps alone, as Lydia has married Wickham. But Mary is there to help. Can Kitty in return help Mary.
An entertaining and well-written short story

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Death in a White Tie by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A case of blackmail leads to murder and another case for Inspector Alleyn and his team.
An entertaining historical mystery
(Originally pubished in 1938)

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Winter's Season: A Regency Mystery by R.J. Koreto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1817 Captain Edmund Winter works for the Home Office. His latest case is the murder of Miss Cornelia Silverton, sister to Sir Augustus, unofficially engaged but unfortunately pregnant. He investigates with the help of several society ladies.
An entertaining, well-written and plotted historical mystery with its 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 HOSPITAL MURDERS: A 1941 David Adair mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Businessman William Bloor is found unconscious in his office, later while recovering in hospital he dies. Meanwhile a student nurse is killed on the hospital grounds. Detective Superintendent David Adair is called in to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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