By Trade and by Trust: A pride and prejudice variation by Jayanth Subramanyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice continues as Darcy and Elizabeth have married, and Jane has a son with Weston. The remaining Bennets finally arrive at Pemberley but what of the Bingleys.
An entertaining and well-written story

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The Body In The Trees: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation by Richard James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1892. Detectives Bowman and Graves are sent to the village of Larton to investigate 3 deaths, all deemed suicides. Overall an enjoyable enough mystery

(Time that Bowman's problems and his alcoholism became secondary to the mystery, it has become annoying as if he was the only one to suffer the lose of a partner.)

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Death by Sports Car by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lizzie Becker has just received a text message from her daughter Lilly's phone. But Lilly died in a car accident severl years ago, driven by her, according to the police. Finally a case for the duo, then they are employed to find a friend of Lilly's, Mickey. Who is supposes to be staying with his father.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Apothecary’s Poison by Lana Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884. Accounts clerk Theodore Crumpe dies after taking apothecary Tooley's nerve tonic. Inspector Field investigates. An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Devil In The Dock: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation by Richard James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1892 D.I. Bowman is sent as security detail to the london docks, meanwhile a murdered man is found in Drury Lane. Is there a connection between the two.
An enjoyable historical mystery apart from details of his mental health


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Laughter Through Trials: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice trilogy continues as Elizabeth Bennet is now in town to face the ton. Soon she is joined by Jane and Mary. Elizabeth continues to be irritatingly perfect which distracts from the story and does become boring. A bit of a sweet story though there is Lady Marjorie and Caroline Bingley with of course George Wickham to add some needed sourness. Liked the start of a possible romance for Mary, but not enough to buy the paperback of the first two volumes
An entertaining story, a re-read.

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The Case of the Crumpled Knave by Anthony Boucher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On receiving a strange p telegram from his friend HUmphrey Garrett, Colonel Rand arrives at his home only to find that he was murdered. After an arrest is made p.i. Fergus O'Breen is employed to find the killer.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Case of William Smith by Patricia Wentworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949 William Smith has lived with that name for seven years, every since he was injured in the war. But why has he been attacked several times. Eventually Miss Silver is contacted.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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An Echo of Broken Glass: A Watts and Moffat Gilded Age Mystery Book Two by William Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Braxton, 1894. Detective Percy Watts has a new investigation. While at a tea with four lady friends Mrs Sally Cummings died, possibly poisoned, after eating and drinking exactly as the others.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Lady Catherine Interferes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Diana La Motte
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation wher Lady Catherine de bourg visits Longbourn. But what does she tell Darcy when she returns to Town.
An enjoyable variation.

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That Time The Bennet Sisters Robbed A Bank: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Featuring A Historical Heist & Family Adventures by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation, where Mrs Bennet is dying and Longbourn has no money to pay for a doctor. But sixteen year old Mary has a plan, a plan that has been long in the making. Can it succeed.
An interesting and entertaining well-written variation with its cast of likeable (mostly) characters.

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By Fable and by Fact: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jayanth Subramanyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Jane is married. The day after his arrogant proposal at Hunsford Elizabeth receives an express from Mary stating their father is dying. The attack brought on because of Lydia's elopement. Darcy and the Colonel offer to help. How does this affect the Bennets' future.
An entertaining and well-written variation with its cast of likeable and varied characters.

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An Ode to Poison by Lisa E. Betz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

(41+ AD) when Salvia wife to Senator Gracchus is poisoned Livia decides to investigate even though Gracchus is an enemy of her husband.
An enjoyable historical mystery


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Sharp Practice: A Relentless British Crime Thriller by S J Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Luke Sackville and the Ethics Team have three new cases. Seemingly separate cases until further investigation happens.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Riddles of Hildegarde Withers: Stories by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Riddle of the
1. Lady from Dubuque - Elsie Pender is dead, suicide.
2. Yellow Canary - Arthur Reese decides to commit murder
3. Blue Fingerprint - a body is discovered in a wardrobe up for auction
4. Doctor's Double - Murder in Manhatten
5. Twelve Amethysts - is George Schlupper being blackmailed
6. Black Museum - One dead, two suspects, who is guilty.
7. Green Ice - A jewellery theft and a dead policeman.
8. Snafu Murder - a dead soldier.
Enjoyable short stories

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

England, 1942. Jane Treen and fellow sleuth, Arthur Cilento have a new assignment. Arthur has been worried for fellow crossword writer Professor Watkins, and an employee at one of the country's storage of artworks. But now he has sent an invitation to Jane for the Professor’s funeral. Soon they are informed of a plot to steal a painting but who among the workers is involved in treason.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting 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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Her Unforgettable Laugh: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet is visiting the Gardiners. While walking in Hyde Park she foils a kidnap attempt by Wickham on Georgiana Darcy. All Darcy can remember is Elizabeth's curls and her laugh. Until at the Meryton Assembly he hears the same laugh.... Unfortunately I found Elizabeth to be irritatingly near perfect (boring) who easily ignored her sisters except once again Jane
An enjoyable variation, a re-read.

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Her Unforgettable Laugh: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet is visiting the Gardiners. While walking in Hyde Park she foils a kidnap attempt by Wickham on Georgiana Darcy. All Darcy can remember is Elizabeth's curls and her laugh. Until at the Meryton Assembly he hears the same laugh.... Unfortunately I found Elizabeth to be irritatingly near perfect (boring) who easily ignored her sisters except once again Jane
An enjoyable variation, a re-read.

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Four Lost Ladies by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miss Withers is convinced that wealthy ladies are being murdered while staying at the Hotel Grandee. She decides to go undercover and find the killer.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Classic Collection of Margery Allingham. Illustrated: Albert Campion Mysteries (15 Books). The Crime at Black Dudley, The White Cottage Mystery and others by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Novels reviewed individually
Mr Campion and Others
1. The Widow - Can Campion catch the elusive criminal known as The Widow.
2. The Name on the Wrapper - Campion comes across an abandoned overturned car.
3. The Hat Trick - What is the effect of the onyx hat
4. the Question Mark - What will bethe result of Miss Chloe employing her maid's latest beast as a p.i.
5. The Old Man in the Window - Did Sir Charles Rosemary really die.
6. The White Elephant - Series of jewellery thefts.
7. The Frenchman's Gloves - Wealthy Frenchman has gone missing.
8. The Longer View - A good turn leads to the discovery of a crime.
9. Safe as Houses - why was Lady Charlotte Lamb's home burgled but not robbed.
10. The Definite Article - looking for a Society blackmailer.
11. The Meaning of the Act - Why does a renowned Egyptologist keep visiting music halls.
12. A Matter of Form - Not easy to catch a criminal.
13. The Danger Point - A stolen necklace is finally found
Enjoyable short stories.

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Murder at Enscombe Park by Vanessa Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1817 The Knightleys and Woodhouses are invited to Enscombe Park home of the Churchills. Only to find they are not the only guests. Among them there seems to have underlying tensions. But soon a death occurs. Will Emma be able to solve the mystery before an innocent person is charged.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery with its cast of mainly likeable and interesting 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 Longbourn Butterfly Effect: Mr Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Holly D. Hock
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation, post Hunsford where Bennet overhears Elizabeth talking to Jane about the letter from Darcy. He decides to take action. A pity he didn't do this earlier. Started well but still too much about Elizabeth and Darcy.
(Another author who believes Mary reads Fordyce)

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Secrets Across the Sea: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Katelyn Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where when their parents are killed in 1807, the Darcys offspring of Fitzwilliam, Georgina and Catherine leave Boston and travel to England where they are met by prejudice. Meanwhile in 1808 Mrs Bennet dies also in an accident and it is left to the five daughters to run Longbourn. What secrets did the Bennets keep from the daughters. Might a invitation to a Christmas house party reveal all and give the 3 eldest daughters happy ending.
An entertaining and well-written story

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Miss Withers Regrets by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lt Pat Montague has arrived back in the States and decides to visit his ex-girlfriend, now a married Mrs Helen Abbott Cairns. Only to arrive at the house to find her husband dead. When he is arrested Hildegarde Withers decides to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death by Caravan by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Norman and Slater are employed to investigate a ten year old crime. Debbie Harris is convinced her brother, Stevie, is innocent of the murder of his wife though found guilty and in prison.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Case of the Poisonous Papyrus by Sean McLachlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

January 1921. Sir Augustus Wall's friend Moustafa has been arrested for the supposed killing of a British policeman. With Faisal busy as a street boy friend has been kidnapped, will both be able to save Moustafa.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Nunnery: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Anne Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mrs Bennet has been dead for a long while, leaving conflicting memories with her daughters, reflecting how they have lived their lives. But now winter has returned to Meryton and more gentlemen become stranded in Meryton starting with Bingley and Darcy, but they are soon joined by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Very soon they met the Bennet daughters of The Nunnery. The colonel decides to help them, but can they change and will there be a happy ending for any of them.
An entertaining variation with a lovable Colonel. Another re-read. Again.

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Death by Takeaway / Christmas Novella by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Norman and Naomi Darling are employed firstly to I.D. a Jane Doe who turns out to be Jenny Radstock, Slater's ex-girlfriend. The police decided it was suicide by a drug overdose, but they are not convinced.
2. christmas Novella - Norman and Darling investigate thefts at an arts college.
Entertaining modern mysteries

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Chantecoq and the Amorous Ogre by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Paris. Attracting the attention of Boris 1 of Sokovia results in Francine Gardannes supposedly sent to the state prison at the Saint-Paul Fortress. Chantecoq is employed by her mother and fiance to find her.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Mayhem by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Malton, 1361. Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville holds a routine session of the peace when a formal plea of mayhem is instigated. But another death, and rumours of revenants abound. Sir Ralph and his assistans must separate superstitions from the evil humans.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest

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Longbourn: The New Olympus: A Pride & Prejudice Cozy Reimagining by Trevor Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1810. A Pride and Prejudice variation where the three eldest Bennet daughters attend the Meryton Assembly where quiet studious Mary attracts the attention of the second son of a baronet, Brandon Felders, Oxford student. He requests of Mr Bennet to correspond with Mary. Will this give Mary her happy ending.
A wonderful and well-written Mary Bennet story

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The Brampton Witch Murders by Ellis Blackwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1666 Maid servant Abigail Harcourt, and protégé Jacob Standish are sent by Pepys to Brampton to save his sister Paulina from the threat of being called a witch.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Head In The Ice: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation by Richard James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A head of a young woman is found in the ice of the Thames. Newly released from an asylum D.I. George Bowman and his team investigate. Then another body is found.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to this series

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Death of a Long-Lost Son by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A skeleton of a young boy is discovered in a ditch, probably dying between 10 and 15 years ago. But then another skeleton is found the same ditch. DI Slater and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery though they did seem a bit slow on the uptake

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The Price of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Featuring a Marriage of Convenience Between Elizabeth And Darcy by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Darcy must marry before reaching 30. But he has rejected dozens of suitable ladies. At 26 and with unmanageable Longbourn debts, with her three sisters unmarried, Elizabeth Bennet offers herself.
An entertaining and well-written story

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Corpse Path Cottage by Margaret Scutt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Writer Mark Endicott moved to the village of God's Blessing expecting peace and quiet. Unfortunately for him that does not happen and soon there is a murdet.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Seventh Proposal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cathleen Earle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Elizabeth is constantly overly cheerful and Darcy much too romantic. Very little angst. Rushed through to see when the Colonel would met Mary. That romance was very disappointing written - just one sentence
Overall an enjoyable story

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Lovely Digits: A Clun Mystery Book 1 by Jeanine Englert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clun, Shropshire 1849. The new constable, John Brodie, has the death of two females to investigate. He employes the lying-in female, Lucy Wycliffe, to help. But what secret does he hid.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death of a Pensioner by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

According to the police 62 year old Joe Dalgetty has died a natural death but neighbour Rosie Hewitt doesn't believe it and asks ex-police Norman and Salter to investigate. But it is more complicated than first thought
An enjoyable modern mystery

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