Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleven short stories
1. The Adventure of the ‘Western Star' - After receiving three threatening letters concerning her diamond ' the Western Star', film star Miss Mary Marvell meets with Poirot. But what of Lady Yardly and her 'Eastern Star'. But then hers is stolen
2.The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor -Poirot is sent to Marsdon Manor by an insurance company to investigate the death of Mr Maltravers, who had recently taken out a life insurance policy with them.
3. The Adventure of the Cheap Flat - Captain Hastings attends a party where a Mrs Robinson recounts her delight in obtaining a very cheap flat in Montagu Mansions.
4.The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge -Mr Robert Havering contacts Poirot as his uncle, Mr Harrington Pace, has been killed while visiting their home in Derbyshire. Due to illness Captain Hastings is sent instead.
5. The Million Dollar Bond Robbery -Miss Esmee Farquhar approaches Hercule Poirot to prove her fiancé, Philip Ridgeway, innocent of theft of a million dollars from his employer London and Scottish Bank.
6. The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb - Not long after the tomb of the pharoah King Men-her-Ra had been opened the first death occurred, of Sir John Willard.
7. The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan - Captain Hastings invites Hercule Poirot to Brighton and the Grand Metropolitan Hotel for a weekend. While talking to a wealthy stockbroker and his wife, Mrs. Opalsen, she insists on showing Poirot a pearl necklace only for it to have been stolen.
8. The Kidnapped Prime Minister - The British P.M.David MacAdam is to attend a conference in France but has been kidnapped there.
9. The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim - Poirot places a bet with Inspector Japp that he can solve the case of the missing wealthy Mr. Davenheim, who left his home to mail a letter, then failed to return.
10. The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman - Dr. Hawke is visiting Poirot when his housekeeper, Miss Rider, tells him of a telephone conversation from Count Foscatini. Which leads the doctor, Poirot and Captain Hastings to the Count's residence, only to find him dead.
11. The Case of the Missing Will - Miss Violet March approaches Poirot for help. As stated in her late uncle's will she has one year to solve a puzzle or lose her inheritance.
Enjoyable short stoies


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Young Lady Catherine: Pride & Prejudice Origins Book 1 by Juliet Mercer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice prequel which tells the story of Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam. Is it her foolishness or naivety that causes the events in her life. Can there be any chance that life will bring her happiness.
An enjoyable story with its interesting characters, but likeable?
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

(A list of characters would have been welcome with their relationship to each other)

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The Vanished Bennet Sister: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Juliana Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice Variation Mary Bennet is being courted by a wealthy widower who invites the Bennet family to stay at his home so the daughters can have a season in town. Is all that it seems.
An entertaining and well-written story (though not the pairing I would want).

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Consequence & Consequences by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy and the Bingleys are spending time at Netherfield. But as Darcy leaves the area he informs Elizabeth that the vast difference in their social standing prevents them being anything then friends. Elizabeth angry at the statement agrees, not informing him that she and her sisters are now duke's daughters. How will each of Bennet family respond to their elevated standing, will their be happening endings for any of them. It is such a shame that once again Darcy does not get his comeuppance as he is such an arrogant hypocrite.
An entertaining and well-written story. An enjoyable re-read. Again, though I would have preferred more about Mary Bennet and the others as they had more to change then the eldest two.

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The Case of the Late Pig by Margery Allingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Campion attended the funeral of an old school pupil, 'Pig' Peters, 37, only for five months later being confronted with the recently dead body of Peters.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Persuaded: The Story of Elizabeth Elliot by AnnaMarie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where in 1800 while at school fifteen year old Elizabeth Elliot is informed of the death of her mother. Now it is her duty to be one mistress of Kellynch without knowing how. Unfortunately for the estate and its dependents she fails. Why does she invite Penelope Clay to Bath.
An entertaining and well-written story

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The Rookery Killer by Lana Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884. The prime suspect in a cold case - that of the murder of Mr Greystone, Edgarton, has escaped from gaol. Did he get help. Then a prison guard is murdered. But who is helping him and involved in his criminal activities.
An entertaining historical mystery

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