The Great Loveda Brown: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book One by Jolie Tunnell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Idyllwild, California, 1912 Loveda Brown is travelling to LA to stay with family but she believes she is being followed by her ex-husband, Billy Dunn. The sheriff suspicions are raised when he is found dead. Can Loveda discover the guilty party or will there be more deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to a new series.

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A Sower of Pestilence by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Rabbage director of a home for old cats is concerned about some recent donations, in particular an aluminum case containing glass tubes with fleas and lice inside. Also approaching Dr Thorndyke is bank manager Nicholas Balcombe concerning a recent deposit of a deed box.
Cam Thorndyke solve both puzzles. An enjoyable story.

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Leaving Longbourn: A Compilation of Five Short Stories by E.A. Batten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1 - Finding Elizabeth
In this P&P variation, the Bennets are so desperate for an heir that they arrange a kidnapping of a gentleman's son. Unfortunately this turns out to be Elizabeth Darcy, cousin to the Darcys of Pemberley. Then Darcy visits Netherfield.
I admit that I didn't care for Mary Bennet's future pairing and so lost some interest in the story, and I would have liked to have read about the later events at Longbourn which I think would have been more interesting.
A well-written story
2 -Her Grandmother’s Wisdom
In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story
3 - Miss Bennet’s Adventure
In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet is invited to spend as long as she wishes at Pemberley. An invitation she is very eager to take. Soon an injured Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them but he has a secret mission to complete. Will they both get their happy ending.
A very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.
4 - Hurst Knows All
A short Pride and Prejudice variation where Hurst proves he is more than a gentleman who spends his time drinking and eating. Helping Darcy to an early HEA.
A nicely written enjoyable story
5 - Storms over Hunsford.
Elizabeth while reading Darcy's letter is caught in a thunderstorm. Unfortunately she has been afraid of them since childhood. The colonel and Darcy go looking for her. Does this action change their future.
A well-written story
Overall entertaining and well-written stories

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Phyllis Annesley's Peril by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mrs Lucy Bland went missing in May and her body discovered later in September under the floorboards of friend Miss Phyllis Annesley, who now stands as one of the accused of her murder.
Dr Thorndtke investigates and acts for the defence.
An entertaining short story

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Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Looking back from 1924 Mr A. Stamford reflects on his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes back in the Spring of 1876, London at the St Bartholomew’s Medical College. Dr Edgar Martinson, resident keeper at the British Museum, is concerned as he has seen unexplained things at night in the museum. Holmes is asked to investigate with the help of Mr Stamford, but when the Rosetta Stone is stolen and a ransom received Scotland Yard in the shape of Inspector Caldwell and Sergeant Lestrade take over. So they believe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.

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The Night She Died by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Ten years ago Connie Freeman was tried and convicted of the murder of her husbands's mistress, Sylvia Thomas. She approaches ex-D.I. Richard Patton, the S.I.O. on the case to find the real killer.
For me the story and the characters just felt off and it was with difficulty that I finished the story.

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

D.I. Markham and D.S. Noakes are seconded to an investigation led by D.I. Burton in London. That of a death at the Theresian Club religious hostel. But why was she killed and what could be the motive for such an innocuous person. Will this be the only death?
Another entertaining and well-written crime story with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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