The Royal Burgh by Steven Veerapen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1543 with the King dead and their employer Cardinal David Beaton under arrest, Simon Danforth and Arnaud Martin travel to Stirling to visit Martin's mother. Where they meet neighbour Mistress Furay. Unfortunately Mistress Furay is found dead the next day and they decide to investigate.
Another enjoyable well-written mystery about these likeable characters.

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Criminal Enterprise: Black Water Murder by Glenn Trust
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The new taskforce, OSI, set up by the Georgia governor has its first case. A case concerning human trafficking. But who is involved and how can the group track them down.
Another very enjoyable read in this well-written series

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The Case of the Puzzled Bridgegroom by Tony Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

April 1890 and Mr Erza Connolly, solicitor, visits Miss Hester Lynton. In several weeks time he is to marry his fiancee, Miss Polly Lawson. But after returning from a visit to France she seems to have changed and he would like Hester to investigate.
An enjoyable short story

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The Curse of the Rainbow Serpent by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1900 and the Countess has returned to the Boobook homestead with Dr. Watson. Five years previously at the nearby Hanging Rock her step-aunt had died from a snake bite. Now with another picnic at the site another death occurs. But will it be the last.
Another enjoyable mystery with these two likeable characters


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The Riverboat Mystery by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having been forced to take her requisite holiday Jenny Starling takes a weekend job cooking at Wainscott House, only to find that is a weekend on a paddleboat on the River Thames. Much to Jenny's surprise and pleasure. Unfortunately the boat guests do not seem to get on with each other which does result in a death. Accident, suicide or murder. Can Jenny help the local police to get to the right conclusion.
Another enjoyable story in this well-written series with a likeable main character.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from Joffe Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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The Vampire of Northanger by Bryce C. Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this variation, Northanger Abbey meets vampires and other monsters. The same characters are still there as in the original but with something extra. The book (a long book) is certainly an enjoyable romp as the gothic horror unfolds.

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Danger on the Downs by Bianca Blythe
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Its 1938 and unemployed actress Cora Clarke has been invited by her Great Aunt to visit. Her Aunt who works for a Mrs Ivanov. On finding out that Cora has played a detective in films she employs her to find out who is trying to kill her husband. Tragedy strikes when he is found dead, but he is not the last.
A lightweight cozy mystery which unfortunately I didn't really find any depth to the characters or find them interesting.
A NetGalley Book

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The Borough Treasurer by J.S. Fletcher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What secrets do the inhabitants of Highmarket have could lead to murder. As the story unfolds so are the secrets exposed.
A descent story which was first published in 1921

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Sanctioned Murder: The Term Limits Conspiracy by Glenn Trust
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A conspiracy at the highest political level is leaving murdered bodies in Georgia. A task force is put together to investigate and determine who might be next.
An interesting and enjoyable plot with some of the characters from the first book in this well-written, easily read story.

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The Maxwell Mystery by Carolyn Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Phillip Maxwell enjoys hosting house parties at his relations home. But this one turns deadly as one person is killed and another injured. But who could possibly want them dead and why.
Another enjoyable read in this series

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The Problem of the Poldennis Hall by Tony Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Whileon holiday in Cornwall Hester Lynton and Ivy Jessop are employed to investigate the strange happenings that have occurred to the Kellow family of Poldennis Hall in the last few months.
An enjoyable short story

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A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1932 and Maisie is recruited by the British Secret Service to apply and work as a lecturer at a private college in Cambridge to monitor various activities. But when a murder occurs she calls in her friends from Scotland Yard. While setting her assistant Billy on various different tasks.
An enjoyable slow paced well-written mystery

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If Fear Wins by Tony J. Forder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A burning body is discovered and with only two people reported missing recently it does not take long to identify the body. But is this a terror attack or are Bliss and his team being mislead.
The book has a few different plots lines which make it an interesting and enjoyable well-written read.

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The Case of the Missing Governess by Tony Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mis Hester Lynton first case is in 1881 when she meets on a train Miss Ivy Jessop. Ivy happens to see a newspaper report of a missing governess, the family being old friends of her father.
Hester and Ivy investigate.
An enjoyable short story, a solid beginning to the series.

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Murder in the Mine by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crow is called in to consult and advise only and not run the investigation when a body is found down a mine shaft in the Rhondda Valley. A body that had been killed some months previously. Is the case as straightforward as the local police believe, especially when they get a confession, Crow thinks not.
An enjoyable and interesting read. Another good story in this series set in the 1960s/70s.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Absence of Mr Glass - A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Father Brown consults with scientist Dr Orion Hood concerning the case of the lovers Maggie MacNabs and James Todhunter. His conclusions totally wrong as finally proved by Father Brown.
An enjoyable short story

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A Chain of Evidence by Carolyn Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Robert Pembroke has been found dead in a locked apartment with only two other occupants - his niece and a servant. Neighbour and lawyer Otis Landon follows the clues to try and prove the niece, Janet Pembroke, innocent.
As would seem to be normal in these stories most of the tale and clues are revealed before the detective Fleming Stone appears and solves the case. But still an enjoyable story.

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Prince by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1593 London and an attack on a Dutch church occurs. But Shakespeare is more interested in the death of Christopher Marlowe. But Sir Robert Cecil wants him to concentrate on the attacks and determine what the secret is that the Spanish Antonio Perez has that he is willing to sell. But this is only the start.
Very enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery

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The Three Tools of Death by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The cry goes up, Sir Aaron Armstrong has been murdered. But can Father Brown determine the guilty party.
An enjoyable short story

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The Vanishing Man: A Prequel to the Charles Lenox Series by Charles Finch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1853 after some months without a case Charles Lenox is invited to call on the Duke of Dorset at his home. It seems that something of value has been stolen and the Duke wishes to know why. The Duke believes that the wrong painting was taken and is now concerned. Unfortunately the Duke has his secrets which will lead to murder. But Lenox needs help in unraveling the mystery.
A very enjoyable and interesting mystery and I look forward to the next prequel before I start reading the series.
A NetGalley Book

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Hope for Georgiana by Jeanna Ellsworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, the last of the trilogy, it is Georgiana's time. Time for her coming out, time to see if there is a love for her. Then American cousin Darcy arives. Just the gentleman that Darcy wants Georgiana to marry. Will there be a happy ending for her.
An enjoyable story

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Scarhaven Keep by J.S. Fletcher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bassett Oliver, actor and producer has gone missing while on a Sunday excursion. It fall to playwright Richard Copplestone to start the investigation and re-trace his steps of the previous day. What secrets will be revealed in this mystery set in 1913 and written in the 1920s.
An enjoyable story.

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A Testament to Murder by Vivian Conroy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Set in the Riviera of the 1920s, dying Malcolm Bryce-Rutherford had invited his potential heirs to his vast fortune for a visit. Terms of his will mean that murder or murders could be the eventually outcome.
For the story none of the characters are likeable and the ending was as I had predicted. But overall it was an enjoyable story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Abbey Close by Steven Veerapen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1542 Simon Danforth and Arnaud Martin are sentvby Cardinal Beaton to Glasgow to investigate the libelous notes posted about his private life. While there Danforth decides to continue on his pilgrimage and travel to Paisley. Not long after their arrival shouts of murder are heard.
An enjoyable mystery with main characters which grew on me as the story progressed.

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Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In 1930 Sir Cecil Lawton approaches Maisie Dobbs so that he can fulfil a deathbed promise made to his wife. She believes that their son who died in the war is alive, Sir Cecil wants Maisie to prove that he is dead. And so Maisie returns to the area of her WWI memories to resolve the mystery of the pilot's death. But what else will she reveal.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written story

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Hope For Fitzwilliam by Jeanna Ellsworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This P&P sequelis the second of the trilogy. Colonel Fitzwilliam, ladies man, has fallen for the widow Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte who is emotional raw because of the actions of her dead husband. With the Colonel going overseas to fight can he win Charlottes hand.
I enjoy reading Colonel stories and for that would have given four stars, but not ones with him tied to Charlotte, or stories which have so many references to the Bible and God.
Maybe 3.5 overall

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Murder by Moonlighting by Mary Lydon Simonsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Early one morning in the City of London a female body is discovered. Evidence points to a bored housewife moonlighting as a prostitute. But the investigation leads to human trafficking and drugs. We also get to read more about DS Shea's personal life.
An enjoyable read.

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The Sign of the Broken Sword: A Father Brown Mystery by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A short story concerning an English general and his Brazilian adversary during war. Both seem to behave out of character but Father Brown unravels the truth.
An interesting story



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A Murder Unmentioned by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thirteen years ago in 1920 Henry Sinclair was killed, now accusations have been made that Rowland Sinclair killed his father. Old secrets are revealed but will they help to prove his innocence or not. Then another murder is discovered and the noose is tightened around Rowland.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery revealing more of the history of the Sinclair family.
A NetGalley Book

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The Scent of Guilt by Tony J. Forder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After twelve years working away DI Bliss is back in Peterborough and the major crimes team. Dropped straight into an investigation which has turned into a serial killer case as a third murdered victim has been discovered. Meanwhile DS Chandler is back as she involves herself into two rape cases.
The second in the series is another interesting and entertaining well-written story. Also with some likeable characters.

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A Fatal Flaw by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1n 1960 Oxford Grace Farley approaches her old schoolfriend and WPC, Trudy Loveday, because she is concerned. Concerned that recently deceased Abigail Trent's death will be determined a suicide. Thankfully Coroner Ryder becomes interested when informed of Grace's suspicions.
Another enjoyable and interesting mystery in this well-written series, with its likeable two main characters.
A NetGalley Book

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The Gold Bag by Carolyn Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Herbert Burroughs has been employed to investigate the murder of wealthy businessman Joseph Crawford. Killed in his study. Many confessions, lies and clues unearthed by Burroughs are later told to Fleming Stone when he is called in, then he discovers the culprit.
An enjoyable read

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Betty Church and the Suffolk Vampire by M.R.C. Kasasian
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Betty Church in 1939 has been sent to Sackwater in Suffolk with a promotion to Inspector. Where she meets her motley crew of police officers but this is also the place where she grew up. It doesn't take long before she discovers her first body.
Unfortunately I just didn't get the humour of the book, I expect it would be enjoyed by most people but humour is subjectivec and I just found it tedious and trying.
So overall this new series is not for me.
A NetGalley Book

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A Fatal Mistake by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's summer in Oxford of 1960, close to the end of term. While students are celebratring with a picnic next to the river, a body is discovered in the water. Coroner Ryder is suspicious of the cause of death and recruits WPC Loveday to assist him in his investigation.
Another good well-written mystery in this series.

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Keep You Near by Robin Roughley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fifteen years have passed since her sister was kidnapped, now Marnie Hammond is a Detective Sergeant. But all her fears are about to come back when in a woodland in Kirkhead remains of a young girl are found.
An enjoyable and interesting tense story, well-written and a good start to the new series.




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And Death Came Too by Richard Hull
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Four young people having spent three evenings in a row socialising are now, late at night, reluctant to pay a call in response to a request by Arthur Yeldham to visit him. But they are persuaded, and later are faced with a death. Detective Sergeant Scoresby slowly investigates.
A slow paced story as you would expect from a book published in 1939 but a still an interesting well-written mystery.
A NetGalley Book

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Clean Slate by J.R. Rain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Freddie Calgary, actor,died two years prevously but his agent believes that he faked his own death. He employs Knighthorse to find him. His investigation leads to some surreal/religious moments.
An enjoyable mystery

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Darcy's Secret: A Love at Pemberley Short Story by Reina M. Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P short story sequel the Bingleys and friend visit the Darcys at Pemberley. A friend from Darcy's past. Can he keep the secret or will he feel this is a betrayal of Elizabeth.
An enjoyable well-written story

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The Colour of Murder by Julian Symons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Unfortunately for John Wilkins he meets a young girl who he is attracted to after he is married, unhappily married. But what can he do about his situation. While suffering from one of his blackouts has he committed murder. This first part of the story his Wilkins version of events while the second part is the trial.
An interesting and well-written mystery (originally written in 1957).
A NetGalley Book

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Mr Darcy's Mistress - Elizabeth's Dilemma : A Pride & Prejudice Sequel by Francine Howarth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Elizabeth although at Pemberley is bored. What really is the state of the Darcy marriage especially when she comes across correspondence which suggest that Darcy has a mistress and a daughter.
An enjoyable well-written story

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Murder in St. Giles by Ashley Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London, 1819 and Brewster demands that Captain Lacey accompany him to the scene of a crime in St. Giles, that of the death of a boxer. Meanwhile his wife Donata’s cousins are determined to take charge of Peter, her son.
A very enjoyable mystery as I have come to expect in this well-written series, with its mix of flawed but likeable characters. Highly recommend the whole series.

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The Dastardly Mr Hurst and The Cowardly Mr Bingley by CelticHarp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What are Hurst and Bingley up to when they drag the body of Darcy through the Netherfield corridors.
An enjoyable short story.

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No Evil by Maynard Sims
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1950s Hertfordshire and DCI Jack Callum and his team are called in when a girl's body is discovered. Found with her eyes, ears, and mouth sewn shut. What is the motive, unfortunately the case is not solved before another body is discovered.
An interesting well-written mystery, a good solid start to the series.


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Jane Eyre Gets Real by Annabelle Troy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When Jane Eyre wakes up she finds herself in New York, in modern times, and with eight other characters from books. These include Darcy of Pride and Prejudice. They all find themselves in a reality show.
Unfortunately I didn't find the story that engaging but I did finish it, though I really didn't care for the ending.

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Mary Bennet and the Substitute Vicar by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Continuing the story in the fourth of this sequel to Pride and Prejudice, the wedding day of Mary Bennet is approachng but disaster strikes when the vicar is found dead, murdered. Haste is required to find a substitute but who is the murderer.
Another delightful cozy mystery featuring Mary Bennet

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Revenger by Rory Clements
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Five years have passed (1592) and John Shakespeare, school teacher is called upon by Privy Councillor Sir Robert Cecil to spy on the Earl of Essex, and to accept Essex's offer to investigate the mystery of the appearance of Eleanor Dare from the doomed Roanoke colony.
A very enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery

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One Door To Far by Ms. Pimprenelle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this short P&P variation, while staying at Netherfield, Elizabeth Bennet during the night goes back to the wrong bedroom.
An enjoyable story and I liked the Mrs Bennet is this story

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Next Victim by Helen H. Durrant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A young man's body has been found, burnt and mutilated. The case is given to DCI Rachel King and her team to investigate.
This is a well-written mystery, I enjoyed that part of the story. What I didn't care much for was the character of King, her family and all the attached personal problems. My reading of any more in the series will depend how much of her personal life is involved in any stories.

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Postman's Knock by J.F. Straker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although on holiday Inspector Pitt is called in to investigate the disappearance of a postman when doing his rounds. Disappearing while working on Grange Road with his delivery. Has he absconded, being kidnapped or killed.
Originally written in 1954 this is an enjoyable, well-written mystery. A good start to the series.

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The Murder Pit by Mick Finlay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1896 London and private detectives Arrowood and Barnett are employed by Mr and Mrs Barclay to determine that their wedded daughter, Birdie, is well, having not been able to see her since her marriage. But this straightforward case soon turns to murder.
While an interesting read, I really didn't care much for the character of Arrowood and I did hope for some more deaths rather than a description of the care of the mental ill.
A NetGalley Book

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