Confronting the Invisible: A chilling mystery set in Victorian London by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1883 Adelaide Carlyle and Matthew West investigate the death of trapeze artist Robert Manston. Meanwhile children are disappearing from his bible classes, and there are a spate of burglaries in the East End. Are these separate incidents or connected, but what of the motives.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery in this series, with its likeable characters

View all my reviews

Impurity by Ray Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

12 months have passed since Sarah, the wife of D.I. Stewart Gardener was shot and killed. Now he has a case, a body is discovered badly decomposed but only a few hours dead. How and why. Then there is the case of the missing 3 children of which only 12 year David Vickers body has been found.
An interesting well-written crime story with some likeable characters. A good start to a new series.

View all my reviews

The Cat's Eye by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andrew Drayton, jewellery collector has been stabbed to death at his home, Rowen Lodge, While a Miss Blake has been wounded in the surrounding area was discovered by Robert Anstey, KC, leading council to Dr Thorndyke who investigates the case.
An enjoyable story
Originally published in 1923

View all my reviews

The Value of an Anne Elliot: The Delightful Sequel to Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' by Kate Westwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1815 Several months have passed since Anne's marriage. She is living at Kellynch Hall with the Crofts while Wentworth is on the Continent. Meanwhile Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot are in Bath, becoming friends with the Crawfords, after Penelope Clay had married William Elliot.
An enjoyable and well-written Persuasion sequel.

View all my reviews

Of a Sunday Evening by Amy D'Orazio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A P&P variation, in post Hunsford time, and the Darcys are in still in town in late July. Being decomposed Darcy goes for a walk and discovers Lydia Bennet in a seedy part of town. Can this alter his future and give him a happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written story

View all my reviews

The Capture of Fitzwilliam by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Several weeks before the weddings of the two eldest Bennet daughters, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy journey to Wales to buy horses. But all goes wrong and they are captured leaving the Bennet family in the hands of Collins. With Bingley left at Netherfield, what can be done.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

No Other Choice: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A welcome re-read of the continuing story of the Bennet daughters, tells of Mary Bennet. As she is invited to London for a season by Lady Sophie Rycroft a relation to Darcy. Can Mary find happiness among the ton or does she become the source of gossip.
Thoroughly enjoyed this easily read well-written story, again. Love reading about my favourite Bennet daughter as long as she has a lovely suitor.

View all my reviews

Mr. Darcy's Christmas Surprise by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy is near to the end of his mourning for Georgiana but is persuaded to visit Hertfordshire by Bingley for his wedding to Jane Bennet. Gifts are given to Darcy to help him overcome his sadness
A sweet story

View all my reviews

A Very Meryton Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this sequel Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana Darcy are visiting the Bingleys for Christmas at Netherfield. While the Collins now reside at Longbourn.
An enjoyable short story

View all my reviews

Their Secret Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novelette by Renata McMann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth and Darcy first meet when he comes to survey Netherfield and its environs prior to Bingley leasing the estate. This results in them wanting to get to know each other better but events get in the way.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

Death Comes to the Rectory by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1826 At Kurland St. Mary it is time for the christening of Elizabeth, second child to Sir Robert and Lady Lucy Kurland. The guests have started to arrive, invited and otherwise but soon one of the guests is discovered dead. Will there be more deaths and what could the motive be, Robert and Lucy investigate.
Unfortunately the last in the series of this delightful historical mystery series with its wonderful characters and well-written mysteries.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816 Twenty-one year old Charity Halliwell returns to England and Loxby Manor, the home of the Cavanagh family, from Ceylon, while her parents travel to the Americas. But on her arrival daughter Seline who is on the verge of losing her reputation decides to flee. While it seems that the eldest son, Piers, has disgraced the family. What has really happened. Can Charity determine the truth.
More of a Gothic romance than an intricate mystery but overall an enjoyable well-written story which certainly kept my interest to the conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

View all my reviews

A Most Affectionate Mother: A Pride and Prejudice sequel by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, on escaping to Clarke’s library to find a book as a favour to Charlotte Collins - Charlotte wishes a summary of the book - she encounters a young man also wanting to read the same book. Mrs Bennet sees a chance at matchmaking but Mary fights against it.
A very likeable Mary in this delightful well-written novella

View all my reviews

The Curse of the Hansom Cab by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1900 Melbourne. The Countess and Watson are staying at her mansion, Ripponly, when they read about a murder, that of the captain of the Cremorne Cricket Club, Hiram Bennet. The suspect is Ted Gadney, driver of the Hansom cab where the body was discovered. Defending him is Godfrey Norton, husband to Irene Adler, married since 1888, mother to the Countess. But Dr Watson has his own concerns, namely that of a brother Henry who seems to be still alive. But soon the Countess and Irene investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery with its likeable characters

View all my reviews

The Mill Mystery by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the death of her friend, Constance Sterling works as a nurse to the dying Mrs Pollard. But what secrets does the household hide. What connection is there to the clergyman Burrows.
An interesting mystery.
Originally published in 1886

View all my reviews

A May for Mary: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the continuing story of Mary Bennet and Brigadier General Richard Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam is stationed at Newcastle but is due on the continent, Mary wishes to marry before he leaves. So off to Newcastle Mary travels but can they both make it to Scotland and to the newly married Jane.
This P&P variation is part of the Seasons of Serendipity series and should be read as part of that.
Enjoyed reading this well-written story as Mary and Fitzwilliam are my favourite couple, just wished the story could have been longer, much longer.

View all my reviews

A Sinister Service by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

November 1920 the Renshaw daughters have decided to buy a tea service for their grandparents anniversary. So they visit the Crown Lily Potteries. Soon the body of the Head of Design, Ronald Mercer, is found dead. Lady Phoebe and maid Eva Huntford investigate when D.I. Hugh Nichols arrests the son.
An enjoyable well-written cozy historical mystery with some likeable characters
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' by Sarah Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice variation whereby Elizabeth and Mary as the only two survivors of the Bennet family are taken in by their Gardiner relations. In an earlier tragedy Mary has been left deaf.
On a holiday with the Gardiners at Ramsgate they met Miss Darcy, but Wickham is also there. Can she be saved and how will the meeting of Darcy and Elizabeth fare.
This is more the story of Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam, which is why it is a favourite of mine.
An enjoyable well-written variation

View all my reviews

Lord Noble by Wendy Vella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Six years ago Harriet Hyndmarsh broke Leo, Lord Vereton's heart, now she is a widow and is looking for a husband. Marquis of Vereton aka Lord Noble finds himself betrothed to a Miss Elizabeth Witlow to avoid Harriet. But Leo believes that Elizabeth has secrets.
Romance but very little mystery

View all my reviews

Lord Valorous by Wendy Vella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Viscount Hatherton aka as Lord Valorous is now of the Lords of the Night. As such he is approached by Miss Poppy March to help her mistress, Lady Revel. Who she believes is being poisoned by her nephew the new Lord Revel.
I just found Poppy to annoying and irritating so much so that I had trouble finishing the book.
Very little mystery in this novella.

View all my reviews

Christmas on the Nile: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues for as ordered, Salim has arranged the death of Holmes so that his sister Safiya, will be released. But what about Lucy's mother, Zoe Rosario, why has been taken. Events finally lead everyone to Cairo, but what are Lord Sonnebourne plans, can Holmes thwart his plans and rescue the captives.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with a cast of likeable characters.
Received an ARC from the authors.

View all my reviews

When Mary Met the Colonel: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Victoria Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, at the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth, the Colonel escaping from the attentions of Kitty and Maria Lucas, rushes into the Longbourn garden. There he finds in a sheltered spot Mary Bennet. Has the Colonel finally found an intelligent lady, has Mary found some one who appreciates her.
Loved this tale though would have wished it to be much longer. For me the best of this author's stories.
Enjoyed again this delightful and well-written story

View all my reviews

One Winter's Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Christmas Story by Corrie Garrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation the Bingley party have been at Netherfield for some time when he holds another ball, in time for the arrival of Darcy.
Will there be happy endings for anyone with Caroline Bingley and Wickham in the neighbourhood.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews

The Bagington Hall Mystery by N.C. Lewis
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1923 Maggie Darling returns to Cromer and her uncle's business. But on a visit to Babington Hall she discovers a body, one that has been there for several years. With a couple of ladies having gone missing who could it be.
An okay story but not really for me


View all my reviews

Not an Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a re-read, again, of a Pride and Prejudice sequel where Colonel Fitzwilliam needs an heiress to enter politics. Mary Bennet wants to marry a parson so that she can help the poor. Lady Catherine has her scheme to playout. Can it bring happiness to two of the people she cares about.
Was there anything to dislike - only that it was too short.
A well-written story about my two favourite characters from P&P

View all my reviews

The Coded Blue Envelope: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3rd November 1899. Zoe Rosario, mother to Lucy James is given a blue envelope for Sherlock Holmes by fellow orchestra member Mr Palazzi. His policeman brother had that day been murdered. How are the organisations of the Black Hand and the Sons of Ra involved, but other threats surround them all.
Another well-written Holmes mystery in this series with its cast of likeable characters.

View all my reviews

Murder At The Mill: An Amy Rowlings Mystery by T.A. Belshaw
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

January 1939. Amy Rowlings is a worker at the Handsley's Garment factory, known as The Mill. The day after the owner's son Edward attempted to assault her, he is found dead at the factory. D.I. Laws leads the investigation with D.S. Bodkin.
Because Amy solves murders in films before the detectives she believes she can solve the crime first. And so pushes herself into the case and Bodkin welcomes her interference.
An historical cozy mystery, enjoyable enough, though I didn't take to the character of Amy.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Black Danube: A Leo Katz Mystery by Nik Grybaski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vienna 1899. Leo Katz, crime photographer, is summoned by Klaus Rosenbloom, pathologist to take photographs of a dead male. The man was called Ira Weiss and his fiancee Hannah Rothwell, has for some reason confessed. Is this the first murder and will there be more, and what is the motive. But what is Leo hiding concerning his past.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery, well-written and with a cast of varied characters. A good solid start to a new series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.

View all my reviews

Valiant by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan Sloane aka Valiant, member of the Gentlemen of the Order, is finally cornered by his wallflower stalker, Miss Vivienne Hart. She shows him a document dated 1756, an inter-generational contract, which will change their lives and lead to adventure and possibly a legacy.
An enjoyable well-written story with mature content and likeable characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

View all my reviews

Three Weeks in Kent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues in this P&P variation as the Colonel takes his party to visit Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Mr Collins is also at Hunsford. Can Elizabeth and Darcy avoid their unwanted marriages and who is the secret admirer of Anne de Bourgh.
Enjoying this series but it now moving more towards Darcy and Elizabeth tale
But still a delightful re-read as we move towards the conclusion of Mary and Colonel's story

View all my reviews

Murder at the Nineteenth by J.M. Gregson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After an evening committee meeting the Chairman of the Burnham Golf Club is discovered dead by Superintendent Lambert who had been asked to meet him that evening.
Lambert investigates only to discovers a multitude of motives.
An enjoyable story
Originally written in 1989

View all my reviews

The Mitford Trial by Jessica Fellowes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1933 Louisa Cannon is now married to D.S. Guy Sullivan. Because of her former position as lady's maid to the Mitford sisters she is asked by a complete stranger to accompany them on a holiday, but also to spy on them. Because of their connection to Sir Oswald Mosley and the BUF, the British Union of Fascists. Unfortunately the characters are a bunch of unpleasant people and it doesn't say much for Louisa's character that she associates with them.
Not a particularly satisfying mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Anne and Wentworth: A Persuasion Prequel and Variation Novelette by Samantha Lord
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A prequel to Persuasion when Anne Elliott is 19 and Captain Wentworth is visiting his curate brother. But will events turn out any more different.
An enjoyable story.

View all my reviews

The Bride Wore Black by Cornell Woolrich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who is the beautiful female that enter these men's lives for such a short period, but leaves when they are dead. Ken Bliss is one of them and his death is investigated by policeman Lew Wanger. Are they random killings or does she have a motive, and if she does is it acceptable.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery
Originally published in 1940
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Mr. Darcy Takes a Potion by Kate Treely
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Darcy has just proposed and been rejected. The Colonel comes across Darcy in his room at Rosings and finding out Darcy's problem suggests that he has a solution to Darcy's despair. So they travel to Scotland.
Enjoyable though a bit of an abrupt ending

View all my reviews

Helen Vardon's Confession by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The to a conversation overheard Helen Carson agrees to marry Lewis Ottway to save her father from possible prosecution for financial fraud. But events result in death.
The story is divided three parts, and I found Part 2 particularly boring, though the other two parts were an enjoyable read


View all my reviews

Longbourn's Lark: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, when Colonel Fitzwilliam gets lost on his way to Netherfield, he arrives at Longbourn, to ask directions. He is invited to tea by Mr. Bennet and Mary. Into the mix we have Mr. Collins. Is there a happy ending for any of the visitors to Hertfordshire.
I admit my favourite JAFF story is the Colonel and Mary together, and I really liked the Mary of this variation.
This novella is only the first of six books in the series.
This is a another re-read and again it was a delightful read

View all my reviews

The Devil's Chain by Mark Dewar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A.D. 961 Cordoba. When the body of Professor Arel is discovered poisoned, General Ghalib and Brigadier Zaffar investigate. Meanwhile Vizier Hasdai ben Shaprut is dealing with the new caliph, Hakam II. But are matters as simple as they seem.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews

Deadly Wishes by Rachel McLean
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson is discovered dying my his wife Margaret. DCI David Randle leads the investigation which includes D.I. Zoe Finch.
Unfortunately I found that I didn't like any of the characters or find the story that interesting.

View all my reviews

Christmas in Gracechurch Street: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1811. In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Collins is visiting Longbourn, and Mr Bennet decides to take action. Soon an invitation from the Gardiners arrive for Elizabeth and Mary. Meanwhile Darcy has gone to town hoping to forget Elizabeth. But he has not bargained for Bingley's initial action and the results it brings.
An enjoyable and well-written story, a delightful read with its interactions of various characters.
I received an ARC from the author

View all my reviews

Wrong Place by M.A. Comley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Scott is visiting pubs in the Norfolk area, looking for his next victim. DI Sally Parker and her team investigate. Parker seems to be lacking in personnel skills, and has certainly not been sensible as far as her private life is concerned.
Not too sure that the motive was all that believable


View all my reviews

Blood Horizon by Mark Dewar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

950A.D. Cordoba is preparing for war with Baghdad when Suhail bin Ahmad, Admiral of the Fleet is murdered, and his bodyguard Lieutenant Haytham. Vizier Hasdai ben Shaprut with the help of General Ghalib investigate. But what plots will they uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

View all my reviews

Mistress Mary and the General: A Pride and Prejudice Inspired Story by Bronwen Chisholm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A re-read of this Pride and Prejudice sequel - General Fitzwilliam has been left to care for his children after the death of his wife. Devastated by her death the General takes his family to Pemberley, hoping to find peace.
Meanwhile Mary Bennet, bored with living at Longbourn as the only remaining unwed daughter is staying at Pemberley. Can there ever be more than friendship between these two.
The writing style was so easy to read as the story moved along. I loved the story, the new characters but most of all the characters of the General and Mary.
Though I would have liked the story to continue more into their lives, and not jump into the future with the epilogue which was unnecessary.
Loved the story again.

View all my reviews

The Colonel's Spinster: A Regency Romance by Audrey Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel Colonel Fitzwilliam realises it time to find a wife, a rich wife. But the ladies of the ton don't interest him, and they usually want more than a poor second son of an Earl. He visits his aunt, Lady Catherine, at Rosing Park, and there he meets his long forgotten cousin Prudence Bamber, daughter of a mill worker. Is it possible for anyone to have a happy ending or will the restrictions of society prevent these events.
An enjoyable and well-written story, with a delightful Colonel and other well-drawn characters.

View all my reviews

The Grievance by Scott Griffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Miles is suffering from an all day hangover at work. Just as he is about to leave his computer screen comes to life with pictures.
An enjoyable short story.

View all my reviews

Pressure Point by Ted Tayler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2011 Laura Mallinder, 27, is discovered dead in her place of employment in Swindon. This becomes the latest case for the Crime Review Team lead by Gus Freeman.
Another enjoyable well-written crime story.

View all my reviews

The Annals of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Dundas Separation Case
Housekeeper Edith Swinton approaches Holmes to determine why Lady Dundas has left her home. Edith presumes she knows where Lady Dundas is staying, but does she.
2. The Abernetty Mystery
On been invited to visit Daniel Collier in Kent, Watson decides to visit old friends the Abernetty family on the way. But on arrival they are met by murder.
3. The Adventure of the Reluctant Spirit.
Holmes arrives back after solving the case of the theft of the Landsbury sapphire when Watson leaves to visit friend Mrs Cecil Forrester to persuade her against the use of a medium to contact her daughter Evangeline.
Three entertaining stories

View all my reviews

Last Orders by Ted Tayler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-D.I. Gus Freeman heads the Crime Review Team and their latest case is the murder of Trudi Villiers, barmaid, killed. October 2003. But that is not all that is happening in his life, because he's is being threatened.
Another enjoyable well-written crime story in this series

View all my reviews

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Bianca M. Schwarz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

One November evening Sir Henry Broad discovers a beaten Elizabeth Broad, and takes her to his home. But eventually her past catches up with her. Working as a spy for the Crown can Henry find the evidence to prove who is the enemy agent.
Too much mature content and not enough mystery for me, which took too long to get into, and the use of bad language lets the story down.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

The Favor: A Tale of Friendship and Murder by Jonathan Dunsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overnight geek Paul Kirby becomes a multimillionaire, and now has a trophy wife called Lisa. His friend ex-con Mickey decides to arrange a favour.
Entertaining short story

View all my reviews