The Revenge of Moriarty by John Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story begins in 1894 when Moriarty starts the journey to his revenge of the six people who have thwarted his ambitions. Starting in the United States where he undertakes a financial fraud to gain money to begin his plans. Can Inspector Crow and Sherlock Holmes stop him.
An enjoyable read

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Broken Angel by Diane M. Dickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Newly promoted DI Charlie Lambert first case is that of a missing female. When he and his team make no progress, a missing person specialist DI Tanya Miller is called in. But then another female goes missing and a body is found.
An interesting well-written crime story though I didn't find Miller to be that likeable.

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CAROLINE by Sue Barr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation so how does Caroline Bingley fair when Darcy announces that he is to marry Elizabeth Bennet? Then she meets Lord Nathan - he everything she has always wanted - society and a title but he is the vicar of Kympton.
Really enjoyed this story, another re-read before reading the next in the series, of this well-written Caroline's story. She certainly has become a likeable character.

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HILLARY'S BACK! a gripping crime mystery full of twists by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hillary Greene has been back at work in the Crime Review Team since the death of her partner some eighteen months ago. Today she has a new team member, Gareth Proctor, 36, ex-army sergeant, discharged due to injuries received, and a new case.
Eight years previously Andrew Freeley, 21, was found dead. Generally disliked, and known as a drug dealer and pimp, it doesn't come as a surprise to Hillary that nobody really cares who killed him.
Another enjoyable and well-written crime story is this series, with its new characters added to the tenacious and caring Greene.
Received an ARC from the publisher

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Fatal Beauty by R.C. Hartson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ex-Chicago homicide detective and now private investigator Cleve Hawkins is employed by Betty Rohrman to find her missing sister Chelsea. Virtually straightaway we know that she has been killed by a serial killer and know his name.
An interesting crime story which does need some proofreading. What I didn't care for was the amount of swearing in the story.


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Scimitar (A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 12): The Kate Redman Mysteries by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While D.S. Chloe Wapping is on holiday in London with her boyfriend, a terrorist attack occurs nearby. Meanwhile the next day a body of a murdered Asian male is found in the grounds of a National Trust property, Bucklesbury House, near the West Coutry town of Abbeyford.
So it's up to D.I. Kate Redman and her team to investigate, which means solving the anomaly of why he would be in the grounds of a National Trust building in the first place.
Another enjoyable and well-written crime story with its array of likeable characters.
Received an ARC from the author.




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Deadly Still: Is a serial killer on the island? by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

West Uist, Scotland. On her morning run Sergeant Morag Driscoll comes across Catriona McDonald screaming that she has gone blind. In the nearby pillbox another teenager is dead but there seems to be one female missing from their overnight party.
Meanwhile a male is being murdered with the scene set as an accident. Are there connections between the two cases. Inspector McKinnon and his team investigates.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its cast of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book

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THE PERFECT SISTER by Gail Meath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1904 Rochester, New York. Lorraine Mansford's body has been found in the summerhouse of Mansford Hall, murdered. Lorraine dead at 19 was the perfect sister. But she has told her elder sister Katherine a secret.
After the funeral Katherine discovers the suspected killer, Michael Johnston, at her secluded cabin. Believing him innocent she wants to help, but there are forces at work she knows nothing about and will bring danger to her life and many others.
I enjoyed this historical mystery and romance story. Though I did find Michael's actions to be too impetus sometimes, and Catherine timid and naive character exasperating at times.
But overall an entertaining read

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Love and Other Machines: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Novella by Alix James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Bingley and Jane Bennet are betrothed. Elizabeth likes to tinker with mechanical objects, aided by their Uncle Gardiner. These four take a trip to Birmingham to one of Bingley's factories where they are joined by amateur engineer Darcy.
An enjoyable story

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The Body Under the Sands: A historical murder mystery with a stunning twist by James Andrew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920.When a body of a young female is discovered on Birtleby Beach two soldiers come under suspicion. Inspector Blades investigates at first but soon Chief Inspector Walker of Scotland Yard heads up the inquiry. But will this be the only death
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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The Anglesey Murders: Unholy Island by Conrad Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When two male bodies are recovered from the sea at Trearddur Bay, DI Alan Williams is called in to investigate. Further along the headland at Porth Dafarch another male body is discovered, but with no obvious connection to the others.
But these are not the last of the murders, and what connection is there to serial killer Peter Moore or to the drug industry on the island.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story

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Urgently, Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Georgina Peel
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1872 On the West Coast of the States Darcy sees a portrait of Elizabeth Bennet by his lawyer Colonel Fitzwilliam and decides she is the answer to his dilemma - he must marry quickly. Meanwhile in Boston, Elizabeth receives news of the offer.
I felt that the story was a bit rushed, and without explanations - what was wrong with Georgiana, why did Darcy sometimes call Miss Bingley Caroline, why was Bingley arranging a ball at Pemberley. Also felt that it needed to be proofread better
.

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Persuasion: Behind the Scenes by Maria Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Persuasion variation contains tales of the missing scenes in the book. From the courtship of Wentworth and Anne, and his life on board ship. To the domestic arrangements of the Elliots, Musgroves and Crofts.
A delightful and well-written set of short stories.

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The Great London Conspiracy by Jordan A. Mooney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1887 William Jacomb is writing his memoirs, a detailing the corruption existing throughout the Victorian era, and a strange secret that is behind the rise of the Industrial Age. Why do the Society of London Engineers, Scientists and Learned Individuals, headed by the ruthless and corrupt Hargreaves, and the mysterious The Eternal Tome exist in this age. The memoir is the story of the attempt to destroy them both.
An interesting alternative history of the Nineteenth Century
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only

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The Return of Moriarty: Sherlock Holmes' Nemesis Lives Again by John Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894 It would seem that Professor Moriarty like Sherlock Holmes has returned from the dead. Ready to take over his organisation again, an organisation he had left to Colonel Moran to run. But will it be easy to take power back, what obstacles will occur and what plans does he have for the future.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery

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But Not For Love by B.J. Bourg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When one body is discovered brutally murdered the obvious suspect is the husband. A man who has been charged with domestic violence. But where is the evidence. Then another victim is discovered. It's for Wolf to lead the investigate and find the guilty party.
An interesting crime story and police procedural.

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Nameless: A World War Two Murder Mystery by Eileen Enwright Hodgetts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1952 Brighton. Toby Whitby has a new client. Twelve years ago 8 years old Edward Powley was sent to Canada as a refugee. Now he and his foster parents, the Stewarts, want to find his mother so that they can legally adopt him. But can a simple and innocent question such as 'Who am I?' create so many problems and expose long held secrets.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery. Another good plot of a story in this series with its cast of delightful characters
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author.

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Mary Bennet and the Shades of Pemberley by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of Mary Bennet, apprentice magician, continues as she goes to spend the Christmas time at Pemberley. Happy to be with Elizabeth but concerned because of Darcy.
But on arriving she finds Elizabeth in somewhat of a state, believing she is going mad. Now it is time for Mary to be useful. Ghosts have been appearing at Pemberley, and accidents are happening. Can Mary's magic ability solve the problems
Another delightful and enjoyable well-written story in this series.



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A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Armand Gamache has a new job, as Commander of the Surete Academy, but why has he accepted the position and not the many that were offered to him. On that same day he is give an intricate old map that had been found stuffed into the walls of the bistro in Three Pines. But what is the maps story.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written story, another in this series


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Hidden on the Fens by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tamsin Farrow is helping farmer Richard Howard with a project at Jacob's Fen when they discover a very old cottage, but which has a tent pitched inside. Being the daughter of DS Joseph Easter she calls in the police to investigate. Where they find photographs of a girl killed fifteen years ago but also more recent ones of another girl, who they discover has gone missing.
Meanwhile Richard Howard's mother Aurelia looks like she is being targeted as objects are being left for her. While DC Cat Cullen and Davis Harris are still trying to get a case against sexual predator Vernon Deacon.
Another interesting and well-written story in this enjoyable series with its cast of varied and delightful characters.
Received an ARC from the publisher


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Her Secret Beau: A Touches of Austen Novel by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Touches of Austen series continues with the story of the Love sisters. When you have an elder sister like Felicity, who wants whatever you have, what can you do when you discover a liking for a gentleman. The result is a secret beau and a misdirection towards his friend. To help keep Grace away from her sister Grace is invited to stay with her friends the Claytons and Sheltons at the rented estate of Erondale, which fortuitously belongs to Walter Blakesley.
This series does need to be read in order as the storyline continues throughout the books as do the characters.
Overall this is another delightful and well-written story in this series.
I received an ARC from the author.

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Georgiana Darcy's Secret Letters (Steamy): Pemberley Book 2 by Francine Howarth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A P&P sequel telling the story of Georgiana Darcy and Lt James Dolby, Viscount Welton. But has she learnt anything about gentlemen since Wickham. While staying with Darcy's close friend Lady Bella Sanders, Georgiana and Belle meet two gentlemen, but will all end well.
An enjoyable story


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Mary Bennet and the Beast of Rosings Park by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet's story continues as she goes and stays at the Hunsford Parsonage to recover from her recent experiences. But what is it about the old woodland on Rosings Park and who is killing the animals. During Mary's stay she unites with old friends and makes new ones as she unravels the mystery.
Another enjoyable and well-written story featuring my favourite character



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But Not Formidable by B.J. Bourg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mechant Loup is under a severe weather warning as a tornado has just ripped through town, to be followed by a Category 4 Hurricane. But Detective Clint Wolf is out searching for a missing school teacher. Unfortunately he discovers a body. Can he find the guilty person when it seems all evidence has been destroyed by the weather conditions.
An enjoyable crime story

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Dead Radical by Ian Honeysett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1791, Paris. Inspector-General Rouget Maison, head of the Paris police, has two main concerns. Firstly, who is the 'Mastermind' or as he calls himself, 'the True Patriot'. A person who believes in France but only a as a Catholic and Royal France. And secondly, he is hunting the assassin he knows as Eloise. As he and his team investigate, can there ever be a conclusion to these two cases.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery


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How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache has received a message from Myrna Landers of Three Pines village that a friend has failed to appear for the Christmas period. Meanwhile at the Surete most of his best agents have been dispersed elsewhere and his old friend Beauvoir is not speaking to him. But Gamache heads out to Three Pines to investigate but what is really happening at the Surete.
An enjoyable and well-written story



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Wickham's Folly: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Philippa J. Rosen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation we follow the life of Wickham from Derbyshire to London and Meryton. And onwards.
An enjoyable enough story

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Young Wickham by Alexa Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel fifteen years have passed. With Wickham dead and Lydia again pregnant, their son George is sent to Pemberley to live and learn. But how will he cope, will all the Darcys accept him. Or will he turn into his father.
An enjoyable and well-written story

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A Forgotten Place by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1919. In an effort to help some of her previous patients Sister Bess Crawford heads into Wales, and ends up in Caudle in the Gower Peninsula. Unfortunately trouble surround her, in a village with its secrets and death.
An enjoyable story but the village does seem to be full of unlikeable characters.

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But Not Forlorn by B.J. Bourg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clint Wolf and Susan Wilson have just returned from their honeymoon, when one of the candidates for the next mayor of Merchant Loop is murdered. There may be several suspects but no evidence or motive. The police investigate trying to find a motive.
An enjoyable crime story

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A Silent Stabbing by Alyssa Maxwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920. Problems arrive at the village of Little Barlow and Foxwood Hall. Why has Eva Huntford's married sister arrived at their parents home without her husband and children. Lady Phoebe's elder sister Julia seems in a distressed state with her pregnancy. But worse events occur when the new head gardener Stephen Ripley is found dead, killed. To lady's maid Eva and Lady Phoebe there seems to be more suspects than just Stephen's brother Keenan.
An enjoyable fast-paced, cozy historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
A NetGalley Book


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Mary Bennet and the Wickham Artifact by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, while the Bingleys are showing their new born son around the various families, Mary Bennet, is staying with the Gardiners who believe she is helping a history professor at the British Museum. But she is actually in their basements learning magic at the Order of Saint George.
Her life becomes more complicated when the Wickhams come to stay, with his lucky charm, an amulet, which may bring forth an ancient evil
A very delightful and well-written Mary Bennet story. I really enjoy these Mary stories where she comes into her own and is able to grow, and certainly becomes a much more interesting character.

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The Fifth Bennett Sister: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by M. Ford Lewis
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A P&P variation where the cast are out of character, it's not funny, not much of a plot, and it's not a clean read.

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Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1882. When a Mrs Clemmens is found attacked and consequently dies there seem to be a few suspects. But who will be brought to trial via some detective work, the telling of secrets and misdirection.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes: A Collection of Victorian-Era Detective Stories by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A collection (sixteen) of Victorian short story mysteries which were written in response to the exploits of Sherlock Holmes. The stories are not just set in England (though mainly) but Europe and the States. They are good introduction to these authors.
Overall I found them to be interesting and well written.
A NetGalley Book

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The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1860. Greyfriar Abbey, North Devon. The Christmas period has brought the four orphans, now adults to the Abbey for a long overdue reunion.
Clara Hartwright has come as Mrs Bainbridge's companion, the aunt to the now married Laura Archer. While hiding her past Clara financial supports, with the help of her mother, her brother Simon at University.
Meanwhile the last of the unmarried orphans is more comfortable spending time with animals, but then he meets Clara. Can both overcome their pasts or will their courage fail them.
Another very enjoyable and well-written Victorian romance. With its cast of very lovable characters.
Although it can easily be read as a standalone story I would highly recommend the whole series.
Received an ARC from the author


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Mary Bennet and the Bingley Codex by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet finally escapes from her mother's machinations and goes and stays with the Bingleys. In their estate called Pleasaunce, Mary finds the library she has dreamed about and starts her cataloging task, and discovers the books of magic. And so her adventures starts.
A very enjoyable and well-written story, with its cast of characters that are introduced throughout the story.
A re-read of this first book in the series before I start the second

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Murder in the Morning Edition by Peter Bartram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1963, Brighton. Crime reporter Colin Crampton has an afternoon off and is spending the time with his Australian girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith. After watching a robbery and chasing the suspect Colin believes he is unto a big story.
An interesting story but only the first part of a trilogy.

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Mr. Standfast by John Buchan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The final part of the trilogy starts with Richard as Cornelius Brand being sent on a mission by Bullivant and Macgillivray. But where will it end for Hannay and his comrades.
A story which contains adventure, a mystery, a little romance and the battlefields of France in World War I. And of course a cast of wonderful characters.



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A Man's Word by Martin Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1018 and on Cnut's instructions Winston and Halfdan are on their way to Hampton to determine what Jarl Thorkell, Cnut's sworn man is doing. On the way they meet up with some farmers, who are on the way to Thetford, to seek justice in the local court. So they join them to see if they can find out any information concerning Thorkell at Thetford. But a body is soon found and they are asked to investigate.
Another enjoyable mystery concerning this duo helped by Alfilda, Winston’s woman. A re-read.

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THE MYSTERY OF SUNDAYS WELL: murder in a small Irish town by Anne Crosse
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

DI Robert Carroll and his assistant James Sayder are sent to Magnerstown to investigate the death of the bodies found in Sundays Well.
Unfortunately I didn't like the awful character of Carroll or the sense of humour in the story. Very surprised that someone as inept as Carroll as a detective and a human being was still in the police.


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

1855. Charles Lenox is called on by Inspector Hemstock to view a body at Paddington Station, discovered in the Third Class car train. His clothing stripped of all identifying marks, and no luggage it would seem a diffcult case to solve. But it will have far reaching consequences.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery, with a likeable style of writing and good plotting.
Aided by its likeable main characters. The secondary characters are also well-developed and so add to the story.
A NetGalley Book

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The Ghosts of Glevum by Rosemary Rowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

187 A.D. Marcus Septimus, master of Libertus, is hosting a dinner which unfortunately does not end as he hoped, but with a death. Libertus foolishly points out that the death is no accident and soon Marcus Septimus has been arrested. This results in Libertus being on the run but how can he free Marcus. Soon he will have the help, for money, of the Ghosts of Glevum run by Sosso.
An enjoyable and well-written story

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Felicity Carrol and the Murderous Menace by Patricia Marcantonio
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1889. Wealthy, brilliant and very well-educated Felicity Carrol wants nothing more than to use her prodigious intellect in solving crimes. Because there is no one better. So when her friend Inspector Jackson Davies of Scotland Yard tells her he believes that Jack the Ripper is back to his killing ways in Placer, Montana she decides to go.
I just didn't take to the character of Felicity. I felt she had no likeable characteristics and just too unbelievable. That combines with the style of writing made it difficult to finish the book. Though I expect many people will love the fast-paced story.
A NetGalley book

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The Art of Dying by Ambrose Parry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Will Raven has returned to Edinburgh and Dr James Simpson's household, only to find Sarah married and Dr Simpson under suspicion concerning the death of a patient. But what they uncover is even more unlikely.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian mystery with its mixture of detecting and the hint of romance. Add to this mix a cast of interesting characters and overall it makes for an enjoyable read.
A NetGalley Book


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Oathbreaker by Martin Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The date is 1018 and the England of King Cnut. Winston and Halfdan have arrived at the monastery at Brixworth, on their way to Peterborough. But when they are woken during the night to be shown a dead monk, they are asked to investigate. Is the first clue given to them that the monk's hand had been cut off.
This re-read was an interesting and enjoyable mystery.

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Dark Path by Melissa F. Miller
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Retired Forensic Pathologist and a practicing Buddhist, Bodhi King is calledin to investigae a case of a SUD cluster - Sudden Unexplained Deaths on a private island in the Florida Keys. An island owned by the Golden Island Church.
For me too much religious narrative and not enough mystery


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Inspiration: A Pride and Prejudice variation by Maria Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darcy spends his spare time painting but he has lost his inspiration. So Bingley invites him to Netherfield. On meeting Elizabeth Bennet he believes he has met his muse.
This variation is very close to canon in terms of some events and conversations.
But overall an enjoyable well-written story


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The Wages of Sin by Judith Cutler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The recently appointed Land Agent, Matthew Rowsley, is kept busy on the neglected country estate of Thorncroft. But he is soon distracted from his work by the disappearance of a young maid, Maggie Billings. But what really is going on at the Hall and why is it not a safe place to be.
An enjoyable Victorian mystery with a cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good solid start to a new series.
A NetGalley Book


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A Lively Companion by Corrie Garrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, while staying at the Hunsford Parsonage Elizabeth Bennet agrees to become Anne de Bourgh's companion while Mrs Jenkinson visits family. Then Lady Catherine decides they will visit Tunbridge Wells. These actions result in Darcy and the Colonel accompanying them. Will this make Darcy and Elizabeth come closer together, or does her status result in an absolute breach.
An enjoyable well-written variation

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