THE HEREFORDSHIRE HANGMEN by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1891 A body of a man is found hanged on Hangman Hill, he is identified as a Jacob who worked at a travelling fair. But the locket he carries might mean that he is related to a local resident. Inspector Ravenscroft investigation takes him to America
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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Steady to His Purpose: A Variation of Pride and Prejudice by Cassandra B. Leigh
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this variation the unchaperoned time spent in the library with Darcy at Netherfield has become known and Elizabeth's reputation is ruined. Gossip is spread and Darcy and Elizabeth must marry. But the gossip is constant. Part 2 and 3 are mainly about the marriage and therefore not of interest to me.

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Summer of Secrets by Cora Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1856 Collins and Dickens are guests of Dickens' friend Lord Edward Bulwer-Lytton at his home, Knebworth House, where they are presenting a play for charity. The peace is disturbed by his estranged wife, Lady Rosina.
But soon Collins and Dickens find themselves investigating a murder. But who was the intended victim and what secrets will be exposed.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its well-developed and likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I Hope You're Happy Now by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of Miriam Daniels has been discovered in her flat. Is she a victim of burglary that has gone wrong or..
D.I. Don Henderson and his team investigate which includes D.S. Sarah Southall, newly back from maternity leave.
I admit I really didn't care much for the character of Southall, but still an enjoyable crime story even if I did work out the identity of the murderer.

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The D'arblay Mystery by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While walking in Churchyard Bottom Wood, Dr Stephen Gray discovers a body. This turns out to be a Julius D'Arblay, a man which is discovered as been murdered. Gray asks that Thorndyke investigates.
An enjpyable mystery
Originally written in 1926

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Old Sins by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1929 Two ex-policemen have been found dead but they are not suicides as first thought. Is the connection the ten year old Richardson case that they investigated with Henry Johnstone. Especially as Richardson was released six months previously. But other 'suicides' concern DCI Johnstone and D.S. Mickey Hitchens, are they a reflection of the financial crisis or another connection.
Another enjoyable mystery, a well-written story with its very likeable characters. A good addition to the series with its agreeable style of writing and good plotting. Which can easily be read as a standalone novel.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Stone of Destiny by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1381 A murderer named as The Flayer is plaguing the city, killing streetwalkers, ten so far is known. Meanwhile at Westminster Abbey a Monk have died during fast day, poisoned. But he will only be the first.
Prior Austin of Melrose Abbey has come to chronicle The Great Revolt and St. Erconwald's's role in the event, while staying at the Piebald Inn but death follows the proceeding.
Brother Athelston and coroner Sir John Cranston are busy investigating the deaths.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its main likeable characters. A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Banished Uncle: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins after the Collins proposal, and now Aaron Gardiner, the oldest brother of Mrs Bennet, has returned from India with his family. How will this man and his interactions affect those around him, especially with the Bennet family.
An enjoyable and well-written variation with its likeable new characters.

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SENTINEL by John Stanley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leyton police are just recovering from the latest corruption charges when the behaviour of the new DCI Danny Radford becomes suspicious. His deputy DS Michael Gaines wonders.
An enjoyable crime story though not too keen on the swearing.

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Night and Day by Caron Allan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

November 1933. Travelling home from an evening at the theatre Dottie Manderson comes across a dying man. But why will he not tell her who the guilty party is. D.S. William Hardy investigates.
Unfortunately more of a romance with not much of a mystery, and Dottie was a bit of a shallow creature.
Interest in the rest of the series will depend on the amount of mystery in the story. Though overall a decent start to a new cozy series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Theatre Street Killing by Simon McCleave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1995 Pc Ruth Hunter is one of two police officers at the scene of a murder. She is seconded to C.I.D. For the week . Can you solve the case and stay in CID.
Didn't like this young druggie version of Hunter, though still an enjoyable story

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Legacy of Death by Judith Cutler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Because of the of illness of Lord Croft, his estate is now managed by a group of trustees including the Rowsley. While digging the foundations for the new estate village at Stammerton skelton is found among the newly discovered ruins. But problems arise when the heir presumptive arrives and one of the staff is attacked.
Though there didn't seem to be an investigation taking place it was an enjoyable Victorian historical story with a hint of mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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To the Dark by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1823 The thawing of the winter weather reveals a body. That of thief, Lawrence Poole, a man that thief-taker Simon Westow retrieved goods from quite recently. Westow is concerned that Constable Williams will use this as an excuse to arrest him. Poole's fence is Charlie Harker, and what does Harker mean by 'To The Dark'. Soon danger comes to their lives.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its well-developed and likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires by J. C. Briggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1851 Sees the death of Sir Gerald Hawke at Hawke Court, the last of his line, his heir is clergyman Meridith Case. But there is a ward, Sapphire Hawke, who inherits jewellery in the will but she disappeared twenty years ago. Can she be found.
Meanwhile in London Felix Graham has been murdered, his father was known to Dickens, and so he feels obliged to investigate. But what secrets will be discovered, and how many deaths will occur before the answer is revealed.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery with its very likeable characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Family Plot by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Fieldhurst and her three young cousins are staying at an inn in south west Scotland, when they come across an unconscious female. The nearest house is Ravenscroft Manor, and she may be the missing daughter Elspeth Kirkbride, presumed drowned 15 years ago. John Pickett is sent to investigate.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery

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Mr. Holmes at Sea by Conrad Voss Bark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

James Hereford Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer is on holiday in Pillaloo, Cornwall when there is an accident at sea. William Holmes of the government investigates.
An enjoyable story
Originally published in 1962

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Upton Undertakers by Kerry Tombs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1891 Mathon Churchyard. During the burial of 25 year old Simon Cleaves it is discovered that it is the wrong body in the coffin. The undertakers, Shortcross and Maudlin are perplexed. But where is Cleaves body. Soon there will be another death.
Inspector Ravenscroft investigates.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Second Red Dragon by Conrad Voss Bark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Saviours led by Zebedee Crunch have a new member, George Hawkes. But who is he. Sergeant Lune, listens and questions. What has been planned, soon Special Branch become involved.
An enjoyable thriller

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Now and Then Stab by Anna Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1593 Francis Bacon is at the moment out of favour with the Queen, and Thomas Clarady needs money to sue for his livery in the Court of Wards. So he is pleased to see a reward offered by the Lord Mayor for the author of a ballad that incites violence against foreign refugees. For this he will need the help of Bacon as the document has been suppressed. But there is more to this than at first seems. Can all be well at the end.
An enjoyable and well-written mystery with its likeable characters. Another very good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
Received an ARC from the author

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A Dead Bore by Sheri Cobb South
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Julia Fieldhurst a delta the invitation by Lady Anne Hollingshead to a house party in Yorkshire. But soon a death disrupts the party.
Lady Julia calls on runner John Pickett for help.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Death of a Clergyman: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery by Riana Everly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, the Netherfield Ball and the marriage proposal of Collins to Elizabeth Bennet have occurred. Both Elizabeth and Collins have left Longbourn that very morning, only for the body of Collins to be found, stabbed, and for a distraught and battered Elizabeth to arrive back at Longbourn.
Darcy on hearing the news engages Alexander Lyons to investigate. Meanwhile Mary is determined to prove her sister innocent.
A delightful and well-written mystery and romance, lovely to see Mary Bennet come out of the shadows. A very enjoyable well-written variation and a re-read.

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The Abbey Court Murder by Annie Haynes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lady Judith Carew, wife to Sir Anthony for the last two years and the ex-governess to his sister has had her peace disturbed by the appearance of her presumed dead first husband. Then a murder occurs in the Abbey Court apartments.
Apart from that I could not find any sympathy for Lady Carew and took a dislike to Peggy Carew, it was an enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1923

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Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball: A Teatime Tales Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Bingley surprisingly, as far as the Bennets are concerned, has returned to stay at Netherfield. He comes with a request, and a plan to secure the happiness of his closest friend. But will it work? I liked this version of Bingley as he has a backbone.
An entertaining and well-written novelette
Received an ARC from the author




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White Wig by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One, bus driver, one conductor, two passengers and one dead body. When the conductor is arrested his fiance engages private detective Paul Rivington.
Enjoyable mystery
Originally written in 1935

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The Adventure of the Murdered Gypsy by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1867 Thirteen year old Sherlock Holmes' life at Underbyrne is at first disrupted by guests of his Uncle Ernest, and then a discovery of a body in the stables. Are these guests what they seem, is there any connection to the body, will there be more attacks. Sherlock investigates with help from various members of the family.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and well described characters, which can easily be read as a standalone story. A good addition to the series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Shadow of the Wolf by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two men leave Sennen Love aboard the yacht Sandhopper but only one arrives onto land. But to save himself he must lie that that the other is still alive which causes complications. Can Thorndyke produce evidence that a death has occurred.
An interesting mystery.
Originally written in 1925

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X Y Z: A Detective Story by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1881 June. While investigating one crime an agent discovers another in Brandon.
This novella has an enjoyable storyline
Originally written in 1883

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The Mystery of the Missing Heiress: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery by Riana Everly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1811 In this prequel to P&P, Darcy is worried as it seems that Georgiana with her companion Mrs Younge have gone missing. On a recommendation he employs private investigator Alexander Lyons.
Lyons is also investigating the background of Isabella Wood, for her fiance Peter Ecclesford, hopefully to prove that she is high enough socially so that his father will consent to their marriage.
An entertaining well-written mystery story.

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Miss Bennet's Adventure by Lis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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 re-read of this very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.

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Her Grandmother's Wisdom by Lis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier, when she is travelling with Mary and the Gardiners. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story

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Death Set in Diamonds by Gerald Verner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Trevor Lowe, dramatist and criminologist, is on holiday in Long Norton, Yorkshire with his secretary Arnold White, when they encounter D.I. Shadgold following a lead in a case. Then they are informed that Sir Reginald Allerdyce of Abbey Lodge had been discovered dead in his study, stabbed.
An enjoyable crime story

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The Sharpest Needle by Renee Patrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1939 Los Angeles. Retired actress Marion Davies, among others, has received a poison pen letters. On hearing about the activities of Lillian Frost and Edith Head she asked them to investigate. But then a murder occurs and the next letter states their demands.
An enjoyable cozy historical well-written mystery with a selection of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Blood and Parchment: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet by A.J.L. Zarychta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This P&P variation is set two years after the marriages of the three Bennet sisters. One day Mary Bennet is walking back from Lucus Lodge to Longbourn with her sister Kitty, when Kitty is attacked. Attacked by a vampire. Only with the help of vampire hunter, Benjamin Gordon, can Kitty be saved aided by Mary, if they can kill the master vampire.
Very enjoyable, well-written Mary Bennet story. The first I have read of Mary and vampires.
Another re-read and just as delightful.

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The Devil's Harmony by Sarah Rayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phineas Fox is employed to verify a document that was find at the site of the destroyed Chopin Library in Warsaw. But is there a link between the Library and the music discovered in the document, known as the Dark Cadence. But what are the connections to the past, and how will it reflect on the present.
An interesting well-written story starting in 1918 and concluding in the present day with the revelations of buried secrets.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Flying Star by Aurora Leon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While at Darcy and Elizabeth weddings, Mary Bennet sees a flying star and makes a wish.
Later Damian Hamilton, Duke of Hemingway and Mary, by chance, meet in the park at night. But can they find each other again and have a happy ending.
An enjoyable re-read of an unpublished Mary Bennet story (which does need some editing)

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Murder by Numbers by Eric Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1956. Maria Dupre has been invited, among others, to attend the death of dying Maxwell Falwell Fenton at 6.00 pm on the 3rd December at his home, Winterfield, in Lower Malton. On time he shoots himself in front of the witnesses after stating that they will all get their just punishment. The next day the first death occurs but by whom. Inspector Mallory investigates with the help of Langham and Ryland.
A well-written and entertaining mystery with a cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Sherloch Curse by Anna Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

28th December 1900. Invitations to the most sort after New Years Eve party have been received. But Irene Norton is still concerned about the threat to her life because of her past. Inspector McWhirr is travelling to the area, renowned for its ferns, as a body of a female has been discovered. He recruits the Countess and Watson as his amateur detectives in the house party, though Shelby Greene 12 year old son of the resident botanist Mrs Greta Greene, is on par with them.
Another enjoyable historical mystery with its likeable characters.

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The Sign of the Gallows by Susanna Calkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

November 1667. On her way to market, Lucy Campion, printer's apprentice, comes across a body hanging from the 'hanging tree' on Drury Lane. Did the two men she had recently saw be involved. Who is he, and what is the motive, and what have ciphers to do with his death. Lucy and Constable Duncan investigate. Though it does take Lucy overly long to work out the guilty party.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery and romance.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Extended Candour by annielikesgreen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The continuing tale (third part) of Mary Bennet and Captain Denny in this short (4000 words) story. An enjoyable story but unfortunately the tale has not so far been continued.

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Heathcliff's Tale by Emma Tennant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Recent papers discovered tell the tale of solicitor's clerk Henry Newby who had been asked by his uncle, Henry Cautley, publisher, to retrieve a manuscript from Haworth Parsonage. A manuscriptby Ellis Bell, that they had paid for in advance. He arrives there on New Years Eve 1848. He discovers papers but are these the manuscript or a confession of evil deeds. And who is the real author.
A story that is useful to have read Wuthering Heights and to know something about the Brontes.
Overall an interesting story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Extended Conflict by annielikesgreen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The tale of Mary Bennet and Captain Denny continues in this short Pride and Prejudice story (13,000 words). A month after the Netherfield Ball the Lucases hold a ball to celebrate the engagement of Mr. Collins and Charlotte. Could the relationship between Mary and Denny go more wrong.
Another re-read of this enjoyable part to the story.

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Extended Courtesy by annielikesgreen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short (5,500 words) Pride and Prejudice story - at the Netherfield Ball Mr. Bennet persuades Captain Denny to cheer up Mary Bennet after her performance at the piano. Captain Denny surprises himself that he actually enjoyed the resulting conversation.
Another re-read, though much too short for this enjoyable story. Thankfully it continues with Extended Conflict.

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Love and Illness find Pemberley: Book 1 of 4 by Eliza Heaton


Several months after Darcy's wedding, Mary and Kitty arrive at Pemberley. Both escaping the now high expectations of their mother as far as marriage is concerned. Neither of their suitors are good enough, Kitty with a clergyman.
While Mary with their uncle's clerk - that's when I gave up. It is not a storyline that I wish to read, others may enjoy it though.


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Pride & Prejudice: Mary's Story by Jeanne Desautel Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Pride and Prejudice from Mary Bennet's point of view, with the addition of new characters which takes the story beyond canon. Can Mary also have her happy ending.
An enjoyable and well-written story. Another re-read

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Simeon's Bride by Alison G. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1990s Wales. A female corpse is discovered in the forest of Salem, hanging from a tree, and obviously murdered. Then a two hundred year old corpse in discovered in the grounds of a cottage.
Grumpy and baffled police led by D.C.I. Michael McKenna investigate.
An interesting and enjoyable crime story, a good start to the series

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

1900 The Countess with Dr. Watson are invited by the Nortons to spend Christmas with them at the Queenscliffe Hotel. Arriving by boat the Countess notices a body in the water. This is not the first death, and will not be the last. What is going on in the area. Why is Irene Norton so nervous. With help the Countess and Watson investigate.
Another enjoyable historical mystery in this series with its likeable characters.

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Airplanes and Alibis by Connie B. Dowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

April 1920. Emmie and Dessa are off to the McPherson's farm for the Airshow. Where they meet Hank and his friend, fellow pilot, Dewey Albright. Star of the show is actor Ellis Singleton who is the show's announcer. Unfortunately the air show is mired by a murder. But what is the motive. The Sheriff investigates with the help of Emmie, Dessa and Hank.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery.
Received a copy from the author.







Received a copy from the author

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The Plague Court Murders: A Sir Henry Merrivale Mystery by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930. Dean Halliwell invited Ken Blake and D.I. Masters to his house, Plague Court, at night to debunk supernatural activities. But not long after they arrive, and finding various people in attendance, Roger Darworth, spiritualist, who aimed to exorcise the evil at Plague Court is found dead in a sealed chamber, stabbed multiple times. Masters with D.S. Bert McDonnell investigate but find that they need the help of Sir Henry Merrivale.
An entertaining historical locked room mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally published in 1934

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Lost by annielikesgreen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After the wedding at Pemberley of Darcy and Elizabeth, Mary Bennet wakes up after having spent the night alone in the grounds.
An interesting short story where Mary believes herself to be morally lost.

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Egypt Revealed: Artist Travellers in an Antique Land by T.G.H. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nineteenth century artists and their portrayal of the ancient Egypt artifacts.
An interesting read

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