The Old Lag by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Thorndyke is visited by Frank Belfield, an ex-convict and now going straight and happily married. Unfortunately he has seen a 'Wanted' poster of him for a murder. Can Thorndyke prove him innocent and find the guilty party.
An enjoyable short story

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The Return: A Pride and Prejudice Story by Timothy Underwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Darcy has his usual hypocrite attitude, and as he is the world expert on females, he gives his opinion on Jane Bennet, and her family's behaviour. Mr Bennet is as usual a terrible father. Can Bingley get a backbone, can Darcy and Elizabeth improve themselves to get their happy ending.
Overall an enjoyable story

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A Mother's Ruin (A DI Fiona Williams Mystery). by Diana J. Febry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Fiona Williams and DCI Peter Hatherall lead the investigation into the death of Emily Clifton, stabbed multiple times, her house ransacked but not robbed. The investigation becomes even worse when a child goes missing. but she was not the first. Can they determine the motives behind the crimes.
An interesting and entertaining well-written crime story with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Black Bag Left on a Doorstep - Catherine Louisa Pirkis (1893) Loveday Brooke, P.I. is sent in to investigate a jewellery robbery at Craigen Court, but she seems more intesterested in a bag left on a doorstep
2. The Hole in the Wall - G.K. Chesterton (1921) At a Fancy-Dress party at Prior Park Estate a murder occurs but by whom and why
3. Death on the air - Ngaio Marsh (1937) - Can can Septimus Tonks be killed by his radio and why.
4. Persons or Things Unknown - Carter Dickson (1938) Home owner tells a tale set in 1660 and the mystery of a murder in a locked room
5. Dead Man’s Hand - E.R. Punchon (1953) - Will he really get away with murder of his employer Colonel Bennett
6. The Christmas Eve Ghost - Ernest Dudley (1948) - The Hotel has a ghost but who is it
7. Dick Whittington’s Cat - Victor Canning - (1950) - who does steal the bracelet
8. A Surprise for Christmas - Cyril Hare (1956) - How does a Christmas tree bring problems
9. On Christmas Day in the Morning - Margery Allingham (1950) - How was the postman killed
10.Give Me a Ring - Anthony Gilbert (1955) As the London fog quickly descends, Gillian Hinde out shopping on Christmas Eve becomes lost and on entering a shop for help her life changes dramatically
11. Father Christmas Comes to Orbins -Julian Symons (1963) - who is bookseller Rossiter Payne really
12. The Turn-Again Bell - Barry Perowne (1959).The Legend of the church bell’s one ring on Christmas Eve

A collection of twelve vintage crime stories all with a Christmas theme. The stories are a varied mix of style and pace. My favourites would possible be Persons or Things Unknown - Carter Dickson (1938) where the homeowner tells a tale set in 1660 and the mystery of a murder in a locked room, and The Christmas Eve Ghost - Ernest Dudley (1948) - The Hotel has a ghost but who is it.
Overall an enjoyable collection of well-written stories.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Sudden Acquisitions: A sequel to Pride and Prejudice by Louise Birkett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, seven years have passed and Mary is the only unmarried Bennet left at home. This has resulted in an improvement in her character with the help of her elder sisters and father. Then the Bennets and the other family members are invited to Pemberley for the Christmas season. Can this visit give Mary the chance to do something that none of her sisters have yet to do.
A really delightful story, well-written, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how events would unfold.
Another re-read.

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Many Deadly Returns by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Ann Cleeves - Wild Swimming - on the last day of their daily swim in the cold water, a body is discovered. One of the swimmers being a police officer calls in D.I. Stanhope
2. Martin Edwards - Lucky Liam - Always best to be lucky rather than rich, but how does Liam North's life change.
3. Cath Staincliffe - Scorpion - how did Cody and Nathan end up in jail
4. Chris Simms - Skeleton Crew - why is Pete suspicious of two men
5, Kate Ellis - The Fox and The Hens - How and why does a hen weekend go badly wrong
6. John Baker - An Old Fashioned Poisoning - A poisoning within the family
7. Margaret Murphy - Read the Label - but does it really tell who you are
8. Kate Ellis - My Oleander- Detective Superintendent Penhalen looks back at an old case when he was a D.C. - a locked room mystery
9. Ann Cleeves - The Queen of Mystery - Can Stella Monkhouse Queen of the cozy mystery go out on top
10. Chaz Brenchley - For Kicks - why did she put up with the kicks
11. Cath Staincliffe - Two Birds - 1871 Murder - but by whom and why (John Crowther dead, innocent Sheehey Donal hanged
12. Margaret Murphy - Big End Blues - What can you do when you are broke and your vehicle needs repairs
13. Martin Edwards - Bad Friday- On the train who really is having a bad day.
14. Chris Simms - The Passenger - How does a date out at the beach bring problems
15. Kate Ellis - The Confessions of Edward Prime - Prime is a serial confessor, but is he guilty this time.
16. Stuart Pawson - Ultra Violent - One way to be better than the rest of humanity is to kill without getting caught, is it possible
17. Cath Staincliffe - Perfect Storm - What does the future hold for Dennis and Bessie
18. Chris Sims - Gaffed - Can Malcolm finally leave his past and enter a witness protection place
19. Marin Edwards - The Other Life - Can old Jean Parkinson survive without her husband
20. Ann Cleeves - A Winter’s Tale - Who did kill Rebecca Joyce and why
21. Margaret Murphy - Still Life - Life as a locked-in syndrome man

Twenty one good well-written short stories all with their twists at the end. How did two young men end in jail - what will be the result of one man's suspicions - a locked room mystery - a serial confessor, is he guilty this time - and many more entertaining stories
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Riverwoman's Dragon by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1375 York Owen Archer finally returms to York to find that the plague is approaching the city. Matters are made worse with rumours denouncing women healers including Magda Rigby. Is her life in danger, but if so from whom, her family that have appeared, or Bernard supposedly a physician. Then murder occurs. Owen Archer needs to find the motive and so then the guilty party.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A story where we learn more about Magda. Another good addition to the series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Pretty Maids All in a Row by Anthea Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Newly wed Jessica and Matthew Selby are leasing a house so that he can work on his manuscript while his wife recovers from a broken leg. But all is not peaceful in the village as they hoped, as soon a murder is discovered. DCI Dave Webb, with the aid of DS Jackson and the team investigate.
An entertaining crime story
Originally published in 1986

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Darcy's Winter Delight by V.L. King
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Actions by Lady Catherin result in the Darcys leaving Rosings and being caught in a storm find a cottage to experience their secret desires.
An okay read but not for me

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Mr. Darcy Rings My Bell: A Pride and Prejudice Sensual Variation by Demi Monde
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P sequel, on the way to the Bingleys for Christmas, the Darcy carriage axle breaks resulting in an intimate moment which carries on at the Bingley estate. A short story

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Pride Before A Fall: A Pride & Prejudice Sensual Variation by Cora Aston
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Elizabeth Bennet breaks into Netherfield to read a sensual novel but is interrupted by a party containing the Bingleys, Darcy and Wickham, who are involved in a party for the jaded. To me this seems to be a stupid Elizabeth.

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City of Light by Kim Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1889 Paris - How is the building of the Eiffel Tower being financed. Who is Hammond and Armand Delacroix and his wife Isobel. But soon bodies are discovered in the Seine. Detective Rayley Abrams has been in Paris for a time, but soon his team’s investigation in London lead them to Paris.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters

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Not an Heiress: A Sequel to Discovering Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another re-read, again, (a yearly occurrence) 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.
A well-written and entertaining story about my two favourite characters from P&P

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The Day of the Serpent by Cassandra Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1400 To the backdrop of the removal of Richard II as the rightful king and the replacement of the usurper Henry II, and his quelling of a rebellion. Brother Rodric Chandler accompanies the body of Richard back to Westminster from Pontefract Castle. On the journey men start being killed, shot by an arrow. Sir Thomas Swynford King Henry‘s stepbrother instructs Chandler to find the guilty party, but life is made more dangerous with the introduction of the new heresy laws.
An entertaining, slow-paced, and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable 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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Longbourn 1805 -- a Pride & Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, William Collins is dead and he wills his possessions to the Bennet family. This occurrence and Mr Bennet's friendship with George Darcy changes the future of the family.
Lots of new characters and once again with this author a perfect Elizabeth Bennet (which is so boring).
Overall an enjoyable (but long) story

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A Fiery End by Diana J. Febry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Peter Hatherall and D.I. Fiona Williams are driving back to thier homes when they comes across a camper van engulfed in flames with a person in the driving seat. Another car has come from the other direction only to be hit with the debris from the van. But there will be more deaths, and missing teenager girls. But the more they discover the more complicated it gets.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable main characters. A book that can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.


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The Adulterer's Daughter: A Novel by Sam Anthony
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Three couple and their three children are all close friends. But they will not all survive to the end of the year.
Unfortunately I just didn't like any of the characters and so really didn't care what happened to them.

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Murder at the Manor by Anne Penketh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DI Sam Clayton and his team investigate when the body of Rupert Iverson is discovered at Iverson Hall after his 25th fancy dress birthday party. Is the motive connected to him or his family. But soon there is another body discovered in the same village, is there a link between the two bodies. Will the answer be found before another body is found.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with some likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


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Sherlock Holmes and the Holborn Emporium by Val Andrews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1903 The owner of the Forrage's Emporium in London has been sent blackmailing letters and employs Sherlock Holmes to investigate.
An enjoyable story

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Death On The Air by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Its Christmas Day but can Septimus Tonks be killed by his radio and why. Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn and Inspector Fox investigate. Are there secrets the family want to keep quiet.
An entertaining short story

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The Rescue -- a Pride & Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An action by Ralph Eversley, Duke of Maidenhead results in the four Bennet daughters being rescued from their abusive parents and brought up as their own daughters. Resulting in much better characters, and a situation, socially and financially vastly improved.
An entertaining (very long) story with lots of new characters.

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Missing by Jason Vail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1264 Harry discovers that his estraged wife, Megge, has sold their two sons into slavery. Trying to find and retrieve them, Stephen Attebrook with Gilbert and Harry become entangled in the civil war.
An entertaining historical thriller rather than a mystery, with its likeable main characters.

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Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner by Jack Caldwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation as Darcy rides and arrives at Longbourn for a dinner engagement Cassandra the cat startles his horse and he is thrown, resulting in a broken leg, and unfortunately for him a long visit at Longbourn as an invalid.
With the resulting visits from various members of his family how can Darcy endure his confinement..
Reading habits change over the years and so therefore does the enjoyment of previous reads, with its unlikeable pairing I stopped reading. At least in this story I lasted until page 232 before the disappointing announcement. A pity as I was enjoying the story

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Sketches and Secrets of Summer: A Pride and Prejudice Novel by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stuart Alford due to the death of his elder twin has inherited the family estate and his two young nieces. Past events have made him determined never to marry. Meanwhile Mary Bennet has been staying at Pemberley and has befriended the two young nieces.
A delightful and entertaining well-written Pride and Prejudice sequel, with its lovely characters. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Murder By The Book: A Marston Serial Murder Thriller by Brigitta Moon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Detective Griesenbeck and his team investigate the killed dubbed BK - the Backyard Killer. The case is made difficult by the lack of motive or connections between the victims
Unfortunately is becomes obvious who the killer was and I didn’t find any of the characters likeable

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Death's Long Shadow by Judith Cutler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Dowager Lady Croft has been buried and the household is in mourning when late one evening during a snow storm an uninvited Lady Stanton and her three employees arrive to add to the already few guests. Soon the household is marooned and the body of a young maid discovered. But what of the strange events that keep happening. Who is responsible. Can the Rowsley find the guilty parties.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
Though I would have preferred that the characters were called by the same name throughout the story and not have their forenames and surnames interchangeable.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Discovering Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P Variation Lady Catherine has a plan, in fact she has had this plan for many years. But can it succeed. She will need the help of the Colonel, but will he be a help or a hindrance. Can she make Darcy marry the women she has chosen. Loved this version of Lady Catherine
An entertaining and well-written variation. I enjoyed re-reading the story

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Caroline Bingley, Mistress of Pemberley by Rosemary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Do the schemes of Caroline Bingley to become mistress of Pemberley finally comeabout.
A very short enjoyable P&P variation,.

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The Hole in the Wall by G.K. Chesterton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At a fancy dress party held in Prior Park Estate who is killed and how.
An enjoyable short story

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The Cry of the Hangman by Susanna Calkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1667 While the majority of the household are at church Magistrate Hargrave, is attacked in his home and some items stolen including personal documents with cases he has commented on. These views soon become known and death will soon follow. Printer's apprentice Lucy Campion investigates to clear Hargrave's name.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Holy City Murders by Ron Plante Jr.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1938 Charleston. P.I. and ex-police Duke Dempsey is hired by Sister Adie on behave of the Vatican to find a holy relic before SS Lieutenant Dieter Abetz. Unfortunately I found Abetz’s collaborator to be obvious.
Overall an entertaining crime story

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Lady Catherine's Secret Life - Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation. Who is Meredith Marshall, cousin to the Gardiner children, one of whom became Mrs Bennet. Darcy wishes to know as she seems familiar when he first meets her. Soon the extended Darcy and Fitzwilliam family become involved. Are there any happy endings
An entertaining variation

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Sleeping Pretty: A fast-moving and humorous detective novel by William Paul
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Fyfe, always looking for the quiet life is happy to leave Edinburgh to head north to Loch Maree to oversee a possible murder/suicide investigation run by DI Moya McBain. Unfortunately it is not as straightforward as he hopes.
An entertaining crime story

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The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Due to the actions of his father, William Stokes leaves his home to venture to London to become a barrister. Twenty one years later, in 1818, he is approached by Lady Madeleine Jameson of Heathcote Estate in Essex. A cousin to Captain Harold Tuttle, accused of piracy because of the missing Letter of Marque. She wishes Stokes to defend her cousin in the court case.
A well-plotted entertaining Regency historical mystery, well-written, with its cast of interesting and likeable characters, main and secondary. A good start to what might be a new series.

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The Witching Pool: A Justice Belstrang Mystery by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1617 Ex-Justice Belstrang decides to help Agnes Mason who has been accused of witchcraft resulting in the death of Susanna Corbett. Not believing this he investigates trying to find a motive for the death and the accusation.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its likeable characters.

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Consequences by C.P. Odom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Part 1 of this Pride and Prejudice variation starts at Hunsford Parsonage with Elizabeth’s refusal of marriage to Darcy. But what will be the result of her selfish childish angry and self-centred attitude when they do not have their meeting at Pemberley, what will be the terrible consequences.
Part 2 Elizabeth awakes from a terrible dream. Which results in the clever and mature Charlotte trying to show Elizabeth some truths. Can this change events?
An entertaining story

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Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens by Andrea Penrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The marriage of the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte Sloane is approaching. But at their first public engagement, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a body is discovered. Dr. Hosack, head of the American delegation asks Wrexford to investigate. But will they be able to tell friend from foe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Mr Darcy's American Journey: A Pride and Prejudice Continuation by Jackie Wellman


I got as far as Mary Bennet being married off to a scrap dealer. That's when I lost interest in the story and gave up .

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Lady Catherine Disposes by P.R. Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation, unfortunately or fortunately Lady Catherine and Mrs Charlotte Collins, meet at the same inn Lydia and Wickham. How will this effect their outcome, and everybody elses.
A entertaining variation

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A Wastrel's Romance by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Augustus Bailey is an uninvited guset to the party at Willowdale, unfortunately with unhappy consequences. Also at the party is Dr. Jervis and his wife. The next day Dr Thorndyke is requested to discover the whereabouts of Bailey.
An enjoyable story

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The Suitors by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another re-read of the P&P variation. A sequel to A Judge of Their Characters.
The story of the Bennets, Fitzwilliams, Darcys, de Bourgh, Belmonts and Bingleys continues in this sequel.
A very enjoyable tale, a good mix of mystery and romance.

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A Judge of Their Characters by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Jane is engaged to a wealthy Wickham. But Elizabeth is concerned and travels to Derbyshire to meet the Gardiners who are on holiday and enlist their help. Near Lambton she is meet and helped by Darcy. But what plots are a foot.
A fun read with some new characters. Another re-read of this story with a mystery plot, which is so much more interesting than a straight romance story, and with pairings I like.

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Mission to Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, with Colonel Fitzwilliam injured in body and soul Darcy feels that he must do something to aid the British in the war against the French. So he is sent to Meryton to learn about the inhabitants as suspicions have been raised.
A delightful and entertaining well-written story with its interesting characters.
Which is thankfully not just a romance tale.

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Hall of Mirrors by Roxanne Lalande
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1682. Versailles When bones and a locket are discovered by her lady-in-waiting Elisabeth Charlotte d'Orleans investigates will the help of various staff. She puts herself in danger by wanting to discover the truth behind the death of her husband's first wife.
Interesting to read aabout life in and around Versailles, which I would have preferred to have read as a separate story, but there was not enough of a mystery for me.
Overall an interesting and well-written enjoyable read.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Fiend in the Fog by Jess Faraday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1885 London. A mixture of characters ranging from the middle classe life of the Eisenstadts, to the free clinic of Abigail Gordon, nurse and Dr Gideon Spencer. But who and what are The Consortium. Everyone seems to have their secrets, does that include the 'Scrappy Street Kids'. What is in the fog that surrounds them, what does it want of them if anything.
The story is told from multiple points of views.
An entertaining paranormal story, with its cast of varied characters, some more likeable than others.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Affectionate Hearts: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Cassandra B. Leigh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this P&P variation Georgiana Darcy has eloped with Wickham, with Mrs Younge acting as a chaperone. Soon Darcy and the Colonel are in pursuit. Meanwhile Elizabeth and the Gardiners are visiting the Lake District. Soon they all will meet.
An enjoyable story

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The Man Who Wasn't There by Henrietta Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1956 Amateur sleuths Sally and Johnny Heldar become involved in a murder case when their cousin Tim asks for their help when his fiancée, Prue's, employer has been discovered shot, and she has become a suspect. The case is complicated by the lies they are told, blackmail, and wartime treachery in France.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable two main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Guilt of Innocents by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1372. A river pilot dies after falling into the River Ouse because of a fight between the dockworkers and the pupils of the minster school, the result of a boy’s stolen scrip.
Owen Archer investigates, then there is another murder. But what could be the motive.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters

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Murder Mob by Louise Titchener
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oliver Redcastle while residing in New Mexico receives an urgent request from Marietta Prock, mother of their 14 year old daughter Chloe. Her husband Rufus Prock has been found dead and she is suspected of his death. On arriving back in London there are added complications and another death. Can Oliver save Marietta from jail and find the real killers.
An entertaining well-written historical mystery, with some likeable and interesting characters though definately not Marietta
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Bookconnect and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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