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Sunday 31 October 2021

Pride and PrometheusPride and Prometheus by John Kessel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel thirteen years have passed, and Mary and Catherine Bennet are still living at Longbourn. But Kitty has not given up hope of marriage and to that end they attend a ball in town where Mary meets Victor Frankenstein. As their story unfolds we have the tale from the point of view of Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature.
A very enjoyable and satisfying well-written story even if the ending was not what I hoped for.

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The Contents of a Mare’s Nest (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #14)The Contents of a Mare’s Nest by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Stalker of an assurance company approaches Dr. Thorndyke concerning the death of a Jonathan Ingle. Accusations of poisoning and bigamy have occurred. Can Thorndyke unravel the mystery
Enjoyable short story

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Saturday 30 October 2021

A Fraying of Schemes (The Dickinson Sisters Mysteries, #3)A Fraying of Schemes by Blythe Baker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grangehurst - Due to damage to their home Iris and Lily Dickinson are staying at the local hotel - The Shield and The Thistle. Soon a body is discovered, murdered. They both help Constable Brown and Nash Greenwood, Chief Fire Brigadier in their investigation.
An enjoyable cozy historical mystery

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A False Mirror (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #9)A False Mirror by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

February 1920. At Hampton Regis Matthew Hamilton has been severly attacked. Local Inspector Bennett clearly believes in the guilt of Stephen Mallory, an old friend of wife Felicity Hamilton. Due to the stupidity of the unlikeable Mrs Hamilton, and compliance by Mallory they find themselves in an intolerable situation of their own making (I nearly gave up on the story here). Mallory calls on old commander Routledge for help.
After getting past the, to me, unbelievale scenerio at the beginning of the story I enjoyed the rest.


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Friday 29 October 2021

The Pink Daffodil: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas ('Tis the Season Collection)The Pink Daffodil: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas by Elizabeth Rasche
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bingley party due to a broken carriage are still at Netherfield. As Christmas approaches it gives Mary Bennet the chance, in her pride and arrogance, to show off her Christian charity. But she becomes distracted by a Mr Arthur, friend of Darcy and Bingley.
Buy can she soften her character enough, not to betray her real self, but still be able to improve and show some of her hidden character.
A delightful and entertaining well-written variation.

(Though I do wish authors would get it right - Mary Bennet does not wear glasses in P&P so why portray her doing so in a story.)

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A  Swan In HidingA Swan In Hiding by Skydancinghobbit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation. This is the story of Mary Bennet discovering what it is to be loved. While visiting the Collinses with Elizabeth she is taken under the wing of Lady Catherine, and becomes friends with her daughter Anne. Whereby she finds love.
An entertaining story.
This fanfiction story does need a lot of editing, but as it is an unpublished work I have taken that into consideration when giving a rating, as I did really enjoy the story, again and again.

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Thursday 28 October 2021

The Study (Detective Marlowe Flint, #2)The Study by Kathy Garthwaite
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Vancouver Island, Castlecrest. At the Crest Castle Hotel the body of Harris Crest is discovered next to the unearthed Time Tube. RCMP Sergeant Marlowe Flint and her team investigate
An enjoyable story.

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March Madness Mash-UpsMarch Madness Mash-Ups by Diana Birchall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1. Darcy and Wentworth Meet by Kara Louise - an accidental meeting results in them exchanging their love stories.
2. Colonel Brandon and Elinor Dashwood by Mary Lydon Simonsen. The Colonel and Elinor explain their hearts to each other.
3. Mr Elton Meet Miss Bingley by Monica Fairview. In a picture framing shop the pair meet and evaluate each other
4. When P&P meets Mansfield Park by Abigail Reynolds. At a house party Lord Charles Carlisle intends to seduce Elizabeth Bennet. Also attending is Darcy. Post Hunsford proposal.
5. Lady Catherine and Mrs Elton by Diana Birchall. A carriage accident outside of Highbury results in Lady Catherine staying at the Eltons
6. Girl’s Night by L.L. Diamond. Modern - Can they all avoid the flirt Mary Crawford.
7. PerfectLizzy meets her match by Jack Caldwell. A conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy and his many proposals.
8. Snowbound at Hartfield by Maria Grace. Snowbound guests arrive at Hartfield.
9. Wickham and Crawford Behave Badly by Melanie Stanford. Modern - Which of the two will succeed with model Emma Woodhouse.
10. Supreme Council of Baddies by Shannon Winslow. A council lead by Lady Catherine whos function is to overthrow true love.
Enjoyable short stories


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Wednesday 27 October 2021

A Counterfeit Suitor (Rosalind Thorne Mysteries #5)A Counterfeit Suitor by Darcie Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1819 Rosalind Thorne has been asked by Mrs Walford to investigate Horatio Slater, suitor to her heiress daughter Augustina. But soon she has her own personal problems when her father, Sir Reginald Thorne, escapes the confines of her sister Charlotte’s home. What trouble can he, a drunk and forger, now bring down on his two daughters. But then Sir Reginald is murdered, and Bow Street Runner friend Adam Harkness investigates with the help of Rosalind.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. 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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The Tangled Web (A Sergeant Martin Nicols Mystery)The Tangled Web by Alistair Kinnon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D.S. Martin Nicols and detective Alan Boyde are sent from Toronto to Vancouver to help with a case - two males found in Stanley Park. Are there links to a prostitution ring. But this will not be the end of the killings
An interesting crime story


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The Magic Casket (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #13)The Magic Casket by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In a church doorway on the Kings Road, Chelsea, Dr Thorndyke discovers a handbag containing a stoneware jar with the stamp of the Victoria and Albert Museum, with the name of Miss Mabel Bonnet (Bonney). Soon Thorndyke learns the events that have lead to this occurrence. Can he solve the mystery.
An enjoyable short story

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Tuesday 26 October 2021

The Return of Hester Lynton: Ten New Detective MysteriesThe Return of Hester Lynton: Ten New Detective Mysteries by Tony Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Case of the Fanshaw Inheritance - 1882 - The first cousin to decipher the clues will inherit. Albert Fanshaw asks the help of Hester.
2. The Case of the stolen Leonardo - Who did steal the painting, and how and why.
3. The Case of the Missing Professor - 1885 - Professor Ambrose Dixon has gone missing with a sensitive document belonging to the War Office.
4 The Mystery of the Locked Room - 1891 - Miss Adeline Cormac is discovered dead, in a locked room at the family home. Her sister Mrs Lucy Millar is not convinced that it is suicide.
5 The Adventure of the Damond Necklace - 1895 - Unfortunately the diamond necklace given by the Duke of Walton to Lady Ellen Talbot has been stolen. She has her suspicions and approaches Hester for help.
6 The Case of the Kidnapped Schoolboy - 1888 - Nine year old Daniel Arnold has been abducted and a ransom note sent to his parents. Can Hester find the boy.
7 The Puzzle of the Whitby Housemaid - 1890 - On holiday in Whitby, they are approached by Bram Stoker to help his landlady, Mrs Veazey, as she is concerned about the health of an ex-maid, Lucy Dillot.
8 The Case of the Russian Icon - Mrs Eliza Ward, publican, has been selling her dead husband’s collectables and believes she has been defrauded, morally but not illegally.
9 The Case of the Naked Clergyman - 1897 - Miss Harriet Dowson of Ledbury Grange is concerned about the behaviour of her father, retired Reverand Alfred Dowson.
10 The Problem of Oscar Wilde - Friend of Wilde, Edmund Trilling has been burgled and letters from Wilde to Trilling have been stolen. A request for money for their return has been received.

Ten short historical stories written from the point of view of Hester Lynton's friend and former employee, Ivy Rogerson. The stories are a mixture of danger, playful exchanges and the portrayal of strong women, set in Victorian England.
An entertaining and well-written collection of short historical mysteries, with its likeable main characters
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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The Mysterious Visitor (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #30)The Mysterious Visitor by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Jardine is concerned about one of his patients - a Arthur Crofton - who seems to have disppeared whilst on holiday. Due to the death of his Aunt and her legacy to him, he needs to be found. He and Dr Thorndyke investigate
An entertaining short story

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The Apparition of Burling Court (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #29)The Apparition of Burling Court by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Solicitor Mr Brodribb is concerned for the mental state of one of his clients. A Frank Lumley of Burling Court. He asks Dr Thorndyke to come to St. David’s-at-Cliffe to visit Lumley and assess him.
An enjoyable short story

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Monday 25 October 2021

STALKER ON THE LEVELS (Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery, #9)STALKER ON THE LEVELS by David Hodges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.S. Kate Hamblin is called out to investigate a flasher at the home of crime writer Tamara Callaghan. But this is not the first incident so can Hamblin and her team find the guilty party. But then it seems that some one has a grudge against Callaghan. Then a body is discovered, is this a suicide or murder.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story, another good addition to the series with its cast of likeable and varied 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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Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven (Regency Magic #1)Mary Bennet and the Bloomsbury Coven by Beth Deitchman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this re-read of a Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary and Kitty remain unmarried, but with Kitty spending most of her time at Jane and Elizabeth's homes, Mary is left alone with her parents. Mary, due to a gift from Wickham, has developed a fondness for novels. Then one day she is accidentally sent a book on magic instead of her ordered novel. Then her life is transformed and she sets out on an adventure of her own.
An enjoyable and well-written story with its cast of likeable and varied characters.

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Sunday 24 October 2021

The House of Silk (Horowitz's Holmes, #1)The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 Edward Carstairs, fine art dealer approaches Holmes and tells him his story. Of selling paintings to an American but before they arrived they were destroyed by an explosion. Caused by the Flat Cap Gang. One member of which now seems to be London and following him. A male body is discovered but who is he. Why has one of Holmes’s irregulars gone missing.
An interesting and well-written Holmes mystery

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A Mystery of the Sand-Hills (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #28)A Mystery of the Sand-Hills by R
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dr Thorndyke and Mr Anstey are walking sand-hills to Shellness when they come across footprints, and some discarded clothes. Suspicions are raised months later when they are informed of a missing person. Can he be found. Thorndyke investigates.
An enjoyable short story

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Saturday 23 October 2021

The Night Thief (DI Jackman & DS Evans #8)The Night Thief by Joy Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who is entering the homes of these people and why do they just take a photograph of a young boy. But then one night an old lady is murdered, is it the same man or someone else.
D.I. Rowan Jackman and D.S. Marie Evans with their team investigate. On the domestic front Jackman’s partner Laura has concerns about one of her patients.
Another entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Rex v Burnaby (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #27)Rex v Burnaby by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Frank Burnaby it seems is being poisoned. But why and by whom. Thorndyke investigates when someone is charged with the crime.
An enjoyable short story

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Friday 22 October 2021

The Great Loveda Brown: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book OneThe Great Loveda Brown: The Idyllwild Mystery Series, Book One by Jolie Tunnell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Idyllwild, California, 1912 Loveda Brown is travelling to LA to stay with family but she believes she is being followed by her ex-husband, Billy Dunn. The sheriff suspicions are raised when he is found dead. Can Loveda discover the guilty party or will there be more deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to a new series.

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A Sower of Pestilence (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #26)A Sower of Pestilence by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Rabbage director of a home for old cats is concerned about some recent donations, in particular an aluminum case containing glass tubes with fleas and lice inside. Also approaching Dr Thorndyke is bank manager Nicholas Balcombe concerning a recent deposit of a deed box.
Cam Thorndyke solve both puzzles. An enjoyable story.

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Thursday 21 October 2021

Leaving Longbourn: A Compilation of Five Short StoriesLeaving Longbourn: A Compilation of Five Short Stories by E.A. Batten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1 - Finding Elizabeth
In this P&P variation, the Bennets are so desperate for an heir that they arrange a kidnapping of a gentleman's son. Unfortunately this turns out to be Elizabeth Darcy, cousin to the Darcys of Pemberley. Then Darcy visits Netherfield.
I admit that I didn't care for Mary Bennet's future pairing and so lost some interest in the story, and I would have liked to have read about the later events at Longbourn which I think would have been more interesting.
A well-written story
2 -Her Grandmother’s Wisdom
In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story
3 - Miss Bennet’s Adventure
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 very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.
4 - Hurst Knows All
A short Pride and Prejudice variation where Hurst proves he is more than a gentleman who spends his time drinking and eating. Helping Darcy to an early HEA.
A nicely written enjoyable story
5 - Storms over Hunsford.
Elizabeth while reading Darcy's letter is caught in a thunderstorm. Unfortunately she has been afraid of them since childhood. The colonel and Darcy go looking for her. Does this action change their future.
A well-written story
Overall entertaining and well-written stories

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Phyllis Annesley's Peril (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #25)Phyllis Annesley's Peril by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mrs Lucy Bland went missing in May and her body discovered later in September under the floorboards of friend Miss Phyllis Annesley, who now stands as one of the accused of her murder.
Dr Thorndtke investigates and acts for the defence.
An entertaining short story

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Wednesday 20 October 2021

Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery (The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes 1)Sherlock Holmes and the Rosetta Stone Mystery by Linda Stratmann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Looking back from 1924 Mr A. Stamford reflects on his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes back in the Spring of 1876, London at the St Bartholomew’s Medical College. Dr Edgar Martinson, resident keeper at the British Museum, is concerned as he has seen unexplained things at night in the museum. Holmes is asked to investigate with the help of Mr Stamford, but when the Rosetta Stone is stolen and a ransom received Scotland Yard in the shape of Inspector Caldwell and Sergeant Lestrade take over. So they believe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.

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The Night She DiedThe Night She Died by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Ten years ago Connie Freeman was tried and convicted of the murder of her husbands's mistress, Sylvia Thomas. She approaches ex-D.I. Richard Patton, the S.I.O. on the case to find the real killer.
For me the story and the characters just felt off and it was with difficulty that I finished the story.

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Tuesday 19 October 2021

Crime in the Crypt (Detective Markham Mystery #14)Crime in the Crypt by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. Markham and D.S. Noakes are seconded to an investigation led by D.I. Burton in London. That of a death at the Theresian Club religious hostel. But why was she killed and what could be the motive for such an innocuous person. Will this be the only death?
Another entertaining and well-written crime story with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale (Christmas with Jane Book 2)Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy and the Bingleys left Netherfield over a month ago. Now it is December 23rd, again and again. What needs to be righted, who is aware, do people have to change and will there be any happy endings.
Enjoyed this tale especially as I am a Groundhog Day fan.
Would have liked more of Mary and the diary in Part One, especially with her interactions with the Colonel, and see the scenes from more of her perspective but that's because I am a Mary Bennet fan.
Another enjoyable re-read of this story, again

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Monday 18 October 2021

Awakened HeartsAwakened Hearts by Susan Potts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, she is determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There she meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.

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The Seal of Nebuchadnezzar (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #24)The Seal of Nebuchadnezzar by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Solicitor Mr Brodribb wants Dr. Thorndyke to investigate an alleged suicide. But does it have anything to do with the ancient Nebuchadnezzar seal.
An enjoyable short story

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Sunday 17 October 2021

Mr. Darcy's Christmas Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale (Jane Austen Reimaginings Book 7)Mr. Darcy's Christmas Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Part 1 of Mr Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn
A Pride & Prejudice variation set at Christmas, as the 23rd December constantly repeats itself. The story is from several viewpoints. How can the people involved stop the day reoccurring and will anyone have a happy ending.
Another enjoyable re-read of this story

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The Green Check Jacket (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #23)The Green Check Jacket by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Solicitor Mr Brodrigg is concerned as client Reginald Merrill has disappeared. On searching he has also discovered that his nephew and heir has also vanished. As a new will had recently been written because of a large inheritance, he wants Dr. Thorndyke to investigate.
An entertaining short story

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Saturday 16 October 2021

A Change of Heart: A Pride and Prejudice VariationA Change of Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by E.A. Batten
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice Variation, what if Darcy did not make the Hunsford proposal because Elizabeth reacted angrily to the Colonel and his story of Bingley. As the Colonel informs Darcy, Darcy's actions change and so the future changes.
An enjoyable and well-written tale. Another re-read. Which I think could have been expanded to give more time to the Colonel and his romance

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The Puzzle Lock (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #22)The Puzzle Lock by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A gang of jewellery thiefs is in the sights of the police. Can Dr. Thorndyke discover the leader and the jewels. It would seem that a jewellery dealer has a strong room with a puzzle lock, with too many combinations to solve. But can it be done.
An enjoyable short story

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Friday 15 October 2021

The Pimlico Murder (Blitz Detective #6)The Pimlico Murder by Mike Hollow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Armistice Day, November 1940, London. D.I. John Jago and D.S. Peter Cradock are seconded to Scotland Yard to investigate when a dead body of a man is discovered, battered to death, in an Anderson shelter. Tho white poppies were found on his body next to his bicycle. What is the significance of them. It seems he was an enthusiastic cyclist and had joined a local club. But what could have been the motive and who is the guilty party.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied 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 Funeral Pyre (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #37)The Funeral Pyre by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A hay rick is discovered on fire near Dartford. On inspection a skull and other bones are discovered, with various personal possessions. Mr Stalker of the Griffin Life Assurance, who hold a policy of the dead man, asks Dr. Thorndyke to investigate the cause of death.
An enjoyable short story

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Thursday 14 October 2021

Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1)Down a Dark River by Karen Odden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1878 London. Overworked Inspector Michael Corravan is called in to investigate the murder of judge’s daughter Rose Albert. Her body has been discovered in a boat on the Thames. One of his other cases involves the disappearance of wife Madeline Beckford. As the families live near each other is there a link between them. Then the body of another young girl is found.
An entertaining and interesting, well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters. A good start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Stolen Ingots (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #36)The Stolen Ingots by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Halethorpe of the Spinx Assurance Company approaches Dr Thorndyke because the gold ingots that the company has insured have been stolen, presumable from a train station office at Garbridge.
Can the Doctor solve the mystery.
An enjoyable short story


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Wednesday 13 October 2021

The Return of the Pharaoh: From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D.The Return of the Pharaoh: From the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D. by Nicholas Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1910 November Due to the illness of his wife Juliet, she and Dr Watson arrange to stay in Cairo for her treatment. Several months later Dr Watson discovers Holmes, disguised as a Colonel Arbuthnot, on a case. That of the missing Duke of Uxbridge. And so the adventure begins.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another 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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Union Street Boarding House: An Edwardian MysteryUnion Street Boarding House: An Edwardian Mystery by Jamie Michele
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1907 Pittsburgh Mrs Peterson, widow, rents out rooms in her boarding house. When the rivers flood it results in the lower floor of her house being flooded, and so the tenants are moved. But it seems one of her lodgers has gone missing. Has she been murdered, and if so is it by her husband. Various people try and determine the answer.
An enjoyable mystery

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Tuesday 12 October 2021

The Vocation of Mary Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice SequelThe Vocation of Mary Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice sequel, fifteen years have passed and it is now June 1830 nearly fifteen years since the wedding of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Mary is now the last of the daughters at home, spending her time looking after her parents and cultivating her interest in the sciences. So when an illness spreads through Meryton she is able to help, but will there be problems arising from her help. Can this last daughter have a happy ending, one that she really wants.
I really enjoyed the story, again, but I freely admit that Mary Bennet is my favourite Bennet daughter.

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It All Might Have Been Different Book OneIt All Might Have Been Different Book One by leavesfallingup
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pride and Prejudice variations - A series of short stories which for me had too many Darcy and Elizabeth stories, and not enough about the secondary characters.
But overall enjoyable stories

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Monday 11 October 2021

Parlance at Pemberley: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continues... (A Regency Era Above-Stairs/Below-Stairs Mystery #2)Parlance at Pemberley: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Continues... by S.M. Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel, it is now September 1814. Lord Castlereagh is on a mission to Vienna, when his courier, Matthew Baker, goes missing at Lambton. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Major Ashton are staying at Pemberley but this event takes them to London, with Mary Ashton and Georgiana Darcy. The rest of their relations remain as part of a scheme to reconcile Lady Catherine de Bourgh with her married daughter Anne Chandler.
Another entertaining and well-written story. A very good addition to this mystery and romance series.

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Out with the Sunset (Parks Pat Mysteries, #1)Out with the Sunset by P.D. Workman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Margie Patenaude, a Metis detective, with her daughter Christina have moved to Calgary. On her first day of work Margeie is called out to a dead body of a stabbed man in Hull’s Wood, Fish Creek Park. Not a complex mystery and was a quick read.

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Sunday 10 October 2021

Record of Blood (Ravenwood Mysteries, #3)Record of Blood by Sabrina Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 San Francisco. Edward Sinclair is convinced he has killed a man but the body has gone missing. Isobel Kingston decides to investigate but trouble comes to her. While Atticus Riot searches for Isobel, he is hounded by the voice of his dead partner, Zephaniah Ravenwood. Dead now four years, can he discover the truth of the death.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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The Touchstone (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #34)The Touchstone by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

James Harewood and his will have disappearance. A will that was more in favour of an old friend, William Crowhurst, rather than a nephew, Arthur Baxfield.
An entertaining story

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Saturday 9 October 2021

A Deadly Confession (Lipton St Faith Mystery Book 2)A Deadly Confession by Keith Finney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1941, Lipton St. Faith, Norfolk. Anna Grix, vicar’s daughter and American Lt. Eddie Elsner discover the body of Ruth Cotton, murdered. But why. Soon suspicion falls on one of the Italian POWs. Is is guilty. They with Inspector Spillers investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with some likeable, and varied characters. The novel can easily be read as a standalone story and is 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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A Fisher of Men (The Famous Cases of Dr. Thorndyke #35)A Fisher of Men by R. Austin Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In Superintendent Miller’s office he has a leather handbag and a walking stick on display, which he asks Dr.Thorndyke’s opinion. Meanwhile the doctor is also involved in the ‘Brentford Train Mystery’ robbery
An enjoyable mystery.

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Friday 8 October 2021

The Curse of Morton AbbeyThe Curse of Morton Abbey by Clarissa Harwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1897 Vaughan Springthorpe has sent most of her life helping her solicitor father in his work as his assistant. On his death she has applied for and been accepted to work as a legal assistant by Sir Peter Spencer owner of Morton Abbey. But strange things are happening, noisies, and crying from a long dead child. Is someone trying to frighten her away. She even becomes suspicious of the nearest ‘perfect’ village .
An entertaining and well-written Victorian Gothic mystery with its interesting and varied characters
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Joffe Books Murder Mystery & Suspense Short Story CollectionJoffe Books Murder Mystery & Suspense Short Story Collection by JOFFE BOOKS
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Turns - Gretta Mulrooney - Tyrone Swift is asked to investigate an old case by the grandson - the death of Doreen Frain back in 1960. Was the true culprit imprisoned.
2. The Carrion Crow - Helen A Durrant. On holiday at the pub The Carrion Crow, detective Tom Calladine discovers a body and can’t help but interfere to solve the death
3. Creeper on the Levels - David Hodges - A killer is taunting DS Kate Lewis. how many will he kill.
4. Time to Kill - Bill Kitson - Brinton Playhouse are having their opening night when their leading actor has failed to appear. A body has been discovered but why and who are the questions.
5. Forgive Me - Joy Ellis- Arthur Sims is an apparent suicide, he left a note. But PC Yvonne Collins is not so sure and challenges PC Jamie Smith to prove her wrong.
Five entertaining and well-written short stories

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