Arsène Lupin by Edgar Jepson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Duke if Charmerace has finally arrived at the home of his fiance. The father M. Gournay-Martin has received notice that Arsene Lupin, renowned thief, will steal certain items at a certain time. But Detective Guerchard is determined to finally catch him.
Fairly obvious who Lupin is from virtually the beginning but still an entertaining read.

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Defending Elizabeth by Rowan Renault
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Collins has arrived at Longbourn. Although his character is much of the same as canon he is now of handsome appearance. Both Catherine and Lydia are of course attracted to him. Will this have an affect on the happiness of all the Bennet daughters.
An enjoyable story

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The Honor of the Name by Émile Gaboriau


Read about 60% then decided I was just not interessted enough in the story to finish.

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Circles by Wade H.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prjudice short story can Elizabeth control her emotions to explain calmly her refusal. If so will this result in a better understanding between the two.
Enjoyable story

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A Tom Collins To Go by Jim Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1947 Ex-policeman and now private investigator Harry Parker is e,played to find missing man J.M. Collins, presumed kidnapped. With all the help he gets can he solve the case.
An entertaining mystery

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Marriage Is a Mistake Every Man Should Make by Shemmelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Bingley arrives in Netherfield with even more guests. Unfortunately Collins arrives at Longbourn. Can the Bennet daughters escape him and all have their happy endings.
An entertaining story

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A 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This fanfiction story does need a lot of editing, but as it is an unpublished work I have taken that into consideration when giving a rating, as I did really enjoy the story, again and again. and once again.

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The Almost Perfect Murder by Hulbert Footner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Private Investigator Rosika Storey and her assistant Bella Brickley investigate 5 cases
1. The Almost Perfect Murder - Madame Storey is concerned about the suicide verdict of Mrs Whittall especially as the husband is engaged to marry a friend of hers.
2. Murder in Masquerade - murder occurs at the butler's ball but by whom and why
3. The Death Notice -an anonymous telephone call informs Madame Storey that a murder will occur at a specified time and location.
4. Taken for a Ride - Dr Felix Portal asks for help as his assistant was shot dead a month ago and he is a suspect.
5. It Never Got into the Papers - Commodore William Varick has been killed, by poison. But by whom and why.
Entertaining short stories

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The Gemini Syndrome by Deryn Lake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Since her tenth birthday photographer Elizabeth Lacey has taken photographs that contain at first two blobs but as the years go by so the blobs transform into boys. But who are they.
An entertaining paranormal mystery

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A Vow of Penance by Veronica Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the housekeeper at the presbytery is found dead, a possible suicide, Sister Joan is sent as a temporary replacement. But various events makes her suspicious while D.S. Mill investigates helped by Sister Joan.
An enjoyable cozy modern mystery another good story in this series

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A Subtle Murder by Blythe Baker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1926 Rose Beckingham is travelling back to England after the deaths of her family in India. Abroad the ship the Star of India. When a death occurs for some unknown reason she decides to investigate. Having read book 2 I unfortunately know Rose's secret which doesn't make for a likable character. I had hoped the mystery element would compensate for this.

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A Vow of Obedience by Veronica Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On arriving back from her Scottish retreat it doesn't take long for Sister Joan to find missing girl, Valerie Pendon. Unfortunately dead, killed. Then another female body is discovered.
An entertaining cozy mystery
Originally published 1994

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Convenience of That Kind: Pride & Prejudice variation by Elin Eriksen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation while at Netherfield Elizabeth Bennet points out the advantages to Darcy of choosing a wife rather than have one foisted on him by compromise.
Enjoyable story


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Death of a Bookseller by Bernard J. Farmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1954 One evening in Sun, Middlesex, Sergeant Jack Wigan looks after a drunk whereupon they become friends. When bookseller Michael Fisk is killed Wigan is seconded to the detective division to aid in the case because of his knowledge of the book trade learnt from Fisk.
An interesting mystery which took its time to become an enjoyable one.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Post After Post-Mortem: An Oxfordshire Mystery by E.C.R. Lorac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930s In the house of the intellectual Surrays a death occurs among the family during a weekend house party. The coroner delivers a result of suicide. Then the oldest son, Richard, receives a letter from the victim Ruth which seems to contradict the verdict. Can Chief Inspector MacDonald find the truth. How many people are hiding facts to hinder his investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery with its varied and at times annoying characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable 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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Unconventional: an Austentatious Comedy that Defies Expectations by Amanda Kai
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice comedy variation where Caroline Bingley finally gets her wish. Unfortunately not really my sense of humour.

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Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by C.J. Archer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

24th December 1899. Orphan Cleopatra Fox has come to live with her aunt and her family, owners of the Mayfair Hotel. The next day one of the guests is discovered dead, murdered. Cleo decides to investigate. Unfortunately jumping to unverified conclusions she has no qualms about destroying two innocent people's lives with no evidence of them being murderers. I found her character unlikeable.

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Joffe Books Murder Mystery & Suspense Short Story Collection Volume 2 by JOFFE BOOKS
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Forgotten Crimes by Michael Hambling - Now that Roger Murphy has died from his injuries in a robbery from five years ago the case is now a murder enquiry.
2. Close Protection by Margaret Murpy - D.C. Cassie Rowan moonlights for criminal Damon Fuller for the much needed money.
3. To Kill a Critic by Michael Leese - A naked man is discovered dead in his home. Identified as theatre critic Robert Randall. DCU Brian Hooley and Jonathan Roper investigate.
4. In Castle Shadows by Judi Daykin - can two lonely people help each other while the police are investigating drug dealers.
5. World's Best Pa by T.J. Brereton - shooting breaks put on a film set in New York.
A collection of five entertaining short stories.

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Murder in the Basement by Anthony Berkeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1931 Lewisham. On returning from their honeymoon to their newly leased home the Danes discover a body buried in their basement. Months of investigation lead to a name of the victim. Fortuitously amateur investigator Roger Sheringham had spent several weeks at her place of employment incorporating his thoughts into an unfinished manuscript which he gives Chief Inspector Moresby to read. But who is the murderer.
An entertaining historical mystery with its varied and likeable characters. A good addition to this 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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A Vow of Sanctity by Veronica Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sister Joan is on a spiritual retreat in a cave in the Scottish Highlands near a Loch. On crossing the Loch one time on her own during a storm she discovers a body in the water.
An enjoyable cozy mystery.
Originally published in 1993

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A Skeleton In The Closet by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.S. Slater is on night duty when an explosion is felt at the Tinton police station. Soon a body is discovered but how is that possible when everyone in that department had signed out.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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Mary Captures Colonel Fitzwilliam by Kristi Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A modern sequel to Pride & Prejudice where the story of the Bennet business Meryton Matchmakers continues. But what of the people. Will the elder Bennet sisters ever understand their hearts. But what about Darcy and Charles.
Having just met, Mary Bennet and the Colonel, are unsure about their relationship or what it even is, can they possible have a happy ending.
I enjoyed this modern variation of Pride and Prejudice, and as it contains the story of my favourite couple in JAFF makes it even better. Another enjoyable re-read, again

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Lottie Pursues Bill by Kristi Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern Pride and Prejudice variation in he story of Charlotte Lucas (baker) and William Collins (parson) living in the town of Meryton where they are friends with the co-owners of Meryton Matchmakers - the Bennet sisters. Unfortunately for Jane and Elizabeth, an investor in their company is Lady Catherine de Bourgh and when trouble occurs she arrives with her family - Anne, the Colonel and Darcy with his lawyer Bingley.
Nnot usually a genre I like but this was a very enjoyable read, I liked the story and style of writing was very easy to read.

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The Carnation Murder by Tam May
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1900 Arrojo. Not long after Adele Gossling arrived in the town a murder occurs. She persuades her brother to help her and the Sheriff To investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery though I really didn;t take to Adele. Overall a decent start to a new series.

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Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

186- A triple murder has occurred in a wine shop in Paris, the guilty party states it was self- defence. But who is he, does he have accomplish. Why were they killed. Detective Lecoq is determined to find the answers no matter how long it takes.
Entertaining historical mystery

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Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Was gun collectors Lane Fleming death an accident as decided or a suicide. His widow Gladys approaches p.i. Jefferson Rand to appraise the gun collection to sell. But Rand believes Fleming was murdered but can he prove it.
Enjoyable mystery but too much information about guns.

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Elizabeth Bennet's Gallant Suitor: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation can Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy prevent the arranged marriage instigated by Sir Wesley Belwood between his nephew Colonel Fitzwilliam and his granddaughter Jane Belwood previously known as Bennet. A daughter from Mrs Bennet's first marriage. Do either Jane and the Colonel want the marriage or are there other options.
An entertaining and well-written story which thankfully other Bennet daughters stories were also told not just Elizabeth's. Though I would have prefered more time spent with Mary and possibly Jane.


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The Secret of Wild Boar Woods by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

20th October. D.S. Dave Skater has a new partner, D.C. Naomi Darling, and a new case. An eight year old girl, Chrissy Morrison, has gone missing from school. But soon her body is discovered.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery.

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The Fireraisers by Malcolm Archibald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1862 Dundee. When a fire occurs in a Beaumont mill Detective George Watters is sent to investigate. Then a body is discovered on a Beaumont ship.
An entertaining well-written and well-plotted historical mystery and thriller. A good start to this series with its likable main character.

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

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


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A Friendly Game of Hide and Seek by Sandy W
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice varition after the Netherfield Ball Bingley leaves for town . But when the rest of the party follow him they are unable to discover his current location. With what results.
An entertaining story.

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The Impersonator by Mary Miley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1924 Heiress Jessamyn Carr has been missing for seven years. Soon it will be time to claim her inheritance. Her uncle Oliver discovers a lookalike and convinces her to impersonate his niece. But who us trying to kill her and what of the other deaths.
A fairly predictable historical mystery.

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

In this Pride & Prejuice 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, again

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A Vow of Chastity by Veronica Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sense of evil has invaded the area and items from the Chapel of the Daughters of Compassion go missing. Then a Romany boy goes missing, a pupil of Sister Joan.
While the police investigate the boy's disappearance Sister Joan also investigates.
An enjoyable modern cozy mystery.
Originally published in 1991

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Nefarious: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nicole Clarkston


In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Darcy and her babe have died and Darcy is truly thankful. After his mourning period is finished he travels to Netherfield to visit Bingley. There he meets Elizabeth Bennet......
Just got bored with the story

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Persuasion 200 by Diana Birchall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where some missing bits to the story have been told. Some enjoyable short segments.

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A Treasonous Path: Murder and double-dealings in Elizabethan England by C.P. Giuliani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1583 London. Anonymous letters, possible treason and then a death. Can Tom Walsingham solve the mysteries as instructed by his spymaster cousin, Sir Francis.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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Orphans of Chance by Peter Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

D.I. John Niven is soon on the track of a killer but he is fighting his own problems. Will he find the killer before he has killed all his targets.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Mrs Hudson and The Christmas Canary by Martin Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1896. Several mysteries have arrived at the home of Holmes and Watson. They have been contacted because world famous violinist, Maximilian Cortado, has disappeared. Also brought to there notice is that someone is damaging Christmas trees in Sussex, seven men have received a live hen and the robbery 23 years ago of a Christmas ornament. Ably aided or lead by Flotsam and Mrs Hudson can they between them solve the mysteries.
An entertaining and well-plotted historical mystery. Anther good addition to this well-written and enjoyable series with its cast of likeable characers. 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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Something New to Observe A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet takes action after Darcy's behaviour at the Meryton Assembly, in front of Bingley, the Colonel and his brother the Viscount. The three elder Bennet sisters and Charlotte Lucas have more accomplishments than canon. Can there be a happy ending for all the participants.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written variation, with its so many likeable characters.

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File No. 113 by Émile Gaboriau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1866. Paris. When money is stolen from the bank, chief cashier Prosper Bertomy is suspected and arrested. On his release Detective Lecoq aims to clear his name.
A slow paced but enjoyable historical mystery

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Please Forgive Me by mgtiffy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel two years into their marriage Darcy leaves Elizabeth on a secret errand not knowing She is expecting their first child. Events lead to an estrangement. But can they resolve all their issues.
An enjoyable story

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May The Rain Fall Softly On Your Fields by Elin Eriksen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"What if Elizabeth had brown eyes while Mr and Mrs Bennet had blue..." This is genetically possible so I don't understand the point of the statement.
A Pride & Prejudice variation starting after the Pemberley visit by the Gardiners and Elizabeth. I found Darcy annoying with his interference in other’s people's marriages. For me too much about the Darcy marriage and not enough about the other more interesting characters.
Though I liked the ending a lot, anther re-read.
Overall an enjoyable story

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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 and again

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