Death at Dovecote Hatch by Dorothy Cannell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1932 following the accidental death of Kenneth Tenneson of Bogmire House, there are surprises to come when a new will is presented that changes several peoples' lives.
Slow paced cozy historical mystery

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Through Three Rooms: An Asbjørn Krag mystery by Sven Elvestad
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Asbjorn Krag is invited by Old friend Dr Karl Rasch as he us concerned for the mental well being of a patient. that of John Aakerholm. Krag agrees to accompany him back to Kvamberg Manor to investigate. It seems Aakeholm is terrified of something or someone, into the scenario is a widow he wishes to marry and an adopted son.
An interesting quick-paced historical mystery with its varied characters.
I received a complimentary copy of the novella from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review
Originally published in 1907

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My Cousin Darcy by Robin Elizabeth Kobayashi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scarborough, 1826. What starts as an innocent pursuit, that of a fox hunt, leads to trouble for Colonel Fitzwilliam and his daughter Sofia, now fifteen years old. So Darcy's help is requested. But how much trouble can they get in.
An entertaining Pride and Prejudice sequel with its very likeable characters. Another delightful read in this enjoyable series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review

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In the Shadow of the Bull by Eleanor Kuhns
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1450 BC. Crete. It is the wedding day of Arge but during the ceremony she dies. Her sister Martis, on receiving a visititation from Arge, is determined to find her murderer (from a limited suspect pool). Her first suspect is the groom Saurus. Martis seems to go from one suspect to the next quite quickly. A lot of description of the times, and for me not enough mystery, and not really a likeable main character
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery and a decent start to a new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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One Left Alive by Helen Phifer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.C. Morgan Brookes had just started her duties when she was called to a supposed suicide, that of Olivia Potter. But what of her husband and two daughters. Why can't the police find them. Morgan joins D.S. Ben Mathews and his team in the investigation of what will be multiple murders.
An entertaining and well-written modern crime story.

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A Murder in the Country by Julia Underwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1941. Eve Duncan has gone to visit her sister Grace, in Little Barrington. Soon bones of a female are discovered and Eve deides to investigate. Then a murder occurs. Can she discover the murderer before they kill again.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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In Bad Faith by A.L. Fraine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nottingham. D.S. Rob Loxley is handed the case of two missing people. One a homeless man is soon discovered murdered, but what of Lorraine. Can they find her before it's too late. Because of his family connections, Loxley by many, is considered to be corrupt but who really is.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Innocent by Levi Fuller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

West Virginia. With her husband on death row Monica Strepp has a plan to save him. As she believes him to be innocent but time is running out.
An entertaining short story

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After the Blue, Blue Rain by A.D. Price
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1946. It all starts when P.I. firm Comfort and Company have a new client. Dina Harris wants Kit to find her missing boyfriend. His train arrived but he didn’t. In the mix is an escaped war prisoner and her brother Stanley has lost part of his memory about the war.
An entertaining mystery.

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Snowblind by M.G. Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Emilie Garrick and boyfriend Sam are on a road trip in the States when they have an accident. Her brother receives that call while at a crime scene.
Prequel to the series.

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A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder by Dianne Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900. Augusta Ashley, Viscountess Winstead has asked Frances Hazelton to sponsor her niece Katherine Stover. When the Viscountess falls ill her friend Lady Esther asks Frances to investigate. Leading Frances to believe she has been drugged. But why and by whom. Meanwhile George Hazelton has been requested to search for the missing journal of deceased Lord Peter Winstead.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Shipping Murder by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the advise of her lawyer, Anne Ward invests a large amount of money in Martin and Channing, an Acceptance House for marine insurance underwriting. Facing a vast loss Eric Ward investigates the claim.
An interesting mystery
Originally published in 1986

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A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Swampshire. The Ashbrooks are holding g their annual Autumnal ball where a murder occurs (but not until a third of the book). Detective Drake and Beatrice Steele investigate.
Unfortunately not my sense of humour, just too much that was ridiculous for my tastes. Especially when I was expecting a tradional historical mystery. And I didn't really find the characters that likeable but I expect others would enjoy the story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Falconer and the Ritual of Death by Ian Morson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1271. It all starts with the discovery of a skeleton in a house being demolished. Deemed to have been dead for twenty years. But soon more recent deaths will need to be investigated by Falconer and Constable Bullock. Is there a connection between these deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1832 Yorkshire. While travelling Lord Gage has been attacked by highwaymen resulting in a serious injury and his footman, Gregory Reed, dead. In response Gage, Lady Kiera and Lord Henry travel to Wentbridge. Due to the unrest in the country is the attack politically motivated or more personal. Gage and Kiera investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Vampire on the Orient Express by Shane Carrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paris 1914. On board the Orient Express is Lucas Avery, British diplomat, and Sam Carter, a 22 year old American, a deserter from the Foreign Legion, where they are faced with an unknown danger. Can they and other passengers survive the danger.
An entertaining paranormal story.

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Mr Stoker and the Vampires of the Lyceum by Matthew Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1888. During rehearsals at the Lyceum, a scream is heard coming from the cellar resulting in the discovery of a young female who had been attacked. By whom and how. There is also the murders by Jack the Ripper, coupled with the suspicious behaviour of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry to contend with. What can Bram Stoker think or do to solve the mysteries.
An entertaining Victorian gothic tale. A well-written story with its interesting and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Klingon Gambit by Robert E. Vardeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Enterprise is ordered to Alnath II by chief of staff Admiral Tackett, as the vulcan space ship T'Pau crew have all died. Presumably by the Klingons orbiting the planet captained by Kalan. On the planet is Andoranon and archaeologist Dr Threllvon. Can Kirk keep the Klingons at bay while solving the riddle of the planet.
An entertaining re-read.

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The Hunt for Chen by Mark Romain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the body of Pranav Khan is discovered DCI Jack Tyler investigate. Though they soon know the name of the murderer they have a difficult time tracing him
An enjoyable modern police procedural.

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The Entropy Effect by Vonda N. McIntyre
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Enterprise is ordered to transport criminal Dr Georges Mordreax to rehabilitation, but he escapes and kills Captain Kirk. But soon Spock realises he must take action to prevent that death occurring.
An entertaining re-read.

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Death up the Aisle by Elizabeth Oakey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1927 Georgiana Wren to save herself from being on the shelf is about to marry Edward Mortimer, a man she hardly knows. But on a honeymoon in a remote English village, rather than the Continental honeymoon she envisaged, her husband is murdered on their wedding evening and she is arrested for his murder. Didn't take to her at all and so didn't find the mystery that interesting.

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The Catcher of Halensee by David J. Oldman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1947. The SIS have sent Harry Tennant to Berlin to liaise with a Socialist contactas the man he is replacing was thought to have committed suicide. But nothing is straightforward.
An interesting and well-written historical story.

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The Scent of Bones by Levi Fuller
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Miami Detective Claire Juno returns to Bute because of the ill health of her father. But decomposed body parts start being washed up on the shore and she wants to be involved in the investigation.
Unfortunately the story ends on a cliffhanger without revealing the murderer, and contains too many Americanisms.

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Shadowside by Neil Root
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1936. A Mrs Hopkins approached reporter Harry Rose as her daughter Dorothy, fifteen, has disappeared from the Sunnyside Asylum near Milston. She employs him to trace her whereabouts as she was last seen nearly three weeks earlier. To aid his investigation he is employed as an orderly. But progress is slow as he is without any help.
An interesting and well-written historical mystery with its plot twists. With its cast of varied and complicated characters it makes for an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Library Thing and am voluntarily leaving a review

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Inverness: A Jack Drummond Novella by Rena George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Inverness. The first body discovered is that of a young female pretending to be a ghost on a Ghost Walk. But tbere will be more bodies found on ancient burial sites. DI Jack Drummond investigates. But what is the motive.
An entertaining and quick read modern mystery.

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Jairus’ Torment by Mark Yarwood


The story starts with a flash mob on a train platform resulting in the death of two commuters, then two more deaths that of a politician and his mistress. DCI Jairus and his team investigate though he seems to go off on his own too often. When his previously unknown half-brother, and the local gangster both appeared I lost interest.

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Murder on the Champs-Élysées by Alex Mandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 Paris. The body of Paul Bacard is discovered not long after leaving the home of famous courtesan La Balise. Soon it is found that he was poisoned. But by whom and why. Then there is another death. Inspector Guillaume Devre investigates while battling with his own personal demons.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.

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Voices of the Dead by Ambrose Parry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1853 Edinburgh. It would seem that mesmerism has become an interest of Sarah's, but Raven is not convinced of its usefulnesspractical benefits And what of the powers of the medium known as Kimble. Meanwhile a human leg has been found in the office of Dr. Cooper. Later more body parts are discovered in the city, which leads finally to an identification and a suspect. But is all that it seems with mediums and mesmerism involved. Raven and Sarah investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters and interesting supporting cast of characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Isolated Séance by Jeri Westerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1895. Timothy Badger, ex Baker Street Irregular, and Benjamin Watson are employed by valet Thomas Brent to prove him innocent of the murder of his employer Horace Quinn. The death occurred at a séance at Quinn's home. Their investigations and life are helped by Sherlock Holmes. Can they find the motive and therefore the guilty party before any more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian mystery. A good start to this new series with its interesting and likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A Roaring Murder by Ava Ness
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1922. Lady Marigold Grey is returning to England from Istanbul on the train Lunar Express when there is a murder on board. Unfortunately she is just as annoying as her dog, that is quite a lot. The clues easily led to the guilty party.

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Cuddly Toy by Ed James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is DC Craig Hunter first day inScotland’s Sexual Offences Unit, where he and the team need to determine who is the rapist out of two suspects.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Daughter of Time by Sarah Woodbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Meg Lloyd and her 2 year old daughter are mysteriously transported back to 1268 Wales and the time of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales. How do they cope with their new lives.
An enjoyable story.

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The Geordie Murder by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eric Ward is aiming to get evidence against loan shark Sam Turriff but everyone is too scared to help. Meanwhile the granddaughter of wealthy business man Liam Geraghty is kidnapped.
An entertaining modern mystery.
Originally published in 1985

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A Dirty Death by Rebecca Tope
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Guy Beardon, farmer, us found one morning dead in the slurry pit on his farm. Accident or murder. The police are unsure until the next death.
Not many likeable characters but overall an enjoyable modern mystery.
Originally published in 1999

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Amending the Shades of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers


In this Pride and Prejudice variaion Elizabeth and mary Bennet are the only two memebers left of the family after illness spread throughout the area. They travel to derbyshire to stay with relations.
I just can'tbe bothered to read another story where Mary Bennet is married off to a vicar, especially one so much older.

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Fatal Legacy by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A.D. 90. It all starts with an unpaid restaurant bill at her Aunt Julia's cafe that finds Flavia employed to find the couple to obtain payment, which then leads to another case. That of, is Tranquilus Postuminus an actual freedman or still a slave. As this will affect his daughter’s future marriage.
Flavia home life was enjoyable to read about but the story seemed overly complicated, and not as enjoyable as previous stories in the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Final Frontier by Diane Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

2183. Commander George Samuel Kirk was 'recruited' from Starbase 2 to join Captain Robert April on a rescue mission on the newly finished Enterprise. The mission to save a spaceship and its passengers trapped in an ion storm. But things go wrong quickly and they end up in Romulean spce.
2208 Captain James Kirk reads his father's letters and reflects on his life and choices.
A re-read of an entertaining and well-written story.

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Find Her by Sarah A. Denzil
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Three couples stupidly decide to marry on Christmas Day in a fairly isolated hotel. So what could go wrong part fom a snow storm, a missing guest and a murder. Found the characters unlikeable though I did finish the book.

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Falconer and the Great Beast by Ian Morson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1268 The Tartars have sent an ambassador to Oxford to speak to the King, on their journey the entourage was joined by Roger Bacon, released from his cell in Paris and friend to Falconer. But soon Falconer is involved in a murder investigation with many suspects.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery by Riana Everly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1814 In this sequel, while staying with the Gardiners Mary Bennet meets Elinor Dashwood and they become close friends. Among the circle are the Ferrars brothers and the Steel sisters. Investigator Alexander Lyons arrives when a body is discovered, murdered.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its lovable and varied characters. Again another enjoyable addition to this delightful series. Another re-read.

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The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice by Wilkie Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1860. A broken engagement, then marriage, and finally death in Venice. Is the hotel where he died haunted.
Overall an enjoyable story
Originally written in 1879

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Then There was Mary by Amy Goddard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where all of Mary's sisters are now married. But she notices the failing health of her father. What becomes of her and Mrs Bennet when he dies.
A delightful story about my favourite Austen couple. A re-read.
(Does need proofreading.)

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Murder on the Home Front by Jessica Ellicott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 1940 Kingston-upon-Hull. WPC Billie Harkness and SPC Peter Upton while searching air raid shelters discover the body of a male who has several different I.D. cards on him. Who is he really and what has he been doing whilst in Hull. Billie and Peter are allowed to investigate. Meanwhile Billie suffers from harassment from one of the constables while Peter has his police badge stolen among other items from his lodging.
A well-written entertaining historical historical mystery with its likeable main 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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A Thief’s Justice by Douglas Skelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1716 Jonas Flynt, rogue and killer has been order by Colonel Charters of the Company of Rogues to follow Lord Fairgreave and report his activities. Doing so he meets Judge Dumont resulting in a short friendship. Dupont is lured to his death and molly Sam Yates arrested. His friend Belle believes him innocent and persuades Flynt to help her investigate. But there seems to be a Government plot against the Tory party. Is there any connection between these events.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery and thriller with a cast of interesting and varied 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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Murder in the Scottish Hills by Lydia Travers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1911. In response to an article that Maud McIntyre wrote in the Edinburgh Times she arranges a meeting with housemaid Rose Gilmour. Rose believes that her employers, the Anderson family of Braemar, who are art dealers are actually forging paintings and wishes to determine the truth. On travelling to Braemar Maud and Daisy change trains at Ballater Station only to discover a body, that of a Mr Bisset. Can they unravel the mysteries before someone else is killed.
An entertaining story. A well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. A good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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