To Catch a Poisoner: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Mystery by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation wher it would seem that there is a poisoner or group, out to harm military officers. Now it is the turn of Meryton and their officers. And Colonel Fitzwilliam has a plan.
An entertaining story

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Three Broken Bodies by Michelle Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three bodies are discovered all with the same m.o. but who are they and why are they dead. Meanwhile reporter Spearing has his own problems as his wife has been kidnapped. Can DI MacIntosh and his team solve the cases, while his private life might be getting more complicated.
An entertaining modern mystery.

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Twenty Years Buried by Michelle Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2014. Parts of a body of a female child have been discovered inside a suitcase next to the River Thames. The investigation of the area reveals bones of a female from 20 years ago. Meanwhile James Quinn is on the hunt to kill MacIntosh.
An entertainingmodern mystery

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The Queen's Jewel by Steven Veerapen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1587 London. It would seem that Marlowe has uncovered a papists plot concerning the Queen's Jewel. But what is it. Once again he is joined by Lewgar. But who is Arthur.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.

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The Adventure of the Time Machine: A Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1902 Dr. Watson is invited to Dover and the home of H.G. Wells to meet a man proclaiming that he has travelled through time from ancient Rome. After he disappears a body of a female is discovered and Wells arrested. The Baker Street team investigate but there is also the problem of the disappearance of a submarine to content with.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its group of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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An Epic Surprise: A Pride & Prejudice Vagary by Shana Granderson A Lady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet marrys Francis Gardener after she compromised him but she dies in giving birth to Jane. That means that Bennet can now marry the love of his life, Miss Priscilla Morris, and have four children, including two sons. How does affect all their futures especially with their connections to the aristocracy.
An entertaining story

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Sixteen Carved Pieces by Michelle Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Four years ago in 2009, the murderer known as The Bishop killed four young woman. Now with the same m.o. it appears that he is back. DI Jack MacIntosh and his team investigate the new and old killings.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Fateful Marriage by Elizabeth Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tunbridge Wells 1792. Did Mrs Isabel Brookhurst fall or was she pushed from the High Rocks. When a second death occurs Lady Fan is virtually order by the matriarch of the family, Portasia the Dowager Viscountess to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery.

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The Snows of Weston Moor by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1926 On the way to Cornwall and the home of the Fairfaxes, Lord Edgington and Christopher take a wrong turning and arrive at Weston Moor. Home of actor-manger Henry Snow, and his famous actress wife Georgiana who are holding a house party. Then the murders start.
An entertaining historical mystery.

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Shell Game by Melissa Crandall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Enterprise encounters what appears to be an abandoned Romulan Space Station but why is it floating in Federation space. Kirk send an away team, but soon power fluctuations and loss start affecting the ship and the space station.
An enjoyable re-read

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Fifteen Reasons to Kill by Michelle Kidd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It starts with the murder of 81 year old Eddie Wakefield. But what does the number 15 refer to that has been carved on his thigh. DI Jack MacIntosh and his team investigate, made complicated by the possible involvement of Jack's brother Stuart.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Multiples of Murder: Three Cases for Philip Bryce by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Death in an Office Kitchen - 30th August 1949 - While making coffee for his co-workers John Kemp is killed.
2. Death in the Public Baths - 1st September 1949 - Jack Carlo, Superintendent of the Baths discovers the body of 36 year old ex-con James Green, shot, in one of the pools.
3. Death on a London Bus - 18th June 1946 - Sergeant Harold Parkes is travelling on a bus between Romford and Aldgate when a body is discovered on the upper level. That of jeweller Gerry Gates.
Entertaining short stories.

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The Mystery of the Missing Frenchman: A Historical Mystery Women by H.L. Marsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1917. Colonel Louis Lamarchant has arrived in London looking for his missing cousin Francois, Marquis de Nagat, 25, and his sapphires. With the help of Inspector Derwent and WPS Dorothy Peto they start to trace his movements, taking them from London to Yorkshire.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting and varied characters which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Dead of Night by Robert McNeill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of 39 year old French man Maurice Hillard is discovered in a canal. When considering a motive it would seem that his love life may be to blame. DI Jack Knox and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Grave Intent by A.M. Peacock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It all starts with the death of 18 year old Robert Norris, and retribution. Plusba criminal with a killing list. But who is in charge. Lambert and his team investigate, until he gets too involved.
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Whisper of Death by Darcy Burke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1868 One evening Hadrian Becket, Earl of Ravenhurst is attacked. Resultingt in seeing visions. The first vision leads to the home of the very recently deceased Sir Henry Meacham, at the same time as Miss Matilda Wren, an investigator. Soon Matilda is employed by Ravenhurst, as they become suspicious of Meacham's death.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters, supported by a cast of varied personalities. 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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Murder in Black and White by Rob Lawton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1942. After having been found not guilty of the murder of friend Jeremy Hudson, NYPD Detective Jack Winston is determined to find the killer so he can clear his name.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Step in the Dark by Elizabeth Lemarchand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sherry party of the Ramsden Literary and Scientific Society. Soon part time library assistant Annabel Lucas is discovered dead. That and because of the theft of some old books Scotland Yard is brought in. Detectives Pollard and Toye investigate.
an entertaining mystery
Originally published 1976

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The Private Life of Dr Watson: John Watson before Sherlock Holmes by Michael Hardwick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Born 1852 to a drunk of a father and with an older brother not much better how will John Watson become the man that is an important associate of Sherlock Holmes.
An interesting story

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A Novel Way to Kill: A 1920s Mystery Novella by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lord Edgington is invited by the Shipley sisters to dinner. All three writers of various renown. The next morning a body is discovered in the garden, was it pushed or did it jump.
An entertaining mystery novella

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The Cowes Week Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(2015) DS Cantelli's nephew, Jonnie Oslow, has gone missing after arriving In Portsmouth from Sardinia. Then a body is found at the Hilsea Lines.
An entertaining modern mystery
(though Horton's search for information about the disappearance of his mother is becoming tedious)

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The Queen's Gold by Steven Veerapen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1585 Corpus Christi College Cambridge. Christopher 'Kit' Marlowe is on the trail of the gold that was to suppose to be on the sunken Sparrowhawk. One of Drake's ships. He takes bedfellow Thomas Lewgar on his journey.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Twelve Saints of Christmas by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1923. Scotland Yard have a new case for Lennox and Swift. A suspicious death has occurred of one of the 'Saints' living in Temple House, Bath. But after they arrive another death happens. What is the connection and the motive.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Master of the Art of Detection by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Adventure of Kisin's Curse - Holmes' presence is requested because of a death at the Explorations Club.
2. The Most Winning Woman - 1895 - A parcel arrives containing a death certificate and a letter from a Mrs Windom. Holmes' explanation involves a case from 1880 concerning murder and attempted murder.
3. The Adventure of the Missing Heiress - The daughter of Squire Northridge of Casterby estate has disappeared.
4. The Adventure of Lafitte's Missing Treasure - On receiving correspondence from Mrs West in New Orleans concerning a missing husband and buried pirate treasure Holmes investigates
5. The Disappearance of Lord Boatswain - A show and much loved Dog has reportedly gone missing.
6. The Disappeance of Lady Frances Carfax - Lady Frances was last seen at Lausanne and Watson is on his way to investigate
7. The Return of Lady Frances Carfax - Holmes has agreed to find Lady Frances' stolen jewels to help her poor financial situation. Holmes also has other plans.
8. The Adventure of the Empty House by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - 1894 - Dr Watson decides to investigate the death of Ronald Adair when he is confronted by an alive Holmes
9. The Curious Incident of the Howling Dog on Baker Street - How Cyril the cat and Ezra the dog, help Holmes is capturing Colonel Moran
An entertaining and well-written selection of short stories with the likeable and interesting Holmes and Watson characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Death Count by L.A. Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Andorian scientist Muav Haslev has disappeared after working for Orions and consequently increasing tensions between the two species. The Enterprise is on patrol on the area but is there a sabotor on board causing accidents.
An entertaining re-read.

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The Tower by J.J. Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blackpool. While a depressed Anthony Singelmann, a clown, is pushed to his death he is told to be kinder. Online forums indicate there may be a vigilante in the town. DCI Jonathan Walker and DC Briggs are brought in to investigate. Then another death is linked to kindness and a new movement is born, ready to conflict retribution during Bonfire Night. But who started this and why.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its interesting and likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Innocent and the Dead by Robert McNeill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Includes a prequel The Labyrinth - The body of 27 year old Elizabeth O'Brian is discovered on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.
In the Innocent and the Dead daughter of wealthy Sir Nigel Tavener is kidnapped for ransom. With the police involved against the kidnappers instructions will she survive. Meanwhile the body of 18 year old Patti McCormack has been found in Figgate Park.
Entertaining modern mysteries

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A Rather Difficult Conundrum by Geoffrey Start
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

7 August 1922. Sir William "Wispy" Fescue is approached by wealthy shipping magnate Sir Chester Eastoff and Lady Alberta as their 24 year old daughter Florence went missing six weeks ago, and the police have failed to find her. Now they have received a ransom demand and want to employ his agency in finding her. But with Eastoff having enemies, who can they trust, and who is actually involved.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied and likeable characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Amateur Crime by A.B. Cox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pat Doyle and Guy Nesbitt discover thatbthey are both interested in the psychology of a murderer's mind, and so concoct a plan. Arrange a situation where a person (Matthew Priestley) thinks he has committed a murder. What could go wrong.
The perpetrators of this hoax are quite unlikeable which cannot come as a surprise.
Originally published in 1928

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When Mary Met the Colonel: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Victoria Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, at the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth, the Colonel escaping from the attentions of Kitty Bennet and Maria Lucas, rushes into the Longbourn garden. There he finds in a sheltered spot Mary Bennet. Has the Colonel finally found an intelligent lady, has Mary found some one who appreciates her.
An entertaining and delightful and well-written story which I have read many times
Loved this tale though would have wished it to be much longer. For me the best of this author's stories.
Another re-read, a yearly event

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RUSE by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A music night at his pub, brings in much needed money but then a female body is discovered in the toilets and money missing from the till. Meanwhile several hold ups occur by the same people. DI West and her team investigate aided by Munro.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable characters. Another good addition to this series which I hope will continue.

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Penury by Pete Brassett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The new hotel owner Rebecca Barlow is discovered dead in the garden by security engineer Alan MacDuff. To be investigated by DI Byrne and his team who are floundering. But what is the motive and the connection to the next murder. DI Charlie West and her team added by retired James Munro investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Games Keeper by Jack Benton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.I. Slim Hardy is employed by wealthy Ollie Ozgood to find out who is actually blackmailing him. As the named culprit is dead. He knows this as he killed him. Can Hardy stay sober long enough to find the answer.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Crimes of Clearwell Castle by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 School has ended for Christopher, so he and his grandfather are off on holiday to visit relations in Clearwell Castle. The village has already experienced a death and soon after their arrival there is another.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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The Felixstowe Murder by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1949 Newly wed DCI Philip Bryce and wife Veronica are staying at the Metropole Hotel, when during afternoon tea a guest falls dead. D.I. Trevor Catchpole aided by the Bryces investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Case of Desecration in the West by Douglas Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Scotland 1691. Ann, Duchess of Hamilton has asked advocate John MacKenzie to investigate the death of Bethia Porterfield, granddaughter of one of her ladies-in-waiting. She was judged to be a suicide. He is helped by friend Davie Scougall.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Wobble to Death by Peter Lovesey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1879. The Agricultural Hall is holding a six day race. Then the death of a competitor brings in Sergeant Cribb to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Making of Margaret Dashwood by Carol Pratt Bradley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1797 A Sense and Sensibility sequel, as her two older sisters are married what is in store for the remaining Dashwood daughter, 16 year old Margaret.
A delightful and well-written story.

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Sanctuary by John Vornholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Enterprise is chasing criminal Auk Rex, and find themselves near the mystical planet Sanctuary. The fabled world which is supposed to be a refuge for the persecuted. Kirk, Spock and McCoy follow Rex in a shuttle down onto the planet only to find there is no way back.
An entertaining re-read.

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Burnt Out Secrets by Adam Lyndon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Detective Barnes is still hunting for the killer of his wife. Meanwhile a female has escaped from her captors, can she lead the police to the human trafficking gang's hideout.
A modern mystery

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The Canary Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Margaret Oell known as The Canary is found strangled in her locked apartment by her maid. District Attorney John Markham invited Philo Vance to the crime scene. As they and the police investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published 1927

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Buried in the Past by Elizabeth Lemarchand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1971-1972. Corbury is about to celebrate its Millenary, but Bernard Lister may have information to dispute this. Meanwhile Sir Miles LeWarne last heir has died and he wants to draw up a new will. But soon there is a disappearance. Detectives Pollard and Toye investigate.
an entertaining mystery.
Originally published 1974.

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A Proud Woman by Sarah F. Noel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1897. The Earl of Pembroke is dead and his heir has finally been traced as 'Wolf' Wolfson Chesterton who worked as a thief taker. Soon the widow, Tabitha, (not really that likeable) and Wolf are involved in an investigation. The Duke of Somerset has been discovered dead and a diamond necklace stolen.
A decent start to a new series.

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The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes: Dr Watson's secret memoirs unearthed... by Michael Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1970/71. Canadian Dr Watson retrieved a strong box left in a bank which was not to be opened for 50 years. He found that it contained unpublished manuscripts detailing Holmes cases.
The Singular Affair of the Russian Ballarina - 1885 - So what did Holmes do to acquire his violin.
The Girl from the River - 1888 - A female is rescued from a river and wants Holmes to find her husband.
Entertaining stories.

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The Oyster Quays Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2014 In Number One Dock the body of Dr Douglas Spalding is discovered soon after giving a lecture. It is deemed not suspicious except to DI Horton, then another 'non suspicious' death occurs.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Fast Train to the Grave by C.A.W. Parker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Private eye Rusty Macduff while travelling by train finds himself with a dead male, killed while he was the only other one in the carriage. He investigates.

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My Kind of Scoundrel by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miss Eleanor Darrow, modiste, and messager of letters between the Ton has had her box of secrets stolen by Theodore Chance on a dare. Now her life is in danger. Who can she trust to turn to for help.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery and romance with its likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(Mature Content)




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The Murders in Praed Street by John Rhode
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first to die in Praed Street is greengrocer James Tovey. But there will be more. Inspector Whyland investigates but has no idea to why or by whom. Eventually Dr Priestley enters the narrative.
An entertaining historical mystery though the reader knows the motive.

Originally Published 1928

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Captain Wentworth's Devotion by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation, where Captain Wentworth has returned and is staying with his sister Sophia at Kellynch Hall, where he meets a mysterious lady who is treated as a servant.
An awful Louise and Mary Musgrove. Can there be a happy ending for the captain and the lady.
An enjoyable short story

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In Sherlock's Shadow by Liz Hedgecock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nell Hudson due to financial constraints takes on an undercover assignment in a department store suffering from thefts. Meanwhile Sherlock is trying to find a missing prisoner and Mycroft is under suspicion as military secrets are being leaked.
An entertaining historical mystery

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