The Christmas Bell Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1927 Christmas. After meeting a distraught Holly Bridport on a train claiming someone is trying to kill her grandfather Christopher is determined to trace and help her with the aide of Lord Edgington. consequently the family arrive at her home when not long after a killing occurs.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Resurrection Mystery by Karen Charlton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814. Baron Humphery Poppleton lies dead in the morgue for two days, then he wakes up. Has he been poisoned, if so, why, how, and by whom. Meanwhile there would seem to be a gang of female thiefs acting in London. Lavender and Woods have their cases to solve plus the case of libel actioned by Richard Garbutt on three men. But then several bodies are discovered.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters.

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Firestorm by L.A. Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On the planet Rakaten the Elasians have a covert mining operation which interferes with the Federation's geological expedition. The Elysian Dolman has claimed the planet. The Enterprise is sent to mediate.
An entertaining re-read

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Murder at King’s Crossing by Andrea Penrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1814 When Jasper Milton, member of Revolutions-Per-Minute Society is murdered by 'Axe' the Wexfords are notified of the death. But his important papers for a revolutionary idea for bridge building have gone missing with number of groups searching for them. But who is the killer of more than Milton. Wexford and his extended family investigate.
An entertaining and well-written histoical mystery with its interesting and likeable 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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SLAY RIDE: A Bastille Mysteries short story by Peter Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1791 Policeman Rouget Maison in on a mission to Vienna but a price has been put on his head. Can he survive the journey
An enjoyable short story.

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An Assassination on the Agenda by T.E. Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1912 Harry, Lady Hardcastle's brother sends her and Florence to Bristol as a SSB (Secret Service Bureau) agent has been shot. But this is just the beginning as they find themselves in London embroiled with a possible assassination attempt on a foreign royal family member.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting main characters.

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Burn it All Down by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A house burnt down, a dead doctor, and the wife, missing also a doctor. Then another arson attack.
Why and by whom. DCI Duncan Bone and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery. Another good addition to this entertaining series.

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Death Foretold: Words can kill... by Angela Ranson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1561 Queen Elizabeth employs Lady Catrin to determine the source of a prophecy which foretells the death of members of the court. The first to die is a maid of honour. But that is not even the beginning.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and/or interesting characters.


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Night Comes Falling by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cyclist and womaniser Martin Burns, 42, is killed in a hit and run car accident in Cullenbrae. Which turns into a murder investigation. An unwelcoming village which saw multiple murders 40 odd years ago. DCI Bone and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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SUSPICIONS OF A PARLOURMAID and THE NORFOLK RAILWAY MURDERS: Two cases for DCI Bryce by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Suspicions of a ParlourMaid - Dulwich Village- Effie Williams is suspicious of the cause of death of here elderly employer Mrs Eloise Latimer and contacts Scotland Yard to states her reasons.
2. The Norfolk Railway Murder - 1949 - three dead males in several days are discovered all near the railways. Finally Scotland Yard are brought in to investigate.
Entertaining historical mysteries

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Heir to Murder by Tony Bassett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Miles Kenworth, flat owner and constant playing of very loud music is found dead with an axe embedded in his head. Found by neighbour set on stopping the music. So who did kill him and why.
An enjoyable mofern mystery

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Change For The Worse by Elizabeth Lemarchand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1978. An open house event at the Regency Fairlynch Manor results in an unwelcome visitor, and paintings stolen from the locked house which also results in a death. Pollard and Toye investigate
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1981

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Isle of the Dead by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

During a severe winter snow storm DCI Bone is convinced he has seen people boat to Balhuish Island 'The Isle of the Dead'. Next morning he discovers two bodies, one of which is barely alive. The storm hampers the teams investigation.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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Summers Slain by Cassie Rush
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1923 Lady Gayle Summer has inherited Bethencourt Castle from her father. But is someone out to kill her, when she is shot at (though she is unaware of the fact) and then her guest and friend Lady Sylvia is shot. Didn't really take to the character of Gayle.

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Mr Campion's Christmas by Mike Ripley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1962 Charterers, the snowbound farmhouse home of the Campions in Norfolk is invaded over Christmas by seven travellers and the bus driver, some of which are pilgrims to the Shrine of our Lady in Walsingham. But are they who they say they are and what do they want.
An entertaining and well-written mystery and thriller with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

(Reported to be the last in the series)

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Pretending to Love Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the story continues on from 'His Father's Last Gift'. So what will be the result of Colonel Fitzwilliam's strategy to pretend to befriend Mary Bennet. Especially now that his parents have arrived in time for the Netherfield Ball.
A delightful and well-written romance story with its very likeable character. Another re-read.

(Sequel to His Father's Last Gift)

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His Father's Last Gift: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth is attending to an ill Jane at Netherfield Park. During her stay Elizabeth meets and talks with Darcy where he apologizes for his behaviour. Meanwhile Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives with the last letter Darcy Senior wrote to his son. These events, combined with Jane showing her steely character, will this change the timing of future events, especially when Wickham and Mr. Collins arrive in the neighbourhood.
A delightful and well-written story, with its lovely characters. I even liked Darcy in this enjoyable variation.
Another good addition to this series. Another re-read

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An Act of Foul Play by T.E. Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1911. It's Lady Emily Hardcastle's 44th birthday and she is celebrating the event at the Duke's Theatre in Bristol. As the second act opens a body is discovered on the stage. Inspector Sunderland, a guest, asks for the help of Emily and Florence Armstrong as he is not convinced that Inspector Wyatt is up to the job.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Great Starship Race by Diane Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rey a previously unknown race have contacted the Federation. Hoping to join they are hosting a Starship race,but then the Romulans turn up, with Kirk suspects a different agenda.
An enjoyable re-read

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A Killer in the Wings by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1927. Christopher's friend actor Marmaduke Adelaide needs the help of Edgington. An actor, Peter Canning, in the London play 'A Killer in the Wings' has been killed, accident or murder. But the play has been cursed with several 'accidents'.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters

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The South Binness Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An abandoned boat with the interior covered in blood and a missing owner. That and the possible crime of art theft - genuine paintings being replaced by forgeries and no break in at the art gallery - keep DI Andy Horton and his team busy as they investigate both cases.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Arguing With Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues in this Pride and Prejudice variation as the house party at Netherfield carries on. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet continue to argue with each other. Thankfully for them neither is looking for marriage, or are they.
A well-written and delightful story. Another entertaining re-read. Once again

(Sequel to With Quill and Ink.)

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With Quill and Ink by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

September 1811 In this Pride and Prejudice variation Bingley has leased Netherfield off the new owner Darcy. But because part of the garden has been bequeathed to Elizabeth Bennet by the previous owner, Netherfield cannot be sold until Elizabth marries. Colonel Fitzwilliam, guest of Bingley, suggests a house party to find the perfect gentleman for her.
An entertaining and well-written story.with its cast of varied and likeable characters. Even the unlikeable ones were interesting. I loved this forthright Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet.
Enjoyable re-read, once again.

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The Luccombe Bay Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2020 the first body is found in a beach hut in Luccombe Bay, but who was he. But two more bodies will be found. Again who are they really. Will Horton finally find out the truth about his mother.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Midnight with Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation. December 1811. Elizabeth and Mary Bennet have returned to Longbourn while the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families stay at Netherfield. Will my favourite couple of the Colonel and Mary get their heart's desire. Or will circumstances get in the way.
A delightful and well-written Pride and Prejudice sequel. A re-read of this story. Another re-read of this enjoyable story. Again.

[Sequel to Christmas in Gracechurch Street]

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Christmas in Gracechurch Street by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

November 1811. In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Collins is visiting Longbourn, and Mr Bennet decides to take action. Soon an invitation from the Gardiners arrive for Elizabeth and Mary. Meanwhile Darcy has gone to town hoping to forget Elizabeth. But he has not bargained for Bingley's initial action and the results it brings.
An enjoyable and well-written story, a delightful re-read with its interactions of various characters.
Another enjoyable re-read, Again

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A Dangerous Trade by Steven Veerapen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1569. Amy, laundress and Jack Cole, stableman, are sent to the Earl of Shrewsbury household by their master the Duke of Norfolk. To basically spy on their captive, Mary Queen of Scots. But they both become embroiled in various plots. Can they survive them.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. A good start to this new series.

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Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejuive sequel, Colonel Fitzwillian is visiting Hertfordshire looking for a different life. But another reason slowly matures, he becomes aware that he would like to have a wife, but who. Can he avoid the matchmakers and find his happy ending.
A delightful and well-written story, with is very likeable characters.
It can easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the prequel - Matching Mr. Darcy (Sweet Possibilities, #1) first.
A re-read of this story again. And again.

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Matching Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy's offensive words about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly do not go unchallenged. On asking Elizabeth for a dance, Elizabeth throws his words back at him. He becomes intrigued by her response but what will he do. But with this couple nothing can be straightforward.
A delightful well-written story where all the characters are likeable. I especially like this Bingley, and Mary.
A re-read so that I can read the sequel again. And again.

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The Killing Parade: by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deborah 'Dee Dee', 20, a famous local talent singer is discovered battered and dead. With the message that there will be more. DCI Duncan Bone and his team investigate
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its likeable characters

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Blood on the Banisters by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1927. As per Fairfax tradition, the groom, Albert Prentiss, will spend the evening before his wedding with Cassandra's family and vice versa. Only to discover the whole family under the thrall of the wealthy mother, the Duchess of Hinwick. So no surprise when she is found dead. lord Edgington and Christopher investigate to prove Albert innocent
An entertaining historical mystery

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Silent Tide by Alex Scarrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Bill Boyd after two years of compassionate leave has relocated from London to Hastings to be thrust straight into a murder inquiry, a drifting boat with just some human remains. But where will the case lead him and his team.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its likeable main characters. A good start to a new series

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Spoiler’s Prey by Robin Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1748. The enclosures have reached the village of Ingolside, County Palatine. Dr Fidelis is treating the mother of the Squire Mrs Sarah Lumsden and informs County Coroner Titus Cragg of the death of enclosure commissioner John Lavenham. Cragg travels to the area to investigate. But he has much to uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting 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 Lost Boys by Tim Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raymond Cross informs his son DS George Cross that a dementia sufferer, 75 year old Arthur Turnbull, in the care home, has been accused of being a murderer by another resident Peter Osborne. He has been accused of killing his father, boys home manager, in 1955. Cross and his team investigate.
A well-written short story

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Sting of Death by Shelley Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wife and mother of four, Linda Campion lies dead at the bottom of the stairs at Hawksmoor House. A post mortem finds that she has been stabbed but by whom and why. Soon the plot just gets more 'complicated'.
Overall entertaining enough
Originally published in 1951

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The Rat Island Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2018. Five skeletons have been discovered on 'Rat' island in Portsmouth Harbour, discovered by retired Neil Brandon, one of which prves to be a recent death. Back in 2005 local MP Dudley Goldsby was found dead, why is his daughter contacting various people including Horton. Then there is a death.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Chantecoq and the Mystery of the Blue Train by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the husband of Madame Roscanvel is killed by her supposed lover Julien Gueret, he is arrested. She approaches Chantec0q to prove his innocence.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Machinations of a Murderer: A 1940s Philip Bryce story by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949. Dr Robin Whitaker, who once had a successful career which was derailed by his personal faults has decided that his wealthy but controlling wife Dulcie has to die. So he makes plans. He needs suspects and the perfect alibi which he starts to set up. Once the murder has taken place circumstances lead Scotland Yard Detectives Bryce and Haig to lead the investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Guernsey Ferry Murders by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2017. While on Guernsey Di Horton received a call concerning a body found in the ferry. But this will not be the only suspicious death. Are any of them connected.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Wolf Hunts Alone by Rhys Dylan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Evan Warlow while out walking his neighbour's dog comes across suspicious behaviour of a man, he decides to investigate.
An entertaining short story

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Headline Murder by Peter Bartram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brighton 1962. Colin Crampton crime correspondent for the Evening Chronicle believes his is onto a scoop. A disappearance and a dead body but can he keep to his deadline and the girl. Along the way can he redeem a dead soldier's name.
An entertaining and well-written mystery

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

1919. The first to die of the wealthy Greene family is eldest daughter Julia. But soon more will die. But who is the killer. D.A. Markham, Sergeant Ernest Heath and Philo Vance investigate.
An entertaining historical murder mystery
Originally published in 1928

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The Pemberley Vampire Hunters: Book I: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Huw Lyan Thomas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1806. Vampires are real and exist around Pemberley, in this time, but the senior Darcy and Wickham are killed, a fight between the vampires, the Bingleys, Darcy and Captain Fitzwilliam, Hurst and Anne de bourgh. But who in the future will succumb to the allure of the vampires.
Unfortunately it doesn't seem there will be more in the series, but still an enjoyable read.

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From the Depths by Victor Milán
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okeanos, a water world the natives, the Susuru are in conflict with an ex-federation colony. The Enterprise is sent to mediate but the Klingons have already arrived.
An entertaining re-read

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Dead Man's Stone by T.G. Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fourteen year old Dermott Cowrie was killed in 1979, not a suicide as officially recorded. Now because of information received DCI Duncan Bone is back from leave to investigate. But soon the killings will start but by whom.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Hidden Harm by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1915. Western Front. A pilot taking aerial photographs has had them stolen while being attacked and injured. Becky and Flynn have been entrusted to find the plates. But is there a spy in their midst.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters

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Murder at the Matinee by Jamie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1934 Playwright Alice Crawford invited Bertie Carroll to the last matinee performance of her play because an advertisement stated there would be a murder in the third act. After the end of the play a body is discovered and DCI Hugh Chapman investigates. Alice and Bertie decide also to ask questions.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main character.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Murder in the Countryside by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1936. While out replacing cider jars at Wassail Farm, in the nearby village of Stoke Gabriel, Kitty Bryant discovers the owner dead. Due to his character there is a long list of suspects. His sister-in-law Norma Blake employes the investigative services of the Bryants. But soon there is another murder.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main 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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A Snare of Deceit: Elizabethan espionage and intrigue by C.P. Giuliani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1587 A plot has been devised by Sir Francis Walsingham and Thomas to force the Queen to sign the death warrant of Mary. But one of the players has been killed, but by whom.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery/thriller

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A Case for the Sea: A Regency Romance Inspired by Jane Austen’s Sanditon by Alma Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Sanditon variation where Charlotte Heywood is married to Sydney Parker and living in Sanditon, which is being financed in part by Miss Frederica Lambe, heiress. Who has vowed never to marry. Lawyer Henry Haywood is unfortunately in love with her.
An entertaining and well-written story

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