Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1816 Emma Knightley is shocked by the announcement by her father, that he is to marry Miss Bates. But even more so when at the engagement party held at Donwell Abbey a maid dies. But is it murder. What are the strange lights in the area. Emma decides to investigate with the help of Miss Bates. But more shocks are yet to come.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Case of the Peruvian Diamond by G.W. Colkitto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Contessa Marguerite Del Sechura employs Symes and Ritson to find her stolen diamonds. But all it not what it seems.
An enjoyable story

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Vengeance is Mine - A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Caroline Bingley has been ruined, and when Darcy refuses to marry her as payment of a supposed debt owned to the Bingleys, Charles vows to take revenge on the Darcy family. How does this change the future of the Bingleys and the future of the families they meet. In this story it is not just Elizabeth that is her father's favourite but also Mary. Mrs Bennet's favourites, the other three, all because they have the same colouring as her, blond and blue eyed.
An entertaining story with lots of new characters added.
An enjoyable re-read, again.

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The Holly Village Murders by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1928. Lady Bella's "Aunt" Adele has died after attending the family party. So Bella and Marius decide to visit her home at Holly Village in Highgate only to become suspicious about her death. Eventually they inform friend Detective Inspector Lovebrook for his help. But what will their investigation reveal.
An entertaining and well-written 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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Shooter on the Moor by Ric Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of local businessman and property developer, Maxwell Birchwood,is discovered shot on the moor. But why and by whom. Due to an overload of work ex-DCI Ward is sanctioned to investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Gentleman's Rescue: How Bingley Met Darcy by Brandon Dragan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice prequel. How did Bingley and Darcy meet and Bingley’s father is accused of fraudulent actions.
An enjoyable short story

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Mary's Story: Pride and Prejudice and Potions by J. Ann Curtis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern day Pride and Prejudice variation situated in Austen Heights, Maine, where the Bennet daughters are half Witch and half fae. Isabella Ravenswood has been murdered and wants Mary, who turns out to also be a medium, to find her killer. Is it werewolf Frank Churchill, Mary's crush.
An entertaining and well-written variation with its likeable characters.

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Towards Zero by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Camilla, Lady Tressilian holds a house party at her home of Gull's Point only for a death to occur. Superintendent Battle is visiting his nephew Inspector Leach nearby so they investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Maxwell’s Curse by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Years Eve 2000, and Maxwell discovers a body on his doorstep. That of recluse Elizabeth Pride. But what of the rumours concerning sinister happenings at the Beauregard sports club.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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

A modern sequel to P&P 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

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Lottie Pursues Bill by Kristi Rose
My rating: 5 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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Murder Most British by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1941, at the BBC Bush House, British agent Tabitha Moore has been discovered dead. It is deemed necessary to send Jane Treen in undercover as her mother's pianist. Meanwhile Arthur Cilento tries to uncover the coded messages in the broadcasts. But are they safe as they try to find the murderer
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its delightful and interesting 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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THE THORPE HAZELL MYSTERIES – Complete Series: 9 Thrillers in One Volume: The first amateur railway detective—vegetarian sleuthing with immaculate plotting by Victor L. Whitechurch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thorpe Hazell, book collector and railway enthusiast investigates cases.
1. Peter Crane's Cigars - how is crane able to undercut the price of cigars sols at Henry Brett's shop.
2. The Tragedy of the London and Mid-Northern - investigates a death on the train as it approaches Manningford Station.
3. The Affair of the Corridor Express -A schoolboy disappears from a train
4. Sir Gilbert Murrell's Picture - How and why were Murrell's painting removed from a train.
5. How the Bank was saved
6. The Affair of the German Dispatch-box - can he arrange to prevent a despatch box from reaching its destination
7. How the Bishop kept his appointment - After their train is derailed can he get the abishop to his appointment on time
8. The Adventure of the Pilot Engine - who can save the special train and its occupant.
9. The Stolen Necklace - Miss St. John Mallaby borrowed her aunt's stolen which is then stolen.
Enjoyable short stories

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Republic by Michael Jan Friedman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 1312.4 Captain Kirk reflects on his first meeting with Gary Mitchell, and the progression to become his best friend.
An entertaining re-read

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The Case of the Highland Laird by G.W. Colkitto
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A fishing holiday in the Scottish Highlands results in Symes and major Ritson solving a murder of a man found on a beach, with only his footprints seen.
Too much written in the vernacular

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Beyond Pride, Past Prejudice: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where is there any chance for Elizabeth and Darcy after the Hunsford proposal. Various people help or hinder the events.
An entertaining and well-written story

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The Game's Afoot by Richard Foreman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1415. Reynard de Troyes is believed to be heading for Scotland to deliver gold from the French to the Scottish so that can wage war against England. Thomas Chaucer and his men are sent to prevent this.
An entertaining story

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The Scrooge Conspiracy: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1941 Oakwood Manor are holding a Christmas play for the evacuee children staying there when the American actor/director is found murdered. Soon the lovable Sleuths are involved in the murder and espionage.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Belgrave Square Murder (Penny Green Short Mystery by Emily Organ
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1883 Timber merchant Rocert Wickford has been killed outside his home in Belgrave Square.
A Short story

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The Hidden City by Charles Finch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1879 Lenox investigates the death of an apothecary, killed seven years previously. But then, when a murder occurs and he finds the same mark carved outside another shop, as with the cold case, he begins to wonder. Are there marks elsewhere, and possible further deaths. How will the investigation conflict with problems in his personal life.
An entertaining historical mystery. 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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Murder of a Vampire by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1869 Redmond and Haze investigate when the body of a female is discovered buried in unconsecrated grounds. Buried as would a vampire, as the local populace feared she was. Can they discover who she was and why she was treated so.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a train journey Luke Fitzwilliam ex-colonial policeman hears a story from a Miss Pinkertons. A story containing allegations of a serial killer in her village off Wychwood. He decides to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The English School of Murder by Ruth Dudley Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Robert Amiss has resigned from his civil service job in a huff. He is persuaded to help the police and apply to work as a teacher at the English school. As there has been one death and one attack on the teachers.
an entertaining mystery

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Murder on the Prince Regent by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1859. When the body of passenger Lord Anthony Blackstock is discovered on board the American ship the Prince Regent, Detective Bell is sent to investigate and Nurse Gemma Bell accompanies him, officially because of her medical experience. But where is Lady Blackstock as she seems to have vanished. They must find the killer before the ship docks or the killer may escape.
An entertaining and well-written 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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The Castle: A Lancashire Detective Mystery by J.J. Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A body is found hanging from the Lancaster Castle walls. Now DCI Walker and his team have a murder and a puzzle to solve. Will they do so before the next death.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the house part at Chimneys the temporary home of the Cootes it is decided to play a prank on one of the guests. Unfortunately he is discovered dead the next morning. But what is the importance of the seven alarm clocks, and a whispered sentence by another man as he lay dying. Various people decide to investigate including Superintendent Battle.
An entertaining historical mystery
1929

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Submitting to Change: Pride and Prejudice Variation- A Mary Bennett Story by C.P. Bridges
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel, with three sisters married and Kitty mainly away from home, what is life at Longbourn for Mary. Can she come to terms with her life or does she want a change. Can her family help her. Can she have her happy ending.
A delightful story. Another re-read.
A pity it is not longer
(It does need proofreading)

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The Case of the Missing Heiress by G.W. Colkitto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1895 Miss Sophia Fitzwarton , heiress has gone missing from the Scottish home she was sent to, three years previously.
An enjoyable though fairly obvious mystery

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Redemption by Janis Miracchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice why are Jane and Elizabeth treated better than the other 3 daughters of Longbourn. Even they don't know. How will this affect the future of them all, including the parents. But what of Georgiana Darcy and Wickham.
An entertaining story.

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Cold Case on the Moor by Ric Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fifteen years after she went missing the body of Maureen Villers, 31, is discovered in the recently dried up Swinfeld Reservoir. Ward is asked by the husband Tim to investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Crime in the Hospital by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of Dr Warr, of Newham Hospital, who disappeared a year ago has finally been discovered. Markham and his team investigate . But there have been reports of patients gone missing from the hospital. Is there a connection with police corruption.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Mary Bennet and the Haunting of Longbourn by Joyce Harmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary returns to Longbourn for Kitty's wedding. But happenings start occurring in the house, but why. And is there a local gentleman interested in Mary, a non-magical one. Would that cause problems.
An entertaining and well-written story with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Their Share of Vexations by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Elizabeth runs from Longbourn after a proposal of marriage from a vicar. But this is not Collins. The result leaves Elizabeth's reputation in shreds and only one of her sisters stands by her. But it is not Jane. There is disharmony, revenge, cruelty, (definitely mature content) but also happy endings for quite a few people. Will the guilty get their just punishment. Will I be happy in the outcome for Mary Bennet?
With all of that I found it a delightful story even in the re-read, again.

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Two Truths and a Murder by Colleen Cambridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mrs Phyllida Bright is invited to a dinner party at the Rollingbrookes. A game of Two Truths and One Lie is introduced by guest Genevra Blastwick, of which one was 'I saw a murder'. This results in a death presumed because of the statement. Phyllida investigates but which death in the village in the past year was a murder.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery with its cast of varied characters. Another good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
(1933)

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Death on the Night Train to Verona: A 1920s Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

September 1929. Lord Edgington and Christopher plus staff are travelling from Rome to Verona when a murder occurs. They investigate hoping to discover the murderer before their arrival.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Case of the Asphyxiated Alexandrian: The Masked Man of Cairo Book 5 by Sean McLachlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wall's past is catching up on him when two war comrades arrive in Egypt. They, are in opposition to Australian ex-soldiers, who believe they have found the tomb of Alexander the Great.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Murder at the Pageant by Victor L. Whitechurch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1929 Frimley Manor Pageant. At the end of the day a body is discovered and a string of pearls stolen. The police led by Superintendent Kinch and aided by Captain Roger Bristow, once a member of the Secret Service, investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1930.

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The Spies of Hartlake Hall by R.L. Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1917 A body is discovered in a locked room, with a telegram from the German Foreign Ministry. Patrick Gallagher of the British Secret Service, is called in to investigate, and so the possible suspects are invited to his family's current home, Hartlake Hall. Then it gets complicated.
An entertaining and interesting well-written historical spy mystery with its cast of diverse characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Colour My World: A Pride & Prejudice variation by Barry S. Richman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where an accident leaves Elizabeth seeing a person's coloured aura. That and the arrival of a governess, Mrs Ecclestone, how will these events affect the Bennet family's future.
An entertining and well-written story

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The Witches of Pitfeldry by Harriet Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1842 Carswell and Giles's families are on holiday in Pitfeldry, home of Carswell's adopted parents. There they are faced with the death of a local woman and her sister accused of witchcraft.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death in the Borders by Aline Templeton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is there a connection between Felix Trentham dying from an overdose, his sister involved in a hit and run, and the break-in in the home of their mother, world famous and wealthy Hanna Harper. Eventually DCI Strang arrives to investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Mr Darcy Gets Angry: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice (revised) variation, post Hunsford, Elizabeth and the Gardiners are travelling, and are invited to stay at Pemberley and meet Darcy's relations which makes him rethink his proposal. Later at Longbourn Mary has discovered a letter, which if true then the Henry family is trying to trap Colonel Fitzwilliam into committing treason. Can the Colonel be saved. What can Elizabeth and Mary do to help.
An entertaining story

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Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A journey on the Nile with a variety of characters. Their peace is shattered by a murder. Can Poirot solve the crime.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. After watching several different films this is my first read of the original work.

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Maxwell's Ride by M.J. Trow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1997. Maxwell's nieces are visiting him and on one of the days he takes them to the Magicworld funfair. Where in the ride in front a man is shot. Who would want to murder an accountant. Maxwell decides to investigate
An entertaining mystery

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Crime in the Convent by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sister Felicity of St. Cecilia's convent has been found dead in the confessional box. But she is only the first murder. Detectives Markham and Noakes investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Dead in the Morning by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Patrick Grant, Dean of St Mark's is visiting his sister Jane Conway in Winterswick. At the Pantons Country House home of the Ludlows, the death of the housekeeper occurs. Was it suicide, an accident or murder. Grant decides to ask questions
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1970.

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Desolation by Keith Moray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1361 Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville is sent to Langbarugh to investigate the murder of a coroner, Sir Boderick de Whitby. But has the plague returned to the area, as people are dying in the village of Axeton. But these are not the only deaths. And the Black Rood of Scotland has been stolen to complicate matters. But why.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. An excellent 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 the Devil's Half Acre by Rose Pascoe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 New Zealand. Deaths in various sweatshops led aspiring doctor Grace Penrose and DC Charlie Pyke to investigate aided by Inspector Stewart.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to the series

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A Christmas Witness by Charles Todd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Christmas Time 1921 As he is single DCI Rutledge is sent to Cottam's House, Hartsham, Kent to investing an attack on Colonel Lord Braxton. But there are difficults in finding the suspect.
An enjoyable historical novella though not much of a mystery.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Belvedere Scandal by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1900 While attending a house party at Badenham House Prince Albert was a witness or suspect in the murder of two people. At the time he was cleared but now in 1901 suspicions have been raised by his German nephew the Kaiser via the German ambassador.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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