Behind the Ivy: A Riveting British Crime Thriller by S J Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Luke Sackville and his Ethics Team have a few cases to deal with. As police consultants to a murder; for a friend, a missing person; online bullying and physical bullying from many years ago.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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A Fatal End by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1963 In the Bootleggers Club, home to budding musical groups, one of the band members is found dead. Official result is that it was accidental, but Coroner Dr Ryder is suspicious. He recruits WPC Loveday and they investigate.
An entertaining and well-written mystery

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The Man From Morocco: Have Spanish spies infiltrated the English court...? by C. P. Giuliani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1589. On instructions, when the Moroccan ambassador arrives in England, Tom Walsingham is to escort him and his party to London and uncover the suspected Spanish spy. What could go wrong.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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True Love Conquers All by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation continues and concludes. Colonel Fitzwilliam's anger has cost him his engagement with Mary Bennet. When the Colonel goes back to the war what will Mary and by association her family do.
An entertaining story but then Mary and the Colonel are my favourite couple.
Another re-read of this delightful story. Again another re-read, a re-read

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True Love Never Fails... by Debra-Ann Kummoung
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, what if the Bennets are not what their friends and neighbours believe. What if it is an act to ensure that all the daughters marry amiable men, men that love them despite their family.
It begins with Netherfield Hall being occupied by Charles Bingley. Soon to be joined by the rest of his family and Mr Darcy.
Another re-read and once again I really enjoyed this story, very much. Another re-read again.

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A Fatal Night by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1962 A New Year's Eve party results in a death when one of the guests is found in their car dead after hitting a tree. Due ro staff shortages WPC Loveday is given the case to investigate. With the help of coroner Dr Ryder will they determine whether it was an accident or not.
An entertaining mystery with its likeable main characters

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The Poison Typewriter: A 1936 detective mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1936 Aldon Longville village. After four poison pen letters have been received DCI Godwin and his team are called in to investigate. But then there is a murder.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Lion's Ransom by Candace Robb
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1377 The Goldsmith Guild decided to craft a golden lion to gift to the new king but it is stolen when it is not kept safe. But this mistake is not the only problem that Owen Archer has to deal with. There are rumours of spies in the area, and several deaths to also investigate. Is there aconnection between all the events.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this very enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Expectations & Apologies by Elizabeth Squire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Elizabeth fails to hear Darcy's insult. How will this affect her behaviour when she attends Jane at Netherfield and later events. A shame that the most interesting pairing only got a passing mention.
An entertaining story

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The Meadows of Murder by Paul Doherty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1383 William the weaver after committing murder seeks sanctuary in Brother Athelstan’s church. Meanwhile members of the Fishmongers Guild are being murdered in possible retaliation. But what is happening at St. Osyth's Priory. Brother Athelstan and the coroner Sir John Cranston investigate.
An 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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DEATH OF A 'NIPPY': A 1939 David Adair mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1939 At two separate Lyons Corner Houses, one nippy has been poisoned and one has died. Superintendent Adair and his team investigates
An entertaining historical mystery


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Christmas in Kent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet decides to accept Mr Collins invitation of Christmas at the parsonage. But who will be visiting Rosings and what will be the consequences
An enjoyable story

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

1868 Private Investigator Tilda Wren is employed to find the stolen items from Mrs Goodwin's household. That and the death of an ex-police inspector leads her to investigate her father's dead ten years previously. With the help of Ravenhurst and Detective Inspector Teague. But as more deaths occur are they themselves safe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery (with a touch of romance) with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Murder in Monarch Park by William Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894 Braxton. Very wealthy businessman Earnest Dowland is found dead in Monarch Park. Also missing, presumed abducted, is his deaf and mute adopted daughter, 17 year old Abigail. Detective Percy Watts and Officer Milo Moffat investigate. In another case five prostitutes have disappeared.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting main characters. A good start to this new series

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The Dolls at Heron’s Reach by Harriet Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1935. Two decaying bodies are discovered in the empty house that is Heron's Reach. Newly arrived DCI Will Fairfax, with the aid of Dr Magnus McQuarrie, police surgeon, investigate. But these will not be the only deaths that occur.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery.

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Sherlock Holmes: Before Baker Street by David Marcum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pre 1881
1. The adventure of the Blood Roses - J. Ganguly- holmes recalls the case of the death of his tutor, Patrick Fitzgerald, when he was 8, and Mycroft 15.
2. The Vingt-un Confession - D. Belanger - A beggar meets Holmes.
3. The adventure of the Gloria Scott - Sir A C Doyle - holmes first case concerning Trevor Snr.
4. The Affair of the aluminium Crutch - S. Subramanian - stolen diamond cuff links and a crutch.
5. The Adventure of the Dead Ringer - R. Perret - Holmes investigates the extortion of his tobacconist.
6. The Devil of the Deverills - S F Bennett - Lord Zeal needs Holmes help to explain the evil in the village.
7. The Painting in the Parlour - D. Marcum - A case from 1875 concerning a painting and possible treasure
8. The Incident of the Absent Thieves - A. Hall - Two thieves have been missing for two months.
9. Mr. Chen's Lesson - D. Belanger - The first encounter of Holmes and Chen where Holmes loses a bet.
10. The Adventure of the Amateur Emigrate - DD Victor - 1879 and Holmes meets R.L. Stevenson in New York
11. The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual - Sir A.C. Doyle - Reginald Musgrave's butler has disappeared utterly what of the family puzzle.
12. A Day at the Races - M. Mower - 1880 - teacher Geraint Hughes has a romantic problem to place before Holmes.
13. The Strange Case of the Necropolis Railway - G. Schear - Dr Stamford wants Holmes opinion of a male body from under a railway bridge
Entertaining short stories

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The Nunnery: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Anne Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mrs Bennet has been dead for a long while, leaving conflicting memories with her daughters, reflecting how they have lived their lives. But now winter has returned to Meryton and more gentlemen become stranded in Meryton starting with Bingley and Darcy, but they are soon joined by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Very soon they met the Bennet daughters of The Nunnery. The colonel decides to help them, but can they change and will there be a happy ending for any of them.
An entertaining variation with a lovable Colonel. Another re-read. Again.

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WHERE IS DAISY BECK? and THE LONDON CLUB MURDER: Two wartime cases for David Adair by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. 1939 Seven year old Daisy Beck has been evacuated along with 80 other children to Borough Green, but fails to arrive.
2. The London Club Murder - Sir Brandon Cummings while spending the night at his club, Maxton's, with five other members, is murdered in his bedroom.
DCI Adair and his team investigates.
Enjoyable historical stories.

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The Last Gift: An Austenesque Short Story by Don Jacobson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable short story where Jane Austen passes over to another realm ans meets her characters from her books.

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The Barrage Body by M.J. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


1944. The Dunlop Rubber company has been subject to the theft of a trophy, the theft of secret papers and classified papers, and to round off the morning the illegal release of a barrage balloon with two people attached to the chain. Chief inspector Sam Mason and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series

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Secret Meetings by J.G. Harlond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1944 DS Bob Robbins is recruited to impersonate Winston Churchill, while the real Churchill is on a secret mission. Then there is a death for Robbins to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death in Valletta by Lynne Marie Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1880 Edinburgh detective Sam McQueen is sent by the request of the Governor of Malta to invest the death of Admiral Collingwood, 74. Found in the garden of his home, Villa Porto, during his wife's soiree. Was he thrown from the upstairs balcony or not.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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

2000. Its school reunion time for Maxwell and the six other pupils from Halliards School. But one didn't make it as he is found hanged inside the derelict school. Then another one is killed. Maxwell decides to investigate.
An enjoyable mystery

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A Less Agreeable Man by Maria Grace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final part of the trilogy, and the best story of the three
A Pride and Prejudice sequel and Mary Bennet's marriage to Mr. Michaels is approaching. Lady Catherine's mental health is failing and Colonel Fitzwilliam is struggling with the ownership of Rosings and the debts of the estate.
Just loved this book. So well-written, loved the characters and the story. I just didn't want the book to end.
Another re-read of this wonderful story with my two favourite characters of JAFF

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The Alpine Christmas Mystery: A 1920s Christmas Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1929. Anonymous letters have lead to Lord Edgington and Christopher to the hotel Villa Cassel and unusually, it is a hotel full of British guests. But why are they there and by who's instigation. Then the murders start.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death in Soho by Shiv Saywack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1950 Alexandra Raven is employed to determine whether Captain Fabian Sarre did actually commit suicide. While,investigating she is attacked when she discovers a body. What is the connection. Will there be more deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Nursing Home Murder by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Derek O'Callaghan, Home Secretary, after several weeks of pain finally allows himself to be admitted to hospital. When he dies it's proven to be murder and there are several suspects. Inspector Alleyn investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery
(Originally published in 1935)

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Of Silver Linings And Glad Tidings...: A Pride And Prejudice Variation by S. Neha
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation which begins a year before canon when an unfortunate occurrence with one of their friends changes the dynamics of the Bennet family. Now it is a year later and the Netherfield party and Mr Collins have arrived. How will this impact on the Bennets.
A delightful story of all of the Bennet family, especially enjoyable as the story did involve all of the daughters and not just the usual Elizabeth and Darcy interactions.
An entertaining re-read, again.

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The Incident at Brighton Pier: A Fitzroy Short Story Based on the characters from the Euphemia Martins Mysteries by Caroline Dunford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1908 Brighton pier. Lord Milford aka Fitzroy is on a mission for the SIS.
Enjoyable very short story

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Mummer’s Night by Harriet Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1842 Eastby. Mrs Ellen Stoddard, friend and housekeeper to the murdered Mrs Anna Wetherby has been accused of her vicious murder. Ellen's cousin believes her innocent and requests the help of Vernon and Carswell.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Wounded Oak by Harriet Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1843 Swalecliffe. Why would anyone what to shoot wealthy John Revenell, rector of Swalecliffe. Thankfully for him Dr Carswell was able to operate. But another man is shot and he dies. Major Vernon investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery

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That Which Remains...: 5 New Sherlock Holmes Mysteries by William Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. Pandora's Box - Travelling to Edinburgh on the train a body of a woman is discovered.
2. The Singular Affair of the Aluminium Crutch - Holmes relives an old case from 1877 and the aluminium crutch belonging to Simon van Pelt.
3. The Puzzle Master - Holmes comes across a dying man, but what of his missing son.
4. The Totten Wood Mystery - 1897 - Wallace Fernsby has been shot in mysterious circumstances in Totten Wood.
5. The Mystery of the Broken Window - 1894 - 19 year old Stanley Hopkins believes his 15 year old sister Fiona has been abducted.
Enjoyable short stories

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Treaty's Law by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Signi Beta is designated a Klingon farming planet. When they are attacked enemy commander Kor and Captain Kirk and their crew arrive to help.
An entertaining re-read

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Death in Piccadilly: A 1930s Mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1939. At a dinner party given by Evelyn Forbes-Kerr, one of the guests who stayed overnight is murdered. But by whom and why. DCI Adair and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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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.

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Number Thirteen, Manor Close by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beatrice and Mike Dunhill have moved into a new house built on the fire ravaged Asharton Estate. Then strange happenings start but not just in their home.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Five Weddings and Wickham by J.P. Christy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice which unfolds as -
1. A Conspiracy Against Love and an Almost Compromise - Will an overhead conversation lead to changes
2. The Runaway Bride and the Almost Stolen Sweetheart - The story continues as Kitty visits the Gardiners and Elizabeth travels to Hunsford.
3. The Almost Elopement and the Viscount - Mary, Lydia and Mrs Benner are visiting her cousin Harriet Gordon, where Mary meets Viscount Anthony Littleton.
4. Darcy’s Criminal Conversation and the Almost Extortion - Ambrose Fitzwilliam, Viscount of Rutland causes mayhem.
5. Mary Bennet and the Murderous Stepmother - An expansion on story 3 which could easily replace part 3.
An enjoyable story.

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Succession: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by AnnaMarie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Lady Anne Darcy is alive and managing her son. Therefore he does not go to Netherfield resulting in Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet marrying. On visiting Rosings, with the Colonel, to offer for Anne de Bourgh as per instructions from his mother, Darcy meets Elizabeth for the first time. How will this affect their futures, especially Elizabeth’s and the other Bennets.
An entertaining and well-written story.

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Mayhem by J. Robert Janes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paris 1942. French police St. Cyr and Bavarian detective Kohler investigate the death of a young man. But he will only be the first. But by whom and why.
An interesting historical mystery

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Crime at Home by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The bodies of two females are discovered in the gated community of New College Close. Unfortunately not the last deaths. DI Markham and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Murder at the Mortuary by Lee Strauss
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1924 A series of undocumented corpses arrive at the mortuary. Including Angus Green, friend of Felicity Gold. Lady Gold and inspector Reed investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Creak on the Stairs by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Iceland 2017 The body of pilot, Elisabet Holludottir is discovered on the shore near the Akranes lighthouse. Horour and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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A Fatal Affair by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1962 Middle Fenton May Day. The may queen, 17 year old Iris Carmody is discovered dead,tied to the maypole. A week later, the son of Superintendent Finch, David and boyfriend of Iris is found, hanging in a barn. Finch asks Ryder and Loveday to investigate alongside the police.
An entertaining mystery

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An Overdue Apology: A Short Story based on Pride and Prejudice by Melissa Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice short story where the day after his proposal at Hunsford and Elizabeth reading his letter they meet again. How will this affect the future.
An enjoyable and well-written story

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Tarleton’s Coffer by Harriet Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1842. Carswell and Vernon investigate the death of bookseller Arthur Tarleton. The main suspects seems to be the mjssing adopted son, Martin Scoles, but where is he. Where did the very expensive and ancient books come from. But Martin is not the only missing person.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Enter a Murderer by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Alleyn and journalist Nigel Bathgate are attending the thestre. During the play a prop gun fires a real bullet and an actor dies. But who replaced the dummy bullets and why.
An entertaining 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 and again.

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A Surprise Engagement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So what is happening at Longbourn with Jane. Why is the Colonel suspicious. Can Georgiana have her hearts desire. The conclusion of this series brings some answers.
Another enjoyable story to end this lovely series.

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A Visit to Scotland: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues as Wickham and Anne de Bourgh elope to Scotland. Can Fitzwilliam or Darcy prevent the event. And what of the Bingleys. Will Lady Catherine welcome her daughter back.
A really enjoyable story, so easy to read. I look forward to reading the next book

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A Visit to Scotland: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story continues as Wickham and Anne de Bourgh elope to Scotland. Can Fitzwilliam or Darcy prevent the event. And what of the Bingleys. Will Lady Catherine welcome her daughter back.
A really enjoyable story, so easy to read. I look forward to reading the next book

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