The Faces of the Dead by Chris Nickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1944, Leeds. It all starts with a car accident when a local gangster and his passenger die. Inside the boot of the car SID find war rations and American guns. Who will now take over the local crime operation and who is the American contact. SID investigates but more deaths occur.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting and likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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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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Mary Bennet's Improper Adventure: A Pride and Prejudice Spin-Off for Fans of Bridgerton by Mira Micheilis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where overly pious and moralistic Mary visits the Gardiners in town for Christmas. Unfortunately she comes across as snobbish as Darcy. But can she change, does she want to.
An enjoyable story

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Mary's Secrets: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel by Elaine Burkett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice sequel where Mary's actions during the double wedding of her older sisters rebounds on her. How will this affect her later actions. Four years later..
An entertaining and well-written story about the growth of Mary Bennet. (Unfortunately just one sentence did annoy me concerning the Colonel)

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A Deadly Affair by Carla Simpson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1889 Adventurous and author Mikaela Forsythe has discovered her sister, Leonard, Lady Litton has disappeared with her maid Mary Ryan only for Mary to turn up murdered. She is persuaded to team up with ex-police, now p.i. Angus Brodie, to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to this new series though I probably would have enjoyed the story more if it was just about Brodie.

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Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Peter Shandy returns to the Balaclava Agricultural College after his short Christmas break only to find a body in his home. He decides to investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Tragedy at the Unicorn by John Rhode
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the Unicorn country hotel five yachtsmen arrive off their boat to take up residence. Unknown to them a Dr. Grinling is staying there. They and the owners all seem to have a grievance against him. The next morning he is found dead. Was it an accident, suicide or murder. Dr Priestley becomes interested.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published in 1928

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A Country Way of Death by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 Detective Inspector Miles Felix is visiting his family for Christmas at Bettishaw village when a suspicious death occurs. What secrets will need to be uncovered in his investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Skeletons of Birkbury by Diana J. Febry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Twenty years after 16 year old Jennifer Turner disappeared her remains are found. A storm uproots a tree and a skeleton is discovered. DCI Peter Hatherall (didn't take to his mode of policing or interested in his personal problems) and his team investigate.
Otherwise an enjoyable modern mystery

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CAST FOR DEATH a gripping English cozy murder mystery full of twists by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While in London Grant notices a body in the River Thames. That of actor Sam Irwin, who he met on holiday In Austria. An apparent suicide. Then after a car accident where he killed a dog, he discovers the owner having committed suicide just as she was going to move. Is there a connection between the suicides.
An enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1976

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Death at the Bar by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Plume of Feathers public house, in Otterbrook, is the scene of a death of one of the guests staying there with his friends. Was it a natural death or murder. Detectives Alleyn and Fox are called in to investigate
Originally published in 1940

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The Sleep of the Just by WadeH
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation. What will a Bennet daughter with an extra powerful sense do with this power.
An entertaining short story

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Murder in the Maze by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1870 What could Professor Latham be researching to cause his death in the maze at his home. In the morning after a dinner party where he was to make an important announcement. Redmond and Haze investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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The Carnival Murders by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1859. The autopsied remains of Mrs Tamzin Norris are found in an alley next to her father's public house. It soon comes to light that there have been similar authopsied bodies in the last several months. But why and what is the connection to all the deaths. Gemma Tate, a nurse, and her fiancé, Inspector Sebastian Bell, work together to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable 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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Mary Bennet and the Blood of Innocents: Mary of Longbourn #11 by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1825 A Pride and Prejudice sequel where several deaths of elderly females have occurred in the Meryton locale. Soon suspicions are raised by Mary. But what could be the motive and the cause of the deaths.
An entertaining story. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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An Epic Surprise: A Pride & Prejudice Vagary by Shana Granderson
My rating: 5 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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Resorting to Murder: Holiday Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Adventure of the Devil's Foot - A.C. Doyle - what did happen to the Tregennis family
2. A Schoolmaster Abroad - W.E. Hornung - Dr Dollar saves his friend Dr Alt and discovers who wants to kill Jack Laverick.
3. Murder! - A. Bennett - Can the murderer escape justice.
4. The Murder on the Golf Links - M.M. Bodkin - Can detective Beck find the real murderer.
5. The Finger of Stone - G.K. Chesterton - Three men in a walking holiday In France hear of a murder but no body
6. The Vanishing of Mrs Fraser - B. Thomson - The suspicious disappearance of an ill Mrs Fraser.
7. A Mystery of the Sand-Hills - R.A. freeman- Dr. Thorndyke investigates footprints and clothing found in sand-hills.
8. The Hazel Ice - H.C. Bailey - Reggie Fortune solves a case while on holiday
9. Razor Edge - A. Berkeley - Sheringham is convinced that a body found in a sandy cove has been murderer.
10. Holiday Task - L. Bruce - while on holiday Sergeant Beef solves a crime
11. A Posteriori - H. Simpson - Miss Charters inadvertently becomes involved with a spy.
12. Where is Mr Manetot - P. Bentley - does someone overhear a murder planned
13. The House of Screams - G. Findler - A writer rents a house but hears screams during the night.
14. Cousin Once Removed - The last survivor qpwill inherit, or will they
An enjoyable collection of short stories

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A Cotswolds Murder by Roy Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chuck Lindop, manager of a caravan site, is discovered dead, killed. DCI John Crow is called in to investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1974

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Sealed with a Loving Kill by Roger Ormerod
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recently married (to the awful Elsa) David Mallin p.i, is employed to find a missing wife of three years. But that is only the start. Soon there is a body and another missing wife.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1976

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Why Wed? A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Renata McMann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet has married three times, the second produced his estranged son Thomas, a curate, and the third his five daughters.
Will any of them marry, and be happy especially as some have only known each other for a short time.
An entertaining novella (4 stars because I like the pairing of Mary Bennet).

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The Ellerby Case by John Rhode
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Noel Ellerby of Laxford Hall has been informed that his home has been burgled but nothing stolen as he informs friend Dr. Priestley. On returning home , he is discovered dead the next day. The doctor believes it was not a natural death and so he and his assistan Harold Merefield investigate with the help of Inspector Hanslet.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Bones on the Yorkshire Moors by Ray Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first skull appears in the garden of DI Gardener's girlfriend. But who does it belong to and is there a connection between all the discovered skulls. Gardener and his teeam investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Brother and Sisters: Pride and Prejudice Variation by B.J. Rumph
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bennets have five children, but one is a boy, Ben. While at a school he becomes friends with four other boys, but tells them little about his sisters. Until one day they visit and all their lives are changed.
The two good points are that I have my favourite Mary Bennet pairing, and I enjoyed the story. For that 3 stars. Another enjoyable re-read
It really needs a proofreader and to be formatted correctly.

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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: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation 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.

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A Most Attentive Father: A Regency Novel inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if Longbourn was not the Bennets home but the estate next door, Longford. What if Mrs Thomas Bennet rejected her four youngest daughters and Mrs Bennet the elder was still alive with her good connections.
An entertaining and well-written story. A re-read

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Mr Bennet leaves his study by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet finally becomes fed up with the attitude of Lydia. So he leaves his study and takes action, resulting in the improvement of all the Bennets including himself. A year later Netherfield is taken. I enjoyed reading Darcy getting upbraided for his attitude at the Meryton assembly and for Bennet not to be as useless as he is in canon.
An entertaining re-read, low angst story but would have liked a lot more of Mary's story.

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The Collins Effect: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Bennet is compromised but Mrs Bennet dies giving birth to Lydia. Resulting in him becoming involved in his daughters lives and determined to remain a widower. How does meeting Collins, his heir presumptive effect Bennet's views on remarriage and the arrival of the netherfield party.
An entertaining story.
(I didn't read The Hypocrite as I don't like the pairing of the Colonel)

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The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1898 The Emersons return to Amarna where they first met. But Emerson due to an attack, not the first, is suffering from amnesia. Will he or Amelia discover who their enemy is in time, before more attacks and deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery

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MORTAL REMAINS a gripping English cozy murder mystery full of twists by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Patrick Grant is on holiday In Crete only to discover while swimming the body of a fellow Don. One who is suppose to be on a lecture tour abroad a ship. Can his holiday get any worse.
An enjoyable modern cozy mystery
Originally published in 1974

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A Strange Manor of Death by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 Sir Jasper FitzGreville of Knapperton Manor has died in a car accident in Romania. His will sets out a list of puzzles to solve, the winner will inherit his estate. But soon there is a death. Inspector Felix and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Dr. Priestley's Quest: A Dr. Priestley Detective Story by John Rhode
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wealthy Austin Heatherdale has been killed, by whom, why or where is unknown. A year later just like his brother, rich Gerald receives a threatening note. This sends him back to Dr. Priestley for help, aided by Harold Merefield.
Enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1926

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Sherlock Holmes and the Tangled Skein by David Stuart Davies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Professor Van Helsing talk at the Royal Society concerning vampires in London is not believed. But Holmes and Watson soon come to the conclusion that they exist.
An enjoyable Holmes mystery

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The Adventure of the Devil's Foot by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1897. Mortimer Tregennis had spent the evening playing cards with his three siblings at Tredannick Wortha. The next morning, the sister is found dead and her two brothers seemingly gone insane. Holmes and Watson are on holiday in the area and are called upon to investigate.
A enjoyable Holmes mystery

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A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 Veronica and Stoker are contacted by Mornaday of Special Branch as a body, of Maurice Quincey, has been discovered dead in suspicious circumstances, in a carriage outside Highgate Cemetery. Especially as they had been another death of a close friend of Quincey. Seemingly both members of a secret society. Intrigued they investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable 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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Murder Among the Pyramids by Sara Rosett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1924. Blix Windway finally arrives in Cairo as a companion and friend to Hildy Honeyworth. On a nighttime excursion to the pyramids one of the group is found dead. Blix decides to investigate when she believes the police suspect the wrong person.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Murder on the Thames by Magda Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1889 Female servants have been disappearing and their employers are not concerned. Until it is brought to the attention of Lady Rosalynd, but now a lady dressed as a maid is missing and the Duke of Steele asked to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

Vance is invited to the Rexon Estate as the owner, Carrington Rexon, is concerned about the safety of his emerald collection, but soon deaths occur.
An enjoyable historical mystery
(Originally published in 1939)

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The Devil's Hunt by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1303 Sir Hugh Corbett is sent on the orders of the King to Oxford. There have been several deaths of beggars, all with severed heads, but also the killing of Masters from Sparrow Hall. Credited to The Bellman.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Capital Crimes: London Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Case of Lady Sannox - 1893 - A.C. Doyle - Concerning the relationship between Lady Sannox and surgeon Douglas Stone.
2. A Mystery of the Underground - J. Oxenham - In 1894 a killer is at large on the underground.
3. The Finchley Puzzle - R. Marsh - Why are there several attempts on the life of lip reader Judith Lee.
4. The Magic Casket - R.A. Freeman - Dr Thorndyke discovers a casket in a church doorway.
5. The Holloway Flat Tragedy - E.Bramah- Carrados's friend p.i. Carlisle has a new client. He needs to be saved from being murdered.
6. The Magician of Cannon Street - J.S. Fletcher - Tregarthen needs the help of Campenhaye and Killingley concerning an old case of murder.
7. The Stealer of Marble - E. Wallace - Why are pieces of marble needed.
8. The Tea Leaf - R. Eustace & E. Jepson - How was Kelstern stabbed and killed in the Turkish bath when no weapon is found.
9. The Hands of Mr Ottermole - T. Burke - A series of murders called London's Strangling Horrors.
10. The Little House - H.C. Bailey - What will the disappearance of a kitten lead to.
11. The Silver Mask - H. Walpole - Miss Sonia Herries is too kind for her own good.
12. Wind in the East - H. wade- D.I. John Poole investigate the death of a younger brother, Herbert Gainly.
13. The Avenging Chance - A. Berkeley - Roger Sheringham investigates who poisoned who with chocolates.
14. They Don't Wear Labels - E.M. Delefield - is a guest being poisoned by her busband
15. The Unseen Door - M. Allingham - Can Campion find the killer
16. Cheese - E.L. White - Jenny Morgan is concerned about an offer of employment.
17. You Can't Hang Twice - A. Gilbert - Crook is approached to prove the innocence of an accused murderer.
An entertaining selection of short stories

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Inspector French and the Sea Mystery by Freeman Wills Crofts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr Morgan and his son Ewan, while fishing off the south coast of Wales snag a wooden crate. On land Morgan discovers a body inside. Soon Inspector French of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate
Entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1928

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Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Roger Riccard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Partridge in a Pearl Tree - The crown used in the Christmas services of St. Paul's has been stolen.
2. The Two Turtledoves -The painting owned by Sir William Roise has been stolen
3. The Three French Henchmen - 1892 Mycroft has received news from Paris of a plot against Dr. Watson.
4. The Four Calling Birds - the American J-Birds are accused of assault and murder.
5. The Five Gold Rings - The gold Olympic rings have been stolen.
6. Six Geese at the Gander (a.k.a. The Case of the Foul Fowl) - why have some Geese kept at the Kew estate been substituted.
7. The Seventh Swann -1894 son of the sixth Lord Swan has gone missing.
8. The Eighth Milkmaid - Who is the Eighth Milkmaid.
9. The Ninth Ladyship of the Dance - Whatwill occur ar the Duke of Cunningham's ball.
10. The Tenth Lord Leaping - the Countessof Dunbar is concerned for the health of her son Arthur.
11. The Eleven Pipe Problem - Holmes is invited to investigate a series of jewellery robberies in Edinburgh.
12. The Twelfth Drumming - Sir James Piersall wants Holmes and Watson to investigate his death.
Entertaining short stories

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Death in Captivity by Michael Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1943 Prisoner of war camp 127G in Italy. When a soldier, thought to be spy for the Italians is found dead in a escape tunnel it falls to Captain Goyles to investigate while various plans are set up for escape.
An interesting and entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1952

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Murder at Sea by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1928 Not only has Hattie, (a distant relation) been robbed of money and jewellery by her gentleman friend Mr Westonholme, but she discovers he is married, and the Bryant's believe is is Redvers Palmerston. A man the Captain has been searching for many years. Events lead them to a ship travelling to New York, where his body is discovered in a lifeboat. The Bryant's investigate. But how many suspects will they uncover, and will there be more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy 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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Crime in the Garden by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The manager of the Hollingrove Palm House, Tony Pardoe is found dead. Unfortunately for DI Markham and his team who are investigating the death this will not be the only one.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Gospel: A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 18 by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jerry Roxham has been discovered dead in his bed in the family home, stabbed. Found by their cleaner, while his wife and children are on holiday In France. DI Redman and her team investigate. But what could be the motive.
An entertaining and well-written modern 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 via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Change of Fortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if instead of a fifth daughter being born to Mrs Bennet she gives birth to twin boys. How will this affect the future of the Bennets and all their friends and neighbours.
An interesting premise but where all the good people are good and all the bad quite wicked.
An entertaining variation and I did like the pairings. A re-read.

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A Curse in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949. With independent Inspector de Silva has a new boss. Now an ex-maharajah living in Nuala has been murdered and the rare and expensive Star of Ceylon stolen.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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The Gracie Allen Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The police are watching the Domdaniel cafe while searching for the escaped convict, Benny Pellinzi, only for a body to be discovered. [ No idea who Allen - much too annoying, and Burns are].
Didn't take to the story, though I managed to finish it

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