Murder at the Gasworks by Lisa M. Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1860 London. When stoker Joe Carter is discovered dead, poisoned, 10 year old Tommy Jones, is arrested. Sergeant Slaughter is convinced he is innocent and continues the investigation only to discover a previous death of another stoker. Is there a connection between them, and what of the strange happenings at the Bank of England.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good start to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via LibraryThing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Blind Barber by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Four passengers on board the Queen Victoria sailing to Southampton come across a theft of a jewel, and a film detrimental to a prominent American, and a killer.
Too much use of the vernacular.

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Silent Witnesses by Annelie Wendeberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boston 1893 Dr Elizabeth Arlington previously known as Anna Kronberg, decides to investigate the murder of Mrs Hennetta Hyde, washerwoman, as she doesn't believe the police capable. Then there is another death. Can she trust inspector McCurley. And all the time she is worried that Moran will find her and her child.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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A New Life in London by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Sir Walter has died leaving many debts. This has resulted in Elizabeth and Anne living temporarily in London. Elizabeth is determined to make a match and Anne meets Captain Wentworth.
An enjoyable story

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What Truth Reveals: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Katelyn Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Colonel Fitzwilliam is held captive in Scotland. Then Mary Bennet is abducted, but why and by whom. Together they must try and escape. Meanwhile in Meryton what can Darcy and Elizabeth do.
A delightful and well-written story.

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Worthy of Her Trust: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Melissa Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Tomlinson due to the death of her family, becomes an heiress at the age of 5, and goes to live with her Bennet relation. After her uncle dies, her second uncle, Thomas, with his wife and four daughters inherit Longbourn. The parents treat her badly. Will she have a happy ending. And what of the Bennet daughters. A pity the Gardiners didn't care more for their actual nieces rather than indulge Elizabeth.
An entertaining story.

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Murder at Swann's Lake by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1959 Swann's Lake village. Robbie Petersson decided to distant himself from his criminal past and buy several businesses in Swann's Lame. But has his past caught up with him when he is murdered. DCI Woodend is sent to iinvestigate.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Witness & the Ledger: A Thomas Bennet and George Wickham Pride and Prejudice Variation by Grandy Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Mr Bennet has started to have nightmares. All of them concerning George Wickham, a man he has never met, but the nightmares reveal the names of Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. With their help and that of Elizabeth and Mary can a solution be found.
An entertaining and well-written story

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Ding Dong Bell by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1950. Gertie Bundle and Hester Croft are out walking her dog in the grounds of Blenheim Palace when they discover a body. That of 24 year-old Jean Penrose. Tutor to thirteen year old Lily Taverner. They decide to ask questions while Inspector Wallace investigates.
An entertaining and well-written historical novel. A good start to this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Mr Darcy Gets Angry: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Florence Gold
My rating: 5 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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A Murder in Marylebone by Emily Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1898 Minnie Harper and her children have returned to London only for her to become embroiled in the heady lifesyle of her younger sister Delia. Only for Delia to discovered her supposed fiance dead, murdered. Not trusting the police Minnie investigates.
An enjoyable cozy mystery
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Curious Death of Henry J. Vicenzi by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Henry Vicenzi is found dead in his study by the butler. But who did kill him and how. Detective Felix and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Where Darkness Dwells by Cheryl Rees-Price
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2005 Two 15 year old girls go missing. In the present day two missing person investigators are looking into the cases. But then one of them is murdered. DI Meadows and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Windsor Castle 2016. The Queen has a few guests for a dine and sleep when one of the guests is discovered dead. The Queen with the help of her APS Rozie Oshopi steer the investigation in the right direction.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Eight of Swords by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the Guest House of the Grange owned by Colonel Standish a death occurs. That of Dr Septimius Depping. Coupled with strange happenings at the Grangs, Dr Gideon Fell decides to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Second Chance in Somerset by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Charles and Mary Musgrove decide to become matchmakers to Anne Elliot when she arrives at Uppercross. Meanwhile Captain Wentworth has arrived at Kellynch Hall to stay with his sister.
An enjoyable story

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Seeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1903 Thebes. Associating with Colonel Bellimgham and his daughter Dolly brings the Emersons and their family in contact with the body of a murdered female and a murderer.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Wetlands: A Lancashire Detective Mystery by J.J. Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of a 81 year old man is found in Mertin Mere. Is there a link between this and a body found several weeks earlier in a Nature Reserve. DCI Walker and his team investigate. Then it's takes an unsuspected turn.
And entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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The Salton Killings by Sally Spencer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1958 Salton. The body of fifteen year old Diane Thorburn is discovered in the local salt store. DCI Charlie Woodend is called in to investigate with his new DS, Rutter. But is there a connection between this murder and the deaths a few years earlier.
An entertaining historical mystery

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

1970s Detective Superintendent John Crow is called in to investigate the death of Fred Norman, environmental coordinator for a miing company in Dartmoor. His death has occurred several months previously.
An enjoyable mystery

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Death and the Dancing Footman by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940 Jonathan Royal of Highfold Manor invites a group of people to a house party knowing they all or mostly dislike each other. Then a blizzard occurs leaving them trapped with a murderer.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Matter of Means by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Anne Eliot still has the note informing her that his brother Frederick Wentworth was dead. Years later Anne is now in Bath. But who does she see.
An entertaining story

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Captain Wentworth's Christmas Wish by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation. Somerset 1814, post Lyme visit a day Anne Elliot is still staying at Uppercross. But what are the thoughts of Captain Wentworth as he stays at Kellynch Hall and his regrets. Until he makes a wish on a shooting star.
An enjoyable story

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Half the Sum of Attraction by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where Captain Wentworth visits his brother Edward at Monkford for the first time. How will his first meeting with Anne go. Meanwhile Elizabeth and Sir Walter await a visit from cousin Elliott.
An entertaining story

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Five Gentlemen at Netherfield: Pride and Prejudice Variations by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation due to the death of their aunt the Bennet daughters each have a dowry of £5000 except Mary who has £25,000. How will this affect their futures especially when five gentlemen arrive at the newly leased Netherfield.
An entertaining and well-written story

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Mr Wickham's Gallant Deed - A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth while out walking in the grounds of Rosings overhears an enlightening conversation between Miss Anne de Bourgh and George Wickham. How will this affect everyone's future.
An entertaining story

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The Secret of Saint Olaf's Church: An Apothecary Melchior Mystery by Indrek Hargla
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1409, Tallinn. Clingenstain, a former commander of the Teutonic Order in Gotland is killed, beheaded and his body found In the castle. Magistrate Dorn and apothecary Melchior investigate.
At times there was too much historical detail which dominated the mystery itself and made the reading heavy going and therefore losing interest.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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Death of a Fool by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Winter Solstice in South Mardian is the time to perform the Dance of the Five Sons. Unfortunately by the end of the night one of the performers will be dead, murdered. Inspectors Alleyn and Fox are ca,led in to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1957

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Mystical, Magical Lizzy by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where various characters have magical powers and in the Bennet family it is Elizabeth. But these powers must be kept secret. When Darcy discovers this what will he do.
An enjoyable re-read though not enough about the Colonel and the other Bennets.

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Fate and Consequences: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wells
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Georgiana Darcy elopes with Wickham with the result that she is ruined, and with consequences to the Darcy name as it becomes known among the ton. She is intercepted at Meryton by the Colonel and Darcy, where Elizabeth than aids Georgiana which is the start of their correspondence. This soon leads to an exchange of letters between Elizabeth and Darcy. It is a much humbled Darcy that gets to know Elizabeth. A Darcy that has been lonely all his life. The Bingleys and Darcys eventually arrive at Netherfield.
There is some mature content before marriage and after. For me there was actually too much of their interactions and would have been a better story without.
A re-read and it had been a very long while since I first read it.

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None So Accomplished as Mary: A Sweet Extras Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel a year has passed and Mary is accompanying the Darcys to a ball where she meets the Colonel again. Can her strategy work as she interests the Colonel with a puzzle he believed he had solved.
An entertaining and well-written story with its very likeable main characters with its amiable supporting cast.

[Sequel to 'How to Marry an Accomplished Lady' which really should be read first, which should be read after - An Accomplished Lady (of the best sort).]

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How to Marry an Accomplished Lady: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth and Darcy have come to an agreement. But will their courtship be as smooth as Jane and Bingley''s. What of the interference of family and an old former friend. But Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy have been invited to the Netherfield Ball, how will both interact with the Bingleys and especially the Bennets and Collins.
An entertaining and well-written romance story, with all the Bennets as varied and likeable characters.
Read again so as to read the sequel
Best to read after - An Accomplished Lady (of the best sort). Then read - None So Accomplished as Mary

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An Accomplished Lady (of the Best Sort): A Teatime Tales Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice variation begins with Jane ill at Netherfield where she is cared for by Elizabeth. Can Bingley and Hurst convince Darcy that Elizabeth is the accomplished lady of the right sort to be perfect for him.
A very enjoyable and well-written story with its likeable characters, surprisingly that includes Hurst and Mrs Bennet.

[prequel to 'How to Marry an Accomplished Lady' and None So Accomplished as Mary]

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A Temporary Peace: A Persuasion Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues and concludes as Anne and Captain Wentworth leave Bath and return to Kellynch. Can they soon marry.
An enjoyable Persuasion variation

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Too Fond of Stars by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where eight years have passed since his failed engagement and now Caption Wentworth has returned to England and decides to visit Bath and his friend Samuel Lennox. Meanwhile the Elliott family are also in Bath including William Elliott.
An entertaining story

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Investigations of the Reverend Lyle Thorne by Ray Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sandition. The case of the
1. Fallen Woman - September 1911. The body of a woman is discovered at the base of a cliff.
2. Anonymous Cleric - April 1912 - A Catholic priest wants Thorne to prove the innocence of a Mr Scott from theft and murder.
3. Italian Bride - May 1913 - Why are items being stolen from the Roland's household.
4. Missing Betrothed - August 1913 - Wealthy Dominic Rufford's bride to be has gone missing.
5. Hanging Man - August 1927 - The Vicar of Upper Sandition is found hanging from the church bell ropes.
Enjoyable short stories

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

Northumberland. DCI John Crow is called in to an investigation. As during a fox hunt a body of a man was discovered. A hunt objector. But how and why was he killed.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1900 A masked stranger approaches Emerson to tell him he knows the location of Queen Tetisheri's tomb. But when he disappears Emerson and his party must determine its location before grave robbers arrive. But who can they trust.
An enjoyable historical mystery with its likeable characters.

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The Belmont Affair by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1925. Alexander Wolfe, with his assistant Fox and valet Dicks are sent to Belmont Park. To investigate the death of banking heir, 33 year old Rupert Belmont, and the bank of Belmont and Chartwell. But what will they uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable and interesting main characters. A very good second book in this enjoyable 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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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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