Death on the Pier by Pauline Rowson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1951, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Inspector Alun Ryga is sent undercover to investigate the case of the disappearing body discovered by Commander Clive Cottinglea as the local police have dismissed it.
But then a body is discovered dead. Contrary to local police opinion Ryga is convinced it murder.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main character. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

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The Oxford Detective Society by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Biographer Lyssa Moore is contracted to write the story of 'wild child' Amelia 'Monty' Montrose who died in 1966. She financed a pop group, but did she also write the lyrics. Is there more that went on at the time.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Widow Meg Elginbrodde (25) is set to marry Geoffrey Levett but receives a recent photographs of her husband. Who thought he was killed in the War. Is he still alive. She approaches Campion to find out.
An enjoyable mystery

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The Thief and the Labyrinth by Alys Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London, 1882. American p.i. Henry and Johanna McClellan approach the World’s End Bureau to locate a Bruno Schmidt, lecturer, who persuaded American Ava Werner to elope. They have traced them to London, a city unknown to them. A seemingly straightforward case which becomes complicated.
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 from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Her Grace: A Pride & Prejudice Vagary by Shana Granderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where in 1806 the old and debauched Duke of Hertfordshire is seeking his third wife, one to give him a heir. His reputation means he must look to a country miss for a wife. He choices Elizabeth and she is forced to marry him. Her parents refuse to save her. How will,this affect the fortunes of all the Bennets, their relations and friends.
An entertaining story

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The Heiress of Northanger Abbey by Nancy Bilyeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1820 A Northanger Abbey sequel where twenty-two years have passed and their oldest daughter Phoebe (the heiress) is visiting Bath with Colonel Tilney and his wife, Aurelia. In a letter home Phoebe tells of her meeting with the Thorpes. Recalling her past interactions with that family she rushes to Bath with a reluctant Henry. Can Catherine protect her daughter and does she need to. Or has she let her imagination run wild once again.
An entertaining and well-written story which enters totally into the Gothic realm.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Swan Song by Edmund Crispin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unpopular Opera singer Edwin Shorthouse is found dead, hanged in his dressing room. Gervase Fen helps the police to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Next Mrs Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where unfortunately for Thomas Bennet, owner of Longbourn he is compromised by Fanny Gardiner. But she dies giving birth to Jane. Very soon after Bennet meets and falls for Becca, daughter of a Duke. How will this affect Jane and any future children of the Bennets.
An entertaining story

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Under The Crown: A DC Oliver Cole Mystery ( Book 2 ) by Alan Fisher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2015. An Elvis impersonator is discovered dead in his hotel room. Expecting to be murdered he left evidence of his ex-boss's crimes. All DC Cole needs to do is decipher the clues while the rest of the team investigate the murder.
An enjoyable mystery

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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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Leaving Longbourn: A Compilation of Five Short Stories by E.A. Batten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

1 - Finding Elizabeth
In this P&P variation, the Bennets are so desperate for an heir that they arrange a kidnapping of a gentleman's son. Unfortunately this turns out to be Elizabeth Darcy, cousin to the Darcys of Pemberley. Then Darcy visits Netherfield.
I admit that I didn't care for Mary Bennet's future pairing and so lost some interest in the story, and I would have liked to have read about the later events at Longbourn which I think would have been more interesting.
A well-written story
2 -Her Grandmother’s Wisdom
In this P&P variation, Darcy's and Elizabeth's happy ending is aided by their first meeting in Lambton four years earlier. And so the Meryton assembly becomes an enjoyable evening for them.
An entertaining short story
3 - Miss Bennet’s Adventure
In this P&P sequel Mary Bennet is invited to spend as long as she wishes at Pemberley. An invitation she is very eager to take. Soon an injured Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them but he has a secret mission to complete. Will they both get their happy ending.
A very enjoyable well-written story about my favourite JAFF couple.
4 - Hurst Knows All
A short Pride and Prejudice variation where Hurst proves he is more than a gentleman who spends his time drinking and eating. Helping Darcy to an early HEA.
A nicely written enjoyable story
5 - Storms over Hunsford.
Elizabeth while reading Darcy's letter is caught in a thunderstorm. Unfortunately she has been afraid of them since childhood. The colonel and Darcy go looking for her. Does this action change their future.
A well-written story
Overall entertaining and well-written stories, though this re-read I just read my two favourite stories again

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A Razor Wrapped in Silk by R.N. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1870 St. Petersburg. Porfry Petrovich has two case to investigate. One of the missing children working in a factory who all attended a school, and the death of Yelena Polenova, fiancée of Prince Sergei.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Christmas at The Manor: Heathcliff Lennox Investigates: A Cotswolds murder mystery by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1924. At Twyecroft Manor a monoplane has been designed and being testing. But one of the two test pilots has been killed when the plane crashed into woods. An accident or murder. Lennox and Swift investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its lovable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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If It So Happened by S. Neha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two Pride and Prejjudice variations -
1. Mr Bingley lends a hand - Bingley helps Darcy and Elizabeth unite after Hunsford.
2. In Mr Darcy’s Shoes - the dead Grandmother Be et visits Elizabeth to show Darcy's development. How will this affect the future of the Bennets
Enjoyable stories

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Continental Crimes by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The New Catacomb - A.C.Doyle - why is Burger showing his friend Kennedy his new find.
2. A Bracelet in Bruges - A.Bennett - a bracelet is lost or is it stolen
3. The Secret Garden - G.K.Chesterton - how was a stranger murdered in a locked garden
4. The Secret of the Magnifique - E.P. Oppenheim (1912) - why do three men meet in Paris.
5. Petit-Jean - I.Hay - (1931) - A thief and spy in in Belgium in WW1
6. The Lover of St Lys - F.T. Jesse (1919)- Is there a murderers the town.
7. Popeau Intervenes - M.B.Lowndes - can ex-detective Hercules Popeau prevent a murder
8. The Perfect Murder - S. Aumonier - (1926) - Can two brothers commit the perfect murder.
9. The Room in the Tower - J.J. Farjean - An author stays at a German castle with a tower for his writing.
10. The Ten-Franc Counter - H. de Vere Stacpoole - (1926) - Who murdered Madame Bertaux
11. Have You Got Everything You Want - A.Christie - (1933) - Taking a train journey a wife is unsure of her husband's intentions.
12. The Long Dinner - H.C.Bailey - (1935) - where does searching for a disappeared painter lead.
13. The Packet-Boat Murder - J.Bell - (1951) - a recap of a closed case.
14. Villa Almirante - M.Gilbert - (1959) - a death at a house party
Enjoyable short stories

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The Widower of Pemberley: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story by Timothy Underwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and prejudice variation where due to the emotional damage from his first marriage Darcy is looking for a wife who is the opposite. He is starting his search in Meryton at the assembly.
An enjoyable variation

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The Sanctuary Seeker by Bernard Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1194 Newly appointed Crowner Sir John de Wolfe and his two assistants have a killing to solve, that of a crusader. Found in a stream in Widecombe Village, he is finally identified as Hubert de Bonneville. But there will more bodies found.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start tothis series.

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Bury in Haste by Jean Rowden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Minecliff 1956 Constable 'Thorny' Deepbriar finally gets a chance to detect when a young man from the village disappears. But are the other events just pranks.
An entertaining mystery

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The Prediction: A Murder Mystery by AG Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cairngorm House Golf Resort. How does a prediction placed in a locked box become true. DI Munro investigates while magician Barry Holt asks questions.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Harlot of St. Cecelia's by Darcy Graves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London, 1923. Librarian Eden Brior is accidentally locked overnight in the St. Cecelia’s Library vault with Simon Cross, only to emerge to find the police and the body of Cross's estranged actress wife.
Detective Inspector William Garrett and his team investigate but Eden decides to ask questions as she is a suspect.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good start to this new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Before She Knew Him: A Pride and Prejudice Short Story by Melissa Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Elizabeth Bennet with the Gardiners are touring Pemberley where she mistakes Darcy for a gardener. The conversation is overheard by the elder Darcy who then invites them to tea.
An enjoyable story

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Murder-Two by Joyce Carol Oates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lucille Peck is discovered brutally killed by her son Derek. Then he is charged with her murder.
Enjoyable short story

(Included in - Moment on the Edge, A: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women edited by Elizabeth George)

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More Work for the Undertaker: A Masterful Mystery by the Queen of Crime by Margery Allingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1946. Campion has been invited by Renee Roper owner of the Portminster Lodge as she is suspious about the death of two of her lodgers.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Drood by Dan Simmons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1865 Charles Dickens is involved in a train crash near Staplehurst. In the wreckage he meets Drood and his life becomes entwined with him, and continues with Wilkie Collins.
An interestingand enjoyable story

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Moment on the Edge, A: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women – A First-Rate Anthology of Mystery and Suspense by Elizabeth George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Includes
1. St Patrick's Day in the morning - Charlotte Armstrong playwright Michael Brown helps a drunk female in a bar
2. The purple is everything - Dorothy Davis - During a fire Mary Gardner takes her favourite painting from the Institute
3. Money to Burn - Margery Allingham (1957)- Why dies a debt collector burn the money.
4. Irony of hate - Ruth Rendell - why the husband killed Brenda Goring
5. Wild Mustard - Marcia Muller - (1984) p.i.Sharon McCone is concerned about an old Japanese lady.
6. Jemina Shore at the Sunny Grave - Antonia Fraser - sent to make a programme she encounters murder instead
7. The case of the Pietro Andromache - Sara Paretsky - a stolen alabaster and a murder
8. Afraid All the Time - N. Packard- What is the result of Jane Baum being afraid all the time
9. A predatory woman - S. McCrumb - A child killer is released
10. Jack be Quick - Barbara Paul - Jack the Riper from poverty of Beatrice Wickham, wife of a vicar.
11. New Moon and Rattlesnakes - w.Hornsby - Lise has a plan but will it work
12. Death of a Snowbird - J.A.Jance - the effect of the discovery of an ancient pot
13. The River Mouth - L. Jance - What does it produce
14. A scandal in Winter- G.Linscott - can Holmes solve the death of Mr McEvoy of the pre ious year
15. English Autumn - American Fall - M.Walters - The American Newbergs take a holiday
Enjoyable short stories

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The Cliffs of Hertfordshire by Wade H. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation - what if at the Netherfield Ball, Mary Bennet and Darcy collided - literally. What if that was Mary's breaking point after all the years suffering, emotional and mental abuse from all the family, while living as a Bennet, and she went straight over her personal cliff and left Meryton. What if it was found out that both Kitty and Lydia were 'increasing'. This is that story.
Overall this is such an enjoyable story. Another entertaining re-read. Another -re-read.

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Requiem by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A modern and long Pride and Prejudice variation which is not my usual read. But I enjoyed the story and especially the pairing of Mary Bennet. Though I would have liked more about them.
An entertaining story

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The Ghost Fleet Murders: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery by Anna Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

August 1942. A busy time for the Crofter's Green's sleuths as a body of a female is discovered in the area, and is there a danger that the 'Ghost Fleet' is about to be exposed to the Germans. Also is there a double agent working in the local ENSA group. They are sent to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of very likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable 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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Death by Jewels by Shiv Saywack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1951 Alexandra Raven, p.i. is hired is negotiate the buying of a diamond necklace once owned by a Tzarina. Her client Russian Elena Volkov. But she is not the only one looking for the necklace. Soon there are murders .
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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50 First Impressions: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy states his usual borish comments at the Meryton assembly but meeting Elizabeth the next morning she has forgiven him, until she has an accident, and loses her memory. A memory which is reset everyday. While behaves as a rake. Colonel Fitzwilliam was not at first likeable but he redeemed himself with his marriage - the only reason for 3 stars
Why did no-one walk with Elizabeth each morning or make sure she read her diary before leaving the house
Some crude language.

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Ghost Station by Carolyn Wheat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Transit police Sergeant Maureen Gallagher returns to duty after detoxifying. Interesting short story

(Included in - Moment on the Edge, A: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women edited by Elizabeth George)

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Murder on the Blackboard by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1932 While at Jefferson school after hours, teacher Hildegarde Withers discovers the body of music teacher Anise Halloran. Detective Oscar Piper and his team investigate but Piper is attacked and now in hospital so Miss Wilthers decides to investigate
Enjoyablehistorical mystery
First published in 1932

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Chantecoq and the Haunted House by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Morbihan, Brittany. Chantecoq and his secretary Meteor are in holiday when they are approached by M. Lachesnaye to investigate the strange happening in their home, and the substitute of their healthy son Jackie, by a very ill baby.
An entertaining historical mystery
First published in 1929

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Murder At Ashcombe Hall: A 1920’s Historical Cosy Mystery by Felicity Penn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1923. Cecily has inherited the title and estate of Ashcombe in Little Codding Village much to the disgust of the heir presumptive Lord Oswald Crowthorne. Thankfully for Cecily at her first dinner party Oswald is poisoned and dies. Constable Fenchurch investigates while Cecily aims to clear her name.
(It would better if Cecily learnt better manners and controlled her annoying dog and get a strong lead for him and stop with the constant religious quotes)

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A Scream in Soho by John G. Brandon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a scream was heard in the early morning in Soho, Inspector Patrick McCarthy has a new case. But with only blood found at the scene where is the murdered body. Soon that is found, but why and by whom was it killed. Then a new case is given to him, that someone has stolen important Government documents.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Blue Train has arrived at Nice but the body of murdered Ruth Kettering, daughter of American millionaire Rufus Van Aldin is discovered. He recruits Poirot to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery.
Originally published in 1928

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Cast, in Order of Disappearance by Simon Brett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

December 1973. To help his friend Jacqui, Charles Paris decides to investigate the death of Marcus Steen, theatrical agent, and Bill Sweet, blackmailer. Unfortunately I did not find any of the characters likeable.
Overall an enjoyable mystery

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The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh by Molly Greeley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation where from virtually her birth Anne de Bourgh has been given daily doses of laudanum. Can she find the strength at 29 to overcome the habit and Lady Catherine, to eventually have a life.
An interesting story

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Coroner's Pidgin by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first time home from the war in four years Campion stops at his flat only to be invaded by Lugg and various people carrying a female body, one that was probably murdered. But that is just the start.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Young Shall See Visions and the Old Dream Dreams by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eighty year old Nell wonders if the past events are as she remembers them.
An enjoyable short story

(Included in - Moment on the Edge, A: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women edited by Elizabeth George)

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A Vengeful Longing by R.N. Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summer 1868 St. Petersburg. As per every Saturday Dr Martin Meyer gives his wife a box of chocolates. But this week they have been poisoned and she and their son die. But this is not the only case for Magistrate Petrovich. Are they related.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Afraid All the Time by Nancy Pickard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jean Baum relocated to the Prairies but she is always afriad. What will be the result. An interesting short story

(Included in - Moment on the Edge, A: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women edited by Elizabeth George)

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Miss Morton Takes the Waters by Catherine Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1841 Bath. Mrs. Frogerton and his companion Lady Caroline Morton become embroiled in a poison-pen scheme, and a locked-room death in the Queen Square buildings where they are residing. While Inspector Wells investigates they unofficially help.
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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The Long Weekend: A 1955 Philip Bryce mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A weekend house party for eight guests at Owlwood Manor home of Viscount Owlwood results in two deaths, one which looks like a murder and the other an accident. DCS Bryce is called in t0 investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Big Four by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can Poirot with the help of various persons including Captain Hasting thwart a world wide conspiracy masterminded by The Big Four.
A thriller

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Seven Brandies by Wade H. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation while at Hunsford Darcy proposes to Elizabeth. The result was probably not what he expected. After writing letters to everyone she can think of Elizabeth and Darcy travel to Gretna Green. Who will follow in their adventures. Will anyone have a happy ending in this madcap story.
An entertaining variation

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Cold Blood by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When wealthy Cosmo Ducrow is discovered in the grounds of his estate, Hokestones, suspicion falls on his nephew Rudolf. Sergeant Beef is engaged to prove his innocence.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Sweet Baby Jenny by Joyce Harrington
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What will Jenny do when she finds out the truth
Enjoyable short story

(Included in - Moment on the Edge, A: 100 Years of Crime Stories by Women edited by Elizabeth George)

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Murder in a Yorkshire Village by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

March 1938. Kitty and Matt Bryant are visiting his family in Harrogate. While attending a cycle race Kitty discovers the body of missing Bradley Lewis, younger brother to Inspector James Lewis. They and the police discover that there are many suspects with motives. But then there is another murder.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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The Three Coffins by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Professor Charles Grimaud is killed in a locked room in his occupied home. How did the murderer escape when there are no footprints in the snow surrounding the house. Fifteen minutes later another murder occurs. Superintendent Hadley Investigates with the help of Dr Fell.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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