The Newmarket Murders: A 1920's Murder Mystery by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1921. Did Carol Harrison admit to a male friend that she had killed her brutal husband. As she is told it best she stay at her brother Gerry Tudor's home, who is visited by the Astons. But then Harrison is found dead, presumed a suicide. Old friend of the Astons Chief Inspector Douglas Hook is suspicious.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death and Cinderella by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1928. At the end of the performance of Cinderella of the Regent Players a body is discovered in the pumpkin/coach. DI Felix and his team investigate.
Enjoyable historical mystery

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Heir Apparent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Clarissa Joy Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the first born Bennet is James (instead of Jane) and it is he who informs Darcy of Georgiana and Ramsgate. Now the Betherfield party have arrived (including the Colonel) how does this all change their futures especially as Catherine and Lydia are not out and at school. Bennet is his usual uselessness. I would have liked more of the married life of the Fitzwilliams and less of the Darcys.
But an entertaining story.

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Evil Water by Inger Wolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On farmland on the outskirts of Aarhus two suitcases are discovered. They contain the remain of two missing females. DI Trokic and his team investigate.
An interesting modern Danish mystery

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The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wealthy, Diana Cowper and mother to a famous actor arranged her funeral and later that day she was murdered. Ex Detective Hawthorne consultant to the police investigates. He recruits writer Horowitz to write a book about the case.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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

1868 Heiress Delia Chadwick has been kidnapped by the supposed Spring-Heeled Jack, a figure from thirty years ago. Matilda Wren is employed to find her. But another heiress disappears. Is there another motive apart from money.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The Seafront Corpse by Anne Bainbridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tennysham-on-Sea, Sussex 1931. A body of a man is discovered in a shelter on the beach promenade. Inspector Eddie Chance and Sergeant Bishop investigate
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Blink: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Vivien Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation where Georgiana Darcy after Wickham lives in darkness and Darcy blames himself. Then he and the Bingleys arive at Netherfield. But all is not well at Longbourn with the arrival of Wickham. Can a yone have a happy ending. More of the Colonel and Mary was needed.
An entertaining story

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Death-Watch by John Dickson Carr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An undercover policeman, Inspector George Ames is found murdered in the home of clock maker Johannas Carver. Inspector Hadley investigates with the help of Dr Fell.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1935

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Improvement of the Minds: A Pride and Prejudice retelling with youthful mischief by Enid Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Darcys of Pemberley are leasing the estate at Netherfield while the five Bennet daughters are still very young. How will this affect their upbringing and the relationship between the parents.
An entertaining variation though wouold have loved to have more about Mary's romance.

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An Accidental Murder by J. New
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1935. Ella Bridges has just moved into her new home, The Yellow Cottage, only to be confronted with her first ghost. The second one may relate to a murder.
An enjoyable cozy mystery

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Speak for the Dead by Anne Bainbridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1874 An architect is stabbed at his home. Was Rowland Ellis killed by an intruder. New to Scotland Yard, inspector Abbs believes not.
An entertaining historical mystery

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For Services Rendered: A Barker & Llewelyn Novel by Will Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London, 1896, Sebastian Nightwine, nemesis of Cyrus Barker has returned, but why. Then his associates, friends, and partner Thomas Llewelwn become in danger. Meanwhile Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, trying to avoid the China's Secret Service disappears. They employed to find him. Added to these, parts of the British government are against them.
An entertaining and well-written historical 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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A Christmas Malice by Anne Bainbridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1873. Inspector josiah Abbs visits his sister Hetty Byers, widow, hoping for a quiet time. Only to discover a previous death and mischief tricks played on the villagers.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Killer in the New Forest by Carol Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A car accident outside the Godshill village hall, is presumed initially to have killed retired lecturer from Birmingham, Brendan Stafford. The p.m. revealed he was beaten and then stabbed. DI MacLean and his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery


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Shadow Chasers: An Enthralling British Crime Thriller by S J Richards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ethics team become involved in a reality TV programme called the Shadow chasers when it is believed one of the contestants is cheating. They are people trying to solve cold cases.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

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Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884 Daniel McAdam's heritage is a mystery to him. A Howard Banks believes he has information but is murdered before the meeting. Can Daniel and Kat with their friends find the killer and piece together Daniel's past.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its 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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Things We Can Not Forget: A Modern Day Persuasion Variation by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London. A modern 21st century Persuasion where Anne Elliot eight years since their last meeting meets Captain Wentworth.
An enjoyable short story

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Case for Three Detectives by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A murder at the home of Mr Thurston results in not just the village policeman Sergeant Beef to arrive to investigate but three private detectives to appear. Can any of them find the guilty party.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Beaches: A Persuasion Variation Featuring A Different Accident On The Beaches of Lyme by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation. Lyme Regis. When Louisa jumps for the second time, Anne Elliot runs to save her from injury, only to be injured herself as Louise lands on her.
An enjoyable short story

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In Your Debt: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Featuring A Daring Rescue By Elizabeth Bennet by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation where on a morning walk from Longbourn Elizabeth Bennet meets a very distressed Georgiana Darcy running from Wickham, who Elizabeth has never met.
An enjoyable short story

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A Rare Interest In Corpses by Ann Granger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1864 Lizzie Martin,29, has arrived in London to take up the position of companion to her godfather's widow, slum landlady Mrs Parry. Only to be informed that the previous companion , presumed to have eloped, has been discovered dead in one of Mrs Parry's old properties. Inspector Ross investigates and Lizzy is not careful or clever enough.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery

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Death Among the Kisses by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas 1928. As the family and neighbours visit Falkner's farm the day is irruptedwhen a murder occurs. DCI Felix and his investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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By Miss Bingley's Persuasion by Rosemary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where after the obvious dislike between Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet at various functions, Caroline Bingley decides to befriend Elizabeth, hoping to improve the relationship between those two. Her motive, she would like another friend to invite to Pemberley when she becomes Mrs Darcy. This is a delusion shared only with her sister Mrs Louisa Hurst.
An entertaining variation as we notice the improvement of the Bennet family, and especially of Darcy.
My usual complaint is that again there is not enough about the Colonel and Mary Bennet. But anouther enjoyable re-read.

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Twelve Dates with Gentlemen Friends: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Reimagining by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A modern day variation of Pride and Prejudice. Various Kappa mothers have named their offspring after characters in The Novel and have for years tried to arrange them to meet. Now they have been in the same town for some time but how will Jane, Elizabeth and Mary Baker plus Charlotte Perth met their counterparts. Until one day Elizabeth not knowing this makes a move.
A fun read.

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Something New to Observe A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Kimbelle Pease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mr Bennet takes action after Darcy's behaviour at the Meryton Assembly, in front of Bingley, the Colonel and his brother the Viscount. The three elder Bennet sisters and Charlotte Lucas have more accomplishments than canon. Can there be a happy ending for all the participants.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written variation, with its so many likeable characters. An entertaining re-read

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On a Dark Evening: A 1930s-set mystery by Sarah Woodthorpe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London 1935. Felicia Adams interrupts a burglary in her home. Several days later she is surprised to find out who it is. Later at a dinner party a death by poison occurs. Is there any connection between the two events. Inspector John Graydon investigates.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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The Empire Theatre Murders by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1921 Police artist and friend Rufus Watts needs the helps of the Astons. The family business, the Folly theatre has received threatening letters and he would like them to investigate. But soon there is a murder.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930 The suicide of Edward Hillman, a vision of a murder told to reporter Jacob Flint, and a potential murderer arriving, results in Hemlock Bay, a new resort in Lancashire, becoming the place to visit as Rachel Savernake and her entourage arrive followed by Flint. Then a murder occurs. Rachel and her team have more to investigate along with the police.
An entertaining and well-written historical 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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Wasp Nest by Inger Wolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aarhus. The body of 15 year old Mads Birk is found, tortured and surrounded by dead wasps. But he will not be the last. But why and by whom. Lt Daniel Trokica nd his team investigate.
An enjoyable modern Danish mystery

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The Ice House by AG Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s. The body of Federick Wyndham, missing for several months is found on his estate's ice house, which is locked and the key inside. Fane becomes interested and sends Nell Blackwood to investigate at Braeburn Hall.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Murder on the Rocks by T.E. Kinsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1913 Florence and Emily, Lady Hardcastle are invited to a weekend house party by friend JB McIntyre at his Tudor Fort on Guardian's Rock. But jewellery thefts and murders keep them busy. Can they solve the cases before the next boat arrives.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its interesting and 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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Before The Storm: A Doubt Not Cousin Saga: Colonel Fitzwilliam by Barry S. Richman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where the future Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is born without the ability to feel pain. How will affect his life as he is now destined to serve the Crown.
An entertaining and well-written story.

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Rivals and Rascals by Maggie Page
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation who can win the love of Elizabeth Bennet. Will it be Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam. And what will they do to be successful.
An entertaining variation, where the Colonel chose wisely, but it takes until the last ten percent to do so and then the story for me becomes enjoyable.
Overal another entertaining re-read

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Saving Elizabeth Bennet by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation set after the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield Park. With disaster striking the Bennet family, and the remaining members having to leave Longbourn immediately, Elizabeth decides takes a position of lady's companion. This unfortunatey leads to more disastrous consequences. Can they expect any help.
Anther entertaining re-read in my quest to read Mary and Colonel stories.

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Marshal of Snowdonia by Simon McCleave
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Retired Detective gets a call from friend and retired judge Anne Taylor. Her sister Meg has gone missing and she needs his help.
An entertaining modern mystery. A good start to this new series

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Dead Man's Shoes by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gregory Willick was murdered, shot, and his body discovered the next day in the nearby woods. Everyone knew who was the killer, and so there was no surprise when he committed suicide. Senior History Master, Carolus Deene, becomes involved and is not convinced of either fact.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1958

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A Husband's Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story concludes as the Colonel receives news of his elder brothers' death. Now he is the Earl. But will everyone get the happy ending they deserve.
An entertaining variation.

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A Cousin's Courage: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues as Jane Bennet takes some foolish action, while Georgiana Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bingley come to the rescue. But are they in time.
Enjoyable story.

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The Key by Patricia Wentworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1944 Marbury. Scientist Michael Harsch has just finished his latest project when he is found shot inside a locked church where he went to play the organ, presumed to be a suicide. But after Scotland yard are called in and make an arrest, Miss Maud Silver is contacted to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Saving Elizabeth Bennet by Melanie Schertz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation set after the Bingleys and Darcy have left Netherfield Park. With disaster striking the Bennet family, and the remaining members having to leave Longbourn immediately, Elizabeth decides takes a position of lady's companion. This unfortunatey leads to more disastrous consequences. Can they expect any help.
Anther entertaining re-read in my quest to find Mary and Colonel stories.

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Last Will and Testament by E.X. Ferrars
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wealthy 84 year old Mrs Arliss is dead from her second stroke. Unfortunately for her relations most of her wealth has gone. Then the first murder occurs. Virginia and Felix Freer wonder who the murderer is. Can Virginia trust anything that her estranged husband says.
An enjoyable mystery

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Straw in the Wind by Carol Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The body of Conchita Gimenez, 19, who went missing three years ago is discovered in Godshill Wood Inclosure. Then eight year old Kim Tanner disappears. DI Callum MacLean and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Were Engaged: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Featuring A Hasty Betrothal by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride a day Prejudice Variation where at the Netherfield Ball Elizabeth Bennet meets Darcy for the first time.
An enjoyable short story

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An Education in Death by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1928 Thomas Thirkettle School. The death of one of the masters brings DCI Felix and his team to the school to investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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River Path: A Persuasion Variation Featuring A Second Chance Romance by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where eight years have passed and Wentworth is visiting Uppercross, home of Anne Elliot.
An enjoyable short story

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Death of a Fugitive by John Pilkington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1595 Bishopsgate Ward. A gang of coiners are active in the area. Constable Cutler with help decides to investigate. But what will be the cost. He also has trouble at home to contend with as his daughter Jane is behaving suspiciously.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting cast of characters. A good second book in this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



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A Seaside Mourning by Anne Bainbridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1873 Inspector Josiah Abbs and Sergeant Reeve are sent to Seaborough to investigate the death of wealthy Miss Harriet Chorley. But why was she killed.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to the series.

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Preserver by William Shatner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story concludes.
An entertaining story, a re-read.

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Lady Fetton's Longbourn Legacy by Victoria Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Mrs Fetton, older half-sister to Bennet of Longbourn decides to take charge of her family before they are ruined. But how is she treated by the people of Netherfield Park and how will her actions affect all the Bennets.
A delightful and well-written entertaining story. A re-read.

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