Pages

Monday, 25 May 2026

The Adventure of the Dying DetectiveThe Adventure of the Dying Detective by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sherlock Holmes is dying, it seems he has contracted a disease from the docks.
An enjoyable short story

View all my reviews
The Maypole Murders (Kit and Mary Aston Mysteries, #4)The Maypole Murders by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

April 1922. The Astons and family are visiting the village of Upper Outwell when the murdered body of an unknown man is discovered in the Vicarage. Chief Inspector Hook and the Astons investigate. But what of a murder several months earlier, and is there a connection to events from 40 years ago
An enjoyable historical mystery
Needs some proofreading

View all my reviews
Bloodie Bones (Dan Foster Mystery #1)Bloodie Bones by Lucienne Boyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1796 Bow Street Runner Dan Foster is sent to Barcombe, Somerset, to discover the identity of the poachers on the lords newly enclosed woods, and the murderer of gamekeeper Josh Castle.
An entertaining historical mystery. A good start to this new series.

View all my reviews

Sunday, 24 May 2026

DEATH OF A GHOSTDEATH OF A GHOST by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1930. At the annual exhibition of a John Lafcadio painting, a painter is murdered and then all his works disappear. But why and by whom. Then there is another death.
An enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1934

View all my reviews
The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards: A 1930s Mystery (Lord Edgington Investigates Abroad Book 4)The Case of the Burgundy Vineyards: A 1930s Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lord Edgington and Christopher have arrived at the Burgundy district in France. Only to meet with a feud between vineyard owning families and a death.
An entertaining historical mystery

View all my reviews
Master of Longbourn  (Ripples)Master of Longbourn by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the useless Mr Bennet gets his wish and goes back to university, meanwhile Mr Collins is the new lease owner of Longbourn. How will this affect the rest of the Bennet family and their futures.
An enjoyable and well-written variation with its likeable Collins.

View all my reviews

Saturday, 23 May 2026

A Murder at the Royal Opera (Rosalynd and Steele Mysteries #4)A Murder at the Royal Opera by Magda Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London. 1889. When the Duke of Steele and Lady Rosalynd attend the Royal Opera House in their neighbour box Sir Edmund Hale, capitalist, is murdered, stabbed. Due to Lady Hale's closeness to the Prince of Wales the Queen instructs them both to investigate. But the investigation is more complicated than first thought.
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 Booktsirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.

View all my reviews
THE HOUSE OF MIXED REPUTE: A 1952 Philip Bryce Murder Mystery (Chief Inspector Bryce Mysteries Book 16)THE HOUSE OF MIXED REPUTE: A 1952 Philip Bryce Murder Mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1952 Two deaths at a high end brothel with a very select clientele means that DCI Bryce is called in to investigate.
An enjoyable police procedural mystery

View all my reviews

Friday, 22 May 2026

A Plethora of Peers: A Regency Romp inspired by P&PA Plethora of Peers: A Regency Romp inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and prejudice variation Thomas Bennet is the younger son, and married to Lady Henrietta Ashworth. Their children are twins James and Elizabeth, and Mary. Henry Bennet is the older son, just before dying he married pregnant Frances Gardiner who has twins Catherine and Lydia. With Thomas Bennet now the estate owner of Longbourn how will this affect all their lives.
An entertaing and well-written variation.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Murder on Threadneedle Street (Wrexford & Sloane, #10)Murder on Threadneedle Street by Andrea Penrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hawk, ward of the Wrexfords is upset to learn that his new drawing teacher, Fletcher Campbell, has been found murdered on Threadneedle Street. They become Suspicious and so investigate his death. But they find themselves involved in a ten year old mystery concerning counterfeited banknotes.
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.

View all my reviews
Silver and the Sunday Cypher (Carlyle & Silver Cozy Mysteries #1)Silver and the Sunday Cypher by Jack Gatland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Harry Farrell, 68, is murdered the police are not convinced and close the case. But he left instructions for his wife Rebecca to contact Laura Carlyle, 62, widow to a diplomat. She agrees to investigate, then the mysterious Sebastian Silver arrives.
An enjoyable modern mystery

View all my reviews
Case with 4 Clowns: A Sergeant Beef MysteryCase with 4 Clowns: A Sergeant Beef Mystery by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1938. Sergeant Beef's nephew works for the Jacobi Circus and he believes a murder will happen there. So Beef and Townsend join the circus.
Enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1939

View all my reviews

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Death and The Brighthelmstone Satyr (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 15)Death and The Brighthelmstone Satyr by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1929 Disabled twin Peter Smith has been kept away from his family. On reaching 18 he is informed of his parentage but he goes missing.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews
VENGEANCE PART II: A BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD AND BONE NOVEL (THE BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD AND BONE)VENGEANCE PART II: A BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD AND BONE NOVEL by Selene L. Garrou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story continues in this way out there Pride and Prejudice variation. Can Darcy get his revenge, can the victims all survive. Who will the bingleys align with in the long term.
An entertaining story

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Death Of A Stranger (Inspector Abbs Victorian Mysteries Book 4)Death Of A Stranger by Anne Bainbridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1874. Inspector Abbs and Sergeant Reeve are sent to Keswick to investigate the death, a month ago, of Alice Lindley, 28. A maid working in a Temlerance hotel. But who was she.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews
In the Night: An English Country House Murder MysteryIn the Night: An English Country House Murder Mystery by Ronald Gorell Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Roger Penterton, 75 of Salting Towers is discover dead at the bottom of the stairs. Inspector Humblethorne happens to be on holiday in the area and takes over the investigation. Meanwhile a guest at the Towers, Miss Evelyn Temple asks her own queations.
An entertaining historical mystery

View all my reviews

Monday, 18 May 2026

The Priest Hole (The Fane and Blackwood Mysteries Book 3)The Priest Hole by AG Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While Fane is visiting his surgeon. Dr Edwin Cathcart, a body is discovered in the priest hole of the tudor house. That of a surgeon Lawrence Ashford who had disappeared after an argumentative dinner party a week ago.
An enjoyable historical mystery
(Does need a little proof reading)

View all my reviews
The Tragic Death of Bobby Brown and Mr Basset (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 14)The Tragic Death of Bobby Brown and Mr Basset by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While DCI Felix is on leave, the newly promoted DI Rattigan investigates the death of dog walker to a Mrs Bailey, Bobby Brown and the dog. Both had been shot.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews

Sunday, 17 May 2026

The Croaking Raven: The Shakespeare Series (The Shakespeare Murders Book 1)The Croaking Raven: The Shakespeare Series by Guy Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1972 DC Toby Marlowe has just transferred to the Stratford-upon-Avon police when they have a new case. An actor has been killed. Lawrence Oliver back from fifteen years in exile has returned to England, and for revenge.
An entertaining mystery

View all my reviews
Death on a Park Bench (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 13)Death on a Park Bench by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the nanny, Patricia Simmons, working for wealthy Professor Sir Walter Mottram is murdered and his son abducted its for DCI Felix and his team to investigate.
An enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews

Saturday, 16 May 2026

Silver Linings: A Pride and Prejudice VariationSilver Linings: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by AnnaMarie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where the events at Ramgate and Georgiana Darcy are hinted at in the press. How will the Darcys cope with their reputations ruined, and their relationships with the Bennets and others when they eventually arrive at Nethrfiled.
An entertining and well-written story

View all my reviews
The New Year's Eve Murders: A 1920's standalone Murder Mystery (Kit Aston Mysteries Book 10)The New Year's Eve Murders: A 1920's standalone Murder Mystery by Jack Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New York. The Astons have joined their relations Agatha and Alastair for New Year, and are invited to a murder mystery party held and written by writer Amory Beaufort. The play is unfortunately based on real life from 1917, and the participants are the guests at this party.
An entertining historical mystery

View all my reviews
Wedded to Death (Inspector Felix #12)Wedded to Death by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

1920s. This story features a character from a previous book - Jane Herring. Just didn't find her or the story that interesting

View all my reviews

Friday, 15 May 2026

The Cold Light of Day: There are two crimes to solve for the 18th century physician... (Augustus Swift Investigations Book 2)The Cold Light of Day: There are two crimes to solve for the 18th century physician... by Stephen Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1795 Dr Augustus Swift becomes involved in two cases, the first a spate of burglaries, and the second that of murder. The body of Dorothea Todd, daughter of a spice merchant is discovered dumped in a street. But is she the first.
An entertaining historical mystery

View all my reviews
Goode Friends (Inspector Goode Mysteries Book 3)Goode Friends by P.N. Garlick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DCI Goode is just bout to leave on his holidays when the first murder is reported. But not the last killed by X.
An entertaining modern mystery

View all my reviews
Traveller Returns (Miss Silver Mystery Book 9)Traveller Returns by Patricia Wentworth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lady Anne Joselyn died on a Breton beach by machine gunfire from the Germans as she fled with her husband, and her cousin Annie Joyce. Three years later she back at her home in England. I she Anne or not.
Not really much of a mystery. Overall an enjoyable story

View all my reviews

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Follow The Drum: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (The Bennet Sister Variations: A Pride & Prejudice-Inspired Series)Follow The Drum: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Barry S. Richman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation. 1781 Captain Thomas Bennet aka Paradox is recruited for undercover work during the war. His reward is a knighthood and the ownership of Longbourn. Years later he is happily married with three daughters. Unfortunately Mary's appearance causes problems within the family and the community. How will this affect the family and herself. What of Bennet's past.
A well-written and entertaining story, an enjoyable re-read.

View all my reviews
The Perfect Place to Die (Lieutenant Detective Daniel Trokic Mysteries Book 7)The Perfect Place to Die by Inger Wolf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lt Daniel Trokic is sent to Japan to confirm that Dane Casper Vitanen had committed suicide when he was found hanged in the Aokigahara forest.
An interesting modern mystery

View all my reviews

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

The Devouring Fire : A Country House Murder MysteryThe Devouring Fire : A Country House Murder Mystery by Ronald Gorell Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wealthy Robert Grimwade is discovered murdered in his library. Sergeant Harry Farrant investigates with the help of retired inspector Simon Birch.
An entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1928

View all my reviews
Letters From The Heart: A Persuasion Variation Featuring A Medieval Setting (Jane Austen Variation Shorts Stories)Letters From The Heart: A Persuasion Variation Featuring A Medieval Setting by Katherine Horne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A medieval Persuasion variation where from the age of nine Anne Elliot has exchanged letters with her betrothed, William Elliot, and fallen in love with the writer. Then a wedding days approaches and they meet.
An enjoyable short story

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

The Case in the Vicarage Gardens (Lady Matilda Investigates Book 1)The Case in the Vicarage Gardens by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1924. Little Biddington. The annual vicar's tea party sees a murder occur. As Lady Matilda and Hetty ask questions it would seem that the victim was known for recording any interesting information about the villagers, so would have many enemies. Can they find the murderer before Inspector Middleton.
An entertaining and well-written cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

View all my reviews
Mission to Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice VariationMission to Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, with Colonel Fitzwilliam injured in body and soul Darcy feels that he must do something to aid the British in the war against the French. So he is sent to Meryton to learn about the inhabitants as suspicions have been raised.
A delightful and entertaining well-written story with its interesting characters.
Which is thankfully not just a romance tale but would have loved to have the Colonel more in the story and so a lot more about my favourite couple. An enjoyable re-read. Again.

View all my reviews

Monday, 11 May 2026

The Chester Grand Murders: Heathcliff Lennox InvestigatesThe Chester Grand Murders: Heathcliff Lennox Investigates by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1924 DCI Billings sends Lennox and Swift to the Chester Grand Hotel. Home of the Grand Deva Syndicate, which three of the members have met supposed accidental deaths.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

View all my reviews

Sunday, 10 May 2026

The Crime and the Crystal (Andrew Basnett Book 3)The Crime and the Crystal by Elizabeth Ferrars
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Retired professor Andrew Basnett is visiting a former pupil, Tony Gardiner, in Adelaide for the Christmas period. Jan Gardiner's wealthy first husband was murdered and she is still under suspicion. Now another murder occurs.
An enjoyable mystery

View all my reviews
Sweet Danger (Albert Campion, #5)Sweet Danger by Margery Allingham
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Didn't really find it that interesting

View all my reviews

Saturday, 9 May 2026

Pride Prejudice and Plenitude: A Pride and Prejudice VariationPride Prejudice and Plenitude: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Andie Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where an unexpeted guet (due to Illness) changes the fortunes and status of the Bennets. How will this affect the happy endings of the daughters.
An enjoyable story

View all my reviews
Case Without a Corpse (Sergeant Beef, #2)Case Without a Corpse by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Braxham. Alan Rogers entered the local pub and in front of Sergeant Beef, declares he has committed murder. Then he commits suicide by poison. But where is the body. Eventually Scotland Yard is called in.
An enjoyable historical mystery though too much dialogue spoken in the vernacular.
Originally published in 1937

View all my reviews

Friday, 8 May 2026

The Holly House Mystery (Inspector Chance #1.5)The Holly House Mystery by John Bainbridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1931 Holly House has been cut off due to snow, but when a body not a maid is discovered it limits the suspects. inspector Chance investigates
Enjoyable historical mystery

View all my reviews

Thursday, 7 May 2026

Frog in the Throat (Virginia and Felix Book 2)Frog in the Throat by E.X. Ferrars
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Virginia Freer is visiting friends when unexpectedly her separated husband, Felix, arrives. Then the first murder occurs, but where has the body disappeared to.
An entertaining mystery

View all my reviews

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Meet Me at Pemberley (Christmas with Jane)Meet Me at Pemberley by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Jane and Bingley are married, Elizabeth is deemed by some to be a fallen woman and living at Netherfield with the Bingleys. Georgiana Darcy has eloped with Wickham, and has not been found. Enter Darcy at Netherfield.
Would have loved to read more about the Colonel and Mary.
An entertaining and well-written story

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

The Ravenkeeper's Daughter (Field & Greystone, #1)The Ravenkeeper's Daughter by Lana Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1883 Ravenkeeper Pritchard is brutally murdered one night, and it seems his 7 year old mute and deaf daughter Maeve is a witness. Maeve arrives at Mrs Amelia Greystone's home having previous met, while Inspector Henry Field investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery

View all my reviews

Monday, 4 May 2026

The Newmarket Murders: A 1920's Murder Mystery (Kit Aston Mysteries Book 9)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

View all my reviews

Sunday, 3 May 2026

Death and Cinderella (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 11)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

View all my reviews

Saturday, 2 May 2026

Heir Apparent: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Pride and Prejudice Variations)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.

View all my reviews

Friday, 1 May 2026

Evil Water (Lieutenant Detective Daniel Trokic Mysteries Book 5)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

View all my reviews

Thursday, 30 April 2026

The Word is Murder (Hawthorne & Horowitz, #1)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

View all my reviews

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

A Whisper in Darkness (Raven & Wren Book 6)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.

View all my reviews
The Seafront Corpse (Inspector Chance Mystery #1)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

View all my reviews
Blink: A Pride and Prejudice VariationBlink: 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

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Death-Watch (Dr. Gideon Fell, #5)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

View all my reviews