Awakened Hearts by Susan Potts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel several years have passed since the marriages of Elizabeth and Jane. With Mary as the last of the Bennet sisters still at home, she is determined to become a governess or companion. Then she is invited to Pemberley, her first ever visit. There she meets Georgiana Darcy and Brigadier Henry Fitzwilliam, cousin to Darcy. But can she come out of her shell and accept the friendships on offer.
A delightful story, well-written, lovely to read about Mary's emotional development. Just loved everything about the story and the characters.
An entertaining re-read, again. And again.

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The Séance of Murder: The Dunston Burnett Trilogy by Lyn Squire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1875 Dunston, an amateur detective, is invited to his ancestral estate, Crenshaw Hall by owner Sir Hugo, a very ill 75 year old. Where a decision is made to hold a séance to solve a fifty year old murder of Hugo older brother Randolph. But by morning a murder has occurred. Inspector Hescutt is called in to investigate. Will he seek help from Dunston.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters. Another good and last addition to this enjoyable trilogy.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


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Fatally Inferior: The Dunston Burnett Trilogy by Lyn Squire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1872. Henrietta, wife of Richard Darwin (fictional son of Charles), has disappeared. Meanwhile a maid at the Darwin's home is sent away, pregnant. Both Scotland Yard and private inquiry agent Archibald Line investigate. Line has help from Dunston Burnett.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Red Coat: A Pride & Prejudice Continuation by Katelyn Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Mary Bennet starts to understand her faults and then at the double wedding of her two older sisters she sees a red coat, and falls. But will she see him again and is he anything like Wickham. Mary takes a journey but will she fail or take a leap. And what of the Colonel.
An entertaining sequel featuring my favourite JAFF couple. .
Another re-read as there are not enough books concentrating on this delightful couple.

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

While on his normal morning run Angus Darnell is shot dead. But by whom and why. DI Callum MacLean and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Their Share of Vexations by Lucrezia*
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Elizabeth runs from Longbourn after a proposal of marriage from a vicar. But this is not Collins. The result leaves Elizabeth's reputation in shreds and only one of her sisters stands by her. But it is not Jane. There is disharmony, revenge, cruelty, (definitely mature content) but also happy endings for quite a few people. Will the guilty get their just punishment. Will I be happy in the outcome for Mary Bennet?
With all of that I found it a delightful story even in the re-read, again.

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Frequent Hearses by Edmund Crispin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fen becomes the literary advisor for a film at the Long Fulton Films. But why would a young actress commit suicide having got a role in a film.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The theft at pemberly : A pride and prejudice variation by Job Karen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation where Elizabeth is visiting Hunsford. While at Rosing Lady Catherine shows off the Pemberley Star. But soon it is stolen and she accuses Elizabeth.
4 stars because of the Mary pairing.

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The Catherine Wheel by Patricia Wentworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seventy year old millionaire Jacob Taverner has invited some of his relations to his Carherine Wheel Inn. But why. Miss Silver is there on behalf of the police due to the rumours of smuggling Then there is a death.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Mary Bennett’s Brilliant Scheme : A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shannon Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation (both Jane and Elizabeth are married but not Charlotte or Lydia) where Mary decides she needs to acquire social skills and sets out a methodology to do so. With contributions from Charlotte, Elizabeth (who seems to live nearby) and surprisely Kitty and Lydia.
An enjoyable story but needs some proofreading and I found it too long

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A Deadly Halloween at Château de Camon: A 1930s Halloween Mystery by Benedict Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October 1930. At Chateau de Camon a seance has been arranged for invited guests. But now a death has occurred. Lord Edgington and Christopher investigate. But what could be the motive.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Chantecoq and the Devil's Daughter by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1932 Chantecoq on the side of the pacifists must defeat the warmongers whom are intent in killing anyone aiming to win the anti-war Clifford prize.
An enjoyable story

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Lady Beth Fitzwilliam: Part 2 – Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story continues as the Bennets discover where Elizabeth has been living for the last 18 years. A reunion needs to be planned, and what of Lord Matlock.
An enjoyable conclusion

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Lady Beth Fitzwilliam: Part 1 - Kidnapped: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation newly born, rejected Elizabeth Bennet is kidnapped by Lord Marlock. He reasoned that as her wife had just given birth to another stillborn child she would give up on llife. How does this event affect the future lives of the Bennets, Fitzwilliams and Darcys.
An entertaining variation.

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Darcy and Elizabeth: Unwritten Courtships: A Marriage Bargain at Midnight: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Vera Langley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy first meet as they both break into the dead Lady Selwyn's library. But what are they both looking for. But scandal and threats are not far behind. How will this affect all the Bennets and other families.
An enjoyable story

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The Motor House by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gerald Lyle has changed his will and now he is found dead. Nell Blackwood is a guest and decides to ask questions.
An enjoyable short story

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Buried for Pleasure by Edmund Crispin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1947 Gervase Fen is standing for Parliament ar Sanfor Angelorum. Not long after arriving he becomes involved in two murders and what is thought to be an accident.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Vengeance is Mine - A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosemary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Caroline Bingley has been ruined, and when Darcy refuses to marry her as payment of a supposed debt owned to the Bingleys, Charles vows to take revenge on the Darcy family. How does this change the future of the Bingleys and the future of the families they meet. In this story it is not just Elizabeth that is her father's favourite but also Mary. Mrs Bennet's favourites, the other three, all because they have the same colouring as her, blond and blue eyed.
An entertaining story with lots of new characters added.
An enjoyable re-read, again.

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Mr. Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Tale by Rose Fairbanks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy and the Bingleys left Netherfield over a month ago. Now it is December 23rd, again and again. What needs to be righted, who is aware, do people have to change and will there be any happy endings.
Enjoyed this tale especially as I am a Groundhog Day fan.
Would have liked more of Mary and the diary in Part One, especially with her interactions with the Colonel, and see the scenes from more of her perspective but that's because I am a Mary Bennet fan.
Another enjoyable re-read of this story, again and again, and again

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Murder Most Final by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten years ago 16 year old aspiring actress Angela Manning disappeared, her body was found the next morning. This is the latest and last case for the CRT and Hillary Greene.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series which seems to have come to the end

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A Puzzle for Fools by Patrick Quentin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Broadway producer Peter Duluth had an alcoholic breakdown after the death of his wife. He now resides in the Lenz Sanitarium. But strange events are occurring with at least two murders.
An enjoyable historical mystery
(1936)

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Murder at the Mistletoe Ball by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

London, 1938. The Underhays have been invited to the annual Mistletoe Ball held at the home of Lord and Lady Skelmsby, at the request of a government official as treason is suspected of one of the guests. But then a body of one of the suspects is discovered. Was she a double agent. Can the Underhays discover the killer before they kill again.
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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Jane Austen's The Watsons by Claudia Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A finished version of Jane Austen's The Watsons where the author has changed the location of the novel and the names of the characters (I prefer the original names). So Ada Watson has returned to her birth home after her aunt remarries leaving Ada without her promised dowry. But how will she fit in with her much poorer family and the surrounding neighbours. This includes the proud Osborne family and the bachelor Lord Osborne.
An entertaining and well-written story with its likeable and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Trouble With Horses by Elizabeth Ann West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Elizabeth Bennet's early morning walk is disrupted by finding a riderless horse. When she eventually discovers the rider unconscious - Mr. Darcy - her woes are only beginning.
Liked the input of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary into the story, as we are swept to the happy ending. Just wish that there was more of their story.
Another entertaining re-read.

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The Seven of Calvary by Anthony Boucher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Hugo Schaedel is a visiting professor at the Berkeley Campus. While on an evening stroll he is murdered. But why and by whom. Then there is a second death. Professor John Ashwin becomes interested in the events.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Case of the Solid Key by Anthony Boucher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1940 p.i. Fergus O'Breen is undercover at the Carruthers Little Theatre to investigate Rupert Carruthers. Then a body is discovered in a locked room. But that is only the first
An entertaining historical mystery

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Death In Champagne: A brutal murder haunts the French countryside... by Cheryl Sawyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1735 Cavaliers Constant and Renard investigate the death of two women. But what could be the motive and by whom.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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Toad in the Hole by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1950 Ted 'Toad' Slade, moneylender has been kiĺled. So Gertie Bundle decides to investigate before the police arrest the wrong person.
An enjoyable short story

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Mrs. Bennet Leaves Longbourn: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Amelia Grace Royce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where after the Netherfield Ball where she was ridiculed by Bennet and Elizabeth, Mrs Bennet decides to leave Longbourn. Soon the family realise the extent of her involvement in Longbourn. But does she feel the need to return.
An entertaining variation

Proof read - Collins arrives twice, at the Ball, then arrives later. - sister’s childhood home - od Anne darcy about Pemberley

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The Silence of Miss Mary Bennet: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Brian Blum
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3* for the story about Mary who watches and observes not just Longbourn and its inhabitants but also Meryton, but it really needs to be proofread

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House of Peril by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December 1821. Hugh, Viscount Neatham, is summoned by Bow Street’s Chief Magistrate to the carriage house of Messinger M.P. where the body of a female, later identified as Miss Penelope Harwood, daughter to an impoverished baron, has been found. But what could be the possible motive for her death and by whom.
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 Entail and the Excellent Mrs. Bennet: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by N.M. Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation. With the death of Mrs Bennet, Bennet agrees to an arranged marriage with a Miss Caroline Bingley, friend of the Gardiners. How will this affect the Bennet children and their futures. Would have liked more of a conclusion to the Mary and Colonel story.
An entertaining story

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The Puzzle of the Happy Hooligan by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hildegarde Withers arrives in Hollywood on holiday and soon becomes employed by a film studio. But then there is a death. She is convinced it is murder. But it is not the last death.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Sherlock Holmes The Stonehenge Cipher by C Xavier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1894 The body of Sur Percival Thornton, antiquarian, is found at Stonehenge. Mycroft Holmes arriving at Baker Street instructs Holmes and Watson to be discreet in their investigation.
An entertaining Holmes mystery

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Chantecoq and the Ladykiller by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In day time ladies are dying, but how and why. Chantecoq believes there is a serial killer targeting wives who have been unfaithful. Fairly obvious who the murderer is.
Overall an enjoyable mystery

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A Body in the Garden by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two murdered bodies and one missing female, but are they linked. Can the team solve their last cases.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Chantecoq and the Condemned Woman by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Lucienne Varjauris has been found guilty of killing the baby daughter of her ex-fiance Count Alain d'Aubenas. Chantecoq believes she is innocent.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Phantom in the Fog: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation by Richard James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1892 D. I. George Bowman is back in Colney Hatch asylum while there are two cases to investigate. Has Jumping Jack returned to London,and is there a case of bank fraud.
An enjoyable historical mystery


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

September 1942. A group of Norwegian commandos have secretedly arrived at Wrenhurst Hall. During a training session one dies. Mr Brown recruits Nigel and Evie to investigate, but soon the rest of the sleuths become involved.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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A Murder at Netherfield: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Victoria Wellingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Bingley has invited some friends from town. Unfortunately Bingley is not a good judge of character.
An enjoyable story

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A November to Remember: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lefki Karantoni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice Variation where fter his disastrous performance at the Meryton assembly Darcy is joined by his cousins Eobert Fitzwilliam, Viscount Keathley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. As usual Elizabeth's reaction to being called tolerable is beyond normal. Maybe she should live in Charlotte's and Mary's shoes for a day.
An enjoyable story

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A Body in the Forest by P.F. Ford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

.Llangwelli A body is discovered in what is locally called Dragon's Den. DI Sarah Southall and her team cope with a new boss while investigating the crime.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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The Puzzle of the Blue Banderilla by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oscar Piper is on a train to Mexico when a death of a Mexican customs examiner occurs. Eventually Hildegaede Withers arrives to help. But can they stop another attempt on politicians' wife Adele Mabre.
An enjoyable mystery



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The Purbeck Stratagem by Karen Baugh Menuhin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

May 1925. The murder of banker Henrik Andersen leads Wolfe and Fox eventually to a house party held by Sir Rex Falconer. Where a deal is thought to be signed between all the guests. But a death occurs.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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By Harbour and by Hearth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jayanth Subramanyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Pride and Prejudice story continues and concludes. Will Bingley stay in India, will he ever see his family again. What of the Bennet family.
An entertaining variation

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A Murder in Belgravia by Irina Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

November 1859 At a dinner party consisting of prominent people and hosted by Dorothea Everhart, her M.P. husband Ashley dies. His doctor states it's due to natural causes but others are not so sure. It is up to Inspector Bell to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with 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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Eternity Ring by Patricia Wentworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deeping. A frightened female runs after seeing the dead body of a female but is she telling the truth. Sergeant Abbott is visiting his family home in Deeping and invites Miss Silver to visit,
An entertaining historical mystery

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Chantecoq and the Père-Lachaise Ghost by Arthur Bernède
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When billionaire American Jack Sorett's advances to 26 year old Countess Michele de Prefailles are rejected he takes his vengeance.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Gold and Good Sense: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Elaine Burkett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Bennet's younger brother has left his vast wealth to his nieces. How does this affect their futures
An enjoyable story

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Gold and Good Sense: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Elaine Burkett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Bennet's younger brother has left his vast wealth to his nieces. How does this affect their futures
An enjoyable story

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