Midnight with Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation. December 1811. Elizabeth and Mary Bennet have returned to Longbourn while the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families stay at Netherfield. Will my favourite couple of the Colonel and Mary get their heart's desire. Or will circumstances get in the way.
A delightful and well-written Pride and Prejudice sequel. A re-read of this story. Another re-read of this enjoyable story. Again.

[Sequel to Christmas in Gracechurch Street]

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Christmas in Gracechurch Street: A Darcy and Elizabeth Variation by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

November 1811. In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Collins is visiting Longbourn, and Mr Bennet decides to take action. Soon an invitation from the Gardiners arrive for Elizabeth and Mary. Meanwhile Darcy has gone to town hoping to forget Elizabeth. But he has not bargained for Bingley's initial action and the results it brings.
An enjoyable and well-written story, a delightful re-read with its interactions of various characters.

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A Most Attentive Father: A Regency Novel inspired by P&P by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if Longbourn was not the Bennets home but the estate next door, Longford. What if Mrs Thomas Bennet rejected her four youngest daughters and Mrs Bennet the elder was still alive with her good connections.
An entertaining and well-written story. A re-read

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Mr Bennet leaves his study by Sydney Salier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr Bennet finally becomes fed up with the attitude of Lydia. So he leaves his study and takes action, resulting in the improvement of all the Bennets including himself. A year later Netherfield is taken. I enjoyed reading Darcy getting upbraided for his attitude at the Meryton assembly and for Bennet not to be as useless as he is in canon.
An entertaining re-read, low angst story but would have liked a lot more of Mary's story.

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The Collins Effect: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson A Lady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Bennet is compromised but Mrs Bennet dies giving birth to Lydia. Resulting in him becoming involved in his daughters lives and determined to remain a widower. How does meeting Collins, his heir presumptive effect Bennet's views on remarriage and the arrival of the netherfield party.
An entertaining story.
(I didn't read The Hypocrite as I don't like the pairing of the Colonel)

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The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog by Elizabeth Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1898 The Emersons return to Amarna where they first met. But Emerson due to an attack, not the first, is suffering from amnesia. Will he or Amelia discover who their enemy is in time, before more attacks and deaths.
An entertaining historical mystery

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MORTAL REMAINS a gripping English cozy murder mystery full of twists by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Patrick Grant is on holiday In Crete only to discover while swimming the body of a fellow Don. One who is suppose to be on a lecture tour abroad a ship. Can his holiday get any worse.
An enjoyable modern cozy mystery
Originally published in 1974

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A Strange Manor of Death by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1926 Sir Jasper FitzGreville of Knapperton Manor has died in a car accident in Romania. His will sets out a list of puzzles to solve, the winner will inherit his estate. But soon there is a death. Inspector Felix and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Dr. Priestley's Quest: A Dr. Priestley Detective Story by John Rhode
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wealthy Austin Heatherdale has been killed, by whom, why or where is unknown. A year later just like his brother, rich Gerald receives a threatening note. This sends him back to Dr. Priestley for help, aided by Harold Merefield.
Enjoyable historical mystery
Originally published in 1926

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Sherlock Holmes and the Tangled Skein by David Stuart Davies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Professor Van Helsing talk at the Royal Society concerning vampires in London is not believed. But Holmes and Watson soon come to the conclusion that they exist.
An enjoyable Holmes mystery

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The Adventure of the Devil's Foot by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1897. Mortimer Tregennis had spent the evening playing cards with his three siblings at Tredannick Wortha. The next morning, the sister is found dead and her two brothers seemingly gone insane. Holmes and Watson are on holiday in the area and are called upon to investigate.
A enjoyable Holmes mystery

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A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1890 Veronica and Stoker are contacted by Mornaday of Special Branch as a body, of Maurice Quincey, has been discovered dead in suspicious circumstances, in a carriage outside Highgate Cemetery. Especially as they had been another death of a close friend of Quincey. Seemingly both members of a secret society. Intrigued they investigate.
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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Murder Among the Pyramids by Sara Rosett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1924. Blix Windway finally arrives in Cairo as a companion and friend to Hildy Honeyworth. On a nighttime excursion to the pyramids one of the group is found dead. Blix decides to investigate when she believes the police suspect the wrong person.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Murder on the Thames by Magda Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1889 Female servants have been disappearing and their employers are not concerned. Until it is brought to the attention of Lady Rosalynd, but now a lady dressed as a maid is missing and the Duke of Steele asked to investigate.
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 Winter Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vance is invited to the Rexon Estate as the owner, Carrington Rexon, is concerned about the safety of his emerald collection, but soon deaths occur.
An enjoyable historical mystery
(Originally published in 1939)

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The Devil's Hunt by Paul Doherty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1303 Sir Hugh Corbett is sent on the orders of the King to Oxford. There have been several deaths of beggars, all with severed heads, but also the killing of Masters from Sparrow Hall. Credited to The Bellman.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Capital Crimes: London Mysteries by Martin Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Case of Lady Sannox - 1893 - A.C. Doyle - Concerning the relationship between Lady Sannox and surgeon Douglas Stone.
2. A Mystery of the Underground - J. Oxenham - In 1894 a killer is at large on the underground.
3. The Finchley Puzzle - R. Marsh - Why are there several attempts on the life of lip reader Judith Lee.
4. The Magic Casket - R.A. Freeman - Dr Thorndyke discovers a casket in a church doorway.
5. The Holloway Flat Tragedy - E.Bramah- Carrados's friend p.i. Carlisle has a new client. He needs to be saved from being murdered.
6. The Magician of Cannon Street - J.S. Fletcher - Tregarthen needs the help of Campenhaye and Killingley concerning an old case of murder.
7. The Stealer of Marble - E. Wallace - Why are pieces of marble needed.
8. The Tea Leaf - R. Eustace & E. Jepson - How was Kelstern stabbed and killed in the Turkish bath when no weapon is found.
9. The Hands of Mr Ottermole - T. Burke - A series of murders called London's Strangling Horrors.
10. The Little House - H.C. Bailey - What will the disappearance of a kitten lead to.
11. The Silver Mask - H. Walpole - Miss Sonia Herries is too kind for her own good.
12. Wind in the East - H. wade- D.I. John Poole investigate the death of a younger brother, Herbert Gainly.
13. The Avenging Chance - A. Berkeley - Roger Sheringham investigates who poisoned who with chocolates.
14. They Don't Wear Labels - E.M. Delefield - is a guest being poisoned by her busband
15. The Unseen Door - M. Allingham - Can Campion find the killer
16. Cheese - E.L. White - Jenny Morgan is concerned about an offer of employment.
17. You Can't Hang Twice - A. Gilbert - Crook is approached to prove the innocence of an accused murderer.
An entertaining selection of short stories

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Inspector French and the Sea Mystery by Freeman Wills Crofts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr Morgan and his son Ewan, while fishing off the south coast of Wales snag a wooden crate. On land Morgan discovers a body inside. Soon Inspector French of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate
Entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1928

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Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Roger Riccard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Partridge in a Pearl Tree - The crown used in the Christmas services of St. Paul's has been stolen.
2. The Two Turtledoves -The painting owned by Sir William Roise has been stolen
3. The Three French Henchmen - 1892 Mycroft has received news from Paris of a plot against Dr. Watson.
4. The Four Calling Birds - the American J-Birds are accused of assault and murder.
5. The Five Gold Rings - The gold Olympic rings have been stolen.
6. Six Geese at the Gander (a.k.a. The Case of the Foul Fowl) - why have some Geese kept at the Kew estate been substituted.
7. The Seventh Swann -1894 son of the sixth Lord Swan has gone missing.
8. The Eighth Milkmaid - Who is the Eighth Milkmaid.
9. The Ninth Ladyship of the Dance - Whatwill occur ar the Duke of Cunningham's ball.
10. The Tenth Lord Leaping - the Countessof Dunbar is concerned for the health of her son Arthur.
11. The Eleven Pipe Problem - Holmes is invited to investigate a series of jewellery robberies in Edinburgh.
12. The Twelfth Drumming - Sir James Piersall wants Holmes and Watson to investigate his death.
Entertaining short stories

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Death in Captivity by Michael Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1943 Prisoner of war camp 127G in Italy. When a soldier, thought to be spy for the Italians is found dead in a escape tunnel it falls to Captain Goyles to investigate while various plans are set up for escape.
An interesting and entertaining historical mystery
Originally published in 1952

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Murder at Sea by Helena Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1928 Not only has Hattie, (a distant relation) been robbed of money and jewellery by her gentleman friend Mr Westonholme, but she discovers he is married, and the Bryant's believe is is Redvers Palmerston. A man the Captain has been searching for many years. Events lead them to a ship travelling to New York, where his body is discovered in a lifeboat. The Bryant's investigate. But how many suspects will they uncover, and will there be more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its 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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Crime in the Garden by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The manager of the Hollingrove Palm House, Tony Pardoe is found dead. Unfortunately for DI Markham and his team who are investigating the death this will not be the only one.
An entertaining modern mystery

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Gospel: A Kate Redman Mystery: Book 18 by Celina Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jerry Roxham has been discovered dead in his bed in the family home, stabbed. Found by their cleaner, while his wife and children are on holiday In France. DI Redman and her team investigate. But what could be the motive.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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A Change of Fortunes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Shana Granderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation what if instead of a fifth daughter being born to Mrs Bennet she gives birth to twin boys. How will this affect the future of the Bennets and all their friends and neighbours.
An interesting premise but where all the good people are good and all the bad quite wicked.
An entertaining variation and I did like the pairings. A re-read.

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A Curse in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1949. With independent Inspector de Silva has a new boss. Now an ex-maharajah living in Nuala has been murdered and the rare and expensive Star of Ceylon stolen.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

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The Gracie Allen Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The police are watching the Domdaniel cafe while searching for the escaped convict, Benny Pellinzi, only for a body to be discovered. [ No idea who Allen - much too annoying, and Burns are].
Didn't take to the story, though I managed to finish it

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Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary: A Sweet Extra Novelette by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejuive sequel, Colonel Fitzwillian is visiting Hertfordshire looking for a different life. But another reason slowly matures, he becomes aware that he would like to have a wife, but who. Can he avoid the matchmakers and find his happy ending.
A delightful and well-written story, with is very likeable characters.
It can easily be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the prequel - Matching Mr. Darcy (Sweet Possibilities, #1) first.
A re-read of this story again. And again.

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Matching Mr. Darcy by Leenie Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy's offensive words about Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly do not go unchallenged. On asking Elizabeth for a dance, Elizabeth throws his words back at him. He becomes intrigued by her response but what will he do. But with this couple nothing can be straightforward.
A delightful well-written story where all the characters are likeable. I especially like this Bingley, and Mary.
A re-read so that I can read the sequel again. And again.

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Crime in the Tower by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Margaret Esdaile, The Tower of Lomdon curator is found murdered, in her office by the cleaner. Is there a connection to the 2008 disappearance of 9 year old twins or her research into Richard III. DI Markham and his team or requested to join the investigation by DCI Knevitt.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Pemberley in Peril: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Arthel Cake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation where Mr Bennet, solicitor, and owner of the Longbourn estate arranges a marriage between Elizabeth to Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. But threats to the Darcy family will come from several sides. Will all the Bennet daughters have their happy ending.
An entertaining and well-written variation apart from the few Americanisms.

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The Kidnap Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It would seem that Kasper Kenting, an in-debt gambler has been abducted. A ransom note is delivered to his wealthy older brother. Philo Vance is involved in the case with the police and D.A. Markham.
An enjoyable historical mystery
originally published in 1936

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Tears for the Forsaken by Cara Devlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leonora and Reid are summoned to a reading of a will, that of Mrs Francise Stroud. Much to the annoyance of her family they are left a house in a wealthy area and a request to investigate the death if her 10 year old son Theodore, who died 12 years ago. Complications arise and a murder occurs. Just the first.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series

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Lost Hearts: Pride and Prejudice Variation by B.J. Rumph
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation to avoid the unwanted attentions of the new vicar, Mary escapes to Pemberley. In the same carriage, avoiding his matchmaking mother is the Colonel. Circumstances force them to wed.
As with the author's other work (Coping) I like the pairings, and the story. For thoses two items the story receives 3 stars.
But once again the execution of the story is bad, it badly needs a proof reader and an editor. Still I had to read it again.

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A Pretender's Murder by Christopher Huang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1925, Colonel Hadrian Russell, President of the Britannia Club, father to 4 dead sons due to the war, is found dead after beihg thrown through a window and shot at the club. Club secretary Lt. Eric Peterkin starts to investigate. But events from the war are not far away and complicate the issue.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters A 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 Stones of Scarpleigh by Julian Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phyllis Rufford has been requested by Sir Miles Chadwick to finish his late father's novel. Leaving Thomas to investigate happenings at an archaeological dig, a possible murder and suicide resulting in a riddle to solve, and a questionable series of photographs.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Garden Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Philo Vance is one of the guests at the Garden's home. While listening to a horse race one of the guests dies. At first it is presumed to be a suicide but Vance determines that it is murder. And so investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Marquess Scorned by Adele Clee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can two people who find it difficult to trust anyone, and have secrets learn to trust each other and work together to solve the various mysteries in their lives. Miss OIivia Woolf and Gabriel, Marquess of Rothley, must if they are to have peace and be safe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery and romance with its likeable and interesting main 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.
(Mature content)

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GRAVE MATTERS a gripping English cozy murder mystery full of twists by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While on holiday In Athens Dr Patrick Grant witnesses what is determined to be an accident. On visiting the dead females niece he becomes entangled in the family's lives. Then another accident occurs.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1973

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Alone: A Pride And Prejudice Variation and Continuation by B.J. Rumph
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Colonel Fitzwilliam is peruaded to marry Anne de Bourgh but the marriage is a failure and he returns to duty. But after Anne and Lady Catherine have died the Colonel returns from the wars to run Rosings, a broken man. Can he find his happiness like his friends who have married Bennet sisters.
Although the story need a lot of editing and proofreading and formatting, I enjoyed the story and of course the pairing of the Colonel. Another enjoyable re-read. Again.

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Nun Shall Sleep by Graham Brack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1689 Abbess Mathilde wants the help of Master Mercurius. The convent has been given a bequest which she wishes to spend on books and needs his help to do so. A dream come true for him. But on arrival strange happenings occur.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.

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Silent Witness by Margaret Yorke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr Patrick Grant is on a skiing holiday in Greutz, Austria, staying at the Hotel Gentiana. But a body of one of the guests is discovered in the nearby river, was it an accident or is there a murderer in the area. When the village is cut off because of a storm he decides to investigate
An enjoyable mystery
Originally published in 1972

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The Final Problem: A Novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1960 A storm leaves nine guests stranded at the Hotel Auslander, on the island of Utakos. With no police on the island, after a death occurs it is suggested that actor Ormond Basil who played Sherlock Holmes in fifteen films investigate. But can he find the motive and solve the mystery before any one else dies.
An entertaining and well-written mystery with its cast of varied and interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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The Starless World by Gordon Eklund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stardate 6527.7 The Galactic Core. The Enterprise discovers a Federation shuttlecraft from the ship USS Rickover, that disappeared 20 odd years ago. The craft contains one crew member, Thomas Clayton, who disappeared 5 years previously. Soon they are caught within a large planet.
An enjoyable re-read
Star Trek adventures No.3

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Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1948 After disappearing two years ago Stan Miller returns to Westleham with two friends, ready to make amends for wrongs he committed before he left. When he is murdered several suspects come to light. Martha is determine to find the killer by asking questions, even if that puts her in danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its cast of 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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Death on a Dark Sea by R.A. Bentley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1920s Businessman luis Perez has invited family and business associates to a dinner on board his schooner, Isabella. But the evening ends In a murder. DI Felix and his team investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Crime in the Salon by Catherine Moloney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When staff arrive at work, The Mane Event', on a Saturday morning it is to find owner Andrew Coxley dead, stabbed. DI Markham and his team investigate but is there a connection with a ten year old cold case.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Coping: Pride and Prejudice Variation by BJR
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation after many traumatic events Elizabeth and Mary Bennet met Darcy and the Colonel in India. From there their adventure continues.
First the positive points - The story has my favourite pairing, and secondly I liked the story. For that I have given it 3 stars.
But the execution of the story was not good, it needs editing and proofreading and formatting. Though I did manage to read it again. and again, so this time it gets 4 stars.

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Holmes Away From Home: Adventures from the Great Hiatus, Volume I: 1891-1892 by David Marcum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1. The Final Problem by Sir A.C. Doyle - Holmes tells Watson of his meeting with Professor Moriarty.
2. Over the mountain in the darkness - S. featherstone - A family meets Holmes on his travels in Italy.
3. An Englishman (or two) in Florence - D. Ruffle - Peterson recognises Holmes and needs in help in the theft of a Botticelli painting.
4. The secret adventure of Sherlock Holmes - D.G. Madsen -Mycroft recalls Holmes to London as he has discovered a plot to destroy the monarchy.
5. The Harrowing Intermission - C. Janacek - What is the connection between the deaths of a soprano and a wealthy businessman. Dr Watson investigates.
6. The Adventure of the Indian Protégé - J. Ganguly -Holmes meets Jyoti and investigates an attempted murder.
7. The Incident at Maniyachi Junction - S. Subramamanian - Who assassinated Collector Nash.
8. The Adventure on the Road to Meeca - D. Baran- Adventure on the road and emeralds.
9. The Adventure of the Dragoman's son - J.L. Grant - Holmes investigates weapon smugging in Arabia.
10. A Murder on Mount Athos - K. Magnusson- Sigerson investigates the murder of a female visiting the retreat.
11. The President's Roses - S. Seitz - Holmes advn ture in the American army
Enjoyable short stories



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The Hawksbridge Worm by Julian Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1849 While out on a picnic Thomas Rufford and his wife Phyllis discover the body of a young female. Meanwhile his friend Mrs Campbell in her newly acquired inn discovers s statement which leads to two skeletons of more than 100 years old. But life gets worse for Rufford when his past comes back to haunt him.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Turnabout by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation the Bennet family has a wealthy relation who contributes to the daughters dowry, and as the owner of Netherfield Park she has put in various stipulations as far as any occupants are concerned. Darcy arrive in time for the Meryton Assembly and his insult. How will these items affect everyones future.
An entertaining and well-written variation.

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