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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Traitor's Purse by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Campion is on a vital wartime mission but unfortunately for him he wakes up in hospital suffering from amnesia. Overhearing he had attacked a police officer he makes his escape. But can he complete the mission not knowing what it is. Who can he trust.
An entertaining historical thriller/mystery

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Country Lovers by Nadine Gordimer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

South Africa and the results of a forbidden interracial relationship.
An interesting story

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

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Neck and Neck by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aunt to Lionel (chronicler of Beef) and Vincent Townsend, Aurora Fielding, is found dead, poisoned in her home in Hastings. Are the three nephews, and main beneficiaries including Hilton Gupp, the prime suspects. Beef also has a second case in the Cotswolds, that of the murder of wealthy and unlike Edwin Ridley.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Elizabeth Bennet's Wager by Wade H. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and prejudice variation.So how does Elizabeth Bennet react to the proposal from Darcy at Hunsford. Not in any way that you could imagine. The Bennet females and the other ladies of Meryton are more intelligent then was first thought by the visiting gentleman.
A bizarre, but enjoyable story

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Caprice and Instability by Isara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice variation that starts post Hunsford when Jane and Elizabeth are recalled home because of an injury to Bennet. who decides that to protect his daughters future they must work as governesses. But when Elizabeth is attacked she decides to flee to London to speak to Bingley. Circumstances lead to the delightful Colonel Fitzwilliam to take charge and ensue happy endings.
An entertaining story

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The Sinister Deception by Lana Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884. Is the latest sanatorium, Hollowgate Heights all what it states as suspicions are raised. Inspector Field's investigation is interrupted by a bomb back at Scotland Yard.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Inspector Duran & The Black Knight by David Neil Ricalde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 1877, decorated war hero Rafael Duran is appointed to the Agencia Secreta, where he is assigned to investigate the deaths of two powerful and wealthy noblemen. But there is more to their deaths then first thought.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Clever and Quick by Christianna Brand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How will married actor Raymong Gray's affair with the au-pair end.
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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Murder on Wheels by Stuart Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twin Laurie Stait is murdered on Fifth Avenue. But how and why. Inspector Oscar Piper Investigates, while friend Hildegarde Withers does her own investigation.
An entertaining historical mystery

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The Fashion in Shrouds by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1938 For a friend Campion tries to find his son, unfortunately he finds the body. Was it suicide or murder. But this will only be the first. But why and by whom.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Case for Sergeant Beef: A Sergeant Beef Mystery by Leo Bruce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MIss Shoulter is convinced her brother did not commit suicide and wants Sergeant Beef to find the murderer.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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The Troubled Waters of Mary Bennet: Mary of Longbourn #12 by Carrie Mollenkopf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1826. A Pride and prejudice sequel where the Darcys have arrived to stay at Netherfield with an ill Lydia Bullen, widow of Bullen and Wickham. But the town and surroundings area is affected by a deadly illness, with many dying. But why.
An entertaining story

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A Nice Place to Stay by Nedra Tyre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What would a poor woman do to stay in her nice place. 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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The Cursed Divination by Lana Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mrs Mary Nettle contacts Amelia Greystone as she has had visions of a body. This is only the first.
Inspector fields Investigates though it is quite obvious who the guilty party is.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery
(Amelia is now becoming just too annoying. I prefer straight mysteries without the romance)

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Dancers in Mourning by Margery Allingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why are practical jokes being played on entertainer Jimmy Sutane. Campion is invited to his home to investigate when a death occurs. Is it suicide, accident or murder.
An enjoyable historical mystery
First published in 1937

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Case with Ropes and Rings by Leo Bruce
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Schoolboy Lord Alan Foulkes of Penshurst Hall is found hanged after winning a boxing tournament. Sergeant Beef does not believe it is suicide and wrangles a job of Porter at the school.
Enjoyable historical mystery


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Find the Lady: A murder mystery by A.G. Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helena Holt is doing a Hotel assessment at Fernwood Hall. Magician and husband Barry gives an impromptu performance with a recently found rare Roman gold coin. Within one day the coin goes missing and a person is dead.
An enjoyable modern mystery

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Elizabeth Bennet's Gallant Suitor: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Regina Jeffers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation can Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy prevent the arranged marriage instigated by Sir Wesley Belwood between his nephew Colonel Fitzwilliam and his granddaughter Jane Belwood previously known as Bennet. A daughter from Mrs Bennet's first marriage. Do either Jane and the Colonel want the marriage or are there other options.
An entertaining and well-written story which thankfully other Bennet daughters stories were also told not just Elizabeth's. Though I would have prefered more time spent with Mary and possibly Jane.
A re-read. Again

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Pathways by Jeri Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A group from the U.S.S. Voyager have been captured and left in an alien prison camp. While organising their escape they each tell the story of how they arrived on the starship and the Delta Quadrant.
An entertaining re-read.

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The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the suicide of a close friend Roger Ackroyd retired to his study only to be found dead the next dayin a locked room. Neighbour Hercule Poirot investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery

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A Shroud of Snow by Sarah Hawkswood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

December, 1145. Hamelin Isenmongere, a popular trader from Gloucester, is found dead near his warehouse on the riverside. Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeants Catchpoll and Walkelin investigate. Complications occur when they are informed of a potential spy in Worcester Castle.
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.

(The speech vernacular did become irritating)

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In Want of Connections by Sue Barr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation at the Netherfield Ball Bennet receives the news that a relation has died. This means he is the new Earl, but he overhears a conversation between, Mrs Hurst, Darcy and Miss Bingley. How will these items affect the Bennets future.
An enjoyable story though I didn't care for the pairings

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Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleven short stories
1. The Adventure of the ‘Western Star' - After receiving three threatening letters concerning her diamond ' the Western Star', film star Miss Mary Marvell meets with Poirot. But what of Lady Yardly and her 'Eastern Star'. But then hers is stolen
2.The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor -Poirot is sent to Marsdon Manor by an insurance company to investigate the death of Mr Maltravers, who had recently taken out a life insurance policy with them.
3. The Adventure of the Cheap Flat - Captain Hastings attends a party where a Mrs Robinson recounts her delight in obtaining a very cheap flat in Montagu Mansions.
4.The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge -Mr Robert Havering contacts Poirot as his uncle, Mr Harrington Pace, has been killed while visiting their home in Derbyshire. Due to illness Captain Hastings is sent instead.
5. The Million Dollar Bond Robbery -Miss Esmee Farquhar approaches Hercule Poirot to prove her fiancé, Philip Ridgeway, innocent of theft of a million dollars from his employer London and Scottish Bank.
6. The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb - Not long after the tomb of the pharoah King Men-her-Ra had been opened the first death occurred, of Sir John Willard.
7. The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan - Captain Hastings invites Hercule Poirot to Brighton and the Grand Metropolitan Hotel for a weekend. While talking to a wealthy stockbroker and his wife, Mrs. Opalsen, she insists on showing Poirot a pearl necklace only for it to have been stolen.
8. The Kidnapped Prime Minister - The British P.M.David MacAdam is to attend a conference in France but has been kidnapped there.
9. The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim - Poirot places a bet with Inspector Japp that he can solve the case of the missing wealthy Mr. Davenheim, who left his home to mail a letter, then failed to return.
10. The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman - Dr. Hawke is visiting Poirot when his housekeeper, Miss Rider, tells him of a telephone conversation from Count Foscatini. Which leads the doctor, Poirot and Captain Hastings to the Count's residence, only to find him dead.
11. The Case of the Missing Will - Miss Violet March approaches Poirot for help. As stated in her late uncle's will she has one year to solve a puzzle or lose her inheritance.
Enjoyable short stoies


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Young Lady Catherine: Pride & Prejudice Origins Book 1 by Juliet Mercer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Pride and Prejudice prequel which tells the story of Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam. Is it her foolishness or naivety that causes the events in her life. Can there be any chance that life will bring her happiness.
An enjoyable story with its interesting characters, but likeable?
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

(A list of characters would have been welcome with their relationship to each other)

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The Vanished Bennet Sister: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Juliana Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice Variation Mary Bennet is being courted by a wealthy widower who invites the Bennet family to stay at his home so the daughters can have a season in town. Is all that it seems.
An entertaining and well-written story (though not the pairing I would want).

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Consequence & Consequences by Sydney Salier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy and the Bingleys are spending time at Netherfield. But as Darcy leaves the area he informs Elizabeth that the vast difference in their social standing prevents them being anything then friends. Elizabeth angry at the statement agrees, not informing him that she and her sisters are now duke's daughters. How will each of Bennet family respond to their elevated standing, will their be happening endings for any of them. It is such a shame that once again Darcy does not get his comeuppance as he is such an arrogant hypocrite.
An entertaining and well-written story. An enjoyable re-read. Again, though I would have preferred more about Mary Bennet and the others as they had more to change then the eldest two.

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The Case of the Late Pig by Margery Allingham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Campion attended the funeral of an old school pupil, 'Pig' Peters, 37, only for five months later being confronted with the recently dead body of Peters.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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Persuaded: The Story of Elizabeth Elliot by AnnaMarie Wallace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Persuasion variation where in 1800 while at school fifteen year old Elizabeth Elliot is informed of the death of her mother. Now it is her duty to be one mistress of Kellynch without knowing how. Unfortunately for the estate and its dependents she fails. Why does she invite Penelope Clay to Bath.
An entertaining and well-written story

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The Rookery Killer by Lana Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1884. The prime suspect in a cold case - that of the murder of Mr Greystone, Edgarton, has escaped from gaol. Did he get help. Then a prison guard is murdered. But who is helping him and involved in his criminal activities.
An entertaining historical mystery

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Beware of Greeks by Peter Tonkin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1199 BC. While on his shipboard journey Captain Odysseus and his crew come across various murdered bodies.
An enjoyable historical mystery

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A Change of Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by E.A. Batten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice Variation, what if Darcy did not make the Hunsford proposal because Elizabeth reacted angrily to the Colonel and his story of Bingley. As the Colonel informs Darcy, Darcy's actions change and so the future changes.
An enjoyable and well-written tale..Which I think could have been expanded to give more time to the Colonel and his romance.
Yet again another re-read in my quest to read a Colonel and Mary pairing

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Service of a Friend: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kate Speck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy does not arrive in Hertfordshire until the Netherfield Ball. Having missed one opportunity to be rude and arrogant he finds another.
An enjoyable re-read, though mostly only of interest in the epilogue

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DEATH on an ALLOTMENT: A 1952 Detective mystery by Peter Zander-Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June 1952. Allotment holder Freddie Dunthorne is found dead in his shed. DI Peter Malan is called in because of the suspicious circumstances.
An enjoyable police procedural mystery

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The Summer People by Shirley Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Allison's decide for the first time to stay at their country cottage after Labour Day. But are they really welcome.
An enjoyable short story

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Colour Scheme by Ngaio Marsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

1943 Wai-ata-tapu. Is there a national spy hiding undercover at the mudbath resort. Alleyn is sent to investigate. Not really any likeable characters, and it takes awhile for a death to occur.
Overall an enjoyable read

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Mosaic by Jeri Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Captain Kathryn Janeway andher crew of the Starship Voyager are travelling through Kazon territory and facing battle as the Away team is trapped on the nearby planet. While Janeway recollects moments of her life which made her the captain she is.
An entertaining re-read


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Marked Men by Chris Simms
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Given seventeen years of a prison sentence for murder, now 34 year old Jordan Hughes wants revenge on the other gang members who all lied in court and blamed him, wrongly, for the death of the homeless person. How many will die. The SCU investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

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The Dead Dance at Dawn by J.L. Buck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

England, 1814. Lucien, Viscount Ware and Lady Anne while honeymooning at his country estate in Lincolnshire the body of a young woman is discovered. Constable Willis asks for Lucien's assistance. Meanwhile a Bow Street Runner arrives looking for an escaped mass murderer from
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting 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 Man Who Knew How by Dorothy L. Sayers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While on a train journey another passenger talks to E. Pender about how easy it is to murder without getting caught.
Enjoyable short story

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The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1938 Richard Cadogan Oxford holiday starts off badly when he discovers a body upstairs to a toyshop, and is attacked and locked away. On his escape he finds the toyshop has disappeared and so contacts Professor Fen for help.
An enjoyable histrical mystery
First published in 1946

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Silver Buckles: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Grace Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this Pride & Prejudice variation Darcy insults Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly, but her response intrigues him enough to ask for a dance. The resulting conversation changes their response to each other. But can this result in happy ending for anyone.
An entertaining well-written variation with likeable pairings, just a pity there was not more of other pairings.

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