I've struggled with this book for a couple of weeks now and finally have given up. A Captain's friend is murdered and as no one else is investigating the Captain decides to investigate himself. Full of descriptive text to hide the fact that there is not much of a story, it is far to similar to other books that I have read. No matter where the Captain visits he manages to gain lots of information from people who miraculously have fantastic memories

Edmund Fleetwood who is assigned to review the case and subsequent death penalty on Sarah Gale must be one of the most annoying characters that I have come across in a novel and the more I read of him the angrier I became. Putting this aside the novel follows his investigation in depth. It was easy to read and gave descriptions of the period which may have underestimated how harsh that period really was. An interesting read but not that thrilling.

Book 10 of 10 in the Victorian Detective series was published in November. The previous nine books were really good. I'll be ordering my copy as soon as I return to the UK.

The investigation takes place between the 22nd and 27th Dec 1892. Reading it between the 24th & 26th Dec I was in the correct frame of mind for a Xmas mystery. A friend of Ravenscroft is accused of murder, one of three that takes place. He and Crabb have to find the true culprit before he is tried and hanged. What transpires is a difficult and intriguing story. A heartwarming, Christmas mystery with a shocking but misleading 'false' ending. 5*

Unusual for a Chris Nickson book, it took me a couple of goes before I finally got into some serious reading. Set during the 1st World War the main essence of the story was the hunt for a man who was indiscriminately killing people after his experiences in the trenches. The background story is Harper's wife's war with dementia. It was saddening and gives an insight and understanding into the condition destroying the person and their loved ones.

This Novella had me glued to my seat. Once the initial stages of the story were out of the way and after a hired gun slinger had been killed with a ranch owner and a native American being accused of murder, the court case begins. The case itself was riveting, conjuring up scenes in my mind so vivid that I could have been in the courtroom myself. 1887 set in the California's Central Valley its a thoroughly worthwhile enjoyable read.

This is an early 'whowasdunin' mystery written 90 years ago and which was humorous in parts but on a deadly serious subject. A novel in three parts there are no police chases, no edge of the seat moments but thought provoking. What you get is an amazingly interesting police procedural that follows every step of the case with lots of unexpected occurrences and a splendid ending. Truly a British crime classic to be savoured. It's a great read.

An easily followable storyline which was very enjoyable. A Victorian police procedural under the direction of Inspector Colbeck, dubbed 'The Railway Detective'. While I surmised on several occasions whom the killer may be, on each occasion I was wrong. Although in the back of my mind the least likely person was the likely culprit. The author has a skill that will keep the reader engrossed in the investigation and intrigued as the case develops.

Yes there was a murder at a Hotel, more than one actually but being a fan of detective novels this was mainly a trek through the life of one character. Her problems, family, feelings, wishes and thoughts were given in such detail there was no meaningful story. Thoroughly disappointing from the begining and throughout there wasn't one thing I liked about this book. What a relief it was to reach the last page.

Four short stories in this novel, none of which I found to be challenging for such a great detective. Each story just lacked the mystery found in a true ACD novel and the methods of the crime were in some cases easily solvable. The proof reader failed in their task spotting incorrect, missing or duplicated words which also spoilt the already dull storyline.

The latest cake made for a Halloween birthday by my partner Liz. There is a Bat flying out of the Chimney but it wouldn't all fit in the photo

The cosiest of cosy mysteries this story ambled along during the first years of the Edwardian period. With tea party's and family discussions along with banquets, the clothes being worn and the food served are described in great detail. This didn't leave much time for any real detective work. Clues on how some of the guests were poisoned and a suspicious death mainly came from overheard conversations and assumptions. A slow but pleasant story.

First in the Detective Inspector Colbeck Mystery series there is little time to introduce the DI's sergeant or superior officer before a train is robbed at gun point and the investigation begins. It's 1851 and with all the action taking place around the UK and close to the railways this is a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural. The investigation is easy to follow, has good characters and is a nice relaxing cosy read with an element of suspense.

An apothecary who dispenses his wares to help the sick, mostly free of charge is facing debtors prison. This story follows him as he tries to resolve his problems. There is no doubt the author is skilled in the written word but this skill does not make this an enjoyable read. Page after page of descriptive text just makes this book drag on forever. As the reader I found it psychologically draining. Maybe the ending will be its redemption for some?

Browsing Litsy this morning for inspiration I came across the book about Montague Pyke. Had I not been in London over the last few days and stopped for a drink in a local bar I wouldn't have known a person by this name had ever existed.

Set around Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee a member of the aristocracy's body is fished out of the Thames leading Blackstone to investigate his murder. There is a secret plot afoot. The plot was easily identifiable to me quite early on but it appears not so evident to the police inspector. There appeared to be several similarities with other books I have read in this genre and with lots of words incorrectly written or missing the story fell flat.

Starting in a fresh and unusual way the first few chapters were humourous, light-hearted and fun to read. The story then became tedious as the investigation proceeded. The conclusion opens the way for more books in this series. In Georgian times a lady on immoral earnings has one of her clients murdered and joins the runners to find the killer. One of the early clues may give the game away but it's worth reading. My partner also gives it a pick.

An unusual title for a book. As it is being sold on Amazon for only £1, I ordered a copy for my partner along with some other books at 3 for £6. Seven books in total so that should keep her occupied for a week.

I've just pre-ordered this book as a gift for my partner. The first in a new series. As I purchased it with some other books I was charged £2 for the book with free delivery from Amazon. Quite a bargain.

As to the storyline in this modern day crime novel based in South Wales UK the title is self explanatory. Despite lots of local landmarks and places that I drive through or pass quite often, in the early pages I wasn't convinced that I would like the book. As the story progressed the uniqueness of the characters came into focus. With an excellent narrative and style of writing what evolved was a really good and enjoyable police investigation.

A delivery of A Matter of Latitude and Clarissa's Warning by Isobel Blackthorn is due tomorrow. The first book is set on Lanzarote, bottom right Island in the picture while the 2nd book is set in Fuerteventura the Island to the left of Lanzarote. I plan to read both books while in Fuerteventura during August and September.

A train speeds through a station in the USA and fails to stop, the reason for this is quite shocking. With an exciting start the story continues with murder, violence and deceit in the #Historicalfiction novel. Lord Langford is determined to solve the various crimes that occur while he and his driver Pelham are travelling around America. While the story is not overly exciting the descriptions, investigation and plot ensures reader satisfaction.

Set in the Spring of 1862 and written in a simplistic easily understandable way I found this story engrossing. The characters were described so strongly by the author it wasn't long before you either loved or hated them. Despite so many suspects it remained easy to follow the investigation and with a full description of the villages around Stroud it had a homely feel despite the nature of the crime that had to be solved. A thoroughly good read.

School holidays coming up so had a message to say the Grand-Children requires books to read. These are for my Grand daughter.

7 years after reading the 1st in this series which I somewhat enjoyed it was time for me to read the 2nd. Describing what it was like in 16th Century London along with some of its execution methods and a good storyline that kept me interested throughout its 600 pages I learnt a lot about those times. Being quite graphic in places I started getting nightmares as the Epilogue approached. I will view those London streets differently now.

The third book in the Ted &Paul adventures is due out at Christmas. The illustrator and cover artist is quite famous now and was a pupil of the author who was a teacher in Cwmcarn school. What I didn't realise is that the characters in the books are all based on former pupils. Two characters in the next book I know personally along with their parents. One was the Manager in the local club while the other I worked with in Llanwern at Tata Steel

Last of the three books ordered today for the Grand-Children.

Pre- ordered for the Grand-Children

One of three books that I have ordered for the Grand-Children today.

What a wonderful ending this book has. It was a pleasure to read. Inspector Ravenscroft travels to the USA to gain further information to help with solving the latest crime which he is investigating. Constable Crabb and Ravenscroft's wife are left in the UK to unearth further revelations to the identity of the suspected murderer. With lots of near death experiences and excitement along with some great news for Crabb I enjoyed this book a lot.

A pleasant cosy #HistoricalFiction read set in 1940s England. Two young ladies set up a detective agency in York and as the cases come in at a steady rate the investigations begin. I was surprised how easily most of the them were solved and while the main case was a bit more interesting it was easy to speculate what had occurred quite early on. I found this book to be slightly too cosy a read for me but I will certainly obtain book two

This Novella was written as a follow up to 1884. Once again the lead character Henry from the 1884 book is a wanted man having to to escape the UK. This story is about the challenges both he and his wife faced on their journey aboard the Britannic to America and the characters that they met on route. I found the first few chapters were quite slow but as the pace picked up what remained was very exciting and nerve wracking. A pleasant read.

Last of the Sam Plank mystery series. While it will enhance the book if you have read the previous stories in the series even as a stand alone novel it is a very enjoyable read. With serious crimes to solve there is still time for some romance and tragedy. Friendship in the family and also work colleagues is in abundance throughout. #Historicalfiction portrayed in a homely relaxing manor is what the author is good at and this story is five star.

4 story's that are linked in some way. No. 1 was where a man went upstairs in his own home and just vanished. What I expected to be unusual and thought provoking turned out to be a long drawn out investigation and very drab. No. 2 a body in the bag mystery which is short, to the point and a great read. No. 3 about a vigilante who avenged women's abusive husband's. No. 4 uncovered drug dealings and a bent copper in the USA. 3&4 was nice to read.

Three books that I am giving to my Grand-Daughter for her birthday amongst some other things for her jewellery box.

Trying to put some books on eBay but the cat won't allow me to take any photos

The 18th book that I have read by this author. The books he writes that are set in the 1950s are far less descriptive than those set in the 1800s or earlier. While the story was a nice easy, believable read with some great characters and moderately exciting in parts, the lack of period description was disappointing. Revolving around a Jazz music club and recording artists of the time this was a good, enjoyable crime novel with a violent end.

Out and about today we came across an author promoting her books on a market stall. As you can only buy her books direct or from one bookshop in Berwick-upon-Tweed we purchased two books, Evil in the Orange Groves and Behind the Black Gate by Dorothy Webster. My partner posed with the author who was holding her latest book. Follow the author on Facebook - Dorothy Webster Beck

Anticipating a living happily ever after, feel good factor with a moral end to this book the journey through the pages of the novel were uninspiring. The misleading title 'Theatre of Marvels' conjured up something totally different to its actual content. An actress falls in love with a Lord and also a Shop keeper. Along with the scorn of the other actors she has to save people who have been trafficked despite the slave trade coming to an end.

I have several books on order that are due to be delivered within the next few days. One of which is The Herefordshire Hangmen by Kerry Tombs.

Believing Heir Apparent was the last in the Sam Plank series I was really surprised when I received an email from Susan Grossey advising that the last book in the Plank Mystery series, Notes of Change, was now available. Even more surprising was the news that Susan is starting a brand new series of five books set during 1820's Cambridge featuring a University Constable. Something to look forward too.My copy of Notes of Change has been ordered.

Sadly what started out as a refreshingly new, exciting and interesting series became repetitive in subsequent books so that by book four, Surgeons Hall, all the sparkle had gone. Discovering a severed arm Jem was in no doubt the person who it belonged to was murdered and as the investigation progressed there were more murders. While the ending explanations as too the killers motives were interesting the storyline although descriptive was tedious

My English teacher told me never use the word beautiful but there is no other way to describe this book. This despite it being set in1750 Paris, a city far more disgusting, festering and deprived than anything I have read about London during this period. The story is easy to read and every page is enthralling. There is sadness and hope and death, prostitution, Royal courtiers all blending together in a colourful and unbelievably good novel.

A totally unexpected, shocking and violent ending in the this book which is set in 1782 Georgian London. The final 120 pages had an excellent gripping storyline, it was a shame that the first 450 pages were so slow and drawn out. Don't expect any genteel conversation between the men and women in this story, it was all straight talking with bad language, murderous and sexual content none of which left much to one's imagination.

There must be enough people who like the Euphemia Martin Mysteries to continue buying them. This is the 17th book in the series. If you read the back cover first to get an idea of the plot, then you have read the most exciting part of the book. Centered around eating and drinking tea, the climax was so dull, matching the rest of the story, I had trouble staying awake. I should have bailed early on rather than reading until the end.

Six years ago Oscar De Muriel was wondering where his books ended up once purchased. I sent him a photo taken outside my house when I lived near Cwmcarn Forest of these two.

A captain in the American civil war who was also a surgeon inherits a Title and a country estate in a small English village. Shortly after his arrival to the Estate Lord Redmond meets the Parish constable Daniel Haze following a murder. The investigation begins and uncovers Blackmail plus sexual exploits of the aristocracy. Two sections were very similar to those that I have read in books by other authors but overhaul it was a refreshing read.

Ideal for the poolside but being slower than the previous books in the series. With a lot more characters that needed to be described in the storyline, It became a bit tedious. With just enough intrigue at the end of the chapters it was enough to keep me reading. As the title suggests, there was to be a murder so it was no surprise when one occured. Culminating in lots of of arrests, some of which were surprising it was a satisfactory ending.

Re-released in Feb 2022, this time as an Edward Marston book, the original came out in 2002 by Conrad Allen. I'm currently reading the 2013 edition.

With an edge of the seat ending I nearly fell off of my settee twice. Yet another excellent novel in 'The Victorian Detectives' series. The inspectors didn't solve any cases in this book, it was left to the public or Private Investigator to do all the work. With favourite characters from the past along with some new, this was a truly satisfying read. Historical fiction as it should be and the best book that I have read since the last Hedges novel.