It maybe time to end the long run of the 'Railway Detective Series' as all of the magic had disappeared in this novel. In this book the story is more about the friend of the detectives wife and the feelings of those affected by events around the stolen item rather than the crime and investigation itself. Not only was the storyline repetitive but harping back to how people became aquatinted has also run it course.The author has become derailed IMO.

At first I was a little disappointed when I discovered that the story revolved around the detective having to use his skills to help the King and the fact that Ripper crimes were being repeated as I have read numerous historical fiction books with similar themes. What I did like was Jim Eldridge's style of writing. It was another relaxing read with a serious investigation and one which kept me interested throughout. It has a very abrupt ending.

21st October 1966

While sat at her writing desk I don't expect Georgette Heyer could imagine that 90 years later people would still be reading her book should she be lucky enough to get it published. I can say that 90 years later I was pleased to be one of those people. I found the story was pleasant and as planned by Georgette, the family were exceedingly annoying. There were sections that while tedious was integral to the plot but as books go, it was satisfying

Chasing Dreams at the Wagging Tails Dogs Home is now being sold in book stores with a new title, Chasing Dreams in the Cornish Village. If you have read one title, be careful not to buy the new title believing that you haven't read it.

Edge of the seat, gripping, nail biting, exciting, heart wrenching and shocking revelations sums up the ending of this novel. It is just a shame that more than half the story was a relentlessly slow read that dragged on for page after page. On several occasions I nearly bailed. While all of the characters were portrayed well it is the boy who you will feel sorry for. You may want to hug him to keep him safe but will you believe what he tells you?

One of the main characters in a book that I recently read kept mentioning that Georgette Heyer was one of her favourite authors. Not having read any books by this author I have decided to reserve a copy at the Library. From her comments I have a feeling that my partner may read it before I do.

After a subtle hint from my partner that she wanted the new Jenny Colgan book I have pre-ordered a copy for her.
I managed to purchase it for £13.69 with free delivery from Speedyhen books

Any 10 - 13 year old with an active imagination will really enjoy this novel. I did and I'm well over that age. The main characters are a boy of 13 and and 11 year old girl along with their uncle, a retired police inspector and a sheep dog. It has action, suspense, adventure and an investigation in the countryside which the children help to solve. The book was to be a 1st in a series. I've no idea what prevented the author from writing more.

While I do like murder mysteries with descriptive text, this book just goes over the top. There has been little investigating just uninteresting literary padding. It was while I was being treated to the kind of trees along with their colouring that grow on the hillsides in Northumberland that I realised this book wasn't for me.

As Martin Daley is one of my favourite authors I had expected to start my review saying how much I enjoyed this book. It was however quite average. While the story itself was an okay read it wasn't anything special. Even Sherlock Holmes admitted that his detective skills were slowing and that it was time for him to retire. The descriptions and illustrations of Carlisle throughout was a welcome relief to a rather slow storyline

#historicalfiction The crimes that take place in this novel are truly horrific resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. The story is well written and the majority of the investigation is quite gripping. While the book travels along at a reasonable pace and in parts is very exciting there are interludes particularly where family is concerned that the narrative just drags. It is a very good read but I would have preferred a condensed version.

What an amazing coincidence: A parcel of books that was scanned at my local postal sorting office two days ago has not been delivered. I am going to the sorting office tomorrow morning to ask them to search for it. Frustrated I decided to read a bit more of my book which is set in London and yet The Prince of Wales in Abercarn jumped off of the page at me. The sorting office I'm going to tomorrow is on the Prince of Wales estate, Abercarn. S.Wales

After moving home, reading some dreary books and lack of sleep all of which induced a reading block I am finally back into the swing of things. This has prompted me to order 'A Case iof Life and Limb' #historicalmystery

Not an enjoyable read but I was determined to reach the end of this novel. Set in Cambridge at the start of the 2nd World War I just couldn't get any enthusiasm from the storyline. Quite often I didn't understand exactly what was going on. With spying and development of new weaponry coupled with unexplained deaths and the resulting investigation which did uncover something unexpected, I found the text monotonous.

Far, far better than book 1 in the series I really enjoyed this read. Lastrade is developing his skills as a new Inspector and his colleagues are helping him more. Each one of the characters in this novel are developing into really likeable and believable people, well almost everyone. The case to be solved is the usual kind of murder that takes place but the investigation is methodical and interesting with heart warming moments.

Set in the 1970's this is the 3rd book in the 'Skeletons in the Cupboard' series. It follows the first year of a Vicar in his new parish. As in previous stories each of the parisheners, towns folk, shop keepers and the house keeper all have secrets. The vicar will discover these in time. While the discovered secrets in earlier books were quite light-hearted and amusing these are darker and upsetting in some cases. It was a slow satisfying read.

I have read numerous books by Chris Nickson and enjoyed the stories for their excitement, period detail and the many relationships formed with both family and friends in each adventure. With 'No Precious Truth' the period detail was still in abundance but I could not warm to any of the characters. The story I found awfully slow. There are only so many times in one book that you can raid a property and just miss the person your are looking for.

It must be about 60 years ago that I went to see my first live band. My sister took me to see Slim Whitman at the Bristol Hippodrome UK. Listening to a steel guitar being played was magical. My favourite song in the show was Tumbling Tumbleweeds.

Contorted Brows, Rolling Eyes, Curling twisted lips and Beating Hearts surrounded by out of context words are attached to every character in this novel. This is in addition to things that develop or enter into each of their minds usually before arguing or fighting with their siblings throughout. Take these factors away and you are left with a story that does not amount too much even when some adult scenes are introduced. A very disappointing read

What I will remember this book for more so than the story is the lack of proof reading. Numerous errors jump out at the reader including chapters that appear out of context. While introducing Lestrade in the early stages of his career to those who know him through his association with Sherlock Holmes is a good idea, there isn't much else that makes this book outstanding. Chance rather than detection brings closure to the case.

An interesting story and one that is enjoyable from start to finish. Set in 1869 England, corruption is the main theme along with a lot of killings and some romance. There is not many action packed or dramatic occurrences but the storyline filled with unexpected events and tension will keep the reader engrossed. Surprisingly, when the Police do become involved the officers are quite endearing and professional to a high degree. A worthwhile read.

Reading A Gentleman at Heart. It is the first time I've read anything by this author and the first time that I have tried a Red Zinfandel.
Enjoying both equally.

In the early stages of the book I felt that I was in the midst of a very enjoyable and interesting story. The plot was easy to follow, the characters were not overly complicated and having chosen a large print book it was not too difficult to read. As the book progressed I found that there were an abundance of chapters that lacked substance and were less enjoyable than others. The unexpected & shocking revelations at the end was the books saviour

2nd in the Northminster Mystery series I found this story to be even more tedious than book one, The Butchered Man. Although it is described as a mystery, a romantic melodrama would have been a better description.There was hardly any area of this book that I found particularly interesting and with very little action it was a relief to reach the epilogue. I can't see myself reading any further novels in the Northminster Mystery series.

This is the 3rd in the Redmond and Haze Mystery series and I have enjoyed all the books thus far. In this story a man is punished and the humiliating position of his body will be discussed in his home town for many years to come. Christmas 1866 is when the investigation begins but unlike the previous books, it quite easy to surmise who the perpetrators were along with their reasoning. A pleasant read but not as good as the previous two books.

Preferring crime novels with some excitement and a reasonable amount of action, both of these attributes were missing from this story. However it was a book I chose to read simply because it was historical fiction in the literal sense having been written 91 years ago.It could be classed as a cosy mystery but without the present day embience and warmth that you come to expect. While it was a good read I do like a more modern style of writing.

The main characters are the Husband and Wife team that run a small seaside guest house. The storyline centres around their interaction with the guests and the discoveries plus secrets that they become aware of while out visiting their friends, neighbours and local shop keepers. Each chapter brings a new revelation, some of which are easily guessed but the main secret of all is quite unexpected. Why do some of the guest disappear? A good story

Having enjoyed virtually all of the previous books in the Railway Detective series I had great expectations for this, the 23rd in the series. Sadly it wasn't as good as I had expected. I found it very repetitive and lacking action or excitement. The sub plot which followed the Inspector's wife trying to track down someone who was copying and selling her paintings was distracting and not that interesting. Both the main and sub plots were below par

In the first book of the series Inspector Bowman had been released from a lunatic asylum. In each book he has flashbacks to the event that caused his admittance there which is understandable. In this the third book his psychological issues are given too much prominence. Coupled with an elongated investigation and too much detail rather than actual storyline I found this book tedious, complicated and uninspiring. It's not a book that I enjoyed.

1561 Spain was when this book was set so it was a bit odd that sandwiches were being passed around as refreshments.It wasn't until 1762 that the term sandwich was used for the first time.Sins of the Father is an historical romance coupled with an investigation into smuggling and it has some swashbuckling swordsmanship. While it was a steady read with not much excitement and lacking period detail it was reasonably satisfying and not too dreary.

A collection of short stories set around the Edinburgh law courts in the Nineteenth century. Edward Kane and Mr Horse are the main characters. One an advocate and the other a man servant. The few cases that Kane receives are detailed in this collection and while some are tragic there is plenty of amusement to be found, especially during the trials. A guest appearance by Charles Dickens rounds off this pleasant, light-hearted and thoughtful novel.

If you enjoy gossiping with your neighbours or finding out what goes on behind the closed doors of other people's homes, this is the book for you.. As the newcomers meet people in the village over the years they discover their disturbing secrets. Each new person they meet is portrayed in a short one chapter story. This format keeps the readers interest. Set in the 1950's it is a book suitable for light holiday
reading.

In 60 or more years of reading, without a shadow of doubt, this is the worst book that I have ever read. I intended to say that this book would be suitable for a 12 year old but I would not want to insult the intelligence of anyone that age. It is difficult to put into words how atrocious this novel is. The investigations and methods used in the story can only be described as farcical. The cover design is the only good thing about this novel.

I struggled with this book, once you put it down there wasn't much incentive to pick it up again. When a body was discovered in an unusual position I believed that an interesting story was about to be revealed. What transpired was a tour around the outskirts of Birmingham visiting AA call boxes and not much else. It became quite obvious how the body had been transported and that all the cases may eventually be linked. It was a monotonous read.

It has been so many years since I had read any of the Quest series that I had problems recollecting past adventures. The friends are no longer young and adventurous but old and ready for retirement. There is a lot of morality and political intrigue in this story. The excitement of previous books was missing. I found it a bit slow and with so many characters it was difficult to follow. The small print made it hard going and less enjoyable.

Three years after reading book one I finally got around to reading this, the second book in the Redmond and Haze mystery series.Not so much a mystery but a police procedural story and a cosy one at that. It's an ideal book for a relaxing read while snuggled up on the sofa. In parts I found the story quite exciting but mainly it was just a pleasant, satisfying read that kept me entertained throughout. I really liked it.

Not a spoiler but a warning. If the reader believes they are heading towards a dramatic climax to this story be prepared. On reaching the last page you will be greeted by the words 'TO BE CONTINUED'. As to the book itself - The first and last pages of the story is written in classic Conan Doyle style and are very exhilarating as the case frantically develops. The middle has a style that is really quite unbelievable and farcical. I won't buy book 2

Having read Pickpocket's Apprentice, the prequel to the John Pickett series made 'In Milady's Chamber' far more enjoyable as it gave me more understanding of the friendship between two of the main characters.
Set in Regency times I would class this as a cosy mystery. It was well written and interesting. With some unexpected moments which kept the flow of the story running at times when it became a little slow I was pleased with my choice of book.

Book 4 in the Inspector Chard mystery series. With Anarchy, a bomb and several murders it was quite exciting.
The description of the towns in the Victorian South Wales Valleys also added to the atmosphere of this really good police procedural. Parts of the investigation was a little hard to follow but this did not detract from my enjoyment of this novel. With an interesting storyline and a somewhat unexpected outcome it was a pleasure to read.

Seven students start their relevant courses at Oxford University and become friends then one is murdered. Ten years later a quest by one of the remaining six is started to discover who the murderer was.
Due to its content I wouldn't describe the book as enjoyable but more satisfying. The story is really about friendship, relationships, the realities of life along with the treacherous behaviour of one. A slow storyline but it is still worth reading

S. Grossey is a wonderful writer and I have read lots of her books although I am having problems with 'The Cambridge Hardiman Series'. The quality of writing is as good as ever but the story is so slow. It just drags on and with little action it takes forever to reach a conclusion. Set in 1826 Cambridge, Hardiman is a part time college constable and Ostler, miraculously he also finds time to investigate some murders.
I hope book three is better.

As 2024 draws to an end, 'A Case of Mice and Murder' will be my most memorable read of the year. It wasn't an exciting story or thrilling. Indeed, at the start i was finding it a bit slow. As the book developed, the characters despite having a cold demeanor became likeable, friendly and warm hearted. Everything pointed to a complicated investigation but in the end it was wonderfully simplistic. A really satisfying story which I enjoyed a lot.

Mental health issues still bugs Bowman of the yard in this, the 2nd of the series. I took the picture of Butler“s Wharf which was mentioned in the story while standing on Top of Tower Bridge, it too also had its role to play. The case itself was complicated and took some following but was enhanced by the description of Victorian London that surpassed many other similar crime novels. While worthwhile it was a slow paced, methodical story line.

A gay teacher is found murdered at an exclusive school for boys and so begins an investigation for Detective Alan Stone. While there is some interaction amongst the teachers and the boys , the main characters mostly gel at the party following the memorial service. The vast majority of the book follows the detective through his thought process and interviews with potential suspects and witnesses. The story while good is slow paced and methodical.

The title combined with the cover design gave me the impression that this was a book for an adolescent and not one that would interest me. How wrong I was. It was s superb historical crime fiction novel set in the 1940's towards the end of the war. While the crimes were murder, they were not blood thirsty. The characters, apart from two were likeable. The investigation was enthralling, exciting and believable resulting in an excellent story.

This would have been really good British police procedural comprising of three short stories . It had enough excitement and suspense to keep the reader entertained. Set in the N. West and South of England the crimes being investigated were quite believable. Unfortunately the Belgium/American author made no attempt to remove American terminology making this a very un-British novel. Once guns became involved everything following was not plausible.

A deeply disturbing and gruesome storyline had me fighting back tears as I progressed from page to page. Set in 1715 London it follows the hardships of gay men of the time. The story is emotionally powerful and in a strange way there were scenes that reminded me of Oliver Twist, Alice in Wonderland and Gulliver's Travels. A book that covers everything from love too hate and all that's in-between. A truly thoughtful and outstanding novel

No precious Truth by Chris Nickson is now available to pre-order from Hive Books at a discounted price. Further discounts can be applied if you are over 55 or a Young person.

Remembering