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[[Category:New Reviews|Crime (Historical)]]==Crime (historical)==__NOTOC__ <!-- Remove -->{{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=James P Blaylock0571370977|title=The Aylesford SkullLock-Up|author=John Banville

|summary=Langdon St. Ives, renowned scientist and adventurer, returns home from It's six months since the hubbub dramatic events which we read about in [[April in Spain by John Banville|April in Spain]] and grime of Victorian London to his tranquil residence Dr Quirke is now back in rural Aylesford where he lives Dublin and living (if somewhat uneasily) with his wife Alice and their two young childrendaughter, Phoebe. Weary The worst of the city, having survived a devastating explosion and particularly vicious attempt on his life, grief is over but he is hoping irrationally blames DI St John Strafford for some repose what happened and this has made the already strained relationship between them more difficult. They're brought together by Chief Inspector Hackett when the body of a chance to work quietly on his latest project; young, Jewish scholar, Rosa Jacobs, is found in a dirigible airshiplock-up. At first, it looked as though she'd gassed herself but Quirke is convinced that it was murder rather than suicide.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857689797</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Stephen Gallagher1529337968|title=The Kingdom In Place of BonesFear|author=Catriona McPherson|rating=45

|summary=It'If you like this sort of thing…' reads s July 1948 and Helen Crowther is due to start work as a line from Stephen Gallagher's 'The Kingdom of Bones', 'then here comes qualified medical almoner the following morning - on the day that the kind of thing you’ll likeNHS is born. She'. It’s describing the opening music ll be working for a theatrical number, but it’s an almost perfect tagline for ''The Kingdom of Bones'' itself. If you like Victorians, vaudeville Dr Deuchar and Dr Strasser in their GP surgery and villainy, if you like prizeher job will be to help patients with those non-fighting and police chases and possession by the Devil, then here comes 'medical problems which affect their health. The Kingdom hardest part of Bonesthe job will be to persuade people that the services she offers really are free and that they don't have to do anything to qualify for them. It’s Some of the kind problems will require delicate handling but Helen has a problem of thing that you’re really going to likeher own which might give her some insight. Her marriage has never been consummated.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0091950139</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Dashiell Hammett057136358X|title=The Return of the Thin ManApril in Spain|author=John Banville|rating=45

|summary=ITerry Tice was a hitman, although he didn't think of himself in those terms. He saw what he did as ''ve recently been discovering the original works a matter of Raymond Chandler which, like many people, making things tidy''. Icouldn'd only really known from t resist the Hollywood renditionsthought that he was an extreme version of Marie Kondo. A naturalHe enjoyed his job, if backwards, progression from there something which occurred to him when he was clearly in Burma with the army ''where he got the chance to kill a lot of the writer that Chandler called little yellow fellows and had a fine old time''. He was spending a lot of time with Percy Antrobus - who couldn't understand why Terry didn't know the ace performerpurpose of a swizzle stick - surely he wouldn', t drink champagne with bubbles in the man 'who did over and over again what only 'morning''? It was after Percy's death that he saw the best writers ever do at all'benefits of taking up a job in Spain.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908800208</amazonuk>

 {{newreview|author=Essie Fox|title=Elijah's Mermaid|rating=4.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=Author Augustus Lamb receives a shocking letter from his publisher and old friend Frederick Hall. Hall has discovered Lamb's small grandchildren, Lily and Elijah, in a London home for foundlings. Lamb's son Gabriel had died after a socially unacceptable liaison with beautiful Italian Isabella who subsequently disappeared. Delighted beyond words at Hall's discovery, Augustus adopts the twins, raising them in his Herefordshire country home, Kingsland House. There the children grow, happy and loved.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1409123340</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=James CarnacB08Z8BMZ7H|title=The Autobiography of Jack the Ripper|rating=3.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=The ''Autobiography'' presents itself as the Ripper’s story told from his own perspective. The son Mystery of an impoverished doctor, young Carnac has a childhood obsession with blood which a series of unfortunate events morphs into a full-blown desire to slit human throats. It’s the typical Victorian coming-of-age story (from birth, to school, then first love and finally adulthood) with a twist, in that the path Carnac’s on leads him to become not a responsible adult but the most famous murderer of the nineteenth century.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0552165395</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewHealing|author=Kylie Fitzpatrick|title=The Silver Thread|rating=4.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=It's 1840 and Rhia Mahoney, daughter of an Irish merchant specialising in local linen, has a comfortable life. All that changes, however, as her father's warehouse burns down, taking his faltering business with it, ensuring Rhia must make her own way in the world. Via family connections she comes to England and the home of Quaker widow Antonia Blake. The idea is that Antonia will protect Rhia whilst she seeks a position as governess in bustling, alien London. But rather than residing in a sanctuary, her problems worsen as she's enveloped in a mystery leading to transportation despite her innocence. The only things holding her life together are the letters she writes to her dearly departed grandmother, her artistic skill and a determination to discover who wants her gone.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908800127</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Martin Davies|title=The Year After|rating=5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=Captain Tom Allen is home from World War I. Whilst waiting to be demobbed, he receives an invitation to attend the annual Christmas house-party at Hannesford Court, the stately home of Sir Robert and Lady Stansbury. He used to look forward to it before joining up and so decides to attend again, but everything has changed. The Stansbury's heir, Harry, and son-in-law, Oliver, were killed and second son, Reggie Stansbury, remains in a nursing home with no legs and dwindling self-respect. Whilst coming to terms with the devastating realisation that he's one of the very few men in their set to return alive and entire, Tom remembers pre-war Hannesford and the night when his friend Professor Schmidt died at such a gathering. Everyone believes it was unsuspicious but gradually things are coming to light that hint of hidden secrets. Along with her Ladyship's former companion, Anne (who has issues of her own), Tom decides to investigate as truths are exhumed, making him doubt whether those happier times were as idyllic as he remembers.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0340980443</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Karen Engelmann|title=The Stockholm Octavo|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=As a Customs and Excise 'Sekretaire' in 18th century Stockholm, Emil Larsson has all he needs: professional respect, a bachelor's lifestyle and a table at Mrs Sparrow's gaming house whenever he fancies his luck. Contrastingly, his superiors at work feel he's missing a certain something. In order to climb further up the career ladder (maybe even to maintain his current position) Emil needs to marry. His manager believes this so fervently that there's a deadline for the wedding. Emil panics but Mrs Sparrow offers to lay an 'Octavo', a fortune-telling spread of eight cards to guide him to the eight people who will ensure his success. However, not all goes to plan as, over the eight nights it takes to complete the Octavo, it becomes apparent that the prediction isn't for Emil's future, but has become an Octavo to save the whole of Sweden.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1444742698</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Bruce Macbain|title=Roman Games (Plinius Secundus)A P McGrath

|summary=Sextus Ingentius Verpa isnWe meet Solon in Pergamon in the second century of the common era and he't s the physician on duty at the munus - the games put on for the amusement of the most popular person in Romepopulace. He may be a The remuneration isn't high ranking politician with but the work gives the Emperor Domitian's ear but this also means he's doctor a spy, ambitious feeling of virtue and not always using hones his power and position for goodskills: Solon ''wants'' the warriors to live. When Verpa is discovered, unceremoniously and repeatedly stabbed in his well-guarded bedroom, there It's quite a spectacle: the magistri are many who sigh with relief. However, the murderer must still be found charge hands and so Domitian appoints Gaius Plinius Secundus (or Pliny when we first see them, they're sprinkling gold dust onto the Younger as history will dub him) lions' manes to investigatemake them look more impressive. Pliny isn't a natural but reluctantly takes on The sagitarii are the task because Domitian says so; Pliny has no choice. Domitian also says that archers and the culprit must be found before beastiarii are the end of condemned criminals who are going to fight for their lives with the Roman Games, giving Pliny 15 dayswild animals. Over these 15 pressurised days he'll dig into RomeToday, it's filthy underbelly of cults, prostitution and other things he wasn't expecting, including practically adopting his own, personal rude poetthe crocodiles.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908800364</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Maureen Jennings1529337925|title=Vices of My Blood: Murdoch MysteriesThe Mirror Dance (Dandy Gilver)|author=Catriona McPherson

|summary=William Murdoch has at last been promoted It was the August Bank Holiday weekend and, as so often happened, it was cold enough to full detective, have the fire lit and continues Bunty the Dalmation wasn't inclined to solve cases with his usual mix leave it to keep Dandy Gilver warm on the sofa. The thought of dogged determination and flairwork was almost cheering when Dandy took the call from Sandy Bissett in Dundee. Toronto at She was the end publisher of the nineteenth century is marked by a huge divide between magazine and had been told that the rich and man running the poor, Punch and Judy show in the fact that many local park had used copies of two of her cartoon characters - Rosie Cheek and her sister Freckle - to drum up some local interest in his show. Sandy Bissett's request was simple: she wanted Gilver and Osborne to warn the latter group are utterly destitute leads to all manner man about infringement of crimes, great copyright - and Dandy and smallAlex would be cheaper than employing a solicitor to do the same job.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857689924</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=John KerrB08LKT7HSR|title=Fell Murder in the AngelsBelltower (A Miss Underhay Mystery)|author=Helena Dixon

|summary=Cecilia had had more surnames than was usual for a young woman In December 1933 the remains of Elowed Underhay were discovered in the late nineteenth centurycellar of the Glass Bottle Public House. She Ezekiel Hamett was born Henderson but married Robert Castello sought in connection with the murder of Elowed and quickly came to realise that he his half-brother, Denzil Hammett, whose body was an adulterer with a drink problemalso discovered. A womanKitty Underhay's place long search for her mother, who disappeared in June 1916 was thought to be with her husband - even by Ceciliaover. Now she's wealthy parents - but they recognised determined that forcing the man responsible for her to go back to him could murder will be problematical. As a compromise she was sent to Malvern brought to take a water cure and it was there that she came into contact with Dr James Gully. He was a good deal older than Cecilia but a relationship developed between the two - affection on Cecilia's part (probably the most of which she was capable) and love on hisjustice.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0709098383</amazonuk>

 {{newreview|author=Graeme Kent|title=One Blood|rating=4.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=Sergeant Kella is being sent from his native Malaita to another part of the Solomon Islands to investigate logging sabotage there. In the same district, his friend Sister Conchita has assumed reluctant control of a mission with three elderly sisters living there who are rather set in their ways, to say the least. Then a body turns up in the church… is this related to the sabotage? And how does the wartime history of John F Kennedy, vying to become the new President of the USA, fit in to all of this?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849013411</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewFrontpage|author=David LongStephen Clarke|title=Murders of London: In the steps of the capital's killers The Spy Who Inspired Me

|genre=Crime (Historical)General Fiction|summary=While This is a spoof spy story, that isn't about James Bond. Or Ian Fleming. But it features a man called Ian Lemming, who dresses well and 'likes the true crime specialist reader may prefer books which deal in one case ladies' and who works for the secret service, but in depth, there’s always room for another title at the other end planning side of things more than the spectrumactive service. Lemming finds himself put on a mission with a female spy called Margaux, dealing and the pair end up stranded in brief Normandy, with Margaux on a variety of murders over desperate mission to unearth traitors in the years.resistance network, and Lemming desperately trying to keep up with her!|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1847946720</amazonuk>2952163855

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Shirley McKay0349423083|title=Time Death and Tidethe Brewery Queen (Kate Shackleton Mysteries)|author=Frances Brody

|summary=A ship is wrecked on the coast of 16th century ScotlandKate Shackleton runs her investigation agency from Batswing Cottage, the crew goneably assisted by Jim Sykes, the only man on board dying who lives in Woodhouse and a windmill lashed to its deckher housekeeper, Mrs Sugden. What happened? She's been approached by William Lofthouse of the Barleycorn Brewery in Masham. What sort of illness does Something is going wrong with his business and he'd like Kate to look into it carry? And, more importantly for the towndiscreetly: he's peoplehoping that his nephew and right-hand man, James Lofthouse, who gets will be back from a trip to Germany before long. James went to keep see what the windmill? continental brewers were doing and what changes Barleycorn might need to make. ItWilliam is worried that James is perhaps enjoying himself a little bit 's 'too'' much or is going to bring back a tough one, German bride but university professor and erstwhile lawyer Hew Cullan is on he'd like the casebusiness to be ship-shape before his nephew returns.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1846972183</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Daniel Stashower0241433568|title=The Harry Houdini Mysteries: The Dime Museum MurdersEight Detectives|author=Alex Pavesi|rating=45

|summary=There It's 1930 and Megan and Henry are two things you need to know about Stashowerstaying with Bunny at his house in Spain. It's Harry Houdini. Firstly, he is a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes. Secondly, unbearably hot and Bunny drank too much more importantly, at lunch: he is utterly certain of his own ability 's going to do whatever he sets his mind to. Therefore, when he finds himself involved, albeit in have a minor way, in a murder, rest and then he immediately decides it is up wants to him talk to solve the caseMegan and Henry about something serious. It Only it never occurs to him gets that far: when Bunny doesn't emerge after his siesta his guests find that he might fail's been murdered. How can that have happened? There's no one else in the house, because that is simply not an option for so one of them must be the Great Houdinikiller.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857682849</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Maureen Jennings1473682401|title=Let Loose the Dogs: Murdoch Mysteries|rating=4.5|genre=Crime The Turning Tide (HistoricalDandy Gilver)|summary=The fourth book in the series of mysteries which star Detective William Murdoch is set, like the others, in Toronto. Religion, money and family rule this late-Victorian city just as they do back 'home' in England, and Murdoch's struggles for truth and justice, not to mention his love life, are played out against the sense of guilt and the moral restrictions imposed upon him by his Catholic faith.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857689908</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Maureen Jennings|title=Under the Dragon's Tail: Murdoch MysteriesCatriona McPherson

|summary=Murdoch is a lonely man, still grieving for Those who were with us at the fiancée who died over a year beforeend of [[A Step So Grave (Dandy Gilver) by Catriona McPherson|A Step So Grave]] will remember that Donald was engaged to Mallory Dunnoch. He busies himself, when he They're now married and Mallory is not workinghaving twins. When they arrive no one can doubt the charms of Lavinia Dahlia Cherry and her brother, Edward Hugh Lachlan Gilver. There are two drawbacks: they're noisy and they're staying with training for the police sports' dayDandy and Hugh. Dandy and her detective partner, learning to danceAlec Osborne, and trying had not taken up the chance to overcome his attraction look into a problem at the Cramond ferry when it was offered to them twice before, but suddenly the charming lady who lodges in possibility of being out of the next-door room. She is a charming young widow with a young son, but since she is not Catholic, he knows, sadly, that he can never find married bliss with herhouse at Gilverton seems irresistible. |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857689886</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Dan JamesSeishi Yokomizo and Louise Heal Kawai (translator)|title=UnsinkableThe Honjin Murders

|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=This year sees To many readers, the hundredth anniversary of phrase 'locked room murder mystery' is enough to make the book one to read; preferably quantified by the words 'clever' or 'good'. For those who need more, here is the extra background – we're in rural Japan in the sinking 1930s. The oldest son of an esteemed family is belatedly getting married, although the Titanicwhole affair is really not as ostentatious as it might be – hardly anybody has turned up, and several bookswhat with it being arranged at great haste. She only has an uncle representing her family, for both children and adultsone thing. Either way, the celebrations have gone ahead as planned, are being published based on only for the story of wedded couple to be slashed to death in their private annexe before the doomed shipsun rises on their marriage. In this particular book the fact that we already know fate What with a man missing parts of his fingers being in the majority neighbourhood, and some mysterious use of the travellers adds a whole new level of tension to a story which is already an exciting thriller. Not only is there traditional musical instrument at the question time of whether they will catch the bad guy or notcrime, but also, and more crucially: will this case has a lot of the main characters all survive?peculiar about it.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0099558130</amazonuk>1782275002

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Sam SicilianoB07XLM3SM6|title=The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Web Weaver |rating=3.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=An old gypsy woman places a curse on guests Murder at a ball, leaving the upper class revellers shocked. When, over the next few years, misfortune befalls several of the party-goers, potted-meat magnate Donald Wheelwright knows there's only one recourse left to him - to call Sherlock Holmes. It's a slightly different version of Holmes from that we've come to expect, though. The detective, far from being an emotionless man, is capable of feeling strongly for the right woman - could the detective find love as well as the answer to the mystery? |amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857686984</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewDolphin Hotel|author=Sax Rohmer|title=The Mystery of Dr Fu ManchuHelena Dixon

|summary=Dr Petrie is surprisedElowed Underhay was just twenty-seven when she disappeared from Dartmouth in June 1916, leaving her daughter, but pleasedKitty, in the care of her grandmother. A great deal of money had been spent to see his old friend Nayland Smith find out what happened to her and the conclusion was that she was dead, mainly because there was no evidence to suggest otherwise. Kitty has returned come to England. But terms with this is no mere pleasure visit – and in 1933 she was running the former Scotland Yard man is on Dolphin Hotel in Dartmouth with her grandmother when her grandmother had to leave to look after her sister who was ill. She was reluctant to leave Kitty in charge - and Kitty could not understand why. She's always coped with the trail mix of Fu Manchuholidaymakers, a Chinese doctor with ''boating people and the naval college on the brains edge of any three men of geniustown before - and she's done every job in the hotel. And she particularly cannot understand why her grandmother'. Petrie is immediately plunged into a headlong race against time s friends have been roped in to stop the mysterious villain from fulfilling his evil plans keep an eye on things ''and leading '' why Captain Matthew Bryant has been hired to take charge of security at the East to world domination!|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857686038</amazonuk>hotel.

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Maureen Jennings0349423067|title=Except The Body on the Dying: Murdoch Train (Kate Shackleton Mysteries)|author=Frances Brody|rating=4.5

|summary=Victorian detective novels set in Britain are fairly commonFrom Christmas to Easter a train ran from Leeds City Station to King's Cross, arriving before dawn so that the forced rhubarb it carried could be taken to Covent Garden. In early March 1929, and some one of the most well-known porters who was unloading the boxes discovered the body of a man, stripped naked and popular crime series fall into this categorywith no means of identification. The Murdoch stories, however, come from Scotland Yard hit a different angle, being placed (for dead end and called on the most part) services of Kate Shackleton in Canada, with its snowy wastes, its logging camps the hope that her knowledge and pioneering spiritconnections in Yorkshire would give them the lead they needed. Loyalty to the Queen is Kate immediately found herself hamstrung: Commander Woodhead remembered her as ardent here as back home in 'the old country', but there is a rawness child and could not come to terms with the fact that she was now a sense of space woman experienced in dealing with murder. He was reluctant to these novels give her all the information which is due in large part to their settingthe police held.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857689878</amazonuk>

{{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Charles Dickens1472127110|title=The Indian Summer: a Mirabelle Bevan Mystery of Edwin Drood|author=Sara Sheridan

|genre=Literary FictionCrime (Historical)|summary=If you have never come across 'Drood' beforeLife has changed dramatically for Mirabelle, our favourite fifties sleuth, there are certain significant factors which make this a 'must read'. It is Dickens' last worksince the war, and he died without completing itnot always for the better. Given that this is a detective story, one of the very When she first settled in that traditionBrighton she was alone, it is doubly intriguing, because although we are clearly being fed clues rudderless and hints throughoutsecretly grieving for Jack, at the point where the text ends we aren't even fully sure even if a crime has been committed. So as the basis for endless speculation about what really happens this novel lover who died before he could hardly be betteredleave his wife. We certainly have potential villains As time went by she found in herself an ability to solve crimes, made friends including an ebullient and victims, but we also have determined young woman called Vesta who refused to let a number of likely red herrings; complex threads of romantic interestlittle thing like racial prejudice stop her doing what she wanted, but again it is by no means clear exactly which way these will resolve; and even found consolation in the arms of a shadowy detective figure, whose speculations certainly have no sense of conclusionrather charming policeman.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1849904278</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=David Ruffle1912374439|title=Sherlock Holmes The Courier|author=Kjell Ola Dahl and the Lyme Regis LegacyDon Bartlett (translator)

|summary=Dr Watson is happy to be returning to Lyme RegisNazi-occupied Oslo, and the woman he loves1942. He gets more than he bargained forThere, though, as he is quickly embroiled in a series of killings which bear strange resemblances to some of I've given the cases he and Holmes have been involved ingame away. The great detective joins him, with Lestrade following to assist For in their investigations, and the trio realise a book that they are dealing with centres around a haunting figure from their past...|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780921004</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=David Ruffle|title=Sherlock Holmes and murder, I've told you who did it – the Lyme Regis Horror - Expanded 2nd Edition|rating=4|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=Taking a rare holiday on the Dorsetshire coastNazis, surely? Well, Dr Watson manages that certainly has to persuade Sherlock Holmes remain to join him. Delighted to spend be seen in this volume, which splits its time with his old friend Godfrey Jacobsbetween one of war, and charmed by widowed boarding house proprietor Mrs Heidlerwhen a young woman sees her father arrested, the good doctor is set for a pleasant and relaxing stay – until mysterious events occur, pointing to an unimaginable evil, their store condemned as Jewish and the game’s afoot once more!|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780920563</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Margaret Park Bridges|title=My Dear Watson|rating=4|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=''My Dear Watson'' is written by the hand of Holmes, Lucy Holmes, whom the world came rushes to know as Sherlock. Yes, the well-loved detective is a female cross-dresser but with good reason. The young Lucy, having watched her mother die tragically, rushed off best friend to live with help – not knowing she will never see her brotheralive again, Mycroftand the late 1960s, at universitywhen great consternation is being felt. In order to staythis timeline, a maverick agent is back in town, undetected (no pun intended)one who might have been fingered for murdering that female victim, even though she had to dress and he lived together with their baby as a man. Being slight and gamineyoung family, this wasn’t difficult and, after a while, she preferred the lifestyle. Watson hasn’t seen through the disguise, continuing except he was thought by all to live with Holmes between marriages as they combat the odds and solve crimes have died in (or despite) the police.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780920768</amazonuk>War…

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Kate Williams1786075431|title=The Pleasures of Men|rating=4|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=Catherine Sorgeiul is a woman with burdens. Living with her uncle in London’s East End during the reign of Queen Victoria, hers is a life that seems empty – yet in fact is full of things she is trying to push away.  Filling her days has become a problem, so when a series of grisly murders begins, Catherine is drawn to the mystery of the Man of Crows in a way that seems bound to change her life.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0241951399</amazonuk>}} {{newreviewMrs Mohr Goes Missing|author=Ben Pastor|title=Liar Moon|rating=4|genre=Crime Maryla Szymiczkova and Antonia Lloyd-Jones (Historicaltranslator)|summary=Near Verona, northern Italy, autumn 1943: Captain Martin Bora is a German military policeman, known to have conducted previous murder investigations. He is asked to look into the death of one Vittorio Lisi, a prominent local fascist who was run over in his wheelchair on his own estate by a car. The number one suspect is his widow Claretta.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1904738826</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Gerry O'Hara|title=Sherlock Holmes and The Affair In Transylvania

|summary=I normally start reviews with Meet Zofia. A socially climbing wife of a medical professor, she's intent on making herself known as a brief plot summarycharitable lady, and keen on her husband progressing yet through his esteemed career. In 1890s Cracow, life is pretty good, but she knows it seems almost besides could always be better. Meanwhile, other people's life could certainly be better – cholera is nearing the point city due to lack of hygiene, and many people have to do so for fall on charity and almshouses to keep a book entitled 'Sherlock Holmes roof over their heads. One such was Mrs Mohr, although she was rich enough to keep private lodgings and the Affair staff in Transylvaniaher charitable home. I say ''was'', for she has vanished. From those seven words Only due to Zofia's help does she get found, dead and in a place the reader will have no doubt guessed that this is near-lame woman could never reach by herself. Just who could be killing people in a Holmes meets Dracula storycharity home, and so we may as well move straight on to what end? And why does Zofia feel the burning question – is it any goodneed to make a name for herself by answering those questions?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780920369</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=D E Meredith1786893762|title=The Devil's RibbonThings in Jars|author=Jess Kidd

|summary=In A child has gone missing. The detective asked to take on the London of 1858, the Irish are the poorest of case is still struggling with the poor, despised shame and feared frustration left by the English. They were forced to emigrate from their fatherland because of the famine which decimated the populationa previous case, and now where the majority of them live child was not found in filthy, germ-ridden rookeriestime. Hardly original themes for a private eye thriller. And yet . . . take another look. Cholera This detective is killing them off in their hundredsa woman, and blame for their terrible conditions the setting is laid squarely at Victorian London, with all the feet rich and colourful paradoxes of their English masters, together with those Irishmen who have so far forgotten their home that they cooperate era: technical and scientific progress jostling for space beside superstition and a fascination with the oppressorsbizarre and the downright hideous. And as the hottest summer on record drags onbefore you're more than a couple of pages in, you realise just how much more unusual our heroine is than you expected. Bridie Devine may dress in half-mourning, with a widow's cap and the tenth anniversary of the potato blight and its horrific consequences approachstout, shiny boots, but the mood tobacco she smokes in the slums her pipe (my dear, what an utterly ''fast'' thing for a lady to do!) is ripe for violence and murdermixed with a nugget of something, well, let's say recreational, created by her chemist friend Prudhoe.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0312557698</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Thomas Bruce Wheeler|title=The London of Sherlock Holmes - Over 400 Computer Generated Street Level Photos|rating=3|genre=Travel|summary=Should I trust a book fact that has a typo on it's actually meant to cure bronchial problems is by the FRONT cover? Would I purchase a book that practically saysby. Her housemaid, as its first wordsbeing seven-foot-tall, the e-book version is better than this paper thing? Thisalso somewhat remarkable. And then, of course, despite setting up very much there's the wrong impressionghost. Ruby Doyle, is a gateway into the world of Sherlock Holmes - but doesfamous tattooed boxer (deceased) accompanies Bridie all through her investigation, as I say, blatantly show itself up as flawed, while the electronic version could count as and it's clear he has a very worthwhile app soft spot for the Conan Doyle buffdetermined young woman. If he really exists, that is.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780922094</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Andrew Lane0349414327|title=Young Sherlock Holmes: Fire StormA Snapshot of Murder (Kate Shackleton Mysteries)|author=Frances Brody

|summary=Post-Roman invasion Even detectives need a break and for Kate Shackleton, photography gives her the mental relaxation which she needs. When the local Photographic Society proposed an outing, Kate was keen to take the opportunity to visit Haworth and Great Britain shows Stanbury, not least because the signs deeds of the Brontë Parsonage are being handed over so that it can become a beleagured nationmuseum and her parents will be there for the event. And straight away Hays gives us an historical flavour - SaxonsWhat could be better than seeing her family, Picts witnessing a momentous event and names such as having the opportunity to take photographs of the setting for ''Wuthering Heights'Ambrosius Aurelianus' are mentioned early on in the book? Nothing could go wrong.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857890050</amazonuk> Or could it?

{{newreview|author=Guy Adams|title=Sherlock Holmes: The Breath of God|rating=4|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=A body is discovered in London. The young gentleman concerned, a Mr Hilary De Montfort, had enjoyed a good life: no money problems for example and as far as anyone can ascertain, no enemies either. The motive is therefore fuzzy at best. The state of his body when it was discovered was bizarre - it looked as if he'd been hurled from a great height, even although he'd been discovered in an open space around Grosvenor Square. And in the words of Dr Watson himself (it is he who narrates in the main) ' ... as varied as our capital might be, it will always be found wanting of mountain ranges.'|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857682822</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Tracy Revels|title=Shadowblood: A Novel Of Sherlock Holmes|rating=5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=For those picking up a Tracy Revels novel for the first time, she writes Sherlock Holmes fiction with the twist that Holmes is a supernatural being, coming from the Shadows. In the hugely enjoyable romp Move on to [[Shadowfall: A Novel of Sherlock Holmes by Tracy Revels|ShadowfallNewest Dyslexia Friendly Reviews]], Watson discovered this, and was plunged headlong into an adventure involving Titania, Spring-Heeled Jack, voodoo, and various other dark and mysterious beings. That one ended with the good doctor losing his memory of the story – but I was always hoping that was merely a temporary measure, and indeed, it’s not long here before he starts to recall Holmes’ true nature.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780920474</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=John O'Connell|title=The Baskerville Legacy: A Novel|rating=4|genre=General Fiction|summary=1900, and a man on a ship coming back from the Boer War to edit the Daily Express meets one of his heroes in the form of Arthur Conan Doyle. With similar experiences and interests yet different enough to bounce off each other they take up the idea of collaborating on a plot. When they do fix on time to do so, it leads to literary prospects, which lead to a week's research together on Dartmoor, which leads to ''The Hound of the Baskervilles''. But perhaps in a way that only one of them intended.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1907595465</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Dicky Neely and Paul R Spiring (Editor)|title=The Case of the Grave Accusation: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure|rating=3|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=Much in the way that legend says that King Arthur will return when his country needs him, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson have returned because an accusation has been made against their creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The charge is that the great man plagiarised ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' from his great friend Bertram Fletcher Robinson – and then went on to commit adultery, blackmail and murder in order to conceal what he had done. Holmes' rooms in Baker Street have not changed a great deal – if one can overlook the addition of a desktop computer and better plumbing – but it's not long before the pair are off to Dartmoor to discover the truth.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908218819</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=John Buchan|title=The Thirty-nine Steps|rating=4|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=Ask anyone about 'The Thrity-nine Steps' and I guarantee they'll be able to tell you it's a spy story with Richard Hannay at its heart. Most people will be able to tell you how it starts. But when you ask, 'Yes, but what ARE the 39 Steps?' most people will falter.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1846971985</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Tracy Revels|title=Shadowfall: A Novel of Sherlock Holmes|rating=4.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=You remember Sherlock Holmes, yes? Deerstalker, pipe, leetle grey cells… (Oh, sorry, that was Poirot, but same kind of deductive ability), naked winged-woman on, or at least floating above, the sofa in Baker Street… wait a minute? Seriously?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908218258</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Gerard Kelly|title=The Outstanding Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes|rating=4|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=I'll spare people the details of Holmes and Watson as crime-solvers – I'm assuming anyone likely to pick this one up is probably familiar with the Victorian duo. This is generally very faithful to the Arthur Conan Doyle originals and the best stories in this set of thirteen sound authentic enough to take their place alongside some of the canon.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908218673</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Kate Workman|title=Rendezvous at the Populaire : A Novel of Sherlock Holmes|rating=3.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=After chasing his arch-enemy Moriarty without success on a cold night in November 1882, Sherlock Holmes is left maimed and unable to walk without the use of a cane. Despondent, he decides to give up his career as a detective – but is talked into taking an extra special case, as a Madame Giry comes across the Channel to beg his help with the mysterious 'ghost' which is terrorising the Opera Populaire…|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908218703</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Carole Bugge|title=The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Star of India|rating=3.5|genre=Crime (Historical)|summary=A woman with a distinguished scent about her appears flustered at a concert recital. A famous landlady gets kidnapped while on an innocent holiday to the west country. A malformed, brilliant modern-day alchemist gets murdered. There is only one person, who famously went over a certain Alpine waterfall, who could piece all this and more into a threat to the Royalty and Empire itself. But there is also only one person, who famously seemed to have stayed dead in going over the same Alpine waterfall, with the strength of mind to put the whole game into play.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857681214</amazonuk>}}