Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby Mysteries #13
Publication Date: 6/24/25
Period: Regency Edinburgh – 1833
Number of Pages: 400

Some research, an author’s brainstorming session, and a simple question – “What if?”– brings us this very lucky (for us) thirteenth addition to the Lady Darby series. The story quickly spins from a tame invitation to attend an estate auction to a chaotic scene of mayhem and murder.

Sebastian has become very restless as they’ve spent a quiet winter in Edinburgh. While Kiera has had her painting to occupy her time, Gage has mostly played ‘gentleman’ rather than having an interesting investigation to occupy him. He is quickly going to get more excitement than he wants! Kiera decides to attend the second day of the auction to view the items to be auctioned, and there are several she’d like to have. On the third day, they return to bid on the items – when the floor collapses beneath them. Everyone in the bidding room quickly finds themselves in the room below – covered in dust, – with many severe injuries.

As the floor collapse was an accident, Kiera and Gage go about their business happily preparing for their daughter Emma’s first birthday party. That peace doesn’t last long because Sergeant Maclean soon pays a visit to ask for their assistance in solving the mystery of the collapse and the death that occurred because of it. No, it wasn’t an accident as the papers reported, it was sabotage that could have taken many lives.

It is all-hands-on-deck to solve this one because there are more suspects and motives than anyone can count – and no real clues to point at any of them for sure. When I say all hands, I truly mean it. I think we had everyone except Lord Gage helping with the investigation. Gage’s step-brother, Lord Henry, and Kiera’s brother Trevor were on hand along with our usual Anderly and Bree, and it wouldn’t be Edinburgh if Bonnie Brock didn’t play a role. With a plethora of red herrings, suspects, and motives, you’ll be hard pressed to identify the villain.

I thoroughly enjoyed this new entry to the series, and now, I can hardly wait for the nicely teased next addition coming in a year! I highly recommend this book, this series, and this author. While you can enjoy this as a standalone, I sincerely suggest reading the series from the beginning to better understand the character growth – especially Kiera’s. If you don’t want to go back and read the first twelve, I suggest trying the first two at least. However, if you try those, you’ll be hooked and will read all of them. 😊Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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