Category: Historical Mystery

The Cold Light of Day by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Cold Light of Day (Verity Kent, #7)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Kent Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 9/24/24
Period: June 1920, Dublin, Ireland
Number of Pages: 384

This was a gut-wrenching, breath-holding, rollercoaster ride of a story set in Dublin, Ireland in 1920. In most books, we see one side as good and the other as bad. However, this author presented a very realistic picture of the struggles of both sides where neither was all good nor all bad. This author’s impeccable research and even-handed treatment of the time the story was set made the reader feel as though they were walking down those fearful streets not knowing where an attack might happen.

At the end of the last book, Verity’s friend Alec is sent to Ireland to infiltrate the Irish rebels. This book begins with Verity and Sydney being sent to Ireland to find Alec because he has disappeared and hasn’t reported to any of his fail-safe locations. His handler thinks Alec has become a traitor and is now working for the other side.

Verity is very frightened for Alec because she knows how dangerous the Irish rebels can be. Yet, when they arrive, the city – and country – are in turmoil. It is almost war on the streets and Verity and Sydney have no idea where to begin looking – especially as she doesn’t believe his handler is trustworthy. It appears there is no one to trust except each other. How will they ever find Alec or at least discover what happened to him? Has Alec survived and is hiding somewhere? Has he been murdered or imprisoned?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written, exciting story. While it is slower-paced than some of the previous books, it still pulls you into the story and won’t let you go. You feel the fear and anxiety on the streets as well as the exasperation the citizens feel at the government. This author deals with it all very sensitively, but I will mention that the book deals with some fearful and sensitive subjects – so just be mindful.

There is a nice set-up for the next book – or at least it appeared that way. The phosgene cylinders are still missing and are believed to be in Dublin and Ardmore is also there. Therefore, I assume the next book will also be set in Ireland and I can hardly wait to read it.

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

Murder at King’s Crossing by Andrea Penrose

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Murder at King’s Crossing (Wrexford & Sloane, #8)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Wrexford & Sloane #8
Publication Date: 9/24/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 372

Charlotte, Wrex, and the Weasels are looking forward to spending some quiet and peaceful time in the country after they host the wedding of their friends Christopher (Kit) Sheffield and Cordelia Mansfield. Alas, it was not to be as the ink had hardly dried on the registry page before the coroner and magistrate from a nearby area arrived and announced they’d found a body with no identification other than an invitation to Kit and Cordelia’s wedding. Once they determine who it must be – and that he had been murdered – nothing would do but except for them to investigate. All clues point in one direction – but – surely he isn’t the murderer. Or is he?

It is all hands on deck to identify the murderer and to find Oliver, Cordelia’s missing cousin. The deceased, Jasper Milton, is a brilliant engineer whose brain grasps abstract concepts and designs that will improve the lives of everyone and is the best friend of Oliver, Cordelia’s missing cousin. Is Oliver also deceased? Or, is Oliver the murderer?

As more bodies turn up, the investigation becomes more and more intense. Then, if you add in shadowy government figures, you have no idea what to expect. The plot is delightfully twisted and leaves your head spinning as you wonder what happens next. Never fear, Wrexford, Charlotte, the Weasels, and the rest of the characters will tease out the clues – and even invade Eton before they finally have the solution. WOW! What a ride.

One of the things I love about this author’s books is the amount of research she does to truly understand the period in which the story is set and the scientific developments at the time. Those things are seamlessly woven into a story that will intrigue you and improve your mind at the same time. The characters have all grown and developed throughout the series and have become one big family. As always, I started wishing for the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one.

You will probably like this book if you love complex characters solving an intricately woven, nuanced, exciting, and interesting mystery. This can be read as a standalone story, but you should read at least one or two of the earlier books to truly understand the characters, their growth, their relationships, etc. This author always includes a lengthy Author’s Note section and it is always excellent reading if you are interested in learning more about the author’s research. Happy Reading!

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