Category: Interwar Period (Nov 1918 – Sep 1939)

The period between the end of WWI and the beginning of WWII

A Moment’s Shadow by Anna Lee Huber

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

A Moment's Shadow (Verity Kent Mysteries, #8)Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Kent Mysteries #8
Publication Date: 8/26/25
Period: Post World War I – Ireland (1920)
Number of Pages: 368

A Gripping, Emotionally Charged Historical Mystery

This intense, nail-biting, heart-wrenching story has everything it needs to hold your attention and keep you turning the pages. The author masterfully evokes the fear, tension, and emotional complexity of a turbulent, war-torn time. I’m always cautious about how writers handle stories set during politically sensitive eras, but Ms. Huber treats both the British and the IRA with fairness and nuance.

Verity and Sidney remain in Dublin, racing against time to locate the deadly phosgene gas cylinders before the arch-villain Lord Ardmore unleashes devastation. They don’t know whether he intends to use it against the Irish or the English—only that the danger is imminent and widespread. With Lord Ardmore’s influence reaching deep into the police and government, Verity and Sidney are on their own, navigating a minefield of danger, betrayal, and uncertainty. Will they find the gas in time? Will they bring Ardmore down—or walk into a deadly trap?

The story grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go—not even after the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers at the end. Days later, I’m still thinking about the suspense and emotional stakes. I especially love Alec, whose divided loyalties add another compelling layer to the narrative, and I’m hopeful for a positive turn in his arc as the series continues. Sidney and Verity are facing greater danger than ever, and the uncertainty of their fate makes this a truly unforgettable read.

If you love a well-paced, immersive mystery with rich historical detail and morally complex characters, this book is for you. A thoroughly excellent tale!

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

View all my reviews

Two Weddings and a Murder by Alyssa Maxwell

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, George V - 1910- 1936, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), New To Me Author, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Two Weddings and a Murder (A Lady and Lady's Maid Mystery #9)

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady & Lady’s Maid Mystery #9
Publication Date: 2/25/25
Period: Inter-War (1922)
Number of Pages: 272

I enjoy reading historical mysteries and am always on the lookout for new-to-me authors. When I saw this book, I just had to try it and the author. I didn’t notice that it was the final book in the series, but that was not a problem. I had no trouble reading this as a standalone and following the characters and storyline.

Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her betrothed, Owen Seabright, are celebrating their wedding with friends, relatives, and servants and it is a joyous occasion for all. Eva Huntford, Phoebe’s lady’s maid, is especially joyful because she has served as both maid and close friend for many years – and she has a romance of her own. Speaking of Eva’s romance, why was he a no-show at Phoebe’s wedding ceremony?

Constable Miles Brannock finally arrives only to announce the murder of Chief Inspector Isaac Perkins had caused his delay. Oh! My! While Perkins was not well-liked, who would dislike him enough to murder him? Miles quickly begins his investigation only to be supplanted by a brutish Inspector from Scotland Yard – AND – that inspector quickly decides Miles is the murderer and arrests him.

Lady Phoebe and Owen quickly postpone their honeymoon to help Eva investigate because they are all positive Miles is not the murderer. There are many suspects – including Phoebe’s elderly aunt, Phoebe’s uncle Greville, a local farmer, a gypsy, and more. With many disparate suspects and no clues, the investigation is filled with twists, turns, and surprises.

I enjoyed the mystery and the characters, but, for me, the story seemed to drag. It was not a fast-paced, exciting mystery; but more of a slow-paced investigation. I also enjoyed seeing the storylines for the series all neatly tied up with the appropriate HEAs and good feelings all around. I would have liked to see a wrap-up for Uncle Greville and his wife Giovanna since they were front and center throughout much of the book. We learn the motives for their appearance in England, but there is no wrap-up. I would have liked to see Grampapa deal with them, but now we will never know.

While I enjoyed the mystery and the characters, I wasn’t inspired to go back and read the first books in the series. Perhaps that is because I wasn’t already invested in the characters due to that lack -I don’t know.

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

View all my reviews