Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Kent Mysteries #9
Publication Date: 8/25/26
Period: Interwar 1920, Dublin, Ireland
Number of Pages: 384
Loved it!
The Bravest Hour is the ninth and final entry in Anna Lee Huber’s Verity Kent Mystery series, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series as a whole and a fitting wrap-up to the Ireland-based portion of Verity and Sydney’s story. That said, I would strongly recommend reading the previous books before beginning this one. There is so much character history, relationship development, and ongoing storyline woven throughout the series that you will gain much more from this book if you have followed Verity and Sydney’s journey from the beginning. If you don’t want to start with the first book, I would highly recommend beginning with The Cold Light of Day, which launches the Ireland portion of the series.
The previous book brought the phosgene gas plot to a resolution, but Ardmore escaped, leaving Verity and Sydney with unfinished business. In The Bravest Hour, Ardmore continues his dangerous schemes while Verity finds herself imprisoned and subjected to torture. Huber skillfully interweaves their personal struggle with the turbulent history of Ireland as the country fights for independence. The result is a story filled with danger, suspense, political intrigue, and emotional complexity.
One of the things I particularly appreciated was the way Huber portrays the conflicting feelings of both Verity and Sydney. They are loyal to their country, but at the same time, they cannot condone the atrocities committed against the Irish people who are fighting for their freedom. Their feelings are not presented as simple or black-and-white, and this adds considerable depth to both the characters and the story. Their love for each other and their determination to protect one another remain at the heart of the book, even as circumstances continue to put them in impossible situations.
The mystery and suspense kept the story moving, and it was satisfying to see the various loose ends tied up, the villain finally foiled, and the heroes receive their due. After following these characters through so many adventures, it was especially rewarding to see how much they have grown and how their relationships have developed throughout the series.
Of course, being a longtime reader of a series means that I always want *just a little more* when it comes to saying goodbye to characters I have come to care about. There were a couple of things I would have loved to see. I would have appreciated an epilogue—perhaps at Christmas the following year—with all the friends reunited. I would have enjoyed seeing Max, Alex, and George together again, with Max and Alex bringing love interests, and I would have especially liked to meet George’s romantic interest. And, naturally, I wouldn’t have objected to seeing Verity expecting!
Those are small wishes, however, and they don’t diminish my enjoyment of the book or the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Verity Kent Mysteries. Each book has been an entertaining and engaging read while also deepening the characters and their relationships. Verity and Sydney have become characters I will genuinely miss, and I am sad to see their story come to an end.
I will definitely be watching for news of whatever series Anna Lee Huber decides to introduce next. Whatever comes next, I’ll be there to read it!
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
