Tag: Anna Lee Huber

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.

A Deceptive Composition by Anna Lee Huber – Release Day Blitz

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

A Deceptive Composition (Lady Darby Mystery, #12)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby #12
Publication Date: 6/18/24
Period: October, 1832
Number of Pages: 384

This book reminded me of a Tilt-a-Whirl with all of the plots and characters spinning in different directions simultaneously. Who were the good guys? Who were the bad guys? What was the motive? It was such a fantastic read that I wanted to start reading it again as soon as I was finished. For me, that isn’t an unusual reaction to this author as I don’t believe I have ever read one of her books that I didn’t love.

The opening of the book finds Kiera, Gage, seven-month-old Emma, and their servants still at the home of Gage’s father, Lord Gage. Lord Gage has been recovering from the near-fatal injury he suffered in the last book, and he’s coming along nicely. Gage and his father have always had an extremely contentious relationship and even that is evening out. So, all is right in their world at the moment – until a letter from Lord Gage’s long-estranged family arrives. Though he hasn’t been to his family’s home in over fifty years, his Aunt Amelia is asking him to come right away because his uncle has died – and she thinks it was murder.

Set in the beautiful, though harsh and unwelcoming, Cornish coast of England, our protagonists find themselves surrounded by people who don’t wish them to be there. What was the real purpose of luring them to Cornwall? Was there really a murder? His uncle has been buried for a while, so what is there to investigate? Can they even investigate? It seems there is something around every corner that causes the hairs on the backs of their necks to tickle. Does someone wish them ill?

This author does an exceptional job of conveying the fear, the anxiety, the anguish, the animosity, and she brings you and those feelings into situations that are both dangerous and poignant. With smugglers, murderers, kidnappers, and more than enough secrets to go around, there is never a dull moment.

Once you begin reading, you won’t be able to put it down, so be prepared with an extra-large drink, a snack or two, a comfy reading spot – and maybe a potty break. The mystery is engrossing, challenging, and interesting while the characters are very life-like and relatable – even the villains.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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