Scan barcode
robynrambles's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tita_noir's review against another edition
4.0
These books are comfort books for me and this one hit at just the right time. Also a wee bit prophetic in that it takes place during a cholera epidemic and Keira and her husband Gage are kinda stuck inside at a house party.
I liked this one because it is a bit of a call back to the first book where Kiera and Gage first meet, at a house party where a dead body is discovered and they investigate. Of course in that book, Gage isn't impressed with Keira at first and she is a scandal ridden outcast.
In this one, things are very different. They are married, deeply in love and expecting their first child. They are a well known investigative team and Keira has finally come out on the other side of the scandal thanks in part to the events of the previous book where her powerful father-in-law exercises some of his deviousness to her benefit.
This is a nice whodunnit that also doubles as a who-is-it for part of the book, largely because for most of the book they have a body but can't definitively say who it is (rats have eaten a lot of the face). They proceed with the investigation based on who it most likely is and as a result uncover a lot of hidden secrets about the lively and notorious family who is acting as their hosts for the house-party.
There are some twists and turns and yummy secrets that unfold and in the end they solve their mystery. I found the Ducal family interesting with some fun personalities.
As is typical with this series, it ends on a future tease that points to their next case. Also there are a couple of unresolved personal issues that I hope (am sure) we will see in the next book. Both are family issues, one involving Gage and one involving Keira and her sister. One is big and potentially serious and I am looking forward to seeing how that unfolds. The other one is small and not as serious but still I hope that gets resolved satisfactorily.
I listen to this on audio and it is narrated by Heather Wilds. I like her narration in this although I know some don't. Her voice is very mannered and she speaks with a definite cadence. I find that it fits with this particular story and mood very well. I absolutely associate these stories with her voice now and would be disappointed if anyone else narrated.
I liked this one because it is a bit of a call back to the first book where Kiera and Gage first meet, at a house party where a dead body is discovered and they investigate. Of course in that book, Gage isn't impressed with Keira at first and she is a scandal ridden outcast.
In this one, things are very different. They are married, deeply in love and expecting their first child. They are a well known investigative team and Keira has finally come out on the other side of the scandal thanks in part to the events of the previous book where her powerful father-in-law exercises some of his deviousness to her benefit.
This is a nice whodunnit that also doubles as a who-is-it for part of the book, largely because for most of the book they have a body but can't definitively say who it is (rats have eaten a lot of the face). They proceed with the investigation based on who it most likely is and as a result uncover a lot of hidden secrets about the lively and notorious family who is acting as their hosts for the house-party.
There are some twists and turns and yummy secrets that unfold and in the end they solve their mystery. I found the Ducal family interesting with some fun personalities.
As is typical with this series, it ends on a future tease that points to their next case. Also there are a couple of unresolved personal issues that I hope (am sure) we will see in the next book. Both are family issues, one involving Gage and one involving Keira and her sister. One is big and potentially serious and I am looking forward to seeing how that unfolds. The other one is small and not as serious but still I hope that gets resolved satisfactorily.
I listen to this on audio and it is narrated by Heather Wilds. I like her narration in this although I know some don't. Her voice is very mannered and she speaks with a definite cadence. I find that it fits with this particular story and mood very well. I absolutely associate these stories with her voice now and would be disappointed if anyone else narrated.
lastobbe's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
occupational_hazard's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have no idea what I am going to do with myself after this series is over. It has completely captivated me. A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber is the 8th book in the Lady Darby mystery series. As of right now, there are only 10 books in the series. I do hope it continues even further, I will even be ok with a spinoff with some other characters. – The more I think about it, I would love an Anderly and Bree spinoff. Just a thought!
Kiera is now very pregnant with her first child! Kiera and Sebastion are finally back in Scotland for a little while to visit with family. They attend a 12th Night Party and of course, the home is riddled with ghost stories. So the Duke’s son takes some of the guests on an impromptu tour of the crypt. However, there is a body in the crypt! Now, you may think, of course, there is a body in the crypt! –This body is new and due to the damage, the identification of the body is proving to be an issue. Their only clue leads them to believe that it could be the Duchess’ Son-in-Law, the Earl of Helmsdale. Despite being promised to be given full cooperation by the family, the family holds tight to their secrets and infidelities. Kiera and Gage are having a difficult time getting the answers they need to bring the killer to justice.
Oh, Marsdale. He can never stay out of trouble. He is notorious in society and can be quite a pain for Gage and Kiera, but I am glad we get to see more of his thoughtful side. I love getting to know more of the other characters surrounding Gage and Kiera. Especially Anderly and Bree. While I see where the setup is going, I still can’t wait for it to happen! They are wonderful investigators in their own right and once Kiera and Gage start a family, maybe they will assume more investigative roles.
I did love seeing Kiera stand up for herself in this book. She has always leaned on her family with her past. However, sometimes her family can be a bit bossy and overstep. I completely sided with her when she finally stood up for herself! Hopefully, they all come around to approve that she can be both a mother, painter and investigator!
Kiera is now very pregnant with her first child! Kiera and Sebastion are finally back in Scotland for a little while to visit with family. They attend a 12th Night Party and of course, the home is riddled with ghost stories. So the Duke’s son takes some of the guests on an impromptu tour of the crypt. However, there is a body in the crypt! Now, you may think, of course, there is a body in the crypt! –This body is new and due to the damage, the identification of the body is proving to be an issue. Their only clue leads them to believe that it could be the Duchess’ Son-in-Law, the Earl of Helmsdale. Despite being promised to be given full cooperation by the family, the family holds tight to their secrets and infidelities. Kiera and Gage are having a difficult time getting the answers they need to bring the killer to justice.
Oh, Marsdale. He can never stay out of trouble. He is notorious in society and can be quite a pain for Gage and Kiera, but I am glad we get to see more of his thoughtful side. I love getting to know more of the other characters surrounding Gage and Kiera. Especially Anderly and Bree. While I see where the setup is going, I still can’t wait for it to happen! They are wonderful investigators in their own right and once Kiera and Gage start a family, maybe they will assume more investigative roles.
I did love seeing Kiera stand up for herself in this book. She has always leaned on her family with her past. However, sometimes her family can be a bit bossy and overstep. I completely sided with her when she finally stood up for herself! Hopefully, they all come around to approve that she can be both a mother, painter and investigator!
cjsamuel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
find10's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0