Reviews

A Wicked Conceit by Anna Lee Huber

gkepps's review

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kelszee's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

mamap's review

Go to review page

3.0

Back in Edinburgh during a cholera epidemic - 8 mon. pregnant and a good is release chronicling the supposed exploits of Bonnie Brock, Lady Darby, and Gage. The publisher is killed so a mystery needs to be solved.

I enjoy the characters. Some of the depth has been lost because there are so many, but it's still good.

stefwithanf's review

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

melohpa's review

Go to review page

3.0

See my full review
https://topplingbookpile.wordpress.com/2021/12/18/a-wicked-conceit-by-anna-lee-huber/

mjwerts's review

Go to review page

4.0

I continue to enjoy this series immensely, and this book was another fine installment.

tschonfeld's review

Go to review page

3.0

I used to love this series, and I’m still fond of the characters. But the more of this genre I read, the less well written I think this is. This could easily have been 1/3 shorter than it was - too wordy, too much repetition of past work, etc. Also, the audio narrator started to drive me crazy: it was apparent that she was not pausing in between sections (except chapters) but instead running everything together, which made for some odd scenes until I figured out what was going on. I’ll likely continue to borrow them from the library in the future, but not with as much enthusiasm as previously.

holl3640's review

Go to review page

mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

bethanyread's review

Go to review page

5.0

Loved this book. Good mystery, more information about Alana and also Bonnie Brock. Interesting details; definitely recommend reading the whole series. would not recommend starting with this book.

laurenjodi's review

Go to review page

4.0

A Wicked Conceit
4 Stars

A new book and theatrical adaptation focusing on the life of Scottish crime lord Bonnie Brock Kincaid is all the rage in Edinburgh. But when the publisher is found bludgeoned to death, Kincaid, as well as Kiera and Gage, is amongst the suspects. To clear their name, the Gages begin their investigation to uncover the truth behind the book and unmask a killer.

Series note: While the mysteries in this series are standalone, there is ongoing characterization and allusions to events in previous books. In this particular installment, Huber also makes reference to events that take place in a novella published in [b:The Deadly Hours|48768157|The Deadly Hours|Susanna Kearsley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577256964l/48768157._SX50_.jpg|74149610]. That said, the circumstances are outlined within the narrative, and there is no need to read the novella.

As always, the historical background is fascinating and the inclusion of the beliefs and customs surrounding the Cholera outbreaks of the early 1830s is particularly compelling in light of our own pandemic. It is always interesting to see just how far medicine and innovation have come.

The mystery itself is quite straightforward and it is possible to guess both the culprit and the motive from the clues provided. Nevertheless, there are some exciting moments and the climax and resolution are particularly fraught and satisfying.

In terms of character development, the secret Kiera is keeping from Gage plays out well. The keeping secrets trope is not one that I enjoy, so I appreciate the fact that it does not overshadow either the narrative no their romance.

Overall, an engaging addition to the series, and the developments revolving around some of the secondary characters were very entertaining.