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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Verity and her husband Sidney are still trying to discover why the previous Lord Hyde was murdered, presumably on Lord Ardmore's orders and the connection to the smuggling of opium on the Zebrina during the war, with the help of the new Lord Hyde and Verity's old war secret service colleague Alec. However, Verity's father insists they visit his sister in Wiltshire to investigate various issues, including a missing maid.
At first I found the split focus of this novel a bit distracting, one minute Verity is in Wiltshire comforting her very annoying aunt and her cousin Reg who was blinded in the war, the next minute she's careering around the countryside following a series of cryptic clues around Roman ruins. I am not a fan of the overarching Lord Ardmore plot, although I have a secret hope that he turns out to be a good guy working deep undercover to unmask traitors, and the treasure hunt that leads Verity and her gang around the country seemed a bit overblown - does anyone in real life go to the trouble of burying a series of cryptic clues all over the country? I also have issues with the way that all of Verity's investigations seem to be linked - is Lord Ardmore a one-man crimewave. And don't even get me started on Verity's use of slang, most of which seems to be either anachronistic and/or wrong for an uppercrust woman to use, or the use of the word 'elite' when it should be aristocracy.
Okay, so that's a whole bunch of niggles but overall I really enjoy these amateur detective mysteries. I didn't guess the identity of the murderer, but the clues were there, which I really like - I am definitely not a fan of the detective story where no-one knows the clues. I also appreciate that this mystery did not get solved by Sidney talking to one of his acquaintances in order to get the clue that unlocks the mystery. And, despite myself, I am getting enthralled in the Ardmore mystery and the secret Verity uncovers about her war service. Now I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
At first I found the split focus of this novel a bit distracting, one minute Verity is in Wiltshire comforting her very annoying aunt and her cousin Reg who was blinded in the war, the next minute she's careering around the countryside following a series of cryptic clues around Roman ruins. I am not a fan of the overarching Lord Ardmore plot, although I have a secret hope that he turns out to be a good guy working deep undercover to unmask traitors, and the treasure hunt that leads Verity and her gang around the country seemed a bit overblown - does anyone in real life go to the trouble of burying a series of cryptic clues all over the country? I also have issues with the way that all of Verity's investigations seem to be linked - is Lord Ardmore a one-man crimewave. And don't even get me started on Verity's use of slang, most of which seems to be either anachronistic and/or wrong for an uppercrust woman to use, or the use of the word 'elite' when it should be aristocracy.
Okay, so that's a whole bunch of niggles but overall I really enjoy these amateur detective mysteries. I didn't guess the identity of the murderer, but the clues were there, which I really like - I am definitely not a fan of the detective story where no-one knows the clues. I also appreciate that this mystery did not get solved by Sidney talking to one of his acquaintances in order to get the clue that unlocks the mystery. And, despite myself, I am getting enthralled in the Ardmore mystery and the secret Verity uncovers about her war service. Now I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This will be my last Verity Kent novel. It was more meh and didn't hold my interest much.
Book 4 in series, Verity + Sidney continue to investigate the plot from book 3 (Penny for your Secrets) and fix their marriage . Max & Alex make more appearances. Introduced to more of Verity's family. Good banter. Disability representation with Reg. I enjoyed. Not better than the first book, but second or third place.
This mystery within a mystery is a reward for series fans, who will see previous storylines intersect with this one. Well done, all around.
A lot of good men were injured in the First World War in any number of ways. Verity Kent has her own issues that she is dealing with from being part of a spy network but she feels like she has it better than a lot of other people, including her own cousin. Reggie was blinded in the war and now his mother treats him like an invalid. Yes, he is a lord but that doesn’t mean that he was left any money. And the estate is (according to his mother) falling down around the family’s ears. So Verity’s parents send her out to see what, exactly, is going on.
Several mysteries overlap including the history of the estate, a modern day murder, and a matter that dates back to Verity’s time in the war.
Another story, well-woven and well-written. I don’t think regular Verity Kent readers will be disappointed.
Several mysteries overlap including the history of the estate, a modern day murder, and a matter that dates back to Verity’s time in the war.
Another story, well-woven and well-written. I don’t think regular Verity Kent readers will be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.
As a fan of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear I was so excited to be introduced to Verity Kent. Along the same veins we have a young lady who works for the government gathering and delivering intelligence. The main difference is that this series takes place after WW1. Think Downton Abbey meets Maisie Dobbs. I am here for it! What I really appreciate is the recurring characters and an overall arch-nemesis that returns, in some form, in each novel. This is definitely a great series to start if you are looking for a murder mystery that isn't too graphic. If you are starting it is best to read them in order.
As a fan of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear I was so excited to be introduced to Verity Kent. Along the same veins we have a young lady who works for the government gathering and delivering intelligence. The main difference is that this series takes place after WW1. Think Downton Abbey meets Maisie Dobbs. I am here for it! What I really appreciate is the recurring characters and an overall arch-nemesis that returns, in some form, in each novel. This is definitely a great series to start if you are looking for a murder mystery that isn't too graphic. If you are starting it is best to read them in order.
I like how this series is developing / building as it goes. I honestly thought I would get bored of them or that the stories would be the same, but that hasn't happened yet. It looks like the next book will be released on my birthday so I will have to keep an eye out for it!
I was wavering on this series while reading the last book, but I am solidly on board now. I was also Team Max while reading the early books, but I’m Team Max, Team Alec, and Team Sidney now. I was surprised by the development of Alec’s character...I didn’t expect to like him and I do!
I’m still having a hard time warming up to Verity. So much of her dialog is described as “snapping” and she’s always scowling. I’m starting to think we are supposed to have trouble with our heroine? Like we have to face the reality that an ex-spy isn’t going to be a graceful, female version of 007, but might be a brazen, tough, sometimes sarcastic jerk at times? That’s what it takes to do the things she does?
Anyway, I think the stories work when there is action and there is plenty of it in this book (as opposed to an earlier book where they basically had people over for tea for most of the book). I also like the extended plot...the book can stand alone, but it’s so much better if you’ve read the previous one.
It sounds like Verity might be visiting home and going to Ireland next. Can’t wait!
I’m still having a hard time warming up to Verity. So much of her dialog is described as “snapping” and she’s always scowling. I’m starting to think we are supposed to have trouble with our heroine? Like we have to face the reality that an ex-spy isn’t going to be a graceful, female version of 007, but might be a brazen, tough, sometimes sarcastic jerk at times? That’s what it takes to do the things she does?
Anyway, I think the stories work when there is action and there is plenty of it in this book (as opposed to an earlier book where they basically had people over for tea for most of the book). I also like the extended plot...the book can stand alone, but it’s so much better if you’ve read the previous one.
It sounds like Verity might be visiting home and going to Ireland next. Can’t wait!
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
