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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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:
No
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The harsh and beautiful Cornish coast and estranged family with a dark past are the setting for the lastest Lady Darby mystery. And, as in the past, Anna Lee Huber can captivate her reader with a mysterious, dangerous plot and make one feel the characters with their personal secrets, motives, and emotions so one is reluctant to set the book aside. A Deceptive Composition brings Kiera and Gage into contact with smuggling and shipwrecked treasure and a family with a dark legacy with plenty of motives to see off the family patriarch.
A Deceptive Composition is the twelfth installment in the brilliant, atmospheric early Victorian era mystery series that is best when read in order. Kiera has arrived at the point where she is come into her own and really starting to shed the darkness of her past- wife, mother, artist, and detecting partner with her husband. Being socially awkward, an abuse survivor, and unwanted skill with anatomist work are elements that make her sensitive, inwardly strong, and observant. These hold her in good stead now that she and Gage are accompanying his stubborn and sometimes temperamental father back to a place he never planned to return- his mother’s people on the Cornish coast.
The family and the neighborhood are secretive and no one is entirely trustworthy. The past feels very present with history of smuggling and wrecking and hints at a lost treasure though they are unsure if this has baring on their investigation. The investigation paces out slow, but stead introducing people, few facts, and lots of surmise. This was one I cottoned to and in its entirety around the half-way point. That said, the suspense didn’t diminish and there was a grand danger climax scene.
All in all, I was satisfied to be back in the historically well-drawn world with Kiera and Sebastian on the trail of murder. Those who want strong character and relationship development, vivid backdrops and arresting historical mystery need to delve into the Lady Darby series.
Loved reading this book, loved the mystery, and exploring Lord Gage's maternal family, who he has bitter feelings towards! Such a great read!
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced