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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