Lady Kiera Darby and her husband Sebastian Gage are looking forward to celebrating with new friends at an exciting yearly soiree, but they soon learn that murder never takes a holiday in the latest riveting installment in this national bestselling series.January 1832. After enjoying a delightful few weeks with her family, expectant mother Kiera and Sebastian Gage have been invited to the Duchess … been invited to the Duchess of Bowmontʼs Twelfth Night party in Traquair, Scotland. Though she normally avoids such fashionable, rambunctious events, Kiera is ready to join in the festive merrymaking. But upon their arrival at the opulent estate, it becomes obvious that all is not merry in their hostess’s home. The family appears to be under a great strain, and someone seems determined to cause mayhem among the guests with a series of forged notes.
Matters swiftly turn from irksome to downright deadly when the partygoers stumble upon a decomposing body in the castleʼs crypt. The corpse is thought to be the duchessʼs son-in-law who had purportedly traveled to Paris more than a month earlier. It is evident the man met with foul play, and Kiera and Gage soon realize that a ruthless murderer walks among them—and may well be a member of the duchessʼs own family. And when the investigation takes a treacherous turn, Kiera discovers just how deep the killer is willing to dig to keep their secrets from ever seeing the light of day.
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I’m finally caught up with the Lady Darby series. Now I have to wait until next year for a new book with Kiera and Gage. I think this is the first time I suspected who the killer might be but kept hoping I was wrong. Not telling if I was or not:) Don’t want to give anything away. I will say that this book really brought home how horrible it was to be a woman married to a rotten man during this time period. I couldn’t loathe Nell’s husband more. I had a quibble with Kiera being pushed on the stairs. It added drama, and that’s why it happened, but it didn’t feel right. And I have my fingers crossed for the budding romance between Anderly and Bree.
Another great read.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Lady Kiera Darby and her husband Sebastian Gage have arrived in Traquair, Scotland to attend Duchess of Bowmontʼs Twelfth Night party. There is an eerie undercurrent running through the castle but Kiera and Gage are ready for the big event which begins with trumpets and ends with murder. When Lord Edward leads guests on a ghost tour in catacombs under Kirkbryde Abbey a new corpse is found. It appears the duchessʼs son-in-law is the victim of foul play and the murderer could be one of the party’s guests. At their host’s request, Gage and Kiera find themselves leading the investigation and uncovering some weighty secrets along the way.
The characters Anna Lee Huber has created are stellar and their development over the course of the series has been excellent. Even heavy with child Lady Kiera Darby is a force when it comes to getting to the truth. Her husband Sebastian Gage is a caring and loving man who knows what a strong, intelligent woman his wife is. Together they appear to be unstoppable and uncommon for the 1800s. Ms. Huber surrounds these main characters with a diverse cast of supporting characters across all classes of the aristocracy. Gage and Kiera are usually assisted by their servants Bree and Anderley and this time Kiera’s brother is on hand to help as well.
The author sets a scene in almost a magical way. From the deep, dank catacombs, to the Sunlaws suites and ballrooms, and the Scottish countryside. The dresses, kilts, and costumes. All the people and places truly come alive with her vivid descriptions. The cover of the book gives the overall chilly feel of the time but Huber’s descriptive detail is like no other. You can almost smell the air, feel the breezes, and hear the clicks of the heels on the floors. She truly does take you into the story in a meaningful way.
As I have come to expect from this author, the mystery is very complex and full of stress-filled moments. Everyone seems to be hiding something or holding something back. The lore of ghostly friar that keeps servants on edge adds a nice little twist. The mystery takes Anderley hither and yon and Gage and Kiera into the nearby town and all around the large estate in search of answers. Well-written and plotted, I was totally clueless until the very final clues started to fall into place.
This story was one to be savored. I read it over the course of three evenings hurrying through each day so that I could get back to it.
A Stroke of Malice is a fantastic addition to this series. I do highly recommend them all. I am very excited about next year’s book in this series.
I really enjoy the Lady Darby series and am sad because I only have one more book to go before I’ll have to wait for more. And who likes waiting? 😀
The whole series is a wonderful read! I loved the characters and the different adventures and settings.
Reviewed: May 31, 2020
“Secrets are like poison within a family.” (quote from the book)
And secrets abound in this latest Lady Darby mystery!
Hoping to enjoy the Twelfth Night ball with friends and family at the Duchess of Bowmont’s Sunlaws Castle and continue painting her portrait, the undercurrents coursing through the party make this difficult to do for Kiera and Sebastian Gage. The stage is set, the players in place. With anonymous notes being delivered for private assignations, more than mischief is afoot. When taken on a tour of the castle and ‘the doom’ by the ‘Lord of Misrule’, they stumble upon a very unexpected item that they soon find the mate to…attached to a dead body.
“But with deeper breaths emerged a new scent – one that was faint but somehow familiar, though mingled with the dirt, the damp, and the musk of ancient stone I found it difficult to place. Whatever it was left a sour taste at the back of my throat that with each swallow made the lump of uneasiness forming in my gut grow bigger.” (quote from the book)
On top of all this, Kiera is six months pregnant. But, of course, this does not stop her and Gage, at the request of the Duke and Duchess, to look into this matter for them. What they are hoping for is truthfulness from the family, but each are hiding something…but is it related to the murder?
I thoroughly enjoyed unraveling this mystery. I was proven correct as to the ‘why’ but the ‘who’ didn’t come as quickly. I love how Kiera and Gage’s relationship deepens even further through each book. It simmers throughout this one.
“Then he lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a fervent kiss into the palm, followed by another and another. When he finally lowered it, I curled my fingers around the moistness his breath had left behind and carried it up to my heart.” (quote form the book)
Again, the writing is beautiful, atmospheric and haunting. The bonds of family are tested and justice may not be found.
“There was a sadness, a loneliness clinging to these stones, as if the gusts whipping through the arches were not merely wind, but the very sighs of the foundations themselves…I reached up to press a hand to the chiseled limestone, offering it my comfort, my consolation…it seemed the right thing to do… (quote from the book)
Each book builds upon the other, so I do recommend you start at the beginning with “The Anatomist’s Wife”. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
In Scotland in 1832, Lady Kiera Darby and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have been invited to an opulent ducal estate for a twelfth night celebration. Not usually one to partake in large festivities, Lady Keira is looking forward to finishing a portrait of the duchess and to spending time with new friends. However, as luck would have it, they stumble upon a dead body, and so begins a murder mystery that requires her and her husband’s investigative experience to solve.
Even though this is book eight in a series, I was in no way lost and I didn’t feel that the information regarding the past experiences in other novels was repetitious or too vague. The beginning was a little confusing because the grand party had a lot of guests, who all had a lot of titles, and I had a hard time keeping it straight, but the author did a wonderful job of reiterating the information throughout the story so that as I kept reading, I was able to follow along.
I really enjoyed this story. There were a lot of twists and turns and the information was artfully revealed a little at a time to really keep you guessing until the end. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical mysteries and I am looking forward to reading the whole series.
The winter holidays spent with family in Scotland and a Twelfth Night Ball at her new friend the Duchess of Bowmont’s Scottish castle home seem just the thing for Kiera and Gage after the perils of their last case in London. Then a body turns up and the ducal family secrets might very well play a part.
A Stroke of Malice is the eighth of the Lady Darby mysteries that must be read in order to see how personal and relationship ties progress through the series.
The mystery in this one is an unidentified dead body that exposes an already notorious Kerr family to closer inspection. The duke and duchess produced their heir and spare and both have gone their own ways with lovers. The children between them and from their peccadilloes are loved by their acknowledged parents and are loving to one another. Kiera is not used to such arrangements and situations especially since her own growing up and recent marriage are very different. But, the facade is veneer thin and she sees how dark deeds like murder and abuse, jealousy and spite can be hidden when the family closes ranks and makes the investigation tougher. And, if that weren’t complicated enough, their old friend Marsdale is mixed up in it all and one of the Kerr family secrets touches her and Sebastian personally. Loved all the twists and turns, tension and thrills throughout.
Kiera is well into her pregnancy and struggling with her own dark thoughts of being a fit mother, juggling a career as an inquiry agent with family and home, and overcoming her unearned, dark reputation forced on her by her late husband’s anatomist work. Sebastian is fully supportive though he can’t help his qualms when their inquiry case gets long and dangerous and Kiera is all but dropping with fatigue and nearly gets killed and the baby harmed when a murderer thinks they’re getting too close. I do enjoy how these personal and marital elements are as strong as the mystery in each book.
The series narrator, Heather Wilds, was as fabulous as usual voicing a large cast of Scottish and British, upper and lower classes, older and young. She catches the emotional tone of each scene and that sometimes spooky quality this series can get from the settings.
All in all, A Stroke of Malice struck the chord pitch perfect and left me needing the next installment as soon as possible. This historical mystery series dosed with a good portion of romance and character-development is one I highly recommend, particularly in audio.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love the characters, they become more like friends with whom you want to spend time
Ah, Mrs. Gage, also known as Lady Darby, but let’s call her by the name she prefers, yes? I have yet to read a book in this series that didn’t prove to be diverting, and as usual, after I hit the halfway point, I was pretty much a goner until I finished the story. This installment takes place in a Duke and Duchess’s castle during Twelfth Night festivities. I enjoyed the look at the customs and shenanigans that such festivities bring, although, as we know any party that Kiera Gage attends is sure to bring a bit more than intended – in this case, a much-too-fresh body in the castle crypt.
The parentage of the Duchess’s children is an interesting piece of historical context – funny how they were so straight-laced and pragmatic about extramarital affairs, and how in this case, it causes no small amount of secrets that pertain more to Kiera and Gage than they would have ever thought. Also, thank goodness for the fact that women have rights now that keep them from being treated like possessions by their husbands, phew!
There are a couple of loose ends that aren’t tied up nicely by the book’s end, but I’m sure they will be addressed in the next book, which I wait for with great anticipation.
I absolutely love the Lady Darby series and this latest instalment did not disappoint! From the first page I was hooked on another mystery and adventure!
The hardest part? Getting to the end and realizing I have to wait for the next one. If you love historical mysteries with a dash of romance and thrilling suspense than look no further!
Attending the Duchess of Bowmont’s annual Twelfth Night party should have been a time of relaxation for Keira and Sebastian Gage. However, when a decomposing corpse is found in the castle’s crypt, the investigating pair must examine the facts to discover the unfortunate man’s identity and who killed him.
Kiera is not six months pregnant. Though it does keep her from doing everything she once did, she is still determined to assist her husband in every way piossible. This includes making an examination of the corpse to determine how he did and whether there was any way to identify him. Together, she and Gage make an unstoppable team, with her maid and his valet with them. (A romance between Bree and Anderley made my heart squee with excitement and I am agog to discover what will happen next!)
The investigation is not an easy one. I ssupected the answer well before Kiera does but was still invested in the course of her investigation. The writing was excellent and the ending did not disappoint.
Fans fo the series will definitely enjoy this one.
This is a book series for which I eagerly await new releases and devour them quickly. The latest installment did not disappoint. The setting was wonderful and the backdrop of the party delightful. The detecting husband and wife team are quite unique. A wonderful read!
I so love a historical author who does her due diligence regarding historical facts! I always learn something from Ms. Huber.
Surrounded by family and friends getting ready to celebrate the new year, once again, Keira and Gage find themselves stumbling onto a dead body. Was it murder? Who is it? Why? Questions abound with no answers forthcoming. Tension is built as the reader follows Keira as she sleuths, even though she is pregnant. Gage is always wonderful to Keira and gives her the freedom she needs to collaborate with him and ultimately solve the mystery.
The authors ability to weave a murder into the story is wonderful. Her dialogue allows you to be in the shoes of those speaking and feel the tension and danger.
I love this series and can’t wait for the birth of their baby…hopefully in the next book!
A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber
Another amazing historical murder mystery by Anna Lee Huber that I enjoyed. Huber’s amazing style of storytelling with the detailed development of the setting, the characters, and the fantastic build up of the tension in a perfectly researched book is Huber’s brilliance and the reason she has this amazing following of readers that adore her writing. This installment of the series is quite an interesting read that involves a duke and duchess, in Scotland with a body in the crypt. This was a truly enjoyable read that I highly recommend for its twists and great storytelling overall. Very fun to read!
What is not to love about Lady Darby and Gage? Even on holiday, anticipating time with family and friends, they cannot get away from troublesome situations, like finding a dead body. All merrymaking is brought to a halt with the discovery of a murder. Allegations, suspicions and theories fly around as richly as sounds from a soiree. Readers will again be captivated and delighted with the duo’s investigative abilities as well their affinity for finding the details no one else sees. Endearing characters make a return as new characters find their place in this creatively wonderful series.
A Stroke of Malice continues to build on Lady Darby’s legacy. At a Twelfth Night Party at the Duchess of Bowmont’s estate, the reader catches up on so many characters from previous books. Which is delightful. Throw in a dead body in a convoluted mystery that was quite a guessing game, not just for the reader but for Gage and Kiera as well. I sometimes like to think I can figure out the solution. Not this one.
Kiera’s character development keeps growing. She is very pregnant and very irritable. The Kiera now is not the Kiera from The Anatomist’s Wife. I mean that in the best way possible. She is leaving behind the terrible trauma of her first marriage, she is growing. Gage, well, Gage is Gage. He cares so much for Kiera and the baby. One of the most romantic scenes I have ever read occurred between Kiera and Gage. No I am not going to tell you, you must read the book.
The other characters – Bree, Anderley, Trevor, Alana and Philip add to the story, each with their own issues. It was good to catch up with them. As always there are breadcrumbs for book #9. And questions that need to be answered.
I do recommend this book.
A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber is the 8th book in the Lady Darby Mystery series.
This book takes place Scotland 1832 during the festivities of the Twelfth Night at the lavish estate of their friends the Duke and Duchess of Bowmonth.
What ensues is of course a body is found and it is left mainly to Kiera and her husband Gage to field out the suspects and potential perpetrators among the guests and family of the Duchess.
As with all of the books in this series, there is excellent character development, creative plot, character banter and dialogue, and an interesting murder/mystery theme.
I really enjoyed reading the details of the estate, the lavish decorations and food, and some of the components of the festival itself.
I have always enjoyed this series, and this newest addition did not disappoint.
This book is for anyone that enjoys murder/mysteries and historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Berkley for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I love this series! Keira and Sebastian stumble upon a dead body on a ghost walk and once again are involved in a whirlwind investigation of not knowing really who did it until near the end. Well written and rich in wonderful details!
While attending a house party celebrating Twelfth Night, the revelers discover a body in the castle’s crypt. Too badly decomposed to be able to tell the deceased’s identity, their host, Duchess of Bowmont, implores Kiera and Gage to investigate. They soon find the notorious Bowmont family has secrets on top of their secrets, and everyone assumes the body is Lord Helmswick, Lady Eleanor’s husband, but Kiera and Gage want to know for sure and face danger to find the truth.
A STROKE OF MALICE, the striking eighth Lady Darby book, just might be the best yet of the series. It has a wonderful Golden Age of mystery locked room feel to it and gothic elements to make it even more spine tingling. The castle setting is both opulent and foreboding. Huber’s attention to detail envelops readers in early nineteenth century Scotland. The mystery is captivating with plenty of suspects, clues, and puzzles to figure out. Kiera and Gage are as charming as ever, and I love how much Gage cherishes and respects Kiera. Their working and personal relationships continue to grow and change.
A STROKE OF MALICE is a wonderful historical mystery. Highly recommended.
I received and ARC of this title from the author/publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Series: Lady Darby Mystery #8
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 384
With each new entry in the Lady Darby series, I think it just can’t get any better – but then, it does. This author never fails to intrigue and delight and she has quickly become one of my favorite historical mystery authors. While it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I would suggest reading at least the first book or two in the series to really understand Kiera’s history.
After their harrowing and intense recent visit to London, Kiera (Lady Darby) and Gage are attending a Twelfth-Night celebration in Scotland at Sunlaws Castle, the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Bowmont. It is their intent to celebrate the holiday and for Kiera to finish the painting she had already begun for the duchess before traveling on to Edinburgh for the birth of their child.
During the Twelfth-night celebration, the Lord of Misrule decided to take everyone on a ghost tour where, of course, a body was discovered. Who was it? There were no identifying features, no personal possessions, and nobody was missing from the area. Then, how did he even get there? Could it be Lady Eleanor’s husband, the Earl of Helmswick? He is supposed to be in Paris, but he’s sent no communications to anyone since he’s been gone. Except, that isn’t unusual for the Earl, so surely it isn’t him. But, if not him, then who?
What an exciting rollercoaster ride of a tale. It is hard to tell who is an enemy and who is a friend or who is a victim. You will be scratching your head from beginning to end and the wrap-up will surprise you. The only constant is Kiera and Gage’s love and respect for each other.
I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. Now, it is hours after I read the last page and it is still on my mind. So, of course, I cannot wait for the next book which is set in cholera ridden Edinburg. Will we finally get to meet the new baby?
I hope you will love this book as much as I did – shux – I’m sure you will love it as much as I did because it is an exceptional read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.