A Wicked Conceit
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: April 6th 2021 by Berkley
Synopsis:
Soon-to-be new parents Kiera and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have been hoping for a respite from their inquiries, but murder and mayhem have a startling way of dropping into their laps in the all-new historical mystery in this national bestselling series.
Edinburgh, Scotland. March 1832. Kiera and Gage have been eagerly awaiting their bundle of joy, but trouble has been brewing in the form of the roguish criminal, Bonnie Brock Kincaid. A new book and subsequent play features some of Kincaid's daringly heinous exploits, although he swears he had nothing to do with it or the characters which are obvious representations of Kiera and Gage. While the scoundrel's fury seems genuine, as well as his determined quest to uncover the real identity of the author, the Gages still hold doubts about his innocence.
A rash of crimes break out across the city, seemingly inspired by the play and book. When the publisher is found brutally murdered—in an imitation of a gruesome scene—the finger not only points to Bonnie Brock as the possible culprit, but also the Gages, who have been outspoken in their condemnation of the tale. Now, the Gages are on a hunt to unmask the killer. Between the infamy garnered by the play, the cholera outbreak still wreaking havoc throughout the city, and the impending birth of their child, they will need all the resources they can garner.
But family quarrels and the revelation of a secret Kiera has been keeping from Sebastian threaten to undermine everything they have overcome. When they find themselves in the crosshairs of the killer, trapped in the squalid underground vaults of the city, they will soon discover that the truth does not always set you free, and death can lurk around any corner.
***
4.5 stars
This is the ninth book in the Lady Darby mysteries series by Anna Lee Huber.
This historical cozy mystery centers around a mysterious author of a play lauding the exploits of Kincaid with curious characters who look like replicas of Kiera and Gage. Crimes break out all over the city looking like they are triggered by this play. Then the publisher is found murdered and here we go round the merry-go-round. The number one suspects look to be not only Kincaid but Kiera and Gage too. So the two of them have to break out their detective hat and do a little sleuthing.
I really enjoy cozy mysteries in this era. There is nothing technical to fall back on to beef up the story. This is real detective work almost like a historical police procedural. I love how Kiera is not taking a back seat and really contributes to the solving of the mystery. That has to be my favorite part.
The setting is my second favorite thing. This author does a great job of making me believe we are in the past and realizing what odds are up against anyone in their position. Can’t wait to dig more into this series. A new author for me and I look foward to seeing more.
Overall it is one great read. Check it out.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
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