A slow start, coupled with an unnecessarily convoluted plot made for a less than excellent read. I hate the recurring villain storyline, even though that story arc was ultimately more interesting than the other aspects of the plot. Verity’s former lover made for an interesting return, but that could have been better utilized as well. Lastly, occasional interludes between Verity and her husband felt thrown in out of context, and they never went anywhere. Not a favorite.

Absolutely amazing mystery and intrigue abound in this fourth book of the series set right after WWI. Twists and turns galore - make sure to hold on tight because this book takes you for a ride. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

I love, love, love Verity Kent. The relationship between her and Simon still needs some work, but they are really fighting through. You can feel the love between the two characters, and of course there is a murder investigation as well. I loved the historical impacts, and I can never say no to an English countryside mystery. I'm fascinated by the overarching story and how they are going to continue fighting back against all foes while still working through their issues from the war.

I will read anything by Anna Lee Huber, but this book speaks to interpersonal relationships in a way that hasn't been done before.

We meet up again with Verity and Sidney Trent. Set after the great war. They worked for the secret service.
This a series which I would recommend you read in order so you know what happened in the past and how it effects what is happening now.
The Trent's are called to help her aunt and cousin. While there another mystery arises.
Great characters, good setting, always look forward to reading books from this author.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. This is the fourth book in this series and can be read as a stand-alone. It is, however, helpful to read the books in order, as there is an ongoing espionage plot involving a high-level member of the British aristocracy/government.
In 1919, Mrs. Verity Kent is now reunited with her husband after his military and her intelligence service in WWI. This is after Sidney faked his own death for 16 months before they reconciled. At her parents’ request, they drive to her widowed aunt’s home to determine if a claim can be laid with the government for damages when the house was used by the Royal Air Corps as a billet. While there’s a fair amount of damage, things really aren’t what they appear to be. Turns out, Verity’s uncle replaced paintings with duplicates so he could run the estate during the pre-war years. As a result, there’s not much that can be liquidated for Verity’s aunt and cousin. Plus, smaller items are now missing, as is one of the few remaining housemaids. When the local handyman is discovered dead on the grounds, Verity uses her skills to figure out what’s behind the murder and the thefts. When another body is discovered, the plot thickens. Verity and Sidney are solving both Aunt Ernestine’s problems and gaining more insight into the larger conspiracy as the book evolves.
I liked Verity. It was, however, challenging to read this story without the accompanying history of the larger intrigue and how that develops, as there are references to the villains and their nefarious deeds. That’s why I recommend reading the books in order so the larger plot unfolds.

This is the 4th book in the Verity Kent series. This series is like Downton Abbey with murder and intrigue. Set in post-WWI England, Verity and her husband Sidney keep finding themselves caught up in investigations and in pursuit of uncovering traitorous plans. Lots of action and mystery. This story builds on some of previous books, so I suggest reading them in order.

This series continues to impress me, each book is better than the one before it. The mystery sees Verity and Sidney still trying to resolve the "issue" of Lord Ardmore while keeping Verity's family happy. Verity's aunt is having some problems at her home, a missing maid, a ghost, and stolen valuables and expects Verity to solve her problems. This book has it all, murder, past WWI intrigues, a little bit of humor, and a dash of romance all set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age. I am eagerly awaiting the next one!

The war is over but the danger is not past. Verity Kent's clandestine wartime service has left her vulnerable. To protect herself, family, and friends, Verity has contacted C, her wartime boss. This act appears to create even more problems. A Pretty Deceit follows a very twisted path as Verity, Sidney, and friends race to find the evidence needed to stop a powerful villain who is always steps ahead of them.

This is a really good historical mystery. The details and the story line are spot on. Characters are fun and interesting. It is an extremely well written novel that makes me want to read more from this author. A well done mystery for the summer and highly recommended!

This is the 4th book in the Verity Kent series. Set in the year following the end of WWI, Verity continues to look into the larger mystery involving Lord Ardmore while also getting dragged into her Aunt's complaints about missing art work and damages caused by the soldiers who lived in her country home during the war. While initially Verity does not think there is much going on with her Aunt's mystery, when a body is found she realizes that there is more going on. Meanwhile, Verity, Sidney, Max, and Alec follow clues left by the late Earl of Ryde to continue unraveling the mystery of Lord Ardmore and his nefarious deeds.
I think this book was slow to get started, but once they started getting into the mystery it was much more enjoyable. I enjoy the larger mystery/espionage plot going on through the series. However, my enjoyment of this series continues to be marred by my dislike of Sidney; a spouse faking their death for 16 months before revealing the deceit continues to be a deal breaker for me. It doesn't help that Max, who was set up in book 1 as a love interest, continues to hang around and is far more likable (to me) than Sidney.

I love Verity Kent and A Pretty Deceit did not disappoint! Verity and her husband Sidney are still on the trail of Lord Ardmore but family issues also require their attention. The two investigations wind up intertwining for an exciting adventure. With each book this series get better between the evolution of the characters and the growth and understanding of the various relationships between Verity, Sidney and their two investigative partners Max Ryde and Alec. Anna Lee Huber does an excellent job of describing settings, fashions and making you feel like you know post WWI London. I cannot wait for the next book!

I'm really struggling with this series because I don't love the romantic relationship between Verity and her once-dead husband. He was jealous and annoying in the previous books, and I still don't feel like their marriage has a solid foundation.

Loved this fourth in the Verity Kent mystery series! Dug the characters, especially Verity (a female WWI spy!), and her husband, once thought lost in the conflict. The narrative’s elegant style, careful attention to historical detail, and clever twists kept me rapt. Is a servant really missing from the estate of Verity’s aunt? During damage done there by billeted pilots, were priceless heirlooms stolen and forgeries left? What about those unsettling rumors, that dead body found on the grounds? A PRETTY DECEIT diverted me happily on a long hot lazy afternoon. Highly recommended for readers wanting similar respite during unsettled times.

5 of 5 Stars
 
Pub Date 29 Sep 2020

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#APrettyDeceit #NetGalley

The fourth book in the series starts off with Verity and Sidney on the way to her aunt’s house where a series of odd events occur which leads us right into the thick of the mystery.

As always, I really like how Anna Lee Huber continues to write Verity and Sidney as two people who are communicating and still learning some things about what happened to each other when Sidney was presumed dead. They’ve both been through a lot without each other but they’ve evolved as people and these books continue to show them growing together.

Again, no surprise with this author, the mystery aspect is multi layered and well written and leads back to a deeper, longer running threat that they’ve faced in the past.

Can’t wait for book 5!