1832 Edinburgh, Scotland

Happy sigh. Getting lost in a Lady Darby novel is a great place to be.

In this ninth of the series, Lady Darby is late into her first pregnancy. As expected, she isn't going to let a small detail like pregnancy to keep her from solving mysteries. How she gets involved is completely plausible as it would take something personal to pull her into crime solving given her physical condition and concern for her unborn child.

Bonnie Brock reminds me of Moses in the PBS Miss Scarlet and the Duke Series. He's a criminal with a warm heart and a soft spot for a mystery solving lady. Bonnie Brock is a great part of the series and it was fulfilling to learn additional details about his background.

Another delightful tale by the talented Anna Lee Huber. I dread the day this series ends.

One of my favorite mystery series is the Lady Darby series. When I read the first book, I was intrigued by the original plot and the wonderful setting of Scotland. What I loved then and and what keeps drawing me back is Ms. Huber's gift for storytelling. I soon found myself drawn to a heroine who is the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability.

In A Wicked Conceit, the reader is blessed with a mystery that is solved within the pages of this book, but also the overlying story arc of Gage and Keira's complex relationship with each other and their families.

Huber skillfully pens a thrilling blend of mystery and murder, set against an atmospheric backdrop that draws upon her strong historical knowledge of Edinburgh and the growing civil unrest that was caused by the inequity between the classes.

While the tone of the mystery is rather dark, I found a message of hope in restored family relationships and the birth of a child. I am sure Keira's desire to make the world more just will shape the stories to come.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. I am always amazed by Ms. Huber's ability to continue writing such great books in such a long running series, and this book is no exception! The book opens as Gage and Kiera are in Edinburgh awaiting the birth of their first child following the events of the previous book as they encounter Bonnie Brock Kincaid (a favorite of many fans of the series) as he ambushes them on their way home from a dinner party. Kincaid is convinced that Gage or Kiera told someone about his past and that knowledge was used by someone to author a book purporting to be about his life. Although not 100% accurate, it includes too many accurate details for someone not to have blabbed. Even worse, plays are being written causing wide spread interest in Kincaid making it harder for him to conduct his business as a leader of a gang.

Kiera and Gage are no more a fan of the book that provides details about their association with Kincaid they would have rather kept private as well as insinuating that Kincaid could be the father of Kiera's unborn child. They soon are conducting an investigation into the identity of the author When the publisher of the book is found murdered, Kincaid and Gage are both prime suspects. Now they are in a race against time to unmask the mystery author before a new book is published and clear Gage's name before the birth of their child.

As always, I enjoyed the mystery portion of this one, but there were many interesting character developments. We saw Kiera's relationship with her sister, Alana, continue to be strained and even worsen as Kiera gets closer to her confinement. Alana doesn't approve of Kiera's involvement in the investigation nor her determination to continue to help Gage after the birth. I enjoyed getting more insight into Alana and what makes her tick. We also see the continuation of the struggle Gage wages over protecting Kiera and allowing her to be an equal partner in his investigations; he clearly respects her and her intellect, but has difficulty with how best to keep her safe without wrapping her in cotton. I look forward to future titles that allow us to see Kiera and Gage as parents and how that impacts their relationship and work.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and Ms. Huber for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. A review was requested but not required. The following opinions are my own.

A Wicked Conceit was a little difficult to get into, featuring something of a slow start. Kiera is 8 months pregnant and the author made the (wise) decision to have this mystery be more of a dramatic, intrigue-filled construct rather than a very physical and active chase, which would be unrealistic given Kiera's condition, but it did make for a more slowly-paced story.

Kiera's pregnancy did seem to drag on and on which, speaking from experience, is absolutely realistic. Feeling like a big beached whale is an awful feeling and, all things considered, Kiera did accomplish quite a bit in her condition, especially for the times.

I liked the Bonnie Brock plot but was less enamored of the subplot with Alana. I felt Kiera reacted very equably to her sister's ridiculous temper tantrums (it's like Alana suffered all of Kiera's hormonal mood swings on her behalf) and I wasn't satisfied with the resolution of their difficulties. Constantly, and I do mean CONSTANTLY, haranguing a very pregnant woman is just... uncool. The *other* subplot, with Lord Henry, was resolved much more reasonably and realistically. I'm glad that's done with because I dislike "big secret" tropes. I look forward to seeing how Lord Henry will be involved in future stories.

I am ALSO interested in seeing how the Bree/Andereley situation evolves, as it's clear that was left wide open.

All in all, definitely enjoyed this one, and looking forward to the next!

What could be more awkward than attending a play that implies you only married your husband because you couldn’t marry the love of your life because he’s a criminal? Well, Kiera and Gage are doing so as a book has come out about Bonnie Brock’s exploits and it’s been adapted to a play, and heavily implies that he and Kiera are lovers torn apart by circumstances so she accepted the more suitable Gage’s proposal. Bonnie Brock isn’t impressed by whoever dug so deeply into his life, and it’s taken on a new tone with the play, giving him a Robin Hood hero’s welcome instead of the tones of the book that focus on his crimes.
The publisher of the book is shockingly murdered, as everyone’s trying to figure out who the author is. Kiera is getting closer to giving birth, but that doesn't slow down her investigation. On top of this, the cholera epidemic continues. Questions just lead to more questions and the mystery unfolds nicely. Another stellar installment in this series.

Heavily pregnant Kiera and her husband come back to Edinburgh to people questioning her child's paternity. A novel was written about crime boss Bonnie Brock that showcases her relationship with him. When the book's publisher is murdered, the married team has to figure out the killer while Bonnie Brock is breathing down their neck, and the police are freezing them out.

I love this series. Kiera and Gage are a delight. They did have a disagreement, but their understanding of each other didn't drag it out too long. I was holding my breath for most of the book, waiting for Kiera to give birth because it would have to be at the most inconvenient time. I was right.

Bring on the next book.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

I discovered The Lady Darby mysteries when I picked up an anthology for review. At the time I had just finished both the Sebastian St. Cyr and Veronica Speedwell series and was looking for more historical mystery to glom.

A Wicked Conceit is book nine and doesn’t exactly start out the way I was expecting it to… with a dead body. Instead, Kiera and her husband Sebastian Gage are stuck right in the middle of some scandalous gossip. The publication of a book supposedly about the life and exploits of the notorious Bonnie Brock Kincaid, who readers will remember from previous installments, has become all the rage in and around Edinburgh and Lady Darby and her husband are quite disgruntled to find themselves as significant characters. They aren’t sure of who the author is, or how much of Brock’s storied life is actually true, but they do know their character’s narrative is false. Especially the part insinuating a love affair between Kiera and Brock and the questions of her unborn child’s parentage. So they set about to figure out the identity of the author.

Now that I’m nine books into this series, and familiar with all the secondary characters and past plot points, I can tell you that this story was infinitely satisfying. So much going on here, from Brock reappearing and getting to know some more of his background, there’s a little look into Bree and Anderley’s courtship, Kiera’s pregnancy is nearing its end and readers will finally get to meet her little one and Henry and Gage have that conversation about their shared parentage that I’ve been expecting. And yes, there is an investigation and a dead body. So much going on, but this author fits it all together so well.

This was another excellent read in a wonderfully done historical mystery series. I’ve come to love these characters and look forward to my next Lady Darby adventure.

Gage and Kiera are set in Edinburgh in March of 1832 waiting for the birth of their first child. But things are not going smoothly. A book detailing the life of Bonnie Brock Kincaid and also starring Kieta and Gage has swept the country. It has also been adapted into a number of plays showing anywhere from the Royal Theatreto any other group of ragtag players. The portrayal has brought Kiera, Gage and Bonnie Brock into more publicity and gossip than any of them want.

Bonnie Brock, a local crime lord and sometimes ally of Kiera and Gage, is certain that someone has betrayed information about him that no one is supposed to know. He believes that it might be Kiera or Gage though they are equally outraged about the book and plays. They become determined to track down the mysterious and anonymous author.

That isn't the only problem to two are having. The book has led to a number of other local crimes including jewel thefts that Gage is asked to look into. Their old enemy Lord Kirkcowan is mixed up in the new jewelry thefts.

Also, Kiera is keeping a secret from Gage which is bothering her conscience. The one who was supposed to share the secret with Gage left the country at the end of their last case leaving Kiera in a very uncomfortable position. Kiera is also facing pressure from her older sister Alana who had previously been her strongest supporter and ally but who is now very upset about Kiera's life choices.

When the publisher of the book that started it all is found murdered shortly after Gage and Kiera interviewed him to see if they could get a clue to unknown author, they become persons of interest to the police. Also the murder was set up to mimic a scene from the book which puts Bonnie Brock on the suspect list too. Add in that cholera is running rampant in Edinburgh and some of the places where they need to investigate are places where there have been outbreaks, and even more tension is added to thes story.

The book was filled with great historical detail about the 1832 cholera epidemic and about the theater scene in Edinburgh. I really liked the way Kiera is becoming more comfortable with herself and with her choices. Despite some minor problems between Gage and Kiera, I also like the way their relationship is growing.

Fans of this series will certainly enjoy this latest episode. Newcomers will also find much to enjoy in this historical mystery.

This was a harrowing read given the fact that it was published ( unintentionally) during a year with a pandemic that was so hauntingly similar.

I love the Lady Darby books where Huber's knowledge of ---and evident passion for--- the dark streets of 19th Century Edinburgh shine through. Here, Kiera's looming baby and the reappearance of the fascinating and sinister Bonnie Brock up the stakes in a well---and often furiously paced--mystery.

There is an overarching sense of cloisters and claustrophobia here that loans to the tension but also mimics a lot of what I was feeling during lockdown isolation.


A remarkably current read and a delight for fans of Sebastian and Lady Darby!

shared on twitter and instagram and doing a joint fb live event with the author in April.

The latest in one of my favorite series, and I loved this newest Lady Darby.

At 8 months pregnant (and she does deliver!), there’s necessarily a little less “action” in this one, but the investigation and denouement is as exciting as ever. Keira and Gage work to uncover the identity of the author of a defamatory book about Bonnie Brock (and themselves). There’s murder, greed, jealousy, some surprising revelations and a baby (Yay!!).

Huber excels at historical research and placing the reader square in the middle of her locations/time period. She also pays particular attention to the mores and social climate in her stories.

At this point (this is the 9th installment), these characters are family, and I look forward to the next chapter in their lives with each new book.

Highly recommend this series.

Many thanks to the author, #NetGalley and #Berkley for providing me the early ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Keira and Gage are expecting their first child, but they are still investigating, despite her sister's request that they quit. There is a popular novel which makes scandalous implications about Lady Darby, and they are determined to locate the anonymous author. With the help of one of Edinburgh's most infamous criminals, they hope to stop publication of an even more shocking sequel. Recommended not only for those who enjoy Regency novels and historical mysteries, but also for anyone who has become addicted to the Bridgerton series and particularly likes the spunkier women like Penelope and Eloise. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

I am a huge fan of the Lady Darby Mysteries! This time around, in the ninth book, Anna Lee Huber again brings readers a great experience. Kiera and Gage are greatly anticipating the birth of their first child and are at their home in Edinburgh. There is a cholera outbreak and they are having to be very careful. Then a publisher puts out a book about their friend/nemesis Bonnie Brock Kincaid, a criminal extraordinaire, but a very likeable one. This notorious book also has Kiera and Gage in it, albeit with different names, and it casts quite a huge shadow on their lives. And Kiera is keeping a large secret from Gage, too, and it's eating at her. Then there is a murder and of course, Gage and Kiera must get to work to solve it.

'Death is sometimes racing right on your heels.'

I was captivated by Huber's first book in this series, 'The Anatomist's Wife'. These books must be read in order, I'll say that right up front. Huber takes great pains to delve deep into Kiera's personality and the reader feels they know her very well.

Incredibly well written and impeccably researched, the books in this series are full and rich and will capture your interest throughout. Huber's vivid descriptions are one of the things I enjoy most about her books. Well done!

I thank the publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is solely my own.

What to say? I love this series and the characters. The overriding atmosphere in this book is one of stress and pressure. Kiera is heavily pregnant, at odds with her beloved sister, keeping a huge secret from her husband Gage, and being maligned in a book from an anonymous author. Edinburgh is buzzing about a book purporting to spill all of Bonnie Brock Kincaid's secrets. Gage and Kiera are thinly disguised characters in the book. The author hints that Kiera's soon-to-be born baby is Brock's. Can things get worse? Absolutely.

"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."

Once more Kiera and Gage find themselves the center of scandal and murder all while awaiting the birth of their first child! I thought nothing would be quite as good as the former "A Stroke of Malice" but I am happy to be wrong. I adored A Wicked Conceit! Bonnie Brock once again graces readers with his charmingly gruff presence and there are secrets in his past to be learned. Not just Brocks past either, we learn more about Kiera's sister as well. It's no secret with my previous reviews of Ms. Huber's work that I enjoy this series and this review is no exception. A Wicked Conceit was a great mystery from beginning to end with those ever present threads for the next installment included. I did feel the ending was a smidge rushed, but I can't be too disappointed with how the novel turned out. I'm looking forward to the next adventure! I hope the future brings a family of investigators!

Another well written Lady Darby Mystery! I was nervous throughout the entire book, but especially near the end, with Keira being pregnant! And I actually teared up when her baby was born. I'm hoping this series will continue! I found it interesting this book was written during our current pandemic about the cholera epidemic in Keira's time. Please let there be more in this series!

Another PHENOMINAL addition to this series. I flew through this book in a couple of days that's how much I LOVE Lady Darby, Mr. Gage and escaping into their world each time a new installment comes out. In this book we get another great mystery involving that charming villain, Bonnie Brock, and most importantly we get that great chemistry and conflict between Kiera & Gage. I live for their bedroom conversations. Sigh...

There is so much to look forward to in this book! Bonnie Brock & romance are just the start. There's a baby on the way, Bree & Anderley (their servants) are now in a relationship and Gage's has a secret half-brother he doesn't know about! The drama! Then we always get the signature final chapter tease for the next installment - a wedding mystery is to come! Ooh la la,. I LOVE this series!! It's always a looong wait for the next one and the last book I read is always my favorite. They just keep getting better and better and you can't say that for many series.

Another great addition to the Lady Darby series. We find Kiera and Gage get ready to welcome their first child while trying to solve the mystery of who wrote a book about Bonnie Brock, a book that includes them. Mystery, betrayal, danger, it’s all here. We see Kiera struggle with the idea of being a mother without sacrificing her investigations with Gage.

Huber writes such rich characters and her description put you right in the scene with them. I highly recommend.

It is March of 1832 and Keira and her husband, Sebastian Gage, are in Edinburgh and are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. However, all is not well. The cholera epidemic rages through England and Scotland, putting the inquiry agents in a new type of danger around every corner. Distraction from the devastating illness comes in an unusual form: a book has been published about the exploits of Bonnie Brock Kincaid, who--needless to say--disapproves. Keira and Sebastian are also displeased, as the book makes references to them and their previous encounters with Kincaid--and implies that Bonnie Brock is the true father of the child Keira carries. This prompts Keira and Sebastian to start investigating the identity of the anonymous author. For who knows Bonnie Brock so well to know all of these intimate details of his life and criminal deeds?

When the book is turned into a highly successful stage play--turning Kincaid into a hero--and a sequel is hinted at, the book's publisher is found murdered in his office. Kincaid pleads his innocence, and Keira and Sebastian are quick to believe him. However, the Gages are shocked when the police begin to suspect them as the killers instead. Now it is even more important to find the identity of the author, as it will reveal more about who wanted to kill the publisher and why.

The latest in Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby mystery series is a brilliant piece of historical fiction and full of intrigue, deception, and scandal. In addition to the whodunit, Keira must solve some touchy interpersonal problems with her sister and husband, all while preparing for childbirth and all the excitement, anticipation, anxieties, and discomfort that accompany that. Huber blends these personal elements of Keira's life well with her high-stakes plots and confounding clues, making readers thoroughly invested in the story and the lives of the characters.

My only issue with this book was that there were several references to an event that happens in a novella that was published in September of 2020 in an anthology; having not known about this anthology and the Lady Darby story within, I was rather lost because the events of the novella were described with enough detail that I thought that I had forgotten some parts of a previous novel, except that the timeline for the novella was described as after Keira and Gage's wedding, which takes place between books 4 and 5 and book 5 is set outside of Scotland entirely. The publisher may wish to consider adding in a note about this other novella and where it can be located to curb reader confusion. This is really the only reason I give this novel 4 stars, because it was just distracting enough to take away from an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable addition to the Lady Darby mystery series.

This is a fantastic historical series. I enjoy the history, the characters, the setting and the mystery It brings lots of interpersonal family relationships together. It is just a really good story.

Thank you to the author (for another terrific read), publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gage and Kiera once again find themselves embroiled in scandal when a book about Bonnie Brock is released and becomes a sensation in Edinburgh. In their attempts at uncovering the identity of the mysterious author, they once again find themselves a murder to solve. While this happening, Kiera is 9 months pregnant and preparing for the birth of their first child.
This was a definite step up for me from the previous installment UNTIL Keira went and made some really idiotic decisions while she was in labor at the end of the book. I would have enjoyed this book much more if she had bothered taking better care of herself...and that is my chief annoyance with this series. Please let Keira's character growth involve putting her own health and safety (and now that of their child) ahead of an inquiry for once.