Thanks to NetGalley & Yazmine Hassan at Berkley/Penguin Random House for the advance readers copy of this next & newest Lady Darby Mystery. I'm a huge fan of this series and this author and was very excited to get early access.

Anna Lee Huber is truly gifted at crafting a slow burn of a mystery. Although this time I had started to think there wouldn't be any murder just a mystery, but murder did happen. It all starts with Kiera going to look at some art her almost great uncle has collected over time, while at his country estate for the wedding of her cousin, Rye and her friend Charlotte. She suspects at least one of the paintings he is so proud of is a forgery. When she tells him he accuses her of working with an unknown "her" and storms out. The her is a neighbor he'd been engaged to a long time ago but her father had accused him of trying to sell him a different piece of art he thought was a forgery and the engagement was called out and feud lasted the decades. While investigating they find a maid dead in the art gallery and she appears to have been poisoned.

I love when I can't tell who the guilty party is and once it's revealed Kiera has to use her wits to try to escape with her own life. The way the story is told from Kiera's point of view and her thought processes as she investigates with her husband, Gage is just "chef's kiss" perfection for me as a reader.

A Perilous Perspective by Anna Lee Huber
Lady Darby Mystery #10
Historical Mystery

Happy Publication Day!

Scotland 1832. Kiera, her husband and their three month old are in the highlands for her cousin’s wedding. Upon review of the household art collection, Kiera notices most of Lord Barbreck’s art collection is made up of forgeries. What they initially believe to be a simple art heist evolves into murder, poisionings and grounded in family feuds.

It can be intimidating and frankly a deterrent to start a series ten books in. Let me assure you that you can very easily slide into this series and miss absolutely nothing. In the beginning, the book does a great job of summarizing past events and whenever there is a plot point that comes up that happened in a previous book it is explained.

The concept of a mystery involving forgeries was an intriguing plot and initially I didn’t think it would involve anything deathly. The plot has a few different moving parts that eventually come together. That being said, it was extremely straightforward and easy to follow. Although it does involve deathly situations it definitely falls into the cozy mystery genre for which I am quickly becoming a huge fan of.

I will say, I could have also done without the constant plot interruptions for Kiera to feed her baby. I think it was included in an effort to demonstrate Kiera’s non-traditional ways and while I appreciate it also depicts the reality of motherhood, when it comes to a book, it continuously halts the progression of the story with information that is not relevant to anything that draws me to the book.

I am interested in picking up some more books in the series. Kiera’s journey into becoming an inquiry agent not to mention how she met her current husband sounds like an eventful one.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for providing me with an early copy via NetGalley for review.

Family and secrets in The Scottish Highlands! 1832.

Gage and Kiera! How can I not be as equally as entranced with this 10th volume as I was with the beginning.
Sebastian Gage and his wife Lady Kiera, along with their recently born daughter Emma, travel to Argyle, Scotland to be present for Kiera’s cousin Rye Mallory’s marriage to her friend Charlotte, Lady Stratford. The wedding is to take place at Kiera’s uncle’s estate, Barbreck Manor on the shores of Loch Craignish.
It’s here that Kiera will discover more about her mother, and her relatives from that side of her family in general.
Kiera is entranced by the idea of spending time with her uncle, the Marquess of Barbrek’s reputable and vast collection of art works. Unsettlingly, she discovers some of the revered works in the Manor’s long galley are forgeries; capped off by finding the body of a maid in the gallery underneath a false Van Dyke. (I was fascinated by the discussion of brush strokes btw.) The maid, from a neighbouring property, the Campbell’s, has been poisoned. But with what? A slow build up to an unforeseen climax with another death—the maid’s father. Kiera’s maid Bree is endangered and there are several possible culprits, along with the whys and wherefore of the forgeries. Bree and Sebastian’s valet Anderley have been following up questions around the deaths.
All link together for a compelling read, with so much at stake. Once more the tale ends with trouble beckoning, luring us into the future of this extraordinary couple, their sweet daughter, and their servant/companions.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

The tenth book in Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby mystery series, A Perilous Perspective, is newly released.

Kiera (Lady Darby, Mrs. Gage) is at the country home of her great uncle for a wedding party. Kiera is eager to finally see her uncle’s painting collection, which is supposed to be superb. (She is a well-known portraitist. Earlier books explain how her talent dragged her into her first husband’s illicit cadaver dissection business. He was psychologically and physically abusive. After his death, Kiera had to deal with the fallout with the help of now-husband Sebastian Gage, a government investigator. They have solved many murders together. That’s a quick recap.)

Kiera is enjoying the visit and the time with her three-month-old baby girl. Unfortunately, things fall apart when she explores the painting gallery and discovers that a prized Titian is a forgery. This leads to the spilling of old family secrets, painful ones, which would be difficult enough to deal with. Then, one of the maids is discovered murdered in the gallery beneath the forged painting.

Once again, Kiera and Sebastian are called upon to solve the murder (murders), while dealing with complex family situations.

This remains a well-plotted mystery series with engaging protagonists. A secondary relationship between Kiera’s lady’s maid and Sebastian’s valet keeps things interesting on the romance side now that the love story between Kiera and Sebastian is so well settled.

Fans of this series will be thrilled with this new addition. For those who have not yet met Kiera and Sebastian, start with book 1!

A Perilous Perspective is the tenth book in the Lady Darby Mysteries series by Anna Lee Huber. An intriguing mystery thriller with a hint of romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages. I hope the author continues this series far into the future. I can’t get enough.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Huber for the opportunity to read an ARC of <i>A Perilous Perspective</i>. An honest review was requested but not required.

It’s interesting to see that a lot of my teensy complaints about book #9 were upended here, in book #10. In the last installment, Keira was 8 months pregnant and limited by her condition, so the mystery was more cerebral and less physical. Here in book #10 we’re back in business, walking, riding, chasing on foot, etc. In book #9 I resented Alana’s frequent temper tantrums; here in book #10 the relatives are mostly very even-keeled and the two family members acting out of control are chastened or ignored. In book #9 I got annoyed by Big Secrets and here in book #10, Keira ALSO gets annoyed by Big Secrets. I feel so heard/seen 🥰 LOL.

In <i>A Perilous Perspective</i>, Keira and Gage along with new baby Emma and nurse in tow are visiting Barbreck Castle for Charlotte’s wedding to Rye. Of course, Keira promptly notices some forged art and mentions it to the Marquess, who throws a temper tantrum and then charges her with unravelling the crime. Of course, then there’s a murder, and the usual Gage Team Crimesolving apparatus churns into motion again. The beginning really dragged for me, because I’m not an art person. I am not that interested in paintings to begin with and the details of what makes one a forgery…? #Snoozeville. I enjoyed Keira’s family time and her time spent with the new baby, and was frankly more interested in the Governess Problem (which was not satisfactorily resolved, might I add).

However, things started to pick up around 50% and from there to the end I was glued. I’m not usually one to guess “who dunnit” but frankly by 55% I guessed ((correctly)) who did it, and why. Regardless, it was a fun ride and I enjoyed it. I ALSO very much enjoyed the advancement of matters between Bree and Anderley, which I look forward to exploring more in book #11, and am very pleased by the teaser at the end of this book regarding Sebastian’s father.

Recommended.

I was a little nervous going into this one because I didn't love the previous book in the series despite having really enjoyed the earlier books I had read. This book, however, has put the series back on track for me. For starters it involves an art forgery mystery and any art related mystery is a win for me.

The mystery element was interesting with the art forgery element, grudges from long past, and a murder to solve. While the murder didn't show up until a third of the way through the book the intrigue started almost at the beginning and kept me pulled in from the very beginning.

I also really enjoyed the personal elements of this book. Kiera and Gage are getting used to being parents and since they both have some baggage it was really sweet to see. As well I liked seeing the change in relationship between Gage's valet, Amberley, and Kiera's maid, Bree. They are both capable investigators and it is good to see Bree especially gain some confidence.

I really enjoyed this book and am so glad that the series is back on track for me. It isn't the fastest paced of mysteries but it's one I enjoyed from beginning to end.

When I was sent the blog tour opportunity for A Perilous Perspective by Anna Lee Huber it wasn't noted that it was book 10 in a series. I love a good historical mystery and the synopsis sounded interesting. Fortunately I was able to read and enjoy this without having read the prior 9 books in the series . That is why I'm rounding my 3.5 stars up to a 4 because from this book alone I found our leading characters endearing and I have no doubt if I was a reader from the series start I would be completely satisfied.

Kiera Darby and Sebastian Gage, whom I am meeting for the first time as a newbie, were both charming. I don't know their relationship prior, but they were supportive and loving and absolutely precious when interacting with their little one. I loved the unquestionable support Gage showed her in her quest for the truth. There is no drama to their relationship, just a pleasant ease to it. The only drama was the mystery they were investigating, which was just how I like my cozy historical mysterious. Mysterious deaths, family secrets and connections to uncover.

So many past events were remarked on in A Perilous Perspective in a way that made me want to experience those journeys first hand. Therefore, as soon as my reading schedule allows I will be reading The Anatomist's Wife , book 1 of the Lady Darby Mystery Series, so I can fall in love with Kiera and Gage from the start.

I have read several of Huber's books that feature Kiera and Sebastian Gage, and none of them disappoint! In this novel, Kiera, an accomplished artist, detects several forged paintings in a friend's manor house. Then the murders begin. First a maid from a nearby estate, then her father. Soon it becomes clear that the murderer has targeted the Gages as well. It's up to Kiera and Sebastian to identify the killer before the body count increases any further.

Love. This. Series

I'm always happy when I see a new Lady Darby book! This series captured my interest from the time I opened the very first book. As we progress in the lives of Lady Kiera Darby and her partner in sleuthing now husband Sebastian Gage, we're given a glimpse into their lives as not only semi-amateur sleuths, but as parents and lovers.

The family heads to Scotland for a wedding. Of course nothing Kiera or Gage do is easy and they're soon on the trail of a forger and of course, murder! A delicious who-done-it along with very well done descriptions of the area and time period. I loved meeting Kiera's extended family. Those we've come to know, and if not love, at least appreciate their contribution to this story!

Again, not a difficult mystery to figure out, but a fabulously told story with bits of clues throughout. In my opinion, you get more out of this book if you've read the series in order. The nuances of Kiera and Gage's relationship grows with each book and you benefit from reading all of the books.

I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. The review is my own.

Back in 2017 I took a chance and read The Anatomist's Wife by a new (to me) author Ann Lee Huber...I loved this book!! And I've since read every book she has written in this series. Kiera and Gage are one of my favorite crime solving couples. The author again creates a beautifully atmospheric, historical mystery. Kiera, Gage and their new baby are enjoying a trip to Scotland for a wedding. But the trip ends up involving art forgerys and murder and more. This is #10 in a series that just keeps getting better.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The tenth book in the wonderful Lady Darby Mystery series starts out innocent enough, with a gathering of Kiera’s family to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Charlotte and Rye. Set in the Scottish Highlands, mainly at Rye’s great uncle’s estate, what starts out as a lovely time for the family, soon becomes a mess of murder, mystery, and art forgery.

When Kiera discovers a forgery amid the priceless art in Lord Barbreck’s gallery, she unknowingly puts herself, her husband Gage, and trusty staff members Bree and Anderley, right in the middle of a mystery that starts with a broken engagement and slowly reveals long-held family secrets. She’ll even discover facts about her mother that she never knew. As dead bodies begin to appear the investigation ramps up and this team realizes they must get answers before anyone else becomes a victim.

This was a well-written mystery that kept me engaged chapter after chapter. Kiera has come a long way from the broken, abused woman, ostracized by society for her late husband’s dissections, she is now a happily married woman with an infant who she clearly adores. She is secure in herself and her abilities. Her quick mind and knowledge of the art world are on full display as she works to first distinguish counterfeit from authentic artworks and then to unravel how they ended up in Lord Barbreck’s collection.

I think this is also one of the more romantic Lady Darby Mystery books, as Kiera and Gage are much more in love and free with their affection. They make a great team and support each other so well. I am also quite interested in the push and pull, on again-off again relationship between Bree and Anderley. JUST GET BACK TOGETHER ALREADY.

I had a few quibbles about a scene toward the end when Kiera discovers the villain and confronts them… it just seemed a tad bit implausible. But all in all, I found this addition to the series to be well done. I enjoyed the focus on Kiera’s knowledge of the masters and art world and found the unraveling of so many family secrets to be riveting. After the big hint of where this series is going next, all I can say is I am more than ready.

This 10th in the Lady Darby series was anxiously anticipated (at least by me 🙋🏻‍♀️).

In this one we are introduced to the newest member of the series (and baby makes 3) as well as becoming more acquainted with Kiera’s maternal Scottish family and Gage’s half brother Henry. Kiera and Gage have journeyed to Argyll for a wedding (her cousin Rye and her friend Charlotte). Before the nuptials can take place, forgeries are discovered, an old feud is revisited and family loyalties are questioned. Murders and mayhem ensue until the evil villain is finally revealed.

The things that stood out for me in this installment: watching Kiera’s interactions with her extended family as well as learning more about her mother; Kiera’s and Gage’s romantic moments (much more “sexy”); smiling over the scenes of the new family dynamic (with baby); Bree’s and Anderley’s evolving relationship; and Kiera’s irreverent and funny cousin Morven.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest foray into the lives of the Gages, their families and friends, and as always I’m already anticipating their next adventure.

My sincere thanks to #NetGalley, #Berkley and #AnnaLeeHuber for providing me the early arc of #APerilousPerspective for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

1832 Argyll, Scotland

Young Emma is now three months old and brings out a different side of Lady Darby in how she cares for and interacts with her. Clearly, Lady Darby is ahead of her time as a working mother. Granted she's in an elevated status and has plenty of help, but she does balance the demands of both motherhood and artist/sleuth well.

The Scottish brogue in particular brought the setting alive for this reader. In addition, loved the details about artists, their techniques and history of works of art included in the pages.

The mystery unraveled like an onion and what a delight to watch it unfurl.

The Lady Darby Series isn't getting overdone by any stretch. It continues to deliver engaging and expertly woven mysteries filled with lovely characters.

And now more than a wee bit of a wait for the next bonny novel in the series. No doubt the wait will be worth it.

So I LOVE the Lady Darby series. These books have everything I adore in a book—romance, mystery, fabulous characters. And ALL set in the Regency Era? Yes, please!

A Perilous Perspective takes the reader to the Highlands (yay!) where secrets are embedded everywhere. As always, there are several characters with suspicious natures, but the gripping plot was easy to follow without getting lost.

And being a romance addict, I super appreciate Gage and Keira’s relationship. There are some melt—your-heart moments between them that are cleverly dropped into this intriguing mystery. Let's not forget the Will-They-Won't-They relationship with Anderly and Bree.

I hope the author continues this series far into the future. I just can’t get enough.

*I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Keira Gage, her husband Sebastian, her three-month-old daughter Emma and their staff are at the estate of the Marquess of Barbreck for the wedding her Keira's cousin Rye and her friend Charlotte. The Marquess has a notable art collection and Keira is eager to explore it.

When Keira discovers that a few of the works of art are forgeries, she is eager to discover what happened. Unfortunately, Barbreck is not eager to help her. He is convinced that the forgeries are the work of his near neighbors the Campbells. There has been bad blood between them since his engagement to Miss Campbell was broken more than fifty years earlier over allegations that they were trying to foist forgeries on the Campbells.

Keira and Gage do look into the history of the paintings allegedly purchase by Barbreck's younger brother for his collection. They aren't having much luck and feel they won't find out much since the forgeries could have happened anytime in the last fifty years. But when a maid from the Campbell's home is found dead in front of one of the paintings in question, Keira and Gage know that someone still wants to cover up the crime. The maid was poisoned using a substance unknown to Keira. When the maid's father also dies from the same cause, and when Keira's maid Bree is also poisoned but survives, the pressure is on to find the murderer.

Keira also learns more about the mother who died when she was eight. Someone is trying to upset her emotional balance by leaving a miniature of her mother on her pillow and stealing the Amythest pendant that was her mother's last gift to her. She is surprised to learn that her mother was once unhappily married to a nephew of the Campbell women.

This was another excellent entry into the Lady Darby series. It has interesting characters and a fast-paced plot with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.

I have been a fan of Anna Lee Huber's since I read my First Lady Darby mystery. I think I was initially intrigued by Lady Darby's past, but became a fan as I observed her overcome this past and grow into an independent woman.... who just happens to be in the right place, at the right time, to solve a mystery.
Ms. Huber's attention to detail and vivid prose draw readers into the setting, but I think telling the story through Keira in first person allows the readers to fully engage in the mystery. It also allows the reader to appreciate Keira's struggles and relationships throughout the series.

In A Perilous Perspective, Ms. Huber's brilliant descriptions bring to life the beautiful highland setting. I was entranced by the mystery surrounding the art forgeries and the murders that follow this discovery. But most importantly, I was drawn to the family dynamics of Keira and Sebastian and by extension, family and friends.
Keira's natural study of human nature not only makes her a great artist but a successful investigator as well. Loved the hint Ms. Huber included in the final pages of the story, teasing her readers with a clue for what comes next for Keira and Sebastian Gage.

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

While only the second in this series that I have read, I am hooked. Wonderful plots, characters and setting. It is sad th think of the problems that families can create in the name of love and honor.

A PERILOUS PERSPECTIVE
by Anna Lee Huber
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley.
Out Apr 19.

Book 10 in the Lady Darby series, A Perilous Perspective, soars in this strong histfic mystery series. Keira Darby is an inquiry agent with her wonderful spouse Sebastian Gage. They head to the Scottish Highlands with their baby to attend the wedding of Keira's cousin Rye at his great-uncle's estate.

The joyful occasion is marred, however, by mysterious happenings, claims of a forgery in the estate's famed art collection, a shocking event right in front of the questionable painting, plus twists and turns that will keep you happily occupied in Argyll, Scotland, 1832. Another Anna Lee Huber winner!

Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC. Views are my own.

#APerilousPerspective #AnnaLeeHuber #NetGalley #historicalmysteryseries #ScottishHighlandsfiction #artforgery #bookstgramcommunity

Thank you, Anna Lee Huber, for writing this book. I was going through a reading slump, and none of the books I was reading were catching my interest. Then I read the newest Mrs. Darby book and had difficulty putting this down.

Kiera enjoys staying at her uncle's estate in Scotland before her best friend's and cousin's wedding. While looking at uncle's art collection, she realizes some paintings are forgeries. Her investigation into the existence of the frauds makes someone kill to hide the truth.

This series is warm and intelligent. I always love how analytical Kiera is and how supportive Gabe is.

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