A Fatal Illusion is the 11th installment to the Lady Darby Mystery series by Anna Lee Huber. I'm still a newbie to the series having jumped into the series with the previous book, so I think it's safe to say that it's written in a way that won't make new readers feel lost.

While I really enjoyed every interaction and moment between Lady Kiera and Sebastian, I was overall bored with the story line itself. I have zero care for Sebastian's father, and the story line revolves around getting justice for him when he's attacked. They try to find out the culprit before they attempt it again to murder is a second time. Well I wouldn't have cared less if the attackers had been successful, so it was hard to care about the story line.

From the time I started reading this series Sebastian has had a complicated relationship with his father Lord Gage which has only gotten more challenging with the discovery of his half brother, Henry. When Lord Gage is attacked Sebastian, Kiera, and Henry all head to Yorkshire where he is recovering bringing along their infant daughter, Emma. As they dig into the details of the attack they must also deal with their feelings towards Lord Gage and his very different reactions to Henry and to Emma.

I really enjoyed the focus on the complicated family relationships as this brings to a head a number of subplots that have been in a number of past books. However, this does slow down the pacing a bit for the actual mystery. I am invested enough in these characters that this didn't bother me in the slightest but if I was new to this series I can see that being an issue.

That said, the mystery is intriguing. What was the goal of Lord Gage's attack and how does it fit in with the Robin Hood legends that are everywhere in the area. A number of local townspeople are clearly up to no good but I really wasn't sure what that was until the Gages' are closing in on the solution. This was another enjoyable entry into a series that I always look forward to reading.

It’s 1832 and Sebastian Gage and his father have never seen eye to eye. When Lord Gage is attacked on his way to Scotland, Sebastian and Kiera race to his side to help. When Sebastian and Kiera arrive at the town where Lord Gage is being rehabilitated – they are met with nothing but hostility. As time goes on Sebastian and Kiera begin to wonder if something is afoot as mysterious disappearances and highway robberies are plaguing the area. Will they be able to figure things out before there is another attack?

I enjoyed reading about England during the 1830’s. I like how this book was full of historical details that I found very vivid. This book was written in a way that I easily pictured it in my head as I read the story. The character development is top notch in this series and I appreciated it.

This book is the 11th in the Lady Darby series.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The anticipation of a fragile family reunion is disrupted when Sebastian’s father and his servants are attacked on the Great North Road. Sebastian, Kiera, and Lord Henry rush to his side during his medical crisis and to solve the mystery of why Lord Gage was targeted.

A Fatal Illusion is the eleventh of the Lady Darby early Victorian historical mystery series. While each presents a standalone mystery, the books build on what came before as far as relationship development.

In A Fatal Illusion, highwaymen attack Lord Gage’s coach at a rugged remote location and deliberately attack him while he was cooperating. Sebastian and Kiera know there is more to this than robbery. There is a local Robin Hood-like gang operating, but this is something more ominous. The local constable is willing to help them investigate, but they are up against a community who support the highway gang because they rob the rich and distribute to the poor. Even the doctor’s household where they stay seems to have secrets.

Besides the mystery, Sebastian, Kiera, and Henry face the struggle of trying to maintain the fragile connection and possibly build something more with Sebastian’s irascible father who ignores Henry and belittles Sebastian while trying to get a rise out of Kiera. Kiera has hope that the family situation can change when she sees the way her father in law responds to his granddaughter.

I’ve always loved how this series delivers a suspenseful and twisting mystery with a good atmospheric setting while digging deep into the character development and the relationships between the characters. This one focuses strongly on the background of Lord Gage. Why he is the way he is and why someone is trying to kill him is at the heart of the story. He is not an easy man and has hurt Sebastian and his half-brother Henry deeply, but I was impressed how, along with his family, I was able to understand him better.

The action moments mixed with a few good twists kept me flying through the pages. I liked knowing which mysteries in the story were significant to the case, but I was glad to have all the answers by the end. As usual, the historical backdrop is well-seated in actual history and lore that enhanced an excellent story.

Those who love historical mystery really need to give this series a go.

1832 Yorkshire, England

Each year, I look forward to the release of the latest in the Lady Darby Series. Installment #11 doesn't disappoint.

Lady Darby is both kind and cunning. She manages to make her point with her persnickety father-in-law in such a way that shares her perspective without demeaning him.

A Fatal Illusion focuses heavily on the broken familial relationships of Sebastian Gage. And of course, there is a mystery to solve as well. I never would have guessed who the villain was and the author's note at the end added to the strength of the novel and validity of the villain.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for this earc

Crazy to say I’ve been reading these books for 5 years now and there are definitely up and down in the series.

This one was not bad. It was better than the previous tittle but so of the issues carried over. For example, in the middle of the story we had soooo much repetition. The same dialogue just with another suspect. It just very hard to pay attention when you know exactly what the next question will be.

I did really enjoy learning about Lord Gage’s children and past in general. It doesn’t excuse his behavior but definitely give you a better understanding of it.

What about Kiera and Gage you ask? I don’t know. Somehow you feel their love and don’t feel it at the same time. There is just something off. Maybe it’s because this book is number 11 and the series should stop before it gets worse?

One thing that did save this book is adorable friendship between Kiera and Henry.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber is a historical mystery that integrates actual historical figures and folklore to tell a brilliant story with themes that leave a significant impact.

My Reading Experience:
This is the eleventh book in the series but the first one I read. I loved that the author threw in just the right amount of background information to catch a new reader, like me, up with all the essential details from the previous novels. I felt like the series was well-established, but I never felt confused or lost.

Provided at the end of the story are the historical references used in creating the tale. I was awed by how seamlessly the author integrated those facts into the story to create such an ingenious tale. Also, I enjoyed the Robin Hood folklore utilized, as I always appreciate it when folklore is part of a story. All these pieces came together to form a rich tale with authenticity to back it, making it even more than the sum of its parts.

The thoroughly developed mystery is period appropriate and wickedly smart. I loved the family themes that swirl around the mystery, and the last sentence of the story (about family) is one of those quotes I want to pull out so I always remember it.

I tried to figure out the what, why, and who, but it kept me constantly guessing until all was revealed. There is nothing predictable about the story. I also thoroughly enjoyed all of the twists and turns the story took. They are genuinely jaw-dropping.

Characters:
The characters make this story what it is. They are all thoroughly developed and leap off the page with their authentic emotions and reactions. I loved that the baby played an integral role in the story. Her adorableness is reflected so genuinely in the words on the page. And, again, this is where those family themes shine – in the characters. Nothing creates such strong emotions as family issues; you can see them all laid bare in this story.

Narration & Pacing:
Lady Kiera Darby tells the story brilliantly, but this is also where I had a significant problem with the book. The pacing is so slow, and I have a terrible time with a slow-paced book, of which this was no exception. The only thing that kept me going was my love for the characters, but it was a challenging reading experience for me as the pages just seemed to increase rather than decrease the further I got into the story.

Setting:
The setting was the UK – Yorkshire, England, in 1832. It is used in significant ways that reflect the history of that area.

Read if you're in the mood for:
A slow-paced well-researched historical mystery
A mysterious, adventurous, and emotional story
A diverse cast of characters that you will immediately fall in love with

A Fatal Illusion is a captivating read that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The novel boasts an original premise, an enigmatic heroine, and a compelling Highland setting that will transport you to another world. Huber's writing draws you in with vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters. The story follows a young woman as she navigates a dangerous world filled with secrets and intrigue, all while trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death.

In this 11th book of the series, Kiera, Sebastian and baby Emma are challenged with a string of new mysteries when highwaymen attack Sebastian’s father and kill the footman near a sleepy village near Yorkshire, England.

Mystery #1 – why attack Lord Gage? The highwaymen didn’t even demand money. Is it someone in Lord Gage’s past?

Mystery #2 – why are the locals so reluctant to talk? One might say they are even antagonistic toward Sebastian and Kiera.

Mystery #3 – why does it take a granddaughter to soften Lord Gage’s heart even a little.

Staying with the local doctor, who is treating Lord Gage, and the doctor’s wife, Kiera and Gage have a base to operate out of while they work out the details of the case. It appears almost everyone they meet is hiding something. Clues seem to point to a gang of locals that rob the rich and provide for the poor. Noone can or will point out the identity of the Robin Hood imitators, so Kiera and Gage will have to pry into local business. Which can be very dangerous. In the meantime, Lord Gage is getting acquainted with his new granddaughter while diligently avoiding honestly facing the rest of the family.

Kiera and Gage, along with Gage’s half-brother Henry apply their usual keen investigative skills to all of the questions. The Gage’s personal servants, Bree and Anderly, also lend their talents. This team will not be dissuaded from bringing the truth to light.

One of my favorite things about reading this author’s books is the historical notes she adds at the end of the book. Facts about real people and events that inspired the story always add to my appreciation of these books, giving perspective and understanding of the characters and actions in the tale. Readers who enjoy historical mystery can never go wrong reading Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby Mystery series.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

Each time a new book in this series releases, I always say – this is the best book yet. I do truly mean that each time I say it. Each mystery is new, unique, and exciting, and will keep you guessing while the personal relationships between the recurring characters keep growing and maturing. So, I’ll say it again – this is the best book yet!

Kiera and Sebastian Gage have made a mad dash from Blakelaw House in the borderlands of Scotland, down the Great North Road to Wentbridge, a small village in Yorkshire because Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was brutally attacked and shot. They don’t know what they’ll find when they arrive – will Lord Gage still be among the living? Who would dare attack Lord Gage who is powerful and friends with the King? That is what Kiera and Gage have to figure out – and fast – because not only are there additional attacks on Lord Gage, but Sebastian and Kiera are also attacked.

I love that we begin to see hints, just tiny hints, that Lord Gage might be human after all. Will those last? I also loved meeting baby Emma who played a delightful role in discovering her grandfather’s more human side. Of course, Anderley and Bree were front and center to help in the investigation. Then, there was Henry, and I was so glad to see him accompanying Gage and Kiera to see the father who has always denied him. I know acceptance will finally come for them. Hopefully, the rift within the family will be resolved on that long carriage ride with a convalescent Lord Gage – or – a mean-tempered Lord Gage could rip it all apart. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens there.

The mystery is excellently done, nicely paced, and perfectly delivered. Lord Gage’s past has come back to haunt him – a past he definitely doesn’t want his son poking into. However, the only way to solve the mystery is to delve into the past. The villains are relentless in their pursuit and they almost succeed. If not for the skills of Dr Josiah Barker, the first attempt would have taken Lord Gage’s life and the others wouldn’t have been needed. But, could Dr. Barker still be part of the plot? Hmm, you’ll just have to read the book to see.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a riveting next installment in a great series! The investigation Kiera and Gage become entangled in during A Fatal Illusion has a deeply personal angle to it as it involves an attempt on the life of Gage’s father, Lord Gage. With focused historical detail, Huber has written this favorite couple into a position where they face insightful and surprising circumstances, new dangers, and quite emotional challenges — one intriguing aspect being a tight knit village community and their protection of a seeming Robin Hood figure.

Central to the story is Gage’s taut relationship with his father. Readers of the whole series will fully understand the portent of Lord Gage’s circumstance and how his mercurial part influences the lives of Kiera and Gage, often much to Kiera’s frustration for her lack of control or protection over any of it. I thought the tumult of this story affecting Gage smartly mirrored closely the emotions of Kiera’s upheaving, raw arc in London a few books back in An Artless Demise. And as I hoped, their marriage is strengthened and further depth is revealed regarding a few different characters as a result of their time at Lord Gage’s convalescence.

As with all of Huber’s novels I have had the privilege of reading, a favorite aspect is the familiar camaraderie of the main characters. Henry, in particular, is becoming quite dear. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book (already!) and how it will proceed given the events of this one!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Anna Lee Huber’s most outstanding quality as a writer is her educated heart. The way she parses human relationships is nothing short of brilliant. In the latest Lady Darby outing, she and her husband, Sebastian Gage, are summoned to the bedside of his disagreeable father - Lord Gage has been shot as he made his way home via coach. It’s 1832 Yorkshire and travelling the highways could be dangerous. Not only was Lord Gage shot (luckily in the leg) but one of his servants has been killed. Sebastian is suffering from a plethora of emotions, all expertly dissected by Huber.

As Kiera and her family arrive at the surgeon’s home where Lord Gage is recovering, their household – servants and baby Emma – find him much weakened and diminished. They are accompanied by their friend, Henry, recently discovered to be Sebastian’s half-brother. Sebastian loves Henry but struggles with the infidelity that made him a reality, and Lord Gage is dismissive to the point of utter rudeness. I’m not sure why Henry puts up with it, frankly, other than loyalty to Sebastian and Kiera.

As Lord Gage slowly recovers, Sebastian and Kiera begin to untangle motives despite outright hostility from the townspeople. It appears that a band of highwaymen operating in a Robin Hood type fashion are well known to the village, and actually well liked by them, as the money they take is redistributed to the neediest. However, they have never before injured anyone, and it’s this anomaly that enables Kiera and Sebastian to get an in to the puzzle of who might have shot Lord Gage.

Huber is really skilled at creating a social surround for Kiera. The differences between her own status, as the daughter in law of someone titled, and the more what we would now think of as the upper middle-class home of the surgeon, Dr. Barker, and his wife, is beautifully and subtly accomplished, as are her portraits of the various townspeople who fall under their investigative eye. She’s also excellent at portraying the selfish, imperious nature of Lord Gage – a personality that sorely tests both of his sons – with the contrast of his behavior as a doting grandfather.

It’s obvious Huber’s experience with small children and babies is fairly recent, as her portrayal of Kiera as basically a working mother who is enamored of her believably needy infant (she must be fed and changed), seems about as realistic as any mother-baby pairing I’ve encountered in fiction. While Kiera is able to hand baby Emma off to a maid, she’s still getting up in the middle of the night to nurse. It’s a slice of the novel that adds depth and humanity to the story.

Center stage for me, however, was the relationship between Sebastian and his father, expertly understood and managed by Kiera, who sets aside her own frequent irritation and hurt feelings to help her husband deal with his own emotions. It’s a tricky and satisfying father son story, ultimately including Henry’s relationship with Lord Gage as well. Huber, though, is also a mystery writer, and includes a terrific and unforeseen twist toward the end. This is a thoughtful, complex, and wonderful read.

It's clear that the attack on Lord Gage was not random but who? And why? Lady Kiera and Sebastian had hoped that they could start anew with Lord Gage by introducing their new baby daughter Emma. Gage had opposed their marriage, is unhappy that Sebastian has welcomed his son Henry, and is generally not a nice person. Luckily, Kiera and Sebastian, with the able assistance of Bree and Anderley, work to untangle a knot of secrets, lies, envy, and so much else, even as they try to build a relationship with Gage. This is a wonderful historical mystery that I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed even more had I read all of the earlier books but it was still terrific. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to the next one.

This is 11th in the Lady Darby historical mysteries, and it is a delight (as is the entire series).

In this installment, we find Keira, Gage and their ensemble friends/family frantically arriving in Yorkshire after news of Lord Gage’s (Gage’s father) harrowing attack (and his footman’s death) at the hands of highwaymen. As they investigate (and face danger themselves), signs begin to point toward a connection to the Reform Act and Lord Gage’s possible involvement in local events during that period. As they are thwarted by his unwillingness to aid their investigation’s various questions, the duo must put the pieces together to see that justice is done.

I especially enjoyed this story because of its emotional depth. As Lord Gage is bedridden from the attack, he and Gage (and to a lesser extent Keira and his unacknowledged son Henry) are forced into confronting ugly and festering issues in their contentious relationship(s). We discover more about Lord Gage’s past and also begin to see another side to him as he meets his grandchild for the first time.

Well-drawn characters, interesting plot lines (and historical context) and stellar writing are the hallmarks of this series and have made it one of my very favorites.

I highly recommend not just this book but the entire series.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Berkley for providing the free early arc of A Fatal Illusion for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

This may be the best so far in the Lady Darby Mystery series, but every one of the eleven books released so far has been excellent. What makes this latest one so good?

The story arc that began so compellingly continues strong -- and intriguing. By now relationships have deepened, families have grown, and the friends and acquaintances around Lady Darby (Kiera) and her loved ones are deepening nicely.

I love that this book has a clear mystery and an intricately-woven plot involving close family: Gage's father, still crusty and defiant as to be expected. I love that Lord Gage shows a new and tender side with the newest family member - very touching. And I love the historical touches that support and build the action. This was a comfortable, welcoming setting and I loved the latest twists and turns. I especially love that Gage and Kiera are still visibly in love.

This book stands alone with a complete and satisfying story, but it will be much richer with the background of the previous books. I read this author and this series as soon as possible -- they're that good. To be released June 20, 2023 by Berkley.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the chance to read this as soon as possible =)

The eleventh book in the Lady Darby historical mystery series has Kiera, Gage, baby Emma, and their staff rushing to the site of an accident that almost killed Gage's father. They find him recovering slowly from an attack by highwaymen that killed one of his staff and badly injured him.

Gage and Kiera and the others begin to investigate and find a town filled with secrets. It doesn't help that Lord Gage is being less than truthful about what he knows about the attack and the attackers. It also doesn't help that Henry, Lord Gage's natural son, is also part of the group that rushed to his aide. Lord Gage is angry that Gage has made Henry part of his family and refuses to acknowledge him.

They have quite a wide assortment of enemies of Lord Gage who are all possible suspects. It could be politically motivated sing the recent passage of the Reform Bill had his fingers all over. Or it could be some enemy from his days as an inquiry agent. Or it could be something from the past Lord Gage won't talk about.

I enjoyed this emotionally charged story. Gage is at the stage of almost being willing to write his father off as any part of his life. He is angry that his father wants to control his life. He is also angry at the betrayal of his mother that he sees when he learns about his father's philandering. Kiera is also angry at Lord Gage both because he tried to oppose her marriage to Gage and because of how much his attitude hurts her husband. However, she also doesn't want to write him out of his granddaughter's life. She sees glimmers of a different man when he interacts with baby Emma.

The plot was a twisty one with quite a few secrets uncovered. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode.

Mr. & Mrs. Gage and their trusty servants and newly found brother are off to the aid of Lord Gage in this, the 11th installment in the Lady Darby series.

Now proud parents of baby girl Emma, Gage & Kiera are showing her off to friends when they get word that Lord Gage has been gravely injured in an attack by highwaymen and one of his footmen has been killed. They rush to his side along with Henry, Gage's newly discovered half-brother and become targets themselves in a perplexing murder mystery involving a gang of Robin-Hoodlike thieves, an odd doctor, a shady inn and a whole town of conspirators.

However, this book is more about Lord Gage's relationship with his sons and his own past finally catching up to him. Kiera is trying to broker peace between father and sons, and we get the "come to Jesus" ultimatum moment we've needed between Gage and his father. Is Lord Gage too old and stubborn to change his ways and his attitude toward his family as Gage suspects?

What I love most about these books are all the ways in which Gage & Kiera are a team. How they tenderly take care of each other emotionally, mentally, and physically. It's a lovely read as usual from Huber in a series that never disappoints.

I got to give it four starts because we still don't get the Bree & Anderly scenes I needed and no Bonnie Brock appearance in this one. Plus, a little Lord Gage goes a long way and in this book, we get A LOT of his alpha nonsense.

Another great book to add to a favorite series.

Kiera and Sebastien travel to the bedside of an injured Lord Gage. As they slowly unravel the clues to the mysterious highwaymen who attacked Lord Gage, they find they are in a race against time before another attack occurs. I love the expert way Ms. Huber parcels out clues slowly, delivering an interesting plot twist towards the end.
Not only do we have a captivating mystery, readers will find the family dynamics the main focus of the story. The developing character arc of both Keira and Sebastien is fundamental to the series. In this story, we read more of Sebastien's conflicted emotions as he comes to terms with the past. Because of this, I would highly recommend reading the books in order.
As always, Ms. Huber provides the perfect blend of history, mystery and romance. Yes, I love to read stories of married couples, and the romance into the happily-ever-after of married life.

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

The eleventh book in the Lady Darby Mysteries series opens with Keira and Sebastian traveling to the home of a surgeon after receiving word that Lord Gage has been gravely injured after being set upon by highwaymen. With them are their faithful servants, Bree and Anderley, as well as their infant daughter, her nurse, and Henry, Sebastian’s half-brother. Unsure of the severity of the attack and Lord Gage’s exact injuries, they are making haste, worried at what they might find when they finally arrive at their destination.

When they arrive, they realize that Sebastian’s father is healing, if slowly, but the nature of the attack is odd. Rather than ask for his purse, the highwaymen seem to have focused on injuring Lord Gage. Additionally, an outrider was murdered. None of it makes sense, so Keira and Sebastian set out to investigate and figure out the identity of the assailants and their motives behind the crime.

This felt a bit different than the last few books in this series. Mainly because it focused on Lord Gage and his backstory, as well as his tumultuous relationships with Sebastian, Henry, and Keira. He has always been a disapproving man, hard and difficult to understand, and that is no different when the book opens. During the investigation, Keira and Sebastian begin to accumulate leads, many are about a current Robin Hood-like figure who seems to be helping the small village, but there are also rumblings about an uprising years before, and when they question Lord Gage he is secretive and unwilling to open up about his past.

Emotions are on full display, as Sebastian is frustrated by the lack of honesty from his father, and still hurt by finding out that he was unfaithful to his mother. Henry remains on the outside looking in, yet to receive any kindness or warmth from his biological father. Keira and baby Emma are the bridge between them all, able to settle everyone down and working to bring them together in some sense of calm acceptance.

The mystery is well done and the identity of the villain, as well as their relationship with Lord Gage, a surprise.

As with any book in this series, the historical details are vivid and well-researched, even while these characters do tend to be more progressive for the time period. I adore the secondary romance between Anderley and Bree and am hopeful now that their relationship seems to be moving in a positive direction. The ending hints at the tentative beginnings of a new connection between Lord Gage and his sons. This makes me happy and has me looking forward to the next installment.

All in all, another fantastic addition to the series.

This—the eleventh installment in Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby Mysteries featuring Kiera and Sebastian Gage—opens in Yorkshire in 1832. The two of them have come a long way since their first acrimonious meeting two years earlier; in fact, they have married and produced an infant daughter. Yet Kiera, Lady Darby, is still known by her detested first husband’s title—a courtesy extended by society that she would much rather forgo in favor of being plain Mrs. Gage.

On this occasion, Gage has received word that his father has been attacked and left for dead on the Great North Road. Despite years of neglect and mistreatment, Gage rushes to his father’s side, bringing his family with him. After discovering his father alive, if not well, Gage and Kiera set out to discover who attacked him and why, but they have to contend with both the victim’s refusal to share all he knows and resistance from the locals, who are determined to protect a group of highwaymen (or is it a group of smugglers?) whom they believe to be the nineteenth-century equivalent of Robin Hood.

As always in these mysteries, the setting comes vividly to life, the problems unknot themselves in satisfying but not always predictable ways, and the characters slowly move toward greater understanding of themselves and others. If you haven’t encountered Kiera and Gage before, you should certainly seek out their adventures. But do yourself a favor and start with book 1, “The Anatomist’s Wife.” Although you CAN tackle the books in any order, you will enjoy them more if you read them as I did, from start to finish.

I plan to interview this author for the New Books Network (link below) closer to the release date.