If you're looking for a well researched historical novel, you can't go wrong with any of the novels of Anna Lee Huber! I've been reading her since her first novel and can't wait when a new novel is expected. This one is no exception. An intriguing continuing story, as well as other 'need to solve' mysteries that come together as the story moves forward.

Heading to Dublin to try to find an agent that was tasked to infiltrate the IRA, and is now incommunicado, of course looking for their enemy and the gas canisters that went missing.. Then a third mystery also lands in their lap, they're asked to find the person who assaulted the daughter of a government official.

This is such a great read. I'm a fan of Verity and Sydney and their adventures!

This can be read as a standalone, but the background in the earlier works just add to the enjoyment of this newest book in this series.

I have been following the exploits and relationship of Sidney and Verity since Huber began the series with This Side of Murder. She has mastered the art of storytelling with interesting characters, plots, relationships and an historical period. In my opinion, The Cold Light of the Day is the best entry yet (though readers may want to read the series from the beginning, especially the first book which sets the scene for the main characters).

In The Cold Light of Day, Sidney and Verity are in Dublin at an important historical juncture. It is the time of such notable figures as Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins, among others. Our protagonists are thrown right into the intrigue as they attempt to spy on both sides in the conflict. It is a real strength of the author's that the history is clearly explained and easy to follow.

A spy/colleague/important person to Verity has been sent to Dublin to infiltrate those seeking Irish independence. He has not been heard from in some time. Will Verity and Sidney be able to locate him? Is he even still alive?

Finding out about Alec is just one of the many situations in which Verity is involved. Readers will turn the pages wanting to know how each storyline plays out. Then, like me, they may be sad to know that it will be at least a year before meeting up with Verity and Sidney again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this title and recommend it highly.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Cold Light of Day (Verity Kent #7) by Anna Lee Huber is another captivating addition to the series, blending post-WWI intrigue with emotional depth. Verity continues to be a sharp and resilient protagonist, navigating both personal challenges and a gripping mystery. Huber’s attention to historical detail and suspenseful plot keeps the pages turning.

In #7 in this series Verity and Sidney are in Dublin at a very dangerous time in Ireland's history. Verity is there because C has asked her to check up on Alec as they have lost contact with him. As well Verity and Sidney have in mind their cause of finding Lord Ardmore and more importantly the phosgene he has stolen. A dangerous gas that could do untold damage.

Anna Lee Huber does an amazing job of portraying Ireland as it struggles to cast off the shackles of British Rule. Everywhere there is danger, at times it's hard to know who is working for the British and who is on the side of the Irish people. Added to all this the pair - our heroine and hero - have been asked by Lord French to look into the attack on the  daughter  of Lord Kavanaugh. Supposedly this happened by the hand of the IRA - but was it.

So Verity and Sidney have three mysteries to follow up on, plus stay alive and out of trouble. The plot moves along at a good clip and it is always gripping and interesting. There are many details about the uprising that were sometimes difficult to keep my head sorted on. However it was very worthwhile and seems to capture the essence of the time.

Will I read #8. Well really I need it now, because there is so much more of this story to be told.

This book is the seventh book in the series and another great one. The research is always well done and in this case covers some quite sensitive issues. The characters are as great as ever as is the mystery. The only draw back for me was this one was a little slow paced and took time to grab my interest but once it did it was great as are all the others. However just to be transparent Lady Derby is my favourite series by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Cold Light of Day by Anna Lee Huber
Rating: 5/5 Stars

As always, Huber delivers with this next installment of the Kents. The Cold Light of Day is excellent and has left me wanting the next book even more.

I always have a difficult time reviewing mysteries because so much about enjoying a mystery book for me is about the plot of the mystery itself and I never want to give too much away. What I will say is that I find the pacing of Huber’s books in this series to always be excellent. The plot if fleshed out enough that it never feels something was missing or underdeveloped, but the story is still moving quickly enough to make you want to keep reading. Like the other books in the Verity Kent series, I read this one very quickly.

Maybe a given for those seeking a mystery set nearly a century ago, but the historical aspects of this series, especially in this specific book, really add to the story. I very much enjoyed the Irish aspect of this story.

One of the things I’m always impressed by with authors like this is their ability to create a story that, while best enjoyed if you’ve read the first 6 books in the series, you could start with this one having never read the others. But I’m not suggesting readers should do that. While the author does her best to provide brief context through Verity’s thoughts, you will enjoy and follow this wonderful story much more if you read the other books in the series first (I reread the previous book before really delving into this one because it had been such a long time since I read that one and I couldn’t remember where the story had left off. I’m so glad I did, it made reading this one even better!)

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. It has been about two years since the prior entry in this series, but I'm happy to report that this story was definitely worth the wait. At the end of the prior book, Verity received a letter from her former partner in espionage during WWI, Alec, that she was not to come after him in Ireland were something to happen to him while she was undercover. As you can guess, Alec goes missing, and Verity cannot just let his disappearance go uninvestigated so she and her husband, Sydney, travel to Dublin. This book is set in 1920, and although home rule was passed for Ireland, several years before, it had not been put in place yet. Verity is surprised by the state of Dublin and Ireland, where the IRA and British government are engaged in a violent and bloody series of engagements with civilians stuck in the middle. In addition to trying to find Alec even though it appears he doesn't want to be found, she is asked to help figure out who was responsible for an attack on a young woman who later killed herself.

I found the history in this book to be super interesting since I knew very little about Ireland and fight with the British during this time other than it was bloody. Ms. Huber is able to find a balance between including enough and interesting information and bogging down the story with too much that it takes the reader out of the mystery. I really liked both mysteries and thought they were equally compelling and well done. I just saw that the author said this book is essentially book 1 of a trilogy that will be set/featuring Ireland in this series, so I'm very excited to learn more about both the period and continuing to follow Verity and Sydney's adventures.

June 1920, Verity and Sidney are in Ireland at C's request, searching for Verity's friend and fellow wartime spy Captain Alec Xavier who has disappeared while trying to infiltrate the IRA. Tensions are mounting in Dublin as much of the populace sympathises with Sinn Fein and is actively resisting the English rule. Everyone suspects wartime hero Sidney is there in some military capacity and Verity hopes her presence will be overlooked as she frequents (in disguise) the various bars and hotels that Alec told his handler were frequented by the enigmatic Michael Collins.

Luckily, the Kents have the perfect smoke-screen for their investigations, the Viceroy has asked them to investigate the assault and subsequent suicide of the daughter of a prominent barrister, Miss Kavanagh. And of course, they are still hunting for those blasted missing gas canisters.

Verity and Sidney might love King and country, but they are not blind to the criminal mismanagement during the Great War which resulted in many more dead., and their eyes are opened wider during their stay in Dublin where English troops are practically being allowed carte blanche to terrorise the population in retaliation for the IRA's murder squads killing policemen. Walking about Dublin the Kents see the harassment and brutality first hand, so when they discover that Alec is not a spy, but now has become a member of the IRA they are shocked but not surprised.

I appear to be in the minority on NetGalley, I found this book difficult to get through. Anna Lee Huber has clearly done a lot of detailed historical research on the fight for independence in Ireland. Unfortunately, for me this research was regurgitated as a history lesson which overshadowed the story. I learned a lot about what happened, but the story got lost in translation so to speak. I've seen this before, in the previous book A Certain Darkness and I fear Verity is turning into another Maisie Dobbs who eventually became involved in what seemed like every historical incident after WW1. Do you know what, I actually welcomed the appearance of the dastardly Lord Ardmore!!

Also, Verity is very self-satisfied, accepting everyone will look at her because she's so beautiful, bleurgh.

This sort of ends on a cliffhanger, with Verity and Sidney solving the mystery of what happened to Miss Kavanagh but resolving to stay in Ireland. I do wonder whether Alec will eventually turn out to be a double agent.

Overall, a fascinating glimpse into a tumultuous time where people did unspeakable things but it needed to be a more subtle backdrop to the plot for me.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Irish question!

Sidney and Verity are secretly sent to Dublin to find out what’s happened to Captain Alec Xavier.
On their own cognizance they’re pursuing news of Lord Ardmore and the stolen cylinders of phosgene, a deadly poisonous gas.
They’re appalled at the situation in Ireland and the British Governments policy of coercion, following the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act.
The Black and Tans are a disgrace. The intelligence community is slack and privileged.
Indeed they’re asked to investigate a scandal by the viceroy Lord French.
A young woman, Miss Kavanagh, of an aristocratic family had been attacked by the IRA in her back garden, her hair chopped off and left as an example for stepping out with a British Officer, a Lieutenant Delgrange. She was distraught by her parents’ attitude and committed suicide. That’s not the complete story and Verity’s anger builds as she and Sidney uncover the truth.
We leave them in Ireland contemplating the pursuit of Lord Ardmore, the Irish situation, and their future moves.
An exciting political thriller that reveals the passions of the time, grounded in a sympathetic reality. I really enjoyed this next step in the investigations of Verity and Sidney.

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

June 1920 & the streets of Dublin seethe with revolution as the Irish Republican Army clashes with British authorities. Roving assassination squads mean nowhere is truly safe, particularly for Verity Kent and her war hero husband, Sidney. Given their celebrity as society darlings and intrepid sleuths, they must tread carefully to go unnoticed nearly impossible when they are called upon to search for Verity’s fellow spy and friend. Captain Alec Xavier has seemingly vanished after traveling to Dublin to infiltrate the IRA at its highest levels. Still, Verity fears the worst for Alec, until the shocking evidence mounts that not only is he alive, but that he has switched sides.
The seventh book in the series & I think my favourite of the series so far, I just couldn’t put it down. Wonderful research, strong believable characters & a well paced story although not a fast paced story. I loved that the author showed both sides of the story. It’s not a book for the feint hearted as it deals with some sensitive issues. It took me on a plethora of emotions & at times left me reeling. Everything wasn’t resolved so I hope that’s the set up for the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

The Cold Light of Day is the 7th book in the phenomenal Verity Kent Mysteries series. I've read books 3 through 6, and all were 5 star. This one is a 4 for me, as it took a while to capture my interest. However, it is definitely not to be missed! This tale stands alone; but you'll want to catch up and see what you missed, because there's a LOT. Verity and Sidney Kent are some of the best characters I've had a chance to meet.

Verity Kent (who worked for British Intelligence during the Great War) and her war hero husband Sidney are in Dublin, Ireland in June 1920. It's an extremely dangerous time, as there's a revolution going on; the Irish Republican Army is fighting with British authorities. Roving assassination squads guarantee that nowhere is safe, which is especially hard on the Kents, being well-known society darlings. They are attempting to surreptitiously find Captain Alec Xavier, Verity's fellow spy and friend, who vanished after traveling to Dublin to infiltrate the IRA at its highest levels. Verity and Sidney are trying to stay under the radar, avoiding the IRA and British Intelligence as Verity goes undercover on the streets during the day and Sidney hobnobs with the elite, both searching for clues. Verity fears Alec has been killed, but she finds evidence that not only is he alive, but is believed to have switched sides! This throws the Kents totally off-kilter; they are disillusioned by the behavior of the British government, especially after they find out there's a conspiracy in Dublin Castle, where personal vendettas are being carried out and sanctioned by British Intelligence under the cover of the revolution. It's hard to distinguish between friend and foe, but they cannot turn a blind eye...especially when a dangerous enemy appears, bringing a threat too terrifying to imagine!

It is quite obvious that Ms. Huber has done her homework researching the Irish Revolution. Ireland wanted their independence, and the British didn't want to grant it; it was bloody and violent. The IRA had roving assassination squads, and the British were shooting into groups of people as well as carrying out vendettas. Real-life IRA leader Michael Collins appears here, which makes the story feel even more real. You will definitely want to do some research of your own after reading this book. Verity and Sidney are in the midst of the Revolution, trying to stay under the radar while they search for the whereabouts of Alec, who was a fellow spy of Verity's during the Great War. There was more than that, however; they became dear friends...and there was one intimate encounter when it was believed Sidney was dead. (I must give Sidney props; he handles it better than I would have!) Verity's traveling the streets during the day disguised as an Irish working girl, while Sidney spends time with the British aristocracy and leadership of Dublin, both looking for information on the whereabouts of Alec. The more time the Kents spent in Dublin, the more disillusioned that became with their own government. It was hard to see how the Irish were treated by the British, and though they responded with violence right back, their grievances were understandable. Verity was determined to find Alec - if he were still alive - and see if her friend had indeed changed sides. It was slow going for me for about the first half of the book, but then things really start to rev up and move. I think part of the problem were there were many characters on both sides of the fight, and I was having a bit trouble keeping everything straight as to who was on which side. It appears that Verity and Sidney are going to remain in Ireland for a bit longer, as the search for the missing phosgene (deadly gas) capsules continues. I wish I didn't have to wait to find out!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

4.5/5 stars

I simply love everything Huber writes. This series and her Lady Darby series run neck and neck in my top favorite historical mystery serials.

This story takes place in Dublin (1920) during the turbulent IRA/British clashes. Verity Kent and her husband Sidney are called upon by British intelligence to determine what's happened to their missing friend Alec Xavier, a spy who has infiltrated the top ranks of the IRA. They utilize their glamorous personas of society darlings and intrepid sleuths to uncover why Alec has gone silent...by his own volition or forced through other nefarious means. While Alec's story is the crux of the story, there is also quite a bit of time devoted to a sad and perplexing case of the supposed suicide of a young girl reported to have been targeted by the IRA...a heartbreaking sideline. Oh, and also, there is the return of Lord Ardmore, an arch nemesis who is always plotting dastardly deeds.

I enjoyed this outing more than usual because of the storyline around Alec, an enigmatic and irreverent character who has an interesting past and complicated present with Verity. My only hesitation in giving a full 5 stars is in the surprising about-face in a particular facet of the storyline. It seemed to come out of left field for me, and I struggled to reconcile all that I had gleaned from past books to what was occurring here. And I must say, I'm still a bit befuddled as to what direction that particular plot point is taking, but I'm along for the ride and knowing Huber as a writer, I'm sure she's working toward something exciting and satisfying for her readers.

I'm looking forward to Verity's next chapter, as it was hinted that there will be more to follow from their time in Ireland coming up.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing the free early arc of The Cold Light of Day for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Can I just say "WOW!" This is the best yet in a great historical series.
Verity and Sydney Kent are in Ireland looking for fellow agent Alec Xavier, who has missed several check-ins. They are to try to find if he alive or dead and if alive in need of rescue. While they are being entertained by the Lord lieutenant, he asks Verity to look into the suicide of a young woman after she was allegedly attacked by the IRA.
As Verity is sometimes out as herself and sometimes as "Dearbhla Bell" and Sydney discretely probes for information from the elite. Not knowing who, if anyone, can be trusted, including Alec, they find bits and pieces but none of it fits into what little they already know. If that is not enough, they find the right hand man of their old enemy, Lord Ardmore, who they know stole poison gas containers and sent them to Ireland.
As always, Verity and Sydney manage to find answers, no matter the cost. But their faith in their own government is severely shaken by the callous treatment of the Irish people and the poor management of their own forces as they try to put down the rebellion caused by not allowing the Home Rule that was promised before "The War".
I was amazed by the history of the conflict in Ireland that was STILL going on when I was a child. I can see how Verity and Sydney have a hard time with reconciling their loyalty to their country and their compassion for the people caught in the middle on both sides of the conflict.
This is a wonderful book that you totally forget that you are not in 1920s Ireland and come back to earth with a thump when it ends.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

The story was fascinating from several viewpoints. We have Ireland 1920, simmering like a cauldron ready to explode. The IRA and Sinn Fein at loggerheads with the British government who on the outside seem to be like ostriches burrowing their heads in the sand, totally oblivious to the ground situation and the carnage and loss of life on both sides as well as the slow but steady destruction of the Irish economy.

Then we have Verity Kent spy extraordinaire and Sydney her supportive husband. They are there to check on Alex, missing for months, feared dead. Verity wants to verify the facts first hand but she is in dangerous territory, as her presence is looked at with suspicion by the British powers that be in Dublin. Who is a loyal subject and who has switched allegiances in this tension packed country is hard to gauge.

Whilst the couple follow up on leads to check on Alex they also get involved in an enquiry regarding a girls attack and subsequent death. Many of the facts don’t add up but no one is willing to listen or take action when facts are presented. The end of their search was an eye opener for verity and Sydney but at least their job was successfully completed.

Fabulous historical detail, giving the stories on both sides in meticulous detail.

This series keeps getting better and better. I found The Cold light of Day hard to put down with the tension thick and the suspense heavy with Verity and Sidney in Ireland during the Irish revolution. They are trying to track down their friend Alec who has disappeared and they are also on a search for phosgene cylinders that their nemesis Lord Ardmore sent to Ireland. Verity is back undercover to try to find Alec but there are fears and rumors that she might not find him. They are also tasked to look into the death of a young woman, but the girl's parents and beau are discouraging their investigation. There is so much fighting going on and so many people who might not be who they seem or whose side they are on in the uprising. It is really a war zone and the side to choose may be a little blurred as the two are there to witness all going on. A tragic time. Once more the author does a wonderful job of telling a story rich with history and bringing it to a personal level. But the story is to be continued as more layers are unraveled and secrets revealed. Not to be missed for those who are invested in this great series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

I have really enjoyed this series. Verity and Sidney have been through some challenges both individually and as a couple. While there was a lot of uncertainty at the beginning they are really feeling like a solid couple. Sidney is aware of Verity's experience and listens and trusts her input. While he is not a big fan of her putting herself in danger he trusts her to do it.

In this mystery things are turned a bit on their ear as Verity and Sidney are in Ireland to look for an old friend. 1920 is not the best time to be in Ireland as there is political unrest in every corner and it is impossible to know who to trust. For once, Verity and Sidney's celebrity isn't an asset and at times works against them.

The mystery is a good one set during events I'm not the most familiar with in detail. I love the 1920s time period and would love to be able to see Verity's wardrobe! Having Verity and Sidney not be the golden children was a nice turn of events and it was fun watching them having to adapt. I'm already looking forward to the next book and am looking forward to seeing more of this series.

I like this series. I like the historical information that it gives. The mystery kept me guessing. I like the characters and the setting.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've enjoyed the Verity Kent series from the beginning, but I think this time Ms Huber has outdone herself. A very even handed portrayal of the conflict in Ireland in the early 20th century, as Ireland became more strident in seeking home rule.

This was a gut-wrenching, breath-holding, rollercoaster ride of a story set in Dublin, Ireland in 1920. In most books, we see one side as good and the other as bad. However, this author presented a very realistic picture of the struggles of both sides where neither was all good nor all bad. This author’s impeccable research and even-handed treatment of the time the story was set made the reader feel as though they were walking down those fearful streets not knowing where an attack might happen.

At the end of the last book, Verity’s friend Alec is sent to Ireland to infiltrate the Irish rebels. This book begins with Verity and Sydney being sent to Ireland to find Alec because he has disappeared and hasn’t reported to any of his fail-safe locations. His handler thinks Alec has become a traitor and is now working for the other side.

Verity is very frightened for Alec because she knows how dangerous the Irish rebels can be. Yet, when they arrive, the city – and country – are in turmoil. It is almost war on the streets and Verity and Sydney have no idea where to begin looking – especially as she doesn’t believe his handler is trustworthy. It appears there is no one to trust except each other. How will they ever find Alec or at least discover what happened to him? Has Alec survived and is hiding somewhere? Has he been murdered or imprisoned?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written, exciting story. While it is slower-paced than some of the previous books, it still pulls you into the story and won’t let you go. You feel the fear and anxiety on the streets as well as the exasperation the citizens feel at the government. This author deals with it all very sensitively, but I will mention that the book deals with some fearful and sensitive subjects – so just be mindful.

There is a nice set-up for the next book – or at least it appeared that way. The phosgene cylinders are still missing and are believed to be in Dublin and Ardmore is also there. Therefore, I assume the next book will also be set in Ireland and I can hardly wait to read it.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Remarkable heroine Verity Kent must follow the leads of a dangerous investigation that will pull her into a conspiracy spilling dangerously out onto the streets of Interwar Dublin, Ireland in the next installment of this highly acclaimed series.

June 1920, Ireland: The streets of Dublin seethe with revolution as the Irish Republican Army clashes with British authorities. Roving assassination squads mean nowhere is truly safe, particularly for Verity Kent and her war hero husband, Sidney. Given their celebrity as society darlings and intrepid sleuths, they must tread carefully to go unnoticed - nearly impossible when they are called upon to search for Verity's fellow spy and friend...

Captain Alec Xavier has seemingly vanished after traveling to Dublin to infiltrate the IRA at its highest levels. Doing her best to maintain a modicum of normalcy and stay under the radar of both the rebels and British Intelligence, Verity works undercover by day and waltzes through the city's elite social scene by night. Still, she fears the worst for Alec - until shocking evidence mounts that not only is he alive, but that he has switched sides...

Already disillusioned with the British government, the news leaves Verity and Sidney reeling. Worse, they learn of a conspiracy within Dublin Castle, where personal vendettas are being carried out and sanctioned by British Intelligence under the cover of revolution. With the distinction between friend and foe never more blurred - or the margin for error narrower - Verity and Sidney cannot turn a blind eye. Especially when a familiar adversary appears, bringing a threat almost too terrifying to confront - even in the cold light of day..."

It's always important to hold those nearest you accountable.