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.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Anna Lee Huber for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Cold Light of Day coming out September 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read two books in this series, so I need to read the others. But I was really excited to check this book out. I love Verity’s character. I think she’s very intelligent and strong. I love the setting in Ireland in 1920. Obviously there was a lot of war and revolution going on during this time. There were a lot of hardships, but I definitely think it’s important to learn about it. I think a lot of research went into this book. I love Verity and Sidney’s relationship. I definitely want to read more books in this series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about the Irish Revolution!

This was a tense mystery as Verity Kent and her husband, Sidney, travel to Dublin to search for her friend and former spy companion, Alec Xavier. It’s the midst of the Irish rebellion after WWI. The British society there seems to be living on top of a powder keg and don’t really recognize why the Irish want their independence. As Verity and Sidney search for Alec who was sent there to spy on Michael Collins, and has now disappeared, it’s not clear whom they can trust. Terrorist events are happening regularly and the whole city is tense and suspicious of this English couple who don’t appear to have any reason to be in this stressful situation.

I suspect, from the way the book ended, that there will be a second book in Ireland as the revolution continues.

I really felt drawn into this story. It was painful to visit a detailed look at what life was like in 1920 Ireland. I’m familiar with the history, but a novel like this really brings it home.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review

This is a very heavy book. Heavy subject matter and tons of historical and political backstory. Which is all very helpful when the history is largely unknown to the audience (me), but then it also slowed the pace of the book. It took me longer than usual to get into the rhythm of a Verity Kent mystery. Turns out Verity and Sidney are working on three mysteries (one new and two over-arching), and one remains unsolved which carries us through to the next book. I’m definitely sticking with Verity, but remaining in Ireland during this time period just makes me sad.

Ireland, espionage, double-agents, double-cross, secrets, lies equals unputdownable! Action-packed entry by Anna Lee Huber in her Verity Kent series. I love this series and hope it goes on for a long time.

This book was almost as difficult to read as Verity and Sidney's mission in Dublin was complicated. By that, I mean the information and knowledge acquired about the British treatment of the Irish was even more painful in the details. It makes you want to go back in time and root for Guy Fawkes! Verity and Sidney have each others' backs even as they try to figure out where they stand in this nasty non-war. I can't wait for the next installment!

I would recommend this to book clubs if I was a public librarian, but I'm not! This is another interesting and well-researched installment in Huber's historical mystery series. I must admit I am beginning to wonder if the recurring villain will ever be brought to justice, but I suppose the upside is that we're promised more of Verity's adventures in the future.