As an Irish American whose relatives left Ireland during the period in which this book is set, I was a little nervous about starting this story. I should have known that Anna Lee Huber‘s meticulous research and attention to detail would result in fair treatment of this period. Despite our heroine and her husband being loyal, British subjects who served their country during WW1, the historical aspects of this story are presented with unflinching clarity (meaning: the British aren't the heroes here).

Verity and Sydney spend a summer in Dublin with a few investigations in mind. First, they want to find Verity’s former colleague, Alec, who has stopped communicating with his government handler. Second, they continue to search for poison gas that their nemesis, Lord Ardmore, stole (they've been chasing the canisters for a few books now). Third, a local government official asks them to look into the assault of another official’s daughter. As usual, the threads of the different cases become entwined at points. By the end of the story, two of the three investigations are concluded.

As usual, there’s an incredible amount of detail conveyed through Verity’s narration. I imagine that someone unfamiliar with the history of Ireland could feel a little overwhelmed by all this information. I appreciated all the detail and learned quite a bit myself!

Verity did a significant portion of the sleuthing alone, but we still got all the sweet scenes of a couple in love along the way.

I adore this series!

4.5

Finishing this book has given me confidence of my convictions that I should very mildly spoil the story by telling you that this book is largely not about Lord Ardmore and the phosgene cylinders. I impart this not to ruin your reading, but to allay the fears for many, like me, and including my own mother, who are getting fed up with that storyline and such an elusive evil man, that we entertain, at least in theory, abandoning our journey with Verity Kent.

Rather, this book was a gripping ride inside the chaos and heartache that was Ireland in 1920 and, especially, a few years prior and past.

I remember, as late as the late 90s, having to be vigilant in watching for potential nail bombs from the IRA. I can’t imagine the layers that occurred during the quest for independence, a time when there should be a reprieve between the gruesome war to end all wars and worldwide pandemic and the eventual financial collapse and rise of institutional fascism (because there’s always fascism in general).

This was a gripping book and even though it felt like I wasn’t moving quickly, I was still gripped and then it was moving too quickly. Even when things turned to the topics less in my sphere of immediate interest, I was pleasantly surprised of things that came after. This is one where, even if you know how things turn out and what horror lies ahead in real life, this story is woven in the unknown tales and people, so you still don’t know how things will end. My only real critique is that my advanced copy at least, it did not have an Author’s Note, which is what I really look forward to when it’s a book that relies on such an amazing piece of history that I know the author would have painstakingly researched (or her team did, according to the acknowledgments) and, therefore the story is likely to be based largely on facts. Some things of course, don’t make sense, but Verity and Sydney are bigger than life and her talent is unmatched for the most part, so maybe it’s all possible in Huber’s world.

Obviously, Verity’s proximity and relationships to real important figures is made up, but, if you’ve been on the ride with them thus far, even if you didn’t know if you could keep going with that whole Ardmore thing, you could see it being the case. Some things are very heartbreaking to find out, but just when you think you’ve been shown the truth and abandoned, you get another chance to make peace. Can I be any more vague than this? Of course I could, but this is long enough.

The fact is, that I was gripped and it’s been a while since I felt that. I can’t even remember what the last couple of Verity Kent books were about, other than some continued villain eluding them at every turn. Not that this is without, but at least the ride is gripping and chock full of mysteries and mayhem. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Anna Lee Huber for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Verity and Sydney follow Alec to Ireland to discover what happened to him after going missing. Ireland is a powder keg with various warring factions sowing chaos on the streets and Verity struggles throughout the book to decide who she thinks should win. She must adopt disguises, deal with untrustworthy servants, design escape routes from her home, mix with both the British aristocracy and Irish workers to gain information to find Alec, and also look into the death of a young woman. Verity is never pleased with the information she discovers which leads her to distrust those she has trusted, doubt the government she has sworn allegiance to, balance her relationship with her husband, and maintain their safety. This book includes a LOT of Ireland’s history with Britain and fighting for its independence. While interesting, I sometimes got lost in the descriptions of events and people named, trying to get back to the plotline. The ending did not leave me feeling relieved in any way, only worried about what will occur to the characters in the next book.

Verity and her husband Sidney have temporarily moved to Ireland to look for her former partner from her spy days. Additionally they are looking for some dangerous weapons which may be in the hands of the rebels. Frustrated by their lack of progress as well as their observations on the British treatment of the Irish, they still continue to stay. A great story filled with history of the Irish uprising. Not to be missed!

As a reader it was hard work to find and follow the narrative. I appreciate the research and the historical background but I still want to enjoy reading a novel. Too much information.

Wow! This one is different. Verity and Sidney are flung into another investigation smack in the middle of the War for Irish Independence. They both feel out of their depth, but they are sent to Dublin to track down the missing Alec and foil another plot fabricated by the treacherous Lord Ardmore. 

The Cold Light Of Day was filled with more questions than answers. In some instances, I felt like I could grasp what was going to happen next or who did what, but Huber would then throw me a curve ball. But this is not to say it wasn't enjoyable! I read the book in two sittings and was basically teary-eyed at the end because of the plot's shock factor. I feel like you peel back a new layer to Verity and Sidney in this one too. I believe Huber is switching the series up and going to take it in a new direction and to greater heights.

I would like to thank the publisher for an advanced copy. I have been following this series for a while and this is another great read from this author! She leaves the reader wanting more and the story is very well written!