Review: A Perilous Perspective by Anna Lee Huber

A Perilous Perspective (Lady Darby Mysteries, Book #10)

by Anna Lee Huber

Release Date: April 19, 2022

2022 Berkley

Kindle & Audiobook Editions; 387 Pages

ISBN: 978-0593198469

ASIN:B098PWRX1V

Audiobook: B09V6YY21K

Genre: Fiction / Historical / Mystery

Source: Review copy from publisher

4.25 / 5 Stars

Summary

Argyll, Scotland. July 1832. After a trying few months in Edinburgh, Kiera and her husband and investigative partner, Sebastian Gage, are eager to escape to the Highlands with their three-month-old child.

But when Kiera is invited to peruse Barbreck’s extensive art collection, she is disturbed to discover that one of his most priceless paintings seems to be a forgery.

Matters turn more ominous when a maid from a neighboring estate is found murdered where the forged painting hangs. Is her death connected to the forgeries, perhaps a grisly warning of what awaits those who dare to probe deeper? 

 

My thoughts

A Perilous Perspective is the next entry in the Lady Darby Mystery series, and I am always excited when I learn a new book is about to be released as I have enjoyed every book. Following Kiera's journey throughout the years has been an absolute delight, and this book continues to amaze with strong character development and an interesting mystery.

 

The relationship between Kiera and Gage continues to develop in this book, and I love the addition of Emma, their daughter, as it certainly adds a new dimension to both their personal and working relationship.  As inquiry agents, they have often put themselves in danger more than once, but with Emma now in the picture, I enjoyed the discussions about the risks that that entailed.  Kiera still wants to investigate, but now has to think about more than just herself; it certainly puts a new perspective on things and I enjoyed the discussions around that topic.  The author definitely managed to convey the feelings a new mother would feel about her child as well as the anxiety and fear that makes one think twice about one's actions.  

 

The author definitely pays attention to character development without sacrificing plot development so I was happy to learn a lot more about Kiera's mother in this book.  Her story was worked into the plot quite well, even if it left Kiera quite unsettled, adding an extra layer of depth to Kiera's past..  Children always tend to view their parents in a certain light so I always like it when an author can twist all of that and reveal parents as flawed, who make mistakes, who love deeply, and are maybe sometimes quite different than who they thought they were.  I actually find it fascinating, and can admire an author who can do that well, with compassion and understanding, as characters struggle to see people in a new way.

The plot was quite interesting, and considering this is book ten, you would think the author would be running out of ideas, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.  Focusing on Kiera's knowledge of art and the way her education would be viewed by others during this time period was quite fascinating, with constant criticism from others who doubt a woman would have such knowledge.  And when there is a murder in the house, Kiera again has to use her medical knowledge to try to help.  While it's not blatant, the author is quite good at showing subtle skepticism which is one of the reasons I love her books as it makes you think about the time period and how women were perceived.  The investigation itself was quite methodical, which I enjoyed, but it's the characters that really make this book interesting.

Verdict

A Perilous Perspective is a great addition to the Lady Darby Mystery series.  With an interesting, methodical investigation and a host of fascinating characters, plus a setting that I loved, this book had everything I come to expect from this series.  There were new revelations about Kiera's past as well as a new daughter to enjoy, and everything linked together nicely to a satisfying conclusion.  However, the whirlwind ending did set up the next book, A Fatal Illusion (April 1st, 2023), for some interesting twists and turns to come, and I can't wait.