A Brush with Shadows
Dollycas’s ThoughtsI have been anxiously awaiting this book after the little teaser the author left us with at the end of As Death Draws Near, but it was definitely worth the wait.
Gage takes Kiera to his home, Langstone Manor. A place he hasn’t been since his mother’s death 15 years ago. His grandfather has summoned him to get there as fast as possible but the trip from Ireland took a little time. They arrive to find the Viscount Tavistock, deathly ill and his heir, Gage’s cousin, Alfred missing. Not sure if has been injured or killed out on the moors, or if he has been kidnapped, or just took off all on his own, his grandfather demands Gage find him. Then Alfred’s brother Rory disappears too. Gage and Kiera step up their investigation to find both men. Could their disappearance have something to do with the past? It is said, Langstone Manor is cursed. Gage vows to find the men and the truth.
Another fantastic story from Anna Lee Huber. The cover of this book is breathtaking too.
Ms. Huber returns with Kiera and Gage and the servants Bree and Anderley in a story so well written filled with vivid imagery. It is so easy to imagine being in the dark and dim castle or out on the moors or on horseback through the countryside.
Gage himself has been a mystery so I truly enjoyed learning about his past and what shaped him into the man he is now. All of Ms. Huber’s stories are very character driven and to peel away some of Gage’s layers was delightful.
Kiera is a little nervous to meet Gage’s relatives, but over the years she has learned to cope with those who judge her by her past. She quickly takes every opportunity to spend time with the Viscount. Even sitting at his bedside with her sketchbook while he slumbers to give the servants a break.
Gage and Kiera are a wonderful couple, they love and trust each other and are equals, something very strange for this time period.
Searching for the missing cousins takes our lead characters visiting neighbors and Bree and Anderley trying to get information from the staff. The author draws readers into the mystery quickly. Searching the vastness of the moors seems impossible, so it was important to look for other clues. Clues at first that were confusing to me as much as Gage and Keira. The twist that revealed what was really happening absolutely shocked me. Wow! I didn’t see that coming at all.
Anna Lee Huber is an amazing storyteller. She paints pictures with her words that allow readers to escape fully into her stories. She continues to surpass my expectations. The plotlines are tight, the dialogue is stellar, and her characters leap off the pages.
Each story stands on its own, but the Lady Darby mysteries are best enjoyed from the beginning to witness the character development and world building.
This book received my Paradise Rating because it deserves more than 5 stars. The is a book not to be missed.
