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Lady Darby Mysteries #12

A Deceptive Composition

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Lady Kiera Darby and her dashing husband, Sebastian Gage, hope they’ve finally found peace after a tumultuous summer, but long-buried family secrets soon threaten to unravel their lives . . .
October 1832. Kiera is enjoying the slower pace of the English countryside. She, Sebastian, and their infant daughter have accompanied her father-in-law, Lord Gage, home so that he can recuperate from the injuries he sustained in a foiled attempt on his life. But as the chill of autumn sweeps across the land, they receive a summons from an unexpected quarter. Lord Gage’s estranged uncle—a member of the notorious Roscarrock family—has been murdered, and his family is desperate for answers. Despite Lord Gage’s protests, Kiera and Sebastian press on to Cornwall to assist.
It isn’t long before they discover that almost nothing is as it seems among the Roscarrocks, and they’ve been lured to their isolated cove under false pretenses. There are whispers of a lost treasure and frightening allusions to a series of murders stretching back decades that touch the lives of the family personally. Kiera and Sebastian are left with no choice but to uncover the truth before the secrets of the past threaten to destroy them all.

374 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2024

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About the author

Anna Lee Huber

29 books3,649 followers
Anna Lee Huber is the USA Today bestselling and Daphne award-winning author of the Lady Darby Mysteries, the Verity Kent Mysteries, the Gothic Myths series, as well as Sisters of Fortune: A Novel of the Titanic and the anthology The Deadly Hours. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she majored in music and minored in psychology. She currently resides in Indiana with her family and is hard at work on her next novel. Visit her online at www.annaleehuber.com.

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5 stars
1,020 (37%)
4 stars
1,215 (44%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
Profile Image for Linden.
2,077 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2024
It's 1832, and Lord Gage receives a surprising missive from an estranged relative requesting that he come to his old home in Cornwall and investigate a suspicious death. He sets off with Kiera, Emma, and Sebastian to provide investigative skills. But nothing is as it seems with the notorious Roscarrocks. Is this uncle even really dead, or did the relatives lure Lord Gage and his family to their compound for some other reason? Kidnapping, murder, smuggling--some in the past and some in the present-- many secrets are about to be revealed. This excellently researched historical novel can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading them in sequence. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,251 reviews919 followers
July 18, 2024
4.5 Stars

A Deceptive Composition is book twelve in a series best read in order.

Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father, receives an urgent request to come home when his uncle is found dead and his great aunt suspects murder. Lord Gage has been estranged from his family since a scuffle with the law led to tragedy for him and his best friend at the tender age of eleven. A tragedy that could’ve been avoided had his family not sent him out in peril!

It’s obvious from the start no one is being straight with Kiera, Gage and his father, exasperating them all! Lord Gage’s family were something else, and not in a good way. Getting the history of what happened to Lord Gage at eleven and getting acquainted with his family as they tried to find the truth shed a new light on Lord Gage, making it easier to understand his gruff and cruel behavior in the past. I’ve been enraged by his behavior more than a few times over the course of the series, but I had a softening towards him after all was revealed.

My heart was in my throat by the end with the danger a few of the characters faced in the final scenes! I wonder how this will affect how Kiera and Gage investigate in the future. It certainly would give me pause. This installment wrapped up abruptly after that intense standoff. Kiera’s last words whet my appetite for the next story!

I’ve loved this series from the beginning and recommend it to anyone who enjoys well written historical mysteries with a bit of romance! The audios with Heather Wilds performing are excellent!

A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeannine.
1,032 reviews75 followers
June 30, 2024
How does Anna Lee Huber do it? This is the second of three books we’re getting from her this year. Her signature detail and meticulous researches this twisty mystery a roller coaster ride.

Kiera, Sebastian, and co are accompanying Sebastian’s father to Cornwall after a letter from his aunt claims there’s been a murder in the family. Lord Sebastian’s redemption arc continues and I can’t believe I actually like him now. Maybe it’s his sweetness with baby Emma or willingness to open up a little bit that has affected me.

No spoilers, but Cornwall is such a great setting and it is conveyed beautifully.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books397 followers
July 12, 2024
The harsh and beautiful Cornish coast and estranged family with a dark past are the setting for the lastest Lady Darby mystery. And, as in the past, Anna Lee Huber can captivate her reader with a mysterious, dangerous plot and make one feel the characters with their personal secrets, motives, and emotions so one is reluctant to set the book aside. A Deceptive Composition brings Kiera and Gage into contact with smuggling and shipwrecked treasure and a family with a dark legacy with plenty of motives to see off the family patriarch.

A Deceptive Composition is the twelfth installment in the brilliant, atmospheric early Victorian era mystery series that is best when read in order. Kiera has arrived at the point where she is come into her own and really starting to shed the darkness of her past- wife, mother, artist, and detecting partner with her husband. Being socially awkward, an abuse survivor, and unwanted skill with anatomist work are elements that make her sensitive, inwardly strong, and observant. These hold her in good stead now that she and Gage are accompanying his stubborn and sometimes temperamental father back to a place he never planned to return- his mother’s people on the Cornish coast.

The family and the neighborhood are secretive and no one is entirely trustworthy. The past feels very present with history of smuggling and wrecking and hints at a lost treasure though they are unsure if this has baring on their investigation. The investigation paces out slow, but stead introducing people, few facts, and lots of surmise. This was one I cottoned to and in its entirety around the half-way point. That said, the suspense didn’t diminish and there was a grand danger climax scene.

All in all, I was satisfied to be back in the historically well-drawn world with Kiera and Sebastian on the trail of murder. Those who want strong character and relationship development, vivid backdrops and arresting historical mystery need to delve into the Lady Darby series.


My full review will post at The Quill Ink 6.20.24

Buddy Read with Lark at The Bookwyrm's Hoard
Profile Image for Filipa.
1,856 reviews306 followers
March 11, 2025
I enjoyed this volume because we got to continue to unravel Lord Gage's past and better understand why he is the way he is. Finally, we discover he's a normal human being and not a beast. Have to question myself though where is this series going, if there's more to discover or will it be more of the same from now on. Let's see what the next volume brings.
450 reviews
June 30, 2024
More like a 3.5, but I will admit that I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as some of the others in this series.
1,142 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2024
While Kiera and Gage are spending time in the English countryside at the home of Lord Gage, Sebastian's father, a letter arrives asking Lord Gage to come to Cornwall to investigate the murder of his estranged uncle. Although reluctant to go because of his estrangement from his family at the age of 11, Kiera and Gage convince him to make the trip. They are hoping this will help Lord Gage face some traumatic events in his childhood that will put those bad memories to rest, as well as reestablish contact with his family. Little did they expect the danger the entire family would face as they all embark on this trip.

Huber brings alive the setting of Cornwall with its wild landscape and cultural myths and traditions. At a time when Gage and his father have been growing closer from events in the previous book, this trip could damage the progress they have made. Along with murder, smuggling and hints of lost treasure are involved, making this an exciting addition to this series.
Profile Image for Brittany.
1,321 reviews62 followers
March 23, 2025
4 stars

Always fun to be back in the Lady Darby world. This one takes us to Lord Gage's past, back where he grew up, his friend was killed, and he was shipped off to the navy from. As usual, nothing is what it seems and who, if anyone is telling the truth? I liked getting more of Lord Gage's past as it shows why he is the way he is. Plus we get to see how he wants to be better than those who raised him. His relationship with Kiera and Sebastian is evolving and its a beautiful thing to see. Also the lovely Cornish countryside was a great place to be immersed in.

The mystery was a good one. Some parts were rather obvious but that's typical as well. I am getting a bit tired of the drama between Andaly and Brie. I missed the supporting characters from previous books as this one was set away from the cities. The historical detail is so well done and I always feel like I am in the time period.

As always the narrator does a great job with the story. Recommend the series, just read them in order. Looking forward to getting my hands on the next one!
Profile Image for Staci.
2,263 reviews654 followers
June 21, 2024
Cornwall, England 1832

This series just doesn't get old and continues to delight.

In this 12th Lady Darby novel, Lord Gage, Sebastian Gage and Kiera Gage are asked to investigate the murder of an estranged relative. The atmosphere, scenery and people are brought to life in the pages as the murder solving trio tries to figure out who to trust and who is lying. So many twists in solving the mystery.

I love how smitten Lord Gage is with young Emma. So sweet.

I anxiously await the next in the series.

My gratitude to publisher Berkley for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Meredith Broadwell.
155 reviews
July 8, 2025
This one may be my new favorite (which is great, because I think #11 was my least). The mystery was satisfying, and the character growth (specifically Keira and Lord Gage) was mostly demonstrated instead of explained. The ending was not wrapped up in a neat little bow, which actually felt more believable to me (it wasn't sad, though).

One thing this author does that many mystery writers seem to miss is that the characters ACKNOWLEDGE that there are multiple possible explanations for an event/lie/clue. Instead of trying to do the Sherlock Holmes thing of knowing exactly what is being hidden. Only Sherlock Holmes can do that; it's why he's Sherlock Holmes (I will also give Hercule Poirot a pass here).

As always, I appreciated the historical note at the end.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,814 reviews39 followers
November 22, 2024
This book was excellent as always. This author never disappoints. This book involves the relatives that belong to Lord Gage, which he has not seen in years. Sebastian, Kiera, and their infant daughter are enjoying time with Sebastian’s father, Lord Gage when word reaches them that a possible murder has taken the life of a brother of his father’s. They leave to see how they can help, even though Lord Gage has not seen any of his relatives for years. They must decide if this could be an accident, or if the victim had help falling from a cliff to the rocks below. Almost from the beginning there is tension, and a foreboding atmosphere in the house. It was a very good mystery involving possible lost treasure, a gang of smugglers, and kidnappings. It kept my interest, but my husband is ill, so my time for the last few months has been divided. The ending was very exciting , and it was surprising just how many family members were involved in the death, and behind all the other mishaps, and bad deeds. I gave it five stars.
Profile Image for Mande.
73 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2024
Nice to see the developments with Lord Gage. I enjoyed the Cornwall setting. Kiera is really coming into her own!
948 reviews
June 13, 2025
lady Darby seems to have become fairly boring. How often in the book must she mention that she prefers to be called Mrs Gage over Lady Darby, and mention how very handsome (blonde hair! etc) her husband is.
891 reviews70 followers
August 25, 2025

My Rating: 4.5*

“You don’t know the world you’re about to step into. You don’t understand the people. The Cornish are a breed unto themselves.” (quote from the book)

It was good to be back in the world of Kiera and Sebastian Gage in this twelfth book of the Lady Darby series. Ms. Huber has again imbued her story with great historical and mythical depth…this time about Cornwall. For here is where her father-in-law, Lord Stephen Gage, has come from and in which he has not returned to in fifty years. But that is about to change, for he has received a letter from his aunt requesting his help in investigating the death of his Uncle Branok. It is Kiera and Sebastian who encourage him to go not only to investigate but to make peace with his past. Little do they know the quagmire of secrets and deceptions they are about to walk into.

“For it was clear, I was going to have to maintain a level head. If I’d learned anything over the course of our investigations, it was that even the most stoic of individuals could be overwhelmed and blinded by emotion. And stoic was not how I would describe my husband or his father.” (quote from the book)

More than just a level head will be needed to wade through the deceptions being thrown at them for nothing is as it seems. Anger, resentment, guilt and greed are all powerful emotions that steer this story to a climatic end - one that had me holding my breath.

I highly recommend this entire series, which I feel needs to be read in order to be able to appreciate the full depth and breadth of the characters and their full storylines. They are all interconnected and each book builds off the next. The only quibble I have is the storyline between Kiera’s maid, Bree, and Sebastian’s valet, Anderley. Resolution is needed between them before it becomes much more tedious.
Profile Image for Kate Baxter.
711 reviews51 followers
July 4, 2025
This is yet another delightful addition to Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby mystery series - set in Cornwall, England in the fall of 1832.

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!"

֎ from Marmion by Sir Walter Scott ֎

Kiera, Sebastien, and their precious infant Emma were enjoying a relaxing visit with Lord Gage at his country estate when a disturbing missive arrives in the post for Lord Gage. A flurry of emotions appears across his countenance. It's from his long-estranged Aunt Amelia informing him that his Uncle Branok has died. She suspects a touch of misadventure and would he please come to Cornwall to investigate. So off to Cornwall the entire family and their entourage of service staff embarks. Once they arrive, all does not appear above board. There's no body, no investigation, and all seems odd. Soon they are performing interviews, eager to put a swift end to this investigation, which, as it turns out, is not in the cards.

I have loved this series from the start with its smart writing and well-researched historical detail. This installment continues our glimpse into Kiera's foray into motherhood as she meets the demands of a six month old daughter. And what grandfather can resist the gurgling smiles of a precious grandchild and their bright eyes of wonder? Ms. Huber beautifully captures the delicate relationships among family members as well as those between servants and those being served. The writing is solid, tender, and often quite suspenseful as the tension builds through the story. If you enjoy an historical mystery with a small touch of chaste romance, then this might just be the series for you.

Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: June 18, 2024
Number of pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0593639412
Profile Image for Susan.
768 reviews77 followers
May 26, 2024
I found the newest addition to Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby mysteries to be riveting. What keeps me coming back to Ms. Huber's books is her gift for storytelling, her expert plot pacing, her attention to historical detail and the fantastic character arc throughout the series.

In their newest mystery, Kiera and Sebastien find they need to unsnarl a tangled web of deceit. They have accompanied Lord Gage to aid in his investigation of the mysterious death of an estranged relative. They find more questions than answers as they seek to uncover secrets that may be linked with those in the past. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Cornish coast, readers will find the folklore and tales of smugglers captivating.

Fans will not be disappointed in the intricate plot and the sharply etched characters. I love the fact that the author chooses to have her readers witness to Keira's inner monologue, as she makes observations of the various family dynamics in her father-in-law's extended family, seeking to uncover answers to the mysteries of the past and present.

With a few plot twists and danger lurking, readers will be enthralled by this newest addition to the series.

****I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Heather Moll.
Author 14 books164 followers
May 13, 2024
I’ve been eager for this one if only to see more of a less-querulous Lord Gage. A good edition to the series with all the historical touches we expect from this author.

There were many characters and family relationships to keep track of in this one. Lots of repeated phrases too. Enough to make me remark on them to myself as I read. Brace of candles. Blue-black hair. Emma is sweet. This is still great for fans the series, but I don’t know if the it would bring in a new readers. Since I’m a fan of the mysteries and Kiera and Gage, I’ll be eagerly back for the next book.

I received an arc from NetGalley
Profile Image for Gina.
2,062 reviews68 followers
September 12, 2024
This 12th book in the Lady Darby series is a good edition, overall, to the collection. We learn a lot more about Lord Gage, Sebastian's father, and his early family life and, as always, traipse along with Kiera and Gage as they solve a mystery. For as experienced an investigative couple as Kiera and Gage are, they made some huge TSTL blunders in this one. Also because they were in a completely new setting, there were so many new names/people to learn, and I had a very hard time keeping them straight without notes. Add to that many are called by more than one name depending on who is addressing them, i.e. Kiera is also Lady Darby and Mrs. Gage, making figuring out who everyone is tedious. Again, a good edition to the series but not one of my favorites.
Profile Image for Ashley | A Pair of Readers.
448 reviews27 followers
June 15, 2025
Interesting addition to the series. I like that we got more of Lord Gage's history and it has been fun to see his relationship with Kiera and Sebastian change over the last couple of books. At times, I felt like I wasn't quite sure I had a grasp on all the characters that appeared in this one, but the plot moved along quickly and I am intrigued to read Kiera's next adventure.
Profile Image for Sarah's Reading Nook.
476 reviews46 followers
July 16, 2024
I enjoyed this next installment in the Lady Darby series as she went with her husband, baby, and father-in-law to uncover a mystery in her father-in-law's estranged family. Anna Lee Huber does a great job with her characterizations and moving, plausible storyline.
Profile Image for Eileen Lynx.
913 reviews13 followers
June 29, 2024
I won this kindle edition in a goodreads giveaway. It was a very good story and I can’t wait until the next story in the series is published.
Profile Image for Abigail.
1,494 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2024
Oh my god, Lord Gage is actually not a complete monster! Nice change. And we’re in Cornwall with smugglers and many family secrets.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
339 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
Not my favorite Lady Darby. “A Deceptive Composition” did not showcase the keen sleuthing and character development that previous novels did.
1,384 reviews5 followers
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July 24, 2025
DNF @52%. I loved the other books in this series, but try as I might, I couldn’t get into this book at all. For me, it was so, so boring. I finally gave up. Too many other books to read.
668 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2025
Lord Gage’s family is at the center of this mystery in more ways than one leaving all of them in peril.
Profile Image for Sam Riner.
745 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2024
Family feuds, murder investigation turned deadly, a hidden treasure all combine to make another great addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews

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