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Verity Kent Mysteries #7
The Cold Light of Day
The latest novel in the action-packed historical mystery series featuring Verity Kent, fashionable former Secret Service agent turned intrepid sleuth and high-society darling on her next clandestine mission—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries. A treat for fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Susan Ella MacNeal.
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 . . .
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 . . .
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2024
474 people are currently reading
8844 people want to read
About the author
Anna Lee Huber
29 books3,669 followersAnna 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
July 24, 2025
A good story, but not one that I thought lived up to her past standards. I found some passages unnecessarily wordy which would cause me to momentarily lose interest.
September 18, 2024
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 received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
October 16, 2024
disappointing on many levels
What started out as an interesting book about Verity’s latest assignment turned into a deep dive slog into the Irish Revolution. Huber’s editor lost her way on this by allowing extraneous scenes and information that didn’t serve to really move the story forward. I found myself skipping whole paragraphs and sometimes whole pages and I didn’t miss anything. And the ending was very anticlimactic, although it leaves off to allow the next book to pick up exactly at this same spot with their original assignment still to accomplish. If the next one in the series follows this formula, sadly I think I’m done with the Verity Kent series.
What started out as an interesting book about Verity’s latest assignment turned into a deep dive slog into the Irish Revolution. Huber’s editor lost her way on this by allowing extraneous scenes and information that didn’t serve to really move the story forward. I found myself skipping whole paragraphs and sometimes whole pages and I didn’t miss anything. And the ending was very anticlimactic, although it leaves off to allow the next book to pick up exactly at this same spot with their original assignment still to accomplish. If the next one in the series follows this formula, sadly I think I’m done with the Verity Kent series.
July 22, 2024
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!
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!
December 25, 2024
I have LOVED all of Miss Huber’s Verity Kent series, but I have to admit this one wasn‘t as good. Perhaps, too much political description. Perhaps, it was the Irish locale, and the IRA angle of the story. Plus, the sub-story detracted from the main plot. Overall, it just didn’t work for me, and I struggled to get through it. I usually devour these books in a couple of days, but I found myself skipping whole lengths of it see how things turned out. There just wasn’t the usual repartee between Sidney and Verity that gives these novels such punch. But… based as a series, I’m still giving this one four stars. Authors can’t hit home runs every time at bat, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t all-stars!
September 27, 2024
Verity and Sidney are in Dublin, Ireland at the request of Verity’s British Secret Service handler, “C”, to locate fellow spy, Alec Xavier since he’s dropped out of communication after being sent to infiltrate the IRA. With the situation so volatile and dangerous, they’re understandably very concerned. By day, Verity and Sidney go undercover, Verity to track down Alec and Sidney to see if he can locate the phosgene canisters, stolen by their nemesis, Lord Ardmore. At night, they keep up the ruse of only being in Ireland for pleasure by attending dinner parties and rubbing elbows with the elite in society and government.
Along with her assignment Verity is tasked by a Lord French, to investigate an attack on a woman, demoralizing her to the point that she took her own life soon after. He wants Verity to find out what happened and get justice for her and her grieving family. I was outraged for this young woman and so was Verity, which made her more determined to find the culprits responsible.
Love Verity and her pluck! She’s quick and clever, even when faced with frightening situations.
The Verity Kent series is one of my favorites and best read in order. It’s a captivating combination of mystery, political intrigue, crime procedural, danger and a splash of romance! Verity and Sidney have had to contend with personal struggles stemming from their experiences in World War I. Even several years later (this story being set in 1920) the aftermath is still playing out. While some of the mysteries presented are solved in this installment, some are not, and it ended on an unsettling note. I eagerly await the next book!
I voluntarily read and advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Along with her assignment Verity is tasked by a Lord French, to investigate an attack on a woman, demoralizing her to the point that she took her own life soon after. He wants Verity to find out what happened and get justice for her and her grieving family. I was outraged for this young woman and so was Verity, which made her more determined to find the culprits responsible.
Love Verity and her pluck! She’s quick and clever, even when faced with frightening situations.
The Verity Kent series is one of my favorites and best read in order. It’s a captivating combination of mystery, political intrigue, crime procedural, danger and a splash of romance! Verity and Sidney have had to contend with personal struggles stemming from their experiences in World War I. Even several years later (this story being set in 1920) the aftermath is still playing out. While some of the mysteries presented are solved in this installment, some are not, and it ended on an unsettling note. I eagerly await the next book!
I voluntarily read and advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 22, 2024
Unfortunately, telling this story took so much backstory and detail about the Irish question/revolution post WWI, that I felt the humanity and enjoyability of the series was a bit lost. The last 25% of the book was significantly better, but it ended on another cliffhanger. I'm warming up to Sidney a bit more, but I sometimes feel like Verity is talking herself into being with him. Parts of this story felt a little juvenile, like they are "playing" at spies and being toyed with by various characters rather than truly helping anyone or solving anything.
October 12, 2024
Too many words. I am typically a fan of Anna Lee Huber’s writing and have enjoyed all the other books of hers that I’ve read. However, this one was so bogged down with details, acronyms, politics, and words I couldn’t wait for it to be over.
Also, Verity is too braggadocios and it really got old.
Also, Verity is too braggadocios and it really got old.
January 20, 2025
I tried out the first book of this series some time ago and could not give it a stamp of approval but I tried again with this seventh of the series. I did make it through while I was awaiting the telecast of the inauguration, but I wasn't engaged. So, Kathy, don't try Verity again, ok? I stuck with it because I like Dublin.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
October 2, 2024
The latest from Anna Lee Huber was highly anticipated and a bold surprise all in one. The Verity Kent series featuring a former British spy and her war hero husband has been tripping the light fantastic since book one, but with The Cold Light of Day, Anna Lee Huber has raised her own bar to greater heights.
The seventh in this strongly connected post-WWI era historical mystery series, The Cold Light of Day, has Verity and Sidney in Dublin, Ireland during an outbreak of violence as the promised Home Rule doesn’t transpire and many Irish are not minded to settle for Home Rule and want it all even if it means bloody civil war. Verity is determined to find her friend whose latest assignment was to infiltrate the IRA and has been missing for six weeks. Sidney insists on partnering her though they both struggle with this particular rescue since her friend was once a lover when she thought Sidney was dead.
Anna Lee Huber did her homework and post-WWI era Ireland and its powder keg of politics and religion was painted so well that I felt I was right there on the roiling, dangerous streets of Dublin and getting the complicated situations from all sides of the equation in person. Verity and Sidney have never faced such a challenge and that’s saying something because Verity worked behind enemy lines in occupied territory and Sidney was out in the front lines for the fighting.
As in previous books, Verity and Sidney are presented with more than one case. This time around, they are trying to track down the deadly phosgene gas that their arch enemy stole from the army, investigate a young woman’s brutal assault and suicide, and track down Verity’s former spy compatriot who disappeared. This was a taunt and emotional book from start to finish. There were good twists, superb nail-biting suspense and a fab climax.
All in all a winner and left me in that state of desperate need for the next installment. I couldn’t put this one down after it reached a third of the way. Sooner rather than later, get this series onto the top of your TBR pile, historical mystery fans!
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 9.26.24.
The seventh in this strongly connected post-WWI era historical mystery series, The Cold Light of Day, has Verity and Sidney in Dublin, Ireland during an outbreak of violence as the promised Home Rule doesn’t transpire and many Irish are not minded to settle for Home Rule and want it all even if it means bloody civil war. Verity is determined to find her friend whose latest assignment was to infiltrate the IRA and has been missing for six weeks. Sidney insists on partnering her though they both struggle with this particular rescue since her friend was once a lover when she thought Sidney was dead.
Anna Lee Huber did her homework and post-WWI era Ireland and its powder keg of politics and religion was painted so well that I felt I was right there on the roiling, dangerous streets of Dublin and getting the complicated situations from all sides of the equation in person. Verity and Sidney have never faced such a challenge and that’s saying something because Verity worked behind enemy lines in occupied territory and Sidney was out in the front lines for the fighting.
As in previous books, Verity and Sidney are presented with more than one case. This time around, they are trying to track down the deadly phosgene gas that their arch enemy stole from the army, investigate a young woman’s brutal assault and suicide, and track down Verity’s former spy compatriot who disappeared. This was a taunt and emotional book from start to finish. There were good twists, superb nail-biting suspense and a fab climax.
All in all a winner and left me in that state of desperate need for the next installment. I couldn’t put this one down after it reached a third of the way. Sooner rather than later, get this series onto the top of your TBR pile, historical mystery fans!
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 9.26.24.
September 23, 2024
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.
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.
October 3, 2024
Clunky. Way too much descriptive “telling”, not enough “showing��.
August 17, 2024
I won this book in the Good Reads sweepstakes...it was my third win, so if you ever wonder if anyone wins the books offered...yes! I was expecting this to be a quick light read. I have not read the other 6 in the Verity Kent series and i didn't know what to expect but it is set in Dublin during the revolution...so it was interesting to read the historical aspects of differences between the british and irish during this time of unrest. Verity Kent and her husband Sydney are british intelligence agents. The author talks in general about what work they did during WWII in Belgium but not specifics. At one point Sydney was presumed dead and Verity took up with Alec another agent...and then it was discovered that Sydney was indeed alive. So in this book, they are retired from service but their old handler C has asked them to go to Dublin to look for Alec who has disappeared and also to look for gas cannisters that have been stolen. Gas as in lethal gas to kill the rebels and of course, collaterally the population. Once there they have been asked to investigate the assault and death of a Miss Kavanaugh who was being courted by another british intelligence agent Dellagrange...Apparently, the IRA would attack women who were fraternizing with british forces...they would cut off their hair and also tar their heads.. (gruesome)..Verity meets with a lot of resistence in regard to the investigation from the family and the military and she thinks something is off...she also is looking for the infamous leader of the revolution, Michael Collins and she receives word that Alec has switched sides, He has sent her a letter telling her to leave Dublin and return to England because he is ok and it is dangerous there but she is a bit stubborn . Sydney always asks her what she wants to do and most times they follow her lead. so by day she is in disguise wondering around Dublin looking for "her cousin' and by night Verity and Sydney are attending parties hosted by the local gentry because they are war heroes....so pretty well known by sight. There are all kinds of spies in and out of Dublin Castle and she doesn't always know who to trust...who is a double agent, who could cause a problem for them and who will cooperate with her investigation...in the end, they find out who killed Ms Kavanaugh and she finds Michael Collins and Alec..and they never do get their hands on the gas....they also believe they can't trust anyone but themselves to try to find it and not use it on the populace....so at the end of the book, they make the decision to stay in Dublin. there is much interesting discussion about home rule for the irish and how the British refused to institute the law they had passed 6 years earlier for irish home rule...and how they british forces were just as cruel to the irish people as the germans were during the war to the belgians...so she understood why the irish were fighting the british and the british were still colonialists even after WWII and held on tight to their 'property' it was slow reading at first but once I got into the meat of the story, it was very engaging and i wanted to find out the ending. EDIT: apparently (from reading other reviews) the other 6 books center around the cat and mouse game with Lord Ardmore, the guy who stole the gas cannisters...but he is only mentioned and shows up once towards the end but his storyline is not featured at all...so for people who have read the other books, he really isn't in this one. (which i gather is a relief for some who grew tired of him and his antics)
October 10, 2024
Not my cup of tea! This is own personal opinion but to me, not much happened it this book. There was one spot of humor on page 61 by the husband, Sidney. The main character, Verity Kent is a spy who does here information gathering in the daytime and goes to fancy balls at night. They are to serach for a fellow spy who may have gone over the Irish Rebel Side.
But I could get interested in this book. I recognize that the author has done research but I craved much more. This book is not exciting, I was hopeful when another assignment was dropped on the couple but as I read, I still could get engaged in this book.
But I could get interested in this book. I recognize that the author has done research but I craved much more. This book is not exciting, I was hopeful when another assignment was dropped on the couple but as I read, I still could get engaged in this book.
July 4, 2025
I think I am done with this series. I ended up skimming the second half of the book, learned about the domestic mystery, and then it ends with the super spy mystery still going nowhere. in fact, I was so apathetic about this book that I put it down a month ago, and forced myself to finish it today. That's not a good read.
November 5, 2024
Book 7 and maybe my last in this series. I find the books somewhat boring. With each book, Verity gets more annoying.
October 1, 2024
* I should have reread book 6 in prep for this book. Two full years between books [with the reader {me, I am the reader} reading SO. MANY. MYSTERIES. in that time ] is difficult in any circumstances, but when you have an extremely detailed-orientated mystery, it helps to remember the thread of the story. I struggled because of this [which is totally on me ].
* There is A LOT of information here and while I appreciate the background into the Irish Rebellion [and it made me want to find a good book on Michael Collins ], there were moments where it felt more like an overwhelming info dump [and as someone who's favorite genre is nonfiction, with history being one of my most favorite things to read within that genre, saying it felt like it an overwhelming info dump means that it is VERY overwhelming ]. I love that the author does her [amazing ] research, but I think that with so much information available, it must have been difficult to pick and choose and in this case, less might have been better, and not so overwhelming [I found myself tuning out and having to go back and re-listen and I don't think I truly got the full impact of the whole story because I kept having to go back and I kept stopping ].
* While you do get to "see" Verity in disguise, we don't really get to see her in full spy-mode and I found I really missed that.
* Along with the overwhelming history lesson, there were too many storylines [even though they merged eventually ] and I did spend some time [ *AHEM*, most of the book. I should have kept a running list of each storyline and all the characters within it ] trying to remember just who was who and why they were in the story.
* SO. MUCH. FASHION. TALK. [Which seemed so out-of-place with the turmoil going on around them and seemed pretty elitist, but maybe that was the point?? ]
* That ending. We had better NOT be going down the road it feels like we are going down!! I will be deeply disappointed if that is how this all end up [Yes, I know that is vague. No, I do not care. I am 100% NOT into spoilers ].
* One of the reveals [from one of the mysteries; this of the young girl - Miss Cunningham ] was absolutely FANTASTIC!! I never ever saw that coming and I was sure it was someone completely different and BOY-HOWDY was I wrong. I loved that part of the story, even though it was sad and evoked some crazy emotions. I think I will forever be surprised by some of the reasons people commit crimes, both in books and real life.
*
* Can we PLEASE take care of the slimy Ardmore and those canisters? P L E A S E ?? He was hardly in this book [even though they were chasing him whilst also looking for Alec ] and yet when he is, all I can wish is that he was gone for good. This storyline and chase has gone on for what feels like forever and I'd love to read a book where the focus is him [even when its not completely him if that makes sense ].
This was the first book in the series that I was left vaguely dissatisfied with [even while there were parts that WERE very good], and I am pretty sad about that; I have loved this series from book one and was waiting with baited breath for this one to be released [for TWO years ], so to finish a highly anticipated book and go "meh" is such a disappointment.
I will say, that even with all that, I am hopeful and looking forward to book 8 [let this be the one where Ardmore gets his just desserts. ;-) ].
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Lee Huber, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
* There is A LOT of information here and while I appreciate the background into the Irish Rebellion [and it made me want to find a good book on Michael Collins ], there were moments where it felt more like an overwhelming info dump [and as someone who's favorite genre is nonfiction, with history being one of my most favorite things to read within that genre, saying it felt like it an overwhelming info dump means that it is VERY overwhelming ]. I love that the author does her [amazing ] research, but I think that with so much information available, it must have been difficult to pick and choose and in this case, less might have been better, and not so overwhelming [I found myself tuning out and having to go back and re-listen and I don't think I truly got the full impact of the whole story because I kept having to go back and I kept stopping ].
* While you do get to "see" Verity in disguise, we don't really get to see her in full spy-mode and I found I really missed that.
* Along with the overwhelming history lesson, there were too many storylines [even though they merged eventually ] and I did spend some time [ *AHEM*, most of the book. I should have kept a running list of each storyline and all the characters within it ] trying to remember just who was who and why they were in the story.
* SO. MUCH. FASHION. TALK. [Which seemed so out-of-place with the turmoil going on around them and seemed pretty elitist, but maybe that was the point?? ]
* That ending. We had better NOT be going down the road it feels like we are going down!! I will be deeply disappointed if that is how this all end up [Yes, I know that is vague. No, I do not care. I am 100% NOT into spoilers ].
* One of the reveals [from one of the mysteries; this of the young girl - Miss Cunningham ] was absolutely FANTASTIC!! I never ever saw that coming and I was sure it was someone completely different and BOY-HOWDY was I wrong. I loved that part of the story, even though it was sad and evoked some crazy emotions. I think I will forever be surprised by some of the reasons people commit crimes, both in books and real life.
*
* Can we PLEASE take care of the slimy Ardmore and those canisters? P L E A S E ?? He was hardly in this book [even though they were chasing him whilst also looking for Alec ] and yet when he is, all I can wish is that he was gone for good. This storyline and chase has gone on for what feels like forever and I'd love to read a book where the focus is him [even when its not completely him if that makes sense ].
This was the first book in the series that I was left vaguely dissatisfied with [even while there were parts that WERE very good], and I am pretty sad about that; I have loved this series from book one and was waiting with baited breath for this one to be released [for TWO years ], so to finish a highly anticipated book and go "meh" is such a disappointment.
I will say, that even with all that, I am hopeful and looking forward to book 8 [let this be the one where Ardmore gets his just desserts. ;-) ].
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Lee Huber, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2024
I enjoyed this Verity Kent book! It had a different feel than the last few, and introduced a variation in the story arc. The Ardmore-related plotline is still there, but was not the focus (a change of pace which I enjoyed). I also appreciated exploring a new place for these characters. The historical content was strong throughout and painted a detailed picture of the tensions, violence, and political conflict at this time in Ireland. As someone who has visited and studied abroad in some of the areas in the book, I enjoyed the connection to what I had learned about that time in history. There were points when the story lagged a bit and I was not as invested in some of the different sideplots & threads of this book (and I missed Max not being prevalent), but it picked up and the last third of the book was very engaging-- It set the stage with a strong introduction for what I hope will be another book (or more) in this continued story. I look forward to seeing what's in store for Verity and friends(!) in Ireland.
(Thanks to goodreads & Kensington publishing for the ARC of this book I received through a goodreads giveaway!)
(Thanks to goodreads & Kensington publishing for the ARC of this book I received through a goodreads giveaway!)
September 7, 2024
"The Cold Light of Day" takes place in 1920 Dublin amid clashes between the IRA and British forces. The novel gives the reader an interesting view of both sides of the conflict: the rebels disillusioned with British promises of Home Rule which never comes to fruition and the British disdain of everything Irish which they meet with a heavy hand. There are two mysteries which must be solve by Sidney and Verity Kent, formerly of the British Secret Service during WWI. The depictions of the two sides in the Irish situation was interesting, although weighted in favor of the Irish. Verity Kent is a compelling character; her side-kick husband less so. In all I enjoyed reading this book until the end because it does not end. Only one of the mysteries is solved. The second mystery is left hanging for, one assumes, the next book. I find that when mysteries in a mystery genre book does not end in the solution to be most irritating. I don't object to the main characters, the detectives, continuing in a future work, but I resent the lack of closure in the current mystery. I feel cheated and my time disregarded by the author. It smacks of passive aggression and I will not be reading the sequel.
September 30, 2024
I’m not so sure that an American author -not matter how much research is involved- can adequately write about the long history of conflict between Ireland and England, Irish Home Rule, Unionists and Republicans, etc etc etc with any deep understanding, sensitivity, and nuance. To use it as a plot point in a book that toes the line between historical fiction and cozy mystery seems…disingenuous.
September 16, 2024
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.
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 . . .
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!
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 . . .
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!
November 5, 2024
This adventure takes Verity and Sidney to Ireland in search of phosgene gas stolen during WWI by their arch enemy Ardmore, who still has some in the British government fooled as to his loyalty. They want to find the gas canisters before it is put to dangerous use. In addition, Verity has received word that a former under cover intelligence agent, Alec Xavier, she worked with during the war has disappeared in Ireland. The setting is 1920, Dublin, and Ireland is a hotbed of revolutionaries fighting the British for their independence. Verity must don undercover clothes during the day while searching for Alec and the gas, then mix with British government officials and society at night since she and Sidney share well known celebrity status from the war. Their missions take them into dangerous situations as they battle unexpected intrigue when Verity is asked to investigate the assault and possible murder of a British official's daughter.
I am somewhat familiar with elements of the Irish struggle for freedom dating back to 1795 through other readings and especially the 1916 Easter Rising. You cannot read about brave Irish patriots such as Patrick Pearce, Thomas MacDonagh, Joseph Plunkett, James Connolly, and Sean Mac Diarmada without becoming emotionally involved with their stories and the struggle they were willing to give their lives for. This book will keep you engaged with suspense and unexpected twists throughout. And as usual, Huber leaves the reader with the stage set for the next book.
I am somewhat familiar with elements of the Irish struggle for freedom dating back to 1795 through other readings and especially the 1916 Easter Rising. You cannot read about brave Irish patriots such as Patrick Pearce, Thomas MacDonagh, Joseph Plunkett, James Connolly, and Sean Mac Diarmada without becoming emotionally involved with their stories and the struggle they were willing to give their lives for. This book will keep you engaged with suspense and unexpected twists throughout. And as usual, Huber leaves the reader with the stage set for the next book.
August 11, 2024
I would like to thank Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book. This is the first Verity Kent Mystery that I have read but I enjoyed reading this book. Verity Kent and her husband Sydney are loyal British secret operative intelligence service agents who travel to Dublin, Ireland in search of Verity's former colleague, Alec, who has gone missing and not communicating with his government supervisor anymore. This is very personal for Verity because Alec and her operated not only as cohorts and faux lovers but had also been lovers for one night when she was under the impression that her husband was dead. Verity's husband is also a decorated war hero and both Verity and Sydney travel in wealthy circles and are somewhat celebrities. In addition, Verity and Sydney are also looking for phosgene cylinders (poisonous gas) that their enemy, Lord Ardmore, stole. After arriving in Dublin, Lord French, a local government official, asks them to investigate the assault of another official's daughter who's hair was cut and she ended up committing suicide. There is a lot of detail about what is going on in Ireland and Verity is angered to learn that Alec has left a letter for her to not try and find him but return home as the area was not safe. Verity soon learns all of this as she notices people following her and recognizes someone she sees at Kidd's Back (a bar) where she and her husband are meeting with someone. Verity is upset when she learns that her mail she has received has been censored and redacted. They have to find a trusted go-between to help with all this. Verity also goes around the city in her guise as Dearbhla Bell, an Irishwoman newly arrived in Dublin to search for her cousin. By the end of the story, two of the three investigations are concluded. I loved reading this mystery with all the detail. I highly recommend that you buy, gift, but most importantly read this mystery, learn something new from Anna Lee Huber's meticulous research and detailed writing. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
October 28, 2024
The Cold Light of Day is a fascinating, suspenseful historical mystery that unfolds amidst the turmoil of the Irish War of Independence. This story sees Sidney and Verity in Dublin on the hunt for Verity's friend and cohort, Alec, all while they untangle a separate mystery involving the upper class. With rich historical detail, Huber paints both sides of the conflict with appropriate empathy as the bigger issues of occupation, violence, rights, and culture clash and introduce points to ponder for Verity, Sidney, and the reader, too.
It was great, as always, to catch up with Sidney and Verity as they grow closer in their relationship. The relationships and rapport among all the characters, main and side alike, have grown quite intricate with 7 stories in the series so far. This one has twists and surprises -- ones that I happily could not predict -- and comes to a resolution, though I do like the direction and setting I suspect will be the focus of the next in the series.
I listened to the audiobook for most of my reading experience and greatly enjoyed its production, too.
It was great, as always, to catch up with Sidney and Verity as they grow closer in their relationship. The relationships and rapport among all the characters, main and side alike, have grown quite intricate with 7 stories in the series so far. This one has twists and surprises -- ones that I happily could not predict -- and comes to a resolution, though I do like the direction and setting I suspect will be the focus of the next in the series.
I listened to the audiobook for most of my reading experience and greatly enjoyed its production, too.
July 29, 2024
Verity and Sidney Kent head to Dublin to find out what has happened to agent Alec Xavier, who was sent to infiltrate the IRA. What the Kents find is not what they imagined.
I was so excited to win this on Goodreads as I am a huge fan of Verity Kent. This book was a bit of a departure for the Kents. More to do with the actual history of 1920 Ireland than the continuing storyline of Ardmore and the missing phosgene. This was like a history lesson in a novel and very well done. I look forward to seeing what happens next with the Kents.
Thank you, Kensington for my ARC. And thank you, Anna for another great entry in the Kents’ story.
I was so excited to win this on Goodreads as I am a huge fan of Verity Kent. This book was a bit of a departure for the Kents. More to do with the actual history of 1920 Ireland than the continuing storyline of Ardmore and the missing phosgene. This was like a history lesson in a novel and very well done. I look forward to seeing what happens next with the Kents.
Thank you, Kensington for my ARC. And thank you, Anna for another great entry in the Kents’ story.
October 22, 2025
I somehow missed this book entirely and thought the new one was this one and was VERY confused when I started it. Anyway, this was fine? I'm always a little wary of Irish set historical novels because it's so much history that Americans simply are not taught in depth. But it truly felt like the author had done the work, maybe too much so? There's sometimes too much detail which feels like a complaint I almost never make. But I maybe needed more characters/less historical detail. I don't know.
November 10, 2024
Verity and Sydney are in Ireland on a couple of missions requiring a lot of uncover work, but they rise to the occasion on both fronts and end up wondering what the future holds in Ireland or if they head back to London.
April 1, 2025
Very disappointing. The story lagged and Mollys assessment of the book really says it all. I found it difficult to complete this story and I often skipped whole chapters. It.seemed to go in circles and ended up in the same sad questionable story.
September 23, 2024
Oh, loved reading this book, it was another fantastic mystery, and I'm so glad that we got it!
October 2, 2024
I feel smarter, intrigued, and entertained… so typical of Anna Lee Huber.
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