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Lady Darby Mysteries #11
A Fatal Illusion
New parents Lady Kiera Darby and Sebastian Gage look forward to introducing Sebastian’s father to his granddaughter, but instead find themselves investigating an attempt on his life...
Yorkshire, England. August 1832. Relations between Sebastian Gage and his father have never been easy, especially since the discovery that Lord Gage has been concealing the existence of an illegitimate son. But when Lord Gage is nearly fatally attacked on a journey to Scotland, Sebastian and Kiera race to his side. Given the tumult over the recent passage of the Reform Bill and the Anatomy Act, in which Lord Gage played a part, Sebastian wonders if the attack could be politically motivated.
But something suspicious is afoot in the sleepy village where Lord Gage is being cared for. The townspeople treat Sebastian and Kiera with hostility when it becomes clear they intend to investigate, and rumors of mysterious disappearances and highway robberies plague the area. Lord Gage’s survival is far from assured, and Sebastian and Kiera must scramble to make the pieces fit before a second attempt at murder is more successful than the first.
Yorkshire, England. August 1832. Relations between Sebastian Gage and his father have never been easy, especially since the discovery that Lord Gage has been concealing the existence of an illegitimate son. But when Lord Gage is nearly fatally attacked on a journey to Scotland, Sebastian and Kiera race to his side. Given the tumult over the recent passage of the Reform Bill and the Anatomy Act, in which Lord Gage played a part, Sebastian wonders if the attack could be politically motivated.
But something suspicious is afoot in the sleepy village where Lord Gage is being cared for. The townspeople treat Sebastian and Kiera with hostility when it becomes clear they intend to investigate, and rumors of mysterious disappearances and highway robberies plague the area. Lord Gage’s survival is far from assured, and Sebastian and Kiera must scramble to make the pieces fit before a second attempt at murder is more successful than the first.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
293 people are currently reading
6104 people want to read
About the author
Anna Lee Huber
29 books3,675 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 302 reviews
January 31, 2023
Kiera and Sebastian get word that Lord Gage and his party have been attacked by a band of highwaymen, and that he is recuperating at the home of a local surgeon. They take their infant daughter, her nanny, and servants Bree and Anderley, to the surgeon's home. Sadly, one of Lord Gage's party was killed, and strangely, he was not robbed. Sebastian believes his father know more about the reasons for the attack than he is revealing. Is there perhaps a grudge for some past misdeed? Some dark secret in his past? Sebastian and Kiera, with the invaluable assistance of Bree and Anderley, attempt to find out. This series just keeps getting better--I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong female protagonist, but suggest that the books be read in order. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 17, 2023
1832 Yorkshire, England
Each year, I look forward to the release of the latest in the Lady Darby Series. Installment #11 doesn't disappoint.
Lady Darby is both kind and cunning. She manages to make her point with her persnickety father-in-law in such a way that shares her perspective without demeaning him.
A Fatal Illusion focuses heavily on the broken familial relationships of Sebastian Gage. And of course, there is a mystery to solve as well. I never would have guessed who the villain was and the author's note at the end added to the strength of the novel and validity of the villain.
My gratitude to publisher Berkley for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Each year, I look forward to the release of the latest in the Lady Darby Series. Installment #11 doesn't disappoint.
Lady Darby is both kind and cunning. She manages to make her point with her persnickety father-in-law in such a way that shares her perspective without demeaning him.
A Fatal Illusion focuses heavily on the broken familial relationships of Sebastian Gage. And of course, there is a mystery to solve as well. I never would have guessed who the villain was and the author's note at the end added to the strength of the novel and validity of the villain.
My gratitude to publisher Berkley for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Pub for this earc
Crazy to say I’ve been reading these books for 5 years now and there are definitely up and down in the series.
This one was not bad. It was better than the previous tittle but so of the issues carried over. For example, in the middle of the story we had soooo much repetition. The same dialogue just with another suspect. It just very hard to pay attention when you know exactly what the next question will be.
I did really enjoy learning about Lord Gage’s children and past in general. It doesn’t excuse his behavior but definitely give you a better understanding of it.
What about Kiera and Gage you ask? I don’t know. Somehow you feel their love and don’t feel it at the same time. There is just something off. Maybe it’s because this book is number 11 and the series should stop before it gets worse?
One thing that did save this book is adorable friendship between Kiera and Henry.
Crazy to say I’ve been reading these books for 5 years now and there are definitely up and down in the series.
This one was not bad. It was better than the previous tittle but so of the issues carried over. For example, in the middle of the story we had soooo much repetition. The same dialogue just with another suspect. It just very hard to pay attention when you know exactly what the next question will be.
I did really enjoy learning about Lord Gage’s children and past in general. It doesn’t excuse his behavior but definitely give you a better understanding of it.
What about Kiera and Gage you ask? I don’t know. Somehow you feel their love and don’t feel it at the same time. There is just something off. Maybe it’s because this book is number 11 and the series should stop before it gets worse?
One thing that did save this book is adorable friendship between Kiera and Henry.
April 19, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this!
An entire book with Lord Gage was tiring but I'm glad to finally learn more about him and make some hedgeway with their relationship with them. Him and Emma were super cute. I am tired of being in the country though, I hope the next one is in the city (or with more known people). I also need more on Bree and Anderly, though I have been enjoying this slow progression I feel like I'm not sure where they're at, I feel that I need more about the minor and side characters. They're so interesting and i'm sad knowing that I'm probably not going to get to much about them.
An entire book with Lord Gage was tiring but I'm glad to finally learn more about him and make some hedgeway with their relationship with them. Him and Emma were super cute. I am tired of being in the country though, I hope the next one is in the city (or with more known people). I also need more on Bree and Anderly, though I have been enjoying this slow progression I feel like I'm not sure where they're at, I feel that I need more about the minor and side characters. They're so interesting and i'm sad knowing that I'm probably not going to get to much about them.
June 11, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby Mysteries #11
Publication Date: 6/20/22
Period: Late Georgian - 1832
Number of Pages: 384
Each time a new book in this series releases, I always say – this is the best book yet. I do truly mean that each time I say it. Each mystery is new, unique, and exciting, and will keep you guessing while the personal relationships between the recurring characters keep growing and maturing. So, I’ll say it again – this is the best book yet!
Kiera and Sebastian Gage have made a mad dash from Blakelaw House in the borderlands of Scotland, down the Great North Road to Wentbridge, a small village in Yorkshire because Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was brutally attacked and shot. They don’t know what they’ll find when they arrive – will Lord Gage still be among the living? Who would dare attack Lord Gage who is powerful and friends with the King? That is what Kiera and Gage have to figure out – and fast – because not only are there additional attacks on Lord Gage, but Sebastian and Kiera are also attacked.
I love that we begin to see hints, just tiny hints, that Lord Gage might be human after all. Will those last? I also loved meeting baby Emma who played a delightful role in discovering her grandfather’s more human side. Of course, Anderley and Bree were front and center to help in the investigation. Then, there was Henry, and I was so glad to see him accompanying Gage and Kiera to see the father who has always denied him. I know acceptance will finally come for them. Hopefully, the rift within the family will be resolved on that long carriage ride with a convalescent Lord Gage – or – a mean-tempered Lord Gage could rip it all apart. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens there.
The mystery is excellently done, nicely paced, and perfectly delivered. Lord Gage’s past has come back to haunt him – a past he definitely doesn’t want his son poking into. However, the only way to solve the mystery is to delve into the past. The villains are relentless in their pursuit and they almost succeed. If not for the skills of Dr Josiah Barker, the first attempt would have taken Lord Gage’s life and the others wouldn’t have been needed. But, could Dr. Barker still be part of the plot? Hmm, you’ll just have to read the book to see.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Lady Darby Mysteries #11
Publication Date: 6/20/22
Period: Late Georgian - 1832
Number of Pages: 384
Each time a new book in this series releases, I always say – this is the best book yet. I do truly mean that each time I say it. Each mystery is new, unique, and exciting, and will keep you guessing while the personal relationships between the recurring characters keep growing and maturing. So, I’ll say it again – this is the best book yet!
Kiera and Sebastian Gage have made a mad dash from Blakelaw House in the borderlands of Scotland, down the Great North Road to Wentbridge, a small village in Yorkshire because Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was brutally attacked and shot. They don’t know what they’ll find when they arrive – will Lord Gage still be among the living? Who would dare attack Lord Gage who is powerful and friends with the King? That is what Kiera and Gage have to figure out – and fast – because not only are there additional attacks on Lord Gage, but Sebastian and Kiera are also attacked.
I love that we begin to see hints, just tiny hints, that Lord Gage might be human after all. Will those last? I also loved meeting baby Emma who played a delightful role in discovering her grandfather’s more human side. Of course, Anderley and Bree were front and center to help in the investigation. Then, there was Henry, and I was so glad to see him accompanying Gage and Kiera to see the father who has always denied him. I know acceptance will finally come for them. Hopefully, the rift within the family will be resolved on that long carriage ride with a convalescent Lord Gage – or – a mean-tempered Lord Gage could rip it all apart. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens there.
The mystery is excellently done, nicely paced, and perfectly delivered. Lord Gage’s past has come back to haunt him – a past he definitely doesn’t want his son poking into. However, the only way to solve the mystery is to delve into the past. The villains are relentless in their pursuit and they almost succeed. If not for the skills of Dr Josiah Barker, the first attempt would have taken Lord Gage’s life and the others wouldn’t have been needed. But, could Dr. Barker still be part of the plot? Hmm, you’ll just have to read the book to see.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 26, 2023
A Fatal Illusion is book eleven in the Lady Darby series and it’s one that should definitely be read in order even if every book has its own mystery that’s solved by the end. There are ongoing relationships, the most important being the romance between Keira and Sebastian Gage, which had some bumps along the way but has been so worth it!
If you haven’t started the series, there are spoilers ahead.
In the last book at the end, Kiera and Sebastian receive news that Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was attacked while on route to them to meet baby Emma. Not knowing exactly how bad the attack was, they make plans to leave in the morning and that’s where we pick up the story here.
They arrive in Yorkshire with Henry, Lord Gage’s illegitimate son he’s yet to acknowledge, and are invited to stay with the treating doctor and his wife. Lord Gage is scant on details, and when they question him on possible motives for the attack, he isn’t helpful. He butts heads with Sebastian and Kiera and is completely rude to Henry, and they even consider giving up the investigation, but as a young footman was murdered in the attack, they feel they at least owe it to him and his family to bring the attackers to justice.
I have to say for much of the story I could sympathize with Sebastian. He’s so frustrated and angry with his father, and rightly so given that he hid the fact he fathered another child, Sebastian’s half brother Henry, and didn’t bother to tell him and still refuses to acknowledge Henry. Lord Gage withholds information left and right, but by the end we do see a little bit of change and get some backstory that sheds some light on Lord Gage’s behavior. I was heartened to see Lord Gage’s interactions with baby Emma. Still, it’ll take some time to mend fences. The mystery wraps up satisfactorily. There’s also a surprise I sort of saw coming in regard to one character. Ms. Huber expounds on that storyline in a historical note, and it was based on a real-life account. Very interesting.
Every scene with baby Emma just warmed my heart! Ms. Huber captures some of the very touching aspects of babies and parenthood perfectly!
A Fatal Illusion was another winning installment that captured and held my attention from page one! I think any fan of historical mysteries would enjoy this stand-out series!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
If you haven’t started the series, there are spoilers ahead.
In the last book at the end, Kiera and Sebastian receive news that Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father was attacked while on route to them to meet baby Emma. Not knowing exactly how bad the attack was, they make plans to leave in the morning and that’s where we pick up the story here.
They arrive in Yorkshire with Henry, Lord Gage’s illegitimate son he’s yet to acknowledge, and are invited to stay with the treating doctor and his wife. Lord Gage is scant on details, and when they question him on possible motives for the attack, he isn’t helpful. He butts heads with Sebastian and Kiera and is completely rude to Henry, and they even consider giving up the investigation, but as a young footman was murdered in the attack, they feel they at least owe it to him and his family to bring the attackers to justice.
I have to say for much of the story I could sympathize with Sebastian. He’s so frustrated and angry with his father, and rightly so given that he hid the fact he fathered another child, Sebastian’s half brother Henry, and didn’t bother to tell him and still refuses to acknowledge Henry. Lord Gage withholds information left and right, but by the end we do see a little bit of change and get some backstory that sheds some light on Lord Gage’s behavior. I was heartened to see Lord Gage’s interactions with baby Emma. Still, it’ll take some time to mend fences. The mystery wraps up satisfactorily. There’s also a surprise I sort of saw coming in regard to one character. Ms. Huber expounds on that storyline in a historical note, and it was based on a real-life account. Very interesting.
Every scene with baby Emma just warmed my heart! Ms. Huber captures some of the very touching aspects of babies and parenthood perfectly!
A Fatal Illusion was another winning installment that captured and held my attention from page one! I think any fan of historical mysteries would enjoy this stand-out series!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2023
Once again another episode bringing Gage just a little bit closer to his father, although this time his half brother Henry accompanies Kiera and Sebastian. They are given the news that Lord Gage has been badly wounded and race across the country to join him. Not that Lord Gage appears to appreciate this and protests that his wounding is nothing personal. Kiera and I doubt the sincerity or truth of that comment.
June 29, 2023
The anticipation of a fragile family reunion is disrupted when Sebastian’s father and his servants are attacked on the Great North Road. Sebastian, Kiera, and Lord Henry rush to his side during his medical crisis and to solve the mystery of why Lord Gage was targeted.
A Fatal Illusion is the eleventh of the Lady Darby early Victorian historical mystery series. While each presents a standalone mystery, the books build on what came before as far as relationship development.
In A Fatal Illusion, highwaymen attack Lord Gage’s coach at a rugged remote location and deliberately attack him while he was cooperating. Sebastian and Kiera know there is more to this than robbery. There is a local Robin Hood-like gang operating, but this is something more ominous. The local constable is willing to help them investigate, but they are up against a community who support the highway gang because they rob the rich and distribute to the poor. Even the doctor’s household where they stay seems to have secrets.
Besides the mystery, Sebastian, Kiera, and Henry face the struggle of trying to maintain the fragile connection and possibly build something more with Sebastian’s irascible father who ignores Henry and belittles Sebastian while trying to get a rise out of Kiera. Kiera has hope that the family situation can change when she sees the way her father in law responds to his granddaughter.
I’ve always loved how this series delivers a suspenseful and twisting mystery with a good atmospheric setting while digging deep into the character development and the relationships between the characters. This one focuses strongly on the background of Lord Gage. Why he is the way he is and why someone is trying to kill him is at the heart of the story. He is not an easy man and has hurt Sebastian and his half-brother Henry deeply, but I was impressed how, along with his family, I was able to understand him better.
The action moments mixed with a few good twists kept me flying through the pages. I liked knowing which mysteries in the story were significant to the case, but I was glad to have all the answers by the end. As usual, the historical backdrop is well-seated in actual history and lore that enhanced an excellent story.
Those who love historical mystery really need to give this series a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer June 17th
A Fatal Illusion is the eleventh of the Lady Darby early Victorian historical mystery series. While each presents a standalone mystery, the books build on what came before as far as relationship development.
In A Fatal Illusion, highwaymen attack Lord Gage’s coach at a rugged remote location and deliberately attack him while he was cooperating. Sebastian and Kiera know there is more to this than robbery. There is a local Robin Hood-like gang operating, but this is something more ominous. The local constable is willing to help them investigate, but they are up against a community who support the highway gang because they rob the rich and distribute to the poor. Even the doctor’s household where they stay seems to have secrets.
Besides the mystery, Sebastian, Kiera, and Henry face the struggle of trying to maintain the fragile connection and possibly build something more with Sebastian’s irascible father who ignores Henry and belittles Sebastian while trying to get a rise out of Kiera. Kiera has hope that the family situation can change when she sees the way her father in law responds to his granddaughter.
I’ve always loved how this series delivers a suspenseful and twisting mystery with a good atmospheric setting while digging deep into the character development and the relationships between the characters. This one focuses strongly on the background of Lord Gage. Why he is the way he is and why someone is trying to kill him is at the heart of the story. He is not an easy man and has hurt Sebastian and his half-brother Henry deeply, but I was impressed how, along with his family, I was able to understand him better.
The action moments mixed with a few good twists kept me flying through the pages. I liked knowing which mysteries in the story were significant to the case, but I was glad to have all the answers by the end. As usual, the historical backdrop is well-seated in actual history and lore that enhanced an excellent story.
Those who love historical mystery really need to give this series a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer June 17th
June 28, 2024
June 2024: rereading before I start the newest book. It’s wild that the character I hate the most gets a little redemption in this one. Lord Gage is still kind of a jerk, even if he’s nice to babies.
June 2023: Eleven books in and I am still completely captivated by this series. A week has passed since the events of last book as Kiera and Sebastian rush to Sebastian’s father, who was attacked while traveling. The story literally picks up where the last one and ended. I really enjoyed that.
Lord Gage is the center of the story and I am almost sad that he is no longer the absolute worst father-in-law ever. We get to learn a bit of his history and while he still has his moments of prevarication, he is a somewhat normal when he meets his granddaughter for the first time.
A secondary plot deals with Lord Gage’s illegitimate son, Henry, who Kiera and Sebastian met two books ago. He helped them solve the murder in the last book and is along for the ride again. Lord Gage is furious and Henry is working through the hurt of being rejected.
Kiera and Gage are only two years into their marriage. They are adorable parents, but they’re still figuring things out. Baby Emma is an adorable addition to the cast.
June 2023: Eleven books in and I am still completely captivated by this series. A week has passed since the events of last book as Kiera and Sebastian rush to Sebastian’s father, who was attacked while traveling. The story literally picks up where the last one and ended. I really enjoyed that.
Lord Gage is the center of the story and I am almost sad that he is no longer the absolute worst father-in-law ever. We get to learn a bit of his history and while he still has his moments of prevarication, he is a somewhat normal when he meets his granddaughter for the first time.
A secondary plot deals with Lord Gage’s illegitimate son, Henry, who Kiera and Sebastian met two books ago. He helped them solve the murder in the last book and is along for the ride again. Lord Gage is furious and Henry is working through the hurt of being rejected.
Kiera and Gage are only two years into their marriage. They are adorable parents, but they’re still figuring things out. Baby Emma is an adorable addition to the cast.
October 19, 2023
It’s hard to believe that this is book eleven already in the Lady Darby series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each one and strongly advise that you start with the first book, ‘The Anatomist’s Wife’. Each novel has a separate mystery, however, the personal growth and relationships within each book develop throughout the series. And in this one, the testy and almost non-existent relationship that Sebastian Gage has with his father, Lord Gage, is front and centre in this story.
“I knew it was the nature of investigations – to feel as if you were stumbling about blindly until you finally hit upon the correct trail.” (quote from the book)
When Sebastian Gage and his wife, Kiera, receive an urgent message that Lord Gage has been shot and his young footman killed in what appears to be a highway robbery, they rush from Scotland to be by his side. However, the highwaymen didn’t rob him, and he had cooperated. So, what was the motive behind the attack? Not finding the local populace helpful, Sebastian and Kiera along with his half-brother, Lord Henry, and their servants take on this investigation.
“I only wish my father could see the worthiness in me that you do.” (quote from the book)
Kiera and Sebastian are thwarted not only by the local populace, but by Lord Gage himself. There is something he is not telling them, and the atmosphere is tense and edgy. It doesn’t help that Lord Henry is there with them, for Lord Gage refuses to acknowledge him, let alone speak with him. Tempers flare and angry words are exchanged between Sebastian and his father. You could feel it emanating off the page!
I knew this face-off with his father was coming as the tension built throughout each of the books. I believe it was well done and tied in with well with the mystery. There was also a secondary thread in the mystery that was very interesting and loosely based on the life of an actual doctor of the times. Again, I must praise the historical aspects and research involved that Ms. Huber does to wrap her mysteries in.
I highly recommend this historical murder mystery and all the books in the series so far! I look forward to the next Lady Darby mystery!
“I knew it was the nature of investigations – to feel as if you were stumbling about blindly until you finally hit upon the correct trail.” (quote from the book)
When Sebastian Gage and his wife, Kiera, receive an urgent message that Lord Gage has been shot and his young footman killed in what appears to be a highway robbery, they rush from Scotland to be by his side. However, the highwaymen didn’t rob him, and he had cooperated. So, what was the motive behind the attack? Not finding the local populace helpful, Sebastian and Kiera along with his half-brother, Lord Henry, and their servants take on this investigation.
“I only wish my father could see the worthiness in me that you do.” (quote from the book)
Kiera and Sebastian are thwarted not only by the local populace, but by Lord Gage himself. There is something he is not telling them, and the atmosphere is tense and edgy. It doesn’t help that Lord Henry is there with them, for Lord Gage refuses to acknowledge him, let alone speak with him. Tempers flare and angry words are exchanged between Sebastian and his father. You could feel it emanating off the page!
I knew this face-off with his father was coming as the tension built throughout each of the books. I believe it was well done and tied in with well with the mystery. There was also a secondary thread in the mystery that was very interesting and loosely based on the life of an actual doctor of the times. Again, I must praise the historical aspects and research involved that Ms. Huber does to wrap her mysteries in.
I highly recommend this historical murder mystery and all the books in the series so far! I look forward to the next Lady Darby mystery!
June 20, 2023
[I received a digital arc from Netgalley for an honest review]
A Fatal Illusion is the 11th installment to the Lady Darby Mystery series by Anna Lee Huber. I'm still a newbie to the series having jumped into the series with the previous book, so I think it's safe to say that it's written in a way that won't make new readers feel lost.
While I really enjoyed every interaction and moment between Lady Kiera and Sebastian, I was overall bored with the story line itself. I have zero care for Sebastian's father, and the story line revolves around getting justice for him when he's attacked. They try to find out the culprit before they attempt it again to murder is a second time. Well I wouldn't have cared less if the attackers had been successful, so it was hard to care about the story line.
A Fatal Illusion is the 11th installment to the Lady Darby Mystery series by Anna Lee Huber. I'm still a newbie to the series having jumped into the series with the previous book, so I think it's safe to say that it's written in a way that won't make new readers feel lost.
While I really enjoyed every interaction and moment between Lady Kiera and Sebastian, I was overall bored with the story line itself. I have zero care for Sebastian's father, and the story line revolves around getting justice for him when he's attacked. They try to find out the culprit before they attempt it again to murder is a second time. Well I wouldn't have cared less if the attackers had been successful, so it was hard to care about the story line.
June 23, 2023
Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2023/06/review...
The eleventh book in the Lady Darby Mysteries series opens with Keira and Sebastian traveling to the home of a surgeon after receiving word that Lord Gage has been gravely injured after being set upon by highwaymen. With them are their faithful servants, Bree and Anderley, as well as their infant daughter, her nurse, and Henry, Sebastian’s half-brother. Unsure of the severity of the attack and Lord Gage’s exact injuries, they are making haste, worried at what they might find when they finally arrive at their destination.
When they arrive, they realize that Sebastian’s father is healing, if slowly, but the nature of the attack is odd. Rather than ask for his purse, the highwaymen seem to have focused on injuring Lord Gage. Additionally, an outrider was murdered. None of it makes sense, so Keira and Sebastian set out to investigate and figure out the identity of the assailants and their motives behind the crime.
This felt a bit different than the last few books in this series. Mainly because it focused on Lord Gage and his backstory, as well as his tumultuous relationships with Sebastian, Henry, and Keira. He has always been a disapproving man, hard and difficult to understand, and that is no different when the book opens. During the investigation, Keira and Sebastian begin to accumulate leads, many are about a current Robin Hood-like figure who seems to be helping the small village, but there are also rumblings about an uprising years before, and when they question Lord Gage he is secretive and unwilling to open up about his past.
Emotions are on full display, as Sebastian is frustrated by the lack of honesty from his father, and still hurt by finding out that he was unfaithful to his mother. Henry remains on the outside looking in, yet to receive any kindness or warmth from his biological father. Keira and baby Emma are the bridge between them all, able to settle everyone down and working to bring them together in some sense of calm acceptance.
The mystery is well done and the identity of the villain, as well as their relationship with Lord Gage, a surprise.
As with any book in this series, the historical details are vivid and well-researched, even while these characters do tend to be more progressive for the time period. I adore the secondary romance between Anderley and Bree and am hopeful now that their relationship seems to be moving in a positive direction. The ending hints at the tentative beginnings of a new connection between Lord Gage and his sons. This makes me happy and has me looking forward to the next installment.
All in all, another fantastic addition to the series.
Grade- B
The eleventh book in the Lady Darby Mysteries series opens with Keira and Sebastian traveling to the home of a surgeon after receiving word that Lord Gage has been gravely injured after being set upon by highwaymen. With them are their faithful servants, Bree and Anderley, as well as their infant daughter, her nurse, and Henry, Sebastian’s half-brother. Unsure of the severity of the attack and Lord Gage’s exact injuries, they are making haste, worried at what they might find when they finally arrive at their destination.
When they arrive, they realize that Sebastian’s father is healing, if slowly, but the nature of the attack is odd. Rather than ask for his purse, the highwaymen seem to have focused on injuring Lord Gage. Additionally, an outrider was murdered. None of it makes sense, so Keira and Sebastian set out to investigate and figure out the identity of the assailants and their motives behind the crime.
This felt a bit different than the last few books in this series. Mainly because it focused on Lord Gage and his backstory, as well as his tumultuous relationships with Sebastian, Henry, and Keira. He has always been a disapproving man, hard and difficult to understand, and that is no different when the book opens. During the investigation, Keira and Sebastian begin to accumulate leads, many are about a current Robin Hood-like figure who seems to be helping the small village, but there are also rumblings about an uprising years before, and when they question Lord Gage he is secretive and unwilling to open up about his past.
Emotions are on full display, as Sebastian is frustrated by the lack of honesty from his father, and still hurt by finding out that he was unfaithful to his mother. Henry remains on the outside looking in, yet to receive any kindness or warmth from his biological father. Keira and baby Emma are the bridge between them all, able to settle everyone down and working to bring them together in some sense of calm acceptance.
The mystery is well done and the identity of the villain, as well as their relationship with Lord Gage, a surprise.
As with any book in this series, the historical details are vivid and well-researched, even while these characters do tend to be more progressive for the time period. I adore the secondary romance between Anderley and Bree and am hopeful now that their relationship seems to be moving in a positive direction. The ending hints at the tentative beginnings of a new connection between Lord Gage and his sons. This makes me happy and has me looking forward to the next installment.
All in all, another fantastic addition to the series.
Grade- B
July 5, 2023
3 stars
Although I love this series and I've been reading every book with the utmost delight, this one didn't work as good as the other ones. It felt long and dragged and nothing happened for almost the entire book. Also the fact that Lady Darby is now an exquisite psycholog on top of the most intuitive person and the one that has all the good ideas and sees through the lines in every conversation. It was a bit too much.
Although I love this series and I've been reading every book with the utmost delight, this one didn't work as good as the other ones. It felt long and dragged and nothing happened for almost the entire book. Also the fact that Lady Darby is now an exquisite psycholog on top of the most intuitive person and the one that has all the good ideas and sees through the lines in every conversation. It was a bit too much.
July 25, 2023
Review of the audiobook narrated by Heather Wilds.
Another winner from Anna Lee Huber. I have greatly enjoyed seeing the relationship between Kiera and Gage grow and change over the years.
Although each book in the Lady Darby series is a stand-alone, I think they are best read in order, primarily because of the romantic developments.
Another winner from Anna Lee Huber. I have greatly enjoyed seeing the relationship between Kiera and Gage grow and change over the years.
Although each book in the Lady Darby series is a stand-alone, I think they are best read in order, primarily because of the romantic developments.
June 3, 2023
The eleventh book in the Lady Darby historical mystery series has Kiera, Gage, baby Emma, and their staff rushing to the site of an accident that almost killed Gage's father. They find him recovering slowly from an attack by highwaymen that killed one of his staff and badly injured him.
Gage and Kiera and the others begin to investigate and find a town filled with secrets. It doesn't help that Lord Gage is being less than truthful about what he knows about the attack and the attackers. It also doesn't help that Henry, Lord Gage's natural son, is also part of the group that rushed to his aide. Lord Gage is angry that Gage has made Henry part of his family and refuses to acknowledge him.
They have quite a wide assortment of enemies of Lord Gage who are all possible suspects. It could be politically motivated sing the recent passage of the Reform Bill had his fingers all over. Or it could be some enemy from his days as an inquiry agent. Or it could be something from the past Lord Gage won't talk about.
I enjoyed this emotionally charged story. Gage is at the stage of almost being willing to write his father off as any part of his life. He is angry that his father wants to control his life. He is also angry at the betrayal of his mother that he sees when he learns about his father's philandering. Kiera is also angry at Lord Gage both because he tried to oppose her marriage to Gage and because of how much his attitude hurts her husband. However, she also doesn't want to write him out of his granddaughter's life. She sees glimmers of a different man when he interacts with baby Emma.
The plot was a twisty one with quite a few secrets uncovered. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode.
Gage and Kiera and the others begin to investigate and find a town filled with secrets. It doesn't help that Lord Gage is being less than truthful about what he knows about the attack and the attackers. It also doesn't help that Henry, Lord Gage's natural son, is also part of the group that rushed to his aide. Lord Gage is angry that Gage has made Henry part of his family and refuses to acknowledge him.
They have quite a wide assortment of enemies of Lord Gage who are all possible suspects. It could be politically motivated sing the recent passage of the Reform Bill had his fingers all over. Or it could be some enemy from his days as an inquiry agent. Or it could be something from the past Lord Gage won't talk about.
I enjoyed this emotionally charged story. Gage is at the stage of almost being willing to write his father off as any part of his life. He is angry that his father wants to control his life. He is also angry at the betrayal of his mother that he sees when he learns about his father's philandering. Kiera is also angry at Lord Gage both because he tried to oppose her marriage to Gage and because of how much his attitude hurts her husband. However, she also doesn't want to write him out of his granddaughter's life. She sees glimmers of a different man when he interacts with baby Emma.
The plot was a twisty one with quite a few secrets uncovered. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode.
February 11, 2025
This was an interesting addition to the series, since we discover a bit more about Gage’s father and his past. I was looking forward to finding a bit more about him and witness more growth in his relationship with his son, but I think the author is trying to pace events a bit slower, which I can understand, but can help but be frustrated about. We’re 11 books deep in the series and I’m weary of long series, to be honest.
August 6, 2023
I really can't believe I'm giving a book in this series such a low rating, but the truth is "it was OK". Just. I can't recall how many evenings I actually fell asleep over it, and when it concluded I kept turning pages thinking, "that's it?!" It was boring. It was Huber's excuse to write about an incident in Scotland's history that's so obscure that no one has heard of it, nor cares. There was little suspense, little danger (Was there even any? I actually can't remember!), very little plot, and nothing worth remembering. Speaking of remembering, it also seems that Huber doesn't remember her heroine. Where has she gone?! She doesn't paint. She doesn't investigate. She doesn't examine a single dead body. She nurses the baby a lot, and she plays peace-keeper in the family drama. Like a good little woman should? It was just really disappointing after such a very long wait. I will pick up the next one just to see if we return to center, but short of a dramatic turn around, I won't put myself through the agony of pining for another one.
July 10, 2023
Tedious
I have read all the Lady Darby books, and enjoyed them all. This book was preordered as I felt confident I would enjoy another adventure. Very disappointing, so much repetitive soul searching while sitting at the bedside of an aging injured man. Over and over the same words and thoughts like watching a tennis match. I will wait on the next book in the series and read reviews first.
I have read all the Lady Darby books, and enjoyed them all. This book was preordered as I felt confident I would enjoy another adventure. Very disappointing, so much repetitive soul searching while sitting at the bedside of an aging injured man. Over and over the same words and thoughts like watching a tennis match. I will wait on the next book in the series and read reviews first.
January 4, 2023
Does Huber get paid by the word or is there some other reason she constantly has to describe outfits. Mentioning twice that her skirts are "red and straw yellow"? And that she constantly repeats the exact same descriptions of people's looks, especially Gage's "pale blue" and Bree's "sherry brown" eyes?
July 24, 2023
Still enjoying this series, but I did find the drama between Sebastian and his father a bit contrived and tiresome.
May 31, 2024
This series is still going strong. I am glad I stockpiled a bunch of them to 'binge' them so to speak.
In this one, we get a deeper glimpse of Lord Gage's inner humanity. Throughout this series he has been a gaping asshole really. Cold, harsh, autocratic. But here and there he shows a glimpse of something underneath. And then we got to An Artless Demise where he performed an act of compassion and allyship that was so unexpected yet kinda hardcore that I had some hope for him. So the payoff here was kind of nice.
This book picks up where the last one left off. Keira and Sebastian got an urgent note saying Lord Gage had been attacked and was on his deathbed. They along with their trusty servants, their infant daughter and Lord Gage's illegitimate son, Henry, rush to his side.
When they arrive they find that it was no random highwayman attack, but a targeted attack. Of course this requires Keira and Gage to investigate and figure out what is going on. Like a lot of their investigations, the sins of the past have roared onto the present to exact a price.
This was a good quick read. Lots of interesting side characters. The doctor who is treating Lord Gage and who opens his home to Keira and Gage to stay while Lord Gage is recuperating and as they investigate is an especially interesting character whose background I found very interesting.
But beyond the mystery there was a lot of EXTRA family dramaahhhh! In this one. The Gage men got into it and often. Sebastian confronting his dad on his infidelities, Lord Gage being his usual cuttting and cruel self, lashing out at Henry and even at Keira. But the book does a good job of unpacking a lot of that where the family ends up in a hopeful place. It doesn't hurt that Lord Gage is absolutely smitten with his granddaughter. It was a little comical how everyone was flabbergasted that he basically melts in a puddle around her.
The mystery was concludes nicely. I gather that ALH likes a dashing anti-hero rogue like figure because we get a character who is a lot like Bonnie Brock in this one.
And because Lord Gage was not created in a vacuum, we learn a lot about his family... which leads right into the mystery of the next book.
In this one, we get a deeper glimpse of Lord Gage's inner humanity. Throughout this series he has been a gaping asshole really. Cold, harsh, autocratic. But here and there he shows a glimpse of something underneath. And then we got to An Artless Demise where he performed an act of compassion and allyship that was so unexpected yet kinda hardcore that I had some hope for him. So the payoff here was kind of nice.
This book picks up where the last one left off. Keira and Sebastian got an urgent note saying Lord Gage had been attacked and was on his deathbed. They along with their trusty servants, their infant daughter and Lord Gage's illegitimate son, Henry, rush to his side.
When they arrive they find that it was no random highwayman attack, but a targeted attack. Of course this requires Keira and Gage to investigate and figure out what is going on. Like a lot of their investigations, the sins of the past have roared onto the present to exact a price.
This was a good quick read. Lots of interesting side characters. The doctor who is treating Lord Gage and who opens his home to Keira and Gage to stay while Lord Gage is recuperating and as they investigate is an especially interesting character whose background I found very interesting.
But beyond the mystery there was a lot of EXTRA family dramaahhhh! In this one. The Gage men got into it and often. Sebastian confronting his dad on his infidelities, Lord Gage being his usual cuttting and cruel self, lashing out at Henry and even at Keira. But the book does a good job of unpacking a lot of that where the family ends up in a hopeful place. It doesn't hurt that Lord Gage is absolutely smitten with his granddaughter. It was a little comical how everyone was flabbergasted that he basically melts in a puddle around her.
The mystery was concludes nicely. I gather that ALH likes a dashing anti-hero rogue like figure because we get a character who is a lot like Bonnie Brock in this one.
And because Lord Gage was not created in a vacuum, we learn a lot about his family... which leads right into the mystery of the next book.
August 25, 2023
A really awesome read. Lots of history mixed with unrest, and robbery on the roads, and attempted murder of Lord Gage, Sebastian’s father. Henry arrives to help with the search, and there are many possibilities. The author leads you to unrest against the government, affairs, time in his naval career, and work as a private security agent. Sebastian and Henry grow closer, but Lord Gage remains hostile, except to his new grandchild. Kiera asks questions , and tries to bring Lord Gage closer to his sons. She uncovers many secrets including the real reason behind the continued attempt on her father in law. It was lots of history to go through, but I learned a lots about that time in history. I really enjoyed the ending.
July 23, 2023
This 11th book in Huber's Lady Darby historical mystery series delivers the murder and investigation readers have come to expect from Kiera, Sebastian Gage, and others. This one more heavily features Lord Gage, Sebastian's father, who has suffered serious injuries after being attacked by highwaymen. It's more complicated than a typical robbery, of course. This is a comfort read for me as I know what to expect and enjoy the journey from start to finish. Not the best of the series, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
April 24, 2024
The story is entertaining. The suspense and thrilling aspects of it keeps the readers intrigued with the story. The characters are terrific and real to the story. The book for me was very easy to read. The book also is a good page turner.
June 22, 2023
Anna Lee Huber has written another fine mystery, #11 in the Lady Darby series, with her signature superb historical research, characters we've grown to love (married couple Sebastian and Kiera with their new baby Emma), and a puzzle involving Sebastian's father, Lord Gage, attacked during an apparent highway robbery. While this can be read solo, it helps to catch up with the previous titles to get full pleasure from the series and a sense of how much the core characters have grown. Recommended!
May 1, 2023
I confess that the last couple of installments in the Lady Darby series felt a little flat for me, but I'm very pleased to report that this one was a return to form. Most of that was due to Huber anchoring a significant portion of the story in the conflicted emotions at the heart of the Sebastian/Lord Gage/Kiera/Henry relationships. The fraught dynamics between the ever-disapproving Lord Gage and his sons (one of whom is illegitmate and a longheld secret) and daughter-in-law are juicy and worth plumbing, and Huber really dives into them in "Illusion". I'm very interested in seeing how things continue to develop in the next book or two, with the corners that were turned in this one.
Huber's historical details also really shine in "Illusion" -- I was halfway through the book before I recognized the allusions to a particular historical figure re: one of the novel's new characters, and enjoyed much conspiratorial chuckling to myself as further clues were peppered in and my suspicions were confirmed.
All in all, "A Fatal Illusion" isn't one to recommend to brand new readers. Too much previous knowledge of the characters and relationships is needed to fully appreciate this book. But for longtime fans, this is a really solid outing for Kiera and Sebastian, and further proof that marriage and parenthood has yet to dull them (either as investigators or as compelling characters).
Huber's historical details also really shine in "Illusion" -- I was halfway through the book before I recognized the allusions to a particular historical figure re: one of the novel's new characters, and enjoyed much conspiratorial chuckling to myself as further clues were peppered in and my suspicions were confirmed.
All in all, "A Fatal Illusion" isn't one to recommend to brand new readers. Too much previous knowledge of the characters and relationships is needed to fully appreciate this book. But for longtime fans, this is a really solid outing for Kiera and Sebastian, and further proof that marriage and parenthood has yet to dull them (either as investigators or as compelling characters).
February 28, 2023
It’s 1832 and Sebastian Gage and his father have never seen eye to eye. When Lord Gage is attacked on his way to Scotland, Sebastian and Kiera race to his side to help. When Sebastian and Kiera arrive at the town where Lord Gage is being rehabilitated – they are met with nothing but hostility. As time goes on Sebastian and Kiera begin to wonder if something is afoot as mysterious disappearances and highway robberies are plaguing the area. Will they be able to figure things out before there is another attack?
I enjoyed reading about England during the 1830’s. I like how this book was full of historical details that I found very vivid. This book was written in a way that I easily pictured it in my head as I read the story. The character development is top notch in this series and I appreciated it.
This book is the 11th in the Lady Darby series.
Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley will be updated with social media week no sooner than one week prior to publication as requested.
I enjoyed reading about England during the 1830’s. I like how this book was full of historical details that I found very vivid. This book was written in a way that I easily pictured it in my head as I read the story. The character development is top notch in this series and I appreciated it.
This book is the 11th in the Lady Darby series.
Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley will be updated with social media week no sooner than one week prior to publication as requested.
June 30, 2023
These books just keep getting better.
1832 and Gage and Keira rush to a village to be at the beside of Lord Gage, who has been shot in an apparent Highway robbery.
The interactions of Lord Gage, his son Sebastian and his illegitimate son Henry are particularly interesting, as is baby Emma, who is written quite adorably. Keira, as well as her maid Bree and the nanny all interact very well as they all help,along with valet Anderly, to solve mysteries.
The historical background of this book is fascinating and the way the team puts all the pieces together kept me wondering what the answer to the mystery was. Huber does such a great job as she writes 2 different mystery series at the same time,1932 and 1920,and brings in so much historical information. I highly recommend them both.
1832 and Gage and Keira rush to a village to be at the beside of Lord Gage, who has been shot in an apparent Highway robbery.
The interactions of Lord Gage, his son Sebastian and his illegitimate son Henry are particularly interesting, as is baby Emma, who is written quite adorably. Keira, as well as her maid Bree and the nanny all interact very well as they all help,along with valet Anderly, to solve mysteries.
The historical background of this book is fascinating and the way the team puts all the pieces together kept me wondering what the answer to the mystery was. Huber does such a great job as she writes 2 different mystery series at the same time,1932 and 1920,and brings in so much historical information. I highly recommend them both.
May 22, 2023
1832 Yorkshire. While travelling Lord Gage has been attacked by highwaymen resulting in a serious injury and his footman, Gregory Reed, dead. In response Gage, Lady Kiera and Lord Henry travel to Wentbridge. Due to the unrest in the country is the attack politically motivated or more personal. Gage and Kiera investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2025
I didn't realize this was #11... Clearly I'm enjoying the series. However, this one was weak for me. I couldn't get into it. My complaint from the beginning is that Keira feels like a modern heroine, which sometimes brings me out of the story. But this time it was too much.
Pros: a decent illustration of what forgiveness looks like, even when the offender doesn't apologize. Bonus: that softens the heart of the offender and he starts to get closer to apologizing. All of the advice Keria offered to Gage was sound and right, and definitely not what the moderns offer. And I loved that.
Pros: a decent illustration of what forgiveness looks like, even when the offender doesn't apologize. Bonus: that softens the heart of the offender and he starts to get closer to apologizing. All of the advice Keria offered to Gage was sound and right, and definitely not what the moderns offer. And I loved that.
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