A Study in Death by Anna Lee Huber Narrator: Heather Wilds
Series: Lady Darby Mystery #4
Published by Penguin on 2015
Length: 10 hours 50 minutes
Genres: Mystery & Detective, Women Sleuths
Pages: 336
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
Scotland, 1831. After a tumultuous courtship complicated by three deadly inquiries, Lady Kiera Darby is thrilled to have found both an investigative partner and a fiancé in Sebastian Gage. But with her well-meaning - and very pregnant - sister planning on making their wedding the event of the season, Kiera could use a respite from the impending madness. Commissioned to paint the portrait of Lady Drummond, Kiera is saddened when she recognizes the pain in the baroness's eyes. Lord Drummond is a brute, and his brusque treatment of his wife forces Kiera to think of the torment caused by her own late husband. Kiera isn't sure how to help, but when she finds Lady Drummond prostrate on the floor, things take a fatal turn. The physician called to the house and Lord Drummond appear satisfied to rule her death natural, but Kiera is convinced that poison is the real culprit. Now, armed only with her knowledge of the macabre and her convictions, Kiera intends to discover the truth behind the baroness's death - no matter what, or who, stands in her way . . . Praise for the Lady Darby Mysteries- 'Lady Darby is an engaging new sleuth to follow . . . A history mystery in fine Victorian style!' Julia Spencer-Fleming, New York Timesbestselling author 'Huber deftly evokes both Sebastian and Kiera's attraction and the period's flavor.' Publishers Weekly 'Riveting . . . Huber deftly weaves together an original premise, an enigmatic heroine, and a compelling Highland setting for a book you won't want to put down.' Deanna Raybourn, New York Timesbestselling author ' A must read . . . One of those rare books that will both shock and please readers.' Fresh Fiction 'One of the best historical mysteries that I have read this year.'Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
Lynn’s Review:
I’ve made it to book #4 in the Lady Darby series without reviewing books #2 and #3 on the blog. (Read my review of book #1 here.) Sorry about that. Suffice it to say, I did enjoy them. I just wasn’t motivated enough to post reviews. But I wanted to catch everyone up on this series. I am truly enjoying it.
I love how this series is progressing, both the plots and characters are becoming more complex and enjoyable. Ms. Huber was throwing clues at us left and right. And I was sure I knew who the killer was four different times throughout the book. And I was never even close!
Kiera and Gage and growing closer as a couple. Most importantly, they are learning to trust each other. Both characters have a history of keeping secrets. By the end, they resolve to be better at sharing everything. This is a lesson every couple could use. Even when Kiera and Gage are disagreeing, we can see the love they have for each other. We also have in this book the sexiest, yet chaste, hand-holding scene I think I’ve ever read. Decidedly swoony.
Kiera is coming into her own as an investigator. Like Sherlock Holmes, she is developing relationships with society and criminals alike to help solve the murder of her friend. Every time I read a historical novel with a strong female lead like Kiera, I want to yell GO GRRL. Fight the patriarchy! And society while you are at it! She even puts Gage’s father in his place. And Lord Gage seriously needed it. I’m honestly thankful that I don’t have to deal with a society where women are essentially the property of their husbands. I don’t think I’d prosper under those kinds of restraints.
Like the other books in the Lady Darby series, this is narrated by Heather Wilds. For me, she’s on par with Davina Porter (who narrates the Outlander books). I can easily distinguish the different characters. And Ms. Wilds excels with Gage’s voice. My enjoyment of this series is directly proportional to my enjoyment of Ms. Wilds’s narration.
A Study in Death is a great historical mystery with a strong female lead character. If you are looking for a new historical series, I highly recommend this one. Especially in audio. The series is on Hoopla. Check it out now!
