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Verity Kent Mysteries #4
A Pretty Deceit: Verity Kent, Book 4
In the aftermath of the Great War, the line between friend and foe may be hard to discern, even for indomitable former Secret Service agent Verity Kent, in award-winning author Anna Lee Huber's thrilling mystery series.
Peacetime has brought little respite for Verity Kent. Intrigue still abounds, even within her own family. As a favor to her father, Verity agrees to visit his sister in Wiltshire. Her once prosperous aunt has fallen on difficult times and is considering selling their estate. But there are strange goings-on at the manor, including missing servants, possible heirloom forgeries, and suspicious rumors - all leading to the discovery of a dead body on the grounds.
While Verity and her husband, Sidney, investigate this new mystery, they are also on the trail of an old adversary - the shadowy and lethal Lord Ardmore. At every turn, the suspected traitor seems to be one step ahead of them. And even when their dear friend Max, the Earl of Ryde, stumbles upon a code hidden among his late father's effects that may reveal the truth about Ardmore, Verity wonders if they are really the hunters - or the hunted....
Peacetime has brought little respite for Verity Kent. Intrigue still abounds, even within her own family. As a favor to her father, Verity agrees to visit his sister in Wiltshire. Her once prosperous aunt has fallen on difficult times and is considering selling their estate. But there are strange goings-on at the manor, including missing servants, possible heirloom forgeries, and suspicious rumors - all leading to the discovery of a dead body on the grounds.
While Verity and her husband, Sidney, investigate this new mystery, they are also on the trail of an old adversary - the shadowy and lethal Lord Ardmore. At every turn, the suspected traitor seems to be one step ahead of them. And even when their dear friend Max, the Earl of Ryde, stumbles upon a code hidden among his late father's effects that may reveal the truth about Ardmore, Verity wonders if they are really the hunters - or the hunted....
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First published September 29, 2020
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About the author
Anna Lee Huber
31 books3,683 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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April 20, 2022DNF
It pains me to say it, but I decided to DNF A Pretty Deceit and not continue with the series. This is the case of "it's not the book, it's me." I found myself not excited by the story and have no interest in continuing reading. It took me days to read 25% of the book when I usually finish a book in 2-3 days. My issue with this series is not the writing or the mysteries, it's the romantic subplot. I was team Max from the first book. I don't understand why he was set up as a romantic interest for Verity in This Side of Murder, only to completely change course and bring back Sidney, Verity's believed to be dead husband. I don't particularly like Sidney and find his character boring. There is also the issue of Sidney having deceived Verity in letting her believe he was dead for over a year. Since it's now clear that Max is not going to be the love interest and his role is rather small, even though he appears in all the books, I just lost interest in the series.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
It pains me to say it, but I decided to DNF A Pretty Deceit and not continue with the series. This is the case of "it's not the book, it's me." I found myself not excited by the story and have no interest in continuing reading. It took me days to read 25% of the book when I usually finish a book in 2-3 days. My issue with this series is not the writing or the mysteries, it's the romantic subplot. I was team Max from the first book. I don't understand why he was set up as a romantic interest for Verity in This Side of Murder, only to completely change course and bring back Sidney, Verity's believed to be dead husband. I don't particularly like Sidney and find his character boring. There is also the issue of Sidney having deceived Verity in letting her believe he was dead for over a year. Since it's now clear that Max is not going to be the love interest and his role is rather small, even though he appears in all the books, I just lost interest in the series.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
July 16, 2024
I continue to enjoy this series with great characters, various interesting settings, and the time period after WWI. All the characters are living in the post war trauma that is known for veterans and their families and friends. Verity, a former intelligence officer with the British Secret Service, along with her husband Sidney, friends Max, and Alec, all former soldiers and/or intelligence agents, are drawn together once more to try to uncover the work of Ardmore, a wily traitor within the government. They are sent on a treasure hunt of sorts to find answers that Max's deceased father left behind, hoping to be able to finally get enough information to expose him. This is a satisfying read with much adventure and mystery to uncover. As each story builds on the prior one, I suggest it be read in order.
September 4, 2020
When ex British intelligence agent Verity Kent is summoned by her aunt to figure out what’s going on at the family estate, she finds artwork forged and valuable heirlooms stolen among a number of strange happenings with links to a bigger, much more sinister, problem. As Verity gets closer to the truth, she finds herself in a life threatening situation.
A Pretty Deceit is the final installment in the 4 book historical crime fiction series Verity Kent by Anna Lee Huber, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in Wiltshire, England 1919. We follow ex British Secret Service agent Verity Kent as she is summoned by her aunt to figure out a number of strange happenings after the estate has been used by the RAF during the war. Investigating, Verity finds connections to a neighboring airfield as well as links to some very powerful and dangerous people trying to cover up their criminal acts, lead by dangerous Lord Ardmore. As Verity gets close to the truth, she barely survives an attempt on her life.
Main character ex British Secret Service agent Verity Kent understandably seems a bit sensitive about her gender in the 1900s man’s world. I can really relate to her character as she compassionately reflects on hardships in her own life to understand struggles of others. This makes her my favorite character of this story.
Supporting character ex Secret Service agent Sidney Kent is Verity’s husband who seems slightly jealous and over protective as I would envision a man of post WW1 England. I still find him a very sympathetic and kind man of his time who keeps Verity sane in all the danger she gets herself into.
This is the first I have read by this author. The writing was excellent and I found it very enjoyable how the plot flowed slightly differently from others I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about British intelligence activity during and after WW1, and will certainly follow up with more of Anna Lee Huber’s books or similar reads in future.
The plot worked well as a standalone. Plenty of hints to previous books, but if possible I would probably suggest reading the series in order to pick up on any details.
My favorite part of the story was descriptions of Verity’s birthday night of dinner and dancing at The Savoy with all its glitter and glamour. The worst was when Verity was attacked by an intruder who put strain on her neck and throat to get to crucial coded information Verity had just deciphered.
Fans of Anna Lee Huber would love this story and readers of murder mysteries would enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Andrea Penrose or Dianne Freeman
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review: All opinions in this review are completely my own.
Conclusion: If you enjoy a thrilling historical murder-mystery including post WW1 spies and traitors to The Crown, bodies turning up on a Downton Abbey inspired estate and an element of newlywed romance, this would be the one to read.
A Pretty Deceit is the final installment in the 4 book historical crime fiction series Verity Kent by Anna Lee Huber, published by Kensington Books. The story is set in Wiltshire, England 1919. We follow ex British Secret Service agent Verity Kent as she is summoned by her aunt to figure out a number of strange happenings after the estate has been used by the RAF during the war. Investigating, Verity finds connections to a neighboring airfield as well as links to some very powerful and dangerous people trying to cover up their criminal acts, lead by dangerous Lord Ardmore. As Verity gets close to the truth, she barely survives an attempt on her life.
Main character ex British Secret Service agent Verity Kent understandably seems a bit sensitive about her gender in the 1900s man’s world. I can really relate to her character as she compassionately reflects on hardships in her own life to understand struggles of others. This makes her my favorite character of this story.
Supporting character ex Secret Service agent Sidney Kent is Verity’s husband who seems slightly jealous and over protective as I would envision a man of post WW1 England. I still find him a very sympathetic and kind man of his time who keeps Verity sane in all the danger she gets herself into.
This is the first I have read by this author. The writing was excellent and I found it very enjoyable how the plot flowed slightly differently from others I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about British intelligence activity during and after WW1, and will certainly follow up with more of Anna Lee Huber’s books or similar reads in future.
The plot worked well as a standalone. Plenty of hints to previous books, but if possible I would probably suggest reading the series in order to pick up on any details.
My favorite part of the story was descriptions of Verity’s birthday night of dinner and dancing at The Savoy with all its glitter and glamour. The worst was when Verity was attacked by an intruder who put strain on her neck and throat to get to crucial coded information Verity had just deciphered.
Fans of Anna Lee Huber would love this story and readers of murder mysteries would enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Andrea Penrose or Dianne Freeman
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review: All opinions in this review are completely my own.
Conclusion: If you enjoy a thrilling historical murder-mystery including post WW1 spies and traitors to The Crown, bodies turning up on a Downton Abbey inspired estate and an element of newlywed romance, this would be the one to read.
October 20, 2020
The Verity Kent series continues to be a hit for me! Set in England, Post WWI, it’s a fascinating time where the country is trying to recover from the devastations Great War inflicted. It’s best to read the series in order to appreciate the relationships, connections, and the continuing story arc of Lord Ardmore and his conspiracy during the war.
Verity and Sidney were married right before the war, and it took a toll on their marriage, and even though they are deeply, and passionately in love there’s still lingering hurts over what happened. I love them together and appreciate the realistic way the author is presenting their relationship.
There’s a double mystery here that somehow comes together in the end. Verity and Sidney continue to pursue evidence against Lord Ardmore for crimes he’s committed during the war, but he seems to be one step ahead of them at every turn. Still, they are getting closer to the truth which puts them as well as Max, and Xavier in danger. There were a couple of close calls for Verity here! Verity and Sidney are also dragged into her aunt’s troubles: thefts of artwork and other valuable as well as damage to her aunt’s home when the Air Force took over the estate as a base for their flyboys during the war.
I alternately listened to the audio version and read an e-copy. Heather Wilds performance is wonderful! Her English accent is perfect for Verity and her male voices are really good, too. Looking forward to the next installment!
A copy was kindly provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Verity and Sidney were married right before the war, and it took a toll on their marriage, and even though they are deeply, and passionately in love there’s still lingering hurts over what happened. I love them together and appreciate the realistic way the author is presenting their relationship.
There’s a double mystery here that somehow comes together in the end. Verity and Sidney continue to pursue evidence against Lord Ardmore for crimes he’s committed during the war, but he seems to be one step ahead of them at every turn. Still, they are getting closer to the truth which puts them as well as Max, and Xavier in danger. There were a couple of close calls for Verity here! Verity and Sidney are also dragged into her aunt’s troubles: thefts of artwork and other valuable as well as damage to her aunt’s home when the Air Force took over the estate as a base for their flyboys during the war.
I alternately listened to the audio version and read an e-copy. Heather Wilds performance is wonderful! Her English accent is perfect for Verity and her male voices are really good, too. Looking forward to the next installment!
A copy was kindly provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2023
Take one part Amelia Peabody, add a dash of Tommy and Tuppence, shake, and add Moriarty and a healthy dose of Sherlock Holmes, and you have Verity Kent and her dashing war hero Sidney. Not that Verity doesn’t have her own skill set as a former Secret Service Agent for the British government during the Great War to End All Wars. But even the end of war, now almost a year in the past, doesn’t prevent our intrepid duo, along with their well-connected cohorts, from tracking down crime and murder suspects, especially those committing acts of treason and mayhem against the government and military. In our forth outing in this wonderful and delightfully written series, Verity and Sidney are still on the hunt to bring their elusive enemy, Lord Ardmore, to justice while trying to solve the mystery of an unconnected murder. Or is it? In this fourth volume, Ms. Huber has wrapped her delicious plot up in the guise of a banger of a treasure hunt that might just reveal far more than they imagine as they race across the English countryside, exploring Roman ruins and military bases. And did I mention murder—or rather, two murders? Never fear, Ms. Huber has her characters and plot line well in hand to deliver a grand adventure, replete with its usual sparkling dialogue and twisty intrigue and that touch of the nightlife all the rage in 1919. A Pretty Deceit is another spot-on ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ installment to the Verity Kent mystery series! And best yet, Ms. Huber informs us on her we site that there are at least three more novels to come over the next three years! Bravo!
August 3, 2020
Verity Kent worked undercover during the Great War, and her husband Sidney is a veteran. Their presence is requested at her aunt's country home where there have been thefts, missing servants, and murders. There is also the matter of a traitor, who seems to be keeping Verity in his sights. Can she and Sidney find the answers they seek before it is too late? Recommended for fans of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs or Susan Elia MacNeal's Maggie Hope series.Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
September 3, 2020
Series: Verity Kent #4
Publication Date: 9/29/20
Number of Pages: 304
This might be the best book in the series so far. All of them have had great mysteries and all of them have furthered the investigation into the overarching villain – but this one shows further character growth that I really appreciated. For me, it has been a slow go to warm up to Sidney – read the first book in the series, This Side of Murder, to learn why. Speaking of that, you can read this as a stand-alone book and you’ll definitely appreciate the single mystery contained within it, but to gain a good understanding of the overarching mystery as well as the character’s relationships with each other, you really ought to read the series in order.
Verity and Sidney are preparing to leave for Falmouth to further their investigation into Ardmore whenever Verity received a call from her parents asking her to travel to her aunt Ernestine’s estate, Littlemote, in northeastern Wiltshire. There were some issues that needed handling at the estate. Many soldiers from the nearby airfield were billeted at Littlemote during the war and caused a lot of damage to the structure. Along with that, several small items have disappeared and a number of the more valuable paintings have now been identified as forgeries.
When Verity arrives, she learns that not only are items missing and paintings forgeries, there is a maid missing. Verity quickly comes to a solution on the paintings, but the body of one of the employees turns up in a wooded area. Oh! My! Sounds like a job for the local constabulary.
As Verity, Sidney, and company zip around the countryside investigating Ardmore and the mishaps at Littlemote, we have more bodies, more danger, car chases, you name it. Solving this one won’t be easy and it certainly won’t be safe for Verity or her friends. Things are really beginning to heat up with Ardmore. Oh! Heart Palpitations!
I thoroughly enjoyed the read – the writing is excellent, the pacing is exciting, and the plot is interesting and keeps you wondering until the last moment. I am also coming to like Sidney much better – especially with the way that he allows Verity to take the lead on investigations and he’s even accepting of her friendships with the males in the group – even though it gives him a bit of a pang, he shows his trust and faith in her. So, I’m thawing toward him.
I hope you will enjoy the read as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/29/20
Number of Pages: 304
This might be the best book in the series so far. All of them have had great mysteries and all of them have furthered the investigation into the overarching villain – but this one shows further character growth that I really appreciated. For me, it has been a slow go to warm up to Sidney – read the first book in the series, This Side of Murder, to learn why. Speaking of that, you can read this as a stand-alone book and you’ll definitely appreciate the single mystery contained within it, but to gain a good understanding of the overarching mystery as well as the character’s relationships with each other, you really ought to read the series in order.
Verity and Sidney are preparing to leave for Falmouth to further their investigation into Ardmore whenever Verity received a call from her parents asking her to travel to her aunt Ernestine’s estate, Littlemote, in northeastern Wiltshire. There were some issues that needed handling at the estate. Many soldiers from the nearby airfield were billeted at Littlemote during the war and caused a lot of damage to the structure. Along with that, several small items have disappeared and a number of the more valuable paintings have now been identified as forgeries.
When Verity arrives, she learns that not only are items missing and paintings forgeries, there is a maid missing. Verity quickly comes to a solution on the paintings, but the body of one of the employees turns up in a wooded area. Oh! My! Sounds like a job for the local constabulary.
As Verity, Sidney, and company zip around the countryside investigating Ardmore and the mishaps at Littlemote, we have more bodies, more danger, car chases, you name it. Solving this one won’t be easy and it certainly won’t be safe for Verity or her friends. Things are really beginning to heat up with Ardmore. Oh! Heart Palpitations!
I thoroughly enjoyed the read – the writing is excellent, the pacing is exciting, and the plot is interesting and keeps you wondering until the last moment. I am also coming to like Sidney much better – especially with the way that he allows Verity to take the lead on investigations and he’s even accepting of her friendships with the males in the group – even though it gives him a bit of a pang, he shows his trust and faith in her. So, I’m thawing toward him.
I hope you will enjoy the read as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 19, 2020
Post WWI sees in the Jazz Age and Flappers, a generation of brittle survivors who will never see the world the same way again. Former spy, Verity, and her army veteran husband, Sydney, know this as much as anyone. Not all war casualties were left on the field. As they strive to pick up the pieces, Verity and Sydney end up in the crosshairs of a powerful enemy with a hidden agenda and family obligation takes them into Wiltshire at her autocratic aunt’s request. Missing family heirlooms, counterfeit art, a missing maid, a ghost in the West part, and the murder of an estate worker challenge them as much as Lord Ryde’s coded missive to his son that might reveal just what they need to catch Lord Ardmore.
A Pretty Deceit is the fourth of the Verity Kent series and work best when read in order because of the strong series and character development going on from book to book.
I love how the author paints this exciting post-war time with the dreary and painful results of war, but also the survivor stories. The setting is strongly depicted as were the way the characters were true to the period. Each book faces a different aspect of this time like the emotional hardships on the home front. Verity and Sydney been through a lot separated by war and Verity in particular must face her demons in this one though Sydney isn’t miraculously healed from his post-war issues. When she thought Sydney was dead, she went a bit off the rails between becoming an adrenaline junkie out on her assignments behind enemy lines and also nearly a drunk on gin when the war ended. She encounters a woman in the village who did become a drunk and unlike others, Verity has a tender spot for her especially since she knows this could have been her so easily.
There is a solid development in the characters and their relationship, too. The author didn’t make a reconciliation easy for Verity and Sydney and she didn’t make them perfect. They have fears, flaws, and the ability to grow as people and a couple. They are feeling their way since they were newlyweds before the war, had the separation and then the reunion after when they are all but different people. Because of circumstances- Sydney assumed dead, Verity had been in relationships with two other men that complicate matters now especially since they are right there involved in their case against Lord Ardmore.
I love how Verity and Sydney work hard to communicate and understand through each conflict and difficulty. Sydney tries very hard to not interfere when Verity jumps into danger and puts herself forward in investigations and she tries hard to not hare off and not include Sydney or take offence when he asks her to sensibly take precautions.
The mystery was two-fold. The situation at her aunt and cousin’s home and their hunt for proof that the powerful Lord Ardmore is a villain. I’m not sure why, but I had the estate mystery figured out swiftly when it came to the who, the how, and part of the why. I even saw where it was going to tie into something else. This didn’t deter me from eagerly reading on. I find it just as exciting to see how they figured it all out and arrived at the end. I will say that the late Lord Ryde’s cryptic message thing did get me impatient after a bit. The end has the mystery at the estate solved and things left at an interesting place with the Ardmore investigation.
All in all, I found it an emotional, thoughtful, and clever suspense with an engaging pair of detectives. Those who enjoy historical mysteries that have a strong emphasis on character should give this series a chance.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Pretty Deceit is the fourth of the Verity Kent series and work best when read in order because of the strong series and character development going on from book to book.
I love how the author paints this exciting post-war time with the dreary and painful results of war, but also the survivor stories. The setting is strongly depicted as were the way the characters were true to the period. Each book faces a different aspect of this time like the emotional hardships on the home front. Verity and Sydney been through a lot separated by war and Verity in particular must face her demons in this one though Sydney isn’t miraculously healed from his post-war issues. When she thought Sydney was dead, she went a bit off the rails between becoming an adrenaline junkie out on her assignments behind enemy lines and also nearly a drunk on gin when the war ended. She encounters a woman in the village who did become a drunk and unlike others, Verity has a tender spot for her especially since she knows this could have been her so easily.
There is a solid development in the characters and their relationship, too. The author didn’t make a reconciliation easy for Verity and Sydney and she didn’t make them perfect. They have fears, flaws, and the ability to grow as people and a couple. They are feeling their way since they were newlyweds before the war, had the separation and then the reunion after when they are all but different people. Because of circumstances- Sydney assumed dead, Verity had been in relationships with two other men that complicate matters now especially since they are right there involved in their case against Lord Ardmore.
I love how Verity and Sydney work hard to communicate and understand through each conflict and difficulty. Sydney tries very hard to not interfere when Verity jumps into danger and puts herself forward in investigations and she tries hard to not hare off and not include Sydney or take offence when he asks her to sensibly take precautions.
The mystery was two-fold. The situation at her aunt and cousin’s home and their hunt for proof that the powerful Lord Ardmore is a villain. I’m not sure why, but I had the estate mystery figured out swiftly when it came to the who, the how, and part of the why. I even saw where it was going to tie into something else. This didn’t deter me from eagerly reading on. I find it just as exciting to see how they figured it all out and arrived at the end. I will say that the late Lord Ryde’s cryptic message thing did get me impatient after a bit. The end has the mystery at the estate solved and things left at an interesting place with the Ardmore investigation.
All in all, I found it an emotional, thoughtful, and clever suspense with an engaging pair of detectives. Those who enjoy historical mysteries that have a strong emphasis on character should give this series a chance.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2020
Loved this fourth in the Verity Kent mystery series! Dug the characters, especially Verity (a female WWI spy!), and her husband, once thought lost in the conflict. The narrative’s elegant style, careful attention to historical detail, and clever twists kept me rapt. Is a servant really missing from the estate of Verity’s aunt? During damage done there by billeted pilots, were priceless heirlooms stolen and forgeries left? What about those unsettling rumors, that dead body found on the grounds? A PRETTY DECEIT diverted me happily on a long hot lazy afternoon. Highly recommended for readers wanting similar respite during unsettled times.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 29 Sep 2020
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#APrettyDeceit #NetGalley
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 29 Sep 2020
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#APrettyDeceit #NetGalley
July 31, 2020
A slow start, coupled with an unnecessarily convoluted plot made for a less than excellent read. I hate the recurring villain storyline, even though that story arc was ultimately more interesting than the other aspects of the plot. Verity’s former lover made for an interesting return, but that could have been better utilized as well. Lastly, occasional interludes between Verity and her husband felt thrown in out of context, and they never went anywhere. Not a favorite.
June 29, 2022
2022 reread: This was even better the second time around. I loved the awkwardness of all of Verity’s love interests being thrown together for most of this story.
The multi-book nemesis is suspenseful and makes me want to jump back into the next book right away.
2021: I was wavering on this series while reading the last book, but I am solidly on board now. I was also Team Max while reading the early books, but I’m Team Max, Team Alec, and Team Sidney now. I was surprised by the development of Alec’s character...I didn’t expect to like him and I do!
I’m still having a hard time warming up to Verity. So much of her dialog is described as “snapping” and she’s always scowling. I’m starting to think we are supposed to have trouble with our heroine? Like we have to face the reality that an ex-spy isn’t going to be a graceful, female version of 007, but might be a brazen, tough, sometimes sarcastic jerk at times? That’s what it takes to do the things she does?
Anyway, I think the stories work when there is action and there is plenty of it in this book (as opposed to an earlier book where they basically had people over for tea for most of the book). I also like the extended plot...the book can stand alone, but it’s so much better if you’ve read the previous one.
It sounds like Verity might be visiting home and going to Ireland next. Can’t wait!
The multi-book nemesis is suspenseful and makes me want to jump back into the next book right away.
2021: I was wavering on this series while reading the last book, but I am solidly on board now. I was also Team Max while reading the early books, but I’m Team Max, Team Alec, and Team Sidney now. I was surprised by the development of Alec’s character...I didn’t expect to like him and I do!
I’m still having a hard time warming up to Verity. So much of her dialog is described as “snapping” and she’s always scowling. I’m starting to think we are supposed to have trouble with our heroine? Like we have to face the reality that an ex-spy isn’t going to be a graceful, female version of 007, but might be a brazen, tough, sometimes sarcastic jerk at times? That’s what it takes to do the things she does?
Anyway, I think the stories work when there is action and there is plenty of it in this book (as opposed to an earlier book where they basically had people over for tea for most of the book). I also like the extended plot...the book can stand alone, but it’s so much better if you’ve read the previous one.
It sounds like Verity might be visiting home and going to Ireland next. Can’t wait!
October 5, 2020
Fast paced Interbellum years British mystery!
An anxious call from her parents has ex British Secret Agent Verity Kent and her husband Sidney motoring down to her aunt's home in northeastern Wiltshire (well her cousin Reg's really!) to solve the problem of missing valuables and paintings, and well--ghosts! Not that Verity wanted to, but her mother can be quite persistent and Verity seems to be always trying to please her parents. The relationship with the parentals is more than a tad fraught.
Of course this will give Sidney a chance to drive full throttle in his new Pierce-Arrow, replacing the one lost in a previous investigation.
What Verity and Sidney are confronted with is a missing maid, a murdered man, and moreover, as they start to thread their way through things, a suspected link to their arch enemy Lord Ardmore. Matters escalate. Sidney and Verity are in danger along with their friend Max, the Earl of Ryde.
Chief Inspector Thoreau of Scotland Yard makes an appearance as things move forward. Verity's inner group enlarges (with an unexpected addition) thanks to her former Secret Service chief--C. They're left not only endeavoring to solve the initial problems at Verity's aunt's place but with more hazardous connections yawning before them.
I did like the way Verity interacted with her cousin Reg, blinded in action, and her empathetic sympathies and understandings of why Mrs Green had taken to drink during the war years. This from personal experience!
Another fast moving who dunnit thriller from Anna Lee Huber set in the Interbellum year of 1919, post World War I.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
An anxious call from her parents has ex British Secret Agent Verity Kent and her husband Sidney motoring down to her aunt's home in northeastern Wiltshire (well her cousin Reg's really!) to solve the problem of missing valuables and paintings, and well--ghosts! Not that Verity wanted to, but her mother can be quite persistent and Verity seems to be always trying to please her parents. The relationship with the parentals is more than a tad fraught.
Of course this will give Sidney a chance to drive full throttle in his new Pierce-Arrow, replacing the one lost in a previous investigation.
What Verity and Sidney are confronted with is a missing maid, a murdered man, and moreover, as they start to thread their way through things, a suspected link to their arch enemy Lord Ardmore. Matters escalate. Sidney and Verity are in danger along with their friend Max, the Earl of Ryde.
Chief Inspector Thoreau of Scotland Yard makes an appearance as things move forward. Verity's inner group enlarges (with an unexpected addition) thanks to her former Secret Service chief--C. They're left not only endeavoring to solve the initial problems at Verity's aunt's place but with more hazardous connections yawning before them.
I did like the way Verity interacted with her cousin Reg, blinded in action, and her empathetic sympathies and understandings of why Mrs Green had taken to drink during the war years. This from personal experience!
Another fast moving who dunnit thriller from Anna Lee Huber set in the Interbellum year of 1919, post World War I.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
October 4, 2020
I have been a long time fan of Anna Lee Huber and I have read every single one of her books. I never miss one of her new releases so obviously I had the next Verity Kent book on my calendar months before its release.
When I first started this series it felt different than Huber’s other books not just in time period but in characters too. Verity Kent has a lot more grit and grey area to her than some of Huber’s other heroines.
And don’t even get me started on Sidney. I have struggled with Sidney’s character since the first book and have in all honesty never quite warmed up to him based on some of his deception. But I have stuck out this series because it is excellent.
I have been Team Max since the first book and I still keep hoping that Verity will throw over Sidney in favor of Max but admittedly I doubt this is going to happen. But a girl can dream right? As I said, this series is excellent and captures the raw emotion left over from the Great War years in a way that Maisie Dobbs never did for me.
If you love Maisie Dobbs or Maggie Hope there is no doubt you will adore Verity Kent but I didn’t love Maisie Dobbs (Maggie Hope—YES) she was just ok for me there was something detached about her as a character that I could never place, which perhaps was the point. But with Verity, as a reader I really get the emotional turmoil and struggles that she is facing in her new post war life and all its relationships. Verity Kent is more gritty and raw for me and I have loved this series because of it.
Huber’s other books have a strong romantic element to the mysteries where as Verity Kent is more mystery. In this one, there is a lot to unpack when it comes to the mystery. Sidney and Verity are closing in on a long time villain and there was quite a bit of action in this one! Personally I would not read this book out of order. If you are considering this series, I would start back at the first book rather than picking this one up. There are other threads of this mystery that are from previous books and new readers might feel lost.
I think this might be Huber’s best mystery in this series so far. While I have liked each book independently for various reasons, this one stood out as a shining star for me. It had a lot of exciting elements with in the mystery—the art forgeries were an interesting piece for me considering I just finished another historical mystery that included a detailed art forgery and was hungry for more—not to mention the pacing was perfect! I didn’t feel like there were any slow spots or unnecessary filler dialogue. It was great all around!
Of course I am looking forward to more books from Huber—that goes without saying! You can bet that I will have whatever book she pens next up for review the second I can get my hands on it! Well done!
See my full review here
When I first started this series it felt different than Huber’s other books not just in time period but in characters too. Verity Kent has a lot more grit and grey area to her than some of Huber’s other heroines.
And don’t even get me started on Sidney. I have struggled with Sidney’s character since the first book and have in all honesty never quite warmed up to him based on some of his deception. But I have stuck out this series because it is excellent.
I have been Team Max since the first book and I still keep hoping that Verity will throw over Sidney in favor of Max but admittedly I doubt this is going to happen. But a girl can dream right? As I said, this series is excellent and captures the raw emotion left over from the Great War years in a way that Maisie Dobbs never did for me.
If you love Maisie Dobbs or Maggie Hope there is no doubt you will adore Verity Kent but I didn’t love Maisie Dobbs (Maggie Hope—YES) she was just ok for me there was something detached about her as a character that I could never place, which perhaps was the point. But with Verity, as a reader I really get the emotional turmoil and struggles that she is facing in her new post war life and all its relationships. Verity Kent is more gritty and raw for me and I have loved this series because of it.
Huber’s other books have a strong romantic element to the mysteries where as Verity Kent is more mystery. In this one, there is a lot to unpack when it comes to the mystery. Sidney and Verity are closing in on a long time villain and there was quite a bit of action in this one! Personally I would not read this book out of order. If you are considering this series, I would start back at the first book rather than picking this one up. There are other threads of this mystery that are from previous books and new readers might feel lost.
I think this might be Huber’s best mystery in this series so far. While I have liked each book independently for various reasons, this one stood out as a shining star for me. It had a lot of exciting elements with in the mystery—the art forgeries were an interesting piece for me considering I just finished another historical mystery that included a detailed art forgery and was hungry for more—not to mention the pacing was perfect! I didn’t feel like there were any slow spots or unnecessary filler dialogue. It was great all around!
Of course I am looking forward to more books from Huber—that goes without saying! You can bet that I will have whatever book she pens next up for review the second I can get my hands on it! Well done!
See my full review here
March 5, 2021
I am a sucker for Sidney and Verity: for the layers of their relationship that mends and yields under each subsequent adventure. The strength of this novel lay largely in their ability to get out of London and into a rural countryside manor whose ambience will appeal to readers of Ashley Weaver and Deanna Raybourn.
The mystery was well-plotted and, as per Huber's norm, one that digs into the nuanced depth of humanity rippled with the aftermath of a great war.
A fantastic addition to a series I cannot get enough of.
The mystery was well-plotted and, as per Huber's norm, one that digs into the nuanced depth of humanity rippled with the aftermath of a great war.
A fantastic addition to a series I cannot get enough of.
August 15, 2020
If I consider that I almost did not continue with the series after book 1... well, I am glad I did. This 4th instalment in the series is hands down the best book of the series yet: the characters are well established, we have a formidable enemy that always seems to be a step ahead, a main mystery for the book, riddles, dashing about, the aftermath of WWI... all in all just a jolly good read. The perfect book for locking reality out and disappearing somewhere else. It's been a while since I was thoroughly entertained by a mystery, this one absolutely delivered.
January 30, 2021
"The air smelled not of spring - new growth and freshly turned earth - but fetid decay, smoke, and desperation."
A Pretty Deceit (Book #4) starts with Verity Kent on a mission during the Great War that will come back to haunt to her.
The hunt is still on for evidence on Lord Ardmore and his secrets that have Verity, Sidney, Max (The Earl of Ryde) and Alec Xavier searching in a race against time.
"The trouble was, Ardmore was much to good at covering his tracks, or eliminating the people who could make those connections." (quote from the book)
However, Verity and Sidney get a bit sidetracked when Verity is requested by her parents to help her Aunt Ernestine with fakes, forgeries and missing heirlooms at Littlemote. What they don't expect is another murder and the intrigue that surrounds it.
"Aunt Ernestine had always been a woman enamored with her own consequence, and never content enough until everyone knew it." (quote from the book)
I enjoyed both intrigues and how they weave together. I also enjoyed the reality of Verity and Sidney's continuing marital growth while working with the two men who still love her.
"Somehow it seemed that for every step we took toward each other, for every secret we shared, every complication we laid to rest another rose to replace it, forcing us to continually pivot and shift, and sometimes hurdle the impediments that lay between us to reach each other." (quote from the book)
There is much more that is conveyed within the pages of this latest mystery. One element being the impact the war has had on the women left behind and the men whose injuries, both mental and physical, have on them.
I highly recommend this post World War I historical mystery series by the ever talented Ms Huber. I do recommend you start at the beginning with "This Side of Murder".
July 31, 2021
An excellent addition to the series. I feel I am getting to know Verity even more, and the over arcing mystery is hotting up. Never guessed the murderer. Really liked Verity's cousin Reg.
August 30, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Verity Kent series which takes place in England just after the “great war”. Verity, who was a member of the secret service working behind the lines on the battlefield during the war, has returned to a more settled life in London with her husband, Sidney. He fought in the war and, for a time, Verity thought he was dead. It has taken them some time to heal the wounds that were created by his allowing her to believe he was dead, although his justification was in bringing some traitors to justice. This is part of the story the reader will learn if they choose to go back and read the series in order. Many will enjoy reading this series from the beginning as it highlights how Verity’s and Sidney’s relationship has developed and gotten passed the hurt of his deception. In addition, several secondary characters, one of whom is a continuing enemy of the Kents, are introduced in earlier books and the reader will have a greater understanding of who they are and how they relate to Verity and Sidney by reading the books in order.
In addition to character development, this story hinges in part on the on-going battle between Verity and Sidney and their arch-enemy Lord Ardmore. While the story and mystery itself does not require having read the previous novels, an understanding of the relationship between Lord Ardmore and the Kents will best be achieved by reading the previous novels.
In this book, Verity travels to visit an aunt and her son who is blind as the result of a war wound. The visit is not by choice but at the request of Verity’s parents who want Verity to determine if the aunt’s claims of damage to her ancestral home by pilots who were billetted to the mansion during the war.
In addition to the issues with her aunt, Verity and Sidney are trying to find proof of Lord Armore’s participation in war crimes involving shipping. These crimes were uncovered in previous novels and continue into this one as well as beyond. The immediate mystery in this novel is who killed the “man of all work” An additional murder of a maid is uncovered toward the end of the book, although it was long suspected as a possibility. The two storylines come together to parallel each other in places, not to Verity’s surprise and with considerable foreshadowing to assist the reader in setting expectations.
The book is a good mixture of adventure and daring escapes along with solution of a murder. The adventure takes precedence over the murder itself. Throughout the adventure the reader is treated to bits of information and description that help bring the era to light and which are written in a way that they fold easily into the story being told. The result is a good depiction of time and place provided in a reasonable adventure/murder mystery.
This review is voluntary and reflects my unbiased opinions. I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital read copy of the book.
In addition to character development, this story hinges in part on the on-going battle between Verity and Sidney and their arch-enemy Lord Ardmore. While the story and mystery itself does not require having read the previous novels, an understanding of the relationship between Lord Ardmore and the Kents will best be achieved by reading the previous novels.
In this book, Verity travels to visit an aunt and her son who is blind as the result of a war wound. The visit is not by choice but at the request of Verity’s parents who want Verity to determine if the aunt’s claims of damage to her ancestral home by pilots who were billetted to the mansion during the war.
In addition to the issues with her aunt, Verity and Sidney are trying to find proof of Lord Armore’s participation in war crimes involving shipping. These crimes were uncovered in previous novels and continue into this one as well as beyond. The immediate mystery in this novel is who killed the “man of all work” An additional murder of a maid is uncovered toward the end of the book, although it was long suspected as a possibility. The two storylines come together to parallel each other in places, not to Verity’s surprise and with considerable foreshadowing to assist the reader in setting expectations.
The book is a good mixture of adventure and daring escapes along with solution of a murder. The adventure takes precedence over the murder itself. Throughout the adventure the reader is treated to bits of information and description that help bring the era to light and which are written in a way that they fold easily into the story being told. The result is a good depiction of time and place provided in a reasonable adventure/murder mystery.
This review is voluntary and reflects my unbiased opinions. I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for an advanced digital read copy of the book.
August 1, 2025
I'm torn on A Pretty Deceit and I put off writing this review (never a good thing because my brain is swiss cheese and I forget plot points quickly) because I was confused how I felt. Overall, at the end of the story, I was satisfied and still interested in reading the next in the series.
That being said, the story/mystery took forever to jump off. The plot was unnecessarily convoluted and a bit discordant, even with our mysteries being weirdly and needlessly related.
Side note: Why are the people asking for help in this genre always such terribly unlikable people? I find it a common theme since starting to read the cozy mystery/mystery genre that our mystery SOLVERS are always asked for favors and then treated horribly by the people they are doing the favors for?
Anyway, Verity's aunt was a total piece of work and I would have left her spinning in her own drama but I suppose that wouldn't move the story forward.
So we have an overarching villain that is pulling the strings, a family mystery and another chance to show off Verity's almost lovers (because we are never supposed to forget that Verity had the opportunity to find better men than her husband and all the boys still want her) and a lot of boring ... development? between her and Sidney that is, again, boring. I have yet to be convinced they are in love or were ever in love.
At one point after a conversation between Verity and Sidney, I had a brief flash that I was listening to Lady Darby and got a bit confused before I clicked back to Verity & Sidney. It sorta feels like Verity is morphing into Kiera (god forbid) and Sidney is Gage. And now that I've seen it I will never be able to unsee so I'll have examples in the next book. I maintain that Sidney is totally superfluous in this series and Verity was strong enough to stand on her own as a character. She should be a rich, society widow who has two INTERESTING men chasing after her, Max and Alex.
So while I clearly had a lot of complaints with this read (and apparently the whole series), the mystery did get come together in the end and was overly satisfying enough to continue.
December 4, 2020
This series keeps getting better. I love that beyond the individual mysteries in each book there's a story arc that extends over multiple books--although I do find myself struggling to remember what happened last time given that the books come out a year apart, but I'm already looking forward to finding out what happens next! I think fans of the series will enjoy this one a lot, but I would recommend to anyone who hasn't read any of these books before to start with the first one--a lot has happened since then that is background for this story. The series has a bit of a cozy mystery feel but more action/espionage than your typical cozy.
*I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2020
A Pretty Deceit
By Anna Lee Huber
A Pretty Deceit is book four in the Verity Kent series and just like the others, I continue to enjoy this amazing cozy mystery series.
This one does not fall short of suspects when a dead body is found on the grounds of her family's manor in Wiltshire. I love visiting Sydney and Verity once more and the twists in this mystery will have you guessing and scratching your head and keep you engaged looking for clues.
I loved this fun and witty cozy mystery that dealt with art forgeries and amazing historically accurate details of the time. I really enjoyed this one.
By Anna Lee Huber
A Pretty Deceit is book four in the Verity Kent series and just like the others, I continue to enjoy this amazing cozy mystery series.
This one does not fall short of suspects when a dead body is found on the grounds of her family's manor in Wiltshire. I love visiting Sydney and Verity once more and the twists in this mystery will have you guessing and scratching your head and keep you engaged looking for clues.
I loved this fun and witty cozy mystery that dealt with art forgeries and amazing historically accurate details of the time. I really enjoyed this one.
October 6, 2020
4.5 stars
I love the depth I find in Anna Lee Huber's stories. She has proven herself a master at jumping from different historical settings. I found the fourth book in the series to be delightful. Verity and her husband are called to a relative's estate to help solve the unexplained disappearance of some treasured family objects as well as that of a missing maid. Is there a connection between these and the mysterious death of a local man? With some predictable and some unpredictable plot twists, I found this to be an enjoyable read. I was most drawn to Huber's elegant prose and the graceful focus on different characters' emotional scars from WWI, delving into how these continued to haunt them.
Within this story, we have a mystery that is solved within the pages of this novel, but we also have another plot that is carried from past novels and is foreshadowed to continue in upcoming books. Readers will find that this can be read as a standalone, but will appreciate the overall plot and character arcs if the books within the series are read in order.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love the depth I find in Anna Lee Huber's stories. She has proven herself a master at jumping from different historical settings. I found the fourth book in the series to be delightful. Verity and her husband are called to a relative's estate to help solve the unexplained disappearance of some treasured family objects as well as that of a missing maid. Is there a connection between these and the mysterious death of a local man? With some predictable and some unpredictable plot twists, I found this to be an enjoyable read. I was most drawn to Huber's elegant prose and the graceful focus on different characters' emotional scars from WWI, delving into how these continued to haunt them.
Within this story, we have a mystery that is solved within the pages of this novel, but we also have another plot that is carried from past novels and is foreshadowed to continue in upcoming books. Readers will find that this can be read as a standalone, but will appreciate the overall plot and character arcs if the books within the series are read in order.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Verity Kent mystery series. Preparations for the one year anniversary of the Armistice are underway. Verity's stint in the British Secret Service had come to an end following the end of World War I. Yet, those skills honed in service are vital to solving the riddles and mysteries found in book four.
Without giving too much away, I must say that author Anna Lee Huber brings her characters to life so fully that one could easily imagine that these persons are very real. Each is replete with their own fears, sorrows, regrets, strengths, cleverness and devotion. Verity and her war-hero husband, Sidney, have settled into a relatively comfortable marriage after having been separated for fifteen months during the war. Yet each is still hounded by the horrors they faced during that Great War, some of which visit them and not just in their nightmares.
It is October of 1919. Sidney is speeding through the Wiltshire countryside in his brand-new red Pierce-Arrow roadster with Verity at his side, clinging to the dashboard as he maneuvers the vehicle around the country lanes. Verity, at her father's request, has been called to her Aunt Ernestine's estate to assess the damage done to the home while it was utilized as barracks for airmen flying off to war from the nearby airfield. There was also the mysterious disappearance of heirloom items from the home which Verity was expected to look into. It wasn't long after Verity's arrival that the first dead body was encountered along a wooded path of the estate. The local constabulary did their best and soon had a suspect in hand. But had that person truly been the perpetrator? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, some troublesome business carried over from the war is hounding Verity's nightmares and requires quick thinking and agile outmaneuvering of the person(s) after her. Tension increases as the chase is afoot and finally much is resolved as the story comes to a satisfying end. Yet there are still a few unanswered questions so that one is eager for a hopefully forthcoming fifth installment of the series.
The writing in this book is exquisite; scene descriptions - painterly; and history - well researched. If you are a fan of good, solid historical fiction with a touch of sleuthing, then I highly commend this series to you.
I am grateful to Netgalley for having provided a free ebook of this story. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Without giving too much away, I must say that author Anna Lee Huber brings her characters to life so fully that one could easily imagine that these persons are very real. Each is replete with their own fears, sorrows, regrets, strengths, cleverness and devotion. Verity and her war-hero husband, Sidney, have settled into a relatively comfortable marriage after having been separated for fifteen months during the war. Yet each is still hounded by the horrors they faced during that Great War, some of which visit them and not just in their nightmares.
It is October of 1919. Sidney is speeding through the Wiltshire countryside in his brand-new red Pierce-Arrow roadster with Verity at his side, clinging to the dashboard as he maneuvers the vehicle around the country lanes. Verity, at her father's request, has been called to her Aunt Ernestine's estate to assess the damage done to the home while it was utilized as barracks for airmen flying off to war from the nearby airfield. There was also the mysterious disappearance of heirloom items from the home which Verity was expected to look into. It wasn't long after Verity's arrival that the first dead body was encountered along a wooded path of the estate. The local constabulary did their best and soon had a suspect in hand. But had that person truly been the perpetrator? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, some troublesome business carried over from the war is hounding Verity's nightmares and requires quick thinking and agile outmaneuvering of the person(s) after her. Tension increases as the chase is afoot and finally much is resolved as the story comes to a satisfying end. Yet there are still a few unanswered questions so that one is eager for a hopefully forthcoming fifth installment of the series.
The writing in this book is exquisite; scene descriptions - painterly; and history - well researched. If you are a fan of good, solid historical fiction with a touch of sleuthing, then I highly commend this series to you.
I am grateful to Netgalley for having provided a free ebook of this story. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
December 28, 2020
I read this series to this point, because it was recommended by a friend. In fact, she loaned me the books. However, I will not continue reading it. The characters, especially Verity, were boring. I don't think the author developed them past the superficial. All Verity seemed to care about was wardrobe choices, hers and her friends. This is the fourth book and she and her husband are still dealing with issues that started in Book One. I find the mysteries boring and also do not want a continuing bad guy. Not recommending.
July 10, 2023
Didn't care for this series from Anna Lee Huber as much as I like the other one. I do have to say, though that there are some odd twists of phrases along the way that made me stop and re-read a couple times. An example is "I opened my mouth to respond, but she turned away, reaching for the door handle. I supposed she didn't need one." I've always thought that sentence/ thoughts written down refer to last action. And I keep wondering why 'she' didn't need a door handle after reaching for it.
July 18, 2021
Meh - Best way for me to read these books, read the beginning and the end and skip all the bs in the middle. So much better.
July 13, 2023
I really don't read these books for the mystery plots, but there really are some plot holes in the mystery set up that makes these mysteries just a bit less compelling for me. I did appreciate getting a little more of Max and Alec in this one, but I think generally this series needs a stronger cast of supporting characters, even if I do generally like Verity and Sidney.
I also need to address something with the Ardmore plot: I am, as a general rule, uncomfortable when British-set/centered books use Irish independence as a plot point, and I am very uncomfortable with how it's being set up with respect to Ardmore. I let it slide in the previous book because Verity's point of view felt very fair: sympathetic to the Irish desire for independence but also not wanting to see any of her friends get hurt. I am on board with that, while also simply not wanting it to be a part of my escapist reading. But that wasn't really how it was presented here. And the thing is, I am very much on board for the idea of not wanting violence. But these books pretty much never address the other violence here, and that's fairly personal to me! My great-great grandfather was executed (murdered) by British troops in front of his entire family, including my great-great grandmother and my great grandfather. For what crime, you ask? Well, he was teaching people to read. This is a big part of my family history, and a big part of why that side of my family is no longer in Ireland. Anyway, the bottom line is I'd really prefer it for books centered on the British not to go here!
I also need to address something with the Ardmore plot: I am, as a general rule, uncomfortable when British-set/centered books use Irish independence as a plot point, and I am very uncomfortable with how it's being set up with respect to Ardmore. I let it slide in the previous book because Verity's point of view felt very fair: sympathetic to the Irish desire for independence but also not wanting to see any of her friends get hurt. I am on board with that, while also simply not wanting it to be a part of my escapist reading. But that wasn't really how it was presented here. And the thing is, I am very much on board for the idea of not wanting violence. But these books pretty much never address the other violence here, and that's fairly personal to me! My great-great grandfather was executed (murdered) by British troops in front of his entire family, including my great-great grandmother and my great grandfather. For what crime, you ask? Well, he was teaching people to read. This is a big part of my family history, and a big part of why that side of my family is no longer in Ireland. Anyway, the bottom line is I'd really prefer it for books centered on the British not to go here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2021
Verity Kent continues her sleuthing with husband Sidney and friends Max and Alec as they seek to untangle a mystery left by the murder of Max's father, the previous Earl of Ryde. Beginning with a flashback from Verity's secret service work in WWI, the action intensifies with murders and disappearances among the staff on her aunt's estate in Wiltshire. Anna Lee Huber gives an emotional presentation of the after effects of the war, venturing into a look at what is classified as PTSD today. I love the inclusion of Verity's cousin Reginald as he struggles to live with his blindness from the war.
There is so much in this novel - a mystery that is constantly twisting and turning, dangerous life-threatening interactions, emotional reflections on losses during war, and character growth that keeps the reader wanting to know more. I need to read the next book!
There is so much in this novel - a mystery that is constantly twisting and turning, dangerous life-threatening interactions, emotional reflections on losses during war, and character growth that keeps the reader wanting to know more. I need to read the next book!
March 5, 2022
I really loved the way the two investigations intertwined in this one. I also adore both Max and Alec and find it highly amusing how Verity has this collection of adoring men assisting her.
August 14, 2023
A Pretty Decent is the fourth book in the Verity Kent series. IMO the books need to be read in order, because each case builds on the one before it. The relationships between characters, and their interactions with each other also make more sense when you are familiar with the back story.
Ms. Huber doesn't whitewash the lasting and tragic effects of WWI on the many characters. The first anniversary of the armistice is fast approaching, and yet for those who fought on the front lines as well as those on the home front, life is not back to normal, and the new normal is too new to be comfortable. There are too many chairs forever empty, too many wounds and scars barely healed...
One of the many things I love about this series is the character building, as each of the main characters must actively choose throughout each day to move towards healing. The losses of war are so great, and so final, and can so easily overwhelm and drown you without any warning.
I'm looking forward to discovering whether Verity can go home again, and I hope she will find peace in the familiar places where her beloved brother can bring her peace and healing. Although his chair is forever vacant, her family unit can be restored.
Ms. Huber doesn't whitewash the lasting and tragic effects of WWI on the many characters. The first anniversary of the armistice is fast approaching, and yet for those who fought on the front lines as well as those on the home front, life is not back to normal, and the new normal is too new to be comfortable. There are too many chairs forever empty, too many wounds and scars barely healed...
One of the many things I love about this series is the character building, as each of the main characters must actively choose throughout each day to move towards healing. The losses of war are so great, and so final, and can so easily overwhelm and drown you without any warning.
I'm looking forward to discovering whether Verity can go home again, and I hope she will find peace in the familiar places where her beloved brother can bring her peace and healing. Although his chair is forever vacant, her family unit can be restored.
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