#kiera gage

[annafromuni]

A Deceptive Composition - Anna Lee Huber Delivers Another Engaging Plot

As far as historical fiction murder mystery releases go, A Deceptive Composition is certainly topping the charts in terms of interest and balance between action plots and relationship plots this year. This addition to the Lady Darby mystery series is one of my favourites, and the narrative direction is one I will not forget. Continuing from our emotive adventure with Lord Gage in A Fatal…

[cowardlycowboys]

do think it's always funny when people go "are you bi" and then nothing comes of it is like a pride census

[13magoo13]

BookGoals 2023:  Book Two

I finished book two of the Lady Darby series even though it had more pages to read than the first book.  I had to go back to make sure it didn’t have less pages, but it did not.  

Mortal Arts, takes place a few months after the first book concludes.   Adding more insight to Kiera Darby’s interactions with close friends.  We delve more into her short time before her marriage to Sir Anthony & her artistic background.

This mystery allows her to rejoin with Sebastion Gage on the disappearance of a young girl in the nearest village.  But also having Kiera defend a close friend she thought long gone.   

I feel this story is a successful sequel to the first book and a good bridge between book one and three in the series.  The author explores medical practices of mind.  Especially for this time period for the Napoleonic wars are heavily mentioned throughout the book and the stigma to those who returned from it. 

This one was a little easier to figure from some of the clues laid out in the first few chapters.  Again, this was much shorter and really to be a bridge between the first two books.   Thus, I was ahead of our main detectives before they reached the conclusion.  Which was good for it allowed me to enjoy other aspects of the world building Huber is laying out for us.

It says #384, but the whole story is #370.  I’m not counting the historical notes (which are very interesting to read) & the preview for the next book.  As a preference I don’t read the teaser for I like to go in fresh.  

Book 2 of 52 is complete for 2023.

[chataiaesthetics]

Colour Palette 3

11. Foster Kealoha; a professional survivalist who trains others, and is now stranded on a remote island. GENDERBENT TEAGAN KEALOHA

12. Gage Corey; an 80s Slasher knockoff. A stalker and serial killer who owns a campground for a summer camp and a camp ground for families and groups and friends.

13. Griffin Parish; An Alpha Werewolf who is now having to worry about a rival pack that moved nearby to his generational home.

14. Heathen Easton; A sci-fi spaceship captain who is a retired military general that used to fight for The Empire and is now a part smuggler.

15. James Bankole: A marine biologist who is fresh out of college and is now gearing up for a field study. He specialises in Sharks and Whales. GENDERBENT KIERA BANKOLE

[bookwyrmshoard]

A Fatal Illusion, by Anna Lee Huber

Kiera and Gage investigate the shooting of his father, in a village determined to keep its secrets

Anna Lee Huber offers up another well-written historical mystery in her Lady Darby series featuring the intrepid investigators Kiera (formerly Lady Darby) and her husband, Sebastian Gage. The plot centers around an attack on Kiera’s father-in-law, Lord Gage, by a gang of highwaymen. Injured and bed-bound, Lord Gage is forced to sit on the sidelines while Sebastian and Kiera investigate. But their inquiries are stymied at every turn.The villagers seem curiously reluctant to talk about the robbers. Lord Gage is uncharacteristically reticent. And the local doctor and his wife may be hiding their own secrets…

While the mystery is challenging, the family relationships proved the real draw for me in this novel. Gage has a painful history with his father, and Kiera’s relationship with him is similarly fraught. Lord Gage is a complex man, difficult and controlling. The presence of Sebastian’s recently-discovered illegitimate brother, Henry, whom Lord Gage refuses to acknowledge, adds an additional layer of tension. Yet there are hints in this book that he has a softer side, though he hides it well. His delight in his infant granddaughter serves to humanize him, making me just a little more sympathetic to him despite his obfuscations and bluster… for Lord Gage, it seems, knows more about his attackers and their motives than he is willing to share. And there is more going on in the village of Wentbridge, and in the home of Dr. Barton (where the Gages are staying) than just a simple band of highwaymen. 

The warmth and commitment of Kiera and Sebastian’s marriage provides a welcome contrast to the strained family relationships mentioned above. Add in the setting’s vague connection to Robin Hood, a more definite connection to the Yorkshire West Riding Revolt some years earlier, and the intriguing Dr. Barton and his wife, and the novel is quite compelling. I really enjoyed it, and of course, I can’t wait for the next Lady Darby mystery!

[tessatalksbooksblog]

A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber #BookReview #Mystery #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalMystery

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…

[straight-outta-kaer-morhen]

Scars <Eskel Soulmate AU>

Request from AO3: "Could you so an Eskel/reader with a soulmate AU? Maybe where soulmates have the same scars. Pretty please?"

Sorry it took so long. This fic has been sitting finished for several months, but I couldn't decide if I liked it enough to post. I've never done a soulmate AU, so this was a fun challenge! Anyways, I hope you enjoy! :D

As always, requests are open

Her claws wracked the side of his face. He'd been trying to avoid this meeting, but fate seemed to always have it's way. He was a fool for invoking the law of surprise all those years ago, and an even bigger fool for running from fate.

Looking up at the young girl, he had nothing in his heart but hate. The way she glowered at him he had no doubts she returned his sentiments.

• •• • A cry escaped her as flesh tore. Her hands shot out to grab her cheek. Blood ran freely down her jaw covering her neck. Horrified at the sight of crimson she helplessly tried to staunch the blood flow. The mage in front of her had his back pressed against the wall. Nothing but horror filled his eyes. This was not how the negotiations with Kaedwen were supposed to go. By the look on his face he hadn't attacked her, or cursed her. He fled the room as the pain seared across her cheek.

At some point she recalled being taken to a nurse for treatment, who was only able to bandage the wound, and send the sorceress on her way.

None of the healers could speed up the process of healing. The wound seemed to be healing on its own time. When it finally did heal, she was left with several jagged scars that even ran down her lips. When she looked in the mirror she was horrified by what she saw.

She seeked out Yennefer of Vengerberg’s powers. If anyone could heal the scars it was her. Very few were close to equal with Yennefer’s abilities.

"I cannot fix this." Yennefer declared, her eyes filling with pity. "This is the mark of a soulmate...and nothing can change fate."

"You were so beautiful." Kiera Metz's voice came softly. Y/N could not fathom the pity filled look she received. Her reflection showed several claw mark's adorned her face. They were raised and red.

Beauty wasn't everything she tried to tell herself, but she knew finding a lover would be impossible. Even her so-called soulmate would want nothing to do with her.

Yennefer gripped her shoulder, "beauty isn't everything."

• •• • "What happened to her?" Geralt inquired, his cat eyes falling on the familiar scars that adorned her face.

"It's a sad story." Triss sighed. "She used to have a beautiful face." Triss began, "the kind of face that makes king's launch wars over."

"Prettier than Yen?"

Triss nodded, "she had a softness, a warmth that Yennefer lacked. It drove men absolutely mad." She mused. "One day during negotiations, her face just tore open. It was the damndest thing."

"When?" Geralt inquired, observing the (h/c).

Triss tapped her chin recounting the years, "it had to have been about 20 years ago...give or take a few years."

"Hmmm." Geralt said, catching the woman's (e/c) eyes. She offered him a soft smile from across the room. He gave her a nod, his eyes tracing the scars that lined her lip. They were uncanny to Eskel's.

"No mage or sorceress could heal her." Triss added. "Apparently soulmate scars work differently, it's a power we know little of."

"Soulmate scars? I thought that was an old wives tale." Geralt asked, startled.

"So did I, but the circumstances of how she acquired them...well there is no other explanation for it." She said with a shrug as she took a sip of wine. "I spoke with the mage that witnessed it. His account was hard to discredit."

"The amount of scars a Witcher acquires, well it's hard to put much stock in the idea." Geralt said, taking another drink of his ale.

Triss waved the woman over, "whatever man acquired those, it must have been hell for him from what Y/N described."

"Y/N, this is Geralt." Triss introduced, "he's taken an interest in your scars." She said leaving the two to get acquainted

Her hand immediately shot up to her face covering the scars. "Forgive me for prying," Geralt began, "I have a friend who has similar scars."

Y/N's eyebrows raised, "is he a Witcher too?"

Geralt nodded, "sounds like he got those scars around the time you did."

"That would explain the pain…" Y/N mumbled, sitting at the table. "I'm very sorry for your friend, I know how he feels." She began a small frown pulling at her face. "No matter how kind you are, people tend to avoid things they can't explain."

"Well, I have reason to believe he may be the answer to those scars."

She shook her head, "even so he wouldn't want to see me." (E/c) eyes flickered up at his feline gaze. "I know exactly how I look Geralt. Kings stopped requesting my presence as soon as they saw my face, the lodge will not send me out diplomatically in case another scar decides to show up." Her jaw was set, "I'm quite positive your Witcher friend would not care to see me."

Geralt nodded, "if you change your mind let me know."

• •• •

Winters were perfect for catching up with his brother in arms. Geralt had debated keeping the scarred woman's existence a secret, but ultimately he decided that it was Eskel who should decide.

He broke the news a few weeks into their stay. He'd made sure Vesemir was in the room. If anyone would have more knowledge on the subjects of soulmates it would be the old Witcher.

"I met a sorceress this past fall." Geralt began, soliciting a scoff from Vesemir.

"Did you bed her too?" The grey haired man asked. Soliciting a soft smile from Eskel as he turned the page of his book.

"No, but she had some interesting scars." Geralt commented.

Eskel's eyes shot up, his hand automatically scratching at the scars that lined his lips. "A sorceress who chose not to have them healed? That's unheard of. They tend to be a vain bunch." Vesemir said thoughtfully.

"They tried, but scars involving soulmates is another thing." Geralt peaked up at Eskel to gage his reaction. The Witcher had stiffened, listening intently.

"Soulmates," Vesemir mused. "That is a very rare phenomenon. I can't say I've ever heard of two soulmates actually finding each other."

"Hmm, I saw the scars with my own eyes. Three claw marks on the side of the jaw." Eskel dropped his book.

"Appeared out of nowhere about twenty years ago." Geralt added. "If I hadn't been mistaken by the pair of tits I would have thought it was Eskel."

Eskel's cleared his throat, "it's a coincidence."

"Maybe, but I don't think so."

"Perhaps it's fate forcing you to make things right?" Vesemir in his infinite wisdom had a point. Much to Eskel's dismay.

"If it's fate we'll run into each other." Eskel dismissed.

"Eskel, you can't outrun fate." Vesemir began, "look what happened to you last time."

Geralt sighed, "I didn't tell you this to feel trapped by fate. I thought you had a right to know, I also think you have a right to tell destiny to fuck off if you want."

Eskel seemed to relax a bit, "was she attractive?"

Geralt nodded, "scars and all. Triss says she was once prettier than Yen." He hesitated, "there is something else you should know…"

Eskel leaned forward curiosity getting the better of him.

"She doesn't think you'd wish to see her."

A frown pulled at the dark haired Witcher's lips. He knew all too well what it was like to carry those scars.

Eskel had once been considered a handsome man. He'd never had a hard time finding a lover, and people used to be friendlier. After he acquired the scars, brothels were the only place he could find pleasure, the contracts he took the people looked on him as if he were a feral beast.

"Go talk to her." Lambert's voice echoed through the hall.

"What have I told you about eavesdropping?" Vesemir asked, turning to the youngest Witcher.

"Ah, can it old man." Lambert said, waving him off. "You're always saying you want a lover. If she really is your soulmate, even she can't turn you down."

That was just like Lambert, to throw his opinion out there regardless if it was welcome or not. "I thought you opposed Geralt bringing visitors to Kaer Morhen. You really want me to bring someone too?"

"If it’ll get you laid, I’m willing to take one for the team."

Vesemir rubbed his temples, no one could get on his nerves like the younger Witcher. Bold and brash, Lambert had a tendency to speak without thinking things through. It seemed the mutations could not quell the passion for living that burned inside.

“You have time. Destiny can wait.” Geralt said downing the rest of his ale. “Think on it.” He said, patting Eskel’s shoulder before heading upstairs for the evening.

Vesemir and Lambert were quick to follow, leaving Eskel alone with his thoughts. He turned to the many shelves that lined the wall. The bookshelves had been moved years ago when the library had decayed enough that Vesemir didn't trust it to house his precious tomes. If anyone were to have a book on the subject of soulmates, it would be the old man.

The book was thin and covered in years of dust. Eskel brushed the cover off. The letters had worn off, but the faint engraving of the title could be seen, Love Potions, Relationships, and Soul Mates. Eskel flipped to the title page, how to tell if they're the one, potions to make them fall in love, and tips turning that crush into love.

A small chuckle escaped Eskel's lips. He wondered when the old Witcher had picked this up, and who he was trying to woo. The table of contents indicated the chapter on soulmates started on page 69.

"Soulmates were fated by the gods. The oldest known magic, but very little have studied it. Soulmates could be confirmed by matching scars. It has been speculated that when one soul receives the mark their kindred soul receives it as well.

It is unknown why the other soul experiences the same wound, and pain. Some scholars assume it is to bound the two souls in a mutual understanding.

Soulmate bonds used to be very common, but the emergence of alchemy, and sorcery has made the magic almost extinct.

Soulmate bonds typically occur during strange phenomenons such as blood moons, eclipses, solstices, etc.

There have been instances where soulmates have argued that they were fated to meet.”

Eskel flipped the page, but the next chapter was regarding a love potion. He took care placing the book back on the shelf.

He let his mind wander as he trudged up the stairs to his room. Having someone to hold on nights like this wouldn't be unwelcome.

The room was silent, the fire had turned to embers. He threw another log on coaxing it back to life with Igni. The only thing in the room that indicated someone lived in it were stacks of books, and his weapons laid on a long, narrow table.

He toed off his boots and sat on the edge of the low bed. He wanted to laugh at Geralt for suggesting such an idea. He wanted to tell Vesemir that destiny could go to hell. He wanted Lambert to realize that no one would ever want him, but most of all he wanted it to be true.

Of course he wanted someone to love him, but how the hell could he accept a love like that? If he couldn't love the scars on his face how could he expect someone else to? The questions raised in his mind, but Lambert's voice rang in the back of his mind if she is your soulmate, even she can't turn you down. Perhaps that was the ember that sparked hope in his heart.

• •• •

The lodge trusted her with an alchemy shop. It seemed even she couldn't fuck that up. The once brilliant negotiator was now grinding, mixing and drying herbs. The shop bell jingled indicating a customer. "I'll be with you in a moment."

"Take your time."

She dried her hands on her apron, as she turned to face the deep voice. Her eyes widened at the sight of him. The scars that lined his lips were identical to hers.

"I'm sorry. This is my fault." He began as her hand shot up to cover the scars.

"I told Geralt you wouldn't want to see me." She said turning away from the dark haired Witcher.

He was quick to reach out to her, "no you're beautiful...no beautiful isn't the right word..it's not enough to describe you." Eskel breathed taking in her soft (e/c) eyes. "A choice I made hurt you." Eskel's voice was thick with shame, "and you've had to live with that."

She took him in, and her fingers traced the scars that lined his face. "Perhaps it's not all bad."

Eskel's heart fluttered at the prospect. She had yet to turn him away, and he dared to let his heart hope.

"These scars led me to you."

[autisticheadcanons]

Kiera Darby/Gage from the Anatomist’s Wife series is autistic (special interest is art)

[starlightwrites]

Writing Process Meme

I was tagged by @illusivesoul! Thank you ! :D

I don’t want to tag anyone because I’m not sure who’s writing right now, but if you see this and want to share, please tag me! I’d love to read your stuffs! <3

Short stories, novels, or poems?

I used to be all about novels but I have started looooooving short stories!

What genre do you prefer reading?

So many! I love fantasy and romance and horror and historical and satirical and--

What genre do you prefer writing?

Most of my non-fic work is modern fantasy or bangsian fiction! Love me some ghosts and faeries! I like writing romance too!

Are you a planner or a write-as-I-go kind of person?

Both! I start out with a great plan and then I do not follow it even a little bit. I’m bad at directions, even when the directions are my own. :/

What music do you listen to while writing?

I like all those lofi hip-hop montages because they are just enough sound to keep my brain happy and focused, but they are still quiet and soothing. I also sometimes listen to a song that inspired me on a loop for six hours while I try to figure out how to manifest that exact feeling in a paragraph. It is. The Worst.

Fave books/movies?

OH man so many.

Books: Le Petit Prince by Antoine de St Exuprey; the Harry Potter novels; White Noise by Don Delillo; Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes by Cory O'Brien; Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell; 90% of the Shakespeare Comedies and Tragedies (Histories are ok but they’re on thin ice) (fuck The Taming of the Shrew); The Outlander novels (even though they have their issues...like...so many issues)

Movies: Amelie; the 1996 BBC Miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice; the 2005 Kiera Knightly Pride and Prejudice (there’s a theme); The Adams Family movies; The Princess Bride; Clue; Moulin Rouge; literally any Disney movie ever.

Any current WIPs?

Also a lot lol. I have

Moments Between (Mass Effect: Rae Shepard and Garrus Vakarian longfic)

Another Life (Fallout 4: Cori Hart and Porter Gage longfic)

Where You Belong (Fallout 4: teen Shaun and Sole Survivor Lola fic--unreleased)

Companion One-Shots with Fallout 4 Sole Survivor Lola Clover

Under the Mojave Stars (Fallout New Vegas: Courier 6 Lulu and the companions and a whole lot of emotional constipation)

Aaaaaand then a few non-fic WIPs that I am sitting on.

If someone were to make a cartoon out of you, what would your standard outfit be?

A black dress with a cardigan over leggings, flats, and a pair of glasses! That is 75% of my outfits. I dress like a librarian.

Create a character description for yourself:

She walked into the room like a baby giraffe on roller skates. Her arms were piled high, full of books, notebooks, scraps of paper, keys, a laptop, four different pens, and a precariously placed Grande coffee. Her glasses were perched on top of her head and she squinted, eyes pinched to figure out if that person waving was waving to her? Or not? Maybe not--probably not. They drew closer and oh. They were waving to her. Oh no. She shifted her things into one arm to wave back but dropped her keys, knocked her glasses off her head, and nearly dumped the coffee.

(I’m a mess, pls send help)

Do you like incorporating people you actually know into your writing?

Nooooooooooooo! Nope! I may draw inspiration here or there, but that is a slippery slope and I try to avoid it at all costs.

Are you kill-happy with characters?

I used to be, but lately I’ve been all about happy endings. It depends, I suppose.

Coffee or tea while writing?

Both? Both. At the same time, because I got up to make a tea, forgot that I had made the tea, brewed some coffee, made it back to my desk, and then realized I had just an abundance of beverages. SOoooooo both.

Slow or fast writer?

HAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA slow. As molasses.

Where/who/what do you find inspiration from?

Everything! Most often a feeling I got from something (a song, a setting, etc), but also from all over the place. Random thoughts, people at work, prompts in my classes, etc.

If you were put into a fantasy world, what would you be?

Probably a bard but...like...not a good one.

Most fave book cliche? Least fave book cliche?

Fave: They Thought They Didn’t Have Feelings for Each Other. They Totally Have Feelings for Each Other.

Least fave: sexual assault as a means of motivation (*ACHEM* OUTLANDER *ACHEM*). It is needlessly triggering, sloppy, lazy, and does a HUGE disservice to survivors.

Fave scenes to write?

Catharsis scenes. I LOVE scenes that let off steam or lighten the mood after a really dark patch. They are satisfying to write!

Most productive time of day for writing?

Midnight to 3:00 am, preferably after I have decided to go to bed and have showered. -_______-

Reason for writing:

Because. Seriously, though, just because. There are only a few stories we can tell, but endless ways in which we can tell them, and that is magical. I write to connect to people and to explore the world we live in. I write to process and understand, but most importantly: I write just because. (And no one can stop me).

[annafromuni]

My Thoughts on Anna Lee Huber's Kiera Darby Mysteries (so far)

Anna Lee Huber’s Kiera Darby mystery series is a fun, immersive, and delightfully deadly Regency-era murder mystery series that spans the United Kingdom, starting in the Scottish Highlands and moving down into London and Southern England, making a stopover in Dublin during the fifth book (excluding the novella from the official book count). Having read the eleven novels and the novella, and now…

[b1fxufx99]

≈All You Need To Know About ? The Prison Healer (The Prison Healer, #1)

Now you Read A Wicked Conceit (Lady Darby Mystery, #9)

  This book is a very good book to read!

Do you want to read it ??

  √PDF BOOKS | √SCREEN READER | √EPUB

     Download  Read Online

  Descriptions 

Soon-to-be new parents Kiera and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have been hoping for a respite from their inquiries, but murder and mayhem have a startling way of dropping into their laps in the all-new historical mystery in this national bestselling series.Edinburgh, Scotland. March 1832. Kiera and Gage have been eagerly awaiting their bundle of joy, but trouble has been brewing in the form of the roguish criminal, Bonnie Brock Kincaid. A new book and subsequent play features some of Kincaid's daringly heinous exploits, although he swears he had nothing to do with it or the characters which are obvious representations of Kiera and Gage. While the scoundrel's fury seems genuine, as well as his determined quest to uncover the real identity of the author, the Gages still hold doubts about his innocence.A rash of crimes break out across the city, seemingly inspired by the play and book. When the publisher is found brutally murdered?in an imitation of a gruesome scene?the finger not only

  #HOW TO DOWNLOAD FREE PDF BOOKS||#CHILDRENS BOOKS||#AMAZON KINDLE REVIEW||#BOOKS||#EBOOK FORMATTING||#2020 BOOKS||#BEST BOOKS||#BOOKS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

[alexanderarlene]

All You Need To Know About ? The Prison Healer (The Prison Healer, #1)

Now you Read A Wicked Conceit (Lady Darby Mystery, #9)

  This book is a very good book to read!

Do you want to read it ??

  √PDF BOOKS | √SCREEN READER | √EPUB

     Download  Read Online

  Descriptions 

Soon-to-be new parents Kiera and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have been hoping for a respite from their inquiries, but murder and mayhem have a startling way of dropping into their laps in the all-new historical mystery in this national bestselling series.Edinburgh, Scotland. March 1832. Kiera and Gage have been eagerly awaiting their bundle of joy, but trouble has been brewing in the form of the roguish criminal, Bonnie Brock Kincaid. A new book and subsequent play features some of Kincaid's daringly heinous exploits, although he swears he had nothing to do with it or the characters which are obvious representations of Kiera and Gage. While the scoundrel's fury seems genuine, as well as his determined quest to uncover the real identity of the author, the Gages still hold doubts about his innocence.A rash of crimes break out across the city, seemingly inspired by the play and book. When the publisher is found brutally murdered?in an imitation of a gruesome scene?the finger not only

  #HOW TO DOWNLOAD FREE PDF BOOKS||#CHILDRENS BOOKS||#AMAZON KINDLE REVIEW||#BOOKS||#EBOOK FORMATTING||#2020 BOOKS||#BEST BOOKS||#BOOKS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

[bookwyrmshoard]

The Anatomist’s Wife, by Anna Lee Huber (read by Heather Wilds)

The Anatomist’s Wife marries historical mystery with Gothic atmosphere and a delicate touch of romance. ...I loved the Scottish setting, the characters, and the hint of reluctant romance brewing between Kiera and Gage. Huber’s sense of place is strong, and her skillful evocation of character through dialog and action makes even secondary characters come alive. However, I found the actual mystery somewhat disappointing. It’s not that the murder wasn’t interesting (albeit horrific), but it was too easy to solve. Still, I will definitely be reading more of the series. The many aspects I loved about the book far outweigh those shortcomings… and besides, I want to see how the relationship between Kiera and Gage develops! I also really enjoyed the audiobook narrator. She does a good job differentiating the characters’ voices, including a variety of accents, and her voice as Kiera is pleasant to listen to. Recommended for: readers looking for historical mystery with a hint of romance. Read for #COYER Seasons: Spring.

NOTE: A much longer version of this review appears on The Bookwyrm’s Hoard blog.

[actionbookz-blog]

Get 'The Anatomist's Wife' on OFFER for a Limited Time Only!

Here: https://www.bookzio.com/the-anatomists-wife/

THE FIRST LADY DARBY MYSTERY“A riveting debut…an original premise, an enigmatic heroine, and a compelling Highland setting…a book you won’t want to put down.”—New York Times bestselling author Deanna RaybournScotland, 1830. Following the death of her husband, Lady Darby has taken refuge at her sister’s estate, finding solace in her passion for painting. But when her hosts throw a house party for the cream of London society, Kiera is unable to hide from the ire of those who believe her to be as unnatural as her husband, an anatomist who used her artistic talents to suit his own macabre purposes. Kiera wants to put her past aside, but when one of the house guests is murdered, her brother-in-law asks her to utilize her knowledge of human anatomy to aid the insufferable Sebastian Gage—a fellow guest with some experience as an inquiry agent. While Gage is clearly more competent than she first assumed, Kiera isn’t about to let her guard down as accusations and rumors swirl. When Kiera and Gage’s search leads them to even more gruesome discoveries, a series of disturbing notes urges Lady Darby to give up the inquiry. But Kiera is determined to both protect her family and prove her innocence, even as she risks becoming the next victim…

Free and Bargain-Priced Action Books Daily