Thursday, November 21, 2019

Review: This Side of Murder by Anna Lee Huber


Publication Date: September 26th 2017 by Kensington 
Pages: 304
Source: Library Audio Book
Length/Narrator: 9 hrs 45 min performed by Heather Wilds
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

About the book:

The Great War is over, but in this captivating new series from award-winning author Anna Lee Huber, one young widow discovers the real intrigue has only just begun . . .

An Unpardonable Sin?


England, 1919. Verity Kent’s grief over the loss of her husband pierces anew when she receives a cryptic letter, suggesting her beloved Sidney may have committed treason before his untimely death. Determined to dull her pain with revelry, Verity’s first impulse is to dismiss the derogatory claim. But the mystery sender knows too much—including the fact that during the war, Verity worked for the Secret Service, something not even Sidney knew.

Lured to Umbersea Island to attend the engagement party of one of Sidney’s fellow officers, Verity mingles among the men her husband once fought beside, and discovers dark secrets—along with a murder clearly meant to conceal them. Relying on little more than a coded letter, the help of a dashing stranger, and her own sharp instincts, Verity is forced down a path she never imagined—and comes face to face with the shattering possibility that her husband may not have been the man she thought he was. It’s a truth that could set her free—or draw her ever deeper into his deception . . .

My Thoughts:
Verity is in the process of grieving the loss of her husband, Sidney, and with the war over she no longer has her job as spy for the Secret Service to keep her mind off the grief.

Now Verity must contend with a house party celebrating the engagement of Sidney’s good friend, a man who fought side by side with him.  Verity would’ve passed on except an anonymous letter promising information about her husband’s death and possible treasonous activity to be revealed if she shows.  Upon arriving Verity discovers that the guests all knew her husband or served with him during the war, and if that wasn’t unsettling enough, sinister accidents begin to happen.

Verity Kent was a captivating introduction to the series. Set in the Post-World War I era, the ravages of war haven’t left many unscathed, and the country is still putting itself back together. As Verity tries to identify the culprit there’s a big surprise revealed that I knew going in. Highlight for spoiler: I’m happy I knew, because I like to know at the beginning which romance I should be rooting for instead of pinning my hopes on a match that’s not long-term.  Not knowing the twist, I may have been hoping for a different pairing for Verity just to have it all fall apart. End of spoiler.

Verity is clever in her deductions, and it’s easy to see why the Secret Service recruited her during the conflict. She puts her skills to use getting to the bottom of this mystery and it is wrapped up by the end.  There is a romance, one that continues into the second book, it’s not an easy one, but one I’m really rooting for even if I was upset with the man for his insensitivity. I get it, but still…

You can get This Side of Murder with Kindle Unlimited, but I borrowed a library copy of the audiobook.  I’m already half-way through the second book and loving it! Heather Wilds is an excellent narrator with a beautiful English accent.

4 Suns





11 comments:

  1. Anna Lee Huber is such a great author. I really need to start this series!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Verity was a breath of fresh air when I first read this after a string of mediocre heroines. I agree about the tough romance and how riveting it is as a result. Glad you're loving it, Rachel. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I adore her! And I can completely relate to all of her feelings. So complicated by the end. Just finished book two and I'm happy things are a bit more sorted. Thanks for the recommend again! :)

      Delete
  3. This sounds like a fun and entertaining mystery! I imagine watching Verity put her skills to the test when trying to figure out which guest has the information on her husband's death, would keep your eyes glued to the page; as well as the sinister accidents that start to happen! Excellent Review Rachel :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lindy! It was an excellent story set in an interesting time in history. :)

      Delete
  4. I think that this series would suit me well

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it would, and I think you'd like the narrator. :)

      Delete
  5. so really good, love a good historical mystery!

    ReplyDelete