Book Review: A Tarnished Canvas by Anna Lee Huber

A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mystery #13) by Anna Lee Huber

Publication Date: June 24th 2025 by Berkley

Pages: 400

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Libro.fm | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

A Tarnished Canvas is the 13^th book in a series best read in order.

A quick rundown of the series: Kiera, Darby is a woman ostracized by society when it’s found out her late husband had her sketch the dead bodies (obtained from questionable sources) he dissected for an anatomy journal he planned on publishing. Kiera had no knowledge of this at the time, but she couldn’t refuse with her husband forcing her to comply. He was an awful man, so I was happy he died before we’re introduced to Kiera.

With the knowledge of anatomy she acquired, and her superb deductive skills, Kiera’s a valuable source of information to Gage, an inquiry agent tasked to solve a murder while staying at her sister’s estate (book 1). Gage and Kiera initially lock horns.

Each installment tackles a new mystery, while at the center of the series is the relationship/romance between Kiera and Gage. Ms. Huber masterfully created two wonderfully complex characters, faults and all, so of course their journey isn’t all smooth sailing, but I’ve loved every minute!

 

In A Tarnished Canvas Kiera and Gage are wintering in Edinburgh, preparing for their daughter Emma’s first birthday, which holds both joyful and traumatic memories. While Kiera is immersed in her art, painting pieces for an exhibition she hopes to display, Gage is at loose ends with no major cases coming their way.

 

One bright spot is an art auction Kiera’s been invited to. However, the event is overcrowded, and the floor gives out injuring many and killing one. Kiera and Gage barely make it out alive. Was it an accident or sabotage?

 

When it becomes clear the collapse was purposeful, the police ask for Gage and Kiera’s assistance in finding the culprit and their motivation.

 

As usual, I was completely captivated as the mystery was unraveled piece by piece! Kiera and Gage’s relationship, as well as their friendships with a few of their servants, who also help with the investigations, are a huge draw for me. Emma continues to be adorable and the sweet baby moments between mother and child are so touching.

The mystery comes to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion, but Kiera’s last words have me eager for the next installment!

5 Stars

Book Description:

Lady Kiera Darby had planned to spend the winter practicing her painting, but instead, she must find the flaw in a killer’s masterpiece when an art auction results in one participant’s final bid.…

March 1833. Kiera and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have decided to settle in Edinburgh for the winter with their infant daughter. This also allows Kiera to enjoy long hours painting in her studio, making progress on the portraits she soon hopes to unveil in her own exhibit. She’s thrilled when she receives an invitation to the auction of the late Lord Eldin’s coveted art collection, and she and Gage eagerly accept. When the floor collapses beneath the gathering, killing one of their fellow bidders, Kiera and Gage are lucky to escape with their lives.

Within days it becomes apparent that what at first seemed to be a terrible accident is actually something far more nefarious. Someone deliberately compromised the integrity of the structure, though the police are unsure of the culprit’s aim. Sergeant Maclean requests Kiera and Gage’s assistance in figuring out who would wish to harm the bidders. As they dig deeper, it becomes increasingly apparent that the victim was not the killer’s intended target . . . and that Kiera was lured to the auction deliberately. Kiera and Gage must utilize all their resources to unveil a monster willing to risk the lives of dozens of bystanders to achieve their ends. But they’re on the verge of making a dire miscalculation. For one of the cleverest tricks in a painter’s repertoire is the art of misdirection, and their eyes have been drawn far from the gravest danger.