A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mystery #13) by Anna Lee Huber
Publication Date: June 24th 2025 by Berkley
Pages: 400
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★★
My
Thoughts:
A Tarnished Canvas is the 13th 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.
