A Stroke of Malice (Lady Darby Mystery #8) by Anna Lee Huber EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available for Free Download
- Authors: Anna Lee Huber
- Language: English
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Format: PDF / EPUB
- Size: 2 MB
- Price: Free
A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber is the eighth installment in her Lady Darby Mystery series, continuing the adventures of Lady Kiera Darby and her husband, Sebastian Gage, as they navigate murder, intrigue, and high society in 1830s Scotland. Huber expertly blends historical fiction, mystery, and a dash of romance, creating a gripping novel that will satisfy fans of the series while drawing in new readers.
Plot Summary
The novel begins with Lady Darby and Gage attending a Twelfth Night celebration at the lavish estate of their friends, the Duchess of Bowmont and the Duke of Bowmont. The event takes a dark turn when a decomposing body is discovered in a nearby outbuilding. The corpse, which has been hidden for months, is believed to be that of the missing Lord Helmswick, who was engaged to the Bowmonts’ daughter, Lady Eleanor. As the couple is enlisted to investigate, they find themselves entangled in a complex web of family secrets, scandal, and betrayal.
Characterization
Lady Kiera Darby remains a compelling protagonist, blending intelligence, independence, and emotional depth. Her past, which includes scandal due to her late husband’s unethical use of her artistic talents, continues to shape her character. In A Stroke of Malice, she navigates the early stages of pregnancy, which adds a new dimension to her personality, as she balances her physical challenges with the intellectual rigor of solving a murder. Kiera’s sensitivity and empathy, especially when dealing with other women, provide a strong emotional core to the story.
Sebastian Gage, Kiera’s husband and investigative partner, is equally well-drawn. Their relationship, now more settled after seven previous books, is marked by mutual respect and affection. Huber does an excellent job of portraying the dynamics of their marriage—particularly the growing trust and intimacy between them—as they work together to solve the mystery.
The secondary characters are richly developed, from the aristocratic Bowmont family to the staff of the estate. Huber gives even the more minor figures distinct personalities and motives, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Mystery and Intrigue
The mystery in A Stroke of Malice is well-plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The investigation into Lord Helmswick’s disappearance and murder leads to several surprising revelations, as Kiera and Gage peel back layers of deceit within the Bowmont household. Huber excels at creating a sense of suspense and foreboding, using the eerie setting of the decaying estate to heighten the atmosphere.
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