A deceptive composition

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Average Rating
Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2024.
Language
English

Description

Lady Kiera Darby and her dashing husband, Sebastian Gage, hope they’ve finally found peace after a tumultuous summer, but long-buried family secrets soon threaten to unravel their lives . . .October 1832. Kiera is enjoying the slower pace of the English countryside. She, Sebastian, and their infant daughter have accompanied her father-in-law, Lord Gage, home so that he can recuperate from the injuries he sustained in a foiled attempt on his life. But as the chill of autumn sweeps across the land, they receive a summons from an unexpected quarter. Lord Gage’s estranged uncle—a member of the notorious Roscarrock family—has been murdered, and his family is desperate for answers. Despite Lord Gage’s protests, Kiera and Sebastian press on to Cornwall to assist.It isn’t long before they discover that almost nothing is as it seems among the Roscarrocks, and they’ve been lured to their isolated cove under false pretenses. There are whispers of a lost treasure and frightening allusions to a series of murders stretching back decades that touch the lives of the family personally. Kiera and Sebastian are left with no choice but to uncover the truth before the secrets of the past threaten to destroy them all.

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Contributors
ISBN
9780593639412
9798855538533

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Also in this Series

  • The anatomist's wife (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 1) Cover
  • Mortal arts (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 2) Cover
  • A grave matter (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 3) Cover
  • A study in death (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 4) Cover
  • As death draws near (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 5) Cover
  • A brush with shadows (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 6) Cover
  • An artless demise (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 7) Cover
  • A stroke of malice (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 8) Cover
  • A wicked conceit (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 9) Cover
  • A perilous perspective (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 10) Cover
  • A fatal illusion (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 11) Cover
  • A deceptive composition (Lady Darby mysteries Volume 12) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Set in 19th-century Great Britain and infused with gothic elements, these atmospheric, dramatic historical mysteries star unconventional young widows who join forces with enigmatic private inquiry agents to solve crimes -- despite mutual mistrust and budding attraction. -- NoveList Contributor
Though the Crowther and Westerman mysteries are set in 18th century London and the Lady Darby mysteries take place in 19th century Scotland, these historical mysteries share anatomist protagonists, rich detail, and a compelling narrative style. -- Mike Nilsson
These series have the appeal factors atmospheric and leisurely paced, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subject "women amateur detectives."
These series have the appeal factors atmospheric and strong sense of place, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "cozy mysteries"; and the subject "women amateur detectives."
These series have the appeal factors atmospheric and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "victorian mysteries"; and the subjects "women amateur detectives" and "women private investigators."
These series have the appeal factors atmospheric and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "starring famous figures"; the genre "historical mysteries"; the subject "women amateur detectives"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These series have the appeal factors leisurely paced and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "starring famous figures"; the genre "historical mysteries"; the subjects "women amateur detectives" and "amateur detectives"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These series have the appeal factors suspenseful, atmospheric, and intricately plotted, and they have the genre "historical mysteries."
These series have the appeal factors atmospheric, and they have the theme "starring famous figures"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subject "women amateur detectives."

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Instruments of darkness - Robertson, Imogen
NoveList recommends "Crowther and Westerman mysteries" for fans of "Lady Darby mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.
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NoveList recommends "Lady Julia Grey novels" for fans of "Lady Darby mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Though Tessa Harris sets her historical mysteries in eighteenth century England and Anna Lee Huber sets hers in nineteenth century Scotland, both authors display a facility with period detail, ghoulish crimes, and intrepid anatomists. A strong sense of place and intriguing descriptions bring their atmospheric tales to life. -- Mike Nilsson
Anna Lee Huber's and Cora Harrison's historical mysteries feature fiercely determined professional women cum sleuths solving intricate puzzles. Rich with historical detail, including period social and civil rights issues, these authors draw readers into their settings. -- Melissa Gray
Both Anna Lee Huber and Barbara Hambly pen intricately plotted mysteries that vividly evoke historical settings with a wealth of period detail, including some of the less savory aspects. Their sleuths' social disadvantages and secrets create obstacles, overcome with patience and intelligence. Barbara Hambly also writes in many other genres. -- Melissa Gray
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These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "women amateur detectives," "postwar life," and "intelligence service."
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Published Reviews

Kirkus Book Review

A family of inquiry agents receives a plea for help from estranged relatives. Although the birth of his granddaughter has improved Lord Gage's rocky relationship with his son, Sebastian, and daughter-in-law, Kiera, a letter from his aunt Amelia revives unpleasant memories of more family trauma involving Gage's youth in Cornwall and the Roscarrock relatives he remembers as rogues and smugglers. Drafted at age 11 into their activities, he was arrested and his best friend killed. His grandfather bought him a commission in the navy to keep him out of prison, setting him on the path to wealth and respectability. Now Aunt Amelia claims that Gage's uncle Branok was murdered and wants him to investigate. He's loath to do so until Sebastian and Kiera convince him--but when they all arrive at Roscarrock House, their greeting is not entirely warm. Branok reportedly fell from a cliff, but Kiera's observations at the site and talk with the local doctor leave her so unsatisfied that she wonders how the coroner could have ruled the death an accident. Branok's grandson, Meryasek, who's inherited the estate, has a reputation as a lazy womanizer. Then Lord Gage meets an old friend who claims she saw Branok after he was supposed to have died. However wholeheartedly they deny it, the local families are still involved in smuggling, and Lord Gage doubts their word about everything. The real reason they asked Gage to investigate comes as a shock that puts his whole family in a precarious position. A bit of history and a stunning Cornish backdrop add value to a complex mystery. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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