Not one of my favorite entries into this series, which is probably why it took me so long to read it. I get that it was likely done mostly for character development for the series, but dear lord, the protracted descriptions of the countryside again and again because tedious. I will say that I was grateful that there were significantly fewer "speaking" glances in this installment. Now, all of that is just silly annoyances, the mystery and it's resolution were actually very well done and probably what saved this rating from being a 2 star and bumped it to a 3. If it were an option, I'd have given it a 3.5 rating. ( )

A Perilous Perspective
4 Stars

In the Scottish Highlands for the wedding of her cousin and good friend, Kiera inadvertently discovers that the priceless artwork at the estate of Rye's great-uncle, the Marquess of Barbreck, are forgeries. As she and her husband Sebastian, a private inquiry agent, investigate, old animosities are re-awakened that put everyone at risk.

While the mystery surrounding the paintings is quite straightforward, and the identity of the killer becomes obvious at a certain point, it is still entertaining to follow along with Kiera, Gage, Bree and Anderley as they uncover the clues.

Readers are provided with more information concerning Kiera's past and the revelations are completely unexpected and intriguing - I have to wonder whether Margaret Campbell was somehow responsible for Greer's death?

There are also updates on Bree and Anderley on again-off again romance, and a novella focusing on their relationship would not be amiss.

In sum, a satisfying read and the minor cliffhanger at the end has be itching to read the next book as soon as its released next year. ( )

This is yet another wonderful addition to Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby mystery series. It is set at a country estate in the Scottish Highlands with its brooding and craggy rocks and grassy moors. It is July, 1832 and featured is an upcoming small wedding of Kiera's cousin Rye and her friend Charlotte The groom's uncle has offered his Highland estate for the nuptials venue. Knowing that Kiera is a gifted portraitist, Lord Barbreck invites her to view his art collection in the Grand Gallery of his home. Her discovery that one of his prized paintings is a forgery has brought a stronger reaction from Barbreck than might otherwise be expected and a pall settles on the preparations for the upcoming wedding. A maid from a nearby estate is soon found expired in front of the forged painting. Is it a mere coincidence? Why was she even here? Kiera and her beloved Sebastian Gage are soon on the case as they investigate the forgery and the suspicious death. Can they wrap things up in time before the blessed event without any additional harm coming to others? Only time will tell.

I have loved this series from the start with its smart writing and well-researched historical detail. This installment gives us a glimpse into Kiera's foray into motherhood as she meets the demands of a three month old daughter. Memories of her own mother, whose life was cut far too short, weigh heavy on Kiera's mind and she longs for that maternal encouragement as she charts the new waters of parenthood. The book also pokes fun at the social mores and frustrations of that time. If you enjoy an historical mystery with a small touch of chaste romance, then this might just be the series for you. ( )

A Perilous Perspective is the next entry in the Lady Darby Mystery series, and I am always excited when I learn a new book is about to be released as I have enjoyed every book. Following Kiera's journey throughout the years has been an absolute delight, and this book continues to amaze with strong character development and an interesting mystery.

The relationship between Kiera and Gage continues to develop in this book, and I love the addition of Emma, their daughter, as it certainly adds a new dimension to both their personal and working relationship. As inquiry agents, they have often put themselves in danger more than once, but with Emma now in the picture, I enjoyed the discussions about the risks that that entailed. Kiera still wants to investigate, but now has to think about more than just herself; it certainly puts a new perspective on things and I enjoyed the discussions around that topic. The author definitely managed to convey the feelings a new mother would feel about her child as well as the anxiety and fear that makes one think twice about one's actions.

The author definitely pays attention to character development without sacrificing plot development so I was happy to learn a lot more about Kiera's mother in this book. Her story was worked into the plot quite well, even if it left Kiera quite unsettled, adding an extra layer of depth to Kiera's past.. Children always tend to view their parents in a certain light so I always like it when an author can twist all of that and reveal parents as flawed, who make mistakes, who love deeply, and are maybe sometimes quite different than who they thought they were. I actually find it fascinating, and can admire an author who can do that well, with compassion and understanding, as characters struggle to see people in a new way.

The plot was quite interesting, and considering this is book ten, you would think the author would be running out of ideas, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Focusing on Kiera's knowledge of art and the way her education would be viewed by others during this time period was quite fascinating, with constant criticism from others who doubt a woman would have such knowledge. And when there is a murder in the house, Kiera again has to use her medical knowledge to try to help. While it's not blatant, the author is quite good at showing subtle skepticism which is one of the reasons I love her books as it makes you think about the time period and how women were perceived. The investigation itself was quite methodical, which I enjoyed, but it's the characters that really make this book interesting.

Verdict
A Perilous Perspective is a great addition to the Lady Darby Mystery series. With an interesting, methodical investigation and a host of fascinating characters, plus a setting that I loved, this book had everything I come to expect from this series. There were new revelations about Kiera's past as well as a new daughter to enjoy, and everything linked together nicely to a satisfying conclusion. However, the whirlwind ending did set up the next book, A Fatal Illusion (April 1st, 2023), for some interesting twists and turns to come, and I can't wait. ( )

Well, that was, frankly, disappointing. Even taking out of account the babbling about the baby, this just wasn't anywhere near as good as her first 8 books were. The potential was there - I really enjoyed the art forgery backdrop; that was genuinely interesting and really well done. But the character development just wasn't.

Huber seems to be stuck on a need to constantly give Kiera (and Gage, to a lesser extent) some kind of melodrama anxiety. For the first 8 books it was the fallout from her late husband's scandalous behaviour - and that worked well while it lasted. Book 9 was a fantastically over the top drama about Kiera's impending motherhood and how it would mix with their inquiry business. This book, it was all about her mom, who died when she was 8, and someone's attempt to gaslight her about it. It was completely unnecessary to the plot, it was silly and it detracted from the story.

The plot of the murder was so tissue-thin transparent I can't believe it got through a beta read. I never once, for a second, doubted who the murderer was. And the climax ... oh the problems I had with the climax. Huber broke the first rule every American is taught about handguns - you don't carry one unless you're prepared to use it. She also tried to belie the adage "Don't bring a knife to a gunfight". It was preposterous, and the whole thing was unbelievable. Which is a shame; written better, it would have been diabolical, as I'm certain she intended it to be.

I went with three stars, because I'd say I enjoyed about 50% of the story; the other half would have been better had it not been so over-written. I think I'm still going to want to read the next one, but I am definitely not feeling the excited I previously felt for the newest release. ( )