New parents Lady Kiera Darby and Sebastian Gage look forward to introducing Sebastian’s father to his granddaughter, but instead find themselves investigating an attempt on his life…
Yorkshire, England. August 1832. Relations between Sebastian Gage and his father have never been easy, especially since the discovery that Lord Gage has been concealing the existence of an illegitimate son. But when Lord Gage is nearly fatally attacked on a journey to Scotland, Sebastian and Kiera race to his side. Given the tumult over the recent passage of the Reform Bill and the Anatomy Act, in which Lord Gage played a part, Sebastian wonders if the attack could be politically motivated.
But something suspicious is afoot in the sleepy village where Lord Gage is being cared for. The townspeople treat Sebastian and Kiera with hostility when it becomes clear they intend to investigate, and rumors of mysterious disappearances and highway robberies plague the area. Lord Gage’s survival is far from assured, and Sebastian and Kiera must scramble to make the pieces fit before a second attempt at murder is more successful than the first.
What’s it about (in a nutshell):
A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber is a historical mystery that integrates actual historical figures and folklore to tell a brilliant story with themes that leave a significant impact.
My Reading Experience:
This is the eleventh book in the series but the first one I read. I loved that the author threw in just the right amount of background information to catch a new reader, like me, up with all the essential details from the previous novels. I felt like the series was well-established, but I never felt confused or lost.
Provided at the end of the story are the historical references used in creating the tale. I was awed by how seamlessly the author integrated those facts into the story to create such an ingenious tale. Also, I enjoyed the Robin Hood folklore utilized, as I always appreciate it when folklore is part of a story. All these pieces came together to form a rich tale with authenticity to back it, making it even more than the sum of its parts.
The thoroughly developed mystery is period appropriate and wickedly smart. I loved the family themes that swirl around the mystery, and the last sentence of the story (about family) is one of those quotes I want to pull out so I always remember it. I tried to figure out the what, why, and who, but it kept me constantly guessing until all was revealed. There is nothing predictable about the story. I also thoroughly enjoyed all of the twists and turns the story took. They are genuinely jaw-dropping.
Characters:
The characters make this story what it is. They are all thoroughly developed and leap off the page with their authentic emotions and reactions. I loved that the baby played an integral role in the story. Her adorableness is reflected so genuinely in the words on the page. And, again, this is where those family themes shine – in the characters. Nothing creates such strong emotions as family issues; you can see them all laid bare in this story.
Narration & Pacing:
Lady Kiera Darby tells the story brilliantly, but this is also where I had a significant problem with the book. The pacing is so slow, and I have a terrible time with a slow-paced book, of which this was no exception. The only thing that kept me going was my love for the characters, but it was a challenging reading experience for me as the pages just seemed to increase rather than decrease the further I got into the story.
Setting:
The setting was the UK – Yorkshire, England, in 1832. It is used in significant ways that reflect the history of that area.
Read if you’re in the mood for:
- A slow-paced well-researched historical mystery
- A mysterious, adventurous, and emotional story
- A diverse cast of characters that you will immediately fall in love with
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Originality | 8 |
| Writing Quality | 10 |
| Pace | 6 |
| Character Development | 8 |
| ‘Couldn’t Put It Down’-ness | 6 |
| Setting | 10 |
10 responses to “A Fatal Illusion by Anna Lee Huber #BookReview #Mystery #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalMystery”
I wouldn’t dare to pick up the book so far in the series. It’s great you didn’t feel like missing anything from previous books. I haven’t read a book based on Robin Hood folklore. This sounds really amazing. Excellent review, Tessa!
Typically mystery/thriller series are set up to be able to pick each book up as a stand alone. Sort of like romcom series. Fantasy series though are very difficult to do that with.
Yikes! I’d forgotten about this series and I love a good historical mystery. I’ve already collected the first few books. Excellent review, Tessa💜
I’d be curious how the first ones are.
Probably not something I would read, but sounds good.
It’s a very good story!
Hmm. I was hooked by the mention of Robin Hood, folklore, the period setting, well developed characters, and the fact you could pick up with book 11 and have no issues feeling lost. That’s a lot to hook me, but the slow pace is a concern. I don’t mind dense prose and a slower pace, but when I have to plod through to finish, that’s different.
I’m definitely considering adding this to my reading radar, Tessa. I think I’ll check out earlier releases in the series, too. Great review as always!
It’s a very good story. I think just be prepared for the pace. If you’re not in a rush to read it, I imagine you’ll get lost in the story and not care about the pace.
I’m not a great fan of slow reads either, great review 😊
It’s such a struggle.