The Anatomist's Wife
A Lady Darby Mystery
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4.3 • 377 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
THE FIRST LADY DARBY MYSTERY
“A riveting debut…an original premise, an enigmatic heroine, and a compelling Highland setting…a book you won’t want to put down.”—New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn
Scotland, 1830. Following the death of her husband, Lady Darby has taken refuge at her sister’s estate, finding solace in her passion for painting. But when her hosts throw a house party for the cream of London society, Kiera is unable to hide from the ire of those who believe her to be as unnatural as her husband, an anatomist who used her artistic talents to suit his own macabre purposes.
Kiera wants to put her past aside, but when one of the house guests is murdered, her brother-in-law asks her to utilize her knowledge of human anatomy to aid the insufferable Sebastian Gage—a fellow guest with some experience as an inquiry agent. While Gage is clearly more competent than she first assumed, Kiera isn’t about to let her guard down as accusations and rumors swirl.
When Kiera and Gage’s search leads them to even more gruesome discoveries, a series of disturbing notes urges Lady Darby to give up the inquiry. But Kiera is determined to both protect her family and prove her innocence, even as she risks becoming the next victim…
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Anachronistic language and a predictable romantic plot detract from Huber's debut set in 1830 Scotland. Respectable society views Lady Kiera Darby with suspicion, because she assisted her late husband, a renowned anatomist, by preparing sketches of the human body parts he studied. When someone stabs Lady Godwin to death at Kiera's sister's castle, Kiera's dubious reputation makes her the prime suspect among the eminent guests gathered for a house party there. With the authorities some distance away, responsibility for investigating falls to Sebastian Gage, "London's gentleman inquiry agent." Kiera initially regards the Darcyesque Gage with disdain, but she also notes that his eyes were "the pale blue of a winter sky the morning after a snowstorm," leaving little doubt that their relationship will improve. The insertion of a fiendishly clever fair-play clue at the outset suggests that Huber is capable of better things.
Customer Reviews
Anatomist wife
Great to find another mystery series to follow. I most enjoyed this novel by Anna Huber.
Absolutely fantastic!
This book is incredibly well rounded and a wonderful read. The author truly knows her history and excellently creates a main character that is both vulnerable and strong. There's action, science, plenty of mystery, history and a sizzling yet incredibly subtle romance that leaves you aching for the next book. I am an incredibly picky reader but this book as truly captured my heart. In fact this is the first time I've ever felt compelled to write a review, that is how much I enjoyed this novel. I highly recommend you read this, you will definitely not regret it.
Enjoyable first encounter with Lady Darby
I liked the first book in the Lady Darby series. Good bit of history and correct depiction of the times. Sebastian Gage is very likable and a good man. The family ties and unwavering support of Lady Darby was heartwarming, Alana is a wonderful sister to Keira, truly. Good mystery. The long passages telling of Lady Darby’s indecision’s helped us to know her, but went on a bit too long