A Moment's Shadow - Historical Mystery Review

Goodreads:  A Moment's Shadow (Verity Kent #8) by Anna Lee Huber

Rating:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  August 1920, Dublin, A fraught task keeps Verity and her husband Sidney in the country after their initial clandestine mission has been the traitor Lord Ardmore is scheming to employ the deadly phosgene gas he’s stolen for some terrifying purpose, and the couple will need both the Crown forces and the rebels’ help to thwart him.

As they pursue their quarry, they are drawn into a case involving a series of cunning and brazen jewel thefts. Many believe it is the work of the Irish rebels, seeking to fund their revolution, but when Verity and Sidney are also approached by Michael Collins and the IRA to unmask the thief, they suspect he may instead be an opportunist using the political unrest as a cover for his crimes.

As the thief continues to pull ever more risky jobs—including targeting Verity and their friends—the couple receive new intelligence that the gas they seek may be intended for a crowded event, one that the entire world will be attuned to. They must stop Lord Ardmore at all costs—or the consequences will be devastating . . .

Genre:  Mystery - Historical

Why I Picked This Book:  I've read the other books in this series and was very curious to see how Verity and Sidney's time in Dublin continues.

My Impression:   I have very much enjoyed the Verity Kent series by this author and this was no exception.  Huber did a good job of really illustrating what a tumultuous and dangerous time this was in Ireland.  Danger could come from all sides and the tension that rules Verity and Sidney's time is clear and almost palpable.  

This is a series that is important to read and order and especially in this book.  Even if you are familiar with some of the previous Verity books unless you had read the previous book I think you'd be a bit lost.  There is some wrap up of the previous book in the beginning and the new mystery doesn't really get off the ground until almost 20% of the book.  The pacing isn't slow if you're familiar with the events of the previous book but I can't imagine how confusing it would be if you were coming in with this book.

As usual I enjoy my time with Verity and Sidney.  I enjoy Verity's style and I find the challenges of going from a working official role to being completely sidelined and cut out just because the war is over and she's a woman interesting.  I imagine there were a lot of women in similar positions (though less glamorous than Verity) so I like the perspective.  As well, I liked how the author handled this period of time in Ireland.  Neither side is romanticized or villainized and while Sidney and Verity do have their opinions as to what side is in the right there are bad actors on both sides.

I really enjoy this author and this series.  I do recommend starting at the beginning with Verity as her character and her world develop with each story.  If you're looking for a between the wars era mystery series this is one to pick up - but read it in order!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   Absolutely!  I really enjoy both her Verity Kent series and her Lady Darby series and plan on continuing with both.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy historical mysteries than I would recommend this series - and really anything by this author.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *