Title: As Death Draws Near
Author: Anna Lee Huber
First published July 5, 2016
342 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780425277720 (ISBN10: 0425277720)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
In Anna Lee Huber’s latest mystery, Lady Kiera Darby and Sebastian Gage find themselves embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. As they enjoy their honeymoon in the beautiful Lake District, they receive a letter from Gage’s father, urging them to investigate a murder at an abbey in Ireland.
Once there, they discover that a second nun has been murdered, and the killer shows no signs of stopping. As Kiera and Gage delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of religious and political intrigue, with the lives of innocent girls hanging in the balance.
With time running out, can they unmask the killer before it’s too late? As Death Draws Near is a thrilling tale of suspense and mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
Anna Lee Huber is a talented author with a proven track record of success. Her books, including the Lady Darby Mysteries, the Verity Kent Mysteries, the Gothic Myths series, and the anthology The Deadly Hours, have all been well-received by readers and critics alike.
Huber’s educational background is impressive as well. She graduated summa cum laude from Lipscomb University in Nashville, where she studied music and psychology.
Currently residing in Indiana with her family, Huber is already hard at work on her next novel. Readers can stay up-to-date on her latest projects and connect with her online at www.annaleehuber.com.
Editoral Review
As Death Draws Near by Anna Lee Huber is an enthralling historical mystery novel published on July 5, 2016. Anna Lee Huber is a bestselling author of the Lady Darby mystery series, and this book is the fifth installment in the series.
The novel is set in 1831, in the small village of Kurland St. Mary in England, and brings to life the historical context of that time. The novel follows the story of Lady Kiera Darby, a widow with a passion for solving mysteries, who is called upon by her government to investigate the murder of a Frenchman who was found dead in a nearby abbey.
The novel is written in a classic style of historical mystery genre, with a focus on the setting, the characters, and the plot. The themes of the novel revolve around the social norms and values of the 19th century, including the roles of women, class differences, and political tensions between England and France.
The novel also explores the concepts of justice and morality, as Lady Kiera Darby navigates the complex social and political landscape of her time.
The plot of the novel is engaging and well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with Lady Kiera Darby standing out as a strong and independent protagonist.
The setting of the novel is vividly described, with the abbey and the surrounding countryside coming to life in the reader’s imagination.
The historical context of the novel is also significant, as it sheds light on the cultural and political tensions of the time. The novel explores the issues of nationalism, espionage, and diplomacy, which are still relevant today.
Huber’s writing is descriptive and engaging, with a good balance between dialogue and narrative. The pacing of the novel is well-managed, with the tension building gradually until the climax.
The plot structure is also well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a cohesive and satisfying narrative.
As Death Draws Near is a well-crafted historical mystery novel that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The book has few limitations, but some readers may find the plot to be slow-paced at times.
However, this is a minor flaw, and the overall quality of the book is excellent.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and mystery novels, as well as readers interested in the social and political context of the 19th century. The book is also suitable for readers who enjoy strong female protagonists and well-developed characters.
Overall, As Death Draws Near is a captivating novel that is well worth reading.
Rating: 4.5/5.
