Badass Bloggettes: *** REVIEW *** THE ANATOMIST'S WIFE (A Lady Darby Mystery #1) by Anna Lee Huber

Paperback, 357 pages

Published November 6th 2012 by Berkley

Original Title: The Anatomist's Wife

ISBN:0425253287

(ISBN13: 9780425253281)

Edition Language:English

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.

Lady Darby was in a loveless marriage. All of her life, her art was the most important thing in her life. She was a celebrated and sought after portrait artist a favorite of the aristocracy. When her father decided it was time to marry, she put her future in her father’s hands. Her only request was that whomever he arranged allowed her to continue with her art. Unfortunately, once married her husband Sir Anthony held her art from her until she illustrated his anatomy books. When her husband died, people believed Lady Darcy was “unnatural” or a witch because of the books she helped illustrate.

The mystery was not that complex as I figured it out early on. I did question my theory when the author threw in a couple little twists. I returned to my original culprit quickly however. The characters are interesting. I delighted in meeting the main characters, Lady Darby, her sister and brother-in-law, and Sebastian Gage. The busybody guests were a hoot, and gave insight into the gossip mongrels of the time.

There was good chemistry between Kiera and Gage. There was an attraction between the two main characters, although they both try to hide it for one reason or another. I loved their collaboration solving the murder. Through most of the book, their cooperation working together felt more realistic than any romance that was trying to develop. Gage pushed back including Kiera often, as the man, but Kiera didn’t allow him to get away with that unless it was something she didn’t want to do.

The Anatomist’s Wife is a good start to the series. There are many positives to make me want to read more about this duo. The characters, good and bad, are enough to keep me reading. I like the relationship between Kiera and her sister Alana. Alana is the typical older sister, bossy but coming to her sister’s defense instantly. Philip the Earl of Cromarty, Alana’s husband was loving while trying to retain his authority as Lord of the Manor.

Except for the Scottish proverb, “Be sure to live your life, because you are a long time dead,” that I love and the mention of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians, the setting could be anywhere with a large estate. The setting is more of a mention than a significant part of the story. I hope in future books; we get to travel the Scottish countryside.

I enjoyed this story enough to continue with the series. I want to see how the characters develop.

Is there a romance in the future for Lady Darby and Gage or are they going to continue as mere sleuthing partners? The Anatomist’s Wife is a good start to a series.

4 STAMPS