A Moment’s Shadow
A Verity Kent Mystery #8
By Anna Lee Huber
ISBN: 9781496740090
Author’s website: annaleehuber.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Violence, reprisal, and intrigue abound in post-World War I Ireland as the bloody conflict between the Irish Republican Army and the British authorities continues to escalate. But former Secret Service agent Verity Kent must deal with a more immediate concern—the possession of poisonous gas by a ruthless adversary . . .
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 . . . (From Goodreads)
Review:
When Verity and Sidney Kent began the unsanctioned mission in Dublin, they had no idea it would be so challenging. Quite some time ago, several cylinders of deadly phosgene gas were stolen from the British military and shipped to Ireland. Used extensively by the Allies in the Great War, it was somewhere in Ireland where Irish rebels and British forces were battling over Northern Ireland, currently under British control. Both Verity and Sidney served Britain in the war, Verity in the Secret Service and Sidney in the military. In Dublin, thefts of valuable jewelry of their peers were escalating, and the city heard murders of rebels and reprisals for said murders almost nightly.
The Kents were still in contact, albeit secretly, with Verity’s friend and former fellow spy, Alec, despite his change of allegiance to the Irish rebels under Mick Collins. Alec changed alliances, but he did not change his long-time loyalty to Verity. The person believed to have stolen the phosgene cylinders was their common enemy, so Alec continued to help them locate it. Neither Alec nor Verity and Sidney want the phosgene used as a weapon against Britain or Ireland.
Verity had several friends in the local British government facilities who divulge updates to her when possible. Following her through Dublin has been fascinating! She may be young, but Verity’s brilliance, excellent training, and experiences during the war matured her beyond her years.
Favorites of the society pages, Verity was a socialite, and Sidney, a war hero. When they were seen together in certain settings, people knew they may not be attending dinner parties merely for socializing. It was their popularity among British officials and society, coupled with their ability to successfully suss out criminals, that led to their involvement with the Dublin police to discover who was behind the burglaries. Brazen thefts even occurred at events where they were guests! Many thought the Irish rebels were stealing the valuables to further their cause.
It was intriguing to watch Verity and Sidney ask clever, innocent questions, whether out alone or together. As their search for the missing phosgene progresses, the Kents learn more about the workings of their government that they cannot unlearn. They began to understand how Alec changed sides, but they were not prepared to give up their family, home, or home country. They walk a fine line; if they were seen with Alec, they could be considered traitors and face the death penalty. Yet, time was of the essence, as it appeared the phosgene would be used during a highly attended public event. Finally, their search paid off and they were almost certain where the cylinders were hidden.
I love how Verity and Sidney set a trap for the jewel thief! The local detective inspector they worked with was part of the trap, and the person who left one little clue earlier was arrested. Soon afterwards, they determined which public event they feared the phosgene would be used. Could they stop its use?
Verity, however, was arrested! This installment closes with a cliffhanger. May I suggest to readers that they should read the series in order, especially now, for the best appreciation by the reader?
Characters are designed very well; we continue to learn in-depth about Verity, primarily, and other characters as fitting their roles. We see how women and men were often assigned particular roles, and women seemed as limited in Britain and Ireland as in the United States.
I appreciate the novel’s history that tells just enough to send me to Google to learn and understand more about 1920 Ireland. My knowledge of this time period is limited, so it is exciting to see how events fit together. I was not aware that codes and ciphers were used in WWI, which I found interesting. Cliff hanger endings are definitely not my favorite way to end a book, but the search for the phosgene has continued through several episodes. I hope Verity will be quickly released! I highly recommend this novel and series, especially for those who appreciate Ireland and her history, and post WWI events.
