A Deceptive Composition by Anna Lee Huber

We get to see more of Lord Gage's history  in this book after he receives a letter from his great aunt asking him to come investigate the death of her brother (his great Uncle), Borak. The man was older but a fall off the cliffs seems unlikely as he knew very well what areas were safe and which were not. 

Included in the list of suspects are the local smuggling gang. Though supposedly disbanded, there is a suspiciously nice stash of alcohol in the family basement. This is the same gang that Lord Gage joined as a youngster. His friend Jago was killed and he was sent away as a result of him being a member. 

Memories are long in this area of the country and the present day murder has ties to the past. 

As usual, a lovely story. 

Lady Darby #12

Four stars

This book comes out June 18, 2024

Follows A Fatal Illusion

ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley

Opinions are my own