Penny for Your Secrets
by Anna Lee Huber
I do so enjoy historical fiction with more than a touch of mystery. Penny for Your Secrets by Anna Lee Huber is that kind of book. Unfortunately, and perhaps it was just me, but this novel seemed to drag a bit. The premise is interesting and becomes increasingly complicated as more murders occur. The Kents, Verity and Sidney, can’t get away from their heroic pasts. Each played a critical undercover role in World War I, and their friends, the media, and their own souls will not let them forget it. In this book, issues from World War I resurface in various ways and involve current MI5 operatives as well.
Although I like the Kents, their relationship issues play a role that is too prominent at the expense of the plot. I understand their angst over past decisions, but sometimes I just wanted to tell them how lucky they are: they emerged from a horrific war with no major physical injuries, considerable financial wealth, and a marriage intact. So many could not claim any of those benefits after World War I.
Kudos to the author for an intricate plot, an appealing setting, and historical accuracy. It will be interesting to see what adventures await the fashionable Kents next.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Notes: #3 in the Verity Kent Mystery Series, but works as a standalone
Publication: October 29, 2019—Kensington Books
Memorable Lines:
My skin prickled at being in such close proximity to so much anger, as if the daggers aimed at others had been deflected on to me.
“…my father always did have a different standard when it came to what he and his peers were allowed to do as opposed to the rest of the world.”
“In some situations, there is no winning. No right way. You can only make the best choices you can, and hope the people your decision might have harmed will forgive you in the end.”
education pathways 
This book is on my wish list.
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I hope you enjoy it, Betty, if you get a chance to read it. I think I was first introduced to this series through your reviews.
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I know that Kensington and Crooked Lane Books have a number of mysteries I was following on NetGalley and even I miss using it.but the stress is too much for me at this time.
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Reading and reviewing should be fun. If it is too much stress, then you need to just do what you can do. It is always good to see your posts and comments.
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I really appreciate candid reviews, with so many great books out there, honest reviews make selections so much easier! Don’t think this one is for me, thanks~
Jenna
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Thanks for reading and responding. Everyone comes to books with different backgrounds, affecting our enjoyment of a book. I am often interested in a book based on reviews; and sometimes, like you, I realize it is not the right book for me. Reviews do help us cull out books that don’t appeal to us.
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I love the title! Thanks for your review.
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It is a good one, and I like the cover as well. You get to decide for yourself what Verity looks like while also seeing her in the book’s setting.
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Fabulous review. I haven’t read many of historical fiction with intricate plots.
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Interesting thought. I guess part of the intricacy depends on how closely the author tries to stick to historical accuracy. Is it a backdrop or is it a fictionalization of an actual event?
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