Interesting family twist can’t save this from being a very low 3. At least Keira has stopped « wrapping (her) arms » around herself all the time. ( )

I enjoy this series, but really, the author needs a slightly better editor. The sheer number of “speaking glances” the main character shares with her husband whom she seems to have trouble referring to by name, was truly annoying ( )

A Stroke of Malice
3.5 Stars

Kiera and her husband Sebastian Gage are attending the annual 12th Night celebration at the Duke of Bowmont's estate in Traquair, Scotland. All is going splendidly until a newly dead corpse is discovered in the burial crypt beneath the castle, and the duchess requests that Kiera and Gage investigate. The evidence soon suggests that the deceased is the Earl of Helmswick, the duchess's son-in-law, and suspicion naturally falls on the family members. Which one of the duke and duchess's children wanted him dead?

Series note: As there are references to earlier investigations, it is recommended that the series be read in order.

The atmospheric setting is wonderful although the details surrounding the 12th Night masquerade are excessive and slow the pacing. Moreover, the number of times Kiera's pregnancy is mentioned becomes tedious and annoying.

The action, nevertheless, picks up once the body is discovered. While it is relatively easy to predict the twists and turns of the plot, it is still entertaining to follow along with Kiera and Gage as the clues are revealed and the truth emerges. The eventual unmasking of the killer is rather lackluster mainly due to the fact that they are actually quite likable, and one cannot help but sympathize with their motive if not accept their actions.

As always, it is the development of Kiera and Gage's relationships, and the revelations pertaining to them that are the true highlight of the series. It will be interesting to see how Alana and Kiera reconcile their differences, as well as how the secret that Lord Henry Kerr is Sebastian's half-brother plays out.

In sum, although this is not one of the better installments in the series, it is enjoyable overall and I look forward to Kiera and Gage's next investigation. ( )

A solid, dependable series, which makes it sound like a beloved pair of sneakers, but I can’t think of one of the books in the series that’s really let me down, although some are better than others.

A Stroke of Malice takes place during a weekend at a Duke’s castle in Scotland, celebrating Twelfth Night, with Keira 6 months pregnant. Call me unnatural, but this might be part of the reason it’s not my favorite of the series; there was much rubbing of the belly and cradling of said belly with heaps of overly sentimental musings about the sanctity of life and blah blah blah. Just not my jam, but the mystery was extremely diverting and for almost all of it, I had no clue, though I should have. Which makes the writing even better, in my opinion, since the answer was right there but she managed to keep me from seeing it. A secret paternity is revealed too, which kept things interesting.

So generally, a good one but not the best, and likely other readers with even an ounce of maternal feelings won’t be as critical as I’ve been. ( )

I just enjoy these two leads together, the mysteries are fine, there are good descriptions, but the real draw for me is these two. Even six months pregnant in this one, they're so cute together and so determined in their efforts to solve the case. They're easy to root for and they bring me joy. =D ( )