The Cold Light of Day (A Verity Kent Mystery)
This seventh Verity Kent novel takes place in Ireland’s 1920 summer. Retired British spies, Verity and her war-hero husband, Sidney, have been summoned to search for another spy, Alec, suddenly missing in Dublin. Alec and Verity have quite a shared past.
Sidney pretends to be an English gentleman interested in fancy cars and Irish horses. Dublin’s British society opens its doors to them. At one of the social events, an important official asks Verity to investigate the suicide of the young daughter of a magistrate. While Verity and Sidney learn what they can about Alec and the dead woman, they hear of a third problem. An old nemesis, Navy Intelligence officer Lord Ardmore, arrives in Dublin with a suspected stash of poisonous gas cannisters.
Verity and Sydney soon notice they are being watched and can trust only themselves. The Irish are in full rebellion against the imperious Brits. Strikes, arson, looting, and murder take place daily. The local police don’t investigate serious crimes, and many may be part of Sinn Fein. British officials in Ireland play to both sides.
Is Alec dead or a traitor? Did the young girl take her own life, or did someone kill her for dating a Brit? What is Ardmore up to and for whom? This novel is told in Verity’s voice, allowing readers to know her every fear or regret, every clever ploy and genius plan. Though in parts a bit long and too detailed, the 1920s British/Irish history blends well with the mysteries of Alec’s disappearance, the dead girl, and stolen gas canisters. Surprising resolutions do not fully unfold until the last page. This story can stand alone but might be more appreciated after reading several earlier Verity Kent adventures. Recommended.
