A Dark and Twisty New Offering | The Hummingbird Dagger by Cindy Anstey | Blog Tour + Giveaway

From the author of Suitors and Sabotage comes a suspenseful and enthralling new Regency novel, perfect for readers who like their Jane Austen classics with a side of mystery and murder.

The Hummingbird Dagger

Cindy Anstey

Publication date: April 16, 2019

Genres: YA Historical, Mystery

1833. A near-fatal carriage accident has deposited an unconscious young woman on the doorstep of Hardwick Manor and into the care of young Lord James Ellerby. But when she finally awakens, it is with no memory of who she is or where she came from.

Beth, as she calls herself, has no identity; the only clue to her circumstances is a recurring nightmare of a hummingbird, blood dripping from its steel beak.

With the help of James and his sister, Caroline, Beth tries to solve the mystery of her own identity and the appalling events that brought her to their door. But nothing could prepare her for the escalating dangers that threaten her and the Ellerby clan. From the hazardous cliffs of Dorset to the hostile streets of London, Beth will fight to reclaim her past, hunted by a secretive foe with murderous intentions.

Fans of Cindy Anstey’s previous novels won’t want to miss The Hummingbird Dagger, a dark and twisty new offering that blends romance, danger and mystery.

Review

Starting with a dark and tense scene, The Hummingbird Dagger churns through the muddy waters of a mystery centered around a young lady clearly embroiled in something sinister. Welford Mills’ charming and idyllic neighborhood is about to become more exciting and dangerous.

Lord James Ellerby couldn't quite know what to make of the young woman who was caught in an accident caused by his younger brother. He brought her back to his home and extended every courtesy a gentlemen should extend to a lady in need.

However, what was simply a search for the identity of young woman with no memories evolved into a series of deaths, attempted murders, and a race to solve the puzzle once and for all.

What I liked about this book is the direct supporting characters. They enhanced the narrative and the interactions among them instead of just being around just for the sake of being there.

In fact, Walter, Caroline, and Dr. Brant were the ones who did a lot to move the story forward. They were the ones who were more active. They were essential in building and solving the mystery.

The Hummingbird Dagger is quite fun but light in action. It doesn’t quite build up the necessary tension and slows a bit down in the end.

There is a softness when it comes to Cindy Anstey’s historical novels. It is not the backstabbing tenseness of a bodice ripper or the barb-filled politeness of some of the Regency novels I’ve read and are used to.

They are something different. It takes a while to get into their groove but it calms me somewhat while still letting me enjoy the twists and turns.

About the Author

Whenever she is not sitting at the computer, throwing a ball in the backyard, gardening or reading, Cindy can be found–actually, not found–adventuring around the world with her hubby.

She has lived on three continents, had a monkey in her yard and a scorpion under her sink, dwelt among castles and canals, enjoyed the jazz of Beale St and attempted to speak French.

Cindy loves history, mystery and… a chocolate Labrador called Chester.

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