THE HUMMINGBIRD DAGGER by Cindy Anstey ***Spotlight -- Review***

The Hummingbird Dagger 

Cindy Anstey 

Published by: Swoon Reads

Publication date: April 16th 2019

Genres: Historical, Mystery, Young Adult

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.

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.

Praise for Duels & Deception:

“Delightful … It is Jane Austen spiced with action, suspense, and humor.” —VOYA, starred review

“Jane Austen fans in need of a good new book, look no further.” —Entertainment Weekly

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The Hummingbird Dagger 

A Jena Baxter Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have to admit that the title for this book really pulled on my curiosity for this story. So, while it was supposed to be a Brandy review, I didn’t mind much when she errantly loaded it to my tablet instead of hers.

The genre for The Hummingbird Dagger is historical fiction, which is one of my favorites, and Cindy Anstey excels in the prose for the time period she writes. The romance was sweet, but not the main factor of the story, but hand holding, or even sitting next to each other was awkward during this period.

The book doesn’t have so much of the up and down tension many of us are used to, but there is a steady stream of moving the storyline forward. That was difficult for me at first because I tend toward faster story’s, but the mystery factor remained throughout the book, the tension rose with it, and that was also well done. I expected something more dire to happen to the younger brother however, because he was always out to prove himself, and that caused him to be out looking for trouble.

The characterization was good, although I felt that our heroine, Beth, took some of the changes a little too much in stride at times. James, her benefactor, held steady from beginning to end. We even have the typical busybody of the era. I would liked to have seen more of the pirates of the age, since they create ruckuses wherever they go. I also think it would have added spice if we understood more about the bill parliament was going to be voting in or out. Who would it effect, and why?

The hummingbird dagger (knife) itself was a mild disappointment, because the prologue led me to believe there would be an element of fantasy in the story, and there was not. Since it didn’t affect the story, I let it go. This book isn’t being marketed for fantasy.

I gave The Hummingbird Dagger five stars because I thought the Author did an excellent job of keeping things moving forward. It felt a tad slow in the beginning, but soon picked up in momentum and kept moving. This book is a worthy read for anyone who likes historical fiction.

Author Bio

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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