In January 1832, Lady Kiera Darby and her second husband Sebastian Gage head to Scotland for the Duchess of Bowmont’s Twelfth Night party. This ceremonially foolish occasion will be overseen by the Lord of Misrule, one of the relatives and guests at random, while everyone else will be assigned character parts and must costume accordingly. A STROKE OF MALICE is all that stops this being the party of a lifetime.

The Scottish estate is not entirely isolated but is distant from other habitation, while the servants know all the comings and goings. So when a dead man is discovered who appears to have lain in the catacombs for two to four weeks, the list of candidates is short. While he can’t be immediately identified, it’s possible this is the duchess' son-in-law, the Earl of Helmsdale, who is supposed to be in Paris.

The "is he – isn’t he" continues through the story as Lady Kiera, whose first husband aided coroners with corpses, examines matters and starts to interview possible witnesses. This lady had a wretched first marriage until her husband’s death and is now much happier. Sebastian is extremely protective as his lady wife is increasing their family. Six months along in fact, with all the loosening of stays and frequent small repasts one would expect.

I was delighted to see a lady sleuth in an interesting condition, managing ably, and with great concern for her welfare. For instance, Lady Kiera doesn’t drink whisky or the wassail cup, in case she would become clumsy and fall on the stone stairs. Just as interesting are the varied characters, some of whom may be nobility but aren’t as legally born as they should be, and others who are serving staff and mindful of their words. While most of the story is set in the castle, it’s a whopping big castle with an abbey ruin and crypt, besides the dining hall with Waterford chandeliers, so there’s lots of variety.

Anna Lee Huber must have thoroughly enjoyed herself plotting and penning this excellent historical mystery. This installment is eighth in the Lady Derby Mystery series, which began with The Anatomist’s Wife. As the castle is a standalone setting, I find a newcomer to the series can read A STROKE OF MALICE without needing to have read the others. But you will read the others because you’ll be dying to catch the earlier adventures. And then, of course, you’ll want to know what happens next. Girl or boy? I can’t wait.