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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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“What were you thinking?” James demanded. His words and tone might have been a tad loud as the question echoed around the room. Doing his best to temper his anger, James took a deep breath.
While relaxing his stance, he tried to emulate his father’s most severe expression. “There was no sensibility in the way you were driving, no propriety or modest behavior. All of which you promised!”
“Give over, James. It wasn’t my fault . . . not really. The road is seldom traveled. How was I to know that the London coach was there?”
“Right,” James said with more than a hint of sarcasm. “It’s only lumbered down the road at the same time every day since before your birth . . . But how could you have guessed that today, of all days, it would do so again.”
“I couldn’t!” Walter glared at his brother for some minutes.
James stared back, giving no quarter. If he were not stern and unyielding, Walter would take advantage, pushing the limits, denying James’s authority again.
Finally, Walter lowered his gaze to the floor. “I should have been more cautious.”
James waited, hoping for an apology or a promise to never again race down a road without checking first. But there was neither. Instead, when Walter lifted his eyes, his expression was of derision, his mouth partially open, a scathing comment undoubtedly at the ready.
James could see the strain on his brother’s face as he fought the urge to argue, to shout that James couldn’t tell him what to do. It had been Walter’s contention since their father’s demise. Hardly the truth, but the truth hardly mattered.
The standoff continued far beyond what was necessary, but eventually, James considered his point made. He crossed the hall to the drawing room, Walter shuffling in behind him with his shoulders bowed and his eyes glued to the floor. His younger brother crossed the room and sat down—well away from James.
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.
GIVEAWAY!
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Thank you for including Cindy Anstey’s book, The Hummingbird Dagger on your blog. I was not familiar with Ms. Anstey and am now looking forward to reading her writing.
Thanks for being on the tour! 🙂
Sounds good.
Love the cover. Thanks for the giveaway.
Intriguing and captivating feature and giveaway. Thanks.