Review: The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, C.S Harris, Anna Lee Huber, Christine Trent

 

 

Title: The Deadly Hours

Author: Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, Anna Lee Huber, Christine Trent

Published: September 2020, Poisoned Pen Press

Format: ARC Paperback, 352 pages

Source: Publisher

 

Summary: 

A stellar line-up of historical mystery novelists weaves the tale of a priceless and cursed gold watch as it passes through time wreaking havoc from one owner to another. The characters are irrevocably linked by fate, each playing a key role in breaking the curse and destroying the watch once and for all.

From 1733 Italy to Edinburgh in 1831 to a series of chilling murders in 1870 London, and a lethal game of revenge decades later, the watch touches lives with misfortune, until it comes into the reach of one young woman who might be able to stop it for good.

This outstanding collaboration of authors includes:
Susanna Kearsley – New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of compelling time slip fiction.
C.S. Harris – bestselling author of the Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series.
Anna Lee Huber – award-winning author of the national bestselling Lady Darby Mysteries.
Christine Trent – author of the Lady of Ashes Victorian mystery series.

 

My thoughts: 

I don’t often read anthologies, but when I saw this one, I couldn’t resist requesting it. I’ve read two of the four authors before and thought it was the perfect opportunity to try out the other two. Plus, I loved the idea of this anthology – one item linking the four stories together, that of a cursed watch, passed through time, wreaking havoc on whoever possesses it.

The historical detail that we present in each of the four stories was amazing. Yes, each one was short but I never felt anything to be really lacking. And while I know at least one was part of an on-going series, I don’t feel this in anyway detracted from the impact of this particular story. It worked for this anthology and if anything I want to go back and meet these characters again!

I really enjoyed all four stories and loved how each author wrote in a different time period. I am most familiar with Susanna Kearsley and Christine Trent, having read multiple books by each of them before but now I am eager to seek out books by the other two.

If you enjoy historical mysteries, I definitely encourage you to give this one a try.