Anna Lee Huber Books in Order: Lady Darby, Verity Kent & More

Anna Lee Huber writes historical mysteries with atmospheric settings, intricate investigations, and strong female protagonists. Her Lady Darby books are set in 1830s Scotland, while the Verity Kent mysteries move into the years following World War I, giving readers two very different historical worlds to explore.

If you are searching for Anna Lee Huber books in order, the easiest approach is to read each series separately. The individual series have their own continuing characters and storylines, while her standalone historical fiction can be read independently.

Anna Lee Huber Books in Publication Order

Here is the broad publication order of Huber’s books, including her two major mystery series, Secrets in the Mist, Sisters of Fortune, and the Lady Darby novella A Pressing Engagement. The Deadly Hours is treated separately because it is an anthology containing a Lady Darby story rather than a standalone Anna Lee Huber novel.

The main series counts are currently 14 Lady Darby novels and 9 Verity Kent novels. Huber’s official site also identifies A Pressing Engagement as Lady Darby #4.5 and In a Fevered Hour as #4.75, with the latter appearing as part of The Deadly Hours.

Lady Darby Mysteries in Order

The Lady Darby Mysteries are Huber’s longest-running series. They follow Lady Kiera Darby, a young widow with an unusual background in anatomical illustration, as she becomes involved in murder investigations in 1830s Scotland.

Huber’s official timeline places the first book in August 1830 and A Bitter Cut in July 1833, so the series progresses chronologically alongside its publication order.

1. The Anatomist’s Wife (2012)

The Anatomist’s Wife introduces Lady Kiera Darby and the world of the series.

Kiera has withdrawn from society following the death of her husband, a notorious anatomist. Her unusual knowledge of anatomy and her artistic abilities make her an unexpected asset when a murder occurs.

This is the essential starting point for the series because it introduces Kiera, her history, and the relationships that continue throughout the later books.

2. Mortal Arts (2013)

In Mortal Arts, Kiera becomes involved in another investigation while trying to navigate the restrictions and expectations of early-19th-century society.

The novel continues developing Kiera’s relationship with Sebastian Gage and expands the world established in the first book.

3. A Grave Matter (2014)

A Grave Matter brings Kiera into another disturbing investigation, this time involving the discovery of human remains.

The book continues the combination of historical atmosphere, forensic knowledge, and traditional mystery that defines the Lady Darby series.

4. A Study in Death (2015)

A Study in Death is the fourth main Lady Darby novel.

By this point, Kiera has become considerably more confident in using her knowledge and observational skills to help solve crimes, while the personal relationships established earlier continue to develop.

4.5. A Pressing Engagement (2016)

A Pressing Engagement is a Lady Darby novella rather than a full-length numbered novel.

Huber’s official site places it between A Study in Death and As Death Draws Near in the series timeline, specifically in April 1831.

If you want to experience everything in Lady Darby’s chronological story, include this novella.

4.75. In a Fevered Hour

In a Fevered Hour is another shorter Lady Darby story, but it has a slightly different place in the bibliography because it appears as part of the 2020 anthology The Deadly Hours.

Huber’s official timeline places it in May 1831, between A Pressing Engagement and As Death Draws Near.

5. As Death Draws Near (2016)

As Death Draws Near is the fifth main Lady Darby novel.

The investigation once again brings Kiera’s unusual expertise into play while the series continues developing the relationship between Kiera and Sebastian Gage.

6. A Brush with Shadows (2018)

A Brush with Shadows moves the series forward into 1831.

Kiera and Sebastian continue working together as their personal relationship becomes an increasingly important part of the larger series narrative.

7. An Artless Demise (2019)

An Artless Demise continues the historical mystery series with another murder investigation involving Kiera and Sebastian.

The title also fits the series’ recurring connection between art, observation, anatomy, and crime-solving.

8. A Stroke of Malice (2020)

A Stroke of Malice takes Kiera and Sebastian into another dangerous investigation.

By this stage, readers are deeply familiar with the central characters, making the continuing character development just as important as the individual mystery.

9. A Wicked Conceit (2021)

A Wicked Conceit is the ninth main novel.

The story continues Kiera and Sebastian’s investigations while expanding the historical and social world around them.

10. A Perilous Perspective (2022)

A Perilous Perspective is Lady Darby #10.

Huber’s official timeline places the story in July 1832, continuing the chronological progression of the series.

11. A Fatal Illusion (2023)

A Fatal Illusion is the eleventh main Lady Darby mystery.

The series continues its blend of historical mystery, social intrigue, and Kiera’s distinctive investigative perspective.

12. A Deceptive Composition (2024)

A Deceptive Composition is Lady Darby #12.

It continues the established story of Kiera and Sebastian while moving the series into late 1832. Huber’s official timeline places it in November 1832.

13. A Tarnished Canvas (2025)

A Tarnished Canvas is the thirteenth Lady Darby mystery.

It moves the chronology into March 1833 and continues the ongoing story of Kiera and Sebastian.

14. A Bitter Cut (2026)

A Bitter Cut is currently the latest Lady Darby novel and the fourteenth main book in the series.

It was released on June 23, 2026. The story takes place in July 1833, with Kiera and Sebastian hosting a country-house gathering connected to Kiera’s brother’s upcoming marriage.

So, as of September 2026, A Bitter Cut is the book to finish with if you want the current Lady Darby reading order.

Verity Kent Mysteries in Order

The Verity Kent Mysteries form Huber’s other major series.

The setting changes dramatically from 1830s Scotland to the period immediately following World War I. Verity Kent is a former British intelligence agent who becomes involved in mysteries, espionage, political intrigue, and murder while trying to build a life after the war.

1. This Side of Murder (2017)

This Side of Murder introduces Verity Kent.

The story begins in England in 1919, after the Great War. Verity is grieving the death of her husband when a mysterious letter raises questions about his past.

Her wartime experience with British intelligence gives her skills that prove useful when murder enters the picture.

2. Treacherous Is the Night (2018)

The second Verity Kent mystery continues the series’ combination of murder investigation and espionage.

Verity’s wartime experiences and the secrets surrounding her past remain important as the story moves forward.

3. Penny for Your Secrets (2019)

Penny for Your Secrets is Verity Kent #3.

The mystery continues the larger postwar storyline while expanding Verity’s relationships and the political and personal complications surrounding her.

4. A Pretty Deceit (2020)

In A Pretty Deceit, Verity becomes involved in another investigation while also dealing with the continuing threat posed by the mysterious Lord Ardmore.

The story combines a country-house mystery with the larger espionage storyline running through the series.

5. Murder Most Fair (2021)

Murder Most Fair takes Verity to the Yorkshire Dales, where a family visit becomes complicated by threats and murder.

The book continues the series’ exploration of how the aftermath of World War I affects individuals and communities.

6. A Certain Darkness (2022)

A Certain Darkness moves into March 1920.

Verity and her husband Sidney become involved in investigations connected to British Intelligence, a murdered Belgian lawyer, and secrets dating back to the war.

7. The Cold Light of Day (2024)

The Cold Light of Day is Verity Kent #7.

The story takes place in June 1920 in Dublin, where political unrest and the conflict between the Irish Republican Army and British authorities create a dangerous backdrop for Verity’s investigation.

8. A Moment’s Shadow (2025)

A Moment’s Shadow takes place in August 1920 in Dublin.

Verity and Sidney become involved in a case involving jewel thefts, political unrest, and a dangerous plot involving poison gas.

9. The Bravest Hour (2026)

The Bravest Hour is the ninth and final Verity Kent mystery.

It was released on August 25, 2026. The story takes place in November 1920 in Dublin, where Verity finds herself imprisoned in Dublin Castle while dealing with a dangerous political conspiracy.

Huber herself announced The Bravest Hour as the final Verity Kent mystery, making it the natural endpoint for readers following Verity’s complete story.

Gothic Myths: Secrets in the Mist

Secrets in the Mist (2016)

Secrets in the Mist is a standalone entry in Huber’s Gothic Myths series.

It is separate from both Lady Darby and Verity Kent, so readers do not need to read either of those series before picking it up.

It was published in 2016.

Sisters of Fortune (2024)

Sisters of Fortune

Sisters of Fortune is Huber’s standalone historical novel rather than part of Lady Darby or Verity Kent.

The novel takes place aboard the Titanic during its 1912 maiden voyage and follows three sisters whose lives are changed by the disaster. Huber’s official description notes that the novel incorporates real stories and anecdotes from the Titanic while telling a fictional story about the Fortune sisters.

Because it is a standalone, you can read Sisters of Fortune without knowing anything about Huber’s other books.

The Deadly Hours and the Lady Darby Connection

The Deadly Hours deserves a special mention because it can create confusion when researching Anna Lee Huber’s bibliography.

It is a four-author historical mystery anthology, not a standard Lady Darby novel. Huber contributed the story “In a Fevered Hour,” which belongs in the Lady Darby chronology between A Pressing Engagement and As Death Draws Near. Huber’s official site explicitly places it at 4.75 in the Lady Darby timeline.

So you don’t need to count The Deadly Hours as another full-length Anna Lee Huber novel.

Do You Need to Read Anna Lee Huber’s Books in Order?

Within each series, yes, reading in order is recommended.

The Lady Darby books have an ongoing character and relationship arc, and Huber’s official timeline confirms that the stories progress chronologically from 1830 through 1833.

The same applies to Verity Kent. The series follows Verity’s life after World War I and develops a continuing espionage storyline, so starting with This Side of Murder gives you the background for the later books.

However, you do not need to read Lady Darby before Verity Kent, or vice versa. They are separate series with different protagonists and historical periods.

Lady Darby vs. Verity Kent: What’s the Difference?

The two series therefore offer quite different experiences even though both are historical mysteries.

Where Should You Start With Anna Lee Huber?

If you want to experience Lady Darby’s complete character arc, start with The Anatomist’s Wife and continue through A Bitter Cut.

If you prefer post-World War I mysteries, espionage, and a former intelligence agent, start with This Side of Murder and continue through The Bravest Hour.

If you want a standalone historical novel, Sisters of Fortune is the simplest choice because it does not require knowledge of either mystery series. Its Titanic setting also makes it quite different from the two continuing series.

Anna Lee Huber Books in Order: Quick Reference

Lady Darby Mysteries

1. The Anatomist’s Wife — 2012
2. Mortal Arts — 2013
3. A Grave Matter — 2014
4. A Study in Death — 2015
5. A Pressing Engagement — 2016 — novella
6. As Death Draws Near — 2016
7. A Brush with Shadows — 2018
8. An Artless Demise — 2019
9. A Stroke of Malice — 2020
10. A Wicked Conceit — 2021
11. A Perilous Perspective — 2022
12. A Fatal Illusion — 2023
13. A Deceptive Composition — 2024
14. A Tarnished Canvas — 2025
15. A Bitter Cut — 2026

Plus In a Fevered Hour, which appears in The Deadly Hours and falls between #4 and #5 chronologically.

Verity Kent Mysteries

1. This Side of Murder — 2017
2. Treacherous Is the Night — 2018
3. Penny for Your Secrets — 2019
4. A Pretty Deceit — 2020
5. Murder Most Fair — 2021
6. A Certain Darkness — 2022
7. The Cold Light of Day — 2024
8. A Moment’s Shadow — 2025
9. The Bravest Hour — 2026

Other Anna Lee Huber Books

• Secrets in the Mist — 2016
• Sisters of Fortune — 2024
• The Deadly Hours — 2020, anthology containing Huber’s Lady Darby story

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Lady Darby books are there?

There are currently 14 main Lady Darby novels, from The Anatomist’s Wife to A Bitter Cut. There are also shorter Lady Darby stories, including A Pressing Engagement and “In a Fevered Hour.”

How many Verity Kent books are there?

There are 9 Verity Kent mysteries. The Bravest Hour, published August 25, 2026, is the ninth and final book in the series.

What is the first Anna Lee Huber book?

The Anatomist’s Wife, published in 2012, was Anna Lee Huber’s first published novel and the first Lady Darby mystery.

What is the latest Anna Lee Huber book?

As of September 2026, The Bravest Hour is the latest released Anna Lee Huber book, published August 25, 2026. A Bitter Cut, released June 23, 2026, is the latest Lady Darby novel.

Is Sisters of Fortune part of Lady Darby?

No. Sisters of Fortune is a standalone historical novel about three sisters aboard the Titanic. It is separate from the Lady Darby and Verity Kent series.

Is The Deadly Hours a Lady Darby book?

Not exactly. It is an anthology containing stories by multiple authors, including Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby story “In a Fevered Hour.” Huber’s official timeline places that story at 4.75, between A Pressing Engagement and As Death Draws Near.

Are Lady Darby and Verity Kent connected?

They are separate series. Lady Darby is set in the 1830s, while Verity Kent’s story takes place after World War I. You can therefore read either series independently.

Final Thoughts

Anna Lee Huber has created two substantial historical mystery series that appeal to somewhat different reading tastes. Lady Darby offers 1830s Scotland, anatomy, art, murder investigations, and a long-running character arc, while Verity Kent combines post-World War I mysteries with espionage and political intrigue.

For the most complete Lady Darby experience, follow the series from The Anatomist’s Wife through A Bitter Cut, including the shorter stories if you want the timeline in full. For Verity Kent, start with This Side of Murder and read through The Bravest Hour, which brings that nine-book series to its announced conclusion.

Written by

Emon Anam

Hi, I’m Emon. I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you. When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.