Werewolves in the Yorkshire countryside!

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Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark (Lady Anne Addison Mysteries #1) by Victoria Hamilton      
        
Lady Anne Addison's arrival in Yorkshire is surrounded by mishap. The picture of her arrival at the public coaching stop is both daunting and amusing. It does serve to show the mettle of this determined Georgian miss.
Anne has flown to the defense of her friend Lydia after a letter that summons Anne post haste to her marital abode, Darkefell Castle.
Anne's arrival problems compound when she is forced to continue to the Castle on foot. She hears a wolf like howl swell out over the forest, some rustling amongst the trees and undergrowth, and then she trips over a body. Enough to send me scurrying home! Not however Anne. Her arrival at the castle has elements of humor, farce and terror, covered as she is in mud and blood!
This is an intelligent young woman who will follow clues and use logic to find the truth of the matter, even as the body count continues to pile up. Anne joins forces with the disturbing Marquess of Darkefell, an enigmatic figure, whom Anne finds herself strongly attracted to. However, Anne's independence is of prime concern to her. No attraction to be acknowledged here! As the mystery unfolds Anne must guard against her feelings for Anthony Darkefell. (An interesting discussion on women and their choices, their finances and their independence after marriage surrounds Anne's misgivings.)
An anomaly therefore! The fearless Anne never falters in her pursuit of the truth but it seems is fearful to pursue the truth where love might be concerned.
Beneath the tale flows an older story that is part of Darkefell and his secretary, Mr. Osei Boatin's past. This is impinging on the present with overtones that might seep into the future. Osei was a slave rescued from a ship by Darkfell and his twin brother. The owner of that ship is a neighbor. There are plots within plots and the source of the threats to Darkefell are varied.
A throughly enjoyable read!
This tale was originally published by Donna Lea Simpson. It has been updated and republished under Simpson's pseudonym, Victoria Hamilton.

 A Beyond the Page Publications ARC via NetGalley

*****

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