I was excited when I received a pre-published arc of "A Darker Reality" through Netgalley and the publisher. Before I continue, I must make a full disclosure. Anne Perry is one of my favorite mystery authors. I keep up to date with her Monk & Pitt series (including the more recent Daniel PItt) as well as the Elena Standish books. This one did not disappoint.
Although the mystery itself is not the most suspenseful, Perry's character development and descriptions bring you right into Elena's world.
It's difficult to explain the plot without giving away too much. However, Elena, along with her parents, are in Washington D.C. visiting her American grandparents. The time is in the mid-1930's as the talk of war is slowly coming to the forefront. That is really all I can say about the plot, although I will say it is full of espionage and deceit. "A Darker Reality" definitely belongs on you library book shelf as well as your personal to be read list

First I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read this book. I fell in love. with Elena Standish in A Question of Betrayal which I read late last year. When i saw this book pop up in Net Galley as a book to request, I jumped! What is Elena up to? How is her sister doing with mourning her husband's death? How is her grandpa Lucas and his sweet dog Toby (and no, I probably wouldn't have remembered Toby if I didn't have a cat named Toby!)? How is Peter? This book picks up with Elena and her parents taking a trip to the states for the 60th anniversary of her grandparents marriage. At the party, Elena takes pictures of the guests for her grandparents. She mets a very beautiful and kind woman named Lila. She hits it off with Lila and looks forward to spending more time with her. Then tragedy strikes and Lila is brutally murdered. The twists keep coming.... and doesn't stop. This book will keep you guessing until the last minute. I can't wait until the next installment of this series.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Elena and her family travel to the US for her grandparents wedding anniversary. The president and first lady attended the anniversary party. A woman was hit by a car was killed. Elena's grandfather was charged with her murder. Elena learned the woman was a spy. This book had many twists and turns.

A Darker Reality by Anne Perry is a great WWII-era historical mystery that is a great addition to the excellent Elena Standish mystery series.

This is the third book in this excellent series and this time we travel overseas to the States. It was interesting to see this new location added in to the series, and while I enjoyed it, my heart has a special place for GB.

This time Elena is entangled into a complex, gripping, and suspenseful murder/mystery plot that involves many suspects (including family) and international in its scope.

The plot was intriguing, developed twists and turns, and I really enjoyed how it progressed. I also enjoyed the historical events and individuals that were appropriately weaved into the narrative.

I hope the next book in series takes us back east and I look forward to the next installment.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Ballantine/Random House for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.