3.5 stars

Please refer to the synopsis if you are a reader who likes to know what to expect before picking up a book. There is a reference to Margaret Atwood which I can't speak to so the only comment I will make is that it is pretty much 100% a legal procedural drama and not a thriller.

The novel is a period piece set in the post Civil War America. The author clearly did a lot of research and combined it with her skill and passion as a writer, as a result her novel feels authentic and true to the historical period. Reading Veil of Doubt truly felt like I was right there with the characters and a part of the plot. The historical references contained within the novel are minimal so a reader can get away without knowing anything about the American Civil War, although I have to say some basic knowledge is helpful in understanding the bigger picture.

I pretty much devoured the book but if I had to point out any shortcomings it would be the lack of suspense. The synopsis promises a thriller but in my opinion the novel lacks the suspense entirely. You can clearly see the structure of the novel with its exposition, climax and the resolution but the writing style itself lacks the palpable rising action, the suspense, and the relief at the end. The novel is very easy to get into and has pretty much zero padding so the curiosity of how it ends takes over quite easily and carries you to the end.

Also, I am the kind of reader who appreciates when authors don't feel the need to overexplain. Which is not the case in Veil of Doubt. The novel misses multiple opportunities to use certain reveals as twists in favour of pretty much giving away the answer on the spot. Save for the ending itself, if you are not familiar with the true story of Emily Lloyd

The are also a couple of very interesting moral dilemmas being brought up, as well as an issue of mental illness, and it is such a shame these are not pursued in a more elaborate and creative way.

This is only Sharon Virts second novel so I would be eager to see how her writing evolves. I will definitely seek out her other novels.

Another great book by Sharon Virts, I had enjoyed Masque of Honor and this had what I was expecting from the author. The story had what I was looking for and it worked well overall in a historical element going on. The characters were interesting and felt like they worked in this universe. I can;t wait to read more from the author.

""Powell turned from the window to look at JW. “You can’t tell me that you spent nearly three years in Yankee prison camps and never saw a rat.”“Well, you got me there!” JW laughed. “More vermin than you can imagine! And not all of them with four legs and tails!” He bent lower, examining the floor. “Looks like mice to me. Best way to check for rats is the yard. They tunnel in, you know.”

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.

To be transparent, I did DNF at 40%. At first, I was intrigued by the story. As it went on, I felt myself become bored and I stopped caring about the ending. There just wasn't enough there to keep my attention.