#BookReview A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn (@deannaraybourn) @BerkleyPub

A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Members of an Egyptian expedition fall victim to an ancient mummy's curse in a thrilling Veronica Speedwell novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries.
London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.

But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything. . . .

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Storywise do I think this is the strongest and most interesting one so far in this series. Not that the previous two books have been bad, more that I found this book mystery to be much more fascinating to read about, with a less obvious ending than the previous book. This is not a series that you have to read in order to enjoy, but it's a marvelous series so reading in order may be more fun would I think.

Veronica Speedway is such a wonderful character, not always bound to the traditional female role of the time and a bit outspoken. She also has an interesting family situation, with a quite absent father. Stoker, as well, has a bit of a family problem, quite similar to Speedways, but Veronica lacks the ex-wife who makes her first introduction in this book. I quite enjoyed learning more about Stoker's past and what really happened in the Amazons.

But, it's the humor that really makes me love this book, the banter between Speedway and Stoker are always marvelous and makes me often smile while I read this book. This is the kind of book I pick when I want something easy-going, but not too light.

A Treacherous Curse is a delightful book, with lots of funny moments, an interesting plot and wonderful characters. It was with a bit of sadness that I read the last page, now I have to wait until next year for a new book ... at least I hope a new one will come out next year...

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!