#BookReview A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn

A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've struggled quite badly with a reading slump the last couple of months and there are a lot of books I've started to read and abandoned and plenty of times have I abandoned books half-way through (if I even get that far). So, I'm not always sure it's me or the book that's the problem. Although, I have read a couple of really good books during the autumn/winter...

Anyhow, this is a favorite series of mine, I was quite looking forward to reading it and I loved to once again step into Veronica and Stoker's lives. Especially the beginning of the book was hilarious, with the struggle of wanting to consummate their relationship and not being able to do so. However, I struggled with the case and reading about the pair working undercover at a brothel should be a lot of fun, but I felt my heart was not in it. And, yes Veronica meeting young Eddy was quite interesting. However, I never really took to him and his problem. Poor lamb, not that bright...

The best part of the book was Veronica's brief meeting in an alley with a chilling figure. That made me wish the book had been more about the terrible murders that occurred at the time rather than the silly Eddy problem at the brothel. But, this series is more humorous than serious so it's probably not the right kind of story for Veronica. And, hence this could the root of my problems reading the book. As much as I enjoy lighthearted historical mystery books do I prefer the darker ones...

Still, those that like this series and love reading historical mystery books will probably enjoy this book.

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

#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!

#BookReview A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Veronica Speedwell returns in a brand new adventure from Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries...

London, 1887 . . Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress Artemisia, Ramsforth will face the hangman's noose in a week s time if Veronica cannot find the real killer.

But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems and unmasking her true identity is only the first of the many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural historian colleague Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia s life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime.

From a Bohemian artists colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed....

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A Perilous Undertaking is a sequel to A Curious Beginning, but this book can read as a stand-alone. Though I do think it could be practical to read the first book to really get to know the characters since Veronica Speedwell, well she has an interesting family situation.

In this book, we get a deeper insight into both Veronica and Stoker's families. And, we finally learn why Stoker doesn't want to have anything to do with his family. Veronica meets a relative. However, she knows that the one person she really wants to see can she never met. I do hope that one day they will be able to meet, to be honest.

The case was interesting, however, the conclusion felt a bit like a letdown. I guess I just wanted a more shocking conclusion to the case. This felt like a very "proper" case ending. If the ending had been a bit more intriguing and intense would I perhaps have enjoyed it more. However, I did enjoy the progress of the book, the investigation into who murdered Artemisia. Veronica and Stoker are a great team and it will be interesting to see how this "relationship" will progress.

There are so many funny scenes in this book that left me smiling. Veronica may now and then seem a bit too modern for the setting, but I can't help but to adore her. She is refreshingly frank. And of course, Stoker as well, especially when he gets embarrassed.

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