A Curious Beginning

From History Book By Book
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Industrial Age
ACuriousBeginning.jpg

A Curious Beginning: A Veronica Speedwell Mystery Book 1
Author: Raybourn, Deanna
Buy at Amazon | BookShop.org

Time Period: Industrial Age
Time Frame: 1887
Geographic Area: Europe
Country: Great Britain
Topics: Victorian Era, Women in Science
Genre: Fiction
Reading Age: Adult
Format: Novel
Published: 2015


World History > Industrial Age > Women in Science

The New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries returns once more to Victorian England and introduces intrepid adventuress Veronica Speedwell....

London, 1887. After burying her spinster aunt, orphaned Veronica Speedwell is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry—and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as with fending off admirers, Veronica intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

But fate has other plans when Veronica thwarts her own attempted abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron, who offers her sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker, a reclusive and bad-tempered natural historian. But before the baron can reveal what he knows of the plot against her, he is found murdered—leaving Veronica and Stoker on the run from an elusive assailant as wary partners in search of the villainous truth.

Emily's Review

This was such an entertaining read! I don't read very many mysteries, mostly because the few that I have read didn't hold my interest. But this one had a few elements that I typically enjoy in a story - set in the Victorian era with a woman scientist, so I gave it a try. And what a pleasant surprise!

I thoroughly enjoyed Veronica as a character - she is strong-willed, highly intelligent, and confident in her abilities. I also loved her relationship with Stoker - the grumpy to her sunshine. The mystery aspect of the story was entertaining, though at times a bit cheesy, and there were a few over-the-top moments, but I was so entertained by Veronica and Stoker's antics that I could overlook that and just enjoy the ride.

If you want a cozy mystery with a bit of murder and mayhem, I highly recommend checking it out!

Other Similar Books

Other suggestions on the subject of Victorian Era.