A Curious Beginning (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery)
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.
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.
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Community Reviews
A historical mystery is a genre I don't really read. Other than my feeble attempt at Sherlock Holmes, this is all, and I'm glad I enjoyed this a lot. The characters are interesting, and Stoker and Veronica are just one of the cutest couples. I love their bickerings the most. They're so funny! And Veronica is one of my most favourite heroines. She's smart, independent, and knows how to fight for what she wants with her intelligence.
However, I rather think that it's a bit... too convenient, in a sense? Like Veronica is so smart that her instincts are almost always right. She can guess a person's motive in an instant, and have her victim blubbering like an idiot. Yep, very convenient indeed, which is why I give this book 4/5.
On to the second one! So glad I decided to read the first book first, otherwise I wouldn't have known Veronica's personal story.
However, I rather think that it's a bit... too convenient, in a sense? Like Veronica is so smart that her instincts are almost always right. She can guess a person's motive in an instant, and have her victim blubbering like an idiot. Yep, very convenient indeed, which is why I give this book 4/5.
On to the second one! So glad I decided to read the first book first, otherwise I wouldn't have known Veronica's personal story.
This was a lot of fun! I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was excellent. I was expecting a typical murder mystery, but this is a lot more adventurous with many different escapades for Veronica and the various characters she met along the way. I'll definitely be continuing with the series. Veronica is a likable protagonist for a mystery series, she's highly capable but isn't always right.
Oh man was this good! Veronica is a spit fire caught in quite the predicament. Loved the plot, the characters, all of it was great
An orphan with a mysterious past. So Pinter aunts, now deceased. A feisty young woman bent on living life on her terms, even in the 19th century. Enter a tall dark and cranky taxidermist with a past of his own and you have a basis for an adventure. In addition there is murder and mayhem, all delightfully wrapped in witty sparring. If you like Gilmore Girls, you’ll love Veronica Speedwell.
What a fun read! I truly enjoyed this first volume of the Veronica Speedwell series. She's smart, independent, willful, spunky, and clever. Plus, hers is the name of one of my favorite plants - Speedwell, commonly called Veronica. Can it get it any better than that? Well, yes, as a matter of fact it can.
The story takes off with a start, then slows a bit, then the remaining 2/3 of the story moves quickly and keeps you intrigued to know more - more about the mystery of course, and more about these characters. I loved them. I especially enjoyed that you feel satisfied at the end, which is completely set up for the next volume to take off running.
Here's just a couple reasons I love Veronica Speedwell:
Need I say more?
The story takes off with a start, then slows a bit, then the remaining 2/3 of the story moves quickly and keeps you intrigued to know more - more about the mystery of course, and more about these characters. I loved them. I especially enjoyed that you feel satisfied at the end, which is completely set up for the next volume to take off running.
Here's just a couple reasons I love Veronica Speedwell:
"A thoroughly unladylike observation," he returned.
"Yes, well, being a lady is a crashing bore, or hadn't you noticed?"
....
"O, the perfidy of men."
"What have I done?" he protested.
"Nothing at present, but you are the only representative of your sex I have at hand to abuse. Take your lumps for your brothers."
Need I say more?
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