‘A Curious Beginning’ by Deanna Raybourn book review

Berkley Publishing released New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn’s novel, A Curious Beginning: a Veronica Speedwell Mystery, in paperback on July 12. Main character, Veronica Speedwell, is a daring woman for any era whose intrepid escapades make you want to join in the fun.

The novel is set in 1887 England and spitfire Veronica Speedwell is just burying her aunt and saying goodbye to her latest home before setting out to find adventure. Little does she know, adventure will find her instead. After her home is broken into and she is almost kidnapped, Veronica follows her rescuer, a mysterious baron, to London. He leaves her in the protection of a natural historian, Stoker, who has secrets of his own. When they hear of the baron’s murder, they set off to solve the mystery and save their own skins. If Stoker thinks she’ll let him lead the way, he has a lot to learn about Miss Speedwell.

This story is probably the most fun I’ve had with a book all year. Veronica is plucky and headstrong. Her relationship with Stoker is hilarious and there’s just enough steam between them to make us want more. While the novel speaks of sex, it has very few lusty exchanges between its pages. The characters get to know and respect each other and we have a hint that they may end up together down the line.

The book deftly weaves in its Victorian setting and historical figures for a novel that you just can’t put down. The mystery keeps you guessing until the end where the various storylines tie together neatly. That’s not to say that everything gets wrapped up. The plot definitely leaves itself open for the next in the series that comes out in January 2017. However, the current mystery concludes satisfactorily.

I loved this book and if you’re a fan of the Victorian era or spunky heroines, you won’t be disappointed.

Check it out today and see if you can solve the mystery before Veronica does.