Veronica and Stoker discover that not all fairy tales have happy endings, and some end in murder, in this latest historical mystery from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.
Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?
Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?
The series
Step into a world of intrigue, wit, and complex mysteries with The Veronica Speedwell Mysteries. Set in the late 19th century, this series follows the adventurous and fiercely independent Veronica Speedwell, a woman with a knack for solving puzzles and a penchant for uncovering the secrets of the past. In each book, Veronica dives into a new mystery, often alongside her reluctant partner, the brooding, enigmatic Stoker, a former soldier with a mysterious past of his own.
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Veronica is no ordinary Victorian woman—she’s a daring, forward-thinking lepidopterist (a butterfly expert) who refuses to be confined by society’s expectations of women. Her fierce independence and sharp intellect make her a captivating protagonist, unafraid to follow her instincts even when danger looms at every corner. The dynamic between Veronica and Stoker crackles with chemistry, filled with sharp banter, tension, and a slow-burning mutual respect that adds depth to their partnership.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian England, the series weaves together vibrant historical details with clever, suspenseful plots. Each novel is meticulously crafted to transport readers into a world where no one is entirely trustworthy, and where every twist and turn is part of a larger, more dangerous puzzle. From royal intrigue to dark family secrets, the mysteries that Veronica and Stoker encounter are as layered and unpredictable as the characters themselves.
Filled with rich historical context, engaging character arcs, and a healthy dose of romance and humor, The Veronica Speedwell Mysteries offer more than just whodunits—they’re a thrilling journey into a world of hidden motives, complex relationships, and unforgettable adventures. With its lush writing, sharp dialogue, and irresistible protagonists, this series is a must for readers who crave a mix of historical intrigue, heart-pounding mystery, and characters that linger long after the final page.
#1 · 2015A Curious Beginning 
#2 · 2017A Perilous Undertaking 
#3 · 2019A Treacherous Curse 
#4 · 2020A Dangerous Collaboration 
#5 · 2021A Murderous Relation 
#6 · 2022An Unexpected Peril 
#7 · 2023An Impossible Impostor 
#8 · 2023A Sinister Revenge 
#9 · 2024A Grave Robbery 
#10 · 2026A Ghastly Catastrophe 
#11 · 2027Veronica Speedwell Mysteries Book 11 Be the first reviewer
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