A Ghastly Catastrophe (Veronica Speedwell #10) by Deanna Raybourn
Publication Date: March 3rd 2026 by Berkley
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★
My
Thoughts:
Veronica and Stoker are drawn into a puzzling mystery when
Detective Mornaday quietly seeks their help on a case he’s been ordered to
abandon. Two deaths, one man drained of blood with twin puncture wounds, the
other ruled a suicide, both trace back to an exclusive and secretive men’s
club.
Whispers of witchcraft and Dracula swirl about, and while
Veronica’s scientific mind remains open to every possibility, Stoker’s
skepticism keeps them grounded. Their investigation soon attracts the attention
of the Harpocrates Society, a gentleman’s club with an enigmatic leader whose
nocturnal habits fuel the rumors. Detective Mornaday and J.J. are fun side
characters, each helping to investigate in their own way.
A Ghastly Catastrophe was another delightful addition
to the series. Veronica and Stoker work wonderfully together, both clever,
determined and fierce. I love their playful back and forth and I’m happy the
conflict comes from the danger of the investigations they tackle and no longer
from their romantic relationship. I look forward to their next case!
4 Stars
Book Description:
Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo in this landmark historical mystery from beloved New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.
When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide, and Veronica and her intrepid beau, Stoker, know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.
Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.
The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .
