Review & Giveaway: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell #1) by Deanna Raybourn
Publication Date: July 12th 2016 by Berkley Books
Pages: 354 (Kindle edition)
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

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.

My Thoughts:

Veronica Speedwell is called back to her home from her adventures as a lepidopterist (a person who studies or collects butterflies) when her aunt falls ill.  Adventure, danger and intrigue isn’t anything new to Veronica, but she didn’t expect to find it in her homeland of England right after burying her aunt.  Her cottage is ransacked, and a German, Baron von Stauffenbach, comes to her rescue proclaiming her to be in grave danger.  Promising to reveal all after he gets a few things sorted, he puts her into the care of a friend, and fellow natural enthusiast, Stoker. 

Stoker is not happy about putting Veronica up, but before Baron von Stauffenbach comes back to collect Veronica he’s murdered, and the police believe Stoker is the killer. Now Veronica and Stoker are on the run while trying to figure out why Veronica is in danger and who really murdered Baron von Stauffenbach. Does Veronica’s past has anything to do with it?

This was a fun adventure! Veronica is very different from the women of 1887, being a female scientist, highly intelligent with a quick wit, and no qualms to voice her honest opinion.  Falling in with Stoker, even if he is distrustful of her, is a happy accident for they share similar passions for science.  Unraveling Veronica’s identity, and the mystery of the Baron’s murder make for an exciting adventure all while Stoker and Veronica get to know each other.

I love Veronica’s matter-of-fact personality, she calls herself a pragmatist and it’s a fitting description, but at the center of her is a passionate woman, whether in pursuit of her butterflies, scientific knowledge or a murderer, she’s all in.  As for Stoker, some was revealed about his past, but there’s more that needs to come out.  There’s an undercurrent of attraction pulsing between Veronica and Stoker, but in this first installment there’s just a hint at a possible romance.  This was a little disappointing for me, being a romance junkie, but I’m hanging on for more to come. 

A Curious Beginning was sharp, witty and original, ending with a perfect set-up for books to come! Can’t wait!

4 Suns

The wonderful people of Berkley Books have provided a Paperback Copy of A Curious Beginning to one reader. The giveaway is open to US Residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

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