A Curious Beginning
Series: Veronica Speedwell #1
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Published October 2nd 2015 by Titan Books Ltd

Goodreads Synopsis
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.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After burying her last remaining 'relative', noted lepidopterist, Veronica Speedwell soon finds herself drawn into a wicked tangle that may be her downfall. Knowing that her 'aunts' aren't blood relatives, Veronica has been happy enough with her lot in life, and her travels across the world, and was planning on another expedition when her cottage is ransacked, and a German baron claims she is in danger and needs to follow him to London. Placed in the protection of the mysterious and tempestuous Stoker, Veronica soon discovers that the truth about her parentage may be more extreme than anyone can imagine, and Veronica and Stoker are embroiled in a murder plot, and have to flee. 

I will admit, I've had this book on my TBR for years now, and it was only when my library reopened after lockdown 3 that I decided to request a physical copy and finally mark it off. And, I am so glad I did. Admittedly, it was a little slow to get into, but once we were into the action, and had met both Veronica and Stoker, I was hooked. The premise of the story was fantastic, and the mystery blew me away - I never expected it to go as far as it did, but can not wait for the revelations to be explored further in the other books. For the main characters, both had such rich backstories, that were only started to be delved into, and now knowing that this is a six book series, I feel like the author can really do the pair justice, and hope that the chemistry and hints of romance becomes solid - they are a couple that really give you the feels, and are made for each other. Roll on book 2!

Dates Read:
April 26-30, 2021

Rating
4 Stars