I enjoy this series but for me this book was a struggle. The first half unfolded at a glacial pace, leaving me moving back and forth between the written version and the audiobook. Desperate to rekindle my interest, I even cranked up the audiobook speed to 1.5x. But it wasn’t until the halfway mark that the narrative finally captured me.

Where the story truly shines is in its humor and banter. As the plot thickens, Veronica and Stoker—our dynamic duo—take center stage. Their chemistry, lukewarm in the first half of the book, now erupts into a delightful dance of wit and revelations. The number of characters initially exhausted me, but then came the twist—a surprise that blindsided me. There’s nothing quite like that “I didn’t see that coming” moment to refresh a reader.

Veronica and Stoker, in their own ways, peel back layers. Their relationship evolves, each revelation a stepping stone toward deeper understanding. It’s an ideal progression, one that keeps readers invested.

For those just embarking on the Speedwell journey: Start from the beginning. Deanna Raybourn weaves Veronica’s and Stoker’s backstories, but the original accounts hold treasures that can’t be fully conveyed in subsequent books.

This is another series that just never misses for me. From Veronica and Stoker and their wonderful relationship, to the always fun supporting characters and the compelling mystery driving it all,

As the ninth book in the series, there was really only one thing I really wanted from this book, and that was for Veronica and Stoker's relationship to remain solid throughout the story. If you've read this series, you know this is one of the most torturously slow burn romances out there, so I feel like these two have finally earned a bit of comfortability (at least as far as their relationship is concerned) and this book DELIVERED. Oh my goodness, these two were SO cute throughout the entire story, I was LIVING for all of their interactions. In true Stoker fashion, there are plenty of romantic lines that will have you swooning, but Veronica has a fair share of her own, which I love to see, especially considering how she viewed relationships at the start of the series.

One of the strengths of this series is the sheer amount of entertaining supporting characters, which is another reason why I think, even though each book could technically be read as a stand-alone, everyone should read from the beginning. It's just that much more entertaining having a connection to all the characters that pop in and out throughout the series. This book sees Veronica and Stoker team up with JJ and Mornaday, and I loved the dynamic between this foursome. Another character that was introduced that I absolutely adored was Spyridon. He was absolutely hilarious, and I would love to see more of him.

While the outcome of the mystery wasn't my favorite of the whole series, it was still super compelling (and also more than slightly macabre). The premise of the wax figure turning out to be an actual human was eerie, but had me hooked immediately. I also appreciated the few twists that were revealed at the very end regarding the identity of the victim, which I did not see coming.

Overall, I don't have much else to say other than I absolutely adore this series and EVERYONE needs to pick it up (from the beginning) immediately. The characters are amazing, Veronica is one of my favorite heroines of all time, and I dare you to read this and not fall head over heels in love with Stoker (challenge: impossible).

This is one of my favorites so far of the Veronica Speedwell books! The mystery itself of the beauty was both intriguing and horrible at the same time, and the inclusion of both Mornaday and J.J. Butterworth in the investigation just makes it even better. Till the end it keeps you guessing and worrying for all involved. It was well paced and we even get to meet some new characters that hopefully we will see more of in the future. It felt more high-stakes with a lot of action towards the end.

The banter and chemistry between Veronica and Stoker without outside complications is a great change. It’s just nice to see them working in tandem and secure in their love for each other without the drama of some of the past books. As an added bonus this one has a lot of sweet endearments. It was just really tender between them in this book.

Overall, the mystery is top notch and the little family of characters we have grown to love are all working at their best. I highly recommend it.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

This series never disappoints. It's one of the few mystery series I've read that never starts to feel stale as it goes on. The plot of each, the tying in of the time period details, and the relationship between Veronica and Stoker never fails to be interesting, and I get excited every time I see a new volume is coming out.

First let me say I loved it. Of course I did. Stoker and Veronica are my very favorite and I enjoy every second I get to spend with them. Second of all, let me say that this is probably the most disturbing book in the series so far. Even Stoker thinks so (evidence by his reaction compared to previous mysteries). It also somehow made it even more poignant and creepy and tense and fascinating. No spoilers, but I was enraptured by what they uncovered and the historical significance and the implications and consequences. I was on my toes the entire time and I loved being so stressed. Also I love the merry group of misfits that Veronica has gathered and I hope she continues to trust and rely on them, because this series has the best characters.

ALSO I was LIVING for Stoker and Veronica's interactions. I have never highlighted so many passages and they way they know and understand and love each other for their true selves had me just swooning!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I adore this series and was so excited to get my hands on this latest installment. The relationship that Stoker and Speedwell have is delightfully unconventional and genuine. Both carry their own wounds, their own healing, their own passions, and blend them together when it is applicable. I love that they each expect the other to be fully themselves, even if that expression doesn't always come across. They make mistakes, they heal, they learn, they detect! I adore the way Raybourn writes-it's expressive, invoking, and engaging. I love her word choice, her vivid descriptions, and it draws you in. I find myself occasionally looking up words or ideas that she uses, to find out more. This particular installment was great! A wax figure that also has a real woman in it? Sleuthing? Historical information? It's great! This was a fabulous read start to finish.

I can’t believe this is book #9 in the Veronica Speedwell series!! I have come to love and adore this series so much. I was ecstatic to be approved for an e-ARC!

Veronica and Stoker are becoming such a great book couple! Their relationship has grown and evolved over the last nine books. Just a FYI- this is a very slow-burn romance. I have enjoyed that aspect and being able to get to watch them explore what they mean to each other. Their banter in each book keeps getting better and better. I can imagine their facial expressions, especially Stoker’s. Somehow, Veronica is just a magnet for murder mysteries! They both grew in their relationship, and I love they were both open to what each other needs.

One of the things I enjoyed about this installment is that Veronica’s entourage seems to have grown permanently. There are several characters throughout the series we get to see more of in certain books. In this book a couple of characters join forces with Veronica and Stoker. It was fun and gave some hilarious moments!

The actual murder mystery in this book wasn’t as intense as other books. It didn’t seem as dire or chaotic as other books, and I think it was a good change of pace. It doesn’t mean no drama or near-death experiences, but it was a laid back pace. It was still an interesting and twisty case! It didn’t have much impact on the overall arc of the series but feels a little like it can start a new one. I can be totally off when the next one comes out, but I can’t wait to see!

Overall, I really enjoyed this, and it’s always a highlight when I can pick up the next adventure. I cannot wait for the next one already! I’m don’t know how many more Raybourn will write, but I highly recommend picking this series up. I also recommend reading them in order. You won’t get some things or appreciate the relationships without the journey. Excelsior!!

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an e-ARC!! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

A Grave Robbery, by Deanna Raybourn, is the ninth book in the Veronica Speedwell historical mysteries series. It combines suspense, mystery, history, and romance. The plot is intriguing, the setting is striking, and the characters are appealing. The story is set in Victorian London, where Veronica and Stoker get involved in a morbid mystery. What begins as a seemingly straightforward task soon evolves into a dark and suspenseful investigation when they stumble upon a shocking discovery that propels them into a thrilling quest for the truth.

This was an entertaining and well-written historical mystery with well-developed characters. I loved the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker. Their banter is entertaining, and the chemistry between the couple is palpable. It was delightful to revisit characters from previous books and the introduction of new ones. The mystery in the story was compelling and I enjoyed all the twists and turns that heightened the suspense throughout the novel.

A Grave Robbery is another wonderful addition to the Veronica Speedwell series. This novel can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the books in sequence to truly understand the characters and their back stories. With a unique mystery, gothic elements, and a well-crafted plot, I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this historical mystery filled with lots of witty words and some action. I love how Victoria and Stoker work together. I really enjoyed all the time we get to spend with J.J. and Mornaday. I loved how fast paced the story is and I loved Wilfred. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will..

Veronica is irrepresible, determined/stubborn, whip-smart, sharp tongued, a huricane, and a hoot. Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is Veronica's reclusive and cranky love and sleuthing partner who looks like a pirate but has a vulnerable heart. They have settled into their couple status and their feelings for each other which has some tender moments.

Fearless journalist J.J. Butterworth, the British version of Nellie Bly, joins the team again. Detective Mornaday, often complaining and put-upon, is the only policeman they trust and though he is having a personal rough time, he jumps into the investigation. A new addition is a golden Marmoset monkey who adores Stoker-but Rose, daughter of their benefactor, likes to dress up the monkey and put bows in her hair, which provides comedic relief throughout. And this book has laugh-out-loud moments.

The plot is to find out the identity of this poor girl, which becomes a hunt for justice for her. Both quests take the team on a journey with several twists. I'm not a fast reader, but I read this quickly (for me) since I was so captivated by the story.

Ms Rayburn digs up some of the most interesting historical tidbits and in this outing she introduces us to a funeral train which carries the coffin and mourners to the gravesite for internment. The London Necropolis Railway was the name of the system real life train. In this book we have an underground version, which provides a great creepy setting for a few scenes. Fantastic job for a really macabre and chilling backdrop. Also the world of physically accurate wax models, Anatomical Venuses, for medical training adds to the disturbing and even surreal atmosphere of the investigation.

The climatic killer confrontation was wonderfully tense and hair-raising. I have to give kudos for every climax in this series has been unique and exciting. Besides the creativity of a murder victim embalmed as a wax figure! The wrap up sees things resolved satisfactorily on most every thread.

Now for a note on the writing style. Not only does Ms. Rayburn write historical fiction with accuracy but she inflects the style of speaking without loosing the reader. I'm not one to rapsidize on beautiful sentences or turns of phrase, but she adds to the time period and Veronica's character with her writing style.

I have read most of the books in this series and I felt this was one of the top three so far.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Deanna Raybourn does it again! I don’t think I will ever get tired of reading this series they are always so fun to read and I am always sad when it ends. As I say every time, the cover is amazing. This series truly has some of the most amazing covers.

We are back for another adventure with Veronica and Stoker and this one was a crazy one! Nothing like thinking you have a wax figure and then you open it up and bam, not a wax figure but a preserved corpse! It is like mysteries just gravitate towards them, which is good because Veronica can’t be still for long and Stoker can never say no to her, and really we all know he loves a good mystery to solve.

The plot was well written, you get glimpses here and there of past mysteries they have solved and so you get a little background if you are new to the series. It flows really well and it kept the pace up nicely. I always enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with them, and this one I did not solve, it was a nice surprise for me as well. It is nice that not only are you having and adventure and mystery solving, but along with it you still get to see Veronica and Stokers relationship grow and it was nice to see the softer side of Veronica and even the side of Stoker where he lets her be her own woman and doesn’t try to persuade her not to do something, but instead trusts her and doesn’t ant to change her.

The characters of course are amazing, I love Veronica and Stoker, they are one of my favorite couples. Their banter is just really fun to read and they work so well together. I love how Veronica has some great comebacks for things and how she narrates the story, since she is the writer. This one had a nice tamarin monkey that just made me laugh like how it was so attached to Stoker and would give Veronica a distasteful look. In this one we get to see more of J.J. and Moranday, which I really liked. They are great characters as well and I like getting them more involved in the story. We are also introduced to Wilfred who was great, and Spyridon who I hope is in more stories to come because he seems like a fun one.

This series truly never lets me down so I defintiely recommend it, even if you don’t start at the beginning they can be read as a standalone as well. I can’t wait to see what adventures Veronica and Stoker get up to next.

I adore this series and its latest appearance is one of the most pleasurable volumes yet. Though I saw the who and why dunnit pages ahead of the final revelations, my goodness, Veronica and Stoker are at the top of my lovability scale. Moreover, the historical context, eccentric secondary characters, animals, one dastardly golden lion tamarin (in love with Stoker, aren’t we all?) and many doggos, settings, absolutely marvellous, as is Raybourn’s witty, elegant prose.

In A Grave Robbery, Veronica and Stoker are as domestically blissful as they’re capable of. The cozy scenes they share as pleasurable as their latest adventure…and their love for each other, finally so open, fulfilled, and fulfilling, I cheered.

But to the mystery: ensconced in their employer’s, Lord Rosemorran’s, “Belvedere” doing the professional work of taxidermy and lepidoptery while cataloguing, preserving, and preparing Lord Rosemorran’s significant collections for display in his planned museum, Veronica and Stoker are confronted with his latest acquisition, an “Anatomical Venus.” These anatomically correct wax figures were used for paedagogical purposes and are now, in 1889 Victorian London, collected and displayed for public gawping (made famous by Madame Tussaud’s). Veronica and Stoker are handed a “Sleeping Beauty” of an Anatomical Venus, only to discover, upon further investigation, the wax figure hides a perfectly preserved “Jane Doe” of a servant girl. Veronica and Stoker are soon on the hunt for her identity and the circumstances of her death.

(Hmmm, I’ll start by indulging in speculation: I wonder if this is the last of Veronica and Stoker we’re likely to see? There were many avowels of love and devotion, not that I didn’t enjoy every word of them, and, without spoiling, a concluding paragraph that gave me the reader’s spidey-sense…if you’ve read Grave Robbery, dear reader, or know what may be coming next from Raybourn, do drop me a line.)

As for this volume, and for every volume, but especially this one, I love how Raybourn embraces unabashed Victorian sensationalism. The villains are fiendishly villainous and the good guys, adorably virtuous. With its nod to Shelley’s Frankenstein, a preserved female body, a beautiful one at that, hidden within an effigy, I was agog at the opening scene, while chuckling at the tamarin’s obsession with Stoker and the precocious shenanigans of Lord Rosemorran’s youngest, also sending Stoker adoring goo-goo eyes.

Veronica and Stoker discover galvanic experiments, seek information from a travelling circus, and meet with the Plumtree heir, Wilfred, the sole living relative of the undertakers who had taken charge of the poor servant girl-beauty, identity unknown, from the police, fifteen years ago and sought to find her family. When Plumtree Sr. couldn’t, they buried her…except not. Her body, preserved for nefarious purposes, I thought surely a mustachioed evil-doer would appear and I wasn’t disappointed. Raybourn carries off the final scene of the villain’s capture with aplomb and what is most enjoyable, she maintains the humour with our company of characters.

Humour comes in the form of Raybourn’s ability to create lovable, funny, eccentric characters, with their foibles exposed. For example, we have Veronica and Stoker recruit the help of intrepid reporter, JJ Butterworth, and somewhat cutely priggish Scotland Yard detective Mornaday. Their bicker is infinitely amusing. Wilfred Plumtree, young, naïve, and honest, proves the most adorable, as his innocence combines with a fine mind and a mama’s boy freedom from mama’s edicts. In sum, he’s a hoot. Raybourn also maintains Veronica and Stoker’s witty, wonderful banter while allowing them the space to commit to each other in loving, touching phrases. This series started out cynical and we saw many a time when it looked like Stoker and Veronica may not make it as a couple, but A Grave Robbery proves us wrong.

Sentiment and sensation, a strong sense of justice for a poor servant-girl, dead too young and unacknowledged, make Veronica, Stoker, and co., good people, their eccentricities part and parcel of what makes them loveable. I don’t know if we’re going to get more Stoker and Veronica, I certainly hope we do, but if this is where we leave them: with love’s triumph and friendships paramount, a true community of good, fun people, I’ll be okay with it, but I’ll miss them.

Deanna Raybourn’s A Grave Robbery is published by Berkley and was released on March 12th. I received an e-galley, via Netgalley, for review purposes. This doesn’t impede the free expression of my opinion, written without the aid of any AI (a couple of times I googled a spelling though and looked for synonyms of villain).

A Grave Robbery, book 9 of this fantastic historical mystery series, finds Veronica and Stoker back home in London hard at work as they try to catalog Lord Rosemorran's ever growning collection. Their work halts when Rosemorran acquires a wax figure for Stoker to modify for the collection. The only problem is that she's not wax at all! Veronica and Stoker are back in the sleuthing game to solve the mystery of how the Sleeping Beauty came to be preserved, this time with the help of some of their friends! A Grave Robbery was perfectly paced and had surprise twists that I did not see coming!
The best part of reading a new Veronica Speedwell book is that it feels like coming home to a strange but loving small town since they should be read in order. It was so nice to see Veronica and Stoker back in London at the Belvedere. The last couple installments lacked the atmosphere and delightful cast of characters that Raybourn created to inhabit Veronica's world, so I was pleased to find my favorite naturalists by day/ametur sleuths by night back in Victorian London. Veronica and Stoker are finding their stride after the slow burn start of their relationship and I truly enjoyed seeing them grow even further together throughout A Grave Robbery. I love the quirky setting of Lord Rosemorran's estate and the cast of unlikely characters that make the story come alive!

I think the people who are into the Frankenstein vibe will absolutely eat this one up, but this is probably one of my least favorite Veronica Speedwell novels because the whole "reanimating the dead" thing is really not my vibe. Some interesting character development in here, but a lot less nuance than the last one - it's really just a "morally corrupt mad scientist" story at the end of the day. Points for some queer representation in here, but points detracted for, as in so many stories, lesbian characters being inevitably doomed to tragic endings.

London 1889 From a warehouse sale Lord Rosemorran has acquired a wax figure. Investigation by Stoker reveals a female body. He and Veronica, with the help of reporter J.J. Butterworth and Detective Mornaday are determined to discover who she was.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied individuals. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Raybourn for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

In this, Veronica Speedwell's 9th escapade, the reader is invited to join Veronica and Stoker (reunited and it feels so good!) on their quest to solve another mystery. In this case, the mystery revolves around a recumbent waxwork (think: Madame Tussaud's) purchased by Lord Rosemorran for his daughter Rose who turns out to be... an actual preserved dead body coated with wax. Veronica and Stoker deduce she has been murdered and set out to solve her murder and see her buried with dignity. I found the second goal admirable but the first almost ludicrously unattainable. Realistically I think it would have been extraordinary series of coincidences just to link clues about the deceased woman, let alone discover her identity and her murderer. However, as a literary escapade it was a fun one. The tableau alone was worth the price of admission, wink, wink.

Having been frustrated by Stoker and Veronica's lack of actual forward motion in their relationship for the past few books I enjoyed the comfortable bond they finally enjoy. They certainly seem to have worked out the majority the issues keeping them apart. In fact I would go so far as to say Stoker and Veronica were in something of a "honeymoon period" here. Stoker was a gem (as always) although I can't picture him as a real person. I'd love to see who would get the casting call to play him. The side characters are AWESOME and most of our favorites make an appearance (I was glad to see JJ and Mornaday call out S & V to get more credit for all the assistance they've provided, especially, although it was great to see Lady Wellie again, and Spyridon was a hoot). The only thing that held me back from loving this entirely was, actually, Veronica. Veronica is supposedly in her twenties but speaks like Lady Danbury from Bridgerton: imperious, managing, and with (I'm not actually sure how to put this) a distinct lady-of-a-certain-age "grand-dame" intonation. Has she always spoken like that? It was a little cartoonish, for a character of her age. Maybe it's just me.

Regardless, come for the mystery, stay for the fun (and Stoker). Recommended highly but, I agree with most of the other reviews: best read in order for context.

After being a tad disappointed with the relationship between Stoker and Veronica in the last book this one knocked it out of the park. Their chemistry is at its best and I love how their relationship has evolved and now it's so comfortable and genuine. The mystery in this one was very well done! The lifesize wax figures were extremely creepy and the crime itself was horrifying. Most of the time I'm 100% about the romance in these books but in this one the case was just as interesting to me. I was fascinated til the very end, especially when the story moved underground. The funeral director was a fun side character and hopefully we'll see more of him and it's always a good time when JJ is around (and Morneday, too). 5 stars I adore this series and the covers are gorgeous! Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review. This one will be recommended often.

Deanna Raybourn’s ninth book in the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries proved quite the clever case, when Lord Rosemorran purchases a wax doll and his daughter asked Stoker to animate it. What Veronica and Stoker discover is a carefully preserved human encased in wax like the Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. I don’t think I’ll ever grow bored with this series and quickly was swept up into the mystery and these characters.In each book,

Veronica and Stoker solve a mystery and it’s always filled with danger, adventure and delightful banter. While one could jump in with any book, I recommend reading them in the order of their release. I do so because of the relationship that develops between them, the history we learn about their pasts and, of course, their friends and acquaintances.

Raybourn inevitably has me exploring topics and, in this case, I researched a bit about the wax dolls, and atomically correct dolls. Veronica and Stoker provided intriguing tidbits that made it all fascinating.

The mystery was well done and perfectly paced, but Veronica and Stoker create the atmosphere that brings me back to this series again and again. Wicked back-and-forth banter, vexing, acceptance and delightful chemistry with steamy bits behind closed doors, We get hints from Veronica addressed directly to the reader about these encounters.

I love they invited their friends who they consulted in the past. Veronica doesn’t like to share her mysteries or perhaps it is fairer to say she enjoys solving them. The mystery provided several twists and an explosive ending, leaving me more than satisfied.

Positively delightful, I cannot wait for their next adventure. If you love historical mysteries, with a touch of romance, friendship and fascinating discoveries, I urge you to give this series a go.

I love the uncommon pairing of Veronica Speedwell, lepidopterist and illegitimate child of the Prince royal, and Stoker, her lover and friend. His knowledge of taxidermy and the preservation of beings is stretched to the limit in this investigation and while the discovery of the preserved woman is gruesome, they both want to do right by her, find her family, and give her a proper burial. Unfortunately for them, an obsessed scientist wants her back for their own which puts them, once again, in peril.

Despite the setting of Victorian England, this novel reads more regency romance, with an investigation by day and fade to black love scenes at night. Despite, or maybe because of the romance I enjoyed this novel more than the previous couple of books in this series. More so because of the eccentric side characters, but also because the two main protagonists are just so interesting to read about. Neither of them are perfect, nor do they want to be. Although at times they are too smart for their own good. A Grave Robbery was a refreshing addition to this somewhat steady series.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the free book!

A Grave Robbery, the ninth installment in NYT best-selling author Deanna Raybourn's captivating Veronica Speedwell historical mysteries series, is a wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue, history, and romance.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it absolutely lived up to my high expectations. The intriguing plot, the vivid historical setting, and the compelling characters all came together to create an exciting and immersive story.

We are transported to Victorian London, where Veronica and Stoker find themselves embroiled in a macabre mystery. What starts as a seemingly innocent task of inserting clockwork into a wax figure takes a sinister turn when they discover the figure is not a mere "anatomical Venus" (a detailed wax model that medical schools used) but a real woman preserved in wax, setting off a thrilling investigation.

Raybourn's writing style is a perfect match for the Victorian setting, with Veronica's dialogue being a standout. Her beautifully crafted, period-appropriate turns of phrase are not only cleverly observational and quick-witted but also often very humorous, adding an entertaining layer to the narrative.

The characters are wonderful and well-developed. Veronica, our fearless feminist protagonist and lepidopterist/butterfly hunter, is a delight. Dashing and slightly dangerous, Stoker was raised a gentleman but has lived a colorful life and now works as a taxidermist. The sizzling chemistry between him and Veronica leaps off the page, making their romance and banter all the more enjoyable. Old favorites also appear, and new characters are introduced, ones I hope will return.

The mystery was fascinating, a bit dark, with gothic elements, and definitely unique. I had not heard of an anatomical Venus before. It was also well-plotted, twisty, and suspenseful. I cannot recommend this series highly enough! Excelsior!