Hi Karen,

My next review is:-

A Veronica Speedwell Mystery-A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn published in hard covers by Berkley Books on 16 January 2018 308 pages, ISBN-13: 978-0451476173

The book opens in London in Victorian England during 1888. As colourful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell cannot resist the allure of an exotic mystery--particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumours abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.



Members of an Egyptian expedition fall victim to an ancient mummy's curse in this thrilling Veronica Speedwell novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries



But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges that Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker's past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats--and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe--Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything...



Veronica is an illegitimate daughter of the Prince of Wales and therefore has access to lots of important people including of course her father whenever she needs to call in a favour. She and stoker have many adventures before finally arriving at the dramatic conclusion of this gripping historical mystery.



I previously read for review one of the authors earlier books “Silent In The Grave” featuring Lady Julia Grey (January 2008) and was therefore was aware of her superb writing and research ability and was pleased to have the opportunity to read this later book.



What an enchanting, well plotted but witty story this is, authentic in it's colourful Victorian period detail and yet, written by an American author. A number of Americans have tried in the past to write mysteries with a genuinely English atmosphere but few have succeeded. This book is the second in a series of books with the characters of Veronica Speedwell and her companion “Stoker” and I look forward to reading them all. Strongly recommended.



Best wishes,



Terry
(To be published on eurocrime.co.uk in due course)

A Victorian mystery.??? I think I will. This is my first foray into the world of Veronica Speedwell and I must go back and read the previous books in this series. Veronica is brazen, witty, independent and seems to fly in the face of typical Victorian customs. A missing Egyptian artifact, a mummy curse and a possible murder all make for an interesting well written tale.

Sometimes it is easy to forget how much you love two characters until you are immersed back into their world and then all those old feelings and thoughts about them resurface and you remember why this is one of your most favorite series and some of your most favorite people.

Veronica and Stoker are those people for me. This series is just so much fun with the Victorian old world London setting, mystery, and of course the adventures that always await these two. Not to mention the chemistry between them is off the charts.

I would say there is very little romance in this series, if any at all in fact and yet these two have such a passion, such a spark that it is hard to resist reading about them and not sensing it and just waiting for that spark to ignite and set fire to the world.

With nonstop action, mystery and intrigue, this really has become a favorite and a series that is just getting better and better with time. Fans of the genre really need to pick this up, because I can guarantee that this series will be one that will not disappoint.

Veronica and Stoker are back! The Tiverton Egyptian Expedition digs up a cache of Eighteenth Dynasty goods including a sarcophagus. A series of misfortunes make the public assume the Expedition is cursed. When a former friend of Stoker disappears along with the diadem, or jeweled crown, of the dead Egyptian princess, Stoker and Veronica investigate. The friend's wife tells investigators that the night her husband vanished, his hotel room vanished too. There are mysterious sightings of Anubis in both Egypt and England.

This is the third book in the series. While I enjoyed the first, this one was rather slow moving. Despite the disappearance and theft being set in Egypt, the pair never leave England during their investigations. There are endless interviews with the parties involved in the Expedition. There is a lot of talk about the two previous books' plots. Basically, there was much too much telling rather than showing in the plot. I was expecting more Evil Under the Sun but received more The Curse of King Tut's Mummy. I wanted more mystery, adventure, and romantic involvement between the characters. For someone with such free sexual morals, Veronica is not moving very fast with Stoker. There is a bit more of Stoker's backstory. I recommend the first book, A Curious Beginning with 4 stars but this one only gets 3 stars from me.

Thanks to the publisher, Berkley, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

One would think that in a city the size of London trouble might knock on the door of someone other than Veronica Speedwell for once. But, she and her partner Stoker seem to find themselves in the sewers without even trying. This time, the diadem of an Egyptian princess has gone missing, along with Stoker’s old expedition partner and arch enemy, and now Stoker’s reputation is at stake. Having spent years trying to piece back some semblance of respect in society, Veronica refuses to allow him to be destroyed once again. As the police have little interest in pursuit of the diadem and assume the missing man to have run off with it, Veronica and Stoker are left to their own devices to find the truth.

If you’ve read my reviews on the first two books in this series, you know how much I love it. But it bears repeating: I love this series! Veronica Speedwell is everything I had hoped to grow up to be: intelligent, independent, strong, adaptable, resilient and she cares little for what others think of her. With one exception. Her partner Stoker is her only equal, and the most important person in her life. His respect she could not do without. Being a little in love with Stoker myself, I completely understand. ;)

The mysteries in this series are always smartly done, with some complexity that prevents me from sorting it all out by the end. The characters are addictive. It is hard for me to imagine tiring of their escapades, though it would be interesting to see how the romance angle would work in the long-term. The will-they-won’t-they can’t drag on forever, and based on the progress in this book, I’d say there will be some answers on that front in the next installment. The ending of this book was tremendous and the only thing that disappointed me on the last page was that it was the last page. And as this has just been released, I have to wait. The good news is, it appears there are at least two more books slated in the series. Definitely a series worth waiting for!

1888 and an Egyptian expedition has returned to London. A cursed expedition. When Stoker's (Revelstoke Templeon-Vane) former friend and expedition companion goes missing with a priceless diadem it is the latest in a line of unusual events. Veronica and Stoker decide to investigate.
A very enjoyable well-written mystery. With some interesting characters who I hope to read more about.
Although this is the third in the series it can be read as a standalone book.

this was such a great read! Veronica Speedwell is a female character in Victorian times and yet she stands out BRILLIANTLY! She has quickly risen to be one of the top characters in my favorite female protagonist lists. She’s smart, savvy, witty, sarcastic and stands out as a self-made woman in a time of Lords and Ladies.

One of the most interesting part of the book for me was the references to archaeological digs, Egyptian mummies and lost diadems! It read like an action packed adventure and Veronica and Stoker complimented each other so very well.

The entire book is written in Victorian English which made it slightly difficult for me to keep up with it in the beginning but it soon grew on me and I started finding the writing almost charming. I really did end up learning a lot of new words so thank you dictionary on the Kindle! I may even read the other books in the series solely for more Veronica!

veronica and stoker are at it again in a treacherous curse. this time stoker's past has them all caught up in a mysterious disappearance, and we finally learn more about stoker's disastrous first marriage and what happened on the fateful expedition that cost him his reputation and marked his body forever.

it's his former best friend who has disappeared. the man who married his ex-wife. and considering the acrimony between them he's been declared scotland yard's most likely suspect. unwilling to have stoker's reptation further blackened or to face the strong likelihood that the royal family will intervene in their partnership, veronica sets herself on the task of figuring out what went wrong with the egyptian expedition that preceded the disappearance.

with her trademark wit and her staunch lack of squeamishness veronica carefully pulls apart all the tangled threads of this web of lies and murder and mystery. but this particular mystery reveals more to veronica about what she might feel for stoker. she understands him even more. she's afraid of what it all means. a feeling that veronica is not at all acquanted with as she has not much use for fear. this world, this relationship, these characters continue to be delightful and entertaining and smart. and i can't help but be excited for the next book in the series.

**a treacherous curse will publish on january 16, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/berkley publishing group in exchange for my honest review.

I received A Treacherous Curse in return for my honest opinion.
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller

There are three books in the Veronica Speedwell series is amazing. Cute, Funny, Quirky, and Adventurous!!
The third installment A Treacherous Curse brings a whole new peril of challenges for Veronica. In this book she faces rumors of a mummys' curse taking victims from the expedition.
Veronica, is the daughter of the Prince of wells, but stands apart from her royal family, working and taking risks. Much like the amazing, colorful butterflies she has collected.
Veronica will be facing more challenges than that of the curse itself. With sauntering enemies, dangers, and more coming together from Stokers past, Veronica has her hands full.
Are the rumors true? How can they stop the curse? Will they be able to save Stoked from past enemies and mounting danger? You will have to read to find out!! This installment is due to release January 16th, 2018!!

4 stars
A new Victorian mystery from Deanna Raybourn is such a treat! This is the second in the series I have read and I found the interaction between the 2 main characters, Veronica Speedwell and her friend / co-worker Stoker so much fun. If you have read Ms Raybourn’s Lady Julia series, you will thoroughly enjoy this one as well.
The mystery centers around Egyptology and a curse. Unearthing an Egyptian princess’ mummy case has brought on bad luck a death and mysterious disappearance to a recent expedition that returned to London early. Stoker becomes a potential suspect of the disappearing site photographer, John de Morgan who was a former best friend and old colleague of his AND is the man that stole Stoker’s wife away from him. To clear Stoker’s name and get to source of what has been transpiring, Veronica takes on the responsibility of figuring out what happened to John de Morgan.
I thoroughly enjoy Veronica’s strong female character. You might need to suspend belief a little as she is not of the Victorian era in many aspects. But still a delightful story, good mystery and just plain fun!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Deanna Raybourn's accounting of the activities of intrepid Veronica Speedwell and her mysterious friend Stoker are again on display in this, the third book in the series. It's pretty much nonstop from beginning to end, as the duo searches for a missing "enemy" of Stoker's and missing Egyptian jewels. Ms. Raybourn is indeed a master of plotting, and every book displays that.

My quibbles with this particular outing include the heavy-handed constant reference to Veronica's "uniqueness among women" and Stoker's angst. That, and the name dropping that seems to happen on every page -- "it used to belong to Catherine the Great/was at Versailles." I don't know by the third book that I need to be reminded of how different these characters are. Be that as it may, I intend to continue following their adventures, and I appreciated the opportunity via Net Galley to do so.

Veronica Speedwell is back! So is Stoker! This is one of those books I've been anxiously waiting to read. Book 3 in the Veronica Speedwell series, though you don't really need to read the others first I highly recommend it. Not only for some of the background but just because they are great books.

Veronica is a woman ahead of her time, she is not just spunky but fiercely independent, confident, rather stubborn and intelligent. She sometimes speaks her thoughts aloud regardless of the consequences and once she sets her mind to a task good luck getting her to abandon it. She is a perfect match for Stoker, watching these two interact is quite entertaining.

With A Treacherous Curse it's Stoker's past that is forced out in the open when a former best friend disappears. With a cursed Egyptian dig as the backdrop the author presented a unique mystery that had many layers. I will admit that while I found the mystery intriguing it was getting to really know Stoker better that I found most interesting. That being said between the missing artifacts, missing friend and strange sightings Deanna Raybourn has once again written an engaging story complete with its usual twists and turns and an ending that I wasn't really able to figure out myself.

Definitely one of my favorite series and one I highly recommend.

There are many reasons why the Veronica Speedwell series strikes a chord with me. Even though set in Victorian times, a somewhat prudish era where women are still entrapped by societies rules and station, Veronica is a modern woman. She and Stoker are business partners in life as well as in their investigations. She is outspoken and loves to shock Stoker with pithy statements and fantasies about the male form, and has great wit, charm and a dry sense of humor. She is a woman that I really enjoy reading about. As she and Stoker investigate the disappearance of his previous partner and the curse of the Egyptian exhibition that he had been traveling with (that has now come to London), Veronica’s inner lioness comes out as protector to Stoker’s fallen hero. A Treacherous Curse is a very fine tooled mystery but also we are given insight into the feelings Veronica and Stoker have for each other in a couple of very emotionally moving scenes that I honestly didn’t know these two characters had inside them.

A Treacherous Curse, although set in Victorian London, is uniquely flavored with all things Egyptian. When finding a tomb can mean instant fortune, and also fame for those who uncover those treasures. Although a different era, I had visions of Indiana Jones running through my head while getting to know some of these new over the top adventurers, which was tremendous fun. The pace of the story seemed a little quicker than the previous two novels only slowing down to a simmer for the introspective thoughts Veronica had regarding Stoker. This was my favorite novel of the three so far, and I truly liked the other two! A perfect mix of action, adventure and yes, a glimmer of a future romance. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I was given an ARC of this novel through NetGalley for my honest review, and it was honest!

I love the humor in this series, how Veronica goes out of her way to embarrass Revelstoke and in no way backs down or defers to her male counterparts.

Head of Scotland Yard’s Special Branch, Sir Hugo Montgomerie, has called upon Veronica and Stoker to look into the disappearance of John de Morgan. He was last seen leaving a dig in Egypt and now both he and a priceless headpiece are missing and with a supposed curse involving the Princess Ankheset’s tomb, and also the director of the expedition dead, Veronica and her devilish mind must put the pieces together without further involving Stoker’s name or an old scandal.

Turns out that Stoker has a curious tie to de Morgan and his wife, who swears that even the room that she left him in has changed, yet Stoker cannot let himself be distracted during this case. There is too much riding on his reputation and though he is many things, he is not what he was once accused of being, and he desperately needs Veronica to standby his side and help to fight for not only his name, but to find the people behind de Morgan’s disappearance.

With Veronica’s semi-legitimate ties to the British throne, she is both protected and invisible, allowing her to delve into areas that would not be available to Revelstoke alone. Combined, this duo holds each other’s secrets and pieces together a conspiracy that will both enlighten and free Stoker. Many answers are revealed in this third book of the Veronica Speedwell series and it needs to be read slowly and thoroughly to get a deeper understanding of Revelstoke Templeton-Vane and why Veronica would fighter harder for Stoker than she would ever fight for herself.

An emotionally exhausting story and my feelings have been shifting from one emotion to another. My pillow and bed begs for mercy every time I punch my fist and run my nails over them. Definitely my favorite book in the series so far.

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

P L O T
Deanna Raybourn has done it again! She has taken my heart and added it to the many displays of the Belvedere in Bishop’s Folly, London.

It took me quite a while to figure out who the culprit was, whether or not a certain person was dead or he simply disappeared. But my dear reader, a certain person has finally showed up and I have been waiting for his/her debut since the very first book! No one knows (except my dog) the noises I make every time something happens in the book. It’s either a moan, a grunt, or colorful curses. I’m sure you understand how it feels like to not be able to physically voice out your feelings because people are asleep. I wish I have a soundproof room.

This could easily be the longest book so far. A lot of back story was written in, conversations that hit home. There was even a time where I felt a bit scared when they talked about the curse.

I knew better to ask him for what he could not give.

C H A R A C T E R S
The characters! Oh gosh I wish I could name them freely but this is a spoiler free review. All I could tell you is there are a lot of key players in this story, so many new names and faces. I’m still unsure if I could trust Mornaday, I can’t fully get a feel of his character.

There are characters I want to hug and comfort, some I want to constantly stab and punch until he’s in the brink of death but let him heal and torture him again. There are also others I want to wrap in a soft fluffy coat and hide them from the rest of the world forever.

I can never forget how much Veronica Speedwell has slayed in this book with simply the use of her words. She is not to be reckoned with because she is no ordinary woman and she is no lady.

“Life is not about achievement. It is about the effort. If one takes pleasure in every step, one enjoys the whole journey.”

W R I T I N G
As always Deanna’s writing is phenomenal. Though it is said or written, where nothing much has happened but the way she uses words to give such powerful emotion and energy to a scene. I have even gathered new quotes for my collection.

Her lips curved, but I would not have called it a smile. No smile was ever so sad.

O V E R A L L
I read this series in the span of three months and now I have caught up which means I will have to wait an entire year for the next installment to arrive. I never thought I’d love this series, I was even hesitant to request it on NetGalley but I have no regrets now. I can’t wait for Stoker and Veronica’s adventure and I am pretty excited and hopeful for their relationship to be taken to the next level.

If I could give it 11 stars out of 5 I would.

Take my word for it, just pick up this book and devour it.

With each new installment in the Veronica Speedwell series, I become increasingly convinced that this is one of the best historical fiction mystery series out there. The characters are utterly charming and the plot is consistently engaging, full of intriguing twists and turns. A Treacherous Curse is easily my favorite book in the series thus far.

When the book opens, Veronica and Stoker have settled into a comfortable routine as they undertake the monumental task of cataloging the Earl of Rosemorran’s artifacts. Then, John de Morgan, Stoker’s ex-best friend and the man who stole his wife, is found murdered. And Stoker is the main suspect in the murder investigation. Before they know it, Veronica and Stoker are embroiled in yet another mystery. From Egyptian curses to mysteriously changing rooms to Stoker’s ex-wife, this case may be their most challenging one yet.

I absolutely loved how much both Veronica and Stoker grew in the installment. In the first two books, they were both beginning to figure out their partnership and what they wanted from life. In A Treacherous Curse, Stoker must face his past and Veronica must decide if she truly wants to create a life in London. I thought that their interactions with each other were the best part of the novel. The secondary characters were just as interesting, they were all well-developed and nuanced. I particularly liked Monsieur d'Orlande, Stoker’s ex-wife, and Lady Tiverton.

The mystery itself was fascinating. I loved the idea of the Egyptian mummy curse, it was so interesting to see how Raybourn developed it. Additionally, although I’m no historian, I thought that the portrayal of the English-Egyptian relationship was well-developed and brought up some important issues related to the removal of artifacts. As far as the mystery went, the pacing was perfect and I was constantly changing my guess as to the perpetrator’s identity. I even occassionally laughed out loud, particularly in the scenes with Stoker’s ex-wife.

A Treacherous Curse was an excellent addition to what was already a wonderful series. I’m going to be anxiously awaiting the next installment, I can’t wait to find out what’s next for Veronica and Stoker (particularly after that ending!!). I would recommend this series to fans of mysteries who enjoy strong female protagonists.

Deanna Raybourn is one of my favorite authors. Her female characters are delightfully unconventional, the mystery always pulls me in, and the witty dialogue keeps me turning the pages. I did not think I would like a series more than her Julia Grey books but I love the Veronica Speedwell books just a touch more. I always recommend these to patrons looking for fun historical mysteries that are quick reads. Can't wait til the next installment.

Veronica Speedwell and her partner Stoker are in the midst of cataloging the collection of the Earl of Rosemorran when they are summoned by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch. In A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn, The Riverton Expedition in Egypt has discovered a treasure trove of artifacts.. nut the expedition has returned to England early as they have been struck by several unusual events. Rumors of a curse abound. A missing photographer, a dead expedition leader and a stolen diadem lead Veronica and Stoker on a
search to find the real reason behind the curse rumors.

A Treacherous Curse is the third book in the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series.

I enjoy well written historical mysteries and the Veronica Speedwell series is one of my favorite series. They provide the reader with well-plotted and wonderfully told stories. Additionally, what I really love about this series are the characters Veronica Speedwell and Stoker. Both characters seem to love to deride each other and I quite often find myself chuckling at the banter between the two. But all in all, they truly have high respect for each other, I feel. Stoker has not shared a lot of his past, but with this book, we learn more of his past that has caused him to be the person he is today.

Sir Hugo, head of Special Branch at Scotland Yard, has asked for a meeting with Veronica and Stoker as a suspicious event at an archaeological dig in Egypt has come to the attention of Sir Hugo and it will have a direct impact of Stoker and he hopes to avoid any bad publicity for Stoker. It has been learned that a tiara reportedly belonging to a princess has been reportedly stolen by the photographer, John de Morgan, from Sir Leicester dig. In addition, it is reported that dig has had a curse put on it. It has been reported that the God of the Underworld, Anubis, has been seen at the dig. It’s thought that de Morgan and have headed for England, but the day after arriving in England Caroline, de Morgan’s wife, reports her husband missing.

Stoker had been married to Caroline and they had gone through a messy divorce and de Morgan had been his best friend, at the time. Sir Hugo was hoping that Veronica and Stoker would be able to find de Morgan and the tiara before the press would catch wind of Stoker’s connection and smear his name. But that was not to be as, J. J. Butterworth, a reporter with The Daily Harbinger, caught wind of this development and was taunting Stoker daily.

Another excellently told and very interesting look at Victorian England. The book left me guessing until the end.

I will be definitely be watching for the next exciting adventure with Veronica and Stoker.

Veronica Speedwell is at it again in this fantastic installment. We finally uncover more of Stokers past and every twist and turn kept me engaged.