As a fan of the Veronica Speedwell series, this book (possibly the last in the series?) hit all of the notes I enjoyed from the previous installments. While I was annoyed at first that a villain from a previous book reappeared, Raybourn carefully crafts this story so there is no dull moment or retread from previous books. Fans of Victorian murder mysteries with a dash of romance and an irreverent, feminist protagonist will enjoy this book. I know I did!

BEST installment yet!!! This one was different than the previous books in the series. The story flow was different. Then, of course, you had all the tension between Stoker and Veronica against the backdrop of Jack the Ripper...so, so good!!! Now the long wait for another installment begins...*sigh*

I gave this a three, because I enjoyed it on a basic level, but this book was probably my least favorite in the series. It was anticlimactic, as you discover the villain maybe halfway through, and very little sleuthing was actually done. The character development was also pretty thin. This book seemed like a connecting title that had to finish the threads from the last one and maybe lay some foundation for the next book. However, there was no apparent “stay tuned” related to a plot line.

The fifth book of Veronica Speedwell's adventures brings a dastardly villain from an earlier book back into Veronica and Stoker's environment. Several other returning characters make a show, as do some new Royals --and the infamous Jack the Ripper. Once again, though, the villain is thwarted by Veronica's quick thinking and cunning, Stoker's willingness for abuse, and the teamwork that Veronica and Stoker have with one another.

A Murderous Relation is still a delight thanks to the rapport and chemistry between Veronica and Stoker and the overall character that is Veronica. I love a witty, cunning, sparkling, strong female protagonist, and Veronica continues to deliver.

10 Stars!

Loved it so much! But I have a sneaking suspicion this might be the last book in the series because of those last paragraphs in the book (knock on wood I'm wrong).

Veronica and Stoker. What more can I say that hasn't been said about these two?

Their relationship has been developing for four books, now five. After the ending of book four, we know what they're ready for. We already know they loved each other, but they're also the most stubborn people we've met.

But the time isn't right to indulge in amorous relations, as Veronica would say.

Lady Wellie falls ill and while trying to discover the reason, Veronica and Stoker involve themselves in quite the environment. Murder, kidnapping, Jack the Ripper, Prince Albert Victor, diamonds, secrets, life and death situations, and many many more things, happen.
I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!!!

And then the thing we've all been waiting since the beginning.... finally.

I hope there will be more, but if not, it's a satisfying conclusion.

Love, love these characters.

I received a copy from the publisher (THANK YOU!) via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I love this series, and it just keeps getting better! In this installment, Veronica Speedwell and her partner, Stoker, find themselves involved in a mystery that coincides with the killing spree of Jack the Ripper. Are they connected?

I love the developing relationships between the recurring characters in this series. I also really like the clever plots that bring something new to each new book.