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Publication
Titan Books (2017), 320 pages
Description
Veronica Speedwell returns in a brand new adventure from Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries. London, 1887. Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task-saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress Artemisia, Ramsforth will face the hangman's noose in a week's time if Veronica cannot find the real killer. But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is only the first of the many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural historian colleague Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer-a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia's life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime. From a Bohemian artists' colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member JJbooklvr
This is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell series. Somehow I missed the first one last year, but was able to follow along without any trouble in this rollicking adventure. (side note--it is not often one can use the term rollicking but it completely applies here) Veronica and Stoker are two
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of my new favorite characters. They play off each other so well with plenty of humor and witty dialog. Veronica is especially great as a strong woman who does what she pleases in a time when that was frowned upon. I would love to see a movie version of them together. Historical mystery fans will love this book as will anyone looking for a fun, light read. Show Less
LibraryThing member musichick52
I do love Victorian murder mysteries with feminine heroines and that is what we have here. Veronica Speedwell and her sidekick, Stoker, are tasked by Lady Sundridge to uncover the real murderer of Artemisia, the mistress of an art patron. The man currently being held for the crime, the art patron,
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is not guilty in the opinion of Sundridge. It is a race against time to prove his innocence. Delicious! My thanks to the author and the Penguin First to Read program for a complimentary copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I enjoyed this book but I didn't think it quite lived up to the first book in the series. I had a really hard time getting into the book at first but once the story got moving, I found myself really enjoying it. I think that the characters in this series are amazing and this book lets us get to
Veronica Speedwell is such a fun character. She is extremely intelligent and not afraid to live by her own rules instead of bending to society's dictates. She is called upon by a member of royalty to look into the murder of an artist. The man that has been accused is scheduled to hang very soon even though some believe he is innocent. Veronica enlists the help of her friend, Stoker, to help her discover the truth about the death.
I really enjoyed the fact that Veronica and Stoker are not the average pair of detectives. Veronica is an expert on butterflies and Stoker is a remarkable taxidermist. They are both intelligent and inquisitve and well suited to solving the puzzle of the murder. They have wonderful chemistry together and truly make a great pair. This isn't a romance although they both seem to have feelings for the other that they seem to be supressing.
This was a smart book with a really complicated puzzle to be solved. It is nice how the reader gets to be with Veronica and Stoker at every step during the process to solve the murder. I loved the way that there were quite a few funny moments to keep the book nicely balanced. Veronica and Stoker both have complicated backgrounds which added some depth to their characters and gave me something to think about and helped explain some of their motivations.
I would recommend this book to others. It is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell series but I do think it would work as a stand alone. I look forward to future books featuring Veronica and Stoker!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via First to Read.
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know them just a little better than before. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read.Veronica Speedwell is such a fun character. She is extremely intelligent and not afraid to live by her own rules instead of bending to society's dictates. She is called upon by a member of royalty to look into the murder of an artist. The man that has been accused is scheduled to hang very soon even though some believe he is innocent. Veronica enlists the help of her friend, Stoker, to help her discover the truth about the death.
I really enjoyed the fact that Veronica and Stoker are not the average pair of detectives. Veronica is an expert on butterflies and Stoker is a remarkable taxidermist. They are both intelligent and inquisitve and well suited to solving the puzzle of the murder. They have wonderful chemistry together and truly make a great pair. This isn't a romance although they both seem to have feelings for the other that they seem to be supressing.
This was a smart book with a really complicated puzzle to be solved. It is nice how the reader gets to be with Veronica and Stoker at every step during the process to solve the murder. I loved the way that there were quite a few funny moments to keep the book nicely balanced. Veronica and Stoker both have complicated backgrounds which added some depth to their characters and gave me something to think about and helped explain some of their motivations.
I would recommend this book to others. It is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell series but I do think it would work as a stand alone. I look forward to future books featuring Veronica and Stoker!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via First to Read.
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Murder and intrigue in high places!
Lady Veronica Speedwell (lepidopterist and adventurer) and Stoker (‘the Honourable Revelstoke Templeton-Vane, third son of the sixth Viscount Templeton-Vane’) a natural historian, are drawn into the hunt for a murderer at the request of one who 'cannot be
Its 1887 London and a bohemian artist who moves in semi exalted circles has had her throat slashed. Her lover Lord Miles Ramsforth was declared guilty and is to hang--all too quickly it seems. At least that's what Lady Sunbridge, who tasks Lady Veronica to find the truth, believes. As Veronica and Stoker delve further into the matter they see behind the veil into the decadent sensual antics of some of the the upper class in an underground grotto within the grounds of Ramsforth's estate. The motive for Artemisia's murder eludes them. Something must give, and soon. Otherwise Miles will die.
The beauty of the relationship between Veronica and Stoker is a gift. As is their interaction and care for each other on many levels. Their anticipation of each others needs, their understanding of each other gives a depth to the investigation itself. They hover somewhere between caring and sensitive friends attune to each other in a myriad of ways, all highlighted by a suppressed sexual attraction. That frisson makes the relationship even more interesting.
Both have unhealed hurts that neither are able to set aside.
The side charters are worthy of note. There's Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Scotland Yard’s Special Branch, and Veronica's bête noir; and the older Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk otherwise known as Wellie.
A smashing good read!
A NetGalley ARC
Lady Veronica Speedwell (lepidopterist and adventurer) and Stoker (‘the Honourable Revelstoke Templeton-Vane, third son of the sixth Viscount Templeton-Vane’) a natural historian, are drawn into the hunt for a murderer at the request of one who 'cannot be
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named.'Its 1887 London and a bohemian artist who moves in semi exalted circles has had her throat slashed. Her lover Lord Miles Ramsforth was declared guilty and is to hang--all too quickly it seems. At least that's what Lady Sunbridge, who tasks Lady Veronica to find the truth, believes. As Veronica and Stoker delve further into the matter they see behind the veil into the decadent sensual antics of some of the the upper class in an underground grotto within the grounds of Ramsforth's estate. The motive for Artemisia's murder eludes them. Something must give, and soon. Otherwise Miles will die.
The beauty of the relationship between Veronica and Stoker is a gift. As is their interaction and care for each other on many levels. Their anticipation of each others needs, their understanding of each other gives a depth to the investigation itself. They hover somewhere between caring and sensitive friends attune to each other in a myriad of ways, all highlighted by a suppressed sexual attraction. That frisson makes the relationship even more interesting.
Both have unhealed hurts that neither are able to set aside.
The side charters are worthy of note. There's Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Scotland Yard’s Special Branch, and Veronica's bête noir; and the older Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk otherwise known as Wellie.
A smashing good read!
A NetGalley ARC
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LibraryThing member khinman7
Just what the doctor ordered... an improvement from the first episode, here we find Stoker and Speedwell back again for more adventures. Though maybe a bit light on plot, I found this book to be better organized than the first (if rather predictable). What makes this a four star book isn't the plot
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or pacing, however (or lack of plot, rather); it is the characters! After reading way too many YAs, and way too many fun, but sexist romances (lord I am tired of "Alphas" - the word, the tropes around them as characters, and the women who want to be with them), Stoker and V.Speedwell are a breath of fresh air. Their dialogue is humorous without being cliche, they are pithy without being ridiculous, and best of all, their relationship is founded on mutual respect and friendship. What a wonderful distraction from the age we are apparently living in, which seems even more regressive than Victorian England at times! Finally, if you love science, natural history, and a certain type of nerd, these books will be right up your alley. Show Less
LibraryThing member jaysbooks
Excellent, entertaining and unique.
LibraryThing member Sarah_Gruwell
A fantastic addition to the Speedwell series, this volume adds to the original and builds on our lead’s pasts to create stronger characters. Along with a character chemistry that is second to none and for the most part solid mystery component, Raybourn’s new series has a future that never
Favorite part hands down our Veronica, Stoker, and their relationship. I've never read a pair who have so much chemistry on the page and such intriguing interactions. Alternating between hilarious exchanges and heated UST scenes, these two banter their way across London as they encounter artists, royals, and an abandoned sex club. The intensity and hilarity never lightens up.
The mystery aspect wasn't as original as book one but still enjoyable. Reading more like a mystery than the previous book, this one delves into an enigmatic secret behind a murder in an artist circle's mansion. I wasn't as surprised at the eventual who done it as I might have been. Yet, the journey through the various clues and discussions was pleasurable nonetheless.
What I did enjoy about the mystery part was how much it added to our leads pasts again. While touching lightly on Veronica and her familial connections, the best part we got was more exploration on Stoker’s past. We get to see the family circumstances that develop his character and personality, getting to see how the bitterness developed when it comes to his family. Since most of book one was devoted to developing Veronica, these peeks into Stoker’s past helps develop him more fully.
And that's what makes this series so unique and special. Every aspect of the story, even the mystery itself, always builds and supports our leads personalities and pasts. It's not totally about the mystery itself; it's about the people involved: investigators, allies, suspects, and victim. I think that's what makes Veronica, Stoker, and their relationship so extraordinary. The author concentrate so much on building them up, then centering the mystery around them rather than the other way around.
Even though the mystery itself wasn't as enthralling as the first one, this book is still a solid five for me. The leads, how they play off each other, and the overall story carry the day. I can't help but find myself drawn into Veronica's and Stoker’s chases across London, reveling in their hysterical sniping banter and heated UST scenes. The mystery flows smoothly, if a bit predictably, yet it also enhances our leads and their backgrounds. If you're a fan of book one, definitely look this one up. If you haven't read book one and now this one, where have you been hiding?!?! Go read the series now! I can't recommend it highly enough.
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looked brighter.Favorite part hands down our Veronica, Stoker, and their relationship. I've never read a pair who have so much chemistry on the page and such intriguing interactions. Alternating between hilarious exchanges and heated UST scenes, these two banter their way across London as they encounter artists, royals, and an abandoned sex club. The intensity and hilarity never lightens up.
The mystery aspect wasn't as original as book one but still enjoyable. Reading more like a mystery than the previous book, this one delves into an enigmatic secret behind a murder in an artist circle's mansion. I wasn't as surprised at the eventual who done it as I might have been. Yet, the journey through the various clues and discussions was pleasurable nonetheless.
What I did enjoy about the mystery part was how much it added to our leads pasts again. While touching lightly on Veronica and her familial connections, the best part we got was more exploration on Stoker’s past. We get to see the family circumstances that develop his character and personality, getting to see how the bitterness developed when it comes to his family. Since most of book one was devoted to developing Veronica, these peeks into Stoker’s past helps develop him more fully.
And that's what makes this series so unique and special. Every aspect of the story, even the mystery itself, always builds and supports our leads personalities and pasts. It's not totally about the mystery itself; it's about the people involved: investigators, allies, suspects, and victim. I think that's what makes Veronica, Stoker, and their relationship so extraordinary. The author concentrate so much on building them up, then centering the mystery around them rather than the other way around.
Even though the mystery itself wasn't as enthralling as the first one, this book is still a solid five for me. The leads, how they play off each other, and the overall story carry the day. I can't help but find myself drawn into Veronica's and Stoker’s chases across London, reveling in their hysterical sniping banter and heated UST scenes. The mystery flows smoothly, if a bit predictably, yet it also enhances our leads and their backgrounds. If you're a fan of book one, definitely look this one up. If you haven't read book one and now this one, where have you been hiding?!?! Go read the series now! I can't recommend it highly enough.
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
Veronica and Stoker have been on each others' nerves ever since their planned expedition was cancelled due to their benefactor breaking his leg. Stuck in London the pair are mildly intrigued when they are asked to investigate the murder of Artemisia, an artist, who was purportedly murdered by her
I enjoyed this second entry in the Veronica Speedwell series. The central characters continue to grow and delight and this novel hints at back story for both Veronica and Stoker that has me intrigued and looking forward to future entries in the series. The mystery itself felt a bit scattered but that may have been the result of my scattered reading the novel. While I wasn't surprised by the ultimate whodunnit reveal, I did enjoy the resolution anyway. A solid read that will please fans of the series.
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lover, Miles Ramsforth. The catch: they have only one week before Miles Ramsforth is hung for the crime. As Veronica and Stoker begin to dig into the crime they find themselves in the midst of a mystery that could threaten their very lives.I enjoyed this second entry in the Veronica Speedwell series. The central characters continue to grow and delight and this novel hints at back story for both Veronica and Stoker that has me intrigued and looking forward to future entries in the series. The mystery itself felt a bit scattered but that may have been the result of my scattered reading the novel. While I wasn't surprised by the ultimate whodunnit reveal, I did enjoy the resolution anyway. A solid read that will please fans of the series.
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LibraryThing member KateBaxter
Fast on the heels of completing book one in this delicious Victorian period mystery, I read this 2nd installment. Although not quite as good the first (in my opinion), it certainly did not disappoint. The cheeky repartee between fiercely independent Veronica Speedwell and her prickly colleague,
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it highly to my adult reader friends. (Please note: if sexual innuendo causes discomfort, this may not be the best book for you.)
Synopsis (from book's dust jacket):
London, 1887. Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task -- saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Ramsforth, accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress, Artemisia, will face the hangman’s noose in a week’s time if Veronica cannot find the real killer.
But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is just the first of many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural-historian colleague, Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer -- a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia’s life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime. From a Bohemian artists’ colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed....
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Stoker, is writing at its finest. As each becomes better acquainted with the other, a deep and trustworthy friendship develops. There is still quite a bit of sexual tension between these two and the subterranean grotto setting only heightened it.I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it highly to my adult reader friends. (Please note: if sexual innuendo causes discomfort, this may not be the best book for you.)
Synopsis (from book's dust jacket):
London, 1887. Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task -- saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Ramsforth, accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress, Artemisia, will face the hangman’s noose in a week’s time if Veronica cannot find the real killer.
But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is just the first of many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural-historian colleague, Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer -- a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia’s life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime. From a Bohemian artists’ colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed....
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This was a well written and fun book for the second in this series. It was great to get to know Veronica better and Stoker. The mystery part was fantastic in this story. This story is fun to see if Veronica and Stoker are going to get together or just remain friends. There are a few twists and
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turns within the mystery. I am looking forward to many more installments in this series. I received an ebook copy from firsttoread for a fair and honest opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member jamespurcell
Speedwell and Stoker undertake, for a Princess Royal, a mission to prove the innocence of a man about to be hanged for murder. These quite interesting characters go about it in a seemingly random but entertaining fashion, Another good series from D Raybourn.
LibraryThing member les121
A Perilous Undertaking contains everything I loved about A Curious Beginning and more. Veronica and Stoker again find themselves on the trail of a murderer, and as they try to untangle the mystery, they stumble into some dangerous - and hilarious - situations. The perfect blend of excitement,
The major highlight of this story is Veronica and Stoker. Their banter and relationship development are what kept me glued to the page. While they still have plenty of buried secrets, we do learn additional details about both of their pasts. I loved watching their friendship become more solid - true partners in crime - even as the possibility of something deeper hovers in the background. This is the kind of slow burn romance that makes you want to savor every page.
My only quibble with this book is the plot. Fairly early on, I did guess the culprit, who confesses everything just when they have the heroes in their clutches. (This narrative device needs to die, in my opinion.) There is also a bizarre amount of sexual humor in this installment, in part due to the nature of the mystery. Although it cracked me up, it was a bit surprising and weird for this kind of book. Despite these complaints, I still found A Perilous Undertaking immensely entertaining.
In short, if you enjoyed A Curious Beginning, then A Perilous Undertaking won’t disappoint. This novel made me fall in love with Veronica and Stoker all over again. I can’t wait for their next adventure together!
(Note: This is a review of the advance reader’s edition. Changes may have been made before it went to press.)
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humor, and romantic tension, A Perilous Undertaking is an extremely fun read!The major highlight of this story is Veronica and Stoker. Their banter and relationship development are what kept me glued to the page. While they still have plenty of buried secrets, we do learn additional details about both of their pasts. I loved watching their friendship become more solid - true partners in crime - even as the possibility of something deeper hovers in the background. This is the kind of slow burn romance that makes you want to savor every page.
My only quibble with this book is the plot. Fairly early on, I did guess the culprit, who confesses everything just when they have the heroes in their clutches. (This narrative device needs to die, in my opinion.) There is also a bizarre amount of sexual humor in this installment, in part due to the nature of the mystery. Although it cracked me up, it was a bit surprising and weird for this kind of book. Despite these complaints, I still found A Perilous Undertaking immensely entertaining.
In short, if you enjoyed A Curious Beginning, then A Perilous Undertaking won’t disappoint. This novel made me fall in love with Veronica and Stoker all over again. I can’t wait for their next adventure together!
(Note: This is a review of the advance reader’s edition. Changes may have been made before it went to press.)
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LibraryThing member Kathy89
Veronica and Stoker have lots of chemistry only they don't know it. They bicker. argue and are extremely loyal to one another. They been asked to prove that an artist is innocent of murder in the week before his hanging. There's a very funny laugh out loud episode where V & S go undercover to an
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opium den and Stoker has to throw Veronica over his shoulder to get them out and she keeps remarking on what a lovely, firm bottom he has. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
I find Veronica quite maddening sometimes but her faultless logic is entertaining and the hoops she makes Stoker jump through are fun. The two of them spark well and this was an involved and messy murder mystery that involved the crown, again.
It will be interesting to see where the author goes
It will be interesting to see where the author goes
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from here. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lynnsoprano
Veronica Speedwell was an intriguing character in her first appearance in A Curious Beginning, and this sequel may be even better than the first. Set in Victorian London, Veronica has a unique relationship with the royal family, and that relationship is exploited to pull her and her associate,
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Stoker, to investigate a murder and try to clear the man who is scheduled to hang for the crime. There are numerous interesting and eccentric characters and lively dialogue. I was not surprised by who was the actual murderer, but there was plenty of suspense as the action reached its conclusion. Now I can't wait for the next installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member LisCarey
Veronica Speedwell and Revelstoke Templeton-Vane (known to his friends as Stoker) have settled into a comfortable partnership, cataloging a nobleman's natural history collection while planning a new expedition. Those plans start to get derailed when Veronica is invited to tea at the Curiosity Club,
Figuring out who Lady Sundridge really is, is her first challenge.
Her next challenge is the one Lady Sundridge sets her: proving the innocence of a man sentenced to hang for murder in just one week.
Both Veronica and Stoker's personal characters and their relationship continue to develop in interesting and involving ways. We and Veronica learn more about Stoker's personal history and his relationship with his family. Veronica continues to learn more about her own character, and to grow and develop in her understanding of how her past has affected her. Raybourn does a fine job of showing Veronica's self-examination, both its discomforts and the way she sometimes dodges it. The more this process proceeds, the more confidently she deals with parts of her own past--and the more basis she has for understanding Stoker's problems with his past. All in all, it's some fine character development.
Veronica and Stoker's adventures are on the fantastic side, but this is an ear when educated and relatively well-off women who were prepared to defy convention could have quite daring careers. This book and its predecessor, A Curious Beginning, are both entertaining and engaging reads.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
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a club for ladies with intellectual and artistic interests. She's there to meet a Lady Sundridge, of whom she has never heard.Figuring out who Lady Sundridge really is, is her first challenge.
Her next challenge is the one Lady Sundridge sets her: proving the innocence of a man sentenced to hang for murder in just one week.
Both Veronica and Stoker's personal characters and their relationship continue to develop in interesting and involving ways. We and Veronica learn more about Stoker's personal history and his relationship with his family. Veronica continues to learn more about her own character, and to grow and develop in her understanding of how her past has affected her. Raybourn does a fine job of showing Veronica's self-examination, both its discomforts and the way she sometimes dodges it. The more this process proceeds, the more confidently she deals with parts of her own past--and the more basis she has for understanding Stoker's problems with his past. All in all, it's some fine character development.
Veronica and Stoker's adventures are on the fantastic side, but this is an ear when educated and relatively well-off women who were prepared to defy convention could have quite daring careers. This book and its predecessor, A Curious Beginning, are both entertaining and engaging reads.
Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member patriciau
I totally enjoyed the first Veronica Speedwell book, but am far less enthusiastic about this one and can't really say why. The plot is good, and some interesting new characters are introduced, but the chemistry and tension between the two protagonists isn't there. I had an advanced reading copy
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from Netgalley, so maybe that's part of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Veronica and Stoker in the first book, but found them both rather tedious, predictable and bordering on unlikable in this one. Some of that could be attributed to this being a galley, so I am giving this 3 stars for now, but plan to go back and read again when the final version comes out in January 2017. Show Less
LibraryThing member rretzler
A Perilous Undertaking is the second in Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series set in Victorian London. Veronica is a very strong-minded and independent woman, whose profession is lepidoptery. In the previous book, Veronica joined forces with Stoker, and they are now both employed by Lord
As in the first book of the series, the plot moves at a good pace. Although this is a historical mystery, the detail is kept to a minimum, which doesn't distract from the story. There are again a few twists and turns, but the clues are all there, and it is possible to deduce the murderer. For the most part, the clues are not blatant, and up to the end, it seems that Veronica and Stoker may not be completely sure. We learn just a little more about both Veronica and Stoker in this book. Those who are looking for the romance between Veronica and Stoker to develop more may be a little disappointed as this book is more about the mystery and less focused on advancing any romance or other background storyline.
It is interesting that on several book review websites, this book is more highly rated than the first book. I felt just the opposite - I didn't like it quite as much as the first, possibly because I was hoping that there would be more character development. I still enjoyed it quite a bit though and have already preordered the next in the series.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a historical mystery with a strong, independent female protagonist.
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Rosemorran to catalog his collection of art, natural history specimens, and other mementos and organize a formal exhibition on Lord Rosemorran's estate where they both live. Lady Cordelia, Lord Rosemorran's sister, takes Veronica to the Curiosity Club, where she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, an artist, who may be able to provide information about Veronica's past. Lady Sundridge asks Veronica to help Miles Ramsforth, who has been tried and convicted of the murder of his mistress and will soon hang for his crime. She believes that Ramsforth is not guilty, but refuses to tell Veronica what she knows. Veronica and Stoker are soon summoned by the Special Branch of Scotland Yard and warned not to investigate, but the warning makes her more determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. As in the first book of the series, the plot moves at a good pace. Although this is a historical mystery, the detail is kept to a minimum, which doesn't distract from the story. There are again a few twists and turns, but the clues are all there, and it is possible to deduce the murderer. For the most part, the clues are not blatant, and up to the end, it seems that Veronica and Stoker may not be completely sure. We learn just a little more about both Veronica and Stoker in this book. Those who are looking for the romance between Veronica and Stoker to develop more may be a little disappointed as this book is more about the mystery and less focused on advancing any romance or other background storyline.
It is interesting that on several book review websites, this book is more highly rated than the first book. I felt just the opposite - I didn't like it quite as much as the first, possibly because I was hoping that there would be more character development. I still enjoyed it quite a bit though and have already preordered the next in the series.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a historical mystery with a strong, independent female protagonist.
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LibraryThing member DGRachel
The second Veronica Speedwell mystery did not disappoint. It was just as much fun as the first. Great, witty banter between the main characters, an entertaining secondary cast, and a, quite frankly, ridiculous plot, combine to create a fun, enjoyable, quick read. I look forward to more!
LibraryThing member DidIReallyReadThat
Miles Ramsforth has been found guilty of the murder of his mistress Artemisia, an artist, and he is to be hanged in one week. Lady Veronica Speedwell meets with Lady Sundridge (who turns out to be somebody Very Important) who convinces Veronica that Miles Ramsforth is innocent and that Veronica
As they investigate, the two uncover secrets of upper class England that put Veronica and Stoker in situations that were hilarious. It was entertaining to see the reactions of both them and how they reacted to each other when confronted with these "uncomfortable" scenarios. The disdain that Veronica and Stoker have for "polite" Victorian society is entertaining. The plot was well thought-out and the murderer was not completely obvious until the end.
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should uncover the real murderer. Her colleague and friend, Stoker Templeton-Vane, assists her with the investigation.As they investigate, the two uncover secrets of upper class England that put Veronica and Stoker in situations that were hilarious. It was entertaining to see the reactions of both them and how they reacted to each other when confronted with these "uncomfortable" scenarios. The disdain that Veronica and Stoker have for "polite" Victorian society is entertaining. The plot was well thought-out and the murderer was not completely obvious until the end.
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LibraryThing member cyderry
Veronica Speedwell, the daughter of the Prince of Wales, but unknown to the world, has been asked by Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, to look into the conviction of her friend, Miles Ramsforth, for the murder of his mistress. She enlists the help of her colleague and friend, Stoker
The investigation leads them into a world of Bohemian artist s and orgies as well as interaction with Stoker's estranged aristocratic family.
The mystery was well-written and the characters are developing nicely.
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Templeton-Vane.The investigation leads them into a world of Bohemian artist s and orgies as well as interaction with Stoker's estranged aristocratic family.
The mystery was well-written and the characters are developing nicely.
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LibraryThing member DrLed
Synopsis: London, 1887. At the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task—saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Ramsforth,
Review: These are really well written books, quite in the style of Elizabeth Peters.
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accused of the brutal murder of his mistress, Artemisia, will face the hangman’s noose in a week’s time if the real killer is not found. But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is only the first of many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural-historian colleague, Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer. From a Bohemian artists’ colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed…Review: These are really well written books, quite in the style of Elizabeth Peters.
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LibraryThing member bookappeal
The audiobook narrator for this series is absolutely perfect for Veronica Speedwell but her voices for other female characters are grating and her male voices are weak. That's one reason I was less entertained by this second book in the series but also because there are so many unlikable
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characters. Lady Wellingtonia, an outspoken elderly woman, is mostly fun but the author makes her attitudes toward sex too modern to be authentic. The best part of this series is the non-romantic (so far) friendship that develops between Veronica and Stoker. As two people determined *not* to become romantically involved, their relationship is based more on care and respect than attraction and I appreciate the author taking the time to build a solid base for their relationship, whether or not it becomes more sexual in later books. Overall, still a fun historical mystery with depth to the main characters and a good hanging thread (Stoker's origin) for the next book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Olivermagnus
Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series, following A Curious Beginning. This book is set in 1887 London, where Veronica and Stoker have accepted a job from their benefactor, Lord Rosemorran, who wants them to curate his museum. They are
I really loved the first book in this series and the second is equally as good. The interaction between Stoker and Veronica had me laughing out loud. Their witty banter is loaded with sarcastic wit and not-so-innocent flirtation. Veronica and Stoker don't fit with the times and are unique characters. I've never read the Lady Julia Gray mysteries but I plan to give them a try since reading this series. I'm excited to see the third book is coming out in January 2018. I highly recommend this novel to those who love Victorian England, mysteries, romance and intrigue.
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busily planning a trek to South America when Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, asks them to look into a death. Her artist friend, Artemisia, was brutally murdered by by her lover and art patron, Miles Ramsforth. Princess Louise is sure he is innocent, and Veronica and Stoker must find out the identity of the true murderer.I really loved the first book in this series and the second is equally as good. The interaction between Stoker and Veronica had me laughing out loud. Their witty banter is loaded with sarcastic wit and not-so-innocent flirtation. Veronica and Stoker don't fit with the times and are unique characters. I've never read the Lady Julia Gray mysteries but I plan to give them a try since reading this series. I'm excited to see the third book is coming out in January 2018. I highly recommend this novel to those who love Victorian England, mysteries, romance and intrigue.
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LibraryThing member JulesGDSide
I liked it, but it wasn't as good as the first novel in this series. My expectations might have been high, given that I liked the first book so much.
The story didn't grip me that much, Stoker and Veronica were dancing around each other and I was hoping they'd eventually breach the self-errected
Should there be a third book, I would certainly read it, but my expectations are going to be pretty low.
That said, there were avoidable grammar and editing errors that interrupted my reading pace.
The story didn't grip me that much, Stoker and Veronica were dancing around each other and I was hoping they'd eventually breach the self-errected
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wall between them; their banter was great, though.Should there be a third book, I would certainly read it, but my expectations are going to be pretty low.
That said, there were avoidable grammar and editing errors that interrupted my reading pace.
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Language
Original publication date
2017-01-10
ISBN
9781785650512
Local notes
Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress Artemisia, Ramsforth will face the hangman's noose in a week s time if Veronica cannot find the real killer.