Book Review: A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell #1) by Deanna Raybourn

Title: A Curious Beginning
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: July 12, 2016
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction

       

In her thrilling new series, Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries, returns once more to Victorian England...and introduces intrepid adventuress Veronica Speedwell.

London, 1887. After burying her spinster aunt, orphaned Veronica Speedwell is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry—and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as with fending off admirers, Veronica intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

But fate has other plans when Veronica thwarts her own attempted abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron, who offers her sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker, a reclusive and bad-tempered natural historian. But before the baron can reveal what he knows of the plot against her, he is found murdered—leaving Veronica and Stoker on the run from an elusive assailant as wary partners in search of the villainous truth.

A curious beginning was a fun adventure in which I laughed and enjoyed every minute of this story.

We follow Veronica speedwell as she uncovers a mystery that could rock the world and its one secret that I was like OMG omg omg OMG omg.  Trust me when I say this secret is epic and mind blowing, and I mean epic in the best way possible. I can't say much because I don't want to spoil you the secret but be prepared to have your jaw on the floor.

Veronica Speedwell is a character with a quick wit who enjoys hunting butterflies and having dalliances with men overboard. Her quick wit is one that I loved, she was funny and smart and just someone who enjoys facts and isn't afraid to speak her mind. I would honestly love to have a friend like Veronica, although she might out sass me.

Deanna Raybourn is a new to me author and after reading this story, I'm a fan for life. I've been on a London kick so I've been enjoying all the scenery especially since I have no idea when I'll be able to visit. Also the way she captures London and it's all its mysteries had me turning each page with gusto.

A Curious Beginning was a fast paced mystery that left me wanting more. I have the next book in the series, A Perilous Undertaking and I am going to start that like right now.