Overview:
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.
London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t 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 rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.
But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges 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...
London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t 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 rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.
But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges 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...
My Review:
This is the third installment of the Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series. In it, we find Veronica and Stoker summoned by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch, and given orders to investigate a supposed curse that has befallen an Egyptian archaeological expedition. Stoker is set to refuse until he is told that a murder has also taken place and that when word leaks out, he will be the prime suspect. The victim is none other than John de Morgan, Stoker's former best friend and the man who ruined his life by marrying Stoker's wife who had divorced him on the grounds of cruelty.
Enter Stoker's ex-wife who is every bit the shrew Veronica thinks, and is not sorry in the least for destroying Stoker's life. Stoker must deal with the past once and for all and lay his demons to rest before they ruin him once again and Veronica is right by his side to help.
I love Veronica and Stoker and I enjoyed that we learned more about Stoker in this book but as I mentioned in my review of A Perilous Undertaking, they are near carbon copies of Amelia Peabody and Emerson in Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series. I am NOT suggesting that Raybourn plagiarized or based Veronica and Stoker on them. I am simply drawing comparisons. That being said, I would like to see more information about their pasts come to light. Things are being trickled out a little too slowly for my liking.
Veronica and Stoker both have to answer questions within themselves about their relationship and I am curious to see how that plays out in future books.
I love this series and have high hopes for it but am a little hesitant. I also loved the Lady Julia Gray series by Raybourn and after five books, she seemed to get bored with it and just abandoned it so I hope that doesn't happen with this one as well.
Have you read this series? What did you think?
I love this series and have high hopes for it but am a little hesitant. I also loved the Lady Julia Gray series by Raybourn and after five books, she seemed to get bored with it and just abandoned it so I hope that doesn't happen with this one as well.
Have you read this series? What did you think?
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