I will be the first to admit that sometimes I jump into reading a
book too quickly, and without really doing enough research. A pretty cover goes a long way in convincing
me to read. I find the cover of Deanna
Raybourn’s new novel to be very appealing, so I hit the “request” button
quickly. Then I remembered that I have
read some of Ms. Raybourn’s previous works.
Her Lady Julia Grey series is
very popular, and was recommended to me by a friend. While I did enjoy the first book or two, they
were a little too raunchy for my taste, so I gave up before finishing the
series. I remembered this a little too
late, but when I was approved for an advance galley of A Curious Beginning, I decided to give it a shot. It proved to be better than I expected.
After the death of the two “aunts” who raised her, Veronica Speedwell
is ready to say goodbye to England and head out on an expedition. However, before she can go, she is rescued
from a burglar by a stranger who informs her that she’s in grave danger. He promises to tell her why, and explain to
her the truth about her parentage. He
leaves her in the care of a gruff, yet handsome taxidermist, called Stoker. Before he can return to collect her, he is
murdered. Stoker realizes that Veronica
is in danger, and so the two of them run off together. Some interesting and somewhat unlikely events
ensue. After being shot, attacked with a
whip and nearly drowned, Veronica and Stoker find a key that leads them to the
truth about her parents and her past, and make her see that the danger is worse
than she could have imagined.
This book was just good until the secret was revealed, and then
it was great! I was totally unprepared
for it and it knocked my socks off!
While the plotline is very good, some of the characters and dialogue
seem unreal. Ms. Raybourn likes to write
about strong women who break the mold, but Veronica seems a little too “un-normal”
for Victorian England. I found the names
of some of the characters to be slightly comical. Revelstoke Templeton-Vane, anyone? But while these things were a little
annoying, they did not take away from the story too much. This book also was not raunchy like the others
I have read. I hope the series continues
that way, because I am very curious to find out what happens to Veronica and
Stoker!
Happy Reading!
Lyndsie
I received
an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own. A
Curious Beginning is on sale now.
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