A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn

A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell Mystery, #3)

by Deanna Raybourn

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...

Reviewed by kalventure on

3 of 5 stars

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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, for the arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I was unaware that this was part of a series when I received my arc, but I was pleasantly surprised that for being the third installment it is accessible to new readers to the series. Any major plot developments from the previous books are recalled briefly early on, and barring a better understanding of the dynamics between Stoker and Veronica's relationship I do not feel that I missed out.

Overall I enjoyed the story: Veronica and Stoker are tasked with uncovering the mystery surrounding Stoker's former best friend, John de Morgan, in order to clear his name from further tarnishment while also dealing with an alleged mummy's curse and theft of an artifact. Set in 1888, the way it is written using words common to that era, Raybourn really gave the impression of the book being from that time period.

I did find myself a bit bored mid-way through the book, but I was interested to see the resolution so I persevered. It may have been a bit longer than necessary, and some of the exposition, inner monologue and descriptions, along with the "high society" voice for the book, may have contributed to the feeling of the plot dragging on. I really enjoyed spunky Veronica, and the resolution gave me good memories of Scooby Doo.

I'd recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction, archaeology (especially mummies!), and strong female characters.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 30 January, 2018: Finished reading
  • 30 January, 2018: Reviewed