A Grave Robbery (Veronica Speedwell Mystery, #9)

by Deanna Raybourn

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

A Grave Robbery is the 9th Veronica Speedwell mystery by Deanna Raybourn. Released 12th March 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a historical cozy mystery with a heaping helping of saucy romance between the main character duo (Veronica and Stoker). There is a fair bit of backstory for the characters and setup for the storyline, so it doesn't perhaps work as well as a standalone. Happily, the series is wonderfully well written and engaging, so reading them more or less in order isn't onerous. Additionally, there are some major spoilers for the characters' development over the course of the series, so expect spoilers if read out of order. The entire series is well written, light, and diverting, so a definite contender for a binge/buddy reading session.

The main characters are a lepidopterist (Veronica) and a taxidermist (Stoker), so the author gets points for the characters' appealingly nerdy quirks. Their backstories are as varied as they are and there are significant subplot elements revolving around their family entanglements. Although some plot elements are rather dark (extortion, duplicity, etc) the book itself is firmly in the cozy mystery romance genre.

Thoroughly readable and entertaining, the series will remind readers of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody. There's no objectionable language, but there are strongly sexually suggestive scenes between the two main characters, some shooting, stabbing, and other light to moderate mayhem. Scattered throughout all of the books are references to specific nomenclature and natural history. It's very nerdy and all good fun. For readers in search of meticulously researched dialogue and verisimilitude, this one will likely engender teeth gnashing. Bring a hefty suspension of disbelief. On the other hand, it's delightfully wonky, humorous, and ever so slightly spicy (with a few bodices being metaphorically ripped in the course of the adventure).

Four and a half stars. The series goes from strength to strength, but this is an exceptionally good "episode". Recommended for fans of the genre (light romantic historical cozy mystery). It would make a nice buddy or book club read as well as a solid choice for public library acquisition.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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