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 kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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Veronica Speedwell is one of my favorite characters. She is brazen, witty and a free thinker. The banter, and teasing she tortures Stoker with making them the ideal pair. While romantic notions are hinted at between them, the case takes front and center. Each book contains a new mystery, but I recommend starting at the beginning of the series for character development, relationships and because they are fantastic historical mysteries!

A mummy curse, a missing Egyptian artifact, an ex-wife and missing ex-best friend soon have Stoker and Veronica investigating. A physical altercation between Stoker and Morgan, our missing ex-friend make him a suspect in his disappearance. What a fun, original case, complete with an Egyptian curse. From richly developed and quirky characters we had ample suspects. The story was well-paced with climatic scenes, danger, and twists.

Raybourn sheds light on Stoker, as we learn about his short marriage, the damage to his reputations and the scars he carries. I must say Mrs. Morgan made our Veronica quite persnickety. Veronica continues to amuse me and is one of my favorite historical female characters. The things that come out of her mouth are hilarious, and she speaks so matter of factly it is pure joy. The sexual tension between her and Stoker continues to build, and  I want to lock them in the Butterfly atrium until they give in.

If you love historical mysteries and intelligent, complex characters with a slow-building romance you'll want to read A Treacherous Curse and the Veronica Speedwell series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 20 December, 2017: Finished reading
  • 20 December, 2017: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • 20 December, 2017: Finished reading
  • 20 December, 2017: Reviewed