This is the first in a historical fiction series set in Victorian London and featuring Veronica Speedwell and Revelstoke “Stoker” Templeton-Vane. Victoria is a lepidopterist with an extensive knowledge of butterflies, and Stoker is a taxidermist for large animals. They meet improbably after a mysterious German baron who claims to have known Victoria’s mother takes her to seek sanctuary with this friend Stoker; the baron claims someone is trying to kill Victoria and she is in danger.

Before the baron can offer a full explanation, he is murdered, and Victoria throws her lot in with the handsome, curmudgeonly Stoker as they try to ascertain who killed the baron and who wants Victoria dead and why.

Victoria and Stoker embark on a series of adventures and misadventures, all the while not only battling villains but their growing attraction to one another.

Evaluation: I like some aspects of this book, although I find Veronica to be a bit annoying. Her confidence seems more like arrogance, and her aggressive sexuality with no inhibitions or discretion seems a little unlikely for Victorian England. Moreover, I find it hard to fathom that when she is obnoxious and stubborn, this just makes her all the more irresistible to Stoker. Nevertheless, the historical touches are of interest, and the pacing works well. ( )

3.5 stars ( )

Digital audio performed by Angèle Masters

Book number one in the Veronica Speedwell mystery series, set in Victorian England.

Veronica is quite the heroine! An independent woman with a healthy appetite (and attitude) regarding her own “physical needs” and a no-nonsense approach to solving problems. When the novel opens, she has just buried her spinster aunt and is looking forward to going on an expedition to further her butterfly collection. She thwarts a kidnapping attempt with the help of a mysterious German baron, and then the fun really begins.

This was recommended for my F2F book club by a member who doesn’t usually like mysteries, so that caught my attention right away. Veronica doesn’t need much but her wits, her butterfly net, and a sharp hatpin, but she is assisted by the enigmatic “Stoker” to whom the baron entrusted her care. They form quite the partnership and I look forward to more books in the series to see how their relationship fares.

Angèle Masters does a fine job of performing the audiobook. There were many characters, with a variety of nationalities, and Masters was up to the task. Brava. ( )

This is a quick paced beginning to a series set in Victorian England. A titular character, Veronica Speedwell, a lepidopterist (butterfly hunter), is just about to set out in the world again after the death of her aunt when suddenly everything is turned upside down. Her home is ransacked and the man responsible attempts to abduct her, but he is scared off by a stranger that appears to know quite a bit about Veronica’s life, more than Veronica even knows. Instead of setting off a new trip around the world to gather butterflies, Veronica finds herself accepting this stranger’s offer of help to conceal her with his friend, Stoker. From there, we’re led into a murder mystery, an escape to a carnival, and finally to a private collector’s museum. Veronica and Stoker are wanted by the police for the murder, but are also keeping their eyes peeled for who would want to kidnap Veronica. And was the murder related to Veronica’s possible abduction?

I really did enjoy the book. The latter half of the book really flew by while I was reading.
I did find Veronica to be a little much in terms of snarkiness as well as her unyielding nature she had when other characters were attempting to keep her safe.

There is a sparking of romance in here. However, other than a handful of bated-breath-in-anticipatory moments between the characters, and a few flowery innuendos, there are no spicy scenes. I imagine since this is a series that there will be a moment coming soon in the series like that.

I liked it, but I think I’ll try the next book in the series before adding the entire series to my TBR. ( )

I just loved this book! The relationship between the characters Veronica Speedwell and Stoker is very intriguing... their banter back and forth and the sparks between them!! Many times Veronica made me chuckle with her comments to Stoker and his shock at her words...!!!

I hope in future books that they take their sparks and make a proper fire!!

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