by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell #3
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Members of an Egyptian expedition fall victim to an ancient mummy's curse in a 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. . . .
A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn is the third novel in the Veronica Speedwell series. Set in London, 1888 it shares Victorian mysteries and the friendship and antics of Veronica, the bastard daughter of the Prince of Wales and the troubled Stoker Revelstoke Templeton-Vane. In this installment, Stoker’s former best friend is missing as well as an Egyptian artifact. Throw in an ex-wife, an Egyptian God, and Veronica’s tenacious need to investigate, and you’ve got an addictive read that will entertain as you work to solve the case.
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.
A mummy's curse, sexual tension, and missing artifacts made A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn an intriguing read. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This sounds so good! I’ve really enjoyed previous books I’ve read by Raybourn and this series is high up on my list. I got the first one from the library and am hoping I’ll be able to read it before I have to send it back!
Daniela Ark
This is one book I’ve been so curious about! I’m a sucker for anything Egyptian (ancient) especially mysteries! I’ll have to read it!
Barb (boxermommyreads)
I have 40 pages left in this one and will finish it tonight. Stormi and I buddy read it. It’s one of my favorite series and I am full behind the locking them in the butterfly atrium. I don’t really do “book boyfrieds” when asked but if I did – not contest, it would be Stoker. I always read these when the first come out but then I have to wait so long for the next one!
Stefanie
The cover of this book just sucks me in. I read the first book in the series. Veronica cracked me up when she was blunt with the pastor/vicar and his wife. I made sure to put book two on my series-to-continue list.
And thank you for sharing your First Book of the Year. I have book one on my list.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
Oh wow Kimba! this one certainly sounds interesting. I don’t read a lot of historicals but this has me curious.
A lovely review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
Sophia Rose
Totally a ‘when’ not ‘if’ with her books. I can’t wait to get more of Veronica and Stoker.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I have this book coming up soon. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series and am thrilled to see how much you enjoyed this one, Kimberly! I love Stoker and am looking forward to a bit more about him.
Debbie Haupt
Yes I have heard great things about this series so far. It is on my list and that list is getting long LOL Thanks Kim
Blodeuedd
Ohhh want!
Fran
Mystery novels are not my cup of tea, but the cover looks intriguing and the blurb catchy, so I may end up giving it a go. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kimberly!
Jenea's Book Obsession
Veronica sounds like my kinda character! I think this sounds like such amazing series too! *grabby hands*
Nise'
Loved this one too and really look forward to seeing what happens next for Stoker and Veronica.
Stormi Johnson
Love this series so much!!!!!
lisa thomson
I’ve added this series to my TBR shelf, Kim. She is a new to me author and one I’m sure I’ll enjoy! Thanks for the review 🙂
Emma @ Words And Peace
thanks, I had not realized this author was also writing historical mysteries. sounds great
Nadene
The cover is awesome and the story good. Glad you enjoyed it.
Nina
Another genre I haven’t read lots of lots from. A mummy curse? That’s enough, need it.
Nick
I’ve heard such good things about this series! I love the sound of the banter here, but the cases sound even more interesting.
Great review!
kindlemom1
I’m so glad you read and loved this too Kim! It really is a fun series!
RO
Covers on books are really evolving, and this one is fantastic. I love a good mystery that keeps me on the edge of my sea, and this one sounds like it fits the bill.. I don’t how you manage to get in such prolific reviews being as sick as you are. You’re pretty amazing! I sure hope you feel much better soon! Hugs…RO
Kimberly
You are wonderful, but I am not as amazing as you think I am. Reviews posting this week and for all of January in fact, were read and scheduled in November and December. Organized I am, wizard I am not.
Silvia
I love that cover and the sound of the story! Also, you know me, intelligent, complex characters are just what I like 😉 I’ll definitely have to try this series!
Christy LoveOfBooks
I love these covers so much I just want to pet them. I suppose I want to read them too. 😉 It really does sound like a great series that people seem to love.