by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell #4
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée--much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.
As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund...
A Dangerous Collaboration is the fourth Veronica Speedwell novel by Deanna Raybourn. Once again she treats us to a suspenseful mystery and the interactions between Veronica and Stoker. were both frustrating and exciting!
Tiberius, Stoker’s brother invites Veronica to a house party on a remote island off the tip of Cornwall. He promises her larva from a rare butterfly and the temptation is too great. Well, that and the chance to ruffle Stoker’s feathers. Stoker of course isn’t invited. To keep up appearances, Tiberius introduces Veronica as his fiance’ and I couldn’t help but grin when Stoker appeared!
Lord Malcolm Romilly, has invited everyone who had a connection with Rosamund, his bride. On their wedding day she disappeared from the island and no one has seen her since. I love a good mystery and the island is the perfect place for it. An old castle, superstitious people who believe in merfolk and witches. Aye, good times to be sure.
I loved the twists, the reveals and the manor itself. The gardens, island and its history were completely atmospheric. Raybourn does a splendid job with pacing, red herrings and in allowing the reader to feel as if they are a member of the house party.
The characters added to the tale, including the sister who grows poisons in her garden, the sister-in-law with a spoiled son and then there is Tiberius with his own secrets.
Stoker and Veronica seemed at odds. Their chemistry is off the charts, but instead of just giving in, they both think too much. I want to lock them both in the conservatory until they lose their blood minds! We see movement but not before some climatic moments.
I thought the mystery was clever and in my humble opinion this series just continues to get better. The author developed both threads, allowed for character growth and has set up the mystery for the next book. Honestly, I cannot wait!
If you haven’t yet tried this author or series, I encourage you to do so. The Veronica Speedwell Mysteries are best read in order of release, although I suspect one could easily jump in.
A Dangerous Collaboration is the fourth Veronica Speedwell novel by Deanna Raybourn. This series and mysteries just keep getting better! Raybourn left me eager for the next one. #NewRelease #HistoricalFiction #Mystery #Romance 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
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This sounds great I like the Veronica and Stoker have a good banter that is frustrating and exciting makes the book better. I will have to check out this series. Great review.
Mary
Rachel
I did love the setting, I agree it was atmospheric. I think this one and the last one were my favorite installments because we finally get some advancement with the romance! I was pulling my hair out with Veronica’s constant pushing in book 2, so I’m happy they’re on the right track now. Wonderful review, Kimberly! 🙂
Olivia Roach
I am glad you were able to find that the series is only getting better, and it sounds like this one has a lot of creatures, or at least belief in creatures and I quite like the sound of that! The two main characters chemistry sounds brilliant and that cover is gorgeous too ^.^
Jen
I agree 100%. This was certainly my favorite of the series to date. I love how everything matters – the author does such a great job weaving in important details and then we watch them all come together. Plus – Stoker and Veronica…. LOVE THEM!
Carla
Wonderful review Kimberly. I need to see if I can find this series somewhere, it sounds really good. Thanks for sharing this one.
Lorna
Every time I see a (your)review on these I want to try one. And ever practical me is waiting for the prices to go down. Maybe I just need to hit up the library.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This is a series that I’ve been meaning to start for ages. It always sounds like a wild ride. Wonderful review!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
OMG so Stoker and Veronica have the most suspenseful chemistry that I’ve ever encountered with any characters. I mean, just do it already! LOL. I listen to the audiobooks, but have not read this one yet. I have book 3 queued up and ready to go. 🙂
blodeuedd
Ohhh, a new one! I want to read it
Nise'
Love this series and look forward to this book.
lisa thomson
This sounds like another good one to add to my TBR, Kim. Thanks for the lovely review. Anything that has a few suspicious witches (yet subtle) always capture my interest. 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
I really want to read this series. Every time I see a new book in the series I think that and haven’t gotten to it. Excellent review!
Greg
Lovely cover! And these look so fun. I remember reading the Tasha Alexander series a while back and seeing these start to come out, and thinking- these sound like they’re worth a try! Similar but different. One of these days I’m going to try these!
Bookworm Brandee
Okay, okay…I’m going to give this series a go! 😉 It sounds like a really good time, Kimberly. The characters so well drawn, the pacing and mystery. Yes, you’ve convinced me, my dear. 🙂
Sophia Rose
I love this series, I really do, but I got pretty peeved at the pair of them, especially Veronica, and I like your idea of locking them in a closet to get it all settled. Great new mystery and setting. And, Tiberius was a fun addition, too.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I can’t wait to start this one. I am happy to hear that this one is also a solid mystery. I do understand what you mean regarding the relationship with Veronica and Stoker but I do think it is fun to watch them dance around each other.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I think I want to read this for the manor alone! I loved the first book but for whatever reason never went back and read the 2nd. I need to go get that one and get back to this series!
Debbie S Haupt
Oh I really want to read this series Kim, it’s on my list thank you
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read it but it sounds pretty good.
Ash
I haven’t read any of these yet, but I see them everywhere. I want to read them I just haven’t had the chance. I kinda skimmed your review since I haven’t read the first one yet, but it sounds good!
Ash @ JennRenee Read
sherry fundin
all kinds of interesting things happen on those remote islands lol
Melliane
I pnly tried book 1 but I reallyneed to read more!
Nick
I just read the first book a few weeks ago and loved it! I’m LOLing at your comments about locking Stoker and Veronica in a room!
kindlemom1
We are review twins today! I definitely loved this one as well. It is such a fun series and high up there in my top favs.
Nadene
Love the premise. I heard great things about this series, adding it to my wish list.
Ailyn Koay
jealous boyfriend- to-be? I wonder if she did get the larva she was promised. Kinda a long shot don’t you think for a butterfly?
Lotte Han
This plot sounds very intriguing!
Lotte | http://www.lottelauv.blogspot.co.uk