A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn

March 12th, 2019 Kimberly Review 27 Comments

12th Mar
A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn
A Dangerous Collaboration
by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell #4
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

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...

Book Series ROMANCE mystery historical

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 Click To Tweet
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

27 Responses to “A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn”

  1. 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

  2. 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! 🙂

  3. 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 ^.^

    Olivia Roach recently posted: Shakespeare Themed Unboxing!
  4. Carla

    Wonderful review Kimberly. I need to see if I can find this series somewhere, it sounds really good. Thanks for sharing this one.

  5. 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. 🙂

  6. 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!

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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?