We are back with another Veronica Speedwell mystery with An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn. In the installment we learn a bit about Veronica and her days before Stoker. Entertaining, suspenseful and filled with characters you’ll come to love.
by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell #7
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
While investigating a man claiming to be the long-lost heir to a noble family, Veronica Speedwell gets the surprise of her life in this new adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn.
London, 1889. Veronica Speedwell and her natural historian beau Stoker are summoned by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch. He has a personal request on behalf of his goddaughter, Euphemia Hathaway. After years of traveling the world, her eldest brother, Jonathan, heir to Hathaway Hall, was believed to have been killed in the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa a few years before.
But now a man matching Jonathan's description and carrying his possessions has arrived at Hathaway Hall with no memory of his identity or where he has been. Could this man truly be Jonathan, back from the dead? Or is he a devious impostor, determined to gain ownership over the family's most valuable possessions--a legendary parure of priceless Rajasthani jewels? It's a delicate situation, and Veronica is Sir Hugo's only hope.
Veronica and Stoker agree to go to Hathaway Hall to covertly investigate the mysterious amnesiac. Veronica is soon shocked to find herself face-to-face with a ghost from her past. To help Sir Hugo discover the truth, she must open doors to her own history that she long believed to be shut for good.
I absolutely love time spent with Veronica and Stoker and was delighted to begin their next adventure. The two have no sooner arrived home when Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch, asks them for a personal favor. It seems he is worried about his goddaughter, Euphemia Hathaway. Her eldest brother, Jonathan, heir to Hathaway Hall, who was believed dead, has returned after eleven years. Stoker isn’t pleased until he learns about their unique collections.
A trip to the moors soon leads to trouble and secrets, as Veronica recognizes the man claiming to be Jonathan. The tale that unfolded had everything from intriguing characters to thieves. It was a clever mystery, and I loved how Veronica pieced things together. Of course, Stoker is rather clever himself. I did not like that these two keep secrets from each other and my stomach knotted, waiting for confessions to be made.
I adored learning about Veronica’s past and her travels collecting butterflies. We learned of friendships, mistakes and of lessons well learned. Before all is said and done, they will find themselves in trouble more than once. The story was well paced and kept me throughly entertained.
The relationship between Veronica and Stoker is complex and delightful. From their back-and-forth banter to their deep understanding of each other. I simply adore them, individually, as a couple and as a crime solving team.
While each book contains a mystery/case, I recommend reading the series in the order of its release. The character development, relationships and secrets are best revealed in order.
An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn was another exciting and intriguing installment in the Veronica Speedwell mystery series #mystery #historicalfiction #NewRelease #bookreview Share on XAbout Deanna Raybourn
A sixth-generation native Texan, New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. Deanna makes her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband and daughter.
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
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
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
This was a fun one! I love seeing their relationship develop and change.
Mareli Thalwitzer
I’ve already added this one to my TBR. It pops up everywhere and it does look like a fun and good read.
Have a good week ahead Kimberly.
Katherine
I think I’m in a bit of a reading mood because this one didn’t quite work for me but I’ve had several books by favorite authors not work for me lately so I’m thinking it’s me not them. I did enjoy getting more of Veronica’s backstory and I’m really curious to see where Veronica and Stoker go from the end of this one.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I really enjoyed this one too. This story really surprised me and couldn’t wait to see how things would work out in the end.
Jen
This is one of my favorite series; there is so much to love about it. Veronica and Stoker are amazing together-in all ways. This one left me unsettled and I’m desperate for the next book!
Kimberly
LOL, I think the author does that to torment us!
Debbie Haupt
Oh man I really want to start this series Kim it sounds so good and this one sounds amazing. Thanks for whetting my interest
Anne - Books of My Heart
I have yet to read this series but I plan to listen to it.
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve been meaning to start this series, Kim, and am astonished to see it’s already 7 books in! :O Sheesh! How’d that happen?!? I’m happy to see this was another winner in the series though.
Wendy
I have been enjoying some historical cozy mysteries lately, and this series sounds like something I would enjoy.
Ailyn Koay
if it’s now, it would be like, let’s do a DNA test! but it sounds sooo exciting for Veronica
Melliane
I only tried the first book in the series but I should continue, this series looks good!