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A Curious Beginning
A Curious Beginning: A Veronica Speedwell Mystery | Deanna Raybourn
In her thrilling new series, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries, returns once more to Victorian Englandand introduces intrepid adventuress Veronica Speedwell.London, 1887. As the city prepares to celebrate Queen Victorias golden jubilee, Veronica Speedwell is marking a milestone of her own. After burying her spinster aunt, the orphaned Veronica is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiryand the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as she is fending off admirers, Veronica wields her butterfly net and a sharpened hatpin with equal aplomb, and with her last connection to England now gone, she intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.But fate has other plans, as Veronica discovers when she thwarts her own abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron with ties to her mysterious past. Promising to reveal in time what he knows of the plot against her, the baron offers her temporary sanctuary in the care of his friend Stokera reclusive natural historian as intriguing as he is bad-tempered. But before the baron can deliver on his tantalizing vow to reveal the secrets he has concealed for decades, he is found murdered. Suddenly Veronica and Stoker are forced to go on the run from an elusive assailant, wary partners in search of the villainous truth.
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SheilaChew
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Afternoon reading time under the umbrella. It‘s a beautiful day and my feet are warming in a ray of sunshine. I live for these days!
October 20, 2024

31 likes1 stack add
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BookNAround
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A study in blue. Miss Gatsby is sleeping on my lap while I read.

AnnCrystal 💕🐕💝. 2mo
51 likes1 comment
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KathyWheeler
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Mehso-so

This book was just okay. It got better near the end, but I don‘t know if I‘ll read any of the rest of the series. I just never really warmed up to either Veronica or Stoker. Since I finished this in the middle of my walk, I picked up with Sense and Sensibility, which had been my night time book. Not loving Marianne & Willoughby — they are the “mean girls” of the town so far, even though Willoughby is a man. #audiowalk

britt_brooke Pretty photos! 8mo
KathyWheeler @britt_brooke Thanks. It was gray all day but the weather app said it wouldn‘t rain. After I got home, it started pouring down rain. 8mo
britt_brooke @KathyWheeler Lucky you got home just in time! 8mo
25 likes4 comments
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KathyWheeler
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I feel as if I‘m never going to finish this book! I missed a couple of days because I didn‘t walk. I‘m in Houston with my son and his family. Pictures are from the hotel. I didn‘t track my walk, so no map. A car caught on fire in the garage next to us! Huge fire and a lot of fire trucks and police. #audiowalk

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KathyWheeler
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Finally something happened that actually interests me and makes it so I can finish the book! My walk was just around my former university today. #audiowalk

Suet624 I appreciate seeing where you walk. 9mo
KathyWheeler @Suet624 Thank you.😊 9mo
33 likes2 comments
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KathyWheeler
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I loved Killers of a Certain Age and was invested in it almost immediately. I figured I‘d have a similar experience with this Raybourn book, but that‘s not been the case. I‘m about halfway through and still don‘t know if I like it. #audiowalk

rretzler Killers of a Certain Age is totally different from Raybourn‘s usual books. She normally writes romantic mysteries. I‘ve read both the Veronica Speedwell series and Lady Julia Gray series. Killers is by far the better book. Lady Julia Gray was not to my liking and Veronica Speedwell started out not too badly but the latest few are turning out meh! I wish she would write more like Killers! 9mo
KathyWheeler @rretzler Killers was the first book of hers I ever read, and I loved it. I‘d love to revisit those characters. 9mo
27 likes2 comments
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julesG
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Wanted to say Holmes and Watson, but ACD didn't actually write a Bromance. Well, that's what fanfiction, revisits to the original material and other dynamic detective duos are for.

That's why: Veronica and Stoker

#SundayFunday
@BookmarkTavern

BookmarkTavern LOL What a great set of answers! Thanks for sharing! 10mo
40 likes1 comment
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Read4life
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Here are my January #Roll100 titles. All three happen to be roll over titles from my 2023 list. I think the dice are trying to tell me something. 😄

Booksblanketsandahotbeverage I love the Veronica Speedwell mysteries! 11mo
lfish82917 What is a #roll100? 11mo
Read4life @lfish82917 #Roll100 is a challenge hosted by @PuddleJumper. You put together a list of 100 books, ebooks &/or audiobooks that you want to clear off your TBR. She rolls 3 numbers each month & you try to read 1, 2 or all 3 to clear space on your shelves. 11mo
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PuddleJumper Most of my 2024 list is the same as 2023 😂 11mo
Read4life @PuddleJumper Is there a new list on StoryGraph for 2024 or are we clearing our 2023 books and using the same tracker? Thanks. 11mo
PuddleJumper @Read4life I'm using the same challenge on Storygraph. I don't want to create a new one, it's so tedious to write out all the numbers😂 11mo
Read4life @PuddleJumper Works for me! I completely agree & the challenge I created didn‘t have 100 prompts! 😆 11mo
39 likes7 comments
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Blueroseis
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Panpan

Some reviews I have read on this book mentioned that it had a slow start. I didn't expect it to have a slow middle and end as well. I usually enjoy books set in Victorian London but there was nothing in the story that grabbed my attention, got my heart racing or was particularly enjoyable. Stretching the imagination to the limits, I can't see the actions of the Prince of Wales described in this book would ever take place even in a fantasy novel.

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Jenken1998
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Pickpick

That was fun! The snark and banter kept me flipping pages. Loved the chemistry between the two main characters. Victorian scientist Veronica is in danger but she does not know why. She is put under the protection of Stoker, a haunted man with a past. They must determine who is after Veronica before they both end up dead. I am not a big series reader but I could see myself continuing on in this series. 5 stars easy!

Amie This is my favorite series! 2y
55 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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MissHel
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Pickpick

This book had it all: mysterious ne‘er-do-wells, chases, a sinister sideshow, will-they-won‘t-they romance, witty rejoinder, a plucky heroine, a brooding aristocrat, a tumultuous secret, and a perpetually sleepy bulldog! I‘m so glad I work late today, because I stayed up far too late working on this. #pop23 #historicalfiction #wellkinda

CBee I love your review!! 2y
MissHel @CBee thanks! 2y
RaeLovesToRead Give kitty a snuggle from me!!! 🥰 2y
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MissHel @RaeLovesToRead she sends you a purr and a nudge! 2y
Ruthiella 😻😻😻 2y
squirrelbrain Great review! 🐈‍⬛ 2y
18 likes1 stack add6 comments
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MissHel
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I love the trope of enemies to friends and am thoroughly enjoying Veronica and Stoker‘s relationship. Here‘s what our Adult DIY folks will be making tomorrow. I‘m so excited!

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MissHel
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Today is for prepping for a Library DIY project tomorrow afternoon and starting on the first Veronica Speedwell.

robinb I love Veronica! 😊 2y
MissHel @robinb I do too! This is my first foray into the series, and I‘m quite delighted! 2y
13 likes2 comments
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julesG
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#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1) see above, but more accurate would be: Can cause irritation. 😜

2) like Veronica Speedwell (tagged first book in series) - Sharp and dangerous. Probably armed.

Just had to include the Amazon Warning Labels.

Tag, you're it.

TheSpineView Too funny! Thanks for playing 🤣 2y
42 likes1 comment
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ShaunaS
Mehso-so

The world building took so long. Meh.

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Susanita
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📘Raven Black
🖊️Deanna Raybourn
🎥Rear Window
🎤Bonnie Raitt
🎶The Ride of the Rohirrim (Howard Shore)
#manicmonday #letterR

CBee Ooooo, the music related to Rohan and the Rohirrim is probably my favorite ♥️ 2y
Bklover I love Rear Window! 2y
Crazeedi Love Ann Cleeves!! 2y
29 likes3 comments
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CogsOfEncouragement
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Panpan

I expected this to be my new favorite series but I don‘t care for the heroine. I don‘t plan to read more. I nearly gave up on finishing this one a few times but ultimately decided to see it through.

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CoffeeK8
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It‘s a little hot but so nice to be sitting in the back yard with a good book!

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Ash.on.the.line
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I needed a little mystery this morning. 😄 this one has just the right amount to keep me going.

Lynnsoprano One of my favorite series 2y
Ash.on.the.line @Lynnsoprano I liked it! I have book 2 on hold on Libby. 😁 2y
29 likes2 comments
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Nessavamusic
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Pickpick

A fun historical mystery with a hint of a future romance. With an independent scientist seems to be in danger a family friend puts her in the care of a quirky possibly dangerous naturalist. Adventure and mystery ensues. This was a great start to a series, though there were some sections early that seemed more quirky the associated with the plot. I look forward to more in the series. 4⭐️
#AwesomeAugust book 4
#NSR22 - Historical Mystery

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 2y
54 likes1 comment
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Robotswithpersonality
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Pickpick

The sass! The witty repartee! I was cheering for Veronica Speedwell by the end of chapter one and the rest of the novel just kept getting better. A heroine who takes no shit without feeling anachronistic, a historical novel that is not a tapestry of manners and misunderstandings, as too many in the genre are. Ranked by quantity 1) adventure 2) mystery 3) romance - my kind of mix. Will be continuing the series!

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Robotswithpersonality
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It's probably some kind of reader crime that I'm not showcasing the more snappy dialogue featured so well in this novel, but it was the little neatly packaged observations that stuck with me.

julesG The banter is great. But you are right, the snippets in between are so worth quoting. 2y
Robotswithpersonality @julesG 👌🏻Yes! Choice. 2y
3 likes2 comments
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BookKenz
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Pickpick

I absolutely loved the first book to the Veronica Speedwell mystery series. The banter between her and Stoker was a lot of fun. I already have book 2 checked out from the library. 😀

Sharpeipup Never seen that cover before 3y
46 likes1 comment
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Laughterhp
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Pickpick

This was obviously a reread for me. It‘s the first time I‘ve listened to these books on audio. I felt like her Stoker voice was great, but she made Veronica sound way too whiney… I‘ll still continue my reread of the series on audio. I‘m hoping the narrator will grow on me.

It was nice getting back to the beginning of the story. I originally read in 2017, so I did forget a lot of stuff.

Zamyah This is on my list to reread too! 3y
53 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Crystal83
Pickpick

I enjoyed the book a lot!!!! I love a good mystery book and this book is it!! I will continue to read the series!!! 4/5 stars!!!!

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quietjenn
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And now, for something completely different! Sometimes timing is everything. I‘d tried this one a few times in the past and never made it very far. But now I‘m whizzing through it and enjoying immensely.

PatriciaU I go back and forth with this series. I really have to be in the mood for it. 3y
Redy2trvl So fun. I just finished the third book of the series, and loved it! Book two wasn‘t my favorite, but worth reading. Enjoy. 3y
63 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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staci.reads
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Pickpick

This book was so much fun! I love Victoria and Stoker as partners, and I can't wait to read the next installment to see where their next adventure takes them.

Mommamanzi I love this series! 3y
erzascarletbookgasm I am enjoying this series, I‘m up to the 3rd book! 3y
kspenmoll Agree with everyone! Pure fun! 3y
65 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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DarkMina
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#12Booksof2021 #2ndBookof2021 #February

This book made me laugh so much. I loved the banter between Stoker and Veronica. 😁

Andrew65 A popular book. 3y
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MittenGirlPeach
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Mehso-so

This was my #Doublespin, and sadly, it‘s a DNF. I‘ve tried to read it three separate times. I got a few chapters in last time, and finally convinced myself to pick it back up today while I get caught up on Olympics watching. Well. A few pages later I just can‘t do it. I don‘t find it interesting enough when I have stacks of books I DO want to read reaching out to me. @TheAromaofBooks

Ms Eddy C and the lazy days of summer . . .

MittenGirlPeach I know many people who love this series, but what are you gonna do. Move on is my answer! 3y
Deblovestoread Time is too short to keep reading a book that isn‘t for you. Go find one that is! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Sorry this one didn't work for you! I've DNFd a LOT of books this month, way more than usual! 3y
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MittenGirlPeach @Kdgordon88 that‘s my feeling exactly! 3y
MittenGirlPeach @TheAromaofBooks I just went 🤷🏻‍♀️ and threw it down. It used to be rare for me to do that after investing any time in a book, but I‘ve found the more I‘m reading the more it‘s happening. I‘ve also done this in the past, then gone back to the book much later and fallen in love with it, but I‘ve had this book checked out of the library for more than a YEAR. Time for it to go home. (edited) 3y
TheAromaofBooks Right?? Now that our library automatically renews books that no one else has on hold, I feel like I own some of these books 😂 3y
14 likes6 comments
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DarkMina
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#ThoughtfulThursday @MoonWitch94
I am late to the party!

Thanks for the tag @5feet.of.fury !

1. Yes. For example, I have read The Vampire Chronicles and Dresden files several times.
2. Sometimes I am guilty of this. 😁

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HufflepuffBruja
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Oh gosh, can't believe I did this 😂 Top row, all purchases: #BlackSun, #TheDamned, #Incendiary, and two blank journals I'll probably never use. I then turned around and went to my library and grabbed: #UntamedShore, #Updraft, and the tagged book because apparently I'm going read by osmosis 😂 #IDontHaveABookProblem #ButMaybeIDo #booknerd #books #library #therapeutic #bookaholic #bookdragon #ilovetoread

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LeslieO
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Oh my! What a great #SliceofSummerswap! Thank you @peanutnine !! I can‘t wait to read the books, Frick Island will be especially good in the summer. I love the notepads and clips and page flags (I am a sucker for pretty office product!) ALL PINK starburst is the best. The cilantro grow kit is so cool. “First comes love, then comes salsa” 😀what a fun swap

And thank you, @Catsandbooks for organizing!

peanutnine I'm glad you like it! I had fun picking out the stationary ☺️ 3y
Catsandbooks Pink starburst are the best starburst! Enjoy! 🍉 💕 3y
LeslieO @Catsandbooks Can you believe there‘s a bag of just pink!?! 3y
LoverOfLearning Ohhh! Yum! And I really want to read The Invisible Husband!! 3y
46 likes1 stack add4 comments
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ScoobySnacks3
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Mehso-so

Book 4/100 (lol) with a rating of 3/5. I found the heroine of the story to be extremely pretentious and the beginning was super slow, but once the plot kicked in I will say I definitely found myself wanting to know how it all ended. Has anyone else read this?

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PaigeTurner
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Pickpick

LOVED it. Veronica Speedwell is the heroine adventurer we all need right now. Great dialogue and fun characters!

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Eggbeater
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Pickpick

I'm doing my second read-through of this series and I'm enjoying it even more the second time around for the sharp wit and language used. I appreciate Veronica's unique brand of Victorian feminism. Highly recommend!

julesG I guess I'll do a second re-read as soon as I'm finished with book 6. 😁 4y
Eggbeater @julesG I just ordered a signed copy of book 6. So excited! 4y
julesG 😳 I'm jealous. 4y
51 likes3 comments
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DarkMina
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Pickpick

30 of 2021. 42 hours for #fabulousfebruary . Veronica was orphaned as an infant and raised by two women. Upon the death of the second of the women, Veronica finds herself thrust into the middle of a mystery full of danger and intrigue. She must unravel this mystery to save herself. I loved this book. The banter between her and her partner in this mystery is hilarious. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#readathon #stackingtheseries. #seriesread2021

TheSpineView 👍📖📚 4y
Andrew65 That‘s brilliant, well done 👏👏👏🙌🍾🥂🍾🥂🥳🚀 Thanks for playing along. 😊 4y
20 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Lmstraubie
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Pickpick

I am LOVING this series!!! (I actually read the 2nd one first, but it didn't really matter.) I love the strong female lead, the banter and the plot. I am listening on audio and the narration is fantastic!

CaitlinR I‘ve really enjoyed these too. They‘re like popcorn. 4y
Lmstraubie @CaitlinR I know! I can't wait to get to the next one. Have you read this series 4y
CaitlinR @Lmstraubie Yes, I‘m waiting on one through Libby/Overdrive. They are a hoot! 4y
Lmstraubie @CaitlinR I was so upset when I finished the series. I would love for her to write another. Enjoy! 4y
27 likes4 comments
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Susanita
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This was enjoyable, but I have a feeling that the rest of the book club will have liked it more than I did. I found the female lead annoying and inconsistent, but she redeemed herself somewhat by mentioning the works of Ann Radcliffe. I‘ll continue with the series at some point, but more because I‘m intrigued by one of the side characters.

erzascarletbookgasm She‘s less annoying as the series gets on 😄 4y
Susanita @erzascarletbookgasm That‘s good to know! 4y
37 likes2 comments
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BookBelle84
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#lovethis #quote So many funny remarks, reminds me of Amelia Peabody.

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iread2much
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Mehso-so

The writing is great, but the story is very predictable and I didn‘t love that. I honestly thought it was a fantasy mystery series, but the writing is so good I can forgive the lack of magic. When her guardians die, Isabella is thrust into a. High stakes game and must make rapid choices. The lame “big reveal” makes this a Meh book for me. 2/5 stars, read if you want a mystery set in Victorian England with a somewhat unbelievable heroine and plot.

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monalyisha
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#cozyswap aesthetic! 😉📖🛁🐇🌧🍂😴
Give me water, & flowers, & soft, fuzzy things (especially bunnies); taupes, & greens, & blues, & lavender; glowing lights, seashells, worn wood, & flannels. Give me coffee or give me death. ☕️

To be honest, I haven‘t really read any cozy mysteries. I joined the swap so someone could hit me with their best rec! The closest I‘ve come is tagged.

Chrissyreadit I love your aesthetic! I liked a Curious Beginning too! Here is a link from book riot that might have info: (also I loved the books I posted) https://bookriot.com/best-cozy-mystery-series/ 4y
rabbitprincess Awwwww fuzzy bunny feeties 😍😍🥰🥰🐰🐰 4y
monalyisha Thanks @Chrissyreadit! I found one for my match off of their TBR. For myself, I‘m happy to just wait & be surprised. 😊 I like a strong setting — especially the sea, & crumbling old houses. I love cookies, & hot beverages, & romance. 💕 But honestly, I‘ll take whatever comes my way! In Littens, We Trust. 🙏🏻 (edited) 4y
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ferskner I love it!!!! 4y
monalyisha @rabbitprincess 💖🐰💖 4y
Avanders 🎃🥰🎃 4y
81 likes6 comments
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HOTPock3tt
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Day 3 of #20Series20days #Top20Series

Also a mystery series, yet this one is less “cozy mystery” and more action packed, sexual tension lol. Veronica Speedwell and her partner in crime Stoker solve crimes and go on adventures in Victorian England. Similar to last one I posted but this one is a bit spicier. The third book “A treacherous Curse” was just AMAZING and features on of my fave literary quotes. Can‘t wait for book number 6! 🙃

HOTPock3tt The literary quote: stokers evil ex wife quote to Veronica “We are the daughters of Hera, miss speedwell” that they would do anything to survive. Love love love!! 4y
PathfinderNicole Oh man I adore this series! 4y
HOTPock3tt @PathfinderNicole Same here! ♥️I thought the 5th one was going to be the last book. Man I was so excited when I heard there‘s going to be a 6th one!! 😃 4y
Andrew65 Another great series. 4y
35 likes1 stack add4 comments
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BookBelle84
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I don't know where to start!
Latest trip to the library. The tagged book was totally a last minute choice after seeing so many people pick it for #top20series
#librarybookhaul #bookhaul

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emz711
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My library is doing hold only pick up so my books are coming in back to back! What do we think? Am I diving into a good series?
#top20series

monalyisha Yes! Definitely! Great choice. 🙌🏻 4y
HOTPock3tt One of my fave series of all time! ♥️ Book one has a slow part in the middle but ultimately it‘s amazing and the series gets better and better. Reading another one is like checking in with old friends! 🤗 4y
DGRachel I love Veronica Speedwell! 4y
See All 7 Comments
MynameisSnow Hmmmmmmmmm the cover looks awesome and I have a bad habit of judging books by the cover! 4y
emz711 @MynameisSnow never a bad habit! 4y
emz711 @monalyisha @HOTPock3tt @DGRachel so I'm close to finished but I'm not super into it? Seems forced? Worth continuing? I might just because easy reading and kind of easy to follow 4y
DGRachel My mom loves the books. I listened to the first on audiobook and really enjoyed it, so I think it‘s worth continuing, but if you aren‘t feeling it, don‘t force yourself. It may just not be the book for you. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4y
47 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Lynnsoprano
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#Top20Series #20Series20Days #Day8

I‘ll include Raybourn‘s first mystery series in this challenge, and I loved it, but this one is better. Veronica is a fascinating character who can make me laugh out loud. Her banter with Stoker is classic. The mysteries are interesting, and Raybourn‘s writing style is really engaging. I‘m so looking forward to the next book.

53 likes1 stack add
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Laughterhp
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#20Series20Days #Top20Series - Day 7

For some reason I‘m better at keeping up with mystery series than fantasy series.

I absolutely LOVE the Veronica Speedwell series! It is one of my FAVORITE historical mystery series! I love Veronica and Stoker. If you haven‘t read this series yet, you should make time for it. 5 books currently out and the 6th one scheduled for 2021.

kspenmoll I read the first two and enjoyed them- did not know more were published! 4y
Texreader I‘m so glad you posted this. I was looking for my next audiobook and so I got her newest in the series! Thank you!! 4y
Laughterhp @Texreader Glad I could help! 😂 I‘ve never listened to these on audio maybe I see a reread/listen in my future. 🤔 4y
See All 8 Comments
erzascarletbookgasm I‘ve read the first two, so fun! Looking forward to the rest. 👍 4y
Andrew65 Another I want to read. This has shown me how many different fantasy series there are out there. 4y
Laughterhp @Andrew65 Just wanted to clarify this is a mystery series, not a fantasy series! 4y
Andrew65 @Laughterhp Thanks 😊 4y
HOTPock3tt I adore this series too!! ♥️one of my all time faves!! I‘m soo glad to hear there‘s a 6th one coming out I didn‘t know that!! 😍 @Laughterhp 4y
59 likes4 stack adds8 comments
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LouWho89
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Pickpick

The characters are fun and intelligent without being boring or pretentious. There were moments where one said something and I responded with a “mmhmm.... riiiight” but it was still appealing without putting me off the story. The plot had sharp turns with a good twist that kept me turning the pages. I would suggest this for people who enjoy Victorian era mysteries although there are a few sexual overtones but nothing erotic.

CaitlinR Fun review. 4y
7 likes1 comment
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CoffeeNBooks
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Pickpick

This was a great historical fiction mystery! I'm looking forward to the next book in the Veronica Speedwell series! Great #BookSpinBonanza pick! @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 5y
ChasingOm I love this series! If you do audiobooks, the narrator is fantastic. 5y
74 likes2 stack adds2 comments