A Murderous Relation

Veronica Speedwell's latest adventure is set in 1888, a year when Jack the Ripper was at large, and Scotland Yard's law enforcement officers were desperate to identify and capture him. Although the Ripper's presence is felt in Deanna Raybourn's "A Murderous Relation," he plays only a peripheral role in the story. On the contrary, this novel is a merry romp with witty dialogue, delightfully satirical passages, and a touch of eroticism. The heroine is the irrepressible Veronica, a lepidopterist who lives on the estate of the Earl of Rosemorran. The earl is a wealthy individual who, following in the footsteps of his ancestors, collects a wide variety of specimens from all over the world. Speedwell and her close friend, Revelstoke show more Templeton-Vane (Stoker), are cataloging and repairing his lordship's vast trove of artifacts. In addition, they are intrepid amateur detectives who are tough and resilient, adept at hand-to-hand combat, and rarely back down from a challenge.

For their latest caper, Veronica and Stoker don outlandish costumes and attend an event at the risqué Club de L'Étoile, an exclusive establishment that caters to affluent individuals with special tastes. At the behest of Alexandra of Denmark, the Princess of Wales, the duo sets out to retrieve a gem that the princess's son, Albert Victor, gave to Madame Aurora, the club's owner. As usual, Veronica and Stoker face daunting challenges while trying to carry out their mission. The wild plot includes abductions by madmen; intrigue concerning the British royal family; a clash between the protagonists and a member of Scotland Yard; and social commentary about the discrepancy between upper-class Londoners and their impoverished counterparts who can barely afford food and shelter.

Raybourn pokes fun at Prince Eddy (the queen's grandson), a naïve and gentle young man who has been sheltered his entire life by his smothering mum. The author keeps us entertained with salacious humor, wry banter, and a series of confrontations between our protagonists and their adversaries. For those new to the series, Raybourn provides background information about Veronica's and Stoker's past exploits and personal sagas. Although aspects of this story are preposterous, fans of Veronica and Stoker will enjoy this droll, lively, and diverting work of historical fiction. show less

Ooh! Such a delicious addition to the Veronica Speedwell mystery series from the pen of gifted and imaginative writer, Deanna Raybourn. The year is 1888; the setting - an anxious London, as Jack the Ripper runs unchecked through its streets. Our derring-do protagonist, Veronica, along with her protective and magnificent specimen of the male species, Stoker, have been called back to London by Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerc, after their recent harrowing adventure down in Cornwall. Lady Wellie believes there to be mischief afoot, which may well involve a member of the royal family. She implores Veronica and Stoker to investigate which leads them to a private club often frequented by said royal, (who just happens to be related to Veronica). It show more doesn't take long for plans to go awry and a corpse to come to light. And so, the adventure begins.

Ms. Raybourn has done an excellent job of weaving current historical events into the continuing storyline of our undaunted Veronica and her beloved Stoker. The dialogue is spectacular and witty. The mise en scène is superb as it formulates a world drawing on all of the reader's senses. The tension runs high, the pacing is excellent and just when you think all is tied up in a pretty bow, there's a new twist which heightens the tension a bit further. In the end, all is drawn to a successful conclusion leaving any armchair sleuth fully satisfied.

As much as I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I would be remiss if I did not mention the adult nature of some of the material contained within it. Although never graphic, there is dialogue and innuendo of a sexual nature and a bit of gore. It is tastefully proferred and at times, quite amusing.

Can you read this as a stand alone book? Certainly, by why would you want to when the entire series is fabulous and there are four other adventures which lead up to this one. I recommend them all. show less

Veronica Speedwell's latest adventure is set in 1888, a year when Jack the Ripper was at large, and Scotland Yard's law enforcement officers were desperate to identify and capture him. Although the Ripper's presence is felt in Deanna Raybourn's "A Murderous Relation," he plays only a peripheral role in the story. On the contrary, this novel is a merry romp with witty dialogue, delightfully satirical passages, and a touch of eroticism. The heroine is the irrepressible Veronica, a lepidopterist who lives on the estate of the Earl of Rosemorran. The earl is a wealthy individual who, following in the footsteps of his ancestors, collects a wide variety of specimens from all over the world. Speedwell and her close friend, Revelstoke show more Templeton-Vane (Stoker), are cataloging and repairing his lordship's vast trove of artifacts. In addition, they are intrepid amateur detectives who are tough and resilient, adept at hand-to-hand combat, and rarely back down from a challenge.

For their latest caper, Veronica and Stoker don outlandish costumes and attend an event at the risqué Club de L'Étoile, an exclusive establishment that caters to affluent individuals with special tastes. At the behest of Alexandra of Denmark, the Princess of Wales, the duo sets out to retrieve a gem that the princess's son, Albert Victor, gave to Madame Aurora, the club's owner. As usual, Veronica and Stoker face daunting challenges while trying to carry out their mission. The wild plot includes abductions by madmen; intrigue concerning the British royal family; a clash between the protagonists and a member of Scotland Yard; and social commentary about the discrepancy between upper-class Londoners and their impoverished counterparts who can barely afford food and shelter.

Raybourn pokes fun at Prince Eddy (the queen's grandson), a naïve and gentle young man who has been sheltered his entire life by his smothering mum. The author keeps us entertained with salacious humor, wry banter, and a series of confrontations between our protagonists and their adversaries. For those new to the series, Raybourn provides background information about Veronica's and Stoker's past exploits and personal sagas. Although aspects of this story are preposterous, fans of Veronica and Stoker will enjoy this droll, lively, and diverting work of historical fiction. show less

Great story, with several pulse-pounding moments. Always a delight to listen to Veronica's next adventure, in all it's loud and bossy glory. Loved that she has believable respect for gender pronouns, loved the creepy and dreadful tie-in with the Ripper case, and especially the respect for the victims. Loved the ongoing romance and how it plays out against the background of an up-scale bawdy house and yet another kidnapping. Cameos by several great previous characters, developments on several new ones that I like as well. Delicious and spirited, just like Veronica.

Resting from their previous and very strenuous case, Veronica and Stoker engage in delivering the stuffed ass that he has just completed. Requested, by the Princess Royal, to retrieve the jewel her Prince Eddie has given to a courtesan. They agree to seek the bauble by attending the club, Eddie frequents. All present including Eddie, are in costume; some more revolting than others.
When the courtesan is murdered, all sort of bad guys turn up. Veronica's uncle, who wants her to become the Queen of Ireland and an anarchistic policeman prime among the evildoers. Add, the Ripper who is at work as a catalyst, and much excitement ensues. Saved by a rifle-toting reporter and an evil-smelling policeman. Stoker is again shot but his life is show more saved by a former battlefield surgeon as well as the recipient of the stuff onager. The finale is a romp between and among various bits of the floor, furniture, and eventually the four-poster which also takes a beating but survives. However, getting shot as an aphrodisiac is not likely to catch on. Deep, no but fun and fiction yes. show less

I am enjoying this fun, thrilling, intense, and even romantic series so very much. The writing is intelligent, the plots are excellently done, and the romantic tension between the two main characters will leave you panting for breath. I have to admit, I couldn’t put the book down and inhaled it from beginning to end – in one sitting. I mean – honestly – when the first line in a book is “What in the name of flaming Hades do you mean his lordship wants me to officiate at the wedding of a tortoise?” – you just know you are going to love it! BTW – you’ll absolutely giggle every time Stoker curses – he is so very inventive – luckily, he curses often. You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading at show more least the first book of the series, A Curious Beginning, so you become familiar with the characters and their backgrounds, how they meet, etc. – you’ll love the book and it will give you a good foundation for the rest of the series.

Victorian London is in an uproar because of a series of grisly, horrific murders in the Whitechapel area. News sheets are calling for those in power to resign because they cannot apprehend the perpetrator. Those same news sheets are sensationalizing the murders. One lone reporter, J. J. Butterworth, is featuring the actual victims in her column – humanizing them, telling their stories rather than just calling them prostitutes. You’ll love J. J. as a recurring character.

Stoker and Veronica are called to see the formidable Lady Wellingtonia (Wellie) Beauclerk (a recurring character). They are asked to see about retrieving an expensive and inappropriate gift that Prince Albert Edward has given to a very exclusive courtesan. That gift is readily traceable back to the prince and should it become known; it would cause a scandal that could bring the monarchy down – especially in these times with a horrendous murderer about. When they refuse to do Wellie’s bidding, she has a heart seizure and they quickly come to realize that there is more to the story than they originally thought.

The mystery is filled with many twists and turns and not everyone is who they appear to be – and some returning from the dead. With murders, kidnappings, rescues, plots, and plots-within-plots, you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read. I certainly recommend the read and hope you will love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. show less

Jack the Ripper is out there creating terror and havoc, and closer to home it appears someone in the royal family might be caught up. So Veronica and Stoker to the rescue. It's all totally ridiculous, but Raybourn knows how to keep your attention and to make you laugh. I'll say no more. Enjoyable, perfect sort of listen for me. ****