A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.
But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything...
Review
But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything...
Review
When I requested and received this book from NetGalley, I didn’t realize it was the third in a series. However, the first book was on sale on Amazon Kindle, so I first read A Curious Beginning, which is followed by A Perilous Undertaking. Both were an absolute joy to read.
A Treacherous Curse continues the fun! Veronica Speedwell and her partner/colleague, natural historian Stoker are drawn into a mystery when John de Morgan, a long-time friend of Stoker’s, goes missing… And the finger of blame is pointed at Stoker. De Morgan had just returned from Egypt where he had been part of an expedition that discovered a lost princess’ tomb… and her curse.
Veronica Speedwell is an independent woman who does as she pleases in a world where women are expected to be docile and submissive. She forms many female friendships with other women who are also intelligent, independent, and carving a place for themselves in this world.
The relationship between Veronica and Stoker is Mmmm ^_^. They’re friends and colleagues, not lovers, but there is an underlying sexual tension throughout all the books that promises that this low burning bed of embers will one day burst into a roaring bonfire. And I definitely look forward to that. But I love how their relationship and loyalty to each other is not based on their romantic or sexual or physical ties, but rather a coming together of two minds and personalities that are perfectly suited to one another. Both are hot-headed and with the need to be right, but both always stand up for the other. It’s very refreshing to read.
The plot and mystery itself are good, well laid out, and the pacing keeps us moving at a healthy jog. There's plenty of action, but also some slower scenes that really develop the characters. I tore through the book in a couple of days and enjoyed the ride. Raybourn’s prose is fantastic, and some of Veronica’s observations and thoughts had me laughing out loud. I highlighted a number of good quotes.
I did tire a little of the “you’re not like other women, and that’s a good thing” attitude, and the way Veronica looks down on feminine things/other women, dismissing them. While that is a character flaw, and Veronica explains in the book why this is her attitude, I also feel it’s a way for the author to establish how “badass” the character is. I’d rather the value of feminine things be acknowledged, but say they just aren’t for her, instead of looking down on other women.
All in all, a wonderful new series that I will definitely continue reading! If you’re a fan of the Amelia Peabody books, you’ll definitely enjoy this new series.
A Treacherous Curse continues the fun! Veronica Speedwell and her partner/colleague, natural historian Stoker are drawn into a mystery when John de Morgan, a long-time friend of Stoker’s, goes missing… And the finger of blame is pointed at Stoker. De Morgan had just returned from Egypt where he had been part of an expedition that discovered a lost princess’ tomb… and her curse.
Veronica Speedwell is an independent woman who does as she pleases in a world where women are expected to be docile and submissive. She forms many female friendships with other women who are also intelligent, independent, and carving a place for themselves in this world.
The relationship between Veronica and Stoker is Mmmm ^_^. They’re friends and colleagues, not lovers, but there is an underlying sexual tension throughout all the books that promises that this low burning bed of embers will one day burst into a roaring bonfire. And I definitely look forward to that. But I love how their relationship and loyalty to each other is not based on their romantic or sexual or physical ties, but rather a coming together of two minds and personalities that are perfectly suited to one another. Both are hot-headed and with the need to be right, but both always stand up for the other. It’s very refreshing to read.
The plot and mystery itself are good, well laid out, and the pacing keeps us moving at a healthy jog. There's plenty of action, but also some slower scenes that really develop the characters. I tore through the book in a couple of days and enjoyed the ride. Raybourn’s prose is fantastic, and some of Veronica’s observations and thoughts had me laughing out loud. I highlighted a number of good quotes.
I did tire a little of the “you’re not like other women, and that’s a good thing” attitude, and the way Veronica looks down on feminine things/other women, dismissing them. While that is a character flaw, and Veronica explains in the book why this is her attitude, I also feel it’s a way for the author to establish how “badass” the character is. I’d rather the value of feminine things be acknowledged, but say they just aren’t for her, instead of looking down on other women.
All in all, a wonderful new series that I will definitely continue reading! If you’re a fan of the Amelia Peabody books, you’ll definitely enjoy this new series.
Rating
I give this book 4 stars.
Details
Genre: Historical Fiction.
Language: None.
Sex: None (though Veronica discreetly talks about sexual relationships)
Violence: Mild, not graphic.
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