A true delight -- it's historical fiction with all the essentials: a spunky, adventurous heroine, a dashing, hunky partner, and a great mystery to solve. If you haven't started this series yet, I urge you to begin at once, and read them from the beginning, in order!
What it's about: It is late 1888 when, after a long absence, Veronica Speedwell returns to London and Stoker. Even though she's just come home, it seems that Stoker's brother, the Lord Tiberius Templeton-Vane, wants Veronica to accompany him on a voyage to St. Madden, a tidal island off of Cornwall. He tempts her by appealing to her lepidopterist passions, telling her that he has secured permission for her to secure larvae for the vivarium she is building. She agrees to go and pose as his fiancée during the visit. Stoker, in a rage at Veronica's departure, has his own plans and ends up at the castle on St. Madden. It seems they've all been lured there under false pretenses -- the owner and master of the island, Malcolm Romilly (Tiberius's oldest friend) wants them to find out once and for all what happened to his bride, Rosamund, who disappeared on their wedding day. No trace of her has ever been found. NO SPOILERS.
Why you should read it: The characters are so much fun! I love the interaction between Veronica and Stoker and often laugh out loud at their repartee. Their unusual relationship that is obviously an unconsummated passion is quite appealing to watch. The interaction between all the parties at the castle and their personalities were quite well developed as was the setting. The writing is excellent and the narrative flows easily in a linear fashion. The unraveling of the mystery was on point and the conclusion quite fitting. Very enjoyable and quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for this 4th book in the Veronica Speedwell series. I can't wait for #5.
This is part of a series and should be read from the beginning, in order.
Genre -- historical fiction, mystery
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