mystery – Paws & Paperbacks

30518319 Title: A Dangerous Collaboration (Veronica Speedwell #4)
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Rating: ★★★★

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Upon receiving the email that I was approved for this, I immediately put aside all other plans for reading because that’s how much I love these books.

A Dangerous Collaboration is the fourth installment of the Veronica Speedwell series, and while I wouldn’t count it as my favorite, it was just as enjoyable as all the others. One of the things I loved best about this one was the setting. In A Dangerous Collaboration, Veronica and Stoker find themselves in a remote island off the coast of Cornwall, in a possibly haunted castle, as the guests of Lord Malcolm. The entire plot/setting is very reminiscent of a murder mystery dinner and it was so very fun to read! Other than our beloved protagonist and her partner-in-solving crime, there is a full cast of interesting characters, including Tiberius, Stoker’s eldest brother.

The pace of this book was a bit slower than the others, and it took a while for it to really pick up. However as with all the other, it was full of thrilling adventures, witty conversations, sexual tension, and of course – murder and mayhem. I’m always equal parts frustrated by my inability to discover the true killer before the reveal and yet impressed by Raybourn’s writing that she is able to keep me in the dark for so long.

And I cannot write a review without again touching on the relationship between Veronica and Stoker. Things were a little different this time around, because it has become apparent – not just to the readers, but also to Veronica – that there is definitely something between the two of them. Veronica and Stoker spend a majority of this book fighting their attraction/feelings for one another, but the ending makes it so worth all the waiting!

If you haven’t had a chance to read this series yet and you’re a fan of murder mysteries, historical fiction, and slow-burn romances, then please do yourself a favor and pick up the first book! A Dangerous Collaboration is the fourth book of this wonderful, thrilling series and I’m highly anticipating the next (and I believe last) installment!

Title: A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell #3)
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Rating: ★★★★

ARC received through NetGalley.

Let me start by saying that I am so in love with this series. I won’t lie: I squealed a little when I found out that I was actually approved for an advanced copy of the book (my hopes were not high). #blessed

A Treacherous Curse is the third installment of the Veronica Speedwell series and it was just as amazing as the previous books. Veronica is such a lovely, intelligent protagonist and I love her character, but I was very pleased that this book we finally get to find out more about Stoker and his dark, mysterious past and learn what happened with the infamous Caroline and the dissolution of their marriage. Like before, we follow Veronica and Stoker on quite an adventure as they attempt to solve the latest murder mystery.

One of the things I like the most about these books is that I can never solve the puzzle before the characters. It’s completely frustrating on my half, but entirely satisfying that I remain just as much in the dark as Veronica. It makes my enjoyment of reading that much more exciting and thrilling, especially since the plot is never straightforward or predictable.

As always, the interactions between Veronica and Stoker are seriously one of the best parts of these books. The snark, the banter, the understanding, the loyalty, the chemistry; it all shows just how perfectly they compliment one another. They have such a unique bond – the underlying sexual/romantic tension is clear as day – and I’m WAITING FOR THEM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT, DAMMIT. I’m all for a good slow burn but enough is enough already!

If you like murder mysteries, Victorian-era England, a slow burn romance, and a smart, witty protagonist, you should definitely check out this series. A Treacherous Curse is the third book and it did not let me down! I’m so excited for the rest of this series. The only unfortunate thing is that since I read this early, now I have to wait even longer for the next one. Boo.