Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Veronica Speedwell #9
Publication Date: 3/12/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 336
On one hand, I can’t believe we are already nine books into this intriguing, excellently written series, and on the other hand, I feel as if I have known Veronica and Stoker forever. This author has done an excellent job of fleshing out the characters so that it feels more like visiting a friend rather than reading a book. I didn’t care for Veronica at first – and almost didn’t read any more of the books – however, I decided I really liked Stoker and I’d give it another try. I am so glad I did because the character growth for both of them has been phenomenal and we are now to the point where I actually like Veronica – and I still love Stoker.
Lord Rosemorran, Veronica and Stoker’s benefactor has purchased a wax figure (similar to those in wax museums) and had it delivered to their workspace. To make it even more lifelike, he requests that Stoker add a mechanism to the inside of the chest so it appears to be breathing. The idea intrigues Stoker and he decides to begin work on it at once. Only, cutting into the wax figure was not exactly what Stoker expected – first, it was much more difficult to cut, and second, OMGoodness, it was a perfectly preserved human body! After he cast up his accounts, he and Veronica gave the body a thorough examination to determine the cause of death – if possible – and to try to identify her so she could be returned to her family. Stoker’s sense of justice and fair play will not allow him to rest until he knows who she is and what happened to her – even if it was years ago.
Lord Rosemorran does not want to call in the police and become involved in a scandal, so he asks Veronica and Stoker to investigate. With the help of their friends – and sometimes helpers – Mornaday (of Scotland Yard) and J.J. (a newspaper reporter) – they find information about the body of a young woman found floating in the Thames fifteen years ago. Further investigations made them sure they had the right body, but there was never an identification made of the young woman.
You’ll find some really vile villains, great friendships, an odd assortment of animals, two new characters to get to know, and the love between Stoker and Veronica growing deeper and deeper. What a fun, wild, exciting, and interesting read it was and I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. I can definitely recommend this book and this series and should you choose to try it, I hope you’ll love it. Happy Reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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