A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn Narrator: Angele Masters
Series: Veronica Speedwell #1
Published by Recorded Books on September 3, 2015
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Length: 10 hours, 51 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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London, 1887. As the city prepares to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, Veronica Speedwell is marking a milestone of her own. After burying her spinster aunt, the orphaned Veronica is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry - and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as she is fending off admirers, Veronica wields her butterfly net and a sharpened hatpin with equal aplomb, and with her last connection to England now gone, she intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.
But fate has other plans, as Veronica discovers when she thwarts her own abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron with ties to her mysterious past. Promising to reveal in time what he knows of the plot against her, the baron offers her temporary sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker - a reclusive natural historian as intriguing as he is bad-tempered. But before the baron can deliver on his tantalizing vow to reveal the secrets he has concealed for decades, he is found murdered. Suddenly Veronica and Stoker are forced to go on the run from an elusive assailant, wary partners in search of the villainous truth.
I am not embarrassed to admit a well-designed cover is sometimes the deciding factor in my book selection. And no, it’s not always a naked, male torso either. In looking at a list of historical romantic suspense, my attention was captured by the flourishing text and simple silhouettes of A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn. I was catapulted, along with the heroine, into an unexpected adventure from the very first chapter. It is a testament to the elegant prose and interesting characters that I’d soon forgotten why I’d selected this book in the first place.
A Curious Beginning is the first installment in the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series. The titular heroine is a plucky, independent-minded scientist, who has made a name for herself as a scientific expert in lepidopterology (the study of butterflies). She is brusque and arrogant at times, traits that often earn women a negative label. She embodies all the traits of post-Victorian era New Woman, with a few modern sentiments thrown in. She knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. Until, at least, a mysterious stranger, a murder, and a darkly brooding natural historian have her on the run and at the heart of a scandal with potential to turn the country on its head.
Veronica’s unwilling partner in adventure is the taxidermist-cum-natural historian, Stoker. They have a slightly contentious relationship, not helped by Stoker’s unpredictable moods and disdainful manner. However as the story progresses, it is obvious they have more in common than at first glance. Both Veronica and Stoker are fiercely independent and hold themselves apart from others emotionally. In each other’s company, the walls they’ve each built begin to give way. I would not claim this story to be romantic, but I would say the characters have chemistry and I can only hope that their partnership leads to more later in the series.
A Curious Beginning is full of clever characters, both delightful and villainous. The story might seem implausible, with some questionable motivations and actions, but it makes for some great fun and daring escapes. If I wanted to make a comparison to another series out there, it would be Lemony Snicket for grown-ups. The title speaks for itself. This is a curious beginning to what is sure to be a grand adventure.
Narration:
I enjoyed the narration of this book and think Angela Masters gives an excellent performance. I think she did an exceptional job with Veronica, although she was able to create unique accents that clearly imparted the personalities of the other characters. I think the pacing was spot on and rather suited the tone of the novel.
Listen to a clip:
About Deanna Raybourn
New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation native Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of one, Raybourn makes her home in Virginia.
Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including five RITAs, two RT Reviewers’ Choice awards, the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, a Last Laugh, and three du Mauriers. Her Lady Julia Grey novels are currently in development as a television series in the UK and she launched a new Victorian mystery series with the 2015 release of A CURIOUS BEGINNING, featuring intrepid butterfly-hunter and amateur sleuth, Veronica Speedwell. Veronica’s second adventure is A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING (January 2017), and book three, A TREACHEROUS CURSE, was published in January 2018. A DANGEROUS COLLABORATION will be released in March 2019. Further books in the Veronica Speedwell series are contracted through 2020.
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I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
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I read this and really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I too got it because the cover drew my eye.
I love this series so much. Glad you had a good time with the first one.
I’ve had an interest in this series for a long time. I hope to get to it someday.
This series is great. The romance was frustrating for me in the first few books, but gets way better in future installments. I absolutely loved Angele Masters performance!
We need more clever characters in the books that we read especially in the villains…I love those 🙂
Wonderful review. I think I’d enjoy this series.