The Third Veronica Speedwell Mystery - A Treacherous Curse

I am thoroughly enjoying Deanna Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series. Not only is the title character a strong-willed, sarcastic, independent woman in the 19th century, but she is dedicated, loyal, and determined when it comes to solving a mystery. I also enjoy the soap opera elements of the series, with the slowly-budding relationship between Veronica and Stoker, as well as the gradual revelation of secrets about not only Stoker's past, but also Veronica's own royal connections.  Raybourn is creating a very believable world of characters and places, which makes for an enjoyable get-a-way when one sits down with her books.

A Treacherous Curse drops a new mystery in their lap by way of The Daily Harbinger, the local news rag that Veronica enjoys perusing. It seems an Egyptian expedition by the Tivertons has ended early, with the Tivertons returning to London with their finds much earlier than expected, all due to the curse of a long-dead princess.  Of course, neither Stoker nor Veronica believe in curses, but something definitely strange is going on - the excavation director has died, a priceless artifact has gone missing, and the Tivertons' photographer in the expedition has disappeared, leaving his wife in a frantic state. Veronica would have simply moved on after reading the story if it weren't for two small facts - the photographer who disappeared, John de Morgan, was a close friend of Stoker's back in the day, and the wife Mr. de Morgan left behind happens to be Stoker's ex-wife!

Yes, readers finally learn all they need to know in this mystery about Caroline, that elusive woman whose name Stoker inadvertently spoke while being intimate with Veronica.  Raybourn has been teasing readers for the past two books about Stoker's past, but in this book, we finally get the payoff, as the truth behind Stoker's relationship with Caroline, his failed marriage, and the real reasons she left him are brought to light - and, as with any good mystery, not everything is what it seems.  For instance, from all appearances, John de Morgan stole the jeweled diadem, ran back home with his wife, but disappeared before they reached London. His wife, Caroline, claims they took separate rooms at an inn, and when she went to find him the next morning, not only was he missing, but his room was decorated completely different, as if he had never been there! The police can no longer question her, as she has become hysterical and out of sorts. 

Surprisingly, Veronica and Stoker are brought into the investigation by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of the Special Branch, who has developed a begrudging respect for the detecting pair. It seems he has word that Stoker's past with de Morgan is about to be brought to light, so it is in his best interest to solve the case quickly.   The investigation seems to be thwarted at every turn, as Veronica and Stoker interrogate Mr. Tiverton, his wife, his daughter Figgy from his first marriage, his assistant Patrick Fairbrother, his former partner Horus Stihl, Horus's son Henry, and ultimately Stoker's ex-wife Caroline de Morgan (which is quite the fun read, for Veronica does not hold back her snippy comments from the woman!). No one is who they truly seem to be (which is not a surprise in a good mystery story), and while I admit that I pegged at least one of the people involved in the whole thing, I was surprised by what really happened to John de Morgan, and the final confrontation was anything but expected!

Raybourn interjects plenty of humor into her books - and let's face it, Veronica's quick wit, biting sarcasm, and unwillingness to be anyone but who she is (no matter what others may think!) is probably the main reasons why I love the character so much. A cross between Nancy Drew and the Vancome Lady - the perfect detective! And, c'mon, let's face it - any author who can open her book with her protagonist from the 19th century going through a crate filled with an array of phalluses definitely knows how to set the tone for her stories.  I am now waiting anxiously for the fourth book to come out in paperback and hope, beyond hope, that there will be a fifth book and more beyond that!

RATING:  10 coiled papier mache snakes out of 10 for humor, danger, mystery, and sarcasm all rolled into one, making this book a perfect read!