2 Bloggers 1 Series - A Murderous Relation

So you may be thinking "Wait, this isn't a Longmire book."  To which I'd reply "Very observant."  However, the Veronica Speedwell series is one that Stormi and I have pretty much read together since book one.  So when we both were approved for an arc of #5, it was pretty much a given that it would be tagged for a buddy read.  So read on for my review and then don't forget to check out Stormi's review over at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!  

TITLE: A Murderous Relation (Veronica Speedwell #5)

AUTHOR: Deanna Raybourn

PUBLISHER: Berkley

PUBLISHING DATE: March 5, 2020

FROM GOODREADS: 

Veronica Speedwell and her natural historian colleague Stoker are asked by Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk to help with a potential scandal so explosive it threatens to rock the monarchy. Prince Albert Victor is a regular visitor to the most exclusive private club in London, known as the Club de l'Etoile, and the proprietess, Madame Aurore, has received an expensive gift that can be traced back to the prince. Lady Wellie would like Veronica and Stoker to retrieve the jewel from the club before scandal can break. 

Worse yet, London is gripped by hysteria in the autumn of 1888, terrorized by what would become the most notorious and elusive serial killer in history, Jack the Ripper--and Lady Wellie suspects the prince may be responsible. 

Veronica and Stoker reluctantly agree to go undercover at Madame Aurore's high class brothel, where another body soon turns up. Many secrets are swirling around Veronica and the royal family--and it's up to Veronica and Stoker to find the truth, before it's too late for all of them. 

MY THOUGHTS: So it's no real secret how I feel about this series.  Needless to say, whenever I hear a new one is being published, I count the hours until it pops up on Netgalley, and then count the hours to see if I'm approved.  I adore Veronica and Stoker and after the way A Dangerous Collaboration ended, I had really high hopes for this one.  That being said, I may have set myself up for some frustration and disappointment.  But don't get me wrong, A Murderous Relation is still a wonderful book, the series is still great and I'm already anxiously waiting to see what mess Veronica and Stoker find themselves in next.

So in this installment, Veronica and Stoker are asked to help investigate a potential royal scandal.  Yet the "players" are too close to home for Veronica to accept.  But when Lady Wellie falls ill, the two of them do some sleuthing and decide they must do as she originally asked.  This leads them right smack dab into another calamity and I'm wondering if they aren't secretly cats with nine lives.

Let's get this out of the way.  Initially I felt the book started kind of slow.  Because of the way the last book ended, I expected more "umph" out of this one in the beginning and probably set myself up to be let down.  However, once I hit about the 30% mark, things picked up and once again the book was back in the groove.  That really is the only complaint I have and as I said, I more than likely did it to myself.

So what did I like?  Everything else.  We get to see some familiar side characters and the book actually opens up with Stoker being expected to officiate a wedding of a giant tortoise.  Only Stoker and Veronica.  Per usual I really enjoyed Lady Wellie and I even ended up liking Eddy, a new character on the scene who has ties to Veronica.  Madame Aurore was also a fun addition.  Stoker's brother Tiberius  makes another appearance and although he rather annoyed me in the last book, I found him quite enjoyable in this one.

The mystery in A Murderous Relation was rather satisfying and I didn't see some of the surprise twists being carried out until they were right upon me.  And I can also say that in the end, I am very satisfied with where Veronica and Stoker stand.  I can see how this might seem like the end of an era with the series but I'm proud to report there are at least a few more installments on the way. 

Finally, there's a new dog on the scene.  Madame Aurore has a wolfhound named Vespertine and I feel in love with her.  I'm assuming that's her silhouette on the cover.  Such a fun addition to the canine brood.  She may or may not be in future installments (please Deanna include her in future installments).

If you love this series, don't hesitate to read this one.  And if you haven't started yet, WHY NOT!

RATING: 4 PAWS