Thursday, February 27, 2020

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




20 comments:

  1. Wait, this is already up to book five? Wow. This is one of those series I regret not starting in the beginning, but I'm glad it's still going strong😁

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    1. I know. In a way I can't believe it but then I still find it torturous to wait for a new one each year.

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  2. awe, look at that cute face. i sometimes set myself up with expectations too. glad it came around
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  3. That sounds great. I'm always so excited when I get approved for a book that I really want to read too.

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  4. Nice to see you are still enjoying the series. I'm curious about it now.

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    1. It's such a fun read. I think you'd enjoy it.

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  5. I'm so far behind in this series! (Boy I seem to say that a lot.)

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  6. I haven't started this series yet but I will. I have had it recommended to me on audio. Wonderful review.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. Thanks Anne. It's one of my all-time favorite series.

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  7. ahh, nothing like expectations to raise your hopes too high. But this seems to have redeemed itself after a slightly sluggish start. It's great when you find something you love so much.
    Lynn :D

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    1. Yep, sometimes we just have to admit we do it to ourselves!

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  8. Cute puppy photo! That looks like something to cuddle for sure! Slow starts to books can be annoying but at least it picked up for you, which is good. I hope you enjoy any future books!

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  9. I should be reading this series soon, and I'm really looking forward to it! Shame that it started a bit slow. 30% is a long time to wait for something to pick up, unfortunately. At least it's a series you know you already enjoy! I can't wait to read this.

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    1. Oh I think you'll love it. I ADORE Stoker.

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