Book Review: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

A Curious Beginning, first in the Virginia Speedwell Mystery series by Deanna Raybourn, published September 1, 2015 by NAL/Penguin
Genre; historical mystery series, set in Victorian England

London, 1887. As the city prepares to celebrate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee, Veronica Speedwell, after burying her spinster aunt, is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry,  hunting butterflies. Veronica wields her butterfly net and a sharpened hatpin with equal aplomb, and 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. 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 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. (publisher)

My comments: There is suspense when unknown persons try to kidnap Veronica, who knows nothing of her background except that she is an orphan raised by two elderly women, both now deceased. Veronica is helped by Stoker, a reluctant ally in her flight from the unknown persons who are so intent on detaining her.

An interesting introduction to a new mystery heroine who has an intriguing family background, unknown to her and the reader till the very end of the book. An enjoyable read featuring an independent and headstrong heroine - a mystery novel with  a hint of romance and Victorian history mixed in.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book.