A Sinister Revenge (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery Book 8)

I'm an avid reader of historical murder mysteries (quite the opposite of those miserable scandi noirs) and I love strong female characters - with or without handsome male accomplices - so the Veronica Speedwell series has literally become my favourite series ever, and I don't say that lightly.Lady Julia Grey comes a close second, if you haven't read them, but I adore Veronica's humour and the way she speaks to us, the reader. I enjoy getting to know Stoker's family with each book - my only gripe is that I now have to wait however long it takes for the next one in the series - please let there be a next one :)

I just finished reading this dearies of 8 books for the second time. This eighth book was one of the best in the series. I had definitely picked out my villain and is usual with Ms Raybourn, I was totally wrong! I particularly loved the interaction of Stoker and his brothers and another appearance of a sneaky reporter who is a sort of silent partner. I hope this isn’t the last book in the series but if it was…whatA way to go! Thank you Ms Raybourn! I love your books!

Totally love these characters, grumpy sometimes, always original and independent. A favorite author, for sure.

I have enjoyed all of the Veronica Speedwell books, but this may be my favorite. Good mystery, good romantic tension, evocative descriptions--delightful!

As always Deanna keeps you turning the pages to see what Veronica discovers next. Written with the delicacy of a well spun web the pages will keep you turning until the last page when you reluctantly admit the adventure is over until next time.

You know the story outline from the other reviews. I would like to take a slight tack from the prevailing view. One must have read the previous entry to understand this, but looking at history from Veronica's point of view, I don't fault her for her attitude or behavior. As a reader, frankly I cannot swallow the motivation for taking Stoker's side in this book. At the end of the last entry, he declares that while he knows Veronica loves him, in the view of the rest of the world, she belongs to her husband. BELONGS! A quick review of the context shows Stoker to be a traditionalist. He takes chivalry and honor seriously, and views women as persons to be honored and protected. Veronica has been fighting to be seen as independent her whole life. There's the rub. Stoker does not take care of her, although she was initially placed in his care. She takes care of herself. He follows her into danger, but she does not owe him anything for that. Readers cannot have it both ways. She cannot fiercely protect her independence and engage in a traditional relationship. She cannot afford to. My question is, what in seven hells makes him think she should? He claims she should have run after him as soon as she discovered her marriage was not valid, after he asked for time apart? After Veronica pours out her heart confessing that everyone in her life has willingly abandoned her, when HE leaves her too, he expects her to run after him? Veronica has been the relationship builder in the past books and in this one, not only with Tiberius and Stoker's brothers, but Tiberius' butler, JJ, etc. As she mends fences in his life. he seems stuck in old habits. One star off for reducing what was a traumatic experience in Veronica's life into a "slight" in Stokers. Perhaps he will grow (up) in the next book.