I won an ARC from Penguin Randomhouse & NetGalley. This is my personal review.

Deann Raybourn is an auto-buy for me. As in this addition to her series, Deanna Raybourn excels in her trademark witty and wry writing style. "An Unexpected Peril" is a delightful addition to Veronica Speedwell's adventures. This time, Veronica and Stoker are pulled into a mystery involving women mountain climbers, foreign royalty, and "possibly felonious" impersonations. Veronica and Stoker's witty banter and unconventional ways make this a fun read as they try to figure out the connections between a recently murdered alpinist and the disappearance of a foreign princess.

On a more serious note, however, this book touches on the heartbreak and unfairness of not being able to acknowledge who you really love. Veronica and Stoker's relationship also faces some challenges as they both learn what it's like to have a loving partner while at the same time staying true to themselves. Raybourn adds a new level of depth to their relationship, making them even more relatable and engaging protagonists.

One aspect I particularly admire about Raybourn's writing is her attention to feminism and non-traditional relationships. Through her protagonist, Veronica Speedwell, she challenges societal norms and expectations, presenting a strong and independent female character who fearlessly pursues her passions and adventures.

Raybourn also always includes a wide cast of animals throughout the story, each with its own unique personality and quirks, adding an extra layer of charm to the narrative.

Lastly, I appreciate the fascinating jobs held by the main characters. Veronica's career as a lepidopterist and Stoker's background as a taxidermist provide intriguing insights into Victorian-era professions, enriching the story with historical detail and depth.

Overall, "An Unexpected Peril" is a captivating read that seamlessly combines mystery, adventure, and romance. Deanna Raybourn's skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery alike. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

It was ok. Not my favorite installment of this series. Stoker is becoming more reserved while Veronica is bulldozing over everyone. The mystery didn’t grab me like the previous stories. I found the murder in a distant being solved in England a little far fetched. There were times it almost seemed like an afterthought to Veronica’s empowerment, which is what these are basically becoming all about. Let her meet her father and get it over with! Then maybe she can finally grow up and admit she loves and wants to marry Stoker. If she can’t then she should let him go. I’m really starting to dislike this female protagonist, I only keep reading for the male lead. He seems to have some complexities of character that she lacks.

I loved this installment in the Veronica Speedwell series. I cannot get enough of Stoker and Veronica. The inclusion of so many incredible women was a highlight for me. The Curiosity Club was so cool. While this book didn’t have enough of the romance element for me compared to others in the series, I am still so excited to see what happens next.

Over the last year, I have discovered just how much I enjoy Veronica Speedwell mysteries. Set in Victorian England, Veronica and her partner, Stoker, have solved crimes involving the royal family, circuses, and ertswhile family members. In this installment, Veronica and Stoker discover that Alice Baker-Greene, a lady mountain climber may have been murdered. The suspects? Members of the Alpenwald (a minuscule European nation) court. I love everything about these novels, but especially how strong the relationship is between Stoker and Veronica. This series is a favorite of mine for a reason. Looking forward to reading the next one!

This was not the book for me. I did finally finish reading it, but it took months, and that is so unlike me. I had trouble staying engaged with the story, as there seemed to be so much repetition. For all the readers who adore Veronica and Stoker, more power to you, but this one just didn't cut it for me.

Veronica and Stoker do it again— or should I say Rayburn does it again! There is intrigue, sexual tension, coy banter, and mysterious circumstances that only our two protagonists can solve!

I absolutely adore Veronica Speedwell, and these books get more enjoyable with every addition to the series. Stoker and Veronica have somewhat more sedate adventures in this book, but that doesn’t detract from the story a bit.

What a fun read! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Having read this series since the first book, I can honestly say that the sixth book in The Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series is just as captivating as the very first. Entering back into this world created by Raybourn is like revisiting friends. Now...they are murder-solving friends, but still. I love the flow of the writing, the plot steeped in historical details, and an investigation filled with twists and turns. Bring on the next book!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

An Unexpected Peril is the satisfying sixth installment in the Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series. Veronica and Stoker find themselves wrapped up in another murder when a mountain climber’s death that seemed to be accident is in fact murder. There are connections to a princess, who goes missing, and Veronica comically steps into her royal shoes to save the day.

Deanna Raybourn is one of my favorite authors, and An Unexpected Peril is thoroughly enjoyable but not as brilliant as the earlier books in the series. There is still loads of chemistry between Veronica and Stoker, and their banter still bites, sizzles, and amuses. Their relationship is progressing but not without hiccups. I have always admired Veronica’s fierce independence and intelligence, but here she gets in her own way. At times, she comes across as selfish and supremely insensitive. Bless Stoker for putting up with her at all. Of course, readers can expect friction from two such strong personalities, but Veronica grates this time around. I do still adore them, though, and hope that Veronica shows some growth going forward.

The mystery of climber Alice’s death is ultimately a sad tale. Her story is interesting, and I was surprised by the extent of the princess’s involvement, but it is never edge-of-your-seat exciting. The story moves along at a good pace, but even with some threats of danger, the overall feel of the book is quite cozy. I did not feel the peril that the title suggests and wanted more adventure and thrills. The mystery is well thought out with clues sprinkled throughout and several suspects to consider. Veronica’s impersonation of the princess feels a bit like filler, but it is entertaining and provides some much needed levity. Readers must suspend reality for it all to work.

An Unexpected Peril is not the best book of the series, but it is still quite good. I have just developed a deep love and high expectations for the books. It can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading this series in order to fully appreciate the characters’ histories and dynamics.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the Arc! This was a solid entry into the series. I enjoyed it far more than the previous book and appreciate the character development of Veronica and Stoker. The mystery was enjoyable and I would be pleased to continue reading the series.

This series continues to delight! Even with an advanced copy Veronica is on my auto buy list and a book series I give as gifts. Her adventures are just excellent!

This was a fantastic read! After everything that happened in the previous book, I was excited to see where these characters went from there. And given that the synopsis of this book mentions that Veronica poses as a foreign royal-which crosses her path with England's royalty-her family that she receives no acknowledgement for. Yeah.

I had a great time with this mystery! Because of the various political interests-that it happened in another country, one where the important people don't want it looked into because it appears as an accident. Because it's a tiny country with a border with Germany-right when the Queen's grandson is becoming a problem. But Veronica investigates anyways, which is helped by having to take the princess's place!

These people have a lot of secrets! And it was hard to know which ones might be connected to the mystery, There was Gisela's presumed to be intended, who I wasn't sure if we could trust him or not, he was questionable. And there were Gisela's secrets as well...

One tiny thing that I'd like to note. As an Albertan, I don't want Douglas Norton around these parts, even if it happened before I was born, even if it's fiction! He's an odious man, what he did to Alice was despicable, and he shouldn't tread around our Rocky Mountains!

This was a really great read, and I can't wait for the next in this series!

Veronica is highly intelligent with a sharp tongue and wit that is put to the test in this book. Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is her sleuthing partner. He is cranky and reclusive but perfect for her. Journalist J.J. Butterworth has a small role in the story and is becoming a regular supporting cast. Baroness von Wallenberg is the Princess's Lady-in-waiting and the chancellor, Count von Rechstein guide Veronica through the myriad of details in her role as princess and add to the story.

There is the princess's disappearance, Alice Baker-Greene's murder, and the dangers of posing as the princess that gets more dangerous as the investigation continues. The plot has plenty going on and the pacing picks up after all the setup for the story is in place.

Another fantastic killer reveal and tense show down. Love the climaxes in this series. The wrap-up provides closure and a nice surprise for Veronica and Stoker.

There was a good bit of setup before the meat of the situation. But once I was in the heart of the story, it was an absorbing read. I liked Veronica disguised as the princess and everything she went through. Even though the story takes place entirely in London, the fiction country of Alpenwald becomes so real that at times I felt the story partially took place there. Excellent story and mystery, for the motive was slowly uncovered until things clicked into place. If you enjoy historical mysteries, this is top notch like all the books in this series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it!

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
A little slow to start, but could not put down from middle to end. Another exceptional adventure about Veronica Speedwell and Stoker.

This was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review


This is the sixth book in this series and I love getting more of these characters. That being said, this one didn't have as much spark as some of the earlier books. Don't get me wrong I love Veronica and Stoker working together, that's always the highlight. The mystery element was what was frustrating and lacking. I could never tire of reading about Veronica and Stokers adventures.

I always can’t resist sinking back into this world and with these characters. Their chemistry continues to crackle and sparkle and the mystery has enough teeth to keep me turning the pages. Can’t wait for the next installment!

I just continue to love this book and this series. If you’ve read the entire series and were worried that everything would fizzle now that Stoker and Veronica have finally gotten together, rest assured—that is not the case. Our main characters are fleshed out and complex, and romance is just one dimension of their lives and interactions. The mystery in this book is captivating, and we get a bonus interlude for the middle of the book where Veronica must pose as the Alpenwalder princess for various reasons. Great fun!

I absolutely adore this book series and would gladly read another 10 books about Stoker and Veronica. Each book continues to feel fresh and fun and introduces new interesting dynamics between to two main characters. I love the progressive stances this book takes, even for something that takes place in the 1880s. It's a perfect example of how historical fiction does not need to be confined to the social ideologies of the time and can still remain authentic.

There was a declaration of love in this book that was one of the most swoon-worthy things I have ever laid my eyes on.

Character building continues to grow, though Veronica remains slightly stagnant in her refusal to be "tied down" and losing her freedom. You empathize with her but also become increasingly frustrated with her refusal to really see Stoker. The world building in this was great with Apenwald and their customs. It was great to read about mountaineering women in the late nineteenth-century. I felt this book was really slow going compared to previous Veronica Speedwell novels but that might have to do with the amount of world building need to understand Apenwald.

I was so excited to see that Veronica’s and Stoker’s story continues. Again their adventures were wonderfully epic and wild and so fun to read.