Mountain climbing, mustaches, and mayhem come together in this latest installment chronicling the adventures of Veronica and her stalwart sidekick, Stoker. Once again, the pair find themselves embroiled in a mystery surrounding the death of an English mountain climber. This book has it all...humor, intrigue, sexual tension, and taxidermy. I find myself wondering if Veronica is truly happy, existing on the edge of adventure, unfettered by structured living arrangements and relationships. Or is that me applying my own lens to her situation? Either way, an excellent new installment in the series. I'm looking forward to more! Excelsior!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of An Unexpected Peril.

I have been reading Veronica and Stoker's adventures since they started! We never know what our unconventional Victorian couple is going to encounter. In An Unexpected Peril, we meet the Princess of Alpenward, a fictional country, and investigate the death of famed female climber, Alice Baker-Greene.

I enjoyed the beginning and end of this novel, but felt the middle moved a bit too slow. There were a bit too many characters from Alpenward, that were hard to distinguish from each other and I found the idea that Veronica could dress up as the princess and no one would know to be pretty unbelievable, even if they did look alike. I did enjoy Veronica's musing about how difficult it was to take on that role and her venture into the royal class, even as an imposter.

My favorite part? The descriptions of the French pastries that were served at the hotel, but that could be because I'm going through a patisserie phase. Honestly, I felt this book was missing the adventure and fun that Veronica loves so much, although that may have been on purpose, as Stoker is worried that she's becoming bored with him and her life. I'll continue to read of course, I just hope the note in her pocket in the closing scene leads to adventure and travel.

Easily the best part of this book was that it wasn't the previous installment. As in, it was better. Not that it counts for much as I felt book five just so overwhelmingly.. well, not good. But anyway, yes, this was likely the closest to being what I loved from these books in the early installments. For which I'm grateful, even as I continue to believe I have just lost the love for this world. Or maybe the magic just isn't there anymore. One or the other.

While I won't say that this mystery was compelling or edge of your seat, I do think the diversion of the politics of this little country, and the involvement of the princess to the murder victim, was well done. I even appreciated that despite how things are now going for our investigative duo, there are still moments of friction and disagreements and yet it doesn't become a big moment of drama. They work through their clashes, resolve them, and I appreciate that adult behaviour. I do think my love for Veronica will never quite return and it's definitely Stoker that is keeping me in this game but she does have her moments.

Overall, even though we had some near death/disaster moments, the stakes never really feel high or even remotely tense. I think the series has just become somewhat.. fluffy? Lighthearted? I think I saw another reviewer say cozy and I don't disagree with that actually. They are a little silly, while balancing real moments of history, and maybe I just have to stop taking them as seriously as I have during the last few installments. I don't know. Time will tell. Because I still don't think we know how many more books are to come. I wish we did.

Ultimately this wasn't a bad addition to the series and I am happy to not have been disappointed yet again.

Veronica Speedwell continues to be charming in her 6th appearance. Now in relationship with Stoker, they are once again drawn into a murder when Stoker notices something suspicious about the rope a female climber was using when she died. Stoker, who is a bit tired of being drawn into dangerous murder investigations, is nonetheless along for the ride once again as Veronica is drawn into court intrigue and impersonating royalty.
I still really enjoy this series and these characters. However, this installment is perhaps lacking a bit of the suspense, adventure, and overall charm of its predecessors. Like Veronica and Stoker, this book is perhaps suffering a bit from ennui.

* I will add a link when review posts closer to the release date.


I fell in love with Veronica Speedwell and Revelstoke Templeton-Vane quite by accident last year. I thought I would dip my toe into more of the historical mystery genre after glomming the Sebastian St. Cyr series and then couldn’t stop reading. Veronica and Stoker were just so damn amazing.

An Unexpected Peril is the sixth book in this series and features a Veronica and Stoker who have finally admitted their feelings for each other and are currently reveling in the pleasures of the flesh and enjoying each other’s company.

Still residing in their cottages near The Belvedere and cataloging the mysteries of the Rosemorran Collection, they are asked by the sister of their benefactor to help with an exhibit of the recently deceased Alice Baker- Greene, a fellow member of the Curiosity Club and famous mountaineer. Only the evidence points toward murder rather than a simple fall and Veronica simply won’t rest until the mystery is solved. Stoker isn’t convinced diving headlong into another investigation is in their best interest, but the disappearance of the princess of the small country where the crime allegedly occurred thrusts them right into the middle of a mess once again.

As far as murder mysteries go, this wasn’t my favorite of the series. I really didn’t become invested until Veronica was forced into standing in for a missing monarch and Stoker insisted on posing as her bodyguard. And where Veronica and Stoker go, so does adventure and danger. I do like how this author wrapped up all the plot threads and will admit to being a bit surprised by the identity of the villain.

What I did really enjoy was seeing this version of them as a couple. Despite having admitted their feelings to each other there are still uncertainties and worries about where the future will take them. It was lovely seeing them work through some things and become more surefooted as a couple. There was still fabulous witty banter and sizzling chemistry between them, but now we also get heartfelt declarations from Stoker as well. Swoooooon. I adore their playfulness and steady devotion to each other, and that they have a keen awareness of what makes the other tick. Their commitment to one another doesn’t require a marriage proposal and their future will surely be unconventional. And that’s okay.

Veronica and Stoker continue to be my jam. Goodness but I love them.

Yet another great addition in the Veronica Speedwell series. I look forward to whatever comes next. I highly recommend this series.

Oh Veronica Speedwell, how I love thee! I love the spunk of her character and her ever changing relationship with Stoker. This book was the perfect edition to the series. Once again they find themselves in the midst of a murder investigation and Veronica must come to terms with her ever growing restlessness and the family that will not acknowledge her.

Recieved an ARC from Netgalley for an honest opinion.

Just as good as the others in this series, I love the relationship between Veronica and Stoker.

Veronica and Stoker are in the midst of setting up an exhibition dedicated to the late Alice Baker-Green, a pioneering mount climber, at the Curiosity Club. Veronica and Stoker unearth evidence that leads them to believe Alice’s death might not have been an accident. After advising the Princess of Alpenwald of their findings, she goes missing shortly thereafter. Due to an uncanny resemblance to the Princess, those closest to the Princess beg Veronica to impersonate to avoid an international scandal.

Honestly this book was my least favourite in the series so far. Not to say this book was bad by any means this is one of my favourite historical fiction series of all time. It’s just the least exciting in a series of well-written and thrilling reads.

The overall murder mystery was not all that interesting and kind of seemed underwhelming compared to previous plots. Maybe it’s my aversion to all things winter? Like the others in the series, the book is such an atmospheric read.

What I did love was Veronica impersonating a member of the royal family who went missing. Not to mention her navigating what it means to be in a relationship and how to avoid losing herself in her relationship, which is something I think most people can relate to. While I felt the ending was a bit underwhelming, I think that may have been the point. Not to give away what happens, but it felt like something so absurd and dangerous was so easily shrugged off because it was just another day in the life of Veronica and Stoker.

Veronica is such an intelligent character and yet her intelligence never comes across as unbelievable or unrealistic. The way she is able to decipher clues always feels natural and not reaching. Stoker is such a great character that balances Veronica. While he tries to make her see reason and keep her safe, he’s still there to go along with her outlandish plots.

If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I would recommend sending it to the top of your TBR piles immediately! Now if only Ms. Raybourn could write faster because I eagerly await the next book in the series!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #BerkleyPublishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Any good series eventually has the nature of human relationships at its core. One can go the pure action/adventure route for a few titles, but action alone is ultimately not a sustainable path. When action is allowed to be the backdrop for the exploration of character and connection, then you have a remarkable series. Throw in the humor and intelligence of author Deanna Raybourn's Veronica and Stoker, and you have a combination that is winning treat for the reader.

An Unexpected Peril allows the pair to confront Veronica's ennui and her very mixed emotions regarding her family of origin through her impersonation of a rogue princess, an impersonation made necessary by an investigation into the death of a mountain climbing acquaintance of Veronica's. And while the mystery is well done, it is secondary to the exploration of the couple's relationship, which is at a crossroads that most literary duos never reach simply because most authors choose never to "go there."

Verdict: a treat to be savored for its humor but mostly because of its humanity.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review

I have enjoyed this series and this one is no exception. Veronica and Stoker are a great team and in this one they must solve a murder, plus Veronica must impersonate a missing princess to sign a peace treaty. The plot sounds absurd but it works. The other characters are well portrayed.

This is the first book I have read in this series, but that did not prove to be a problem. I really enjoyed adventurous Veronica and her good friend and lover Stoker. Convinced that the death of a woman mountain climber was not an accident, Veronica drags Stoker into adventures involving the royals in a tiny country. I highly recommend.

Oh My Word! Have I mentioned how much I love this series??? I do so love it. I LOVE how brilliant Veronica is and that she doesn't hide it in the least, but yet she isn't a know-it-all but thirsts for knowledge. I love Stoker and how he is her perfect match and straight man to Veronica's unintended comedic turns. I love the whole cast of characters and the special guest stars like Alice's grandmother. Can't wait for the next installment!!!

Veronica Speedwell is at it again! Veronica and her ever so virile and romantic partner, Stoker, find themselves in the mountainous country of Alpenwald. Chasing the clues to the murder of the famous mountain climber and impersonating royalty are just some of Miss Speedwell's talents in An Unexpected Peril. This is the sixth book in the series and proves to be another fun adventure mixed with danger and romance. An enjoyable read that doesn't disappoint!

Veronica and Stoker are asked to curate a memorial exhibition for mountain climber Alice Baker-Greene and in the process discover that her death was not an accident. After they tell their findings to the patron Princess Gisela of Alpenwald, she goes missing. With the princess gone and many looming responsibilities including keeping a peace treaty, Veronica agrees to impersonate the princess since they look so much alike. This proves to be more of a challenge than she could have anticipated considering the circles royalty run in and the family she tries to avoid.

I thought the mystery in this was better than in A Murderous Relation, but while that one was a bit more action packed this one has a more laid back feel to it. The characters we meet are all equally likable and yet suspicious and cause for a lot of guessing of who killed Alice Baker-Greene. The mystery is not that easily solved and that is greatly appreciated. Another thing I appreciated was the costume changes and jealous growls from Stoker.

Impersonating a princess has Veronica thinking a lot about what her independence really means to her and how different her life could have been if her family had claimed her and it’s nice to see her be more vulnerable for a change. Don’t get me wrong her personality can still be a bit annoying but at least Stoker isn't afraid to call her out. The relationship aspect was good in that we get some tender/ sweet parts, but I firmly believe that Stoker is too good for Veronica. I hope that we get to see her be more truthful to herself and in the process I hope there is not any angst in the future.

Definitely keep on with the series as I felt this was a stronger addition.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @berkley and @netgalley for the free review copy of AN UNEXPECTED PERIL (Veronica Speedwell #6). PUB DATE 03.02.21

I LOVE this series. This is another fabulous installment of the historical mystery adventures of Speedwell and Stoker. (Yes- you must read them in order.)

Veronica Speedwell is my favorite kind of character: smart, quick-tongued, vivacious, and loyal.. She knows who she is and won't sacrifice that based on other peoples expectations. She is full of moxie and gumption. I wish I could join her for a glass of aguardiente as she regales me with tales of her and Stoker's latest mystery. AN UNEXPECTED PERIL in particular because it had some twists that made me gasp out loud.

(P.S.- Stoker's not bad either :) #speedwellandstoker4life)

I love these characters so much and enjoy seeing the characters relationship evolve. Deanna Raybourn has this magical ability to bring the mystery to life through both her writing and storytelling style. And oh my goodness- she has impeccable word choice. I find myself highlighting 'new-to-me' words that have me running to the dictionary and wondering how I can work them into conversation.

I usually inhale these books, but this time I slowed down and savored the story. I read a little bit each day until I hit the point where I couldn't be stopped. I'm already anxiously awaiting the next installment.

⠀

Another delightful entry in the Veronica Speedwell series! Veronica is at her best here and though the adventure she gets caught up in is far fetched, the narration has enough self-awareness and humor to it that it doesn't grate. I also appreciated the emotional development of Veronica and Stoker's relationship that avoids the common trope of tearing people apart as soon as they get together while still grappling with the hurdles these two might face.
Would definitely recommend to continuing readers of the series and the continuing quality makes the first entry even more recommendable.

There are a handful of authors that I follow religiously and read anything and everything they put out. Deanna Raybourn is one of those few. In my opinion she can do no wrong. I'd read her description of a turtle race and be fascinated.
While compiling an exhibit for recently deceased mountain climber, Alice Baker-Greene, Veronica and Stoker discover her fall from a mountain was not a terrible accident, but murder. Convincing the Alpenwald delegation to pursue Alice's death as a murder hits a dead end until the sovereign Princess disappears and The Alpenwalders approach Veronica for assistance.
I love the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker. Very enjoyable read.

As usual, I enjoyed this Veronica and Stoker adventure. The only thing that threw me a bit is that she was said to look a lot like her mother, and yet she looks so much like a distant relation on her father’s side that she can pretend to be her for official functions. Other than that, I found the story engaging and enjoyed uncovering clues with the characters.

One of the things I love about Deanna Raybourn’s series is the history she peppers throughout her narratives. I spend almost as much time on sidequests looking up the historical references as I do reading the story. I really like the characters and their interactions with each other. I look forward to Veronica and Stoker growing into their relationship.

Veronica Speedwell—lepidopterist, intrepid adventureress, and amateur lady detective—is back for a sixth adventure. With Stoker, her faithful partner-turned-lover, she turns her sleuthing skills to the case of an alpinist, who fell off a mountain. Although the death is ruled a tragic accident, close examination of her climbing rope indicates foul play. Veronica and Stoker sally forth to get to the bottom of this mountain of a case.

Puns aside, this one took awhile to get set up, partly because we’re introduced to a fictional European principality, the Alpenwald (a name that practically appears on every single page). While interesting enough, learning about the Alpenwald considerably bogs down the pace. Veronica must also impersonate the Alpenwald’s ruling princess. In a series rife with such shenanigans, I actually find this particular one just too wildly improbable to be fully enjoyable.

In the last book, Veronica and Stoker finally progressed in their series-long, will they/won’t they game. Highly entertaining as that has been, I don’t think the shallow attempt to return them to that same tension yet is the right choice for them.

Still, the writing maintains a strong consistency and it’s nice to be back in Victorian London with these characters. Had I been on vacation, I would’ve enjoyed this book more than I did. But if you’re a Veronica Speedwell fan like me, then you won’t want to miss any episodes, even this one.

This is an entertaining installment in this series. I always enjoy seeing what Veronica and Stoker are up to. I was a little curious about why she created a made up country versus just using an actual country but it was not a huge deal. But I would have preferred the other.