Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for providing me this Digital Advanced Readers Copy of the book!

The premise of A Grave Robbery hooked me from the start—what begins as an innocuous project for Lord Rosemorran quickly turns into a chilling mystery. I found the discovery of a natural body inside what was thought to be a wax figure both gruesome and compelling. Deanna Raybourn masterfully weaves this morbid twist into a thrilling adventure that takes Veronica and Stoker into the darkest corners of Victorian science and macabre obsession.

The atmospheric setting of A Grave Robbery is a standout, with London’s fog-drenched streets and shadowy laboratories adding tension to each chapter. This immersive backdrop, combined with the dynamic between Veronica’s sharp wit and Stoker’s steadfast determination, offers moments of humour and tenderness amid the danger, making the story even more engaging.

The mystery in A Grave Robbery is expertly paced, with a few moments where the narrative delves into scientific explanations. While these moments slowed the pace for me, the race to uncover the villain and prevent another murder kept me turning pages late into the night, fully engaged in the story.

If you’ve enjoyed previous installments of this series, this one won’t disappoint. The stakes feel higher, and the setting creates an eerie, fitting backdrop. While it’s not the fastest-paced of Veronica and Stoker’s cases, it’s undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric and unsettling.

In A Grave Robbery, the ninth installment of the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn, readers are treated to a blend of mystery and character development as Veronica and Stoker delve into the mystery of an Anatomical Venus. This entry takes a more subdued approach compared to earlier adventures, focusing on a straightforward murder mystery that might feel a bit less thrilling for longtime fans. While the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker remains engaging, some romance enthusiasts may find the relationship's progression somewhat lacking. Overall, it's an enjoyable read that continues to set the stage for future installments in the series​.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC of this title. I had to get caught up on the series, hence my late review!

We're 9 books in, so it is hard to give a review that doesn't spoil everything that has transpired between Veronica and Stoker in the previous entries. However, when it comes to them, just know that they remain my favorites and they are on good terms with each other. In fact, one of my favorite things about them is the ways in which they say to each other "I love you," without saying those words. They know and understand each other intimately and it brings tears to my eyes.

These books are funny, the historical aspects are grounded in reality and Deanna Raybourn uses her author's note to tell you more about some of the history here with the wax works (of Madame Toussaud's fame) as well as forms of preservation of the dead used at the time.

J.J. and Mornaday get more to do here and it is refreshing to have Veronica and Stoker let them in and have them do a lot of the solving of the mystery of "the Beauty" a wax preserved woman. How did this happen to her, who is responsible, etc.? and making sure she is properly laid to rest. We also get appearances from Sir Rupert and Lady Lavinia (Stoker's brother and his wife), their benefactor Lord Rosemorran as well as Lady Wellie and the young Lady Rose. There are some new friends including a tamarind monkey and an unlikely undertaker.

This series can continue forever as far as I'm concerned. I'll keep reading as long as they keep being written.

Long time fans of Raybourn's Veronica Speedwell series will love the newest installment of Veronica's and Stoker's mystery investigations and shenanigans. One of the things I love about this series is the way readers also have the opportunity to learn about culture and practices of the Victorian era in England, in this case, funereal and burial practices. There were many times that I paused my reading to jump online to learn more about a practice referenced in the book, helping to expand my own knowledge.

While this book could be read as a standalone, it is definitely best enjoyed, in my opinion, after reading the previous books in the series.

The mystery was well done but after the ending of the previous two books the relationship between Veronica and Stoker is frustrating to read.
Stay for the mystery but if the main draw to this book was the relationship between Veronica and Stoker give it a pass.

A Grave Robbery is the 9th Veronica Speedwell mystery by Deanna Raybourn. Released 12th March 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a historical cozy mystery with a heaping helping of saucy romance between the main character duo (Veronica and Stoker). There is a fair bit of backstory for the characters and setup for the storyline, so it doesn't perhaps work as well as a standalone. Happily, the series is wonderfully well written and engaging, so reading them more or less in order isn't onerous. Additionally, there are some major spoilers for the characters' development over the course of the series, so expect spoilers if read out of order. The entire series is well written, light, and diverting, so a definite contender for a binge/buddy reading session.

The main characters are a lepidopterist (Veronica) and a taxidermist (Stoker), so the author gets points for the characters' appealingly nerdy quirks. Their backstories are as varied as they are and there are significant subplot elements revolving around their family entanglements. Although some plot elements are rather dark (extortion, duplicity, etc) the book itself is firmly in the cozy mystery romance genre.

Thoroughly readable and entertaining, the series will remind readers of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody. There's no objectionable language, but there are strongly sexually suggestive scenes between the two main characters, some shooting, stabbing, and other light to moderate mayhem. Scattered throughout all of the books are references to specific nomenclature and natural history. It's very nerdy and all good fun. For readers in search of meticulously researched dialogue and verisimilitude, this one will likely engender teeth gnashing. Bring a hefty suspension of disbelief. On the other hand, it's delightfully wonky, humorous, and ever so slightly spicy (with a few bodices being metaphorically ripped in the course of the adventure).

Four and a half stars. The series goes from strength to strength, but this is an exceptionally good "episode". Recommended for fans of the genre (light romantic historical cozy mystery). It would make a nice buddy or book club read as well as a solid choice for public library acquisition.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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If you thought this lively Victorian mystery series would start to lose steam by its ninth installment, you'd be sorely mistaken. Veronica and Stoker are back on the case as they discover that Lord Rosemorran's most recent acquisition, a life-size wax figure ala Sleeping Beauty is in fact a deceased woman. With their trademark banter, a colorful cast of supporting characters, this duo's wild adventure in A Grave Robbery may be their best book yet!

This book was such a delight from beginning to end: lushly detailed Victorian setting, witty and charming main characters, humorous dialogue, all surrounding a cozy non-stressful mystery. Well, as cozy as it can be when the story begins with a beautiful wax figure discovered to be a corpse.

Veronica and Stoker are companions and lovers, working brilliantly on similar projects and surrounded by oddities and curiosities. They set out together on an adventurous investigation, all while wearing divine outfits and consuming delicious things and helping each other to escape various forms of peril.

I loved this couple with their chemistry and affection, sparkling banter. This book is the latest in a series of nine to date, but it works very well as a standalone. I hadn't read any of the earlier ones, but I'll definitely be adding them to my TBR.

Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for this book to review!

Deanna Raybourn's latest installment in the Veronica Speedwell series, "Grave Robbery," is a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and adventure that captivates from start to finish. As the ninth entry in the series, it's a testament to Raybourn's skill as an author that she continues to keep readers engaged and eager for more.

One of the most satisfying aspects of "Grave Robbery" is the evolution of Veronica and Stoker's relationship. Throughout the series, their dynamic has been a central focus, and in this latest installment, Raybourn expertly navigates the complexities of their romance. Readers who may have been dissatisfied with Veronica's character in previous books will find her growth and development in "Grave Robbery" particularly rewarding. The depth of emotion and connection between Veronica and Stoker is palpable, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already compelling mystery.

Speaking of mystery, Raybourn delivers once again with a plot that is as intricate as it is captivating. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, "Grave Robbery" takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. From clandestine meetings to heart-pounding chases through the cobblestone streets of London, the story never loses its momentum, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

What sets "Grave Robbery" apart from other entries in the series is its ability to inject new life into familiar characters and settings. Raybourn's attention to detail and rich historical backdrop immerse readers in Veronica and Stoker's world, while still leaving room for exploration and discovery. Whether it's uncovering long-buried secrets or delving into the darker side of Victorian society, "Grave Robbery" is a testament to Raybourn's skill at crafting compelling narratives that keep readers coming back for more.

In conclusion, "Grave Robbery" is a triumph of storytelling that will delight fans of the Veronica Speedwell series and newcomers alike. With its winning combination of romance, mystery, and adventure, Deanna Raybourn's ninth installment is a testament to her talent as an author and a reminder of why this series continues to captivate readers after all these years

Veronica and Stoker discover that not all fairy tales have happy endings, and some end in murder, in this latest historical mystery from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn..
Deanna Raybourn writes an exciting mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of A Grave Robbery.

I normally love the adventures of Veronica and Stoker but this book was a total snooze fest. I don’t understand how a series full of misadventures and fun could lead to a book that was just . . . uneventful and boring.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

What a fun cozy mystery this was! I caught myself smiling multiple times at the jabs Speedwell and Stoker took at each other in jest. They’re like lovers who playfully berate each other and I thought it was hilarious. They also made such a great team I think and I enjoyed both their personalities. I did feel for Veronica Speedwell as it was hard to be taken seriously as a woman back then (I mean even now too), so Stoker had to front a lot of it even though she was kind of the brains of the whole operation. Also the mystery itself! A body buried inside of a wax figure. Horrifying. But what a mystery it was, and I had fun uncovering other little mysteries along the way! It also made the title kind of punny.

This one was #9 in the series though you definitely do not have to read all the prior ones to enjoy this one. Think of it like those TV shows that have a “monster of the week” formula. Where you can read them out of order and still be relatively okay, but know that there is someone of a connecting plot underlying it all.


Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the copy!

Another fantastic entry in the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries. Stoker and Veronica are always highly amusing and this story had mystery, intrigue, and moved along very quickly.

The Veronica Speedwell series continues to be one of my favorites. In A Grave Robbery, Veronica and Stoker come into possession of an "anatomical Venus", a wax figure of a young woman. Upon examination, they discover that it is actually the corpse of a young woman, embalmed in such a way as to give the appearance of the Venus. Of course they must investigate. I love how the characters continue to progress and grow through this series and the reappearance of several characters from previous novels adds to the delight. I hope this series keeps going- it never fails to keep me entertained!

This was an enjoyable read. It felt a fair bit more low stakes than previous instalments in the series, but it was still entertaining.

The plot/mystery for this one was an incredibly clever idea. One of the most memorable ways to hide a dead body that I’ve ever read.

I am starting to feel like the series might be starting to wind down. I’m sure going to miss these characters when we eventually reach the inevitable end.

It's time for another adventure with Veronica and Stoker. They start out with a tamarin monkey (which is quickly pawned off on Lord Rosemorran's youngest daughter) and end up with a Beauty. Supposedly an anatomical model that doctors could use to study the human body since dissection during this time period was so reviled. However, this beauty was obviously a young woman who was once a living person, not a wax work. But who could have done something so heinous?
The trail leads them to a pair of twins whose scientific inquiries were supported by the second son of a lord. A fire supposedly killed the male twin and his laboratory but did he really die?
Stoker and Veronica pick up some new friends in this book including Plutree, a mortician who has an overbearing mother and is interested in profiling. The other is Spyridon, a man who Stoker knew in Greece but who traveled back to England with Lady Wellie who seems to be getting more frail.

Four stars
This book comes out March 12, 2024
Follows A Sinister Revenge
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Such a good installment in this series!! Veronica and Stoker are back in all their loving bickering glory. The mystery in this one is super creepy and so good. JJ and Mornaday are back too. The whole thing is great!

I discovered author Deanna Raybourn many years ago. I love all her books. She has written some wonderful historical mystery series that I will forever cherish, this series being at the top of that list. Veronica is such a wonderful character and I have loved watching her and Stoker grow together as a couple and in their friendship throughout the course of the series.

Naturally this was on the TOP of my TBR list for this year. There have been times though where I have felt like maybe this series could have wrapped up but it is hard to say good bye to characters that you have become attached to. I do think that once a series goes past about 5-6 books it gets to be a little much—not always but occasionally. I definitely felt that way when I read book 8 in this series. But I love the characters so much that I felt compelled to come back to this series for another installment.

If you are finding this series for the first time with this book, I HIGHLY suggest going back to read the books from beginning to end as this book especially would be a challenge to jump into as there are other threads from previous books in this one. I am excited that this isn’t the last book in the series yet, I think there is still more to be had in the narratives—-plus I love this series and even if I feel like it could wrap up, that doesn’t mean I want it to!

Summary

Veronica and Stoker discover that not all fairy tales have happy endings, and some end in murder, in this latest historical mystery from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?

Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors? (summary from Goodreads)

Review

I really liked how this one started off with a bang as it were. This book didn’t do a lot of entry build up and reminder about where we are in the series. There was SOME but the author is clearly assuming that readers at this point are familiar with the characters and backstory so the focus then becomes BOOM the mystery right out of the gate and I really liked that about this book. I also loved how this one was a little more morbid than in previous books. It wasn’t overly morbid but there was definitely a darker tone in this book and I really thought it made things more interesting for example, I liked the wax figure exhibit as a catalyst to the murder. It gave this kind of darker tone with the discovery of the body.

The atmosphere in this book and series as a whole is always top shelf. I love the moody gaslight, it really sets the tone for the murder mystery. I only wish I had been reading this one on a cold foggy night instead of in the spring but overall I felt transported and immersed in the story and the setting. Along with the setting, I enjoy the prose. While not for everyone, I feel like the thickness of the prose works for this time period and the nature of the characters. Both of them are clearly a little ‘over the top’ in their own charming ways, and I think that the thick prose adds to that sense of ‘extra-ness’ that one comes to expect from these lovely characters!

Personally I liked this book more than I liked previous books in the series. I feel like the first five were AMAZING then thing started to wan a little bit for me but with this book things started picking up again. Plus the murder mystery was fantastic and I loved discovering the who and why of this one! I thought the story flowed well and of course I love the characters, but I also loved that there were some call backs to previous books and story threads that I had forgotten about until rediscovering them here. I really love how the author is drawing everything together and I am excited to see where this series goes from here!

Book Info and Rating

Format 326 pages, Hardcover

Published March 12, 2024 by Berkley

ISBN 9780593545959 (ISBN10: 0593545958)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Berkley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: historical fiction, mystery, cozy mystery