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

The next installment in the Veronica Speedwell series, centered around the mystery of a dead woman encased in wax. Veronica and Stoker make for an endearing couple and the science and history of the time are well done. Overall, a great addition to the series and fans of the series will enjoy it.

Thank you so much to Berkley, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for providing advanced copies of this book! All thought and opinions are still my own.

This series is an all-time favorite and I never want it to end. I've fallen so in love with Stoker and Veronica and this book just cemented that further.

Like with every Veronica Speedwell book, this can definitely be read as a standalone. While you miss some history of the MCs relationship, the mystery elements stand completely on their own, and any relevant points from past mysteries are explained/wrapped up at the beginning of each book.

And this was such a fun mystery! Like with any mystery, I've preferred some more than others throughout this series. And this one was definitely a favorite. I love how this series explores the many facets of women (and honestly anyone "othered"), during a time when people were expecting to fit into neat little boxes.

Despite loving all of that, my favorite aspect of this book was the character development. Or more precisely, getting to see how much these 2 characters have grown since book. Veronica is still feisty and hard headed, but learning her limitations. Stoker is learning how to protect without holding Veronica back. They're both learning to accept help and that other people may have useful skills after all. And their romance ... be still my beating heart.

There were so many passages that left me absolutely swooning. These two love each other so fiercely and I adore them.

I really hope we continue to get more and more Veronica Speedwell books. Because I would read this series forever.

Veronica and Stoker have a macabre mystery to solve when Lord Rosemorran brings home what is supposed to be a wax figure of a woman under glass and they discover this is no wax figure. It’s a real-life dead woman!

A Grave Robbery, despite its morbid mystery, was a delight! Clever and so funny! I’m so happy that Veronica and Stoker have finally settled into their romance and the conflict doesn’t come their relationship. I loved how they worked together, united against any problems they faced. It was fun to have J.J. and Mornaday working with them, as well. Their contributions were valuable and the interactions fun!

The small tamarin monkey, who adored Stoker was endlessly entertaining! I love all the animals they’ve added to their family!

It was a danger-filled, thrilling conclusion! The series is best read from the beginning.

I cannot get enough of Veronica, Stoker, Mornaday and JJ. The plot and character development in this book were excellent. The characters have been developed naturally throughout the series, but are in no way predictable. The plot was interesting and, as always, propulsive. I couldn't wait to read it, and I have a serious book hangover now!

Another show stopper from Raybourn! Over the course of this series I have fallen in love with V and Stoker, as well as JJ, Mornaday, and Lady Wellie. I loved that JJ and Mornaday took a more active role in the mystery this time. Raybourn has captured a balance of humor, heart, and mystery perfectly. After the tumultuous relationship of Stoker and Veronica in the last two books, I was glad to see them once again reluctantly homogenous. As always, I am anxious for the next adventure. Delightful, splendid, stupendous! Excelsior!

Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

Each book in this series is a new mystery to solve. While they can all certainly be read as standalones, I do think reading from the beginning is such a pleasure as you really get to see the progression is and well worth it.

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn is a good fit for readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of romance and feminism.

A great addition to the series is this 9th book. A historical mystery is just the perfect comfort read and this really checked all the boxes. I love this one.
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I Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy this series but for me this book was a struggle. The first half unfolded at a glacial pace, leaving me moving back and forth between the written version and the audiobook. Desperate to rekindle my interest, I even cranked up the audiobook speed to 1.5x. But it wasn’t until the halfway mark that the narrative finally captured me.

Where the story truly shines is in its humor and banter. As the plot thickens, Veronica and Stoker—our dynamic duo—take center stage. Their chemistry, lukewarm in the first half of the book, now erupts into a delightful dance of wit and revelations. The number of characters initially exhausted me, but then came the twist—a surprise that blindsided me. There’s nothing quite like that “I didn’t see that coming” moment to refresh a reader.

Veronica and Stoker, in their own ways, peel back layers. Their relationship evolves, each revelation a stepping stone toward deeper understanding. It’s an ideal progression, one that keeps readers invested.

For those just embarking on the Speedwell journey: Start from the beginning. Deanna Raybourn weaves Veronica’s and Stoker’s backstories, but the original accounts hold treasures that can’t be fully conveyed in subsequent books.

This is another series that just never misses for me. From Veronica and Stoker and their wonderful relationship, to the always fun supporting characters and the compelling mystery driving it all,

As the ninth book in the series, there was really only one thing I really wanted from this book, and that was for Veronica and Stoker's relationship to remain solid throughout the story. If you've read this series, you know this is one of the most torturously slow burn romances out there, so I feel like these two have finally earned a bit of comfortability (at least as far as their relationship is concerned) and this book DELIVERED. Oh my goodness, these two were SO cute throughout the entire story, I was LIVING for all of their interactions. In true Stoker fashion, there are plenty of romantic lines that will have you swooning, but Veronica has a fair share of her own, which I love to see, especially considering how she viewed relationships at the start of the series.

One of the strengths of this series is the sheer amount of entertaining supporting characters, which is another reason why I think, even though each book could technically be read as a stand-alone, everyone should read from the beginning. It's just that much more entertaining having a connection to all the characters that pop in and out throughout the series. This book sees Veronica and Stoker team up with JJ and Mornaday, and I loved the dynamic between this foursome. Another character that was introduced that I absolutely adored was Spyridon. He was absolutely hilarious, and I would love to see more of him.

While the outcome of the mystery wasn't my favorite of the whole series, it was still super compelling (and also more than slightly macabre). The premise of the wax figure turning out to be an actual human was eerie, but had me hooked immediately. I also appreciated the few twists that were revealed at the very end regarding the identity of the victim, which I did not see coming.

Overall, I don't have much else to say other than I absolutely adore this series and EVERYONE needs to pick it up (from the beginning) immediately. The characters are amazing, Veronica is one of my favorite heroines of all time, and I dare you to read this and not fall head over heels in love with Stoker (challenge: impossible).

This is one of my favorites so far of the Veronica Speedwell books! The mystery itself of the beauty was both intriguing and horrible at the same time, and the inclusion of both Mornaday and J.J. Butterworth in the investigation just makes it even better. Till the end it keeps you guessing and worrying for all involved. It was well paced and we even get to meet some new characters that hopefully we will see more of in the future. It felt more high-stakes with a lot of action towards the end.

The banter and chemistry between Veronica and Stoker without outside complications is a great change. It’s just nice to see them working in tandem and secure in their love for each other without the drama of some of the past books. As an added bonus this one has a lot of sweet endearments. It was just really tender between them in this book.

Overall, the mystery is top notch and the little family of characters we have grown to love are all working at their best. I highly recommend it.

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

This series never disappoints. It's one of the few mystery series I've read that never starts to feel stale as it goes on. The plot of each, the tying in of the time period details, and the relationship between Veronica and Stoker never fails to be interesting, and I get excited every time I see a new volume is coming out.

First let me say I loved it. Of course I did. Stoker and Veronica are my very favorite and I enjoy every second I get to spend with them. Second of all, let me say that this is probably the most disturbing book in the series so far. Even Stoker thinks so (evidence by his reaction compared to previous mysteries). It also somehow made it even more poignant and creepy and tense and fascinating. No spoilers, but I was enraptured by what they uncovered and the historical significance and the implications and consequences. I was on my toes the entire time and I loved being so stressed. Also I love the merry group of misfits that Veronica has gathered and I hope she continues to trust and rely on them, because this series has the best characters.

ALSO I was LIVING for Stoker and Veronica's interactions. I have never highlighted so many passages and they way they know and understand and love each other for their true selves had me just swooning!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I adore this series and was so excited to get my hands on this latest installment. The relationship that Stoker and Speedwell have is delightfully unconventional and genuine. Both carry their own wounds, their own healing, their own passions, and blend them together when it is applicable. I love that they each expect the other to be fully themselves, even if that expression doesn't always come across. They make mistakes, they heal, they learn, they detect! I adore the way Raybourn writes-it's expressive, invoking, and engaging. I love her word choice, her vivid descriptions, and it draws you in. I find myself occasionally looking up words or ideas that she uses, to find out more. This particular installment was great! A wax figure that also has a real woman in it? Sleuthing? Historical information? It's great! This was a fabulous read start to finish.

I can’t believe this is book #9 in the Veronica Speedwell series!! I have come to love and adore this series so much. I was ecstatic to be approved for an e-ARC!

Veronica and Stoker are becoming such a great book couple! Their relationship has grown and evolved over the last nine books. Just a FYI- this is a very slow-burn romance. I have enjoyed that aspect and being able to get to watch them explore what they mean to each other. Their banter in each book keeps getting better and better. I can imagine their facial expressions, especially Stoker’s. Somehow, Veronica is just a magnet for murder mysteries! They both grew in their relationship, and I love they were both open to what each other needs.

One of the things I enjoyed about this installment is that Veronica’s entourage seems to have grown permanently. There are several characters throughout the series we get to see more of in certain books. In this book a couple of characters join forces with Veronica and Stoker. It was fun and gave some hilarious moments!

The actual murder mystery in this book wasn’t as intense as other books. It didn’t seem as dire or chaotic as other books, and I think it was a good change of pace. It doesn’t mean no drama or near-death experiences, but it was a laid back pace. It was still an interesting and twisty case! It didn’t have much impact on the overall arc of the series but feels a little like it can start a new one. I can be totally off when the next one comes out, but I can’t wait to see!

Overall, I really enjoyed this, and it’s always a highlight when I can pick up the next adventure. I cannot wait for the next one already! I’m don’t know how many more Raybourn will write, but I highly recommend picking this series up. I also recommend reading them in order. You won’t get some things or appreciate the relationships without the journey. Excelsior!!

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an e-ARC!! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

A Grave Robbery, by Deanna Raybourn, is the ninth book in the Veronica Speedwell historical mysteries series. It combines suspense, mystery, history, and romance. The plot is intriguing, the setting is striking, and the characters are appealing. The story is set in Victorian London, where Veronica and Stoker get involved in a morbid mystery. What begins as a seemingly straightforward task soon evolves into a dark and suspenseful investigation when they stumble upon a shocking discovery that propels them into a thrilling quest for the truth.

This was an entertaining and well-written historical mystery with well-developed characters. I loved the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker. Their banter is entertaining, and the chemistry between the couple is palpable. It was delightful to revisit characters from previous books and the introduction of new ones. The mystery in the story was compelling and I enjoyed all the twists and turns that heightened the suspense throughout the novel.

A Grave Robbery is another wonderful addition to the Veronica Speedwell series. This novel can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the books in sequence to truly understand the characters and their back stories. With a unique mystery, gothic elements, and a well-crafted plot, I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this historical mystery filled with lots of witty words and some action. I love how Victoria and Stoker work together. I really enjoyed all the time we get to spend with J.J. and Mornaday. I loved how fast paced the story is and I loved Wilfred. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will..

Veronica is irrepresible, determined/stubborn, whip-smart, sharp tongued, a huricane, and a hoot. Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is Veronica's reclusive and cranky love and sleuthing partner who looks like a pirate but has a vulnerable heart. They have settled into their couple status and their feelings for each other which has some tender moments.

Fearless journalist J.J. Butterworth, the British version of Nellie Bly, joins the team again. Detective Mornaday, often complaining and put-upon, is the only policeman they trust and though he is having a personal rough time, he jumps into the investigation. A new addition is a golden Marmoset monkey who adores Stoker-but Rose, daughter of their benefactor, likes to dress up the monkey and put bows in her hair, which provides comedic relief throughout. And this book has laugh-out-loud moments.

The plot is to find out the identity of this poor girl, which becomes a hunt for justice for her. Both quests take the team on a journey with several twists. I'm not a fast reader, but I read this quickly (for me) since I was so captivated by the story.

Ms Rayburn digs up some of the most interesting historical tidbits and in this outing she introduces us to a funeral train which carries the coffin and mourners to the gravesite for internment. The London Necropolis Railway was the name of the system real life train. In this book we have an underground version, which provides a great creepy setting for a few scenes. Fantastic job for a really macabre and chilling backdrop. Also the world of physically accurate wax models, Anatomical Venuses, for medical training adds to the disturbing and even surreal atmosphere of the investigation.

The climatic killer confrontation was wonderfully tense and hair-raising. I have to give kudos for every climax in this series has been unique and exciting. Besides the creativity of a murder victim embalmed as a wax figure! The wrap up sees things resolved satisfactorily on most every thread.

Now for a note on the writing style. Not only does Ms. Rayburn write historical fiction with accuracy but she inflects the style of speaking without loosing the reader. I'm not one to rapsidize on beautiful sentences or turns of phrase, but she adds to the time period and Veronica's character with her writing style.

I have read most of the books in this series and I felt this was one of the top three so far.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Deanna Raybourn does it again! I don’t think I will ever get tired of reading this series they are always so fun to read and I am always sad when it ends. As I say every time, the cover is amazing. This series truly has some of the most amazing covers.

We are back for another adventure with Veronica and Stoker and this one was a crazy one! Nothing like thinking you have a wax figure and then you open it up and bam, not a wax figure but a preserved corpse! It is like mysteries just gravitate towards them, which is good because Veronica can’t be still for long and Stoker can never say no to her, and really we all know he loves a good mystery to solve.

The plot was well written, you get glimpses here and there of past mysteries they have solved and so you get a little background if you are new to the series. It flows really well and it kept the pace up nicely. I always enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with them, and this one I did not solve, it was a nice surprise for me as well. It is nice that not only are you having and adventure and mystery solving, but along with it you still get to see Veronica and Stokers relationship grow and it was nice to see the softer side of Veronica and even the side of Stoker where he lets her be her own woman and doesn’t try to persuade her not to do something, but instead trusts her and doesn’t ant to change her.

The characters of course are amazing, I love Veronica and Stoker, they are one of my favorite couples. Their banter is just really fun to read and they work so well together. I love how Veronica has some great comebacks for things and how she narrates the story, since she is the writer. This one had a nice tamarin monkey that just made me laugh like how it was so attached to Stoker and would give Veronica a distasteful look. In this one we get to see more of J.J. and Moranday, which I really liked. They are great characters as well and I like getting them more involved in the story. We are also introduced to Wilfred who was great, and Spyridon who I hope is in more stories to come because he seems like a fun one.

This series truly never lets me down so I defintiely recommend it, even if you don’t start at the beginning they can be read as a standalone as well. I can’t wait to see what adventures Veronica and Stoker get up to next.