I think the people who are into the Frankenstein vibe will absolutely eat this one up, but this is probably one of my least favorite Veronica Speedwell novels because the whole "reanimating the dead" thing is really not my vibe. Some interesting character development in here, but a lot less nuance than the last one - it's really just a "morally corrupt mad scientist" story at the end of the day. Points for some queer representation in here, but points detracted for, as in so many stories, lesbian characters being inevitably doomed to tragic endings.

London 1889 From a warehouse sale Lord Rosemorran has acquired a wax figure. Investigation by Stoker reveals a female body. He and Veronica, with the help of reporter J.J. Butterworth and Detective Mornaday are determined to discover who she was.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied individuals. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Raybourn for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

In this, Veronica Speedwell's 9th escapade, the reader is invited to join Veronica and Stoker (reunited and it feels so good!) on their quest to solve another mystery. In this case, the mystery revolves around a recumbent waxwork (think: Madame Tussaud's) purchased by Lord Rosemorran for his daughter Rose who turns out to be... an actual preserved dead body coated with wax. Veronica and Stoker deduce she has been murdered and set out to solve her murder and see her buried with dignity. I found the second goal admirable but the first almost ludicrously unattainable. Realistically I think it would have been extraordinary series of coincidences just to link clues about the deceased woman, let alone discover her identity and her murderer. However, as a literary escapade it was a fun one. The tableau alone was worth the price of admission, wink, wink.

Having been frustrated by Stoker and Veronica's lack of actual forward motion in their relationship for the past few books I enjoyed the comfortable bond they finally enjoy. They certainly seem to have worked out the majority the issues keeping them apart. In fact I would go so far as to say Stoker and Veronica were in something of a "honeymoon period" here. Stoker was a gem (as always) although I can't picture him as a real person. I'd love to see who would get the casting call to play him. The side characters are AWESOME and most of our favorites make an appearance (I was glad to see JJ and Mornaday call out S & V to get more credit for all the assistance they've provided, especially, although it was great to see Lady Wellie again, and Spyridon was a hoot). The only thing that held me back from loving this entirely was, actually, Veronica. Veronica is supposedly in her twenties but speaks like Lady Danbury from Bridgerton: imperious, managing, and with (I'm not actually sure how to put this) a distinct lady-of-a-certain-age "grand-dame" intonation. Has she always spoken like that? It was a little cartoonish, for a character of her age. Maybe it's just me.

Regardless, come for the mystery, stay for the fun (and Stoker). Recommended highly but, I agree with most of the other reviews: best read in order for context.

After being a tad disappointed with the relationship between Stoker and Veronica in the last book this one knocked it out of the park. Their chemistry is at its best and I love how their relationship has evolved and now it's so comfortable and genuine. The mystery in this one was very well done! The lifesize wax figures were extremely creepy and the crime itself was horrifying. Most of the time I'm 100% about the romance in these books but in this one the case was just as interesting to me. I was fascinated til the very end, especially when the story moved underground. The funeral director was a fun side character and hopefully we'll see more of him and it's always a good time when JJ is around (and Morneday, too). 5 stars I adore this series and the covers are gorgeous! Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review. This one will be recommended often.

Deanna Raybourn’s ninth book in the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries proved quite the clever case, when Lord Rosemorran purchases a wax doll and his daughter asked Stoker to animate it. What Veronica and Stoker discover is a carefully preserved human encased in wax like the Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. I don’t think I’ll ever grow bored with this series and quickly was swept up into the mystery and these characters.In each book,

Veronica and Stoker solve a mystery and it’s always filled with danger, adventure and delightful banter. While one could jump in with any book, I recommend reading them in the order of their release. I do so because of the relationship that develops between them, the history we learn about their pasts and, of course, their friends and acquaintances.

Raybourn inevitably has me exploring topics and, in this case, I researched a bit about the wax dolls, and atomically correct dolls. Veronica and Stoker provided intriguing tidbits that made it all fascinating.

The mystery was well done and perfectly paced, but Veronica and Stoker create the atmosphere that brings me back to this series again and again. Wicked back-and-forth banter, vexing, acceptance and delightful chemistry with steamy bits behind closed doors, We get hints from Veronica addressed directly to the reader about these encounters.

I love they invited their friends who they consulted in the past. Veronica doesn’t like to share her mysteries or perhaps it is fairer to say she enjoys solving them. The mystery provided several twists and an explosive ending, leaving me more than satisfied.

Positively delightful, I cannot wait for their next adventure. If you love historical mysteries, with a touch of romance, friendship and fascinating discoveries, I urge you to give this series a go.

I love the uncommon pairing of Veronica Speedwell, lepidopterist and illegitimate child of the Prince royal, and Stoker, her lover and friend. His knowledge of taxidermy and the preservation of beings is stretched to the limit in this investigation and while the discovery of the preserved woman is gruesome, they both want to do right by her, find her family, and give her a proper burial. Unfortunately for them, an obsessed scientist wants her back for their own which puts them, once again, in peril.

Despite the setting of Victorian England, this novel reads more regency romance, with an investigation by day and fade to black love scenes at night. Despite, or maybe because of the romance I enjoyed this novel more than the previous couple of books in this series. More so because of the eccentric side characters, but also because the two main protagonists are just so interesting to read about. Neither of them are perfect, nor do they want to be. Although at times they are too smart for their own good. A Grave Robbery was a refreshing addition to this somewhat steady series.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the free book!

A Grave Robbery, the ninth installment in NYT best-selling author Deanna Raybourn's captivating Veronica Speedwell historical mysteries series, is a wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue, history, and romance.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it absolutely lived up to my high expectations. The intriguing plot, the vivid historical setting, and the compelling characters all came together to create an exciting and immersive story.

We are transported to Victorian London, where Veronica and Stoker find themselves embroiled in a macabre mystery. What starts as a seemingly innocent task of inserting clockwork into a wax figure takes a sinister turn when they discover the figure is not a mere "anatomical Venus" (a detailed wax model that medical schools used) but a real woman preserved in wax, setting off a thrilling investigation.

Raybourn's writing style is a perfect match for the Victorian setting, with Veronica's dialogue being a standout. Her beautifully crafted, period-appropriate turns of phrase are not only cleverly observational and quick-witted but also often very humorous, adding an entertaining layer to the narrative.

The characters are wonderful and well-developed. Veronica, our fearless feminist protagonist and lepidopterist/butterfly hunter, is a delight. Dashing and slightly dangerous, Stoker was raised a gentleman but has lived a colorful life and now works as a taxidermist. The sizzling chemistry between him and Veronica leaps off the page, making their romance and banter all the more enjoyable. Old favorites also appear, and new characters are introduced, ones I hope will return.

The mystery was fascinating, a bit dark, with gothic elements, and definitely unique. I had not heard of an anatomical Venus before. It was also well-plotted, twisty, and suspenseful. I cannot recommend this series highly enough! Excelsior!

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkely, for my free book for review.

When a wax figure their employer buys takes an unexpected turn, Veronica and Stoker's curiosity is piqued. As these sleuths unravel the identity of the preserved young woman, it thrusts them into a web of wax figure collectors and scientists.

Set against the backdrop of the Victorian Era, the novel immerses readers in a world of curiosities and oddities cherished by the upper class, creating an atmosphere ripe for mystery and suspense. The author intricately describes the setting, from the collection of armors, skeletons, to wax figures, evoking a sense of fascination and intrigue that enhances the mystery elements of the story.

Veronica, the main protagonist, a butterfly hunter and intellectual, grapples with gender discrimination. Despite the merit of her paper, the male-dominated gathering denies her the opportunity to present it. Her astute observations of people and their movements reveal her keen intellect.

Moreover, the dynamic between the main characters, Veronica and Stoker, adds further depth to the mystery. Their natural, witty banter and chemistry create an enjoyable and engaging reading experience, while their astute observations and investigative skills contribute to the unraveling of the mystery at the heart of the narrative.

Overall, the novel masterfully combines elements of suspense, intrigue, and compelling characters to create a captivating mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a delightful whodunnit read.

3.5 STARS - The Veronica Speedwell historical mystery series is one of my favourites. It has solid mysteries and I love the banter between Veronica and Stoker and Raybourn's witty style of writing.

This ninth addition to the popular series has a unique crime involving murder and a wax figure (a la Madame Tussaud). With the help of two secondary characters from books past, reporter JJ Butterworth and Inspector Mornaday, Veronica and Stoker try to find out the identity of the murder victim. Not a nail-biter of a mystery, but an intriguing crime that brings readers into some interesting historical elements.

Veronica and Stoker are one of my all-time favourite couples. They are known for their sexual tension and fantastic snarky banter. Now, in book nine, they are enjoying their own version of domestic bliss. They have a strong bond and know each other so well by now, but I do hope there's a bit more snark in their banter with each other.

This was a good addition to this mystery series, and I eagerly look forward to their next adventure which I hope will include some of the secondary characters we've met in this book (I'm looking at you Spyridon).

Disclaimer: My thanks to Berkley for the complimentary advanced copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn is the latest book in her Veronica Speedwell Mysteries series, which is one of my favorite series to read. While I was a little disappointed with the previous two books, A Grave Robbery regains the charm of the early books in the series. Veronica and Stoker, no longer at odds, deliver delightful banter. The supporting characters add humor and variety. The mystery had plenty of twists and morbid Victoriana. I highly recommend A Grave Robbery for fans of Sherry Thomas and Andrea Penrose.

A Grave Robbery, by Deanna Raybourn, is the Ninth installment in the author's Veronica Speedwell Historical mystery series set in Victorian England, featuring intrepid adventuress and sleuth Veronica Speedwell, and her partner, Revelstoke Templeton-Vale. Veronica and Stoke have been cataloging Earl of Rosemorran's vast collection of artifacts while also putting their lives on the line to solve curious mysteries that have nearly taken their lives more than once.

In this story, Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman called "Anatomical Venus" because of his daughter Lady Rose and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. Stoker is enamored of the wax figure. He can't get over how much the mannequin resembles his beloved Veronica. However, that is not the only shock that Stoker experiences.

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. How did she come to be in a glass coffin in a warehouse? But the truth is dangerous and many people wish it would stay buried in the past.

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—someone who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body at all costs.

Will they unmask the villain in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors? One of the historical aspects of this story is that there were anatomically correct figures that were made when real bodies were in short supply. I have read the Veronica Speedwell series from the very first book, A Curious Beginning. I have watched as Veronica and Stoker's relationship has grown to the point where they are inseparable.

Veronica is a cheeky character, and I love how she always seems to find trouble when she should be focusing on her lepidoptery job. Stoker is the more serious character and he has the scars to prove how much he has been through. Veronica and Stoker actually call in two people to help. J.J. Butterworth, a female reporter who knows that Veronica is carrying a heavy secret about her parentage, and Mornaday, who works for Sir Hugo Montgomery of Scotland Yard. I do recommend that the series is best enjoyed if you read the books in order.

Veronica Speedwell is back! This outing — another potentially deadly investigation with her lover and partner Stoker — provides everything fans of this series love: Dastardly deeds, scheming scientists, Victorian scandal, and lots of sexy bantering. The mystery itself is full of wonderful twists and turns, and we're treated to plenty of scenes of Veronica and Stoker's amazing chemistry. An altogether fabulous installment in a series that never disappoints.

Another fun and intriguing mystery with Veronica and Stoker! These are the best historical cozy mysteries and perfect for quiet winter nights.

This series is generally solid, but this installment (along with the fourth installment) is quite dull. Veronica and Stoker are great, but they’ve kind of developed a rhythm at this point, where it’s unremarkable. And the mystery was just not captivating enough to keep my attention.

When the earl returns with his latest auction purchases, among them is a breathtaking wax figure much like the Sleeping Beauty at Madame Tussaud’s. But, alas, the figure is not what it seems and leads Veronica and Stoker on a new merry adventure full of mischief and mayhem.



A Grave Robbery is the ninth in a series that is fabulous when read in order so the personal, romantic, and friend relationships are seen developing along the way.



A Grave Robbery, like the rest of the series has a spring release, but I feel would be amazing read during Spooky season because the time in the story is Victorian London in the fall and the macabre mystery Veronica and Stoker are working on lends itself to the atmosphere of a dark autumn night. With whiffs of Frankenstein to it, A Grave Robbery has the detecting pair learning about the anatomically correct wax figures used by medical students or in a circus freak show, about the Victorian fashion fixation for death and grieving, about the study of electricity used in reanimation, and the sad differences for male and female scholars in the scientific world.



I loved seeing side characters like JJ the newspaper gal and their Scotland Yard Inspector getting involved in the case. In fact, it was fun seeing the team dynamics get a bit of a change up with Veronica learning to unbend on her stern need for independence to appreciate what strengths others can bring to the table.


Sidenote- Loved encountering a crossover character from the Lady Julia Grey series in Julia's sister Portia.



The romance side was at peace and a comfortable background for once though yes, Veronica takes delight in stirring up Stoker. He makes some beautiful speeches to her at times that penetrated her emotional walls and had her dabbing her eyes which I appreciated myself. However, it was his choice right at the moment of her planning to leap into danger that left me breathless. Stoker only gets more impressive, it seems.



The mystery was an easy one for me, but I was engaged in how it all came about. And, the suspense and danger was good stuff.



All in all, another solid series entry that left me wanting more. Historical Mystery fans who enjoy eccentric lead characters and authentic Victorian historical elements should give this a go.

A Grave Robbery is another thrilling and captivating installment in the Veronica Speedwell series.

Veronica and Stoker are back! Fans of the series will be happy to know that their favourite crime-fighting duo is up to their usual shenanigans. The previous book in the series saw Veronica and Stoker at odds with each other, and in my opinion, that book lacked the chemistry I’ve come to enjoy in this series. That was not the case with this book; Veronica and Stoker have made up and come back together even stronger. I always get worried when a series has been around for a while. There is this fear that things will become repetitive or dull. I am happy to report that this is not the case with this series. I love everything about this latest installment. On a quick note, these books can be read as a stand-alone. Each book focuses on a new mystery or crime; the only continuous thing is the growing relationship between Veronica and Stoker and their continued character growth.

The mystery in this book was perfect. I couldn’t believe how fascinated and obsessed I became with this Sleeping Beauty case. It was such a unique and interesting mystery that I couldn’t help but be hooked. Veronica and Stoker discover that the waxed figure their employer purchased is actually a real person who was covered in wax. They have no idea who this Sleeping Beauty is or whether she was murdered or died of natural causes. As a reader, you really don’t know where Deanna will take you. There were so many unexpected twists and turns, and I loved everything about the journey I went on in this book. There are some definite Frankenstein vibes with this murder mystery, which I LOVED. The mystery elements in this book just inject new life into this series. It was just so different from past cases they have investigated.

Those new to this series will be delighted by the humour that is woven throughout this story (and series). There is often this fun banter that exists between Veronica and Stoker, which has grown as their relationship has grown. At this point in the series, these two know each other very well and can predict (for the most part) what the other will do. That sense of familiarity has allowed for those walls that Veronica and Stokers have built to come down, and in its place is the feeling of being utterly comfortable in each other’s company. That comfort has led to them poke fun at each and trying to ruffle each other’s feathers.

Veronica is a strong and smart female protagonist. She is not one to be overly emotional, and there are times when she can be a bit rash. I’ve really enjoyed her character, and watching her grow as this unofficial detective has been an absolute joy. Her character has also had tremendous growth with regards to her relationship with Stoker. Both of their characters have these alpha-like qualities, which have caused some bumps in their relationship. Veronica has often acted and reacted to situations with little thought on how her actions affect others, especially Stoker. In this book, her character has gone through this internal growth, where she stops and thinks about how Stoker will be affected by her actions and is also aware of him more emotionally. She has started to really acknowledge his feelings and moods and is there to support him when he needs that support. It’s something that Stoker has been doing for Veronica for quite some time. This growth from Veronica has really made their relationship more balanced and equal.

A Grave Robbery is another clever and fascinating book in the Veronica Speedwell series.

Veronica and Stoker are back. This time they have come into possession of what they believe to be a wax figure which, besides viewing at the popular Madame Tussauds, are also used as teaching tools. It soon becomes clear, however, that Veronica and Stoker's figure is real and not wax. Right away, they're pulled into finding out who this woman was and what happened to her while also figuring out the how she has been so preserved.

After the almost fraught precedence of the previous couple of mysteries, I was happy to find Veronica and Stoker so at home with one another. To see them at ease in their personal lives was kind of nice and comforting and really allowed the mystery itself to form with ease.

It felt, for me, like the mystery aspect wasn't as heart-poundingly dire. It was more intriguing and less high stakes which was a nice change of pace to go for this one. For lack of a better word, I'd almost describe this one as "lighter" than the previous books. Of course dealing with someone's death is never a light topic, but it just didn't feel weighted like the last book. I think it of course all stems from the fact that Stoker and Veronica are at a good place personally. When they're on the same page, it almost takes away a layer of dread because there's more assurance that everything will work out ok as long as they're together.

The story also had quite a few comic relief moments. I actually found myself, if not laughing out loud, then emitting a delightful snort a time or two as they would go about their business. While their adventures usually take a turn for the zany a time or two, depending on the lengths that Veronica will go to get information, I just don't remember being as taken aback by how funny it was (this does have me going back in mind rethinking each book and wondering if a huge re-read needs to happen).

From the first page of the first book, I've enjoyed this series. It probably makes me a little biased, but Deanna Raybourn writes Stoker and Veronica so well and puts such good work into crafting a compelling mystery for them to solve. This one just happens to keep them in London and doesn't seem (at least at this point, who knows what could come later) to have much overarching influence on the story arc in general. It almost felt like we were doing a bit of resetting before going off on another adventure that will include elements that stretch across multiple books. I honestly am content with all of this. So to that I say...Excelsior!

A Grave Robbery by Dianna Raybourn is the 9th book in her Veronica Speedwell Mystery series. We get to see Veronica and Stoker at the start, as they both worked for Lord Rosemorran’s helping restore his many collections for future display. It was nice to see both Veronica and Stoker settling into their affectionate relationship, as they are both clever, witty and always challenging each other. Veronica Speedwell is a lepidopterist, a woman who is ahead of her time, and Stoker is a scientist and adventurer. They make a terrific team.

Lord Rosemorran lets them know that he has acquired a new purchase, which would be a birthday present for his young daughter; it was a wax figure of Sleeping Beauty, similar to Madame Tussaud’s. He wanted Stoker to add a mechanism to make the figure look alive. When Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open, to his shock he discovers it was not wax, but a preserved young lady. Unable to let this go unpunished, both Veronica and Stoker set out to solve this crime. They try to learn how long this body was deceased, and they call their friends, JJ (journalist) and Mornaday (detective) to help search the newspaper and police archives for missing young ladies.

Veronica and Stoker follow a trail that led them first to a circus, to get some answers, but JJ was able to find a girl who drowned 15 years ago, which will lead them to Plumfield’s mortuary to track down who the girl was. The new Plumfield owner was able to find some papers, and he will be one of the new characters that help Victoria and Stoker; as well as Spyridon, who helped Stoker hide the body. They were all very good characters, and fun.

What follows is wild adventure that will eventually lead them to a dangerous killer. The mystery was very compelling, as well as a number of twists as we reach the climax. Veronica and Stoker, as well as JJ and Mornaday will plan a trap to catch the true killer, putting some of them in danger. I really enjoyed both Veronica and Stoker, as they were lots of fun, and romantic. A Grave Robbery was very well written by Deanna Raybourn.

Another adventure for Veronica and Stoker as they try to solve the mystery of the wax figure who turns out to be a victim of foul play. Fans of the series won't be disappointed.

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn features a captivating cast of colorful secondary characters that add depth and intrigue to the story. Among them, Stoker stood out as my favorite, compelling me to eagerly anticipate future installments in this series.