I was not as drawn to the mystery in A Perilous Undertaking as I had been with the one in the first book, although it was interesting. I felt it was overshadowed by Stoker's personal conflict with his family--or perhaps it was because I was more interested in seeing where that storyline went. Regardless, I enjoyed getting to know Stoker a little better--a character I already liked--and it is evident he and Veronica have more in common family baggage wise than they first realized. I really liked how Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk's character was tied into the novel--not to mention quite liking the character herself. Somehow I suspect this is not the last I have seen of her in the series. Overall, a strong second book in the series. I look forward to reading more.

What a fun little book! I've grown fond of historical novels lately, though mostly only romance. Mysteries have always been a hit or miss, but the writing here was so engrossing that I was hooked almost immediately. It started off a little slow, but Raybourn played her hands well!

I had a hard time reading this book. I just couldn't seem to stay interested in it. I would put it down and not want to pick it back up to finish.

This is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell series, a sequel to A Curious Beginning (mentioned above). I liked it maybe a little better than the first book. The mystery is a bit odd, in that it centers around a man who will hang for murder unless Veronica and Stoker prove that he didn’t do it, but the man himself, Miles Ramsforth, never appears in the story directly. I’m guessing this was a deliberate choice by the author, but it ended up diluting the urgency of the story for me. It’s hard to care as much about whether he’ll be saved from execution when he only appears through the eyes of the other characters. Veronica and Stoker get closer; I do like their slow-burning romance, though I think the mystery of Stoker’s past is being dragged out too much. I gave it a B+.

Such a great series! I love Veronica Speedwell! I've often advised patrons to pick up this series because I think there is something for everyone in it.

The mystery in this one intrigued me. Stoker and Veronica work together and go beyond the “normal” to find out the truth of who the murderer is. They are not typical detectives, they are scientists first and detectives second. I follow the same path they do and had many guesses as to who the murdered would be but until the end I was kept guessing.
Holy sexual tension. The tensions between Veronica and Stoker is building. You can feel it; you want them to act on it, but love that they haven’t yet. There is not a doubt to be had that these two are attracted to each other. I love that Deanna Raybourn is pulling this part of her story out, she is not giving these characters what the reader knows they want. She started the attraction in book one and it has continued into book two.

While this is the second book in the Veronica Speedwell series, each book stands alone. Each book has a completed story. There is a mystery to be solved and it is solved. I recommend reading both A Perilous Undertaking and A Curious Beginning.

I'm generally not one for historical fiction but the Veronica Speedwell series is in a league of its own. These books take the Victorian era and turn it on its head with modern sensibilities which makes for quite the entertaining read.

The second in the series, A Perilous Undertaking proved to be an entertaining mystery, touring the life of an artist in an era when life wasn't so easy for the free thinking. While I was ultimately able to solve the mystery well ahead of the reveal, I still found this book really enjoyable. Veronica and Stoker's banter was on point and one of my favorite character dynamics of the series so far. I think my favorite part, though, is the way they go about solving mysteries. It's not so much Sherlockian as it is science and evidence-based which, for someone like me with a science background, is really intriguing.

While the mystery and characters were great, I felt the pacing was a bit too slow at times and the plot became bogged down in descriptions. There were several cases of near-info dumping I could have done without.

But beyond that, I really enjoyed A Perilous Undertaking and will definitely pick up the next in the series!

I highly recommend this book along with the whole series from Deanna Raybourn in episode 34 of What Should I Read Next: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/34

Why Did I Listen To A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn?
A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn is the second in her Veronica Speedwell series. OF COURSE I HAD TO READ THE BOOK. Seeing the book available as an audiobook on Scribd essentially cemented the deal for me. I am one of those people who really, really enjoys audiobooks. It seems like the Veronica Speedwell books would be a good one for me to make the leap from reading via print to reading via audio. As it turns out, I was right.

What's The Story Here?
A Perilous Undertaking starts with Veronica and Stoker putting together a museum for Lord Rosemorran. Only they're getting on each other's nerves. So, Veronica gets an invite to go to the Curiosity Club - which is a place where women can openly have opinions. While there, Veronica is tasked  by Lady Sundridge (an alias) with clearing her friend Miles Ramforth's name. You see, Ramsforth has been accused of murdering his mistress. Veronica is absolutely on the case with the help of Stoker. She wants to do an excellent job for several reasons, not least of which, is who Lady Sundridge actually is. We also get to know just a little bit more of Stoker's background which is quite excellent.

How Did I Like A Perilous Undertaking?
Of course, I absolutely enjoyed A Perilous Undertaking. I find these books as fun as the Julia Grey series. There are slow building swoons. The characters have chemistry. I liked how intrepid Veronica Speedwell is. Also -- I like the concept of the curiosity club in this book. It just feels so feminist. These books are a good time - you're not going to regret your time with them.

How's The Narration?
Making the switch from print to audio for this series was not as hard as I had expected it would be. Angele Masters is an excellent narrator. Initially, I thought I would be disappointed, because it seems like Katherine Kellgren would have been an appropriate choice for the audiobooks. Masters though sounds a lot like Kellgren. Not in a derivative way, though. More like in a way that brings me A LOT of joy. She does several different voices and just embodies the story well. I absolutely would recommend giving the audiobooks a shot.

"Veronica Speedwell returns in a brand new adventure from Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries...

London, 1887. Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task—saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress Artemisia, Ramsforth will face the hangman’s noose in a week’s time if Veronica cannot find the real killer.

But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is only the first of the many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural historian colleague Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer—a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia’s life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime. From a Bohemian artists’ colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed...."

For the second Veronica Speedwell book we get a new design. Which I like SO MUCH!

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

RATING: 4 STARS
(I received an ARC from the NETGALLEY)
(Review Not on Blog)

I love this series, more than Lady Julia (Gasp!). I like the sassy Veronica a bit better and her chemistry with Stoker. Even bigger shocker, I liked book two better than book one. I enjoyed the historical part of the novel as well as the science knowledge of Veronica and Stoker. The mystery in this book seems more of an add on to the story to give it a purpose. I don't know if this is just me, but I also like the campy Victorian drama (think old time radio music). I have seen mixed reviews for this book and series, but I really enjoyed it and am waiting (un)patiently for the third.

First line: ”For the love of all that is holy, Veronica, the object is to maim or kill, not tickle,” Stoker informed me, clipping the words sharply as he handed me a knife.

Summary: In the second Veronica Speedwell mystery it follows the exploits of Veronica and Stoker as they try to prove the innocence of Miles Ramsforth. He is to be hanged in a weeks’ time unless they can find the true murderer of Artemisia, an artist and the mistress of Miles. As they uncover more clues they find more twists in the mystery.

Highlights: I liked the humor and sexual tension between Veronica and Stoker. I laughed a bit at the quips and jokes. The relationship between the two was fun with an are they or aren’t they plot. Veronica is a very advanced woman of her time who enjoys her sexual freedom and does not care about the opinions of others. The fact that she likes butterflies is a fun little addition to her personality.

Lowlights: I thought the story was dragged out a little too long. It could have been wrapped up much earlier or with less complications.

FYI: Book two in the series.

A Perilous Undertaking is a sequel to A Curious Beginning, but this book can read as a stand-alone. Though I do think it could be practical to read the first book to really get to know the characters since Veronica Speedwell, well she has an interesting family situation.

In this book, we get a deeper insight into both Veronica and Stoker's families. And, we finally learn why Stoker doesn't want to have anything to do with his family. Veronica meets a relative. However, she knows that the one person she really wants to see can she never met. I do hope that one day they will be able to meet, to be honest.

The case was interesting, however, the conclusion felt a bit like a letdown. I guess I just wanted a more shocking conclusion to the case. This felt like a very "proper" case ending. If the ending had been a bit more intriguing and intense would I perhaps have enjoyed it better. However, I did enjoy the progress of the book, the investigation into who murdered Artemisia. Veronica and Stoker are a great team and it will be interesting to see how this "relationship" will progress.

There are so many funny scenes in this book that left me smiling. Veronica may now and then seem a bit too modern for the setting, but I can't help but adore her. She is refreshingly frank. And of course, Stoker as well, especially when he gets embarrassed.

First line:"For the love of all that is holy, Veronica, the object is to maim or to kill, not tickle," Stoker informed me, clipping the words shortly as he handed me a knife. "Do it again."

Summary: Miss Veronica Speedwell is back in her second adventure. She receives an invitation to the secretive Curiosity Club, which is an exclusive ladies club for those who love daring and adventure. She meets with the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to complete a seemingly impossible task: to save Miles Ramsforth from execution. Ramsforth is a well-known patron of the arts, who has been convicted of the murder of his mistress. Lady Sundridge is convinced, nay, says she knows, that he is innocent. Veronica agrees to find the real murder, while the execution is scheduled for just one week away.

Highlights: Veronica is as irreverent as ever, and we get to know a little more about Stoker. I love the connections and fun of these two. In addition, Deanna Raybourn sets a wonderful Victorian atmosphere filled with interesting characters and situations.

Lowlights (or what could have been better): I rarely read with an eye to what could have been better, and I can't think of a thing.

FYI: Book 2 in a series. Adult references to sexual activity, but no graphic sex scenes.

Another great installment of Veronica Speedwell!!! Detective stories, specially historicals, are rarely on my TBR. I usually only read them for my online bookclub in case they won book of the month polls. This series proves that for every rule, there is an exception. It is that good.

In this book we get to know more of Stoker and Veronica. Their dynamics is what makes the series a must read for me. The mysteries and plot and wordbuilding are good, don't get me wrong, but the duo interaction? A must read.

Can't wait for the next one!

I quite enjoy the Veronica Speedwell mysteries. Keeps you guessing the entire novel. I really love the banter between Veronica and Stoker. Can't wait for the next book.

I really enjoyed A Perilous Undertaking far more than I was initially expecting. It was so nice to get out of the book slump that I've been in. 5/5 stars and would 100% recommend to friends. (At this point, I already have.)

Veronica Speedwell and Stoker (actually the Honourable Revelstoke Templeton-Vane) return in their second Victorian mystery set in London, 1887. The duo is tasked with saving Miles Ramsforth from the hangman's noose. It seems that a very powerful ally of his insists that he did NOT murder his mistress and wants Veronica and Stoker to investigate. Their hunt for the killer takes them into some very interesting places and occasional danger. Can they solve this crime before the sentence on Miles is carried out -- they have one week!

As in the first book of this new series (Perilous Beginning), these two characters are partners and colleages. They engage in snappy dialogue, flirtatious interludes, and biting arguments. Yes, they're in love but neither will act on it. The first person narrative moves along rapidly and I really love all the period detail -- the sights, smells, sounds, food, clothing, etc. Historic fiction that is well done can almost put you right there with the action and Raybourn has a knack for that. With Veronica being a lepidopterist (one who collects and studies butterflies) and Stoker a naturalist, there are many additional tidbits of scientific information included. I enjoy this series and have also read a couple other of her standalones though not the Lady Julia Grey novels -- yet. I recommend that you read this one after the first just so you understand the backstory.

The plot is good, and some interesting new characters are introduced, but the chemistry and tension between the two protagonists isn't there. I had an advanced reading copy, so I am giving this a "so-so" for now, but plan to go back and read again when the final version comes out in January 2017. (Update: bought the book, re-read it and like it much better.)