A Curious Beginning

The New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries returns once more to Victorian England and introduces intrepid adventuress Veronica Speedwell.... 

London, 1887. After burying her spinster aunt, orphaned Veronica Speedwell is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry—and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as with fending off admirers, Veronica intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

But fate has other plans when Veronica thwarts her own attempted abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron, who offers her sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker, a reclusive and bad-tempered natural historian. But before the baron can reveal what he knows of the plot against her, he is found murdered—leaving Veronica and Stoker on the run from an elusive assailant as wary partners in search of the villainous truth.

Genre: Historical Mystery

"A treat. One of the few writers who can make history feel immediate and exciting without losing a grasp of the period." - Rhys Bowen

"With wicked intelligence, Deanna Raybourn has created a fresh and fascinating sleuth. Veronica Speedwell is sure to join the greats of mystery fiction. Impeccably plotted and meticulously researched, 'A Curious Beginning' will leave you, as it left me, whimpering for more." - Alan Bradley

"Deanna Raybourn writes with wisdom, sass and a rich texture that is a joy to read. I love this book!" - Robyn Carr

"Wickedly clever and devilishly amusing. . .Veronica Speedwell is a joy unflappable, unrepentant, and thoroughly delightful." - Susan Elia MacNeal

"Oh, frabjous day! Deanna Raybourn is back in the Victorian era with a heroine who could give Amelia Peabody a run for her money. No one write parasols, petticoats, and pistols like Deanna Raybourn." - Lauren Willig