A Dangerous Collaboration

Author: Deanna Raybourn
Genre: Historical Mystery
Type: e-book
Series: #4 in the Veronica Speedwell series
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
First Published: March 12, 2019
Opening Lines: "What the devil do you mean you're leaving?" Stoker demanded.

Book Description from GoodReads: Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée--much to Stoker's chagrin. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.

As spectral figures, ghostly music, and mysterious threats begin to plague the partygoers, Veronica enlists Stoker's help to discover the host's true motivations. And as they investigate, it becomes clear that there are numerous mysteries surrounding the Romilly estate, and every person present has a motive to kill Rosamund.

My Rating: 4 stars

My Review: The Veronica Speedwell series is one of my favourites due to its main characters, delightful banter and Raybourn's ability to write a compelling mystery. In this fourth addition to the popular series, Veronica, Stoker and Stoker's brother Tiberius (aka Lord Templeton-Vane) find themselves in an old, and possibly haunted, castle on a secluded island off the Cornwall coast with a mystery to solve.

Veronica continues to be the epitome of a sassy and strong woman who doesn't cave to the pressures put upon Victorian women. Stoker remains a complicated fellow, with deep-seated familial issues and I liked that his relationship with his brother, Tiberius is revealed more and hope that Lord Templeton-Vane has a bigger role in future plots.

The relationship between Veronica and Stoker continues to be intense, complex and dripping with a chemistry. While there seemed to be less of their classic banter this time out and some of their scenes could have been rectified with a simple conversation, overall, I continue to love their unique relationship.

Raybourn's mysteries continue to get better and better as she weaves twists, complexity and tension. Readers are teased with a hint of the fifth book's focus which will leave Veronica fans chomping at the bit for the mystery and more details about the unique bond between Veronica and Stoker.

Note: If you haven't met Veronica and Stoker yet (Honestly!! You haven't read it yet?), I advise you to start at the beginning and read A Curious Beginning.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary digital copy that I received of this book in exchange for my honest review.