A Ghastly Catastrophe

The Veronica Speedwell series is one of my favourites. It's the whole historical mystery enchilada -- good mystery, a cool setting (Victorian England) and a main couple who excel at snarky banter.  This is a perfect blend of well-researched history, humour and a mystery solving duo readers will love to cheer on. 

In this 10th book, Veronica and Stoker are rarin' for a new murder to solve and jump at the chance to help Detective Mornaday with a double homicide where one victim appears to have puncture wounds on his neck and his body drained of blood. Vampires, anyone?

My Take: The mystery was pretty good (if a bit convoluted in its explanation) but what I continue to love about this series is its:

a) Victorian setting 

b) a strong main couple who don't give one wit about what anyone thinks of them or their chosen professions (lepidopterist and taxidermic artist, naturally). 

c) the abso-freakin'lutly amazing banter between Veronica and Stoker (as well as the continually growing respect and connection they have for one another). 

The highlight of the book for me was the inclusion of two characters from one of Raybourn's other series. Seeing this duo interacting with Veronica and Stoker gave me book nerd palpitations and I was actually giddy to see this quartet on the page together. *New book nerd level unlocked* I hope we see more of this foursome in future books.

If you're looking for a historical mystery series to get into, then you've found it. This ten book series is amazing in print/ebook and exceptional as an audiobook with the amazing Angele Masters narrating.

I eagerly look forward to more in this series. This book is in stores now!

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Genre: Historical Mystery

Series: Veronica Speedwell 10

Type and source: Hardcover from public library

Publisher: Berkley

First Published: March 3, 2026

Read: April 9-13, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo in this landmark historical mystery from beloved New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide, and Veronica and her intrepid beau, Stoker, know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.

Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.

The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .