Review: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

Series: Veronica Speedwell Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Publisher: Penguin/NAL

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

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.

Review

I got this from the library after hearing an interview with Deanna Raybourn on the Smart Bitches podcast. Mystery isn't a typical genre for me, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I really enjoyed it, but can't quite give it 5 stars for some reason.

My favorite thing is the writing style. Veronica reminds me of Alexia Taribotti from the Parasol Protectorate series. She's kind of a snob, but still likable. Snob may be a little harsh. Veronica is very intelligent and independent and thinks she knows what is best in every situation. She has a pretty subtle wit that often made me smile.

The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing. I'm curious to see what mysteries and stories happen in the next books.

There is a budding romance-at least I think and hope. It'll probably be very drawn out, but I'm along for the ride. 

I really enjoy the dynamic between Stoker and Veronica. Stoker is an interesting character who I want to know more about. I think I see things about him Veronica doesn't but who knows. I guess I'll find out as I keep reading the series.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Remembrance by Meg Cabot

Series: Mediator Book #7

Format: Trade Paperback

Pages: 388

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Christmas Gift

Genre: Romance, Mystery

Publisher: Harper Collins

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

You can take the boy out of the darkness. But you can’t take the darkness out of the boy.

All Susannah Simon wants is to make a good impression at her first job since graduating from college (and since becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva). But when she’s hired as a guidance counselor at her alma mater, she stumbles across a decade-old murder, and soon ancient history isn’t all that’s coming back to haunt her. Old ghosts as well as new ones are coming out of the woodwork, some to test her, some to vex her, and it isn’t only because she’s a mediator, gifted with second sight. 

What happens when old ghosts come back to haunt you?

If you’re a mediator, you might have to kick a little ass.

From a sophomore haunted by the murderous specter of a child to ghosts of a very different kind—including Paul Slater, Suze’s ex, who shows up to make a bargain Suze is certain must have come from the Devil himself—Suze isn’t sure she’ll make it through the semester, let alone to her wedding night. Suze is used to striking first and asking questions later. But what happens when ghosts from her past—including one she found nearly impossible to resist—strike first?

Review

I enjoyed the original series and this was a good addition. It was a little more adult which felt more real for Suze-especially her language. And it was interesting to see how Jesse's values and religion impacts their relationship.

The mystery/ghost story was a real adventure. It started as a traditional one for these books, but then it got deeper. And it felt much more serious then the others.

Of course I love Suze and Jesse. It's nice to see their relationship grow. Although there could've been less Suze keeping things from Jesse as a source of conflict. She should know better than that at this point.

I could've done without Paul because he sucks, but it was a great book other than that.

Trigger Warning for child abuse. It was handled tastefully but is still there.

Thanks for reading!

Holly