Book review: A Sinister Revenge (Veronica Speedwell #8) by Deanna Raybourn

Number of Stars: 3 out of 5

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Victorian era, Historical fiction

Edition: Hardcover

Synopsis taken from book jacket:

Veronica must find and stop a devious killer when a group of old friends is targeted for death in this new adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

September 1889. Veronica’s natural-historian beau, Stoker, has been languishing in Bavaria for months, and their relationship is at an impasse. But when Veronica appears with his brother Tiberius in tow, Stoker is coaxed back home by an intriguing job offer: preparing a Megalosaurus for a very special dinner party.

Tiberius has received a cryptic message—along with the obituaries of two recently deceased members of his old group of friends, the Seven Sinners—that he too should get his affairs in order. Realizing he is in grave danger but not knowing why, he plans a reunion party for the remaining Sinners at his family estate to lure the killer out while Veronica and Stoker investigate.

As the guests arrive and settle in, the evening’s festivities turn deadly. More clues come to light, leading Veronica, Stoker, and Tiberius to uncover a shared past among the Sinners that has led to the fatal present. But the truth might be far more sinister than what they were prepared for.

My review:

Normally I give Veronica Speedwell books 5 stars. Big fan and all of that. However, this book rubbed me the wrong way. The beginning started off cringe-worthy but the good news is it got better the closer we barreled towards the end!

Luckily, the main mystery plot itself was strong. I knew near the beginning of the book that Veronica would win her bet with the Templeton-Vane brothers and that (spoiler – Goodreads link HERE if you want to read it!) since Veronica IS our protagonist and she should naturally get her way. I’m glad there were a few “red herrings” and the mystery wasn’t boring.
I also enjoyed the reappearance of sassy J.J. and fabulous chef Julien, beloved characters from past books.

The part I immensely disliked and which this review suffered a couple stars for? I did not appreciate the not-communicating trope and “withholding sex and romance until I bring my man to heel” type messages in this particular series installment. That attitude does not a healthy relationship make and it irks me.

Happy reading!