A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell Series #3)

by Deanna Raybourn Narrated by Angele Masters

Overview

Members of an Egyptian expedition fall victim to an ancient mummy's curse in a thrilling Veronica Speedwell novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries. London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can't resist the allure of an exotic mystery-particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London. But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker's past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats-and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe-Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything. . . .

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“A ruthlessly intelligent heroine.”—NPR

Praise for A TREACHEROUS CURSE

“While readers of Elizabeth Peters’s ‘Amelia Peabody’ mysteries will enjoy this title, it is fans of Jane Eyre who will truly appreciate the third volume in Rabyourn’s historical series (following A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING). Her intricately plotted and dramatic story features a strong-willed, independent woman who is the intellectual equal of the brooding Stoker.”—Library Journal (Starred review)

“As always, Raybourn writes with verve and wit….A Victorian Phryne Fisher, Veronica is an irresistible, modern, engaging woman who uses scientific observation and natural charm to guide her investigations.”—Booklist (Starred review)

“A Treachero's Curse [is] a funny, feminist, historical fiction mystery series that I love….If you haven’t started this series yet now’s a perfect time to get caught up!"—Book Riot

“[E]xhilarating third mystery featuring Veronica Speedwell and her colleague, Revelstoke “Stoker” Templeton-Vane….In audacious, decidedly un-Victorian Veronica, Raybourn has created a delightful cross between real-life reporter Nellie Bly and Phryne Fisher.”—Publishers Weekly


Praise for the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries

"I love this series! Veronica Speedwell is utterly unique—a lady with an intriguing past and some rare kick-ass skills—definitely not your standard historical mystery detective. Her relationship with the brooding and equally mysterious Stoker is fascinating. The plots are clever and fast-paced. I can't wait for the next adventure."—Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Knew Too Much

 
“Veronica Speedwell is sure to join the greats of mystery fiction.”—Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series
 
“Veronica Speedwell might just be one of the most endearing heroines in mysteries, period...[a] woman ahead of her Victorian times. She’s smart, dashing, and entirely capable....Her sense of humor and chemistry with Stoker, her counterpart, just make this series even better.”—Bustle
 
“Wickedly clever and devilishly amusing.”—Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series
 
“I love this book! Brings us the powerful Veronica Speedwell, who triumphs over adversity and danger with wit, charm, and uncanny determination. A real find.”—Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series
 
“A smart, plucky, way-ahead-of-her-time heroine....The ending left me looking forward to Veronica’s next exploits.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
“A fun heroine who defies convention and embraces intrigue.”—Booklist
 
“A fine combination of detective story and character study...sure to interest mystery lovers and Anglophiles alike.”—Historical Novels Review
 
“Full of innuendo and amusing repartee, Deanna Raybourn's sly wit will be appreciated by readers of romance and historical fiction alike...a fun read, reminiscent of Elizabeth Peters's novels, whose cross-genre charm is sure to appeal to readers.”—Shelf Awareness

Kirkus Reviews

2017-10-31
Two Edwardian sleuths search for a missing member of a star-crossed archaeological expedition.What begins as just another day for Veronica Speedwell and her colleague in crime solving, the Hon. Revelstoke "Stoker" Templeton-Vane—she's unpacking a crate of male fertility icons for their noble patron's museum while he's rehabilitating a badly mounted duckbill platypus—ends when they're summoned to the sickbed of Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Scotland Yard's Special Branch. John de Morgan, lately photographer for Sir Leicester Tiverton's dig in Egypt, is missing, and so is a royal diadem from Tiverton's discovery of the Princess Ankheset's partial tomb. The princess's sarcophagus came complete with a curse, which might help explain why the director of the expedition died and de Morgan, who along with his wife was traced as far as Dover, disappeared along with the diadem; even his room seemed to vanish, or at least completely change its appearance. Sir Hugo warns that when the press gets hold of the story, Stoker's name and an old scandal of betrayal and duplicity will come to light. Worse yet, he may also be a suspect in the disappearance. Sir Hugo advises Stoker to vanish himself for a while, but though Stoker is many things—scientist, explorer, natural historian, naval surgeon—he's not a coward. And Veronica, whose semilegitimate but unacknowledged connection to the royal family might cause a ruckus, too, stands resolutely by his side as the painful truth about his past emerges along with a conflagration in Dover, sightings of the jackal-headed god Anubis in London, an old rivalry with new implications, and a lighter-than-air race/chase. But even a trip to the London underground rivers doesn't faze Stoker and the intrepid, rule-breaking, secretly admiring Veronica in a partnership in which "missish" behavior has no place.The third adventure for the attractively eccentric duo is a clever and witty follow-up to A Perilous Undertaking (2017).

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171315085
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	01/16/2018
Series:	Veronica Speedwell Series , #3
Edition description:	Unabridged

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Excerpted from "A Treacherous Curse"
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Copyright © 2018 Deanna Raybourn.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
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