Reviews

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

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azwahine_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

greatbooks_39's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

book_concierge's review against another edition

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4.0

Digital audio performed by Angèle Masters
4****

Book number one in the Veronica Speedwell mystery series, set in Victorian England.

Veronica is quite the heroine! An independent woman with a healthy appetite (and attitude) regarding her own “physical needs” and a no-nonsense approach to solving problems. When the novel opens, she has just buried her spinster aunt and is looking forward to going on an expedition to further her butterfly collection. She thwarts a kidnapping attempt with the help of a mysterious German baron, and then the fun really begins.

This was recommended for my F2F book club by a member who doesn’t usually like mysteries, so that caught my attention right away. Veronica doesn’t need much but her wits, her butterfly net, and a sharp hatpin, but she is assisted by the enigmatic “Stoker” to whom the baron entrusted her care. They form quite the partnership and I look forward to more books in the series to see how their relationship fares.

Angèle Masters does a fine job of performing the audiobook. There were many characters, with a variety of nationalities, and Masters was up to the task. Brava.