Reviews with content warning for Death - A Curious Beginning

This was such a fun series start and a delight on audio (narrator: Angele Masters). I've always assumed the Veronica Speedwell series would feel tonally similar to Lady Sherlock, and I'm so happy to be incorrect, because these series feel so distinctly different that I now won't hesitate to dive into this one (I'll admit Lady Sherlock occupies an exclusive corner of my heart). Told in first-person by our female main character, Veronica, this is lighthearted, witty and adventurous. The twists in this one are predictable but still fun, and I'm excited to continue the series!

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emilywemily6's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you like witty banter, a clever FMC who strays from the stereotypical, and a historical mystery, this book is for you. I found that I really liked the writing style and was sucked in to these characters. The only thing I didn’t like was the pacing of this book, which made many of the dramatic moments in the book feel inconsequential. I guess I expected more drama in the writing considering how much their lives were threatened, but we breezed through a lot of perilous scenes. I adore Veronica and found her relatable yet refreshingly distinct, and while she would be considered an odd duck in this time period it felt like her characterization fit in with the story and felt realistic. Though she was overly stubborn when Stoker thought she was connected to the murder (which she was!). I loved the direction this book went and I definitely did not see the major plot line going the direction it went, which was so fun to read. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!

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97reads's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

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greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

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hannahs_library_'s review

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funny mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

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blewballoon's review

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adventurous funny informative mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

This was a lot of fun! I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was excellent. I was expecting a typical murder mystery, but this is a lot more adventurous with many different escapades for Veronica and the various characters she met along the way. I'll definitely be continuing with the series. Veronica is a likable protagonist for a mystery series, she's highly capable but isn't always right.

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eleek0609's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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wilybooklover's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

2.0

I would’ve liked Veronica’s characterisation as bold and before her time if she also didn’t feel so disdainful of and superior to other women and anything she perceives as feminine. As it was, it came across as Not Like Other Girls style internalised misogyny and combined with the caricatural portrayal of almost every other woman but Veronica it really ruined my enjoyment of the book.

Also, exactly how many skills is Stoker supposed to have before it strains my credulity? He’s a natural historian and taxidermist, a tracker and hunter, a former expedition leader, a former magician/knife-thrower in a circus, a surgeon who served in the Navy... all of which he is apparently exemplary at.

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