afox98's review against another edition
4.0
What a blast! Veronica Speedwell is a single lepidopterist in Victorian England who gets thrust into an adventure involving a mysterious baron, a rogueish taxidermist, and a traveling circus. Her mostly unknown past gets some light shed on it through the story. Great characters, fun plot, and several laugh-out-loud moments. Looking forward to more in the series.
ellenigraves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
katreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
An entertaining story. The plot meandered a bit, but the excellent writing and Veronica Speedwell’s fascinating habits/personality kept this book interesting. She surprised me several times, and I was hoping for her to break her rules with Stoker almost upon them being thrown together.
alexabookish's review against another edition
3.0
so i really liked the characters and the writing, however i didn’t love the plot. the mystery/investigation didn’t really even start until about 60%. and i’m still unsure why the whole thing about them being with the show/circus (definitely wasn’t a circus, i just forget what it was called in the book) was even included, and why it took up SO MUCH of the plot.
nmertineit's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
joabroda's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
A Historical Fiction/Mystery that was a joy to read. Mystery not being one of my normal genres, I was a skeptic. However, by page 20 I was hooked and giggling like a schoolgirl.
In 1887 London, Verónica Speedwell is quite happy with her life as she studies, collects and sells butterflies. Having lived her life with two spinster Aunts, when the last Aunt dies Veronica plans an adventure of lifetime. Her plans are thwarted, just as she is readying to leave England and her life turns upside down. A mysterious benefactor whisks her off to London and she is put into the care of a reclusive naturalist called Stoker and together they turn into the hunted in a mysterious crime.
I so enjoyed these two characters. Their witty banter and constant bickering made the story so much fun. It was easy to relate to Veronica, her being a strong independent woman and although Stoker, being an aristocrat and gentlemen, he had the reputation of " a bad boy". Together they carried the book and the author must have had so much fun writing this tale.
I will definitely continue the series
In 1887 London, Verónica Speedwell is quite happy with her life as she studies, collects and sells butterflies. Having lived her life with two spinster Aunts, when the last Aunt dies Veronica plans an adventure of lifetime. Her plans are thwarted, just as she is readying to leave England and her life turns upside down. A mysterious benefactor whisks her off to London and she is put into the care of a reclusive naturalist called Stoker and together they turn into the hunted in a mysterious crime.
I so enjoyed these two characters. Their witty banter and constant bickering made the story so much fun. It was easy to relate to Veronica, her being a strong independent woman and although Stoker, being an aristocrat and gentlemen, he had the reputation of " a bad boy". Together they carried the book and the author must have had so much fun writing this tale.
I will definitely continue the series
cassimiranda's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.5
~“I have faith that men can be as reasonable and logical as women if they but try.”~
If you like adventure, mystery, and a with a touch of slow-burn romance featuring both true respect and honest communication, this one is for you!
It's 1887 and Veronica Speedwell, an adventurous and independent woman, is drawn into a dangerous adventure immediately after burying her last guardian. Luckily, she is a modern, logical, and fond of mystery novels. And she isn't alone! A reclusive, multi-talented taxidermist is determined to figure out what's going on, too. What follows is an interesting mystery - but more importantly a wonderful exercise in character building and relationship development.
If you like adventure, mystery, and a with a touch of slow-burn romance featuring both true respect and honest communication, this one is for you!
It's 1887 and Veronica Speedwell, an adventurous and independent woman, is drawn into a dangerous adventure immediately after burying her last guardian. Luckily, she is a modern, logical, and fond of mystery novels. And she isn't alone! A reclusive, multi-talented taxidermist is determined to figure out what's going on, too. What follows is an interesting mystery - but more importantly a wonderful exercise in character building and relationship development.