A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

It occurred to me that I posted about the second book in Deanna Raybourn's series, but not about the first. Obviously, I love the Victorian era, even if I might never have survived. I am absolutely a modern woman who speaks her mind. Despite some Victorian era interpretations, an over spoken woman was not common place.

Veronica has returned for her Aunt's funeral, and then plans to travel for her own intellectual pursuits. However, upon arriving at her Aunts' house, she discovers burglar and is saved by a baron. The baron begs Veronica to accompany him as he believes her life is in danger, and then leaves her in the car of his friend Stoker. Before the baron can return to her, he is murdered and now Stoker and Veronica are on the run. Who is Veronica? Why is someone trying to kill her? And what is Stoker?

I figured out pretty much off the bat as to who Veronica is. It's a bit of a cliché but I found Veronica a refreshing interpretation. She is fearless, opinionated, and rational. Everything that a "proper" Victorian woman is not. As far as my love for the Victorian era, she is my soul sister.

As far as mysteries go, this one falls a little flat. And there is no romance in it to speak of. Stoker and Veronica have a lot of unresolved sexual tension, but Veronica has clear rules about her sexual liaisons and Stoker has his own complicated history. Avoid this book if you were hoping for more. However, if you are more interested in the characters, and their interactions/development, then read this book, and the next (see previous review). Personally, it was the characters and the plot writing that saved this novel. 4 out of 5 stars.