You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
The newest Veronica Speedwell did not disappoint! I'm most impressed with how the author has managed to keep Veronica & Stoker's relationship interesting even after the "will they or won't they" part of their journey is over.
After Stoker left for Bavaria at the end of their last investigation, Veronica took up an invitation to explore Italy and collect butterflies with Tiberus, Stoker's brother. But soon he begins receiving messages that two of his oldest friends have died -- with an implied threat that Tiberius may be next. Together they retrieve Stoker and return to the Templeton-Vane family home to investigate, inviting their top suspects for what is supposed to be a relaxing visit in the country.
I enjoy this series so much, and this one was no exception. It has great world-building, enigmatic side characters and mysteries that are complex and captivating. I can't recommend these books highly enough!
After Stoker left for Bavaria at the end of their last investigation, Veronica took up an invitation to explore Italy and collect butterflies with Tiberus, Stoker's brother. But soon he begins receiving messages that two of his oldest friends have died -- with an implied threat that Tiberius may be next. Together they retrieve Stoker and return to the Templeton-Vane family home to investigate, inviting their top suspects for what is supposed to be a relaxing visit in the country.
I enjoy this series so much, and this one was no exception. It has great world-building, enigmatic side characters and mysteries that are complex and captivating. I can't recommend these books highly enough!
"The air was heavy with the fragrance of the latest of the summer flowers, brave and bonny, and high above my head was the butterfly, circling ever upwards. It flapped once more and then lifted itself away and into the blue beyond. Stoker turned to me, Lady Rose perched on his shoulders, and he smiled, a smile that would cause my heart to swell within my chest even if I saw it a thousand times. 'Be brave. You have everything you need,' I murmured to no one in particular. 'Everything indeed.' Excelsior!"
Reread 3.25.24. Alllllmost ready to start the new book 9. I had completely forgotten who the killer in this one was, so this was a fun reread.
3.11.23 A worthy addition to my very favorite series.
3.11.23 A worthy addition to my very favorite series.
Delightful as always. Veronica is plucky and hilarious and someone who probably would not like me at ALL, but I adore her. Several passages made me laugh out loud, and one particular moment made me actually hoot. The relationships continue to grow, and I liked that this episode was less violent, if no less deadly. Well done. I’m excited about book 9.
2.5 stars
Yet again we begin another book and it seems like Veronica has backslid into her old selfish ways. It's getting rather annoying that any character development she makes in a book seems to have vanished by the time the next book begins. It was so satisfying when Stoker FINALLY told her to woman up or go away. At this point, I half-way wish she's take option 2.
Even beyond that, Veronica didn't make a very good showing. Over all she comes off as rather stupid and overwhelmed by her own arrogance.
Let's start with J. J. who is hiding in Tiberius' house looking for a story. A fact that Veronica discovers, and doesn't bother to tell anyone, not even Stoker, because she "suspected he would place Tiberius' privacy above J. J.'s need for gainful employment." So she was willing to let a woman she doesn't even really seem to like spy on her friends and potentially splash their deepest secrets all over the front page just to make a buck. With friends like her who needs enemies?
Veronica's deductive skills also seemed subpar this time round.
And then when she is being saved from her own stupidity she practically leaps to her death because why? Because she saw a fossil. Now I like fossil as much as any paleontologist but really?
Yet again we begin another book and it seems like Veronica has backslid into her old selfish ways. It's getting rather annoying that any character development she makes in a book seems to have vanished by the time the next book begins. It was so satisfying when Stoker FINALLY told her to woman up or go away. At this point, I half-way wish she's take option 2.
Even beyond that, Veronica didn't make a very good showing. Over all she comes off as rather stupid and overwhelmed by her own arrogance.
Let's start with J. J. who is hiding in Tiberius' house looking for a story. A fact that Veronica discovers, and doesn't bother to tell anyone, not even Stoker, because she "suspected he would place Tiberius' privacy above J. J.'s need for gainful employment." So she was willing to let a woman she doesn't even really seem to like spy on her friends and potentially splash their deepest secrets all over the front page just to make a buck. With friends like her who needs enemies?
Veronica's deductive skills also seemed subpar this time round.
Spoiler
She goes around accusing pretty much anybody and everybody, "How dare she be innocent. It is most inconsiderate" and only stumbles on to the murderer, mostly by pure chance, at the very end. Then she confronts the killer at the edge of a cliff, fully expecting her to calmly give in and walk back to the house and confess like a good little girl.And then when she is being saved from her own stupidity she practically leaps to her death because why? Because she saw a fossil. Now I like fossil as much as any paleontologist but really?
Another solid entry in the series, though I found Veronica's behavior rather annoying this time around. Petty and childish, which she's definitely mocked other women for in the past.
The mystery revolved around Stoker's family this time, and I enjoyed his brothers. The actual crime itself took a lot of turns—maybe a few too more than necessary. Save some for the next book.
The mystery revolved around Stoker's family this time, and I enjoyed his brothers. The actual crime itself took a lot of turns—maybe a few too more than necessary. Save some for the next book.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
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
I really enjoyed the mystery in this installment of the series! We got to see a lot of Stoker's family, and I thought all the other side characters were engaging as well. This story was lacking a lot those Veronica/Stoker interactions that I enjoy when they are solving a murder, but I am hopeful for more of that in the next book. Only more book and then I will be up to date on the series.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No