Book Review: A Curious Beginning

 I wasn't sure about this book. In these trying times, I resorted to a book others have reviewed. I had saved this one in my file. Looking back, I realized  that Linda McLaughlin: A CURIOUS BEGINNING by Deanna Raybourn (historical mystery) did a review. It was in my library, so we contactlessly picked it up. 

At first, I wasn't sure. It takes place in London in 1887, and I tend to read modern murder mysteries by women. (The men tend to be too graphic for me!) I was so enthralled that I managed to snag the next in the series at my library. 

She is a feisty heroine, our Veronica Speedwell. Brave, bold, a traveler, and professional lepidopterist, also acerbic and smart. She has selective sex, just for fun, and exploits the men in her life. I have a hard time believing her life and lifestyle was possible in Victorian England, but I am able to suspend belief. There is, after all, a mystery involved.

I reserved the second, surprisingly it was available. There are some books with several reserves on them. This one isn't as popular. 

I like these mysteries. Happily, there are six in this series. I shall likely follow it and read them all. I like being taken away to another world. You really need to read them in order, I've found. I like that. The character development is good, and it gives me a deeper read to become involved in the characters. 

I don't want to give the plot, as I prefer reading a book without expectations of what is to come. Raybourn has obviously done her research. The language is colourful. It is also sophisticated. 

"It was a surprisingly perspicacious speech from an old roué!"

Funnily enough, I was looking for a YA novel Josephine is reading. I did a search and found these two books. Do you see the humour in the too broad search?! 

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@Barrie Summy