A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn
Veronica Speedwell #10
Historical Mystery
March 3, 2025- Berkley
Review by Angela
Veronica and Stoker are back! Let’s all rejoice! The tenth installment of the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series sees our favorite historical mystery couple living together in harmony at the Belvedere, sorting through the Earl of Rosemorran’s vast collection of weird and wonderful artifacts and working on their own endeavors. But boredom has set in, and Veronica is very much hoping for a body to drop at their feet so they can embark on an investigation.
When Mornaday calls on them and asks for help solving the death of two men, Veronica is quite pleased. The deaths are more than suspicious, even if the families of the deceased quickly and quietly closed any investigations. One was drained of blood, with two mysterious holes in his neck, and the other threatened with wolfsbane in a letter, jumping to his death immediately after. Veronica is convinced that supernatural forces may be at play, and that a vampire may be the villain.
This book was fun. Vampires, witches, and Veronica and Stoker arguing over whether or not they are even real. I was pleased to see Lady Julia and her husband Nicholas Brisbane make an appearance, as I really do enjoy this author’s other historical mystery series as well. Mornaday and J.J. also appear throughout. J.J. is down on her luck, fired from her job at the Daily Harbinger, turned out from her home, so naturally she turns to Veronica and Stoker, and ends up staying with them for a short time.
The mystery itself is interesting. I loved all the little nods to Dracula and Bram Stoker. Despite investigating the deaths of two men, and occasionally finding themselves in dangerous situations, this couple lightens every page with their deep connection and constant verbal sparring. They have finally, after so many books, found true companionship with each other. I loved seeing them bandy about endearments such as beloved and darling.
The ending was quite predictable, but in a good way. I always know what I’m getting with a Veronica Speedwell mystery, and that is exactly why I keep reaching for every new release. These are my comfort reads and I’m hoping this author continues on with this series well into the future.
Final grade- B