Deanna Raybourn’s A Grave Robbery, the ninth Veronica Speedwell mystery, might be my favorite in the series. There’s a compelling storyline. The banter between Veronica and Stoker is witty as always. And, there are several new characters introduced, as well as the return of two intrepid ones from previous books.
The Earl of Rosemorran, patron and employer for both Stoker and Veronica, brings Stoker a new project. In a crystal casket is what appears to be a waxwork of a sleeping beauty. He bought it as a gift for his daughter, Rose, who is fascinated by Madame Tussaud’s wax figures. He wants Stoker to install a clockwork mechanism in it so the beauty will appear to breathe.
Stoker knows he can do that, until he makes the first cut in the figure, and discovers it’s an actual body, not a waxwork. With Veronica’s urging, he does just enough of a rudimentary postmortem examination to try to identify her. While he wants to identify the woman, and give her a proper burial, Veronica wants to learn if she committed suicide or was murdered.
This time, Veronica and Stoker need the help of several friends, J.J. Butterworth, a female reporter, and Detective Inspector Mornaday of the Special Branch of Scotland Yard. But, they also recruit several others, a mysterious hermit, and Wilfred Plumtree, an undertaker. The cast is perfect to undertake Veronica’s audacious scheme to catch a villain, someone who tried to bring a dead woman to life.
Wit, innuendo, and adventure. It’s another enjoyable entry in the series. But, I did want to mention Raybourn’s descriptive introduction to Plumtree and Son, the mortuary. Her writing sings, reminiscent of Charles Dicken’s early descriptions in A Christmas Carol. And, who can read of a creator trying to bring a woman to life without thinking of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Raybourn is a master at including hints of the past in her series of misadventures.
Deanna Raybourn’s website is https://www.deannaraybourn.com/
A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn. Berkley, 2024. ISBN 9780593545959 (hardcover), 336p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from NetGalley to review for a journal.
When bringing the dead back to life, one should keep The Monkey’s Paw in mind.
So true, Glen! In other words, don’t do it.
I loved Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein while in college. People thought I was weird for reading it but it is one of my favorite books. What do you think of the chances of finding this author’s books on audio in a library?
Carol, I just checked Columbus Metropolitan Library’s catalog, and they have a number of her books on downloadable audio.
Love this series, and this one sounds awesome! I have it on hold at the library, so I should have it soon.
I love it, too, Margie. Yes, release date is today, so you should have it soon.
I have listened to this series on audio since the beginning and I can just hear their banter in my head. The narrators are great. I am looking forward to it.
What a beautiful review of Deanna Raybourn’s A GRAVE ROBBERY, Lesa. If I were not already smitten with all things Veronica and Stoker, I’d have fallen completely in love at first read of this post.
Thank you, Pamela! What a kind comment. I appreciate it!