Even with the seventh book in the Veronica Speedwell series, Deanna Raybourn is still able to surprise the reader. For that matter, An Impossible Impostor manages to shock the unflappable Veronica as well.
In April 1889, Veronica and Stoker, the natural historian, have just returned home to Belvedere, the estate where they both work. Instead of a little time for relaxation and the kind of work they both love, they’re summoned by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of the Special Branch of Scotland Yard. He has a request on behalf of his goddaughter, Euphemia Hathaway.
Six years earlier, Krakatoa erupted near the island of Sumatra. Euphemia’s brother, Jonathan, disappeared there, and is presumed to be dead. But, now a man has shown up at Hathaway Hall, claiming to be Jonathan. While Euphemia and her brother, Charles, don’t recognize the stranger, their grandmother, Lady Hathaway, is eager to accept him as the grandson she lost and mourned.
Sir Hugo hopes Veronica can help solve the mystery of the newly arrived claimant. Veronica was on one of her adventurous trips in 1883, and joined up with Jonathan and his companions. She managed to escape Krakatoa, but left behind her young hopes as she grew more cynical and careful after that trip. Can she identify Euphemia’s brother?
Oh, Veronica can identify the man in the Hathaway household. She’s shocked to discover him as a “feckless, reckless, and utterly unreliable” man she once knew. Now, she’s pressured to keep his secret. Veronica is angry to discover an emotional side of herself that she’s always tried to contain. And, worst of all, she fears she’ll make Stoker suffer for that secret.
Of course, Speedwell and Stoker are in danger again. This time, Veronica makes an enemy that could cause future trouble.
Just when the reader feels a little tired of Veronica’s constant adventures, Deanna Raybourn puts an unusual twist to the Speedwell story. We discover a side of Veronica we haven’t seen, and uncover one more secret from her past. The Impossible Impostor is a surprise, and one of the strongest entries in the series in recent years.
Deanna Raybourn’s website is https://www.deannaraybourn.com/
An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn. Berkley, 2022. ISBN 9780593197295 (hardcover), 336p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley in order to review the book for a journal.
So glad to hear that, Lesa. I have this one in my hold queue at the library. And the Krakatoa setting reminds me of my all-time favorite children’s book (I still have a paperback copy), The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene DuBois.
I don’t think I ever read The Twenty-One Balloons, Margie.
I know you would love it, Lesa. The new cover is not very interesting, but it’s about a group of families who live on Krakatoa. They have invented cool devices, such as those that change the sheets on your bed. They each have a restaurant at which all of the others eat on a rotating basis. And when Krakatoa erupts, well, that’s where the balloons come in. I can’t remember any other details right now (I’ll have to dig out my copy and read it again), but the author’s imagination reigns supreme! I highly recommend it.
Both books sound great. I know I’ll enjoy the reviewed book, but your book is also tempting.
I agree with Libby, Margie. It sounds interesting.
No one names a child Euphemia. No one.
Well, maybe not anymore, Rick, but they did in the past. (grin)