A Grave Robbery

Veronica Speedwell #9

by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica and Stoker discover that not all fairy tales have happy endings, and some end in murder, in this latest historical mystery from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?

Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance, Historical Mystery

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2024

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation native Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of one, Raybourn makes her home in Virginia. Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including two RT Reviewers’ Choice awards, the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, a Last Laugh, three du Mauriers, and most recently the 2019 Edgar Award for Best Novel. She launched a new Victorian mystery series with the 2015 release of A CURIOUS BEGINNING, featuring intrepid butterfly-hunter and amateur sleuth, Veronica Speedwell. Veronica has returned in several more adventures, most recently AN IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSTOR, book seven, which released in early 2022. Deanna's first contemporary novel, KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, about four female assassins on the cusp of retirement publishes in September 2022. (Please note: Deanna is not active on GR.)

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the books in order of publishing (I have skipped one). This to me is Raybourn back at the top of her game with a back to basics of what made me love the main characters. Dropping historical facts about the Necropolis railway and why sailors wear a gold earring (love these tidbits). This book had humor and good dialogue between the characters with another wonderfully odd mystery of a wax anatomical Venus.4.25*

[Katie Colson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Reading Experience (Katie’s Version) [From the Vault]

It’s been 6+ months since I read this book… let that sink in.
The vlog footage has been rotting away in my hard drive for half a year. Will it ever see the light of day? Great question. **No comment**

Do I remember my specific thoughts? Not really. But I do recall really enjoying it and being happy that I vlogged the experience. All signs point to a 4 or 4.5-star rating. If it had been a 5-star read, I feel like the memories would be more vivid. That said, it's been over half a year, so maybe that’s not entirely fair to the book.
For now, I’ll give it 4 stars.
If I end up editing the reading vlog, I’ll revisit my thoughts and possibly revise my review.

[Kari Ann Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret that I ADORE the Veronica Speedwell series. When @prhaudio #prhaudiopartner granted me freeaccess to the audiobook of 𝐀 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐘 (PUB 03.12) early I threw all other plans aside and pressed play.

I LOVE this series and this is a new favorite! I think that audio is the BEST way to experience this engaging historical mystery adventure of Speedwell and Stoker. This installment is dedicated to the audiobook narrator, Angele Masters, and her voice is masterful perfection. She has become the voice of Veronica and it's magic to my ears.

(Yes- you must read them in order.)

I was smiling and laughing within the first 2 minutes. I loved this installment so so much. As with any great series, I find great comfort in returning to these well-known, well-loved characters. I love seeing the character's relationship evolve. After 8 books, I was surprised to find myself swooning over Speedwell and Stoker in a fresh, new way. Tender and tenacious. Veronica Speedwell is my favorite kind of character: smart, quick-tongued, vivacious, and loyal. She knows who she is and won't sacrifice that based on anyone's expectations. She is full of moxie and gumption. I wish I could join her for a glass of aguardiente as she regales me with tales of her and Stoker's latest mystery.

(P.S.- Stoker's not bad either) #speedwellandstoker4life

Deanna Raybourn has this magical ability to bring the mystery to life through both her writing and storytelling style. And oh my goodness- she has impeccable word choice. I find myself marking ‘new-to-me’ words that have me running to the dictionary and wondering how I can work them into conversation.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

veronica calling stoker “dearest” and “beloved” while in the grips of a murder case🥰🥰🥰🥰

[Lisa Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica Speedwell is back! This outing — another potentially deadly investigation with her lover and partner Stoker — provides everything fans of this series love: Dastardly deeds, scheming scientists, Victorian scandal, and lots of sexy bantering. The mystery itself is full of wonderful twists and turns, and we're treated to plenty of scenes of Veronica and Stoker's amazing chemistry. An altogether fabulous installment in a series that never disappoints.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe the most low-stakes Veronica Speedwell mystery yet? Which was perfectly fine to me on this lovely sunny day in California. I had a grand time, as always.

Also, this book was dedicated to the series's incredible audiobook narrator, Angèle Masters, and that made my heart grow 3 sizes.

[Aoife - Bookish_Babbling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished!
This book dragged and lowkey put me in a reading slump as I couldn't happily pick anything else up till I finished it yet it took me forever (almost 2months?!) - I guess because honestly I'd lost interest.

I am pretty sure this is where I draw the line with Veronica Speedwell, she has sadly deteriorated in my estimation as the series has progressed. I rather dislike her now, she really gets my goat when she goes off on her moral grandstanding internal rants about how she believes other people behave based purely on her own self-importance (from what I can see). She thinks she knows best in almost every situation and won't listen to anyone she deems inferior's input - she is legitimately nigh on insufferable to me by now altho she does have a small "I was wrong" towards the end which thankfully another character rightly crows over but still too late for me...
And don't let me get started on the two interactions with battlecries in this. Absolutely put the nail in the coffin and took me right out of this series - I can no longer take anything she does seriously 🤦‍♀️

I am also disappointed with the continuous sidelining of the side characters - sure you might say the clue is in the name, but they are honestly used more like plot devices/crutches to whip out when a bailout is needed rather than true characters in their own right. Many of these have been with the series since the early books and while two of these rightfully call the MCs to task in this instalment unfortunately I shall not be reading on to find out if they get more page time in future books 🤷‍♀️

This is all a pity as the underlining whodunit mystery aspect of this one was interesting bringing new historical aspects to undertaking & anatomical venuses as well as the disparity of educational opportunities at the time ... I just cannot with V anymore 🫥

After a promising start to the series, this is where I leave it and I don't think I'll be coming back - if anyone knows why the author decided in book7 to change part of the heritage of one of the MCs please do let me know cos WTF?!
It lowkey angers me each subsequent time it is brought up as "canon" - cuz NO! 😤

2.75*

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this series. For the first time I have listened to the audio version It was wonderful. I just loved the banter between Veronica and Stoker. Those who have read the series you can just imagine Stoker saying, my dear Veronica what in the ________?
The duo is off to another adventure This one had a macabre atmosphere to it, perfect for fall reading. The gaslight setting of Victorian London is perfect.
Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure and has asked Stoker to place a mechanical heart in the figure, to have a sleeping beauty just like in Madame Tussaud’s. But Stoker discovers that this wax figure was a perfectly preserved body of a young woman. Who would do such a thing?
Veronica and Stoker have a wild adventure trying to solve this case. I love how Veronica and Stoker‘s relationship has grown. I just love their chemistry together.
Deanna Rayborn’s writing and storytelling never disappoints.
I highly recommend reading this series in order. You will see how Veronica and Stoker”s relationship has grown.
I can’t wait for the next edition of this wonderful series.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In each book, Veronica and Stoker solve a mystery and it’s always filled with danger, adventure and delightful banter. While one could jump in with any book, I recommend reading them in the order of their release. I do so because of the relationship that develops between them, the history we learn about their pasts and, of course, their friends and acquaintances.

Raybourn inevitably has me exploring topics and, in this case, I researched a bit about the wax dolls, and atomically correct dolls. Veronica and Stoker provided intriguing tidbits that made it all fascinating.

The mystery was well done and perfectly paced, but Veronica and Stoker create the atmosphere that brings me back to this series again and again. Wicked back-and-forth banter, vexing, acceptance and delightful chemistry with steamy bits behind closed doors, We get hints from Veronica addressed directly to the reader about these encounters.

I love they invited their friends who they consulted in the past. Veronica doesn’t like to share her mysteries or perhaps it is fairer to say she enjoys solving them. The mystery provided several twists and an explosive ending, leaving me more than satisfied.

Positively delightful, I cannot wait for their next adventure. If you love historical mysteries, with a touch of romance, friendship and fascinating discoveries, I urge you to give this series a go. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Melissa Stordahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a delight from beginning to end: lushly detailed Victorian setting, witty and charming main characters, humorous dialogue, all surrounding a cozy non-stressful mystery. Well, as cozy as it can be when the story begins with a beautiful wax figure discovered to be a corpse.

Veronica and Stoker are companions and lovers, working brilliantly on similar projects and surrounded by oddities and curiosities. They set out together on an adventurous investigation, all while wearing divine outfits and consuming delicious things and helping each other to escape various forms of peril.

I loved this couple with their chemistry and affection, sparkling banter. This book is the latest in a series of nine to date, but it works very well as a standalone. I hadn't read any of the earlier ones, but I'll definitely be adding them to my TBR.

Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for this book to review!

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/

This was fantastic! I have a huge soft spot for this series and look forward to each new release so I was eager to pick up this newest book. I went into this book with high expectations, and am happy to report that they were all met. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end and there were some tense moments worked into the story. Veronica threw herself into solving the mystery, just as I expected, and Stoker may have made me swoon a time or two. Overall, this was a highly entertaining story.

Stoker is asked to make Lord Rosemorran’s new acquisition, a wax woman, look more lifelike by adding a mechanism to make it look like she is breathing. When he cuts into the wax, he learns it is a real corpse instead of a wax model. Stoker and Veronica feel compelled to discover the identity of the woman and learn how she died. They find themselves in several unusual situations, and some danger, as they work to solve this mystery.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Angèle Masters did a great job with the narration. This is the second time I have listened to a book in this series and I think she captures Veronica’s personality through her reading incredibly well. I wasn’t completely sold on the voice that she uses for Stoker but that is probably because the voice that she uses doesn’t match the voice in my head. Her voice was very pleasant, and I wanted to listen to this story for hours at a time.

I would highly recommend this book to others. I recommend reading the series in order if possible since some events from previous books are mentioned in this story, and the relationships between the characters grow and develop throughout the series. I had a great time with this book and cannot wait to see what adventures Veronica and Stoker may find next.

I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madame Tussaud's was a wax museum that gained popularity in London in 1835. So when Stoker Templeton-Vane is hired by the Earl of Rosemorran to install a clockwork mechanism to Lord Rosemorran's latest acquisition, an exquisite wax mannequin, Stoker is certain he is up to the job. Meanwhile, Stoker's friend, lover and confidante, Veronica Speedwell, would rather be spending her time in her work as a lepidopterist, as butterflies and their habits is Veronica's area of expertise.

From the outset, Stoker is enamored of the wax figure. He can't get over how much the mannequin resembles his beloved Veronica. However, that is not the only shock that Stoker experiences. As Stoker and Veronica soon discover, the mannequin actually contains the wonderfully preserved body of a young woman. This is definitely no ordinary mannequin. Thus, the deducing couple set out to discover the woman's identity, as sleuthing comes quite natural to both of them.

I have followed the enjoyable Veronica Speedwell series from the very first book, A Curious Beginning. This historical mystery series has been captivating right from the very start. Veronica is a delightful character, and I love how her relationship with Stoker has evolved over the series. I also enjoyed how Veronica's ability to solve crimes has slowly garnered the reluctant respect of the Metropolitan Police.

Another facet of this story is the history behind wax figures, and other surprising Frankenstein like inclusions. Deanna Raybourn skillfully takes each book in this series into different directions, and always entertains her readers. Quite naturally, I can't wait to see what Veronica and Stoker get into next.

Reviewer's note: This is a series that is best read in order.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Susan Amper · Rating 2 out of 5]

In A GRAVE ROBBERY, Veronica Speedwell has started to simper. That's a real problem for the character this reader has come to view as intrepid and somewhat reserved in her feelings for Stoker. I have no issue with the relationship, just its current iteration in an icky form.

In addition, Lord Rosemorran acquires a Cinderella like wax figure and commissions Stoker to turn it into a clockwork figure, thus providing the Rosemorran collection its very only Madame Tussaud's type of Sleeping Beauty. Stoker finds more than he bargained and so does the reader. We are in for a treatise on the Anatomical Venuses used as teaching aids at the time. We get rather more specific information than we might want, and this too is icky.

A disappointment for me as I have liked the books very much until A GRAVE ROBBERY.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica and Stoker are back on another adventure, stumbling into murder and solving crime, and being ridiculously adorably in love while they do so.

The sap in this series is that special brand of direct, no-nonsense, and all the more heartfelt for its dryness kind of sap, and I'm here for it. I love how these two communicate and get along, and how perfectly suited they are for each other, without having to rely on the conventions of the times to progress their relationship along from one book to another.

The mystery was interesting, and at times morbid. I didn't know about wax anatomical models before this. They're sort of the precursor to the plastic models we have today. And the perfect disguise to use for hiding a body, as it turns out. There were new side characters, and the usual returning characters who add so much flavor to this world. The perp wasn't too surprising, as you have to expect a "twist" when you're told what's supposedly going on so early into the book, lol, but that didn't lessen the enjoyment for me.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Berkley, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for providing advanced copies of this book! All thought and opinions are still my own.

This series is an all-time favorite and I never want it to end. I've fallen so in love with Stoker and Veronica and this book just cemented that further.

Like with every Veronica Speedwell book, this can definitely be read as a standalone. While you miss some history of the MCs relationship, the mystery elements stand completely on their own, and any relevant points from past mysteries are explained/wrapped up at the beginning of each book.

And this was such a fun mystery! Like with any mystery, I've preferred some more than others throughout this series. And this one was definitely a favorite. I love how this series explores the many facets of women (and honestly anyone "othered"), during a time when people were expecting to fit into neat little boxes.

Despite loving all of that, my favorite aspect of this book was the character development. Or more precisely, getting to see how much these 2 characters have grown since book. Veronica is still feisty and hard headed, but learning her limitations. Stoker is learning how to protect without holding Veronica back. They're both learning to accept help and that other people may have useful skills after all. And their romance ... be still my beating heart.

There were so many passages that left me absolutely swooning. These two love each other so fiercely and I adore them.

I really hope we continue to get more and more Veronica Speedwell books. Because I would read this series forever.

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally, I finish A Grave Robbery. I have a conflicting feeling toward this book. At the beginning the plot is vert promising. The vocabulary that being used by Miss Raybourn certainly made me googled it.
I thought the story is very interesting.

What is missing is the character development. I do not get insight of the character POV. It seems to me the highlight of this book is the plot.

3 stars

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the earl returns with his latest auction purchases, among them is a breathtaking wax figure much like the Sleeping Beauty at Madame Tussaud’s. But, alas, the figure is not what it seems and leads Veronica and Stoker on a new merry adventure full of mischief and mayhem.

A Grave Robbery is the ninth in a series that is fabulous when read in order so the personal, romantic, and friend relationships are seen developing along the way.

A Grave Robbery, like the rest of the series has a spring release, but I feel would be amazing read during Spooky season because the time in the story is Victorian London in the fall and the macabre mystery Veronica and Stoker are working on lends itself to the atmosphere of a dark autumn night. With whiffs of Frankenstein to it, A Grave Robbery has the detecting pair learning about the anatomically correct wax figures used by medical students or in a circus freak show, about the Victorian fashion fixation for death and grieving, about the study of electricity used in reanimation, and the sad differences for male and female scholars in the scientific world.

I loved seeing side characters like JJ the newspaper gal and their Scotland Yard Inspector getting involved in the case. In fact, it was fun seeing the team dynamics get a bit of a change up with Veronica learning to unbend on her stern need for independence to appreciate what strengths others can bring to the table.

Sidenote- Loved encountering a crossover character from the Lady Julia Grey series in Julia's sister Portia.

The romance side was at peace and a comfortable background for once though yes, Veronica takes delight in stirring up Stoker. He makes some beautiful speeches to her at times that penetrated her emotional walls and had her dabbing her eyes which I appreciated myself. However, it was his choice right at the moment of her planning to leap into danger that left me breathless. Stoker only gets more impressive, it seems.

The mystery was an easy one for me, but I was engaged in how it all came about. And, the suspense and danger was good stuff.

All in all, another solid series entry that left me wanting more. Historical Mystery fans who enjoy eccentric lead characters and authentic Victorian historical elements should give this a go.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 3.7.34.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to try something different and the blurb of this one really tickled my fancy. The last time I read a historical mystery fiction book was when I went through an Amanda Quick phase (which was terribly great) and I was hoping for a similar experience. While this differed greatly from other works I read, I did find myself enchanted.

Stoker and Veronica were such an amusing pair. She was more delighted than he was to be embroiled in a murder plot and I liked being along for the ride. I could have done without the wordy prose—there are only so many costume changes I need to know the details of—but being in the midst of historical England was a pleasant ordeal.

With a cast of colorful secondary characters, there was a lot to like about this story. Stoker was my favourite and, for him alone, I'd read more of this series.

[Happy Readergirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 12% because I just stopped enjoying Veronica’s character. Another reviewer called the character too self satisfied with a dash of conceit and I have to agree. It’s a shame since I generally like the mystery angle in these books and enjoy reading Stoker.
Probably going to stop with this series.

[Mande · Rating 5 out of 5]

More, more, more! Stoker and Veronica’s relationship; the ending; the roles our side characters are evolving into…so good!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ninth in one of my fav histfic-rom-mystery series is a splendid addition. The pace rockets off from page one, Veronica and Stoker and the quirky side characters feel like coming home to a zany family, and there's a nod to Frankenstein when a young woman's body is found encased in wax.

A must-read for anyone who adores this series as I do ... and for readers seeking addictive mysteries that keep you coming happily back for more!

[Brittany McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, I have been missing Stoker & Veronica!

This one was both macabre and hilarious! The tableau had me rolling just picturing it.

I like to see the deepening of the romance and how it has softened Beronica's heart a bit without dulling her wits.

I love how JJ and Mornaday have become great ancillary helpers to their off beaten team.

A lot of fun solving this one.

4.5 Stars

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Overflowing Shelf

Rating: 4.5 Stars

CW: Body horror; murder; death; fire/fire injury; physical abuse; toxic relationships; sexism; references to forced institutionalization; animal abuse

I’m absolutely obsessed with the Veronica Speedwell series. Even nine books in, I’m still so giddy and excited to see these characters and learn what adventure Deanna Raybourn has in store for our intrepid lepidopterist Veronica Speedwell and her natural historian beau Stoker. A Grave Robbery was so hard to put down, and I loved the gothic horror vibes of this!

More so than Veronica and Stoker’s other adventures, the mystery in A Grave Robberywas deliciously creepy – it would make a perfect Halloween read! With incredibly life-like wax figurines, talk of reanimating the dead, and an abandoned necropolis railway, this book delivered eerie vibes. But I also loved how Raybourn grounded the creepiness in science and fact.

At the center of the mystery is a waxwork figurine, which turns out to be a dead body. The wax figurine leads Veronica and Stoker deep into an exploration of Anatomical Venuses – wax figurines of women crafted during the 18th century that were anatomically correct and used to teach anatomy when cadavers were in short supply. I’ve always found waxworks creepy, but the Anatomical Venus takes it to another level and adds a whole extra level of creepiness to this story (I highly recommend looking up what they look like while reading). Even the talk of reanimating the dead in this book is grounded in science and very interesting when you remove the fact that they’re trying to reanimate corpses.

The mystery in this was engaging and compelling, even though it gave me gothic horror vibes. I loved all the twists and turns in the mystery, as plenty of red herrings kept me on my toes throughout the book. And while I put together some of the pieces, I was still SHOCKED at how everything was wrapped up. The big confrontation was high-stakes drama and action, and I was utterly enthralled.

I also loved how this story felt like a journey through the past, as the mystery takes Stoker and Veronica back to where it all began with a visit to the traveling show from A Curious Beginning . There were also a ton of other callbacks to previous adventures and so many familiar faces that fans of the series will immediately recognize.

As with every book in the Veronica Speedwell series, I adore the writing style. Raybourn perfectly balances the serious with the whimsical through Veronica’s journal-style narration. Veronica’s wit and humor shine through when needed, but she can be gravely serious and self-reflexive at other times. I swear this book had me laughing out one moment and then getting misty-eyed a few pages later.

When it comes to Veronica and Stoker, I loved their dynamics in this! After being on rocky footing after An Impossible Impostor and dealing with the fallout of that in A Sinister Revenge , they’re back to being partners in every sense of the word. Their relationship has progressed to a point where they’ve put the past in the past and are moving forward together, making a new future.

I’ve always loved the romance in this series, and it is so lovely to see them happy and lovey-dovey after hitting a rough patch in the last few books. I loved how easily phrases like “my love,” “my heart,” and “beloved” flowed from not only Stoker’s but Veronica’s lips, considering how SCARED Veronica had been to voice her emotions to Stoker before. I was so happy to see them happy (even if I do miss some of the slow-burn tension that doesn’t really have a place anymore in the story, considering where their relationship is). And Stoker – my lord. This man still has a way with words that makes me SWOON every time with his romantic declarations.

I loved that Veronica and Stoker could just be themselves in this book. They’ve come a long way since their first adventure together and feel more mature and sure of themselves. But I also loved how vulnerable Veronica and Stoker were to each other in this – and that they actually voiced it to each other instead of keeping it in. Veronica has always struggled with relying on others and expressing her fears, but she’s incredibly honest and open with Stoker in this, which I appreciated.

I also loved that we got to see more of J.J. and Mornaday in this! They play a heavy hand in the investigation, making this adventure feel a bit more like an ensemble piece, which was a bit of a different vibe for a Veronica Speedwell series but one I liked.

In many ways, this book felt like it might be the last of Veronica and Stoker’s adventures as it has a whiff of nostalgia, and the ending was tied up a bit more neatly than I’d expected. But thank god it’s not over, as I am not ready to say goodbye to all the fantastic characters in this series!

A Grave Robbery is another delightful addition to the Veronica Speedwell series. Fans of the series are sure to appreciate all the callbacks to previous adventures and enjoy the twists and turns in this delightfully creepy tale. Plus, it’s so great to finally see Veronica and Stoker happily in love after rooting for them to get together for so long! I know I’m already eagerly awaiting their next adventure and hope this series never ends as I could read about them solving mysteries for many more years to come.

Thank you to Berkley/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas. and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Andrea Frazee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 audiobook

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery / Historical / Victorian
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

A Grave Robbery, by Deanna Raybourn, is the Ninth installment in the author's Veronica Speedwell Historical mystery series set in Victorian England, featuring intrepid adventuress and sleuth Veronica Speedwell, and her partner, Revelstoke Templeton-Vale. Veronica and Stoke have been cataloging Earl of Rosemorran's vast collection of artifacts while also putting their lives on the line to solve curious mysteries that have nearly taken their lives more than once.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ~ [8.79/10]

I don't know what it is about this series that has me in such a chokehold, but I would drop everything to read a new installment every single month if Deanna Raybourn could put them out that quickly. The formula really works for me, and whilst it is a little formulaic (when are long running mystery series not formulaic?) it is the comfort I get from knowing what to expect and still being delighted by: the characters, the turns of phrase, the way Raybourn uses elements of real stories to make the mystery authentic, veronica and stoker being obsessed with each other, everyone loving veronica (except when they don't) because I love her too.

Usually the mystery aspect is something I can take or leave because, as I've said before, I don't really go to these books for the mystery plot. However, I was really into it this time around it seemed like Raybourn had drawn on Pygmalion and Galatea, as well as Frankenstein to craft a rather creepy tale of a wax work figure that wasn't really a wax work figure - the uncanny valley of it all definitely gave this book an extra edge. I loved that there was a bit of a team expansion in this one too and I really wouldn't turn my nose up at a spin off series following JJ Butterworth or Detective Mornaday!

After Veronica's grand gesture in the previous book, it's lovely to see how in sync she and Stoker are now. There seems to be more of a lightness to the way they both work together and love each other - it feels true to who they were always meant to be. And, the fact that they adore each other so much never gets boring for me, it's so nice to follow them after they had their HEA because now it's just a really endearing representation of a healthy relationship.

I really hope there's some news about the next book soon, I would read this series forever!

[Rikke Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was something very tender about this one.

The plot itself was more soft - the mystery curious, but the speed and action more gentle, than previous volumes.
The novel has a steady enough pace, but has a more light flow - stakes and danger were more heavy by the end, instead of thrilling happenings throughout the the story.

What I enjoyed the absolute very most was the sheer amount of affections between Veronica and Stoker ❤
Holding hands, intertwined fingers, hugs, endearments, a warm hand on the back, caresses, kisses, amazing support of one another, tender talks and so much declaration of love.
(And quite a fair amount of more intimate moments - If this series wasn't "fade to black" in those moments - it would have been a very different book entirely 😂 I love this pair so much ❤
- I am still curious about the feathers and oil 😂)

One thing that stroke me, though, was the amount of repetition from previous novels. A lot was referred to, from characters to past plots - and the book even revisits the circus from the very first volume - though nothing of danger or threat happened (which I could have wished had been the case) and it might not have felt as essential as it could have.

It was a lovely instalment and Veronica and Stoker - and their very relationship with one another, absolutely shined in this one ❤

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica and Stoker >>>

This is one of my faves in the series, I fucking love these characters so much. Would lay my life on the line for Veronica, Stoker, JJ, and Mornaday. The mystery in this one was really intriguing too, had a Frankenstein vibe to it. A wonderful addition to the series, please never let it end Ms. Raybourn 🙏🏻

[giuliaghoulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

no one loves these two wannabe detectives in love more than i do!!! my forever comfort characters <3 i hope deanna raybourn never stops writing this series bc i want to read about veronica and stoker forever. excelsior baby!!!!!

[Marjie C-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Some extra creepy helps to balance the extra treacly, and the usual historical elements plus bantery goodness make this another overall winner in the series. Not to mention some excellent vocabulary offerings, notably "brangle" and "numpty." Long live Veronica Speedwell!