A Ghastly Catastrophe

Veronica Speedwell #10

by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo in this landmark historical mystery from beloved New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide, and Veronica and her intrepid beau, Stoker, know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.

Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.

The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance, Adult, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

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

[Paige]

WAIT, THE NEXT VERONICA SPEEDWELL IS A LADY JULIA CROSSOVER??!!

Guess I'll have some rereading to do next year!

[nika.ex.libris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

I’ve missed this series so much! 🥹

​I waited for the sequel for so long that I screamed when the new book was announced, and then screamed again when I finally got my hands on it!
​If you haven't read Veronica Speedwell yet, this is your sign to start! And don't let the number of books in the series scare you off!!!

​— The books are short and such a breeze to read!
— Each book gives you a little recap, so it’s totally fine to take long breaks between them.
— You can just try the first one and see, no pressure to binge the whole thing at once (but you totally should, haha)
​This part is so sweet, funny, and light. It’s giving major Dracula and witchcraft vibes muahahaha. There’s even more chemistry here, and as usual, Veronica is the one saving Stoker lol


Pre-read: OMG NEW BOOK, I NEED THIS!!!

[Jackie]

The next Veronica Speedwell mystery is going to be a crossover with Deanna Raybourn's previous historical mystery series? 👀 Iconic, guess it's finally time for me to discover her backlist

[amp]

A Speedwell/Lady Julia crossover!

[Sarah]

I’m sat. They’re saying “it doesn’t come out for almost another year” but I’m simply too sat to hear it. I’m glued to the seat and I’m not leaving until it’s just me and this book. Nothing in my mind for another year until this book greets my eyes

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always glad to visit with Veronica and Stoker, and if I need to look up a word, all the better. Lady Julia fans will enjoy the brief crossover. I wouldn’t have minded a stronger connection between the two series, but it was fun to see Lady Julia and Nicholas. I also liked to see Veronica with a female friendship in JJ and watch Julia and Veronica compare notes.

I didn’t love the pacing. It sometimes seemed like there weren’t enough clues to follow. Finding a vampire took over finding the culprit, and I was surprised no one thought to ask who wanted the victim dead until the last quarter of the book. There was a “villain monologue” at the end and I would have liked more sleuthing rather than be told so much, but I was still entertained. The solution at the end was clever. Veronica is quick, confident, and likable, and I like that she’s had growth and is warmer now.

And don’t lie to me and tell me you didn’t google nineteenth century walrus taxidermy…

3.5/4 I received an arc from NetGalley

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great edition to the Veronica Speedwell series. I loved how the author incorporated Lady Julia Grey into the story. She was the protagonist in her own series and now Veronica and Julia have met. This is going to be marvelous. I can't wait for the next book!

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, Lady Julia and Brisbane do make a cameo appearance in this book, but it's a brief one. it may make the fan girls happy, but it really doesn't enhance the book.

About the rest of the book? Well, I've never been one for vampire stories. and more and more I find Veronica a pale imitation of Barbara Peters immortal Amelia Peabody, complete with the insufferable smugness and the way that she and Stoker make bets on solution for the mystery.

I re-read the last two books before this before reading this volume. and I don't think I'll ever feel the need again to re-read the whole series again the way that I do the Peters books.

[Allison]

Lady Julia and Brisbane??? This was written just for me.

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

Full RTC

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica and Stoker are joined by their friends JJ and Mornaday as they investigate...vampires? V and S are on excellent terms and closer than ever as they run around London trying to find the truth behind some occult happenings involving bodies drained of blood and possible mesmerism. It seems like perhaps JJ will be a more permanent fixture around the Belvedere. Perhaps Veronica will sponsor her induction into the Curiosity Club? Readers who are looking forward to another installment of Veronica's adventures will be very pleased with this newest outing.

NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica, Stoker and friends are back in another entertaining mystery with loads of surprises including cameo appearances from another of Raybourn's popular series.
Ten books deep and this is my favorite so far. If time constraints and adult responsibilities had not interfered with my reading (how dare they) I'm sure I would've read this in a single sitting.
🫖🫖🫖🫖
A dead body surfaces in an abandoned carriage right outside a cemetery. Moranday isn't convinced that the investigation is on track. He knows that he will be reprimanded if he gets involved directly so he pays Veronica and Stoker a visit counting on the oddities of the case to pique their interests. There are dual puncture wounds on the victim's neck, and the body is completely drained of blood. There is no blood found in the carriage and the puncture wounds are far too small to explain total exsanguination. Stoker puts far too much stock in science to hear of vampirism and Veronica believes there is much science hasn't explained so why rule out the remote possibility. The pair decide to investigate.
🐎🐎🐎🐎
The witty banter is in full force once again; I never tire of it. The dialogue causes me to burst into laughter without fail. I liked how many moving parts this mystery in particular had. There were plenty of twists and amusing intricacies making the pages fly by. Each time I read one of the Veronica Speedwell novels the research the author incorporates adds layers of intrigue and sends me down a rabbit hole of some kind usually either pertaining to history or science. The chemistry between Veronica and Stoker is ⚡⚡ electric ⚡⚡ as always and their deep understanding of the other's needs continues to impress me making them one of my favorite literary couples. (The content is clean.)
🧪🧪🧪🧪
Be sure to stick around for the author's note as it was eye opening and jaw dropping.
📚📚📚📚
Usually, I listen to the audio versions, but I read an early ARC of this one and still loved every moment. If you're a fan eagerly awaiting this release mark your calendars because it is fantastic.
🍃🍃🍃🍃
Excelsior!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Heather | Nerdy By Nature Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

It's been a while since Veronica and her natural historian beau, Stoker, have found themselves embroiled in a mystery, and she's feeling restless. Sure, the pair have their respective work to keep them busy, but there's nothing like the thrill of being on a case. So, when a body turns up outside of Highgate Cemetery, drained of its blood, and another body is found in an apparent suicide, Veronica is eager to discover the cause.

The two victims were both entitled young men with ties to a secret society led by a supposed vampire. When Veronica and Stoker learn of a young Roma boy who may have been a witness to the crime, they seek help from an old acquaintance of Stoker's, Lady Julia Bisbane and her husband, who are only too happy to assist. As Veronica and Stoker dig deeper, they catch the attention of the enigmatic society leader, who has his eyes set on Stoker joining their ranks. And when yet another body is found, the pair know their time is running out.

It's been way too long since we've had a new book in this series, and I'm thrilled to be back with Veronica and Stoker. Every time I pick up one of these books, I know I'm in for a delightful time, and this was no exception. This one felt like one of the more macabre mysteries, which I loved. Raybourn always balances out the darker moments with humor so perfectly. I also loved seeing Veronica and Stoker interact with Lady Julia and Brisbane. I just knew Veronica and Julia would be instant bosom buddies, and I loved watching them swap tales of their adventures. The mystery was intriguing, and I loved the nods to vampirism and witchcraft within the secret society. Like in a few of the previous books, I did guess at part of the twist, but I always enjoy seeing Raybourn tie everything together. As always, I love everything about this series, and I'm especially excited for the next book because I hope we'll finally get to see our dynamic duo solve a mystery abroad, and I'm eager to see it.

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Berkley Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.

I have loved every single one of the previous Veronica Speedwell books, and this newest one is just as good as the others. I adore both Veronica and Stoker and their witty banter always makes me laugh. This time they take on a mystery involving a possible vampire, which leads them to all sorts of dark places.

Veronica and Stoker are bored, which of course leads them to jump at the chance to investigate a death that sounds and looks suspicious, but the police are being told not to investigate. There is also a suicide, that may not be a suicide, and the mixture of vampires and witches and a secret society made for a very exciting adventure.

Veronica and Stoker continue to be my favorite literary couple. They just get each other, and their desire for each other is still strong. Their witty banter is the best and almost always makes me at least smile, if not laugh out loud. I also appreciate how the respect each other’s talents and can admit when they are wrong, even if a bit grudgingly. They also respect their friends and will do anything to help them.

JJ and Mornaday make appearances in this story, but are not as involved as the are in previous ones. JJ has lost her job and is in a bad way, but Veronica and Stoker help her out. There is a fun scene between JJ and Mornaday that still makes me smile whenever I think of it. We also meet a new couple ( at least they were new to me), Lady Jane and Brisbane, another investigating couple. I loved them, and I later learned they are from an earlier series by this author, which I haven’t read. I do hope they return in the next Speedwell book.

The story was well done. I love how well this author depicts the Victorian era, including the smells and the debris that were abundant at that time. The pacing was also well done with action scenes mingling with the more domestic ones. I enjoyed the mystery as well. I had it mostly figured out, but there still were a few surprises. The villains in this story were well written and the vampire lore added some interesting intrigue into the story.

If you are a fan of the series, you will enjoy this one as much as the others. If you have not yet read this series, I highly recommend that you go back to the beginning. Veronica’s and Stoker’s slow burn romance should not be missed.

https://elnadesbookchat.com

[Jessica Samuelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite series! Both Veronica and Stoker are unconventional for the Victorian era, but are also confident in their decisions to live on their own terms despite societal expectations. Veronica is brusque but passionate and loyal in her own way. Stoker is simultaneously brilliant, rugged, grumpy, and oddly refined. Their adventures are exciting and often incorporate historical events. I also love the references to natural science of that time.

This particular book explores the topics of vampirism and mesmerism. Certain parts of the story have more of a gothic novel vibe than the other books in the series. There is also a cross-over component with the Lady Julia series as Stoker and Julia are childhood acquaintances and Brisbane has a useful connection with a witness. Overall, I enjoyed this madcap addition to the Veronica Speedwell series.

Note: This is the tenth book in the Veronica Speedwell series. I would highly recommend reading at least the 1st book (A Curious Beginning) prior to this one. Truthfully, though, it’s best to just read them all in order. Additionally, this story incorporates characters from the Lady Julia Grey series. I didn’t read that series prior to this and didn’t have any trouble following along. However, I do plan to read the Lady Julia series now because I enjoyed those characters.

Romance Steam Rating: Gentle Simmer [1.5 out of 5] (Closed Door)

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tenth Veronica Speedwell historical mystery begins with both Veronica and her significant other Stoker trying to stave off boredom. It has been a while since their last adventure. But when a corpse appears outside Highgate Cemetery and it is drained of blood, Veronica and Stoker are both intrigued.

The young man was of the upper class, and his death is quickly covered up by his family. They certainly don't want any hint of scandal. Veronica throws out the theory that the young man was killed by a vampire which raises Stoker's hackles and a bet ensues.

Then a second young man who happens to the be best friend of the first commits suicide after receiving a note containing dried poisonous plants. Veronica and Stoker soon learn that they were both involved in an exclusive and very secretive club.

Their investigations take them to a Romany camp in the company of one of Stoker's old friends and her private investigator husband as they try to track down a witness. And they attempt to interview a reclusive American millionaire and his private secretary.

As they get closer to the solution, they go from hunters to hunted. Veronica and Stoker have drawn the attention of the leaders of the very secret club.

I enjoyed this historical mystery. I am especially fond of Veronica's unique point of view as she narrates the story. I love the Victorian attitudes and the Victorian setting.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

i received an ARC via netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

We have made it 10 books into the Veronica Speedwell series. As always Stoker and Veronica make a delightful sleuthing team. This particular romp involves a vampire killer, a mysterious witch, and a macabre secret society.

This story begins with Mornaday telling Veronica and Stoker of a troubling case. A man's body was found near the Highgate cemetery exsanguination and the only wounds are two small marks on his neck. The victim's friend fell from his balcony while admiring the view only a few days later. Both deaths were swiftly ruled as accidental. Mornaday was at the scene of the balcony death and spoke with the widow who says her husband received a plant slip in the mail during breakfast, got up and leapt from the balcony. Seeing as Mornaday cannot investigate, it is up to Veronica and Stoker to do so.

And so the hunt for the killer vampire begins. We have cameos by Tiberius, and Julia & Nicholas (from another series by Deanna). J.J. also assists in solving the mystery.

I really enjoyed this book, though the ending felt a bit lackluster to me. Still a solid read, and one that I expect to recommend to others.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC copy!

As an avid lover of this series, I was so excited to continue Veronica and Stoker's expeditions. The two of them are at the top of their game in this installment. Between their relationship, their investigations, and their additional ensemble of characters, Veronica and Stoker have dazzled me yet again.

I appreciated the different nature this investigation took on and the addition of some new ensemble characters we will hopefully see again. The twists and turns of this investigation were a mountain of fun and I had a fantastic time reading along. I especially appreciated the inclusion of a different culture in this installment to continue broadening the landscape of England in the 1880's. It helped make the setting feel that much fuller than before.

Additionally, I loved how the mystery unfolded. Every time I would think I had it figured out, Raybourn pivoted the story in a way I hadn't fathomed. I cannot wait to see where else the story is going to go!

[Cynde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 10th book in the Veronica Speedwell series , in which Veronica and Revelstoke (Stoker) Templeton-Vane find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery. Detective Mornaday comes by the Belvedere, where they work, to share some unusual findings at two recent murder scenes that he cannot look into. Knowing that the two will probably do some investigating of their own, he tells of a man found in a carriage at Highgate (cemetery) with two puncture marks on his neck and all the blood drained from his body. He also tells them of an apparent suicide of the first gentleman's best friend. both deaths have been ruled accidental and the cases closed. Veronica seizes on the clues leading to a death by vampire. Can they prove that the folklore of the vampire had nothing to do with these murders?
This was an enjoyable read. The book would be enjoyed by readers who like to read about Victorian times, mysteries and folklore.

[Kiaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another murder to solve for our intrepid Victoria Speedwell and her partner in life, love and adventure, Stoker. Set in 1889 London, Victoria and Stoker are visited by their friend from Scotland Yard Special Branch, Mornaday to tell them about two very odd deaths that have been hushed up by the powers that be and not declared murders. One finds the body of a young man of some means in an abandoned carriage with no blood in his body and two small puncture wounds on his neck. The other is the son of an aristocrat who, upon opening the mail and finding dried wolfsbane ( a known evil deterrent) get up from the breakfast table, go to a balcony in his house and jump to his death. Both young men were friends and members of a very secret society that dabbles in the occult and may be lead by a vampire. Let the quirky and entertaining investigation begin.
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.

[bookishhaunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot believe that I was blessed with approval for an arc on netgalley. That's a wild feeling.

I'm torn between giving this 3 or 4 stars, since it feels like a 3.5. So, at least for now, I'm gonna give it a 3.

It's not my favorite one, but I do like the concept. I just feel like the execution didn't work as well as other stories.

I still need to read the Lady Julia books to appreciate it more, but the crossover felt like too much. I kinda expected them to be helping more throughout the book, but it really was only for one thing and just kinda felt more unnecessary. It could have been a new character and not made any difference. They also spent a long time just saying how similar they all were over and over. It felt very repetitive, to the point that it felt too much.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s the right time of year for mysteries, so I enjoyed it more than I probably would have if it was a sunny day in July. These books wax and wane in quality, and this one was more on the waning side of things. I found I enjoyed it in spite of itself. The mystery was confusing, and I kept waiting for the story to get off the ground. Then there was the weirdly protracted narration of how it all went down. One thing that has annoyed me for many books is that the main characters stopped progressing or experiencing true obstacles. They just hang around acting out their roles, and the side characters have no purpose other than to be annoying. Still, I found the book engaging in the end. It’s not bad writing, but it was stagnant storytelling.

[P T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have loved this series in the past and was so happy to see Lady Julia make an appearance as I loved her series as well. The author's knowledge of history and language is fascinating and some of her most recent books are my favorites from the series. However, I found this book slow to start and the rest lack luster. There are many characters who appear but add nothing to the story. The most disappointing part is the relationship between Stoker and Veronica that in the past was so enjoyable but now is almost annoying at times. Can't she be wrong at some point? While I did not enjoy this one, I will go back and revisit a few books earlier in this series. Thank you to NetGalley for the digital arc.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Another reliably entertaining Veronica-Stoker historical adventure. The two unconventional lovers are languishing a bit after their last case when along comes a murder to boost their spirits. This one touches on vampires, secret societies, the Romany and other interesting plot elements. We know there will be sizzling chemistry, banter, jockeying for position, dangerous and deadly situations, and that the duo will escape by the skin of their teeth. These stories are always a rollicking good time. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[❁ Emmy ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for review. This was another wonderful addition to the Veronica Speedwell series! Vampires, crypts, and a web of deceit set the stage for another mystery for Veronica and Stoker in A Ghastly Catastrophe.
The resolution didn't feel quite as high stakes or complex as some of the other books in the series, and I was able to guess the ending quite early on, but that didn't take much away from the story because I just love reading about Veronica and Stoker so much. I'm excited for the next story in the series!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1890 Veronica and Stoker are contacted by Mornaday of Special Branch as a body, of Maurice Quincey, has been discovered dead in suspicious circumstances, in a carriage outside Highgate Cemetery. Especially as they had been another death of a close friend of Quincey. Seemingly both members of a secret society. Intrigued they investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Candie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica and Stoker are hot on the trail of a vampire in their 10th adventure. This has all the gothic elements- a secret occult society, a fortune teller, a witch, and of course a vampire, A corpse found exsanguinated with bite marks on his neck starts this adventure off. Can they capture the villains and not meet the same fate? I love these books. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC- my opinions are my own.

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book ten in this series and they are always entertaining. Veronica and Stoker have a relationship that most people don’t approve of, but they live their lives as they see fit. Once again they are pulled into a murder case by Stoker’s brother. One murder becomes two, but how are they related? Does it go back to when they were in school or is it more recent? Don’t worry, with Veronica and Stoker on the case the answers will be found.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Veronica Speedwell series is a cozy but of mystery and romance. The characters of Veronica and Stoker are quite unique and there are more interesting side characters in addition to Mornaday, the hapless policeman, and J.J., unemployed tabloid reporter. At times, it felt there were a few too many threads to the tale but it was still good fun. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy.

[Elmira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Deanna Raybourn, and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this latest installment in the exciting adventures of Veronica and her sidekick Stoker! Each story in this series just gets better and better and this is my favorite yet! I LOVED the visit with a couple of characters from another book (no spoilers here)!

I think the great Elizabeth Peters would love this book because it has all the elements that would make Amelia Peabody throw her shoulders back and grin in determination-mysterious murder, Highgate Cemetery at midnight, vampires, gypsies, romance, witches, and a valuable jewel...

Highly recommend!