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A Curious Beginning
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A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell #1) by Deanna Raybourn (Anything Goes BOM) Starts 12 October 2017
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At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.
More info under spoiler
(view spoiler)
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Date Chapters Pages MPQDs
12.Oct 1 - 6 1 - 62 Geri
13.Oct 7 - 12 63 - 124 Geri
14.Oct 13 - 17 125 - 185 Brittany
15.Oct 18 - 22 186 - 244 Chelsea
16.Oct 23 - end 245 - 338
PPDQs = Member Posting Discussion Questions
Breakdown is based on this kindle version of the book
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Book of the Month
~ Ruby Coin How to Earn:
1 Ruby Coin for half DQ participation 1 Ruby Coin for Writing Disscussion Questions 1 Ruby Coin for completing ALL days DQs within month of BOM startExample of ways to Earn Ruby Coins: (view spoiler)
Learn about Gem coins here
I hope to join in on this one. :)
I volunteer to do Day 1 DQs.
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This book is so great! I would open to DQs if you need anymore
If there aren’t enough volunteers, I’ll write DQs for day 2 as well.
I plan on reading this one as long as a copy is still available at the library and can do some DQs if there is. I don't have a particular date preference at the moment.
I'll add the volunteers tomorrow if nobody beats me into it.
Mod
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?
2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?
Nope! And I like any stories about fearless women doing what they want despite societal expectations. :)
2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
I love her so far! She's so refreshingly honest and free-spirited. She seems very capable and yet straight-forward: she knows what she can do and admits defeat for what she can't.
3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
I think there's already chemistry despite their bickering, or maybe because of it. He is clearly coming to respect her and she has fair admiration for him. As for a romance, I'm not necessarily rooting for one except maybe a short dalliance, but it wouldn't be awful if they developed a proper romance.
4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
It seems to have worked out for her just fine- she's logical, level-headed, and clever. She can take care of herself and make her own money. As for her guardians, I'm wondering if they knew who her parents were or not and perhaps they let her run wild because of who her parents were, if they knew them.
5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
It seems to be something to do with her parents since the Baron obviously knew her mother. Perhaps they were in a secret society or daring explorers, etc. It could be that Veronica was placed with guardians who moved around a lot to keep her safe because of some knowledge her parents had, and now people are hunting her for it.
1. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you? I haven't read anything by Raybourn before, but I've been wanting to read a novel book-club style. When this book showed up about natural historians on a mystery-style adventure, I thought, "Why not?"
2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
I thought she seemed rather practical, but I'm a little suspicious that she may turn out to be a little too modern for the setting.
3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
I'm pretty certain that a romance will develop. It's too soon to tell for me if they have good chemistry.
4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
I imagine that the reason her guardians allowed the non-traditional education will probably become clear as more information about her parents shows up. If she wanted to fit in, then, no, this education was not good for her, but it certainly made her into a strong-willed character.
5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
Not really. I'm sure it has something to do with her parents, but nothing more than that.
Day 2 DQs Ch 7-126. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?
7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
Day 1 Questions: 1. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?
This is my first book by Raybourn. I thought it looked interesting, sort of a female Sherlock Holmes type story.
2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
I love that she is bucking conventionality. She knows what she wants and goes after it. She is definitely ahead of her time.
3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
I find the banter interesting. I'm petty sure it will turn romantic or at least there will be an attraction.
4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
I'm not sure if it was good for her as a child, but it probably helped her to become so independent and to be able to follow her own path.
5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
Not yet.
Day 2 Questions:6. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?
I think she made the right decision. The Baron told her she'd be safe with him and I think that's true. I didn't like the way Edmond tried to sneak her away.
7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
I'm not sure. It seems that Stoker did something to upset a lot of the people there. Strange that he'd take her somewhere if he left on bad terms.
8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
It seems like the MC is similar to Veronica. She likes to read about strong, smart women that take control of the situation and are not traditional. I'd probably try reading it.
9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
No. Some people are just not hung up the past. Plus, she seems more "forward thinking" about sexuality.
10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
I feel like the traveling act was just a way to waste time until the inquisition and to stay hidden. It might be a bit strange, but I'm enjoying it a lot.
Day 2 DQs Ch 7-126. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?
I think she made the right decision to stay with Stoker. The Baron took her to someone he trusted with instructions to remain only with him, so I'm sure it was for good reason. At the moment, it doesn't seem like it matters that she didn't tell him about Edmond.
7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
Well, we find out in this section that Stoker caused his best act to leave.
8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
She probably likes it because it's so much like herself. We all enjoy books that we can relate to.
9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
Not necessarily. It's very common to be jealous, but some people can be very understanding. It was common knowledge back then that men slept around before getting married, so a confident woman may not mind hearing about it. Although it's true that knowing about it and actually meeting a past lover are two very different things.
10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
Yeah, it seems like just a temporary situation until they move on and start some kind of investigation. Although perhaps they will be tracked there and there will be some big scene while with the traveling group. It's fairly interesting though.
Day Two Questions:6. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?
I think she's right to stay with Stoker, but she should have told him. It feels like she's endangering them both by keeping the information to herself.
7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
I accidentally read more than the assigned chapters, so I will say no more.
8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
I'm not generally a big fan of mystery novels, so I probably wouldn't read it on my own, but I imagine that Veronica likes it because she sees herself in the main character.
9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
I don't agree. Veronica certainly doesn't love Stoker right now because she's only known him for a few days, but her disinterest/lack of jealousy doesn't preclude the idea of loving him.
10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
I saw it coming. The knife-throwing with the combination of pretending to be married is a little cliché, but I'm alright with clichés.
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?
I have not read any of her other books. It looked like an intriguing mystery, and I haven't read any historical mysteries for awhile so I thought I would give it a try.
2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
She seems to be practical, honest, and self-sufficient. Her views seem a little too modern for the time period, but I probably wouldn't read the book if she were more typical of the period.
3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
I think they could be friends, but I don't think either is interested in romance.
4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
Her non traditional education has certainly made her who she is although and probably is both helpful and harmful to her. I find it strange that her guardians moved so much when she was young, and then she is in danger the moment they are both dead. I'm not sure who or what they might have been hiding her from.
5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
The only theory I have is that is has something to do with her family since the Baron refused to give her any information with permission. I have no idea what it could be.
Well, I've had my DQs ready for awhile now, just waiting on the Day 3 DQs to be posted first. Moderators, perhaps someone else needs to take those over?
I can do the last day, if you still need someone.
Day 2 DQs Ch 7-126. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?
I do not agree with him. The baron took her to Stoker, who seems to be an honorable man beneath his gruffness. Staying with Stoker based upon both the baron's recommendation and the peculiar behavior of Edmond seems to be the best choice at the moment. I think she should have told Stoker about Edmond in case he is a danger.
7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
According to Salome, it is because Stoker caused him to lose his best act.
8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
It sounded like she enjoyed the independence and rationality of the main character probably because it is how she sees herself. I'm notnsure whethernI would enjoy the book or not, but I would give it a try.
9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
I don't agree at all. The past is the past. I would not ask about previous lovers either in her position.
10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
The act seems fairly standard for the type of show. The tangent is entertaining, but I hope it is brief since I am more interested in the murder and mystery of Veronica's identity.
I suppose I'll go ahead and post my Day 4 DQs without any preceding them.October 15 Chapters 18-22 DQs
13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?
14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?
15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?
16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?
17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?
Kristie wrote: "I can do the last day, if you still need someone."Sure Kristie, go ahead and take the last day.
Chelsea wrote: "Well, I've had my DQs ready for awhile now, just waiting on the Day 3 DQs to be posted first. Moderators, perhaps someone else needs to take those over?"Sorry Chelsea, I have being working overtime for the past two weeks and Karen is busy with work and Uni, so we missed it.
Good thing you posted ahead. Thanks :)
October 15 Chapters 18-22 DQs13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?
I like her. I have finished, but when I first read about her I thought she was a lot like Veronica. But, I wasn't sure if she was trustworthy immediately. I thought I knew who her father was and was in the phase of mistrusting everyone.
14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?
I'm not sure. At different times, I thought it was her father, then not. I think I mostly thought it was him.
15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?
I thought she was trying to keep it secret somehow. Maybe to protect the dad.
16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?
No, he's creepy and I think Veronica has good instincts.
17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?
I do. I think they need to figure out what is going on.
Day 5 Questions: end of book18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series?
19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
Day 6 Questions: end of book18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series?
I loved this book. I thought it gave a Sherlock Holmes feel. I definitely plan to continue with the series.
19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
I'm not really sure who this is. It was certainly set up to look as though it's the queen. I wonder if it really is though.
20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
I'm not sure if I feel like that's the end of it or if she'll continue to have a presence in the future books. I'm curious though.
21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
I loved their relationship. The banter was fun. I really wanted them to get together, but I think it may be better for future books that they didn't. It would be cool if they became a husband/wife team at some point, as long as Veronica doesn't really change. I love that she's feisty.
22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
I knew who the father was fairly early on, but still enjoyed the end. I like seeing how Veronica and Stoker put it all together and then what they decided to do about it. I also like that Veronica was the one to figure out their future and get them jobs and a place to live.
Day 5 Questions: end of book18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series?
I loved it! I liked the style and the characters and the mystery. I'm definitely interested in continuing the series.
19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
My first thought was the Queen, but I think Veronica's assumption that she stays out of that kind of stuff is probably accurate. Otherwise, the only female character of genteel breeding we were introduced to was Lady Cordelia who was helping them (or at least appeared to be; after all, the police apparently knew where they were staying the whole time they were at Belvedere); so unless it's her, we haven't been introduced to any other possibilities.
20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
Veronica may be left alone for now but if she finds herself in the spotlight again, which I daresay she will, then she may be sought after by the police and "her" yet again.
21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
I liked the honesty of it- the fact that they had urges but logically overcame them. I don't like when authors just throw people together for the sake of a romantic drama, and yet it's not always honest if there's no chemistry at all. So I thought this was dealt with nicely.
22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
I was convinced that Veronica was going to leave, so her return to Belvedere felt a little awkward to me. But I'm otherwise very pleased with the ending and the fact that they get to work together some more.
October 15 Chapters 18-22 DQs13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?
I like her. It is humorous how Stoker has not one but two very resourceful and independent women to deal with. I wouldn’t mind if Cordelia continues to be part of the story.
14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?
Veronica’s guardians moved a lot. But since Veronica’s Father did not want to acknowledge her as his child, not sure he was the one they were running from. It is possible Veronica’s father killed her mother. Or possibly someone related to Veronica’s father.
15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?
I did find it odd. And I do think it was deliberate.
16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?
If he does have her best interest at heart, he is going about it in absolutely the wrong way! LOL
17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?
I expected nothing less. Stoker and Veronica do not run from danger.
18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series? Overall, I did enjoy it and will read the next book in the series.
19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
Oh, I think the Queen herself was the one behind making sure Veronica’s identity would be kept secret.
20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
If it becomes known that the papers were not burned, then Veronica would become a target again.
21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
It’s too early for them to act on their urges. This is a series and the author is going to make us wait.
22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
Yes, I am glad they will continue together and continue their work together.
October 15 Chapters 18-22 DQs13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?,
She seems to be quite a stalwart friend of Stoker. I found the notion that she and Veronica together could topple government quite amusing. I don't expect her part in the story to be more than a helpful friend given how little she seems to know of the baron.
14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?,
If her father's family was truly the driving force behind the wedding, it seems far more likely that his family would have a stronger motive than he would since the baby could have provided a means to prevent the wedding. I suspect the plot will end up being more complex.
15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?,
Referring to her as baby hides both her name and her gender. I expect it was deliberate.
16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?
I think he knows who Veronica's father is. It seems far more likely that he wishes to use her than help her.
17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?
I would have been shocked if they had left. Stoker rightly wishes to find justice for his friend, and Veronica wishes to not only find a murderer but unravel the mystery that is her past. Neither is the sort to take off simply because events become dangerous. After all one hunted butterflies near an active volcano and the other hunted jaguars and survived a vicious attack.
Day 5 Questions: end of book18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series?
I enjoyed the book and will probably continue with the series.
19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
I cannot imagine that it would be anyone less than the queen.
20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
I think Veronica is safe as long as no one finds out about the papers that weren't destroyed.
21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
I think they have potential for a future relationship. Stoker is wise enough to wait for her to realize what she wants. It was enough for the first book.
22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
I did like the ending. I like that Veronica and Stoker will be working together doing something they will both enjoy.
1. Have you read other books by Deanna Raybourn? Why did this book appeal to you?I have not read any of her books. I am trying to read all of the BOM's and, if my library has the book, I read it.
2. Veronica isn't heartbroken over Aunt Nell's death and is very outspoken. She admits to dallying with men and has traveled the world. How do you feel about Veronica after learning all this?
Her character became far more interesting and I idolize her. She is a unique woman for her time and very few people can break free of their social status in any time.
3. Stoker and Veronica don't exactly get along. Do you think they have chemistry? Do you think a romance will develop?
I actually think they do get along. I cannot decide if something romantically will develop but I hope their relationship will continue to grow. They are an interesting pair.
4. Veronica has had a very non traditional education. Do you think this was good for Veronica? Why do you think her guardians allowed this?
It seems to have allowed her to grow independently from normal social status. I think that is a good thing. I believe they were protecting her from someone or something.
5. The Baron has been murdered. People are after Veronica. Do you have any theories about why?
Veronica must be important to someone or something and, without her knowledge, her aunts' were protecting her. When they were 'moving', they were actually running.
6. Edmond approaches Veronica and tells her she is not safe with Stoker. Do you agree with him? Or do you think Veronica made the right decision to stay with Stoker? Was it wise of Veronica to not tell Stoker about Edmond?I think Stoker is the safest person although she probably should have told Stoker about Edmond.
7. Stoker takes Veronica to a traveling show. The professor seems to harbor ill will toward Stoker. Why do you think there is tension between them?
Something obviously happened before when he left.
8. Veronica is reading a book, The Unlikely Adventures Of Acadia Brown, Lady Detective. I did a search to see if this was a real book, but did not find anything. Why do you think Veronica enjoys this series so much? Would this be a book you would want to read?
It is about an independent woman who is doing a job that is usually for a man. I probably would want to read the series.
9. Do you agree with Salome that Veronica’s disinterest in Stoker’s previous lovers means that Veronica does not love Stoker?
This is a hard question for me. I see it from both points of view. On the one hand, I think they would want to share everything with each other which would mean she would know about previous lovers. On the other hand, previous lovers would not matter or effect their relationship.
10. What did you think about the knife throwing act? I am not sure what the traveling show has to do with finding out who killed the Baron. LOL Are you enjoying the tangent the book has taken?
The traveling show is more about Stoker's character than finding the murderer. I like it because I feel like I understand him a lot more.
13. What do you think of Lady Cordelia? Do you think she'll have any larger part in the story besides a helpful friend?I have been wondering the same thing. She and her brother seem to be unaffected by their presence or any supposed news.
14. We finally know Veronica's mother's identity. Do you think Veronica's father is the one who killed her mother and pursued Veronica as a child or do you suspect a more complex plot?
I do not think he killed her mother but I do think he is the reason she died. I would even suspect his wife's family.
15. Can you take a guess as to why Veronica's mother simply referred to her as "Baby" in letters and photographs? Do you think it was an odd habit or a deliberate attempt to keep her identity a secret?
It seems like it is deliberate and I even wonder if she has a proper name.
16. De Clare is acting the villain in abducting Veronica despite their relation. Do you think he truly has Veronica's best interest at heart despite his tactics?
No, he is definitely a villain but maybe for other reasons than we think.
17. Do you agree with Veronica and Stoker's decision to stay in England despite the danger and the warning to leave?
Yes, I am glad they stayed, but only because I want them to solve the murder.
18. What did you think of the book overall? Will you continue with the series? I enjoyed the book and I do plan to continue the series.
19. Who do you think the "she" is that was orchestrating this from behind the scenes?
I believe "she" is the queen.
20. Do you think "she" will leave Veronica alone or will she become a target again?
Since there was the forewarning of 'you are safe for now', I think Veronica will become a target again.
21. What did you think about the relationship between Veronica and Stoker? Were you hoping for more or did you like that they didn't act on those urges?
I enjoy their relationship. I like that the author held off, but I think more will happen between them in future books.
22. Did you like the ending? Did you like how it wrapped up and where Veronica and Stoker will be going from here?
Yes, it is a good solution for them. They will be paid and be allowed to go on expeditions while having a home base. They will also be able to stay with one another.
This topic is open to discuss A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn Be prepared for spoilers!
Synopsis:
In her thrilling new series, Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries, returns once more to Victorian England...and introduces intrepid adventuress Veronica Speedwell.
London, 1887. After burying her spinster aunt, orphaned Veronica Speedwell is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry—and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as with fending off admirers, Veronica intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.
But fate has other plans when Veronica thwarts her own attempted abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron, who offers her sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker, a reclusive and bad-tempered natural historian. But before the baron can reveal what he knows of the plot against her, he is found murdered—leaving Veronica and Stoker on the run from an elusive assailant as wary partners in search of the villainous truth.