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A review by nerdybynatureblog
A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn
5.0
**I received a copy of this via the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
*4.5
There is no rest for Veronica Speedwell and her faithful companion Stoker. Fresh off a case which almost killed them, but which did lead to them finally professing their feelings for one another, the pair are thrust directly into another by Lady Wellingtonia, which is so scandalous it could potentially rock the monarchy to its core. Prince Albert Victor is a regular inhabitant of Club de l'Etoile, a rather exclusive club that caters to a more, ahem, interesting clientele, and he's given an expensive gift to the proprietress, Madame Aurore, that Lady Wellingtonia will do anything to make sure isn't traced back to the Prince. If that wasn't enough, London is currently in a frenzy over a string of murders by a man who calls himself Jack the Ripper, and Lady Wellie can't help but think maybe the prince has a hand in that as well.
Veronica and Stoker begrudgingly agree to help Lady Wellie by going undercover at Madame Aurore's brothel. While in the midst of their investigation, the pair come across Prince Albert, in drag and going by the name "Victoria" no less, and soon stumble upon a body of none other than the Madame herself. Forced to flee from the scene, the trio are then kidnapped and held captive by a shadow from Veronica's past. When secrets that were thought buried come swirling to the surface, Veronica and Stoker must puzzle together the truth before it's too late.
I knew that I was going to enjoy this regardless of how it turned out just because I'm such a fan, but I really did love this. I'm always immediately sucked into the story and whatever case Veronica and Stoker are working on. Raybourn is so amazing when it comes to fun dialogue, and there's never a shortage of witty banter. I love how the relationship between not just Veronica and Stoker, but Lady Wellie and other secondary characters, always feels so natural. We get to dive back into Veronica's murky past again, and I liked how it all unfolded with her and Prince Albert. I will say, my only small gripe was that I wish the Ripper murders played a little bit more into the story line. I'm a bit fascinated by that time and would've loved to see more of Raybourn's spin on it. Other than that, this was yet another brilliant installment to the series, and I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for a fast-paced action-packed historical fiction/mystery to fall in love with.
*4.5
There is no rest for Veronica Speedwell and her faithful companion Stoker. Fresh off a case which almost killed them, but which did lead to them finally professing their feelings for one another, the pair are thrust directly into another by Lady Wellingtonia, which is so scandalous it could potentially rock the monarchy to its core. Prince Albert Victor is a regular inhabitant of Club de l'Etoile, a rather exclusive club that caters to a more, ahem, interesting clientele, and he's given an expensive gift to the proprietress, Madame Aurore, that Lady Wellingtonia will do anything to make sure isn't traced back to the Prince. If that wasn't enough, London is currently in a frenzy over a string of murders by a man who calls himself Jack the Ripper, and Lady Wellie can't help but think maybe the prince has a hand in that as well.
Veronica and Stoker begrudgingly agree to help Lady Wellie by going undercover at Madame Aurore's brothel. While in the midst of their investigation, the pair come across Prince Albert, in drag and going by the name "Victoria" no less, and soon stumble upon a body of none other than the Madame herself. Forced to flee from the scene, the trio are then kidnapped and held captive by a shadow from Veronica's past. When secrets that were thought buried come swirling to the surface, Veronica and Stoker must puzzle together the truth before it's too late.
I knew that I was going to enjoy this regardless of how it turned out just because I'm such a fan, but I really did love this. I'm always immediately sucked into the story and whatever case Veronica and Stoker are working on. Raybourn is so amazing when it comes to fun dialogue, and there's never a shortage of witty banter. I love how the relationship between not just Veronica and Stoker, but Lady Wellie and other secondary characters, always feels so natural. We get to dive back into Veronica's murky past again, and I liked how it all unfolded with her and Prince Albert. I will say, my only small gripe was that I wish the Ripper murders played a little bit more into the story line. I'm a bit fascinated by that time and would've loved to see more of Raybourn's spin on it. Other than that, this was yet another brilliant installment to the series, and I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for a fast-paced action-packed historical fiction/mystery to fall in love with.