A Grave Robbery (Veronica Speedwell, #9) by Deanna Raybourn Series: Veronica Speedwell #9
Published by Berkley on March 12, 2024
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Pages: 336
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: The story dragged more than others in the series, and I was not as engaged with this one as much, but it is still enjoyable overall. It is a little disappointing based on the high standards for the series.
THE STORY: Veronica and Stoker are faced with a new mystery when their patron, Lord Rosemorran, purchases a wax figure of a woman and asks for a clockwork mechanism to be incorporated to create a breathing “Sleeping Beauty” figure for his daughter. Stoker and Veronica, however, discover that “Sleeping Beauty” is actually the preserved body of a real person. This sends the duo on a quest to determine who the woman was and what happened to her.
OPINION: The book started off strong. The mystery of the wax figure was creepy, and Veronica and Stoker’s reaction was well-set. As the story progressed, however, I found myself less interested in the characters involved in the identity of the dead woman. Everything felt too removed from the actual possible crimes in this case. The entire case felt too intellectual and less personal to anyone. The story worked out, but it felt clinical, and I really didn’t feel that there was anything about the story that I needed to turn the page quickly to find out. It felt more remote than the usual Veronica Speedwell story. This might be my least favorite of the series, but I still love Veronica and Stoker and the other recurring characters in the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: The book has strong Frankenstein vibes.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A GRAVE ROBBERY is the ninth book in the Veronica Speedwell series. This book’s mystery is self-contained, and the book can be read on its own. It is true, however, that there are ongoing relationships that develop over the life of the series and thus it is better, but not necessary, to read the series in order.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.