A Curious Beginning

Because I really love 18th to 19th century time-tested novels, contemporary historical fiction is one of those genres which I naturally and strongly gravitate towards, but I rarely enjoy what I pick up.

I'm happy to note that A Curious Beginning was one of those rare instances. I thoroughly enjoyed myself from beginning to end, and I was already busy figuring out how to get my hands on the next book before I had even finished this one.

Victoria Speedwell is a 24 year old spinster who, having just nursed and buried her two aunts, thought she was now free from any strings holding her to England. Things get nasty when her house is broken into by a burly henchman, but with the help of a mysterious German baron, she escapes unscathed. From there begins her rollercoaster adventure through Victorian London and beyond, as the baron throws her lot together with his “protege” of sorts, the faux-ruffian Stoker.

I won't pretend to say that this novel does a 100% flawless job at blending in with the 19th century backdrop. It doesn't. Victoria Speedwell is remarkably progressive and independent for a woman of her time, and she is certainly something of an anachronism. I typically don't like anachronistic characters in historical fiction, but I liked that Victoria was consistent. Unlike many novels out there, she wasn't a female character who simply flared up randomly about how downtrodden Victorian women there but then cowered at the first sign of danger or got herself captured so the hero could come in and save her. She means to have her way, and she defies anyone who stands between her and her goals, damn the consequences. And the book really means, damn the consequences.

At Stoker's introduction, I was bracing myself for your typical undermined hero, with all his rippling muscles and ruffian-like exterior hiding the soul of an aristocrat. In many ways, he does fall into all those tropes, as does Victoria into the anachronistically independent Victorian spinster stereotype. What I liked, however, was the way the tropes played off each other: to explosive fireworks and some truly hilarious conversations. Stoker has an apparently dark past and I still don't know the whole of it, since nothing much is explained by the end of this book but he doesn't sit brooding on it all the damn time as tormented heroes are wont to do. He does get up and live his life, especially when Veronica (metaphorically) slaps him out of it.

Another thing I really enjoyed is that sexual/romantic tension so masterfully built up between the two characters but never quite consummated. We're given deliciously brief brushes with that palpable connection between the two, but they don't quite fall into each other's arms and decide to commit themselves to each other by the end of the book. At the rate I have rolled my eyes and given up on so many romantic plots from historical fiction novels, you might think I've lost my romantic soul, but this book has proved that I haven't. I do enjoy reading romance, but I like to see it built up realistically, with a solid foundation as is happening here with Veronica and Stoker. Heck, I can't even be 100% sure if they end up together in the subsequent books, and it's fun to have that ambiguity hanging.They also don't display that annoyingly overdone trope of tortured forbidden love, where one or both parties pretend nothing is happening between them for some reason or other, if only to increase the angst and torment. Veronica and Stoker, I think, without actually saying it out loud, have acknowledged an attraction between themselves, but at least during the duration of the book, they were too busy with more pressing, life-and-death matters to really go into that, and I could respect that plot decision. It's a far cry from some historical fiction I've read where they had the main couple having sex in a jail cell when both were in apparently mortal danger, just because they couldn't keep it in their pants. Not Veronica and Stoker.

I'm off to start on the second book now and I'm pleased to note that the Goodreads ratings of subsequent installments of the Victoria Speedwell series are only increasing. “Excelsior!”

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama. 
First in a new historical mystery series about intrepid Victorian England adventurer Veronica Speedwell
Following my reviews you know that I spend most of my reading hours in the realm of Christian Historical Fiction; however, there are a few authors that are in the general fiction market that I gladly and eagerly jump into their novels. Therefore, I realize this recommendation is not for everyone who reads my normal reviews. With that said, A Curious Beginning is an amazing book and a wonderful start to a new series with an author divined with a creative mind Deanna Raybourn. I absolutely loved the Lady Julia Grey series that I started reading on recommendation of my author friend Michelle Moran and I devoured every additional story. Deanna does have another series set in the 1920s that I have not entered into yet. Stepping back into 1887, Veronica is an incredible character. Veronica Speedwell has a name that sets her apart, but her personality is so unique and whimsical that as a reader you cannot help but enjoy her wit. While, Stoker is no Brisbane, he does have his qualities that I found he grew on me in favor after a while.

Raybourn is a winner of the RITA Award and a Romantic Times Award (as well as nominated for additional RITA and Daphne du Maurier awards, an Agatha award, and several Romantic Times awards)

I received an ARC from my job. It in no way sways my review. I have read Deanna Raybourn's Julia Grey series and I loved them so I was excited to hear the author is writing another historical fiction series with another strong female protagonist at the center.

Veronica Speedway has no attachments after burying her aunt. She is finally free to resume her travels abroad with scientific studies involving her passion, butterflies. But when she returns home from the funeral finds an intruder that tries to kidnap her. With help from Baron Maximillian von Stauffenbach they defeat the kidnapper. The Baron reveals he knows about her past and believes she is in danger. Offering a ride to London and the promise to answer her questions she excepts. But when he drops her with an old friend of his, Stoker, for protection she finds herself thrown into an exciting adventure when the Baron is discovered murdered.
This was an amazing novel. The book is fast paced and keeps the adventure moving, fun, and never dull. I really enjoyed Veronica Speedwell. She is nothing like Julia Grey but still very likable. She was smart, stubborn, and funny. She is not the romanic troupe readers of historical fiction have been bombarded with and it's refreshing. I loved her fight to be the independent woman not excepted during those times. Stroker was a little hard to pin down. He is grouchy and tight lipped about his past. I thought he could be prickly but he definitely grows on the reader. It could be because of the interaction and relationship between Veronica and Stroker. Their dialogues throughout the book are smart conversations and arguments which grows and helps the characters see each other as equals.

I can't wait to read more mysteries involving these characters and see where their relationship can go. I'm sad to say goodbye to Lady Julia Grey but Veronica Speedway is a worthy successor. I am certainly recommending this book to others.

A Curious Beginning turned out to be an extremely conflicting book for me. I think that I've started reading it on the plane to Georgia in the middle of June. However, I managed to get only in a couple of chapters and then I blissfully forgot about Veronica Speedwell and her troubles for a month.

Recently, I picked it up again and I'm glad that I managed to finish this book.

I would like to start with the first part of the novel. Unfortunately, it made me roll my eyes quite often. The main character - previously mentioned Veronica Speedwell - felt pretty artificial and forced. She had literally no reaction to the events around her. Just imagine the situation: a stranger destroyed your home and tried to abduct or kill you. My reaction would be shock, fear and wonder why that happened. Veronica's reaction: oh, that was probably just random ransacking, let's not mention it again. After that, she got in the carriage with a complete stranger and got off to London. Why not?

What's more, at certain times Veronica behaved way too progressive for the times that book is set in. But that was to be expected. The book was written in the 21st century, after all.

Well, after reading that I guess that you may have a question why I've given the novel 4 stars. Actually, it's pretty simple. I liked the atmosphere of A Curious Beginning, no-drama approach of the characters to any event and the general lightness of the book. And of course, the development of trust between Veronica and Stoker was masterfully done. In addition, the novel has been excellently completed, however, there are a lot of possibilities for continuation.

To sum it all up, the beginning of this cycle turned out to be truly curious and I would definitely like to see what happens next.

P.S. The cover is stunning <3333

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. It is set in 1860's England and Veronica Speedwell is a feisty heroine who won't let any one get the better of her. Stoker is a perfect partner for her. I am really looking forward to the next adventure in the next book. Very reminiscent of Parasol Protectorate but is not steampunk at all. Just the tone of is similar.

This was a fun adventure. I think there was a bit of a struggle as to what it was going to be (mystery, romance, historical fiction) as it didn't blend the pieces fully, but overall it was a fun listen. I did listen to it on one of the faster speeds and I think this helped keep it from dragging at some points.

I really wanted to love this book and start a new series, but it is not for me. I enjoyed Veronica Speedwell and the other characters but the story was just too slow moving.

12-19-23 I did a reread of this book and enjoyed it more the second time around. I am more interested in the characters now and am wanting to see where they go in the next installment.

The story and development of the series was interesting and entertaining. There is some strong potential in the future cases of adventure and mystery for Veronica and Stoker.

However, there were moments where the reader of the audiobook went a bit too far with her acting and voices and that ended up being a little irritating. Her reading made Veronica seem more bitchy than determined and her attempts to do a voice for Stoker were unfortunate. I know its hard to read and intone the voices of men and women with various accents but it definitely interfered with the story for me.

~Check out all my reviews over on The Bent Bookworm!~ “Mrs. Clutterthorpe, I can hardly think of any fate worse than becoming the mother of six. Unless perhaps it were plague, and even then I am persuaded a few disfiguring buboes and possible death would be preferable to motherhood.”Review of a re-read! I actually read A Curious Beginning almost four years ago, when it first came out. I totally intended to buy the second as soon as it was available, but then it came out with a SHOCKINGLY mismatched cover and yes, I was that shallow. I'm really sad that I didn't keep up with them (also, note: authors have no control over their book covers so it was really stupid of me to essentially “boycott” the second one just because of the cover, even though I totally meant to read it as soon as I could get over my dislike of the cover).I recently got my hands on the next three (!!!) books in the series, and when I started the second one I realized that I remembered very, VERY little of the first book. So here we are! My enthusiasm for this book knows few bounds, as is best illustrated by HOW MANY TIMES I had to update my GoodReads status for it whilst reading (scroll down to the end of this review to see, hehe).FeelsThe intrigue! The mystery! The secrets! The sexual tension! Ahem. Okay, I might be getting a little carried away. There aren't really any punch-to-the-gut feelings that come along with this story, or at least I didn't think so. It's much more about the mystery surrounding Veronica, why so many people are suddenly interested in a young, unfashionably scientific woman. Stoker, with whom she is thrown together by chance, has a good many secrets that he is quite determined to keep hidden. He basically oozes bad-boy sexuality (in a Victorian sort of way), but actually has quite a soft heart.“There are times when it is entirely safe to show one's vulnerability, to roll over and reveal the soft underbelly beneath. But there are other times when pain must be borne without a murmur, when the pain is so consuming that if you give in to it, even in the slightest, you have lost everything.”The banter is what really makes this book come alive. I laughed out loud SO many times – and not because the SITUATION itself was funny, or far-fetched. Veronica and Stoker just constantly throw one-liners at each other and it's hysterical. The sexual tension grows and grows throughout the book and I was totally there for it! I was a bit non-plussed at the “ending,” but it made me all the more excited for the next installment. PlotSince this is a mystery, it's not possible to say MUCH without giving it away. But, it revolves around Veronica and the circumstances of her birth, and why people appear to be either trying to kill or kidnap her. The details aren't ever especially gory, but it doesn't quite feel like a cozy mystery to me, either. I'm vaguely reminded of the Amelia Peabody series, but with more sizzle.SettingVictorian England, with all the trappings that come along with that era. However, this is probably NOT the book or series for you if you are a stickler for details. The physical details seem fairly accurate, but Veronica is a very independent lady and quite the free-thinker, not just with regards to her whole-hearted pursuit of science but in her “dalliances.” I find it very hard to believe there would be someone in this setting who wasn't completely ostracized from society...though perhaps I just haven't studied the right history. I did thoroughly enjoy the scientific aspect of the book, and found myself Googling the scientific names of various butterflies to see what exactly she was looking at!4.5/5 stars. Half a star reduction was for what I felt was a fairly common plot – not an unenjoyable one, but any means, but a twist could have been nice too. 😉Blog Twitter Bloglovin Instagram

DNF PG 72

Why?

Reason #1
Veronica Speedwell
She is a super special snowflake that is not like the other girls(TM). She has violet eyes, described as looking like her mother's twin by a man that called her mother ‘the most beautiful woman' he's ever seen. She is disdainful of women that like traditionally feminine pursuits. She has to constantly prove how worldly and impressive she is by one-upping. She is constantly either attracted to men, mentally undressing them or referring to her sexual prowess. She claims to be tough and independent but is really a follower that has to be saved.

Reason #2
The (lack of a) Mystery
I was promised a historical mystery. By the time I got so sick of Miss Speedwell that I just couldn't anymore, there had been absolutely no signs of a mystery.