A ghastly catastrophe

Deanna Raybourn

Book - 2026

"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 clue...s, 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. . . "-- Provided by publisher.

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1 copy ordered
Subjects
Genres
Fiction
Detective and mystery fiction
Novels
Romans
Published
New York : Berkley Mystery 2026.
Language
English
Main Author
Deanna Raybourn (author)
Physical Description
pages cm
ISBN
9780593815731
Contents unavailable.
Review by Library Journal Review

Lepidopterist and amateur sleuth Veronica Speedwell has made progress with her latest collection of butterflies, but she can't ignore her growing restlessness. She finally admits to herself that she's itching to dive into another investigation. Inspector Mornaday answers her unspoken desire when he arrives to tell her and Stoker, her partner in life and crime-solving, that two men are dead; all evidence points to the work of a vampire. Both Veronica and Stoker are scientists, but while Stoker scoffs at the supernatural, Veronica is unwilling to dismiss anything out of hand. A strangely compelling couple involved in a very secret society, a young Romani boy who is a potential witness to one of the murders, and a cursed jewel keep Veronica and Stoker hunting for clues in grave danger. Will this be the case where their luck runs out? VERDICT With its 10th entry (after 2024's A Grave Robbery), Raybourn's series continues to delight with its mix of historical elements, twisty mystery, and delicious byplay between the two main characters. Highly recommended for readers of Sherry Thomas's "Lady Sherlock" series or Andrea Penrose's Wrexford & Sloane mysteries.--Julie Ciccarelli

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