It’s an open-&-shut case. The jury found Miles Ramsforth guilty of
murdering the aspiring young painter Artemisia beyond a shadow of a doubt. They discovered him standing over the body, with Artemisia’s blood all over his
hands and clothes, and holding the murder weapon. He didn't even bother to deny it.
Nevertheless, Veronica
Speedwell has been summoned by a member of England’s upper crust, the Lady Sundridge, who is asking Veronica, along with her
cohort, Stoker, to do some investigating—being discreet of course—into the
possibility that Miles is innocent.
Lady Sundridge doesn’t give
any reason why she thinks Miles might not have done it, nor does she reveal if
there’s anyone in particular whom she suspects is the real killer. But Veronica accepts the assignment anyway. It pays to do the upper class's biddings.
Here’s hoping you uncover
evidence of Miles’s innocence quickly, Veronica. If you don’t Miles Ramsforth will
hang a week from now.
What’s To Like...
A Perilous Undertaking is set in Victorian London
in 1887, and is told from the first-person POV, Veronica’s. I loved the "historical feel” to it, which
was also true of the other book I’ve read in this series, A Curious Beginning, which is reviewed here.
The Mystery aspect is
equally impressive. The reader gets to tag along with Stoker and Veronica, as they skillfully assess the psyches of a bunch of possible suspects, deftly encouraging them to hear and answer their questions. The witty repartee between Stoker and
Veronica is definitely an added treat in this series.
Initially, very little
progress is made by our sleuthing duo.
Then they receive a threatening note, unsigned, of course, letting them
know that someone wants them to cease their investigation. It’s too bad Veronica and Stoker have no idea exactly what’s riling up the anonymous note-writer.
The character development is outstanding.
It was a blast meeting people from all classes of Victorian London
society, including several artistically talented folks.
The ending is also top-notch:
it’s tense, exciting, and replete with plot twists and intrigue. The mystery storyline is wrapped up first,
then the interrelationship issues are dealt with.
It’s interesting to watch Stoker and Veronica both struggle to come to grips with their roles in their partnership.
Ratings…
Amazon:
4.5/5
based on 6,000 ratings and 382 reviews.
Goodreads: 4.09/5 based on 33,332
ratings and 3,356 reviews.
Kewlest New Word ...
Eminence grise (n.) : a person who exercises
power or influence in a certain sphere without holding an official position.
Others: Epergne (n.); Ballad monger (n.); Grig
(n.); Murine
(adj.).
Excerpts...
“You don’t believe the public should have
access to the accumulation of human knowledge?
To the accomplishment of art and exploration?”
A small smile played across her mouth. “You think the common man cares about such
things? No, child. The common man cares about a full belly, warm
feet, and a sound roof. But I like your
idealism. It’s charming, as long as you
promise to lose it before you turn thirty.
A woman past thirty cannot afford ideals.”
“A cynical view, I think,” I told her.
She pulled a face. “Stoker, the child thinks me a cynic.”
Stoker gave her a bland look. “The child will think worse of you when she
gets to know you.” (pg. 42)
He snorted.
“You are transparent as glass, Veronica.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
He laid the paper aside and rose to his
feet, coming to stand at my elbow. I did
not look up from my moths. “I mean that
you think you can twist me round like those insipid lovers of yours.”
I reared back. “They were not insipid! Do give me a little credit, Stoker. I would never conduct an affair with a fellow
who could lay claim to that word.” (pg.
175)
Kindle Details…
A
Perilous Undertaking presently sells for $5.99 at Amazon. The rest of the e-books in the series range
in price from $1.99 to $14.99. Deanna Raybourn has several other series for your
reading enjoyment; the prices of those e-books are anywhere from $1.99 to
$13.99.
“I say, miss, are
you talking to a turtle?” (pg.
109)
There’s not a lot of profanity
in A Perilous Undertaking; I counted just
six instances in the first half of the book.
However, some “adult situations and toys” are encountered, much to
Veronica’s astonishment. She also gets introduced to a couple of drugs, with hilarious results.
I didn’t note any typos, which is a
noteworthy feat. I can’t think of
anything else to quibble about.
In summary, A Perilous
Undertaking kept me turning the pages from beginning to end, and met my
expectations in all these literary aspects: History,
Mystery, Character-building, and Storytelling
. I’m looking forward to reading more of Veronica Speedwell's adventures.
9 Stars. One last thing. At one point, an ancient general named Holofernes is referenced. I had never heard of him, but thank goodness for Wikipedia. It turns out he was an Assyrian general who appears in the apocryphal Book of Judith. It was fun reading about their encounter.
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