ARC Review: A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn

A Murderous Relation
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell (Book 5)
Publication: Berkley (March 10, 2020)

Description: A royal scandal’s connection to a brutal serial killer threatens London in this new Veronica Speedwell adventure from New York Times bestselling and Edgar® Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Autumn 1888. Veronica Speedwell and her colleague Stoker are asked by Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk to stop a potential scandal so explosive it threatens to rock the monarchy. Prince Albert Victor is a regular visitor to the most exclusive private club in London, and the proprietress, Madame Aurore, has received an expensive gift that can be traced back to the prince. Lady Wellie would like Veronica and Stoker to retrieve it from the club before scandal can break.

Worse yet, London is being terrorized by what would become the most notorious and elusive serial killer in history, Jack the Ripper—and Lady Wellie suspects the prince may be responsible.

Veronica and Stoker reluctantly agree to go undercover at Madame Auroreʼs high-class brothel, where a body soon turns up. Secrets are swirling around Veronica and the royal family—and it is up to Veronica and Stoker to find the truth, before it is too late for all of them.

My Thoughts: This is the fifth historical mystery starring Veronica Speedwell and Stoker Templeton-Vane. It takes place in the autumn of 1888 when London is being terrorized by a criminal called Jack the Ripper. Lady Wellie has asked them to assist the Princess of Wales whose son Prince Albert Victor has given a very expensive gift to a woman of very questionable virtue. Veronica isn't eager to do any favors for a family that won't acknowledge her but, after Lady Wellie suffers a medical emergency, she and Stoker decide to investigate.

Their investigation takes them to Madame Aurore's very exclusive private club where they encounter the mysterious patroness, two decidedly dodgy servants, and the young prince himself. Mayhem ensues which leads to the kidnapping of Veronica, Stoker, and the prince. They seem to have gotten themselves into the middle of two separate plots with old enemies and new and it takes all their skills to get themselves out of danger.

I really enjoy these historical mysteries which are told by Veronica who has a rather eccentric viewpoint. She is as much troubled by the idea of actually having a relationship with Stoker as she is with the troubles involving her younger half-brother. I liked the setting and the depictions of life for the poor at the time. I liked that Veronica can see how much her life could be like the Ripper's victims except for an accident of birth that puts her into a higher social class.

Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this series with its intriguing characters.

Favorite Quote:

Yet now that we had returned to London, I had been aware of a creeping sensation of doubt. That a physical union between us would be gratifying, I had no doubt. I was only too aware of Stoker's many attractions. But this new and burgeoning habit to rely upon him terrified me to my marrow. I had learned not to be dependent through the harshest of circumstances. Could I now alter that practice? Could I really throw my hard-won independence to the wind and lean upon him?

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Edelweiss. You can buy your copy here.