Mini-Review of A Curious Beginning

Author: Deanna Raybourn
Rating: 3 Stars
Review By: Shana

Meet Veronica Speedwell, a lady of mysterious parentage and odd (at least for Victorian England) appetites (read: science, rationality, and the occasional romantic dalliance). Upon the death of her guardian aunt, she is flung into intrigue as some burly and unsavory ruffians appear determined to kidnap her. A rather dapper and avuncular elderly gentleman comes to her aid, whisking her away from the countryside to London, and placing her in the care of his trusted, if surly, friend Stoker. Stoker, of less mysterious but perhaps bastardly parentage and fallen out of aristocratic favor, likewise besotted of science, and ever-honorable takes it upon himself to protect her. What follows is a decidedly cheeky, mildly predictable, tale of uneasy friendship, evasion of ruffians, mystery detanglement, and hints of romance to come (unsurprising, as Raybourn is a noted romance author). Not paradigm changing, but very enjoyable.