A Perilous Undertaking & A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Borrowed, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

"Veronica Speedwell returns in a brand new adventure from Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries. London, 1887. Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress Artemisia, Ramsforth will face the hangman's noose in a week's time if Veronica cannot find the real killer. But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is only the first of the many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural historian colleague Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer--a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia's life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime. From a Bohemian artists' colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed."--

Why Did I Listen To A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn?

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn is the second in her Veronica Speedwell series. OF COURSE I HAD TO READ THE BOOK. Seeing the book available as an audiobook on Scribd essentially cemented the deal for me. I am one of those people who really, really enjoys audiobooks. It seems like the Veronica Speedwell books would be a good one for me to make the leap from reading via print to reading via audio. As it turns out, I was right.

What’s The Story Here?

A Perilous Undertaking starts with Veronica and Stoker putting together a museum for Lord Rosemorran. Only they’re getting on each other’s nerves. So, Veronica gets an invite to go to the Curiosity Club – which is a place where women can openly have opinions. While there, Veronica is tasked  by Lady Sundridge (an alias) with clearing her friend Miles Ramforth’s name. You see, Ramsforth has been accused of murdering his mistress. Veronica is absolutely on the case with the help of Stoker. She wants to do an excellent job for several reasons, not least of which, is who Lady Sundridge actually is. We also get to know just a little bit more of Stoker’s background which is quite excellent.

How Did I Like A Perilous Undertaking?

Of course, I absolutely enjoyed A Perilous Undertaking. I find these books as fun as the Julia Grey series. There are slow building swoons. The characters have chemistry. I liked how intrepid Veronica Speedwell is. Also — I like the concept of the curiosity club in this book. It just feels so feminist. These books are a good time – you’re not going to regret your time with them.

How’s The Narration?

Making the switch from print to audio for this series was not as hard as I had expected it would be. Angele Masters is an excellent narrator. Initially, I thought I would be disappointed, because it seems like Katherine Kellgren would have been an appropriate choice for the audiobooks. Masters though sounds a lot like Kellgren. Not in a derivative way, though. More like in a way that brings me A LOT of joy. She does several different voices and just embodies the story well. I absolutely would recommend giving the audiobooks a shot.

Other reviews of A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn:

• The Stars Listen – “the perfect read to end a wonderful year“
• Bookshelf Fantasies – “You’re in for a treat!“
• The Lit Bitch – “a heroine for the ages“

Purchase or Preview A Perilous Undertaking:

I received this book for free from Borrowed, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Members of an Egyptian expedition fall victim to an ancient mummy's curse in this thrilling Veronica Speedwell novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries.

London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can't resist the allure of an exotic mystery--particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.

But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker's past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats--and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe--Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything...

Why Did I Listen To A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn?

After listening to A Perilous Undertaking, I knew that I HAD to hurry up and listen to the sequel, A Treacherous Curse. So, I had this saved on Scribd, right. Ready to queue up, only the title wouldn’t be available until after my next month subscription payment. Friends, this is neither here nor there, but I was so annoyed that after finishing this book, I made the decision to cancel Scribd. Anyways, I was really pumped to listen to A Treacherous Curse because I had enjoyed the previous audiobook quite a bit and I couldn’t wait for more Veronica and Stoker.

What’s The Story Here?

In this addition to the series, it just so happens we get to see a blast from Stoker’s past. You see, there’s a disappearance. Stoker’s old expedition partner vanishes from the site, along with a diadem, which is an artifact that’s worth a lot of money. Like, stacks on stacks on stacks money. Friends, that seems pretty shady to me. So, people get worked up and think that the tomb of the princess has unleashed an ancient Egyptian curse, lol. The past comes roaring in full force as we get to meet Stoker’s ex-wife, Caroline. It is all on Veronica to figure out what’s real and what’s not and to kind of save Stoker’s reputation.

How Did I Like A Treacherous Curse?

Friends, I am all in when it comes to Veronica Speedwell and A Treacherous Curse. I liked that this book fleshes out more of Stoker’s back story. Also? I am totally going to be sticking around for book four. Although, at this point I am not certain which form I will be reading it in — audio or physical. Regardless, I love this series and these books. I just love Veronica’s character and how she’s headstrong and loyal to her friends. She’s just so interesting — there doesn’t even need to be a romance to keep me intrigued. Also! This book dealt with Egyptology which is also one of those things I find fascinating. I can’t wait to see what will happen with the next book or what ground it will cover.

How’s The Narration?

Of course, Angele Masters comes back to narrate A Treacherous Curse. I have nothing really new to say about the narration. Except that she continues to do such a good job. I feel like I will end up seeking out more books that she narrates to listen to at some point. For now though, I am perfectly content and happy with how this book and its predecessor, A Perilous Undertaking were narrated.

Other reviews of A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn:

• Wandering Bark Books – “I already can’t wait for the next installment“
• Books, Movies, Reviews Oh My – “this one is just as fun“
• 1 Girl 2 Many Books – “I just want it to pick up the pace a bit.“

Purchase or Preview A Treacherous Curse:

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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