An Unexpected Peril

By: Deanna Raybourn

Narrated by: Angèle Masters

A princess is missing and a peace treaty is on the verge of collapse in this new Veronica Speedwell adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

January 1889. As the newest member of the Curiosity Club--an elite society of brilliant, intrepid women--Veronica Speedwell is excited to put her many skills to good use. As she assembles a memorial exhibition for pioneering mountain climber Alice Baker-Greene, Veronica discovers evidence that the recent death was not a tragic climbing accident but murder. Veronica and her natural historian beau, Stoker, tell the patron of the exhibit, Princess Gisela of Alpenwald, of their findings. With Europe on the verge of war, Gisela's chancellor, Count von Rechstein, does not want to make waves--and before Veronica and Stoker can figure out their next move, the princess disappears.

Having noted Veronica's resemblance to the princess, von Rechstein begs her to pose as Gisela for the sake of the peace treaty that brought the princess to England. Veronica reluctantly agrees to the scheme. She and Stoker must work together to keep the treaty intact while navigating unwelcome advances, assassination attempts, and Veronica's own family--the royalty who has never claimed her.

Critic reviews

Praise for An Unexpected Peril

“Oodles of diverse characters add extra interest to a knotty mystery.”--Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of feisty Victorian heroines will hope Veronica has a long career.”--Publishers Weekly

“Raybourn has again crafted a delightful mystery that balances Veronica’s growth and maturity with her undeterrable, adventurous spirit.”--Booklist

“The perfect blend of action, romance and mystery.”--BookPage

Praise for the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries

"[A] ruthlessly intelligent heroine....You'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series."--NPR

"Intelligent, highly adventurous and independent, Speedwell challenges the conventions of the Victorian era, and her curiosity and charm make her a unique and highly likeable heroine."--She Reads

"A smart, plucky, way-ahead-of-her time heroine."--Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"I love this series! Veronica Speedwell is utterly unique....The plots are clever and fast-paced."--Amanda Quick, New York Times bestselling author of Close Up

"Veronica Speedwell is sure to join the greats of mystery fiction."--Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series
"Lively and adventurous....Positively excellent."--Booklist (starred review)

"Veronica Speedwell might just be one of the most endearing heroines in mysteries, period....Her sense of humor and chemistry with Stoker, her counterpart, just make this series even better."--Bustle

I liked it

Enjoyed the story and the narrator. The adventure of a foreign crown and murder was a good one.

Another clever & engaging installment

Veronica and Stoker become embroiled in another dangerous escapade when a member of the Hippolyta Club’s tribute turns into a murder mystery involving royalty.

Alice Baker-Green, a member of the Hippolyta Club, fell to her death in what was thought to be a tragic climbing accident. While preparing for her tribute, Stoker and Veronica stumble upon evidence that shows her fall was no accident. Stoker would like to leave things to the authorities of the Alpenwald, where the “accident” occurred, but Veronica is determined to find justice for Ms. Baker-Green. Just as Veronica think she’s hit a roadblock, another avenue of investigation opens up. The royal delegation of Alpenwald reaches out to Veronica for help in a desperate situation giving Veronica the perfect inside access to those with firsthand knowledge of Alice before her death.

Veronica Speedwell never fails to make me laugh. Her adventures and romance with Stoker are endlessly entertaining. These two found exactly the right person in each other to fall in love with.

Another clever, engaging installment in the Veronica Speedwell series. If you haven’t started this series yet you’re missing out!

Angele Masters' performance is brilliant! I listened at 1.25x

Fantastic book and wonderful voice performance!

I truly enjoyed every second of this brilliant, charming book and the marvelous, engaging reading!

Love it

I especially love the reader. This is a great series. I hope it continues! Great

As good as the others

This installment of the Veronica Speedwell mysteries is another entertaining example of intrigue with a healthy dose of heart.