A Curious Beginning is the story Veronica Speedwell, a young woman living in London in 1887 who isn't the least bit interested in things that most women her age are pursing. She is a lepidopterist, which is one who studies butterflies. As a result, she has traveled the world with her butterfly net, sharpened hat pin and even sharper tongue. Veronica was orphaned as a child and raised by her spinster aunts who have both now passed away, leaving her free to pursue her love of hunting butterflies. Her plans are interrupted by a break in at her cottage and attempted abduction. She is rescued by a German baron whom she has never met before but claims to have known her mother. He entrusts her temporarily to the care of his friend Stoker, a natural historian who is less than thrilled to be saddled with an opinionated, spirited lady. The baron is unfortunately murdered before Veronica can find out from him about her parents. This sends Veronica and Stoker on the run, as they are not only suspects but are also being pursued by someone
with an ax to grind with one or both of them. What ensues is an unlikely partnership between Stoker and Veronica as they put their heads together to try and solve the baron's murder as well as the mystery of Veronica's connection to him.
I found Veronica to be an entertaining character who hides behind a veneer of self-importance and a know it all attitude. She is smart, funny and knows what she wants in life. She isn't afraid to go against convention and pursue her passions, regardless of what is expected of a lady in Victorian England. Her brashness could make her an unlikable character, but I think there are enough glimpses of her softer side that it makes the reader like her in spite of her flaws. Stoker is rough and abrasive, which only adds to the humor of these two strong personalities being throw together. There are a few references to Veronica's flings with men in other countries as she traveled and we see some chemistry between her and Stoker. I wasn't sure where that would lead, but I was satisfied with the direction the author took it and appreciated the way their relationship developed. There are seven more books in the series so we'll see what happens next.
I listened to this one on audiobook and the narrator was fantastic! I don't always like to dive right into the sequel, but I do plan to keep going with the series. I tend toward more serious type novels so this fun mystery was the perfect way to start my summer vacation!
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