Veronica Speedwell grew up in
Victorian England with two aunts who moved often. In 1887 while she was burying
her last aunt, someone burgled her cottage. Veronica attacked the intruder who
tried to abduct her. Baron Maximilian von Stauffenbach rescued her and delivered
her to Mr. Stoker in London for safekeeping. That night the baron was murdered.
She and Stoker were the prime suspects. If you imagine she is a damsel in
distress, you underestimate her, as does pretty much everyone else. She is
outspoken, smart, and fearless.
Veronica is a scientist and explorer.
She saw Krakatoa explode and has published papers with the Royal Society,
albeit using only her first initial. She’s had many lovers, but never in
England. She is well read and up to date on the latest science, especially in
her field of Lepidopterology. She is never without her hatpin and unafraid to
use it. She describes herself as “a woman in search of adventure.”
Stoker says, “You are the most
impossible woman,” to which she replies, “I am entirely reasonable and
thoroughly logical.”
Later someone concludes, she is “the
most dangerous person in the British Empire.”
Ultimately, Veronica and Stoker solve
the mystery of her origin and the murder of the Baron.
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn: a courageous orphan takes on Irish home rule
forces, Scotland Yard, and the royal family. Origin story. Beginning of a
four-book series.
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