A DANGEROUS COLLABORATION
Veronica Speedwell # 4
Deanna Raybourn
Berkley Books/Audible
March 12, 2019


Downloading the newest book from the talented Deanna Raybourn on the publication date is a must for me, as it was for her earlier Lady Julia Grey mysteries. A Dangerous Collaboration begins with our intrepid globe-trotting lady lepidopterist packing to return from an extended "holiday" in Madeira with her patron's sister, not with her partner Revelstoke Templeton-Vane (Stoker). In fact, she has received not one letter from him, but numerous letters from his older brother, Tiberius. Stoker is distant upon her return, refusing to discuss the Madiera trip or anything else for that matter. A visit from Tiberius brings Veronica a new opportunity: an old school friend owns a secluded island off the Cornish coast with butterflies that are seen nowhere else. The friend might be willing to let Veronica establish a habitat on the mainland in the interest of averting eventual extinction. It's an opportunity not to be missed, but Stoker is not invited.

On the journey to the island, Tiberius explains that Veronica will be posing as his fiance to avoid offending his host, Lord Malcolm Romilly's, Catholic sensibilities. Lord Malcolm's fiance, Rosamund, disappeared from the island three years earlier on their wedding day and the resulting scandal drove the family into exile from society. It is clear that this island visit is about more than butterflies, and Tiberius' motives are murkier than we thought. Not unexpectedly , Stoker shows up on the train at the journey's end and continues to the island. Superstitious villagers, devoted housekeepers, a bride who was not so innocent, an unconventional sister, and a castle riddled with priest's holes all play a part in the story, along with escapes from sure death; all leading to an unexpected solution. At least to me.

As always, I found A Dangerous Collaboration most entertaining. The prickly, stubborn Veronica and Stoker are two of my favorite characters. However, I thought the ongoing "will they, won't they" bogged down the story somewhat. Especially since it's clear that they will when they get over themselves! Narrated by the excellent Angele Masters, I recommend the audiobook, but at some point, I will read the book as well.

RATING 4.5 rounded up to 5 Stars