A Ghastly Catastrophe

Veronica Speedwell #10

by Deanna Raybourn

Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo in this landmark historical mystery from beloved New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide, and Veronica and her intrepid beau, Stoker, know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.

Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.

The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance, Historical Mystery

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2026

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Deanna Raybourn is a 6th-generation native Texan. She graduated with a double major in English and history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of one, Raybourn makes her home in Virginia. Her novels have been nominated for numerous awards including two RT Reviewers’ Choice awards, the Agatha, two Dilys Winns, a Last Laugh, three du Mauriers, and most recently the 2019 Edgar Award for Best Novel. She launched a new Victorian mystery series with the 2015 release of A CURIOUS BEGINNING, featuring intrepid butterfly-hunter and amateur sleuth, Veronica Speedwell. Veronica has returned in several more adventures, most recently AN IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSTOR, book seven, which released in early 2022. Deanna's first contemporary novel, KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, about four female assassins on the cusp of retirement publishes in September 2022. (Please note: Deanna is not active on GR.)

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 3.7.26. Ahhh, Veronica Speedwell #10! These books about an independent Victorian lady detective never do anything other than delight me, and this was no different. This mystery was a little toward Dracula, though I really enjoyed the utterly human conclusion of the mystery. The Lady Julia cameos were fun, but not especially consequential, which is for the best because I absolutely ran out of the time and will to reread those. Admittedly, I found the time and will to read the previous NINE Veronica books, buuuuut it's VERONICA and STOKER, y'know?

1.16.25. WAIT, THE NEXT VERONICA SPEEDWELL IS A LADY JULIA CROSSOVER??!!

Guess I'll have some rereading to do next year!

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Is it odd that I am hungry?" he asked. "Starving actually."

I rummaged in my pocket for a packet of greaseproof paper I had secured for just such an event. I handed it over, and he applied himself to the ham sandwich inside with gusto. "You are a goddess amongst women," he said through hasty bites. "Deserving of the most devoted worship. Although you forgot the mustard."

"Next time we plan on discovering a rotting corpse, I shall pack a proper picnic," I assured him.

This was one of the few examples of witty repartee in a series that's usually chock-a-block with hilarious dialogue. In all it was a pretty ho-hum outing for our dynamic duo. One man is dead by an apparent suicide, another seems to have been exanguinated by a vampire. It sounds thrilling, but it really wasn't. There was also a cameo by a character from another series by the author that seemed wholly unnecessary. At least there was an appearance by that little scamp, Lady Rose, truly the Nellie Oleson of Veronica's world. (How I love a good literary brat!) I was hoping with all my might that she might, perhaps join our heroes in solving a crime in the next adventure, but it appears there will be an expedition instead.

Hmmmm . . .

I'll tag along, though I can't promise to enjoy the trip.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing, though my review is of the finished hardback.

[nika.ex.libris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

I’ve missed this series so much! 🥹

​I waited for the sequel for so long that I screamed when the new book was announced, and then screamed again when I finally got my hands on it!
​If you haven't read Veronica Speedwell yet, this is your sign to start! And don't let the number of books in the series scare you off!!!

​— The books are short and such a breeze to read!
— Each book gives you a little recap, so it’s totally fine to take long breaks between them.
— You can just try the first one and see, no pressure to binge the whole thing at once (but you totally should, haha)
​This part is so sweet, funny, and light. It’s giving major Dracula and witchcraft vibes muahahaha. There’s even more chemistry here, and as usual, Veronica is the one saving Stoker lol


Pre-read: OMG NEW BOOK, I NEED THIS!!!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next Veronica Speedwell mystery is going to be a crossover with Deanna Raybourn's previous historical mystery series? 👀 Iconic, guess it's finally time for me to discover her backlist

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...The cover is pretty. As usual there are some funny parts, mostly Stoker. Veronica seems to have taken it down a notch from her repetitive annoying behavior, but she still is a bit pompous. The mystery in this one was ok. Based on the premise I was expecting more, but I was highly disappointed, once again.

[Jeannine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave 5 starts to almost every book before this one. I love Veronica and Stoker. I adore the sweet, loving moments between them. Their relationship development has been wonderful over the course of this series.

However, this mystery was poorly plotted. Two denouements in successive chapters had to save the day for the poor plotting that had me wondering “why” and “how” regularly while reading. There are some dotted lines connecting elements that are waved away. During the first denouement, a character says “I hardly remember. None of it was important.” That’s not the tactic I’d expect from a seasoned mystery writer!

The advanced information about this book mentioned Julia and Brisbane from Deanna Raybourn’s previous series. The role of those characters could be considered a cameo or tertiary at best. There was no true collaboration in sleuthing between the couples (which is convenient since Brisbane is an early version of Stoker). It was pretty unimaginative to have the climatic scene in this book mirror that of the final book in the Lady Julia series.

We ONCE AGAIN have evidence that Deanna Raybourn has some sort of issue with queer people. Between her two series, no queer character gets a happily ever after or even a soft landing. They are villains, they die, or they suffer tragedy. Tiberius, Raybourn’s favorite character besides herself [after meeting her several times, I’ve started to think Veronica is a self-insert], had the love of his life die in the fourth book, but let's hope the new love interest introduced in this book will be allowed to live.

[amp]

A Speedwell/Lady Julia crossover!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhh what a wonderful dip back into one of my most beloved series. This was so familiar in every way and I love it for that, but that’s also why it’s not one of my more highly rated of this series. The mystery was interesting but not nearly as interesting as others. Stoker and Veronica are as domestic as ever (love that for them don’t get me wrong) but there was no tension there either, meaning there was not a compelling subplot. There was also no moving forward any other strands of narrative begun in other books, save for maybe JJ’s bad luck. SO this was wholly a comfort read, but in the bigger picture of comparing this to others in the series it was not as strong as others.
But obviously as soon as the next one is announced (and there WILL be a next one) I will be first in line. I also anticipate my review to change slightly after I get my grubby hands on the audiobook because I know angele will make this sound amazing

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, Lady Julia and Brisbane do make a cameo appearance in this book, but it's a brief one. it may make the fan girls happy, but it really doesn't enhance the book.

About the rest of the book? Well, I've never been one for vampire stories. and more and more I find Veronica a pale imitation of Barbara Peters immortal Amelia Peabody, complete with the insufferable smugness and the way that she and Stoker make bets on solution for the mystery.

I re-read the last two books before this before reading this volume. and I don't think I'll ever feel the need again to re-read the whole series again the way that I do the Peters books.

[Kirsten Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A high 3. Better than than the previous book

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I am not sure I will ever grow tired of this crime-solving unconventional couple. Veronica and Stoker have grown bored when Veronica makes a wish for a mystery when Detective Mornaday sends a missive that he will pay them a call. J.J. appears first distraught that she has been fired from the paper when Mornaday arrives with a story about a young man entirely drained of blood found in a carriage outside Highgate Cemetery. The tale that unfolded held me captive and never let go.

Mornaday is convinced foul play is afoot with this death and another, but he’s being kept from the case and both deaths are ruled to be from natural causes. But there is a lack of blood and two strange puncture wounds on the young man’s neck. Bizarre indeed, and Veronica sets out to discover if there are vampires in London. The second death of a friend of the first is just as suspicious, and soon Stoker and Veronica are interviewing witnesses and investigating a secret club.

I loved the historical tidbits about vampires and Dracula. Veronica has quite the imagination, and I loved Stoker’s reactions to some of her theories. The step into the secret society and mystery behind the deaths was well done and kept me reading well past my bedtime. It was creepy and delivered plenty of twists to keep me guessing.

While each novel in this series is well-crafted and can be read as standalone, Raybourn introduced us to key characters and grows the world with each book, not to mention the simmering romance between our sleuths. In A Ghastly Catastrophe, Lady Julia and Nicholas make an appearance, and I enjoyed time with this couple.

If you love fast-paced, well-written historical mysteries with amateur sleuths, you’ll want to grab A Ghastly Catastrophe and the rest of the Veronica Speedwell mysteries. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Cassandra Plunkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll have ten more please.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always glad to visit with Veronica and Stoker, and if I need to look up a word, all the better. Lady Julia fans will enjoy the brief crossover. I wouldn’t have minded a stronger connection between the two series, but it was fun to see Lady Julia and Nicholas. I also liked to see Veronica with a female friendship in JJ and watch Julia and Veronica compare notes.

I didn’t love the pacing. It sometimes seemed like there weren’t enough clues to follow. Finding a vampire took over finding the culprit, and I was surprised no one thought to ask who wanted the victim dead until the last quarter of the book. There was a “villain monologue” at the end and I would have liked more sleuthing rather than be told so much, but I was still entertained. The solution at the end was clever. Veronica is quick, confident, and likable, and I like that she’s had growth and is warmer now.

And don’t lie to me and tell me you didn’t google nineteenth century walrus taxidermy…

3.5/4 I received an arc from NetGalley

[Kerrie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book!

Love this series! Stoker and Veronica are great characters. They have unique ways of life and viewpoints for the times they live in. There's lots of interesting characters and goings on. It's fun to see the reporter, J. J., and the policeman, Mornaday show up in this book. I love that Lady Julia and Brisbane made an appearance. (Read the Lady Julia Grey series also by this author). I have very much enjoyed all the books by this author. I've reread them also.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm completely obsessed with the Veronica Speedwell series, and this latest installment is pure perfection! Veronica and Stoker's dynamic is as captivating as ever, and their witty exchanges never fail to bring a smile to my face. This time, they're diving into a thrilling vampire mystery!

Veronica and Stoker are my absolute favorite literary couple! Their deep connection, desire for each other, and playful interactions always shine through. In A Ghastly Catastrophe, Deanna Raybourn's other amazing couple, Lady Julia and Brisbane, make a cameo! It was short, but I loved it so much. I really hope they return in the next Veronica Speedwell book.

This story was absolutely amazing! The author truly brought the Victorian era to life. The pacing was perfect, seamlessly blending action and everyday life, and the mystery kept me completely hooked with just the right amount of twists. The villains were incredibly well crafted, and I found the vampire lore fascinating.

My review is for the audiobook narrated by Angèle Masters who once again delivers an excellent performance. She is

the voice of Veronica Speedwell!

If you've enjoyed the series so far, you'll definitely love this installment. For new readers, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. Veronica and Stoker's developing romance is truly essential reading. Oh, and while you're at it, grab the Lady Julia Grey series too. You won't regret it!

Many thanks to PRHAudio for this ALC!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great edition to the Veronica Speedwell series. I loved how the author incorporated Lady Julia Grey into the story. She was the protagonist in her own series and now Veronica and Julia have met. This is going to be marvelous. I can't wait for the next book!

[Janereads10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catching a vampire? With Stoker involved? I was intrigued from the start.

This is the tenth installment in the Veronica Speedwell series and can be read as a standalone, though you'll get more from the backstory if you've read the previous books.

The investigation took Veronica and Stoker into a secret society, led by a couple connected to witchcraft and those practicing the occult. Raybourn created an immersive occult atmosphere without going full supernatural. The central question - is the vampire real or not? - kept me turning pages. I loved watching them deduce their way through the clues. The ending made sense and felt satisfying.

Audiobook experience: This was my first time listening to Veronica on audio instead of reading, and Angéle Masters embodied her feisty streak brilliantly. The banter between her and Stoker had me laughing. Stoker sounded serious - which made perfect sense since he's the more restrained one between the two. A must-listen.

You'll love this if: You want historical mysteries with vampire intrigue, secret societies, occult atmosphere, and witty banter between sleuths.

Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the advance audio copy.

[Sophia]

Is a vampire loose in Victorian London? Veronica and Stoker are on the case to find out. After a little hiatus, a favorite author, Deanna Raybourn returns to the Veronica Speedwell series with sensational results in this latest.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

All is right for just a moment when there is a new Veronica Speedwell out. Delightful and fun as always!

[Sotiria Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book offers a compact yet lively return to the world of Victorian intrigue and eccentric scholarship that defines much of Raybourn’s work. though smaller in scope than a full-length novel, the story demonstrates the author’s enduring skill at blending wit, period atmosphere and a gently mischievous sense of adventure. it reads less like a sweeping mystery and more like an interlude, an opportunity to spend time once again within a familiar narrative voice that balances intellectual curiosity with dry humor.

one of the most immediately appealing aspects is its tone. Deanna Raybourn has long excelled at writing narrators who observe the world with both precision and amusement and that quality is fully present here. the narrative voice carries a subtle sharpness, capable of delivering sly commentary on social conventions, academic pretensions and the peculiarities of polite society. this wry sensibility prevents the story from ever feeling overly solemn, even when the circumstances themselves veer into the dramatic or macabre. instead, the tone maintains a sense of controlled playfulness that gives the book much of its charm.

the setting contributes significantly to this effect. Deanna Raybourn’s Victorian backdrop is rendered with the sort of detail that suggests both familiarity and affection for the period. rather than relying solely on the expected imagery of fog and gaslamps, the story emphasizes intellectual and social spaces (lecture halls, collections and scholarly circles) where curiosity and rivalry mingle. these environments create a fitting stage for the narrative’s unfolding events, reinforcing the sense that knowledge and reputation are as consequential as physical action. even within the shorter format, the world feels textured and convincingly inhabited.

however, I do think that while the central mystery unfolds with relative speed, certain developments arrive with a degree of convenience that might feel less satisfying in a longer novel. because the story must establish its premise, introduce complications and resolve them within a confined space, some elements receive less exploration than they might otherwise deserve. there are moments where the narrative hints at deeper tensions or richer historical context, but does not linger long enough to fully develop them.

ultimately, A Ghastly Catastrophe succeeds because it understands its own scale. rather than striving for grand drama, it focuses on atmosphere, character interplay and the quiet pleasure of a cleverly constructed puzzle. the story may not attempt the depth or complexity of the author’s previous works, but it compensates with charm, wit and an unmistakable sense of narrative personality. for readers already attuned to Deanna Raybourn’s style, this story feels like a brief but enjoyable reunion, specifically one that reminds us how much delight can be found in a well-told mystery delivered with intelligence and humor.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been about six months since the Stoker and Veronica’s last mystery involving A Grave Robbery, and Veronica is experiencing a little bit of ennui we and restlessness. That all changes when Inspector Mornaday seeks discrete help from the pair after the deaths of two well-connected young men are swept under the rug. Soon Stoker and Veronica, along with an out-of-work J.J. Butterworth, are wrapped up in a deadly mystery with connections to the occult.

A Ghastly Catastrophe absolutely shines. I LOVE the plot which involves a vampire and witch. Veronica and Stoker work to uncover what happened to the two young men, how they are connected, and whether or not vampires are real. The mystery, while a bit dark, is solid and entertaining. But what elevates the story is the robust and fulfilling relationship between Veronica and Stoker.

I love the pair’s banter now that they are secure in their relationship and feelings for one another. They joke and tease, they toss out terms of endearment and pecks on the cheek; their love adds value to the investigation and story. They work so well together, playing off one another’s ideas and supporting each other’s strengths. They have perfect trust and work as equals. This is apparent when they separate to find answers, never doubting the other’s capabilities. They share respect and admiration.

I also love the continued addition of intrepid news reporter J.J. Butterworth and Special Branch Detective Mornady. The foursome work well together. Although not as cohesive as Veronica and Stoker on their own, the additional pair bring insight and humor. I also appreciated the introduction of new character Lady Julia, who appears to be a well-suited female bestie for Veronica.

Narration: The story is shared via Veronica’s first person POV, with the narrator and Veronica’s dialogue one and the same. Masters alters all dialogue based on age and gender, and her range of accents is excellent, sounding authentic to this untrained ear. She changes her voice based on the characters’ regional and socio-economical background. Masters’s performance of Veronica is perfect. She nails Veronica’s no nonsense, adventurous attitude. But she also captures Veronica’s just-under-the-surface vulnerability. Additionally, she gives Stoker a sexy, unfettered gruffness that sharpens with concern when Veronica is in danger or when the pair is sparring.

A Ghastly Catastrophe is another wonderful addition to the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries, which is one of my absolute favorite series. Each investigation is exciting and thoughtful, while the ever-growing personal relationships elevate each story.

My Ratings:
Story: A
Narration: A

Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher

[Rebecca]

If you want a mystery that focuses more on characters than the mystery, you will enjoy this. My coworker let me know this was the case when I borrowed it, and that while I could understand this one without reading the others, doing so might impact reading this one. I might try the first book at some point, but I usually come to mysteries for the puzzles and deem liking the characters as the sprinkles on top. The book also have very modern sensibilities thrust into the Victorian era which kept pulling me out of the story. This isn't a bad book. It's just not for me.

Addendum added 3/20/2026
You know what really messed this book up for me? The book description gives away at least 2/3 of the plot and most of the mystery. So I'm waiting for the detectives to catch up. Give enough to hook the audience, not spoil the majority of the book! Or market it as an adventure series rather than a mystery series.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica and Stoker take on vampires. Or so they think. It's 1890 and Veronica is itching for another dead body, and when an exsanguinated one appears, she's quick to let her imagination take her down darker paths while Stoker firmly insists that vampires are not real. In their usual manner, Veronica and Stoker use their scientific inquiry to solve the murders.

I love a good vampire mystery and appreciated the nods to Bram Stoker, and Veronica's tongue-in-cheek nudge at him. On the surface, I really enjoyed the story, and it's a delight to have a new adventure with Veronica and Stoker. Overall, though, I found the mystery itself a little spotty and the pacing more challenging than usual in a Veronica Speedwell book. I was disappointed that the entire plotline with Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane felt like it was added in for fan service rather than serving a critical role in the story.

Unfortunately, Deanna Raybourn denies *yet another* queer character a happy ending and it's becoming a problematic pattern...

[Eadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could’ve rated this five stars without ever reading (listening to) a single word. What began with soliciting Maven for a bedtime search, I halfheartedly and none too optimistically agreed with her suggestion of the first in the Veronica Speedwell series. It ticked several boxes: read with a British accent, historical fiction, a detective story, BUT…romance? Not my jam! It was late, I was weary, I was weak and gave in to the best halfhearted, literary decision I have ever made. Because I was late to the party, it was a no-waiting bingefest as I feasted on the nine available tales of the arrogant, inappropriately hot-blooded, brash, adventurous lepidopterist. I crushed right along with Veronica as she swooned and lusted, and in spite of herself, fell in love with Stoker, who could easily land a cover of a steamy, true-to-the-form romance novel—the kind with the heaving breasts and we’ll, you know. That is just for the sole purpose of sharing my mind’s eye of Stoker. Nothing close to that genre to be clear!

I had pre-ordered A GHASTLY CATASTROPHE, loved it and now am diving into the Kindle version. It’s just a completely different experience, although I’m confident it will easily earn the same five-stars.

[Magdalena (magdal21) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Now that this is the 10th Veronica Speedwell book, it really feels like the series is being written just for devoted fans, and I’m more than fine with that. The murder mystery itself might not be the strongest this time, but it’s hard to care when you get to spend time again with Veronica and Stoker getting into crazy near death situations and delivering fantastic banter.

This book also continues the pattern set from the very beginning, where each adventure is tied to classic Victorian themes. We’ve had, among others, Jack the Ripper, Egyptomania, grave diggers, and fossil hunting, and this time the main theme is vampires. What’s not to like?

There’s also a solid cameo from the author’s previous Julia Grey series. It’s not a huge part of the book, but moments like that make the whole experience so much more special for longtime fans. I really hope the series continues in this direction because it’s still my favorite of all time, and it’s amazing to see it going strong.

[Kathy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a copy in a Goodreads Giveaway and was able to read it prior to its release on March 3rd. I was so happy, I have enjoyed this series immensely. This book was no disappointment!! Ms. Raybourn wrote a wonderful book that was difficult to put down. Her characters, as usual, come alive in the book. She skillfully reminds you of who they are and what they do and why they are together. Veronica is my favorite character, I absolutely love her escapades. Ms. Raybourn’s writing is captivating and it leaves you wanting more, therefore it was a must read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and hope for more adventures from Veronica and Stoker!!

[Kayli Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ◡̈

i loved being back with veronica and stoker, and getting to see the small glimpses into the progression of their relationship! i also really enjoyed this mystery, up there with my favorites from novels 1, 2, and 4!

as always the audiobook is perfection and really pulls me into the story. ugh i might just have to start over because i need more NEOW!

[Erin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent installment! Always glad to be in Veronica and Stoker’s world again.

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, it’s book 10 and I’m still jumping in at the earliest opportunity. Deanna Raybourn continues to impress with this series and there’s no slowing down, even if the characters have settled a bit (at least in relationship, Veronica cannot be tamed elsewise).

As always, I cannot recommend the audiobooks enough. Angéle Masters is so spectacular with her voices, delivery, and overall mastery of this series. Experience it for yourself if you haven’t already.

As for the mystery and murder this time around, there’s a wonderful Dracula spin that touches on the era’s fascination with vampires and the occult. Explored through Veronica and Stoker’s sensibilities it is just so fun.

There are great secondary plots with a couple favorite repeat characters AND some appearances from one of Raybourn’s other series. The help from Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane has tempted me to return and finish the Lady Julia Grey series.

And the ending has me so excited for what’s to come! Overall, the banter, charm, and wit were as excellent as I expected. Forever a fan.

* I received a free early copy from the publisher

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Overflowing Shelf

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Veronica and Stoker’s TENTH adventure is finally here – and what an adventure it is for such a big milestone! This might be the first mystery of theirs where I really did NOT know where it was going. I mean, hello, vampires?!?

I’m so, so, so grateful that we have gotten TEN of these stories already, and I hope we get many more, as I am not ready to let these characters go. (I am in deep denial that I will one day have to say goodbye to them, but today is not that day!). The Veronica Speedwell series is my favorite – one I revisit in its entirety nearly every year – and I truly think everyone should read it as it has some of the best characters, engaging mysteries, witty dialogue, and one of my favorite slowburn romance ever.

When I saw that A Ghastly Catastrophe was going to feature a crossover event with Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series, I literally screamed. Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane, in many ways, feel like an early prototype for Veronica and Stoker. Sure, there are some big differences, but having recently revisited the Lady Julia Grey series, you can see the similarities in the overarching elements of the characters, especially in The Dark Enquiry. While they play a small, yet surprisingly important, part in the overarching story, seeing Veronica and Julia interact was a highlight for me. Veronica, who does not take to other women quickly, found a fast friendship with Lady Julia, given their shared habit of murder – the sleuthing, not the committing of it. I hope we see more of the Brisbanes in future books, as I think it would be SO FUN to see them team up on an adventure together (even though Stoker does not want to encourage a friendship between Veronica and Julia due to them being too alike and his own childhood memories of the Marches, an eccentric bunch to say the least).

The mystery in A Ghastly Catastrophe was one I was not expecting, but I loved it! Despite the disclaimer from Veronica at the beginning about Dracula, my brain totally forgot that and did not make the connection that this was a fun spin on a classic vampire story until I said the name Von Hilsing outloud. And what a fun little homage this was! I literally did not know where this mystery was going or who the main culprit was until the end – something that does not happen often to me – so I had a blast trying to put all the pieces together. I’m a sucker for a good secret society at the center of a mystery, and this one had a fun one! I also love how the supernatural elements were incorporated into the story and given their own very natural twist.

I’m also so happy with where Stoker and Veronica’s relationship is now. Much like in A Grave Robbery, we see them being true partners and in love. The endearments of “my beloved” and “my dearest” that Veronica slips into conversations with Stoker show how far she has come. They’re so causally affectionate toward each other in this, and I was just eating it up! Sure, they still love to rile each other up and get into arguments, but if that didn’t happen, I would be worried, as it’s so central to their relationship. I feel like some of Veronica’s fear over being “domesticated” has subsided a bit, as I think she’s realized that with Stoker by her side, there is never a day they won’t end up tangled in some sort of adventure together.

I’m also so glad we get to see more of J.J. and Mornaday! The opening scene with them is so funny and also immediately hooks you into the story. I’m happy to see them again playing a role in the investigation, and I personally would love to see a spin-off or even a novella centered on them!

As with every book in the Veronica Speedwell series, I absolutely adore the writing style. Raybourn perfectly balances the mystery with the whimsy through Veronica’s journal-style narration. And sure, Veronica is not the most reliable narrator when it comes to her own reactions and feelings, but her tells are obvious at this point, and it makes it fun to see when she’s trying to brush over certain emotions she’s claiming not to feel. I love how Raybourn, through Veronica, can make me laugh at a subtle turn of phrase or a truly unexpected reveal (like with Stoker’s secret commission).

Unlike with A Grave Robbery, where it felt like that could be Veronica and Stoker’s last adventure with all the callbacks to earlier tales, A Ghastly Catastrophe left me feeling like there are still so many adventures left for Veronica and Stoker to embark on. The mystery felt so different than any they have tackled thus far. Murder can get stale after a while, and it is hard to constantly up the stakes. But I feel like Raybourn did just that with this book! I had so much FUN reading this, and I am already looking forward to revisiting it to pick up on all the little things I didn’t notice on first read.

A Ghastly Catastrophe is another fantastic addition to the Veronica Speedwell series. It’s engaging, mysterious, funny, and romantic – all the things I adore about the series, executed perfectly. Fans will be deeply engaged in trying to figure out, alongside Veronica and Stoker, the mystery of the vampire, and fans of Dracula will enjoy the little winks and nods along the way.

And now comes the worst part of finishing a new Veronica Speedwell story – the waiting for the next one! I’m already eagerly anticipating their next adventure, and I hope we get many more for years to come, as I will continue to eat them up for as long as Deanna Raybourn writes them!

Thank you to Berkley/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this review are my own.