Sometimes impulse buys work out, sometimes they don't. In this case, beautiful cover art, enthusiastic reviews, and the price (<$1) paid off many times over.

Veronica Speedwell is a fascinating character. I love her pragmatic, scientific approach to most every scenario she encounters. From the minute the story opens at her aunt's graveside until the minute it ends, she's a strong character, even when she's unlikable.

And she's often unlikable. It's not that I require women to be soft and gentle, but sometimes her behavior in needling her adventure-companion Stoker went too far. Being mean to him often felt unnecessary.

The setting and mystery (mysteries?) worked well together and Raybourn did a great job of providing satisfying resolutions to even the smallest of details.

I'm glad to see this book is the first in a series, though I'm not sure where the story is going next. I give this book 4.75* and hope the next installments don't disappoint!