Thank you so much to Berkley, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for providing advanced copies of this book! All thought and opinions are still my own.

This series is an all-time favorite and I never want it to end. I've fallen so in love with Stoker and Veronica and this book just cemented that further.

Like with every Veronica Speedwell book, this can definitely be read as a standalone. While you miss some history of the MCs relationship, the mystery elements stand completely on their own, and any relevant points from past mysteries are explained/wrapped up at the beginning of each book.

And this was such a fun mystery! Like with any mystery, I've preferred some more than others throughout this series. And this one was definitely a favorite. I love how this series explores the many facets of women (and honestly anyone "othered"), during a time when people were expecting to fit into neat little boxes.

Despite loving all of that, my favorite aspect of this book was the character development. Or more precisely, getting to see how much these 2 characters have grown since book. Veronica is still feisty and hard headed, but learning her limitations. Stoker is learning how to protect without holding Veronica back. They're both learning to accept help and that other people may have useful skills after all. And their romance ... be still my beating heart.

There were so many passages that left me absolutely swooning. These two love each other so fiercely and I adore them.

I really hope we continue to get more and more Veronica Speedwell books. Because I would read this series forever.