A Grave Robbery

A Veronica Speedwell Mystery, Book 9

By: Deanna Raybourn

Narrated by: Angèle Masters

Veronica and Stoker discover that not all fairy tales have happy endings, and some end in murder, in this latest historical mystery from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?

Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?

©2024 Deanna Raybourn (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The very definition of a gleeful romp…the historical mystery novels of Deanna Raybourn…sparkle with wit and vigor and feminist-forward thinking.” -Sarah Weinman, The New York Times

"A puzzling mystery bolstered by an exploration of bizarre Victorian mores." -Kirkus

“...possibly the best in the series, with Raybourn’s trademark banter, innuendo, and outstanding lead characters, along with a fascinating plot and supporting cast.” -Library Journal (starred review)

Fabulous series

Author and reader are fantastic! Great fun with wonderful historical notes. I hope to read and hear more work in this series.

Anatomically correct wax women??

I just love the characters Deanna Raybourn has populated the Veronica Speedwell series with. Some are stuffy, some quirky, some four-legged, some egomaniacal, but all are really engaging. Beyond the characters, I absolutely adore how Raybourn pulls out these strange pieces of Victorian history and incorporates them into her plots. Every time I think, oh that can't be true, I look it up and it's true, but I have never heard of it before. This time she introduced me to the "Anatomical Venus"; completely anatomically correct wax female figures designed ostensibly as teaching tools, but occasionally utilized for "alternative" purposes. Nine books into this series and I am still enchanted with Veronica Speedwell and her adventures. This book was dedicated to Angele Masters, the audio narrator, who definitely deserves some praise.

An apt conclusion

After absolutely falling in love with these characters, I can’t believe I’m at the last book. Finally hearing Veronica call Stoker, “My Love.” I’m only sad it’s over. What a beautiful love story woven into these 9 mysteries. Well written, witty, and a strong heroine who proved she didn’t need a man, but yearned for a partner. A twin flame whose soul matched hers. 9 books and I would read 20 more.

Enjoyable and Engaging as Always

I absolutely love the Veronica Speedwell series. I appreciate Deanna Raybourn's historical nods paired with witty banter and excellent storytelling.

The narration was fantastic

I 1love this series fantastic writing and narration. Enjoy listening to it. I have listened to all the books over and over.

Another good one

I love this series of books and this one did not disappoint at all!! Another fun adventure!

Interesting story as always

An engaging story line, with twists & turns that kept me guessing. Of course the interaction between Veronica & Stoker is endearing. I laughed out loud at their shenanigans. Angel Marsters excellent narration brings life to each of the characters! Excelsior!

Great reader, great story teller

We have long enjoyed the Veronica Speedwell series as a couple who like very different genre of books—my partner does murder mysteries and I do spiritual growth—though the humor and banter between this couple, as well as the very subtle descriptions of the murder (eg not gruesome…this was the most times blood was mentioned in the entire series—makes it a story we can enjoy together and feel good after listening. The world needs more of these delights right now!

Always enjoyable!

I just did a re-read of all the books in the series before reading this one, and I am astonished by how smitten I still am by all of it. The characters, the story, the dialogue, the settings, it’s all wonderful and delightful and I just can’t say enough good things about this series. Also, Angele Masters is absolutely incredible in her performance. I teared up when I heard that this 9th book was dedicated to her. As I only have time to read via audio, I especially appreciate a good performance, but this is a STELLAR performance. I tell everyone who wants a recommendation of some fiction to get into to read this series. So glad I found it. Deanna Raybourn is a genius.

Best yet

I love this series, and it is good that it is continuing. This has to be one of the best. All the twists and turns keep you engaged. Beautiful read.