An Unexpected Peril (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery)
I am always thrilled when I learn of a new installment in the Veronica Speedwell series—and this one was well worth the wait!
Veronica is convinced that medaled mountaineer Alice Baker-Greene was murdered on the highest peak in the Alpenwald. But why? And by whom? Stoker, now not merely her partner in crime but her partner in love, is not so convinced. And frankly he’s exhausted by their investigative exploits and just wants to work on his museum pieces and live a quiet domestic life. Obviously, Stoker doesn’t have a chance of winning that argument, and he is won over by Veronica’s logical explication of the case. He also knows that Veronica isn’t able to settle down and cash in her chips. But then the pair has to convince Princess Gisela of Alpenwald and her coterie that Baker-Greene’s death was murder.
Which brings us to Gisela’s disappearance and Veronica’s impersonation of her. It’s a wonderful romp! Ultimately, of course, the murderer is unmasked after a couple of other bodies join the pile. It’s certainly not a denouement that I expected, but it makes perfect sense.
Once you start reading this series, you can’t stop. Veronica and Stoker are sort of the literary version of Hepburn and Tracy, and their adventures just keep getting better and better as their relationship evolves and matures. My favorite Speedwell yet—but I’m already waiting for the next!
