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In 'A Curious Beginning', we follow Veronica Speedwell, an independent and bold Victorian adventuress with a passion for collecting butterflies. After the death of her guardians, Veronica finds herself entangled in a mystery surrounding her parentage. With the help of a cast of unique characters like the enigmatic Stoker, Veronica navigates through danger, murder, and intrigue in Victorian England while unraveling the secrets of her past. The book is a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained.

The writing style in 'A Curious Beginning' is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, drawing readers into Veronica's world of scientific quests, daring escapades, and unexpected twists. The characters, especially Veronica and Stoker, are well-developed and dynamic, with their evolving relationship adding depth to the narrative. The book offers a fresh take on the Victorian mystery genre, blending elements of romance, suspense, and humor to create an enjoyable and captivating story for readers.

If you liked A Curious Beginning, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    A Study in Scarlet Women - Lady Sherlock by Sherry Thomas
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    A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas is a gender-bent retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story, featuring Charlotte Holmes as the brilliant detective. Set in Victorian London, the book follows Charlotte as she navigates society's expectations, solves mysteries, and forms unexpected alliances. The plot intertwines multiple murders, female friendships, and the challenges faced by women in the 19th century, all while paying homage to the original Sherlock Holmes stories with a fresh perspective and creative character development.

    It never failed to astonish Livia that, after having known Charlotte all her life, sometimes she was still surprised by her sister’s appearance. Especially at moments like these—well, there had never ...

  2. #2

    Silent in the Grave - Lady Julia Grey by Deanna Raybourn
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    'Silent in the Grave' by Deanna Raybourn is a Victorian mystery novel that follows Lady Julia Grey as she navigates the unexpected death of her husband, Sir Edward Grey. When a mysterious private investigator, Nicholas Brisbane, suggests foul play in Edward's death, Julia embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her husband's murder. Set in late Victorian London, the book weaves together secrets, mystery, and unconventional characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the surprising end. Raybourn's writing style is described as engaging, with witty and amusing elements that draw readers into the lives of the characters and the atmospheric setting of Victorian London.

    I stared at him, not quite taking in the fact that he had just collapsed at my feet. He lay, curled like a question mark, his evening suit ink-black against the white marble of the floor. He was writh...

  3. #3

    A Brazen Curiosity - Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries by Lynn Messina
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    'A Brazen Curiosity' in the series 'Beatrice Hyde-Clare Mysteries' follows the adventures of Beatrice, a witty and intelligent young lady who finds herself entangled in murder mysteries while navigating the Regency era society. The book is known for its humor, engaging sleuthing, and delightful characters, especially the interactions between Beatrice and the Duke of Kesgrave. The plot revolves around Beatrice's discovery of a dead body during a house party, leading to a series of humorous and intriguing events as she teams up with the Duke to solve the crime.

    The writing style of Lynn Messina in 'A Brazen Curiosity' is praised for its humor, vivid depictions of Regency England, well-rounded characters, and engaging dialogue. The book offers a light-hearted and entertaining read with a mix of mystery, romance, and humor, making it a delightful Regency cozy mystery with a unique and charming protagonist in Beatrice Hyde-Clare.


  4. #4

    Crocodile on the Sandbank - Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters
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    Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters is the first book in the 'Amelia Peabody' series, introducing readers to the adventurous and independent protagonist, Amelia Peabody, a Victorian gentlewoman who inherits a fortune and decides to travel the world, indulging her passion for Egyptology. Along the way, she meets Evelyn Barton Forbes and the Emerson brothers, leading to a series of mysteries and adventures in Egypt. The book is described as a cozy mystery with elements of light romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, set in the late 19th century.

    The plot of 'Crocodile on the Sandbank' revolves around Amelia Peabody's journey to Egypt, her encounters with a reanimated mummy, and the development of her relationships with Evelyn and the Emerson brothers. The writing style is praised for its witty narration, engaging characters, and vivid descriptions of the Egyptian settings, creating a fun and light-hearted read that offers a mix of mystery, humor, and historical elements.

    (I am informed, by the self-appointed Critic who reads over my shoulder as I write, that I have already committed an error. If those seemingly simple English words do indeed imply that which I am told...

  5. #5

    The Anatomist's Wife - Lady Darby Mystery by Anna Lee Huber
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    In "The Anatomist's Wife," Lady Kiera Darby, a talented artist haunted by scandal, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation at her sister's estate in Scotland. As suspicions swirl around her, she teams up with Sebastian Gage, an inquiry agent, to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a houseguest. The book weaves together historical details, romance, and a complex mystery set against the backdrop of 19th-century high society, showcasing Lady Darby's resilience and investigative skills alongside Gage's charm and expertise.

    The story unfolds with Lady Darby navigating societal scorn and her own troubled past, all while delving into the intricacies of the murder case alongside Gage. Through Lady Darby's voice and observations, readers are drawn into a tale of intrigue, courage, and budding romance, as the duo races against time to solve the murder before official authorities arrive at the remote estate, blending elements of forensic detection and historical mystery in a captivating narrative.

    The scream froze me in my tracks, but the shout that followed propelled me out of my indecision and around the hedge line of the maze. Lady Lydia Perkins continued to shriek at ear-piercing levels whi...

  6. #6

    Murder on Black Swan Lane - Wrexford & Sloane by Andrea Penrose
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    "Murder on Black Swan Lane" follows the Earl of Wrexford, a fabulously wealthy and arrogant man who dabbles in chemistry, and Charlotte Sloane, a talented artist who takes over her late husband's satirical cartoonist business under the alias A.J. Quill. When a clergyman is murdered, Wrexford becomes the prime suspect, leading him to team up with Charlotte to uncover the true killer. Set in Regency London, the story is a complex, multi-layered mystery filled with memorable characters, intricate world-building, and a blend of science and art that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

    A plume of steam rose from the bubbling crucible, the curl of silvery vapor floating ghost-like against the shadowed wood paneling before dissolving into the darkness. After consulting his pocket watc...

  7. #7

    What Angels Fear - Sebastian St. Cyr by C.S. Harris
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    Set in Regency England, 'What Angels Fear' follows Sebastian St. Cyr, a nobleman framed for a brutal murder. With the help of his friends, Sebastian unravels a web of lies to uncover the real killer who is determined to silence him. The book delves into the fear of the French Revolution spreading to England, political intrigue, and the complexities of different social classes, all while delivering a gripping murder mystery.

    It was such a foul, creeping thing, the yellow fog of London. Even without the fog it would have been dark at this hour. Dark, and January- cold. But the murky vapor made it worse, wrapping around her...

  8. #8

    And Only to Deceive - Lady Emily by Tasha Alexander
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    "And Only to Deceive" by Tasha Alexander follows the story of Lady Emily Ashton, a young widow who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her late husband's life and death. Through exploring her husband's interests in Greek antiquities and his mysterious past, Lady Emily finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and secrets. Set in Victorian England, the novel combines elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a glimpse into upper-class society and the struggles faced by independent women during that era. The plot unfolds as Lady Emily navigates through societal expectations, uncovers art forgeries, and grapples with the complexities of love and loss.

    The writing style of Tasha Alexander in "And Only to Deceive" is described as engaging, light, and entertaining by readers. features a strong and complex heroine, Lady Emily, who evolves from a seemingly shallow character to a determined investigator, challenging the norms of her time. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as Lady Emily delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her husband's life, ultimately leading to unexpected revelations and discoveries.

    FEW PEOPLE WOULD LOOK KINDLY ON MY REASONS FOR marrying Philip; neither love nor money nor his title induced me to accept his proposal. Yet, as I look across the spans of Aegean Sea filling the view f...

  9. #9

    This Side of Murder - Verity Kent by Anna Lee Huber
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    In "This Side of Murder" by Anna Lee Huber, the story follows Verity Kent, a war widow and former Secret Service agent, who receives an invitation to an engagement party on an isolated island with her late husband's friends. As the party progresses, mysterious deaths occur, leading Verity to uncover wartime secrets and murders while navigating a web of deception and betrayal. The plot is filled with tension, suspense, and historical details, offering a thrilling mystery set in post-WWI England.

    The narrative is engaging with a complex plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The character of Verity Kent is well-developed, portraying a strong and determined heroine who faces challenges and uncertainties while unraveling a sinister mystery. The writing style combines elements of romance, intrigue, and historical fiction, creating a compelling read that delves into themes of trust, loyalty, and the aftermath of war.

    You might question whether this is all a ruse, whether I truly have anything to reveal. But I know what kind of work you really did during the war. I know the secrets you hide. Why shouldn’t I also kn...

  10. #10
    Maisie Dobbs
    Book 1 in the series:Maisie Dobbs

    Maisie Dobbs - Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
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    'Maisie Dobbs' by Jacqueline Winspear is a historical mystery novel set in post-World War I England. The story follows Maisie Dobbs, a remarkable woman who transitions from being a maid to a nurse during the war and eventually becomes an investigator. delves into serious issues such as the impact of the war on individuals, both physically and mentally, and explores themes of exploitation of war veterans. The narrative weaves together Maisie's background, her experiences during the war, and her investigative skills in solving mysteries, creating a rich tapestry of character development and historical context.

    The writing style of 'Maisie Dobbs' is praised for its attention to detail, character development, and historical accuracy. Readers appreciate the author's ability to bring the 1920s England setting to life and to create a protagonist who is both intelligent and empathetic. is described as a blend of mystery, historical fiction, and character-driven storytelling, offering a captivating read that immerses readers in Maisie's world and the challenges she faces.

    Even if she hadn’t been the last person to walk through the turnstile at Warren Street tube station, Jack Barker would have noticed the tall, slender woman in the navy blue, thigh-length jacket with a...

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