Review - The Impossible Imposter

I began with the first book in this series and it quickly became one of my favorite historical mysteries.  We are up to the seventh in the series now and Veronica never has a dull moment.

1. A Curious Beginning (click here)

3. A Treacherous Curse (click here)

4. A Dangerous Collaboration (click here)

5. A Murderous Relation (click here)

6. An Unexpected Peril (click here) 

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Copyright: Feb 2022 (Berkley) 334 pgs

Series: 7th in Veronica Speedwell Mysteries

Sensuality: Innuendo, mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Veronica Speedwell is an amateur entomologist 

Setting: 1889, London England

Obtained Through: Netgalley, publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "London, 1889. Veronica Speedwell and her natural historian beau Stoker are summoned by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch. He has a personal request on behalf of his goddaughter, Euphemia Hathaway. After years of traveling the world, her eldest brother, Jonathan, heir to Hathaway Hall, was believed to have been killed in the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa a few years before.

But now a man matching Jonathan’s description and carrying his possessions has arrived at Hathaway Hall with no memory of his identity or where he has been. Could this man truly be Jonathan, back from the dead? Or is he a devious impostor, determined to gain ownership over the family's most valuable possessions—a legendary parure of priceless Rajasthani jewels? It's a delicate situation, and Veronica is Sir Hugo's only hope.

 Veronica and Stoker agree to go to Hathaway Hall to covertly investigate the mysterious amnesiac. Veronica is soon shocked to find herself face-to-face with a ghost from her past. To help Sir Hugo discover the truth, she must open doors to her own history that she long believed to be shut for good."

Veronica is highly intelligent with a sharp tongue and wit that is put to the test in this book.  Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is her sleuthing partner.  He is cranky and reclusive but perfect for her.  This outing will test both Veronica and Stoker.  

My Thoughts:  Hathaway Hall is the location for part of the mystery, the rest of the story is in and around London.  The man who reappears as Jonathan is definitely hiding something and Veronica is caught in the thick of things.  When they return to London danger follows them.  Veronica's past comes back to bite her and we learn more of her back story which disrupts the domesticity she has found with Stoker.  The plot moves quickly with complications and twists.  The climax is perilous with suprises.  The wrapup drops another surprise that will reverberate into the next book.  This is a book has significant events occur impacting Veronica and Stoker!

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list