An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn

I keep telling myself I’m not a fan of historical fiction, yet lately they seem to be the only books I’m reading!

Thank you Berkley for my gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Synopsis: January 1889. As the newest member of the Curiosity Club—an elite society of brilliant, intrepid women—Veronica Speedwell is excited to put her many skills to good use. As she assembles a memorial exhibition for pioneering mountain climber Alice Baker-Greene, Veronica discovers evidence that the recent death was not a tragic climbing accident but murder. Veronica and her natural historian beau, Stoker, tell the patron of the exhibit, Princess Gisela of Alpenwald, of their findings. With Europe on the verge of war, Gisela’s chancellor, Count von Rechstein, does not want to make waves—and before Veronica and Stoker can figure out their next move, the princess disappears. Having noted Veronica’s resemblance to the princess, von Rechstein begs her to pose as Gisela for the sake of the peace treaty that brought the princess to England. Veronica reluctantly agrees to the scheme. She and Stoker must work together to keep the treaty intact while navigating unwelcome advances, assassination attempts, and Veronica’s own family—the royalty who has never claimed her.

This is the sixth book in the series, but my first one to read. I was a bit nervous that I would feel lost reading this book so far into the series, but it was no big deal whatsoever. There were a few moments that seemed to reference previous books, but it didn’t break my attention to the main plot. The chemistry between the characters is beautifully written. This book reads like a movie, and part of me wish this was one! Or, at least, a television series. I’ve heard even better things about the previous books, so now I must go check them out!

4/5 Stars