Veronica Speedwell Series: Book 10Â
Publication Date: March 3, 2026
Veronica and Stoker are practically dying for a new adventure, but when their wish is granted, they find themselves up against a secret society and a darkly seductive duo in this landmark historical mystery from beloved New York Times bestselling and Edgar® Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.
When the corpse of an entitled young man is found entirely drained of blood in a carriage next to Highgate Cemetery, Veronica’s interest is piqued. And then a second victim is found, his death made to look like a suicide—and Veronica and her intrepid beau Stoker know the hunt is on. The two men share one link: they were both members of a society so secretive that only a singular mention of it can be found anywhere.
Thirsty for more clues, Veronica and Stoker hear that a young Romany boy may know more about their first victim, and the only way to the boy is through an old acquaintance of Stoker’s, Lady Julia Brisbane. Lady Julia and her dashing husband, Nicholas, occasionally track down murderers and are only too happy to help. But as it becomes clear that the secret society is a dangerous sect looking to entice immortality seekers, Veronica and Stoker find themselves ensnared by a decidedly more sinister couple.
The professed leader of the society claims to be a creature of the night; his partner practices witchcraft and they both fancy themselves emissaries of the otherworldly. Just as Veronica and Stoker get closer to learning the true purpose of the society and unraveling this macabre mystery, another body turns up, and they quickly discover they’ve gone from being the hunters to the hunted. . . .
Veronica and Stoker are back with a new and vexing mystery, A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn.
Veronica Speedwell is feeling restless. While she enjoys her time with her companion, Stoker, she is desperate for a murder to investigate. Luckily, her friend in the police force, Mornaday, has come to the rescue—two suspicious deaths and the cherry on top, a possible vampire stalking the streets of London. Veronica and Stoker must figure out the truth as they get tangled in the superstitious world of witches and vampires, with a dash of murder mixed in. Can they find the killer without becoming the next victim?
Veronica Speedwell is a series that I will never say no to. When I started this installment, I was very curious how Raybourn was going to handle the unique story of vampires in the rational world of Veronica. At first, I was a little concerned about the story’s pacing. It is a very slow burn of a novel, which isn’t usually the case with the Veronica Speedwell series. I was so ready to take down a half a star due to this pacing, but I promise, stick with the story, and it is worth it. I found the pacing actually made this novel less of a mystery but more of a gothic thriller. Slowly working its way towards the peak that leaves you unable to put the story down. I was able to guess some of the ending, but was surprised by some aspects. All together, I found this a wonderful addition to the series, leaving me excited for the next installment.
A Ghastly Catastrophe is a unique gothic mystery with a supernatural twist that sets the stage for Veronica and Stoker to shine.
Deanna Raybourn is the New York Times bestselling author of the Edgar Award–nominated Veronica Speedwell Mysteries, as well as the Lady Julia Grey series and several stand-alone works.
