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Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Review: An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn #ATBR2022

An Impossible Impostor
by Deanna Raybourn

Thanks so much to Berkley for this gifted book.


Publisher: Berkley Books
Publish Date: February 15, 2022
Hardcover
336 Pages
Series: Veronica Speedwell #7
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery

While investigating a man claiming to be the long-lost heir to a noble family, Veronica Speedwell gets the surprise of her life in this new adventure from the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

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.

My Review:


I've read two historical fiction novels (so far) this month - WHO AM I???  As a long time fan of this Veronica Speedwell series, I was super stoked to receive this copy of the latest installment.  I have loved all six books before this one.... so I suppose it was only time that one wasn't gonna *quite* do it for me.  Le sigh.

I absolutely LOVE the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker. LOVE.  Sassy, witty banter.  Her forcefulness to his more calm demeanor.. .and you can just feel their love oozing off the pages. So what the hell are you doing, Raybourn?!?! Ok, let me calm down and pull myself together....

The book starts fun.  Their dynamic is in full force within the first chapter and we see that forcefulness in Veronica's personality that I spoke of.  I also found the "mystery" intriguing but it was also sorely lacking as it took a far back seat to Veronica's past.  Now, I realize some books in series will do this.  And I also realize it's time we learned a bit more about Veronica... but um, WHAT. Uff.  I'll admit it was fun to see a little different side of the characters... but I felt like Veronica was a caricature of herself. And my heart went out to Stoker.  And I'm gonna leave it at that as I don't want to spoil anything for y'all.  

I NEED the next installment to see what happens.  While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I really did still enjoy the book... my feelings are muddled and on behalf of some of the characters, am miffed.  Which just shows how much I freakin' care, ok? Haha...

★★★

Jessica's Review:


Here is the newest installment in the Veronica Speedwell series! AN IMPOSSIBLE IMPOSTER is book seven and while this wasn’t my favorite one I can appreciate all of the character development and backstory we get throughout the book. I know that this happens at some time with every longer running series, we always need a book or two to help lay some groundwork for future books. I think that’s why this book had a different feel than the others.

I love the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker. This is the high point of the books and it’s been so fun seeing how things progress between these two. They just compliment each other in so many ways and their banter is perfect. I think Raybourn has done a great job making these two feel real and their interactions authentic and believable. I know I’m not the only reader of this series that wants them together!

I wish there was more of the mystery in this book and a little less of her past, or at least a better balance between the two elements. Parts felt a little slower but the last half really made up for it and oh my god, that ending! Now we’re stuck waiting to see what will happen next, because obviously I need to see how things turn out for Veronica and Stoker! If you’re thinking about starting the series I highly recommend you start from the beginning.

3 stars

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