A Treacherous Curse

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Veronica Speedwell and her partner Stoker are busily organizing the budding museum for the Earl of Rosemorran when their presence is requested by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch. In A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn, The Riverton Expedition in Egypt has discovered a treasure trove of artifacts.

The Expedition lead by Sir Leicester Tiverton has uncovered a sarcophagus of a princess and an assortment of grave goods that ignited international excitement. Immediately after the discovery, a series of calamities forced the expedition to return to England earlier than planned.

It was reported an Egyptian god named Anubis visited the site and frightened away most of the workers. After his appearance, the director of the excavation died and the expedition photographer disappeared along with the precious diadem belonging to the mummified princess.

Veronica and Stoker jump at the chance to investigate although they do not believe in Egyptian curses. The flames of the curse are being fanned by an unknown reporter named J.J. Butterworth, but Veronica fears there is something more on Stoker's mind. She soon discovers he was once married to the wife of John de Morgan, the expedition photographer who disappeared, and the circumstances of their divorce were less than amicable. In fact there was talk of brutality and abuse.

Shocked by these accusations, Veronica continues to believe in Stoker and searches for the photographer, the missing diadem and the truth. When they nearly lose their lives in Veronica and Stoker realize there is more at stake here.

This is the latest book in the series by Deanna Raybourn, so I missed some of the backstory, but it was exciting and suspenseful and I plan to read the others in the series. Veronica is not you average 19th century Victorian-era woman.