Deanna Raybourne (Veronica Speedwell Mysteries and Lady Gray Mysteries) combines romance and mystery in the Victorian era, with charming details about food, dress, and manners of the time. Although there must have been free-thinking young women in the 1900’s, it was probably rare but I set aside any concern about the appropriation of modern thinking and just enjoyed Veronica’s adventures as a butterfly collector and amateur sleuth (along with her handsome sidekick, the aristocratic Stoker, who helps solve mysteries when he isn’t stuffing and mounting animal specimens). I read three of these in a row during a vacation and enjoyed every minute, no matter how improbable the situations.

1. Silent in the Grave (2006)

2. Silent in the Sanctuary (2007)

3. Silent on the Moor (2009)

4. Dark Road to Darjeeling (2010)

5. The Dark Enquiry (2011)