A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn

It’s been about six months since the Stoker and Veronica’s last mystery involving A Grave Robbery, and Veronica is experiencing a little bit of ennui we and restlessness. That all changes when Inspector Mornaday seeks discrete help from the pair after the deaths of two well-connected young men are swept under the rug. Soon Stoker and Veronica, along with an out-of-work J.J. Butterworth, are wrapped up in a deadly mystery with connections to the occult. 

A Ghastly Catastrophe absolutely shines. I LOVE the plot which involves a vampire and witch. Veronica and Stoker work to uncover what happened to the two young men, how they are connected, and whether or not vampires are real. The mystery, while a bit dark, is solid and entertaining. But what elevates the story is the robust and fulfilling relationship between Veronica and Stoker. 

I love the pair’s banter now that they are secure in their relationship and feelings for one another. They joke and tease, they toss out terms of endearment and pecks on the cheek; their love adds value to the investigation and story. They work so well together, playing off one another’s ideas and supporting each other’s strengths. They have perfect trust and work as equals. This is apparent when they separate to find answers, never doubting the other’s capabilities. They share respect and admiration. 

I also love the continued addition of intrepid news reporter J.J. Butterworth and Special Branch Detective Mornady. The foursome work well together. Although not as cohesive as Veronica and Stoker on their own, the additional pair bring insight and humor. I also appreciated the introduction of new character Lady Julia, who appears to be a well-suited female bestie for Veronica.

Narration: The story is shared via Veronica’s first person POV, with the narrator and Veronica’s dialogue one and the same. Masters alters all dialogue based on age and gender, and her range of accents is excellent, sounding authentic to this untrained ear. She changes her voice based on the characters’ regional and socio-economical background. Masters’s performance of Veronica is perfect. She nails Veronica’s no nonsense, adventurous attitude. But she also captures Veronica’s just-under-the-surface vulnerability. Additionally, she gives Stoker a sexy, unfettered gruffness that sharpens with concern when Veronica is in danger or when the pair is sparring. 

A Ghastly Catastrophe is another wonderful addition to the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries, which is one of my absolute favorite series. Each investigation is exciting and thoughtful, while the ever-growing personal relationships elevate each story.

My Ratings
Story: A
Narration: A

Jen

About the Book:

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 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 Roma boy may know more about their first victim, but 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 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.

Author: Deanna Raybourn
Narrator: Angèle Masters
Series: Veronica Speedwell #10
Genre: Historical Mystery; romantic elements
Audiobook Release Date: March 3, 2026
Length: 11 hrs; 20 mins
Audiobook Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Source: Audiobook Publisher
Audio Speed: 1.5x