A Ghastly Catastrophe

By: Deanna Raybourn

Narrated by: Angéle Masters

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. . . .

Critic reviews

Praise for A Ghastly Catastrophe

“With its 10th entry (after 2024’s A Grave Robbery), Raybourn’s series continues to delight with its mix of historical elements, twisty mystery, and delicious byplay between the two main characters. Highly recommended for readers of Sherry Thomas’s “Lady Sherlock” series or Andrea Penrose’s Wrexford & Sloane mysteries.”—Library Journal, STARRED Review

Praise for the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries

"A ruthlessly intelligent heroine....You'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series."—NPR

"I love this series! Veronica Speedwell is utterly unique....The plots are clever and fast-paced."—New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick

"Lively and adventurous....Positively excellent."—Booklist (starred review)

"Veronica Speedwell is sure to join the greats of mystery fiction."—Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series

"...excellent and intelligent fun."—Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

"Wickedly clever and devilishly amusing. . . . Veronica Speedwell is a joy."—Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series

"Raybourn is the queen of Victorian mysteries."—CultureFly (UK site)

So much fun

I will never get tired of Veronica and Stoker and their adventures. Angèle Masters is perfection, as always. Really enjoy J.J. and Mornaday as part of the Mystery Gang. I enjoyed the delving into the supernatural and the banter it caused. The introduction of <spoiler> and <spoiler> was such a delight and I hope more time with them will happen. Honestly, I would gladly read 10 more books in this series.

Veronica Speedwell never disappoints

Laughed out loud several times on this latest adventure. Great narration as always. Already looking forward to the next one!

Always a Pleasure

Veronica and Stoker continue to be a favorite romantic and detective duo. Along with their supporting cast of characters, these two are fun and sometimes fallible, but always interesting. Do you believe in Vampires?

Great story

Love the author and the characters in this series. Is great to listen to. Am invested in Veronica and Stoker. Love them. The narrator is fantastic. Lover how she plays the voices. She does a wonderful job.

Love this series!

I love everything about this series, the narrator, the characters, and especially the creative and lively writing. I have been listening to audiobooks since they came out in cassette and this is the first review I've felt compelled to write. I've had favorite authors over the years, but I think this series tops them all. Veronica inspires me to keep pushing on, even though things seem impossible. Excelsior!