While Victorians referred to the ancient British queen as Boadicea of the Iceni, scholars today prefer Boudica of the Eceni.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Heartfelt and most profound thanks to everyone at Berkley/Penguin who works so hard to make Veronica happen, especially Craig Burke, Loren Jaggers, Claire Zion, Jeanne-Marie Hudson, Jin Yu, Jessica Mangicaro, Jennifer Snyder, Ivan Held, Christine Ball, and Tara O’Connor. I am indebted to every department—sales, marketing, publicity, editorial—for their dedication, and I am, as ever, awed by the immensely talented art department and their determination to make these books so beautiful.
If I had diamond stars of my own to hand out, they would go to Pam Hopkins (my savvy agent of twenty years), Danielle Perez (my gifted and generous editor), Ellen Edwards (my inspired acquiring editor), and Eileen Chetti (my deft copyeditor).
Another galaxy of stars would be presented with thanks to the booksellers, reviewers, bloggers, readers, librarians, and bookstagrammers who have taken Veronica to their hearts and made her their own. Diamonds also for Jomie Wilding, the Writerspace team, and the many friends and writers who have given so generously to Veronica and to me: Blake Leyers, Ali Trotta, Delilah Dawson, Ariel Lawhon, Joshilyn Jackson, Lauren Willig, Susan Elia MacNeal, Robyn Carr, Alan Bradley, David Bell, Rhys Bowen, and the Blanket Fort.
For Mom, Dad, and Caitlin—you are my everything.
For Phil. Forever. For always. Thank you.
READERS GUIDE FOR
A MURDEROUS RELATION
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. The year 1888 is the setting of the Jack the Ripper murders. How do these crimes affect the atmosphere of the city? What other factors are in play, influencing the social unrest?
2. Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk meddles excessively in the lives of the royal family. Is her interference justified?
3. What drives Veronica to undertake this investigation? What drives Stoker?
4. This novel sees the introduction of another member of Stoker’s family. How would you characterize Stoker’s relationship with his family?
5. Madame Aurore has had to make her way in the world. What do you make of her choices?
6. How do you think Stoker and Veronica’s relationship will progress?
7. In this novel we meet the character of Prince Albert Victor (Eddy). Discuss his relationship with Veronica.
8. Like Veronica, J. J. Butterworth is unusual for a Victorian woman. How does she differ from the stereotype?
9. Veronica has a brief interlude with a shadowy man in the streets of Whitechapel. Who do you think he was?
10. How do the skills Stoker and Veronica have acquired from their work and travels translate to solving mysteries in Victorian London?
11. Who of the supporting characters do you feel has the most to offer as a member of Veronica’s “found family”?
12. What is the significance of Chester, the velvet mouse?
13. What drives the villain? Is their scheme doomed to fail?
14. The Club de l’Étoile is based upon actual establishments in London at the time. How does this fit with your ideas of Victorian propriety?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deanna Raybourn is the author of the award-winning, New York Times bestselling Lady Julia Grey series, currently in development for television, as well as the USA Today bestselling and Edgar Award nominated Veronica Speedwell Mysteries and several standalone works.
What’s next on
your reading list?
Discover your next
great read!
Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.
Sign up now.
* A Dangerous Collaboration
* A Perilous Undertaking
* A Treacherous Curse
* A Perilous Undertaking
* A Treacherous Curse
* A Dangerous Collaboration
A Murderous Relation Page 30