Set in Victorian era England, the acclaimed series has been optioned as a UK television series by TV. Her first published novel, Silent in the Grave, was nominated for the Agatha Award for best new mystery of 2007.

She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio where she majored in English and History.

Raybourn was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but now lives in Williamsburg, Virginia. 'Veronica Speedwell might just be one of the most endearing heroines in mysteries, period….She's smart, dashing, and entirely capable….Her sense of humor and chemistry with Stoker, her counterpart, just make this series even better.RITA Award for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elementsĭeanna Raybourn (born June 17, 1968) is an American author of historical fiction and historical mysteries. 'A smart, plucky, way-ahead-of-her time heroine.' - Fort Worth Star-Telegram Deanna Raybourn is back in the Victorian era with a heroine who could give Amelia Peabody a run for her money. 'A fine combination of detective story and character study…sure to interest mystery lovers and Anglophiles alike.' - The Historical Novels Review A Curious Beginning Discussion Questions. One of the few writers who can make history feel immediate and exciting without losing a grasp of the period.' - Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Royal Spyness series 'Veronica Speedwell is sure to join the greats of mystery fiction.' - Alan Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce series 'I love this series! Veronica Speedwell is utterly unique.' - Amanda Quick, New York Timesbestselling author of The Other Lady Vanishes 'A ruthlessly intelligent heroine.' - NPR A real find.'-Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Virgin River series 'I love this book! Brings us the powerful Veronica Speedwell, who triumphs over adversity and danger with wit, charm, and uncanny determination. 'Creating strong character pairings, placing the action in unexpectedly unusual but actual historical settings, and folding it all into a clever mystery are hallmarks of this author's magical, signature style…This new series starts off with a bang.' - Library Journal (starred review) 'The eccentricities of Victorian England receive a rousing look in the highly entertaining A Curious Beginning…Energetic storytelling.' - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

'Wickedly clever and devilishly amusing…Veronica Speedwell is a joy-unflappable, unrepentant, and thoroughly delightful.' - Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn