The Debutante's Code - (Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries) by Erica Vetsch (Paperback)
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About this item
Highlights
- Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society.
- Author(s): Erica Vetsch
- 312 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
- Series Name: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries
Description
About the Book
"In the wake of her parents' mysterious disappearance, a society girl discovers her dilettante father and flighty mother were leading double lives as government spies. With the help of her uncle and mentor, she determines to continue her parents' work--a decision that takes her from the ballrooms of London to the fox hunts and regattas and soirees of high society, chasing down artfully hidden clues while trying to keep her mission a secret from her best friend, her suitors, and the nosy (and handsome) police detective who is hot on her heels"--Book Synopsis
Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy. Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spy craft. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner Daniel Swann, who suspects her of a daring theft. Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission? Or will it lead her to a terrible end? Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.Review Quotes
"Carefully crafted Regency mystery . . . part of an inherently fascinating new series that combines mystery and suspense with elements of Regency era elegance, decadence, adventure, and romance."-- "Midwest Book Review" (3/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)
"Vetsch kicks off her Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries with a propulsive tale about a family of spies. . . [Juliette and Daniel's] slow-burning romance comes together naturally as they navigate the glamorous world of debutantes. Fans of Jen Turano will delight in this pleasing mystery and eagerly await the second installment."-- "Publishers Weekly" (9/9/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"The Debutante's Code is a delightful and fast-paced visit to the undercover world of espionage in Regency England. Vetsch offers all that we love about her writing in this twisting story: historical details, compelling characters, and an intriguing plot. This is the first in a fascinating new series, and I did not want it to end! I'm thrilled to know we will continue this journey with Lady Juliette Thorndike and Detective Daniel Swann in the next installment."--Gabrielle Meyer, author of When the Day Comes (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"The Debutante's Code is alive with Erica Vetsch's hallmark romance and impeccable research, and some of my favorite catnip to boot! A strong and whip-smart heroine, Juliette Thorndike, already stands out in a society of fox hunts and regattas, but when she learns of a fascinating family secret, she is determined to live out the espionage and adventure in her blood. Thrown together with the dashing Daniel Swann, Juliette is cast into a world of The Bow Street Runners, mysterious clues, and danger--all brilliantly spun in Vetsch's strong Regency-authentic voice. The Sanditon and Bridgerton-loving crowd will fall hard for this delightful heroine and dashing hero and the ease with which they appropriate the London ton on their pursuit of growing attraction and twisting and turning adventure. I look forward to many more installments in this exciting new series. Erica Vetsch is at the top of her game!"--Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"A compelling, enchanting work of art filled with wit, danger, and clever plot twists, The Debutante's Code kept me turning pages well into the night. A cast of richly sculpted characters, an expertly woven tapestry of mystery and intrigue, and beautifully drawn spiritual truths set against the glittering backdrop of Regency England combine to make Erica Vetsch's latest creation a true masterpiece."--Amanda Wen, author of Roots of Wood and Stone (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"A mystery within a mystery within a mystery. Inventive!"--Regina Scott, award-winning author (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"Erica Vetsch has done it again, bringing the reader an exciting Regency historical romance, but this time with the twist of a delicious mystery. The Debutante's Code is completely entertaining, with the promise of more delights to come in the rest of the Thorndike & Swann series."--Jan Drexler, award-winning author of Softly Blows the Bugle (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"From its delicious title to an intriguing plot involving spies and secret codes in 19th-century England, The Debutante's Code kicks off Erica Vetch's new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries with action, humor, and the promise of romance."--Julie Klassen, author of Shadows of Swanford Abbey (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"I am a big Regency romance fan and I love what Erica Vetsch brings to this genre. The suspense on top of the lords and ladies is just excellent fun. And this one, The Debutante's Code, is the best so far. Absolutely impossible to put down once I started."--Mary Connealy, best-selling author of the High Sierra Sweethearts series (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"Intrigue abounds in this thrilling tale of a debutante turned spy. Amidst the whirl of stolen art pieces and murder, heroine Juliette Thorndike takes on a dangerous role to break a code before the villains discover it . . . and before the swoon-worthy Officer Daniel Swann figures out she's involved. Author Erica Vetsch once again pens a winner in The Debutante's Code . . . a must-read for Regency and mystery lovers!"--Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
"Reminiscent of Jane Austen and Arthur Conan Doyle, with a tip of the hat to Georgette Heyer, The Debutante's Code abounds with all the elements of an unputdownable spy story--stolen art, secret codes, characters who are not all they first appear--and plenty of twists to keep readers turning pages late into the night. Erica Vetsch delivers a fast-paced and utterly riveting read set against the elegance and intrigue of Regency high society, destined to captivate longtime fans and capture the hearts of new readers. I'm eagerly anticipating Lady Juliette Thorndike and Daniel Swann's next adventure."--Amanda Barratt, author of My Dearest Dietrich and The White Rose Resists (8/3/2021 12:00:00 AM)
Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x 1.0 Inches (D)
Weight: .7 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 312
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Series Title: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Format: Paperback
Author: Erica Vetsch
Language: English
Street Date: December 7, 2021
TCIN: 84226010
UPC: 9780825447136
Item Number (DPCI): 247-23-4498
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.7 pounds
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4.6 out of 5 stars with 7 reviews
100% would recommend
1 recommendations
Delightful Regency mystery/romance
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 3 years ago
Oh, such fun! Erica Vetsch always pens delightful Regency romance with a generous dash of intrigue and mystery and she’s kick-started this new series splendidly. Daniel and Juliette make excellent partners in solving crime between his law enforcement training through Bow Street and her knack at code breaking. Of course, there are plenty of plot twists to keep the readers on our toes and lovely Regency banter with slow burning romance to keep our fans fluttering. It looks like the series will continue to follow Daniel and Juliette as they embark on crime-solving adventures (and hopefully romantic ones too!). Integration of characters from Serendipity & Secrets series was unexpected and so enjoyable. If you enjoy Regency romance, you will absolutely love this book. I received the book from the publisher via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Great Regency Suspense
5 out of 5 stars
- 4 years ago
The Debutante’s Code by Erica Vetsch is the first book in her Thorndike and Swann Regency Mystery series. Lady Juliette Thorndike has been away at finishing school and has now come home to London for her debut season. Looking forward to getting to know her parents after such a lengthy separation, she is disappointed to learn that they are not in London at all; and are in fact missing. With the aid of her uncle, Juliette learns of her family’s double life! She comes from a long line of spies! Can she solve the clues left behind by her parents before she is exposed? They were definitely right when they said this story was “Sherlock Holmes meets Jane Austen”! I love a good Regency romance, but throw in some suspense and you have the makings of a truly great story. I can’t wait for the next installment! I received this book from Reading with Audra for my honest review.
An Entertaining Regency Mystery!
4 out of 5 stars
Connie Saunders - 4 years ago
Erica Vetsch is a name that I associate with entertaining historical fiction, and this book proves what I already know. Vetsch is an expert in researching the topics she is writing about, and she has a unique talent for weaving fiction and nonfiction together. The Debutante's Code is an intriguing story set in early 1800 England, and it introduces the characters of Lady Juliette Thorndike and investigator Daniel Swann, two people drawn into a fascinating tale of spies, Bow Street runners (London police), art thieves, and deception. The Debutante's Code is the introduction of the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries and I look forward to reading more of their exciting adventures. Juliette and Daniel are characters that I want to know better, and there's a hint of romance between them that I'm hoping will develop as the series continues. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Regency fiction. I voluntarily accepted this book from Kregel via I Read with Audra Blog Tours but there was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Ingenious New Series
4 out of 5 stars
Lucy Reynolds - 4 years ago
Regency spiced up with mystery, secret codes, family secrets, and a swoon worthy Bow Street runner named Daniel Thorndike. Doesn’t that name just have your imagination working to picture that dashing hero. It would be scary to be thrown into the world of spies that Lady Juliette finds herself immersed in. I admire her strength and faith that carries her through. The twists and turns of this story is like trying to get out of an escape room. I laughed out loud at a few situations and was trying to figure out how the pieces fit at the next situation. The build up was spot on and had me wanting more by the end. What a bang up job to start this new series. Anxious to read the next book in this series. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
A Clever Series Opener!
4 out of 5 stars
Rebecca Maney - 4 years ago
"Disappointment was only a short step away from resentment, she found. For years she had made excuses . . . . . How did she honor her parents as God intended when their decisions thwarted the desires of her heart?" Returning home after years away at finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is met at the docks with disappointment; rather than the count and countess meeting her for a joyous reunion, her Uncle Betrand is there instead; short on excuses and anxious to be on with his business. With her debut into London society less than twenty-four hours away, Juliette cannot understand why her parents have assigned the dowager Haverly to chaperone her through the presentation. As it turns out, the entire debut proves to be most unusual, most unusual indeed, for who would imagine concluding a glorious evening being witness to a most unusual crime? When Bow Street runner Daniel Thorndike is called out to investigate the details surrounding a stolen painting, he invites himself into a lavish party scene, the guests being some of London's most recognizable elite who exhibit predictable displeasure about being questioned by the police. Upon further study, his attention cannot help but hover around the lovely Lady Thorndike, whose intelligence spills over into her every expression. Subsequently, when the one crime broadens into several, Daniel is forced to turn his focus back to the lady and her uncle, unknowingly becoming caught up in something far bigger than whether or not he can sustain his own career. What a rare find! A conventional mystery wrapped tightly within the embellishments of a fine Regency historical. It's clever, it's interesting, and it's incredibly enjoyable, for following the clues sends readers toward the same dead ends as the characters, who themselves are not even sure whom to trust. Needless to say, the author also smoothly incorporates the topics of abandonment, honesty, integrity, faith, doubt, and even love, for who hasn't uttered this sort of prayer; "God what should I do? Where can I turn?". Readers will be clamoring for more of "Thorndike and Swann"!
Delightful to read
5 out of 5 stars
Vera - 4 years ago
I have such a good time when I read an Erica Vetsch book. Her writing style is delightful; and she captures the essence of each character's speech, actions, dress, personality, and flaws. She weaves a tale with touches of history and a bit of her own fiction embroidery to flesh it out. As fiction, it is rich in the Regency period's social distancing and mores. Her characters stay within the set limitations of do's and don'ts, as well as acting and doing things a bit "out of the box." When I first saw the title The Debutante's Code, I thought it was going to be about the rules of being a debutante and that which determines accepted behavior, dress, speech, and social standing. Little did I realize this was not what the title inferred. I loved the mystery and how the story resolved. I look forward to more in the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries series of stories. I rather expect to see more of the same characters in the upcoming books and just wonder where things will take them. I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Secrets and Spies
5 out of 5 stars
Deana - 4 years ago
This has been quite an adventure into the world of spies. I was thrilled to have Lady Juliette at the center of the story. She is kind and generous and missing her parents. It was strange that they took off so quickly with an excuse that for me sounded made up. There is something lingering in the air that smells like deceit and danger as Juliette finds her life jumbled up in her Uncle’s questionable actions. The story moves at a nice pace and I was intrigued by the robberies that took place in places that should have better protection than it did. Who is behind the thefts and why does Juliette seem to always be in attendance with the thefts happen? The author does a great job of leaving hints as to what is happening but I sure couldn’t figure all of it out. I was taken aback when I found out about Juliette parents. How had they managed to keep this secret from their daughter all these years? Now they need her help to protect them and others from being exposed as spies. I loved how the artwork was used to hide codes that could cost people their lives if they were found out. Decoding is now up to Juliette as she is in danger and forced to help the enemy. Daniel is a welcome addition to the story as he tries to prove he can solve the case of stolen art and jewelry. He focuses on Juliette and her uncle thinking they may be behind everything. He hopes to be wrong because along the way, he has developed feelings for Juliette. It is a great adventure that keeps readers guessing til the end where the author gives us a few surprises. I am hoping she will continue the story in a new book because I need to find out a few things about Daniel. I also must know if Juliette and Daniel become more than acquaintances. I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.