Millstone of Doubt: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries by Erica Vetsch

 

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A Bow Street Runner and a debutante in London Society use their skills to find the killer of a wealthy businessman, but the killer’s secrets aren’t the only ones they will uncover. 

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot--but no sign of the killer.

Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, she may be the only one. It seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage--and his job as a runner--comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. But when her trusted instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation, Lady Juliette obeys. That is, until circumstances intervene, and she drops right into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case--and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

my thoughts:

Wow! Talk about a riveting mystery that kept me reading late into the night - loved it!  Millstone of Doubt, the second story in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries by Erica Vetsch was superb! 

Daniel and Lady Juliette are on the trail of a murderer and their case seems to be growing even more dangerous by the second. Yep, the race is on and time is of the essence - life or death hang in the balance. Yikes! So, what's the deal? Well, an explosion at Hammersmith Mill finds the owner dead. Except, he was killed by a gunshot, not the explosion. Daniel found his body and now he is determined to figure out whodunit. And let me just say that suspects abound. Yeah, it turns out that no one is mourning the mill's owner, except his daughter. Oh, and time is running out for Daniel - his job and patronage are both coming to an end. He feels abandoned by everyone, even God. So, he's on a mission to find the killer. Luckily, he finds a partner in Lady Juliette - she has the inside scoop on all of London society, which will definitely be helpful. Except, she's been advised to stay away from the case. Only, circumstances change and soon she is caught up with Daniel in trying to figure out whodunit. And, that is all I will say - you must read this book terrific tale for your self - it is just too good to miss out on!

Oh, what a fun and thrilling read! I enjoyed every minute spent with this exciting new story - it was such a delightful treat! The writing was top notch. The characters were interesting and complex. And, the story was suspenseful with an intriguing mystery, along with a spot of romance. It was terrific! I definitely plan on reading the first book in the series, The Debutante's Code, and am really looking forward to the next book. The Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series is an amazing series to get lost in - and I'm excited to get stuck in it. 

I'd happily recommend Millstone of Doubt to anyone and everyone looking for their next great mystery - you are going to LOVE this one to bits! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!