Erica Vetsch provides a compelling mystery paired with plenty of romantic tension in Millstone of Doubt, the latest installment of her Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series.
Book Blurb
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.
Even though the owner’s daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, 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 to the fates.
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. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her 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
I loved seeing Daniel and Juliette’s relationship progress. The relationship has been rather slow-burn, but Millstone of Doubt left me satisfied, though I’m still hankering for more.
The murder mystery was interesting, and though I figured out the culprit, Vetsch had me second-guessing myself. But it was the other mystery solved in this book that had me reeling. I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll leave it there. Just know that Vetsch throws a curveball like no other.
There’s also this really great faith arc for Daniel. I liked the discussion he has with Ed about God as our Father and the way He takes care of His children.
Millstone of Doubt can be read as a standalone, but you’ll enjoy it more if you read the first novel, The Debutante’s Code.
Overall, Millstone of Doubt is a compelling Regency mystery with plenty of romance. Michelle Griep fans (or any Regency fan in general) will love this novel.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
For more on Erica Vetsch, visit her website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
