Publisher: Kregel Publications
Series: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries #2
Format: Trade paperback & eBook
Length: (304) pages
Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Synopsis
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
After the success of his previous case, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann is anxious to prove himself again before his guardianship comes to an end on his twenty-fifth birthday. It is with his anonymous patron's support that Daniel is a Bow Street Runner. Without it, and given his rocky relationship with his superior, he assumes that when it ends he will no longer be welcome at Bow Street. Not only will he have to find new employment, but also new accommodation as his financial position will drastically change.
When Graham Montgomery is found murdered in his own mill after an explosion believed to be the work of anarchists, Daniel, being the first investigator on the scene and present when the blast occurred, asks for the case. It is assigned to him, as is the assistance of Owen Wilkinson, the office boy who is eager to take Daniel's place as an investigator and just as eager to see Daniel fail.
With his birthday fast approaching, the deadline by which he has to solve the case, Daniel feels the pressure and while he is diligent in his duties, his thoughts often turn to Lady Juliette Thorndike. Although he manages to contain his feelings for Juliette knowing that their difference in social status precludes any romantic entanglement, his resolve is tested as their paths frequently cross in the course of his investigation and their shared training as spies for the Crown. Juliette is ordered to stay out of the investigation, but being the closest friend of Agatha Montgomery, the murder victim's daughter, at times her help is invaluable. While Daniel is aware that his friend, Heinrich von Lowe, a German duke, also has feelings for Juliette, he is not sure if Juliette reciprocates.
As the investigation proceeds, aspects of Montgomery's life previously unknown to those closest to him come to light, lengthening the suspect list which already includes anarchists, employees, jealous husbands and business rivals. When another murder occurs, and an attempt is made on Daniel's life, Daniel believes that he is close to solving the case.
And while chasing leads and suspects, and Agatha Montgomery's missing fiance, Daniel learns of his past and his future. Before he can deal with the revelations the end of his guardianship brings, he must arrest a murderer and prove his worth as a Bow Street Runner.
As a fan of historical mysteries, what I liked most about this novel was that the mystery was the main focus rather than the romance between Juliette and Daniel. The latter developed unobtrusively as they gradually became aware of their feelings for one another.
Although I have read The Debutante Code, the first book in this series, Millstone of Doubt does very well as a standalone. There are enough references to understand the current relationships between the recurring characters and Daniel Swann's situation with his mysterious patron. However, I find it's always beneficial to start a series from the beginning, although I have jumped into some way beyond the first book. At least with this series there is only one other book to go back to read if need be.
I enjoyed this Regency mystery by Erica Vetsch. The identity of the murderer was well hidden until the reveal and following Daniel through his personal and professional dilemmas added an additional touch of suspense. The next book should be very interesting as Daniel adjusts to life without his patron.
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Sounds like a good follow up book which is a good sign for a continuing series
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.
Definitely. Thanks, Marg.
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