I may have rated this book a star less than the previous book in the series, but I still really enjoyed it. The overall world that Vetsch has set up in this series and the one it's connected to, Serendipity & Secrets, is one I really hope I don't have to leave any time soon. Juliette learning to become a spy, using her training in real-world settings while trying to get over her weaknesses, but still having to act the role of a debutante, is a fun mixture. Daniel's combining of his police work with spycraft isn't as much of a stretch, but it still allows for some panic moments as he tries to keep his secret. There was also a great moment when Daniel's friend and co-worker Ed gives him a little speech about the goodness of God, even when we don't see it in our lives, that I really liked.

The mystery was overall good. I liked the different paths they went down trying to solve it; mystery is a favorite genre of mine, and this one was enjoyable. I did guess who the killer was pretty early on, but wasn't 100% sure I was right until a while later (but before it was revealed). There was another mysterious aspect unrelated to the murder that I also figured out early on, but I still liked the way it played out. The story slowed down enough in the middle that I detracted a star, but overall, I really liked this book. I highly recommend it for fans of this genre and time period, whether you like romance or not, though that aspect is more in focus in this book than the previous.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback. ( )

What a treat to visit Lady Juliette Thorndike and Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann again in Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch.

While the attraction between our hero and heroine sparked through the pages at times, it’s the mystery that kept me invested in this story. So many possibilities of who could be behind the explosion that lead Juliette and Daniel in many directions. And all while Daniel is approaching his 25th year which means his patronage will end (there are some answers to that mystery as well in this book).

I love seeing characters from other books make their way into stories, and Vetsch does not disappoint as Marcus (aka the Duke of Haverly) and his mother are part of this story. I look forward to the next installment in this series (especially after the pronouncement at the end of this one).

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Title: Millstone of Doubt (Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries #2)
Author: Erica Vetsch
Pages: 304
Year: 2022
Publisher: Kregel Publications
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Lady Julianne Thorndike wants nothing more than to spend time with her parents, but alas that is not to be. She arrived home a short while ago after being away at school for six years. Upon her arrival, no one knew where or when her parents would be home. They were on a secret mission. Julianne got involved in a mystery, meeting the handsome detective, Daniel Swann, and helping him solve the case. Now, her parents have only been home a short time when they are called on again to do the King’s work. Julianne is left in the care of her Uncle Bertrand, who is also training her to be a spy.
A flour mill experiences an explosion right in front of Daniel and Julianne, along with a few other people who were with them. There are not many workers in the mill when the explosion occurs, but the mill’s owner is discovered dead. The owner is Julianne’s best friend’s father, so she wants to do her best to bring justice for her friend. Daniel is in charge of the case but faces animosity from his boss as well as the office clerk who is assigned to help Daniel. Daniel is also facing stress in his personal life as his patron will cease his support when Daniel turns 25, which is in a few days. Will Daniel still have a job? Will he discover the identity of his secret benefactor? What can he do about his growing feelings for Julianne? She is a member of the aristocracy, and he is a humble detective. Where is God in all this?
I heartily recommend reading book one in the series, The Debutante’s Code, before this novel. With this second installment, readers are reunited with familiar characters from book one, and the story picks up shortly after the first one ends. My favorite character so far is Uncle Bertie. He loves his niece and wants to protect her, but he is willing to train her in their craft so she can learn to protect herself. Daniel and Julianne work to discover answers albeit sometimes from different angles. There is plenty going on in this novel to keep readers interested and involved. I am looking forward to book three’s mystery and the excitement of solving a good “who dunnit!”
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

Faith shines through in the lives of these characters who only want truth and justice to prevail. “God is good regardless of your experience because the Bible says He is and the Bible never lies.”
Bow Street Runner, Daniel Swann and debutante, Juliette Thorndike cross paths again in the second book in the series.
As the day of his 25th birthday grows closer, Daniel has many questions still looming. Who is his patron and what will his solicitors tell him? Will he lose his job and be destitute? Daniel becomes distracted with a new murder to investigate which takes him to dangerous places as he rules out each suspect.
I like the way Ms Vetsch builds the story in Hammersmith and in London among the socially elite and the common mill workers. We see Juliette further her skills as an agent of the Crown and see her heart as she comforts her friend on the loss of her father.
Intriguing, exciting and romantic, this is my favorite kind of historical fiction. I learned about the milling process, Bow Street Runners and inheritance of titles during the era.
A fascinating story that I did not want to end. I am so glad there is another book coming where we will find out what the future holds for Daniel and Juliette.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* ( )

Erica Vetsch is a "new to me" author. Millstone of Doubt is the first book that I have read of hers and it won't be the last. I look forward to reading the first book in the series The Debutante's Code. I could understand and keep up without reading the first, but I could tell I was missing important information and character development.

Lady Juliette Thorndike was born into a family of spies for the crown. Her uncle is her mentor and superior in the art of deception. Juliette is pulled into a case when her dearest friend's father is murdered. Her sidekick and love interest, Daniel Swann, is trying to unravel the clues and find the murderer. There are many suspects and I loved traveling with the characters, trying to figure out who the villain was. The suspects range from Luddites, and con artists, up to members of the aristocracy. The story is non-stop action from the first to the last page.

This story "keeps you on your toes" and turning pages. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read this book.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. ( )