The Debutante's Code

Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries Series, Book 1

By: Erica Vetsch

Narrated by: Kim Bretton

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2021 Erica Vetsch (P)2022 Tantor

Love the Mystery

Kept my interest all through the book. The many twists and turns made this book one of my favorites.

Satisfying

Good reason. How does she do so many voices? Gripping story. I loved it. If there is a sequel, I’ll find it.

Good but lacks Romance, Narration a bit rough

It was a good story and I liked the mystery process but the surprise at the end was kind 9f a let down and felt like it lacked some explanation. Too many Qs were trying to be answered in a very very short period but some of the main Qs are still a problem because I think it is supposed to feel like a mini Cliffhanger. My biggest disappointment comes in yhe absenteeism of any romance between the main characters. They interact some but hardly speak or develop any type of friendly relationship. It felt like a huge let down. I will read the next book in the series while keeping my fingers crossed 🤞.

The narrator sometimes mixed up her accents and that made figuring out who was speaking confusing. She also misprounced certain words which was funny but frustrating.

Just Fabulous

Great writing and great story. An entertaining mystery with characters that you care about. Totally worth your time. 

A fun mystery

I hadn’t read much on the description of the book before reading but had read the praise of Erica Vetsch online. I purchased the book and started in. I was pleasantly surprised. What a fun mystery that leaves you wanting the next book!

Where was my parents

Great story. Loved the characters in the book.Daniel fighting to keep his job. Juliette wondering where her parents were after being gone so long. Liking each other from afar.

Excellent Mystery!

Wow! This was an excellent mystery.
I felt so bad for Juliette, coming home after being away for so long, only to find her parents gone. I really liked Uncle Bertie. He's quite a character and helped her grow in unexpected ways.
I like Daniel Swann too. The crimes he is tasked to solve are quite tricky.
I listened to the Audible and read along on my Kindle. The narrator is very good.
I cannot wait to read more mysteries with Lady Juliette and Detective Swann!

Stop praying

I’m not anti-religion but the praying seemed out of place and awkward. I enjoyed the story, although I figured out most of it easily, long before the ending. I’m just not sure if it’s worth trying the next book in the series if the random prayers continue.

Excellent story line

It took me a bit to warm up to the narrator, loved the characters and the story, looking forward to the next in the series.

Outstanding story

Well written mystery with a hint of romance. The narrator was excellent. Characters were interesting and had depth. The ending had surprises that I did not see coming. I’ve already downloaded the next book in the series!