Book Review: A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch + Giveaway

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Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Thieving at Carlton House
Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #1
Author: Erica Vetsch
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

Unlikely alliances form when a killer is on the loose… but who can be trusted?

The Home Office has asked Sir Bertrand Thorndike to head an investigation into stolen royal jewels. And as with everything concerning the Prince Regent, discretion is paramount.

It’s the perfect chance for Bertie to step out of his brother’s long shadow. Unfortunately, his superior, The Duke of Haverly, has a plan that makes him balk: in order to sell his cover, Bertie must play the part of a man looking for love, ready to reform his rakish ways. The duke is willing to let Bertie name his own investigative team, but his recommendation that the team include Philippa Cashel has Bertie on his guard. Does the duke–known for his behind-the-scenes machinations–have an ulterior motive?

Philippa Cashel escaped her life as one of society’s best-known courtesans, devoting her life to helping other women in dire straits. So when Sir Bertrand Thorndike approaches her about joining his team as an agent of the Crown, she is skeptical. Why her? She’s focused on getting her school for underprivileged women up and running, not in cloak-and-dagger skullduggery. Her hope is that if she labors hard enough at her charity work, she might begin to feel worthy of God’s forgiveness of her past.

When one of Philippa’s rescued girls is arrested for stealing the royal jewels and another is murdered, Philippa will risk partnering with Bertie to find the loot and stop the killer.

Two brilliant minds–with two wary hearts–and one cunning deceiver are on a collision course in Regency England.

Beloved Regency author Erica Vetsch begins this new series with all the elements that keep her readers coming back. From historical accuracy to rousing mystery to deep character faith journeys, A Thieving at Carlton House will please Regency lovers–and anyone else who loves a great story.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

My review:

Even though this book was listed as romance, it was more mystery. There was chemistry between Bertie and Philippa but it was only the beginning of a friendship. I assume it will become romance in the upcoming books of the series. I love the slow build which makes the romance more authentic.

Philippa had many burdens upon her and I admired her strength of character to be more than others thought of her. Her intellect and loyalty made her a good partner for Bertie. I look forward to seeing them work more together.

Hands down, my favorite character created by this author has been Marcus Haverly (from The Gentleman Spy) who plays an important role in this story, but Sir Bertrand Thorndike has taken a close second since walking on the pages of the previous series. Now that he has his own series, he may move his way up. Highly recommend this story.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

Sir Bertrand and Philippa’s characters

What I didn’t like about this book:

Nothing

Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. Interesting mystery, wonderful characters, and great beginning of friendship to romance. This is the first book in the series and can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading the previous two series to get the background on all the great secondary characters.

Note: I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

-Loraine Nunley

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of A Thieving at Carlton House and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 23, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. International prize ebook and egift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!