Book Review of 'A Thieving at Carlton House' by Erica Vetsch

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome to another fall week! I had an amazing weekend with my family and now my heart is full, and it has me getting more and more excited for the upcoming holidays. I hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods.

Today I am excited to share a Regency Mystery Romance from an author that I was just recently introduced to. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this series introduction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

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.

My Review

I love a good Regency mystery romance, so I was excited to read A Thieving at Carlton House, not only because of the premise but because this is the first novel I’ve read by this author. Being the first installment in the Of Cloaks & Daggers series there is a little bit of a set up making the novel have a slower start, which was not what I was expecting, but appreciated having a firm foundation. I’m pretty sure there are characters that have been brought back from previous novels by the author, as it’s clear that several of these characters are established.

Philippa and Aunt Dolly opening the school to help women have opportunities they would not otherwise have due to their pasts is so commendable. Charlotte, Philippa’s half-sister, was one of my favorite characters. The love and support she bestows on Philippa is truly beautiful and I loved all the scenes where her presence was graced. Speaking of grace, the whisper of faith is apparent and uplifting and I could feel the encouragement. This is something I always love to see.

The characters are truly what carries this novel, and the mystery drives the plot, giving a nice pace that does not feel rushed, but you can still feel the tension building the deeper you get into the story. It feels like everyone is a suspect and the overall mystery is spot on.

The overall premise is a good one, the writing gives a laidback and unsettled feel while also tethering you to these characters and their journey, and I truly enjoyed reading this in the fall as I feel like it fits into the cozy fall vibes we all know and love. Great start to a new series!

My Rating: ★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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!