The Debutante's Code

Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries Series, Book 1

By: Erica Vetsch

Narrated by: Kim Bretton

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

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.

Good Story & Nice Narration

I liked the Story and the Characters. Dialogue was very well done. I did not care for the MFC reiterating every little while her current situation (i.e., finally home and parents off elsewhere) as if the reader (listener) might not remember nor did I care for the constant her references to God. I have read and listened to many historical romances and God or religion or faith may have been mentioned where relevant, but not as often as in this book. I’m interested enough in her story to listen to the 2nd book in the series despite the previous. As for the narrator, I thought she did a good job for both males and females.

Love the Mystery

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

Semi interesting story line

The story is fine, but the voices were irratining. each voice was present not AI like but rather a very bad pretending of one voice trying to sound different. I found it hard to finish the book for that reason.

My favorite book series!

The thorndike and swann series has the best of all worlds! Romance, regency, mystery, and is clean with a Christian undertone! I have listened to the series several times and it never gets old! Couldn’t recommend it more ❤️

Loved this!

Great story - entertaining and well written. Narrator did a wonderful job differentiating the characters, although she should work on making some of the male characters sound more masculine. I really appreciate how the author didn't shy away from mentioning God - very refreshing in today's culture. Could use more of that in my opinion. Can't wait to listen to the next installment!

Intriguing Story

I enjoyed the story and the characters very much. However, I felt the story ended too soon with the reader left to write their own ending.
Great narration.

Fun but voiced by the wrong narrator

Fun, clean story with a couple of TSTL moments. However, the narrator was not the right fit. Overall, the voice is much too "chipper" for the mystery and seriousness of an espionage story. The older aristocratic characters sounded ancient. Even the debutantes sounded old. In addition, there were too many odd pronunciations of common words. Character wise, Uncle Bertie is a kick. and I enjoyed the inclusion of Marcus, Duke of Haverly, from the author's earlier Regency series Serendipity & Secrets. However, I won't purchase additional audiobooks in this series performed by this particular narrator, who is better suited for the lighthearted romance stories I've purchased and listened to in the past.

Hurry and send the next in the series!!!!

Enjoyed the book thoroughly! The characters were well thought out and well written. Some characters you like and others not so sure about but it made for more intrigue. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!