The Debutante’s Code

Vetsch (The Indebted Earl) kicks off her Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries with a propulsive tale about a family of spies. In 1816, 19-year-old Lady Juliette Thorndike returns to London after completing school in Switzerland. Upon arrival, her uncle explains her parents have been unexpectedly called away and have placed him in charge of her debutante season. Then, after her debut is disrupted when a valuable painting is stolen during an event at the home of a close friend, she feels abandoned by both God and her parents. When Juliette discovers a secret package hidden by her parents, she learns she comes from a long line of spies—and that she is next in line to be trained. Juliette’s parents had been working on one last mission when they disappeared, and the mysterious code they left behind might be the key to finding them. Daniel Swann is the officer assigned to investigate the painting theft. Enamored with Juliette—even if she is above his station—Daniel helps her as she navigates London’s high society with the few clues left behind. Their slow-burning romance comes together naturally as they navigate the glamorous world of debutantes. Fans of Jen Turano will delight in this pleasing mystery and eagerly await the second installment. (Nov.)