The Calico Critic: Book Review & Tour Giveaway: Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch

Children of the Shadows JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Children of the Shadows
Series: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries #3
Author: Erica Vetsch
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 23, 2023
Genre: Christian Regency Mystery

Detective Daniel Swann and debutante Juliette Thorndike once again team up to solve a dangerous mystery--while trying to keep their growing romance secret.

Someone is preying upon the street children of Regency London. They seem to think no one will notice when urchins go missing--and even if they are noticed, who will care?

Daniel needs to do something about the missing children. But with recent revelations about his past and an unexpected, somewhat unwelcome inheritance to deal with, this is a terrible time to dive back into the seedy underbelly of the crime world. Nevertheless, he's still a Bow Street runner, and his partner Lady Juliette is sensitive to the plight of these wayward youngsters. They're on the case, searching shadowed alleys and coal-drenched streets to find the missing.

But the tangle of expectation and the dynamics of power cannot be easily ignored, even if there are children in danger. When Daniel's past threatens to overwhelm his future, he will need a miracle and the help of his friends to both apprehend the villain and unravel his tangled family web. And it may be that his new responsibilities demand that he leave the children of the shadows to their terrible fate--or lose everything.

Erica Vetsch's popular Regency mystery series concludes with a bang, sure to satisfy readers who have hung on every page since book one.

My Thoughts

The Thorndike and Swann series by Erica Vetsch has been an enjoyable branch from her Serendipity and Secrets collection. The latest edition, Children of the Shadows now makes six novels that bring adventure, romance, and discussions of faith to readers, all within the context of Regency England. While “happily ever afters” can be expected, the manner in which the story arrives at that conclusion is the main source of enjoyment within the story. Bow Street runner Daniel Swann is indeed in love with the debutante Juliette Thorndike, but the main focus of Children of the Shadows lies firmly in his work as an inspector. Through detective work, assistance from associates, and a strong dedication to the truth, Swann rights multiple wrongs in his community. Juliette also contributes, and their efforts bring justice and deliverance to street children and adult citizens alike.

Although sleuthing is the main theme of this mystery novel, it does contain an impressive number of subplots. Of course, there is the growing (and secret) romance of Daniel and Juliette. However, author Erica Vetsch also manages to address issues such as familial reconciliation, the noblesse oblige of certain privileged characters, espionage, class warfare, childhood victimization, and the nature of Christian prayer. While all of these topics are individually significant, Vetsch is able to address each in a fair and equitable manner, all the while maintaining a compelling narrative. This brought a vibrant energy to each chapter, as multiple factors would be at play at any given moment. For example, Daniel may be investigating a crime in one scene, while at the same time tangling with a family member over inheritance concerns. It was no wonder that he often went without food or sleep! There were many problems to address in his complicated world.

Because Children of the Shadows is categorized as Christian fiction, the content does suit that type of audience. Most discussions of faith revolve around praying for God’s will and helping those in need. The novel is not heavily theological, but these elements are presented as natural outgrowths of several characters’ lives. The criminal and immoral elements of the environment are presented realistically, but in a very “G-rated” manner which would be appropriate for all audiences. The romance is very sweet and genuine, but not titillating in its descriptions. Thorndike and Swann are young and clearly in love, but they put the other’s needs first in a very wholesome way.

Although I found the explosive conclusion of the previous novel Millstone of Doubt to be a bit more riveting, Children of the Shadows proved to be a delightful read and a fine addition to the collection of Vetsch novels. In it readers will find a compelling mystery, likable characters, dastardly villains, and themes of love and reconciliation. Children of the Shadows reminds us all that when we are given many blessings, it is incumbent upon us to share with others as God leads us to do. And as we follow His will for our lives, those around us will also be blessed.

About the Author

Erica Vetsch

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 and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a complete paperback set of the Thorndike and Swann series, and a $10 Amazon gift card

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 23, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2023. 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Reviewer Notice: I voluntarily critiqued a complimentary digital review copy of this book, which I received from the author and JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.