This was the perfect wrap-up to Julia and Daniel’s story, complete with an unexpected twist at the end of the story.
All the great elements of the previous two books – characterization, setting, and a drawn-out mystery – were included in this third installment. Readers are finally given some answers to questions from book one as Daniel’s past is completely revealed.
The main plot doesn’t seem to get started though until about 40% of the way through – mainly street children go missing and Detective Swann is working the case. Once again, Erica Vetsch weaves two seemingly unrelated mysteries into one larger one. Not an easy feat!
I loved the fact that previous characters returned – they and their spouses – and I hope that somewhere down the road, Uncle Bertie will get his own story.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This book has everything that makes for a page-turning read: suspense, drama, romance and a mystery to solve. I loved it and highly recommend this book to anyone you enjoys reading Historical Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from Independent Publishers Group, Kregel Publications via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Daniel Swann, a detective for Bow Street, has two problems to untangle: succeeding to his proper place as the legitimate heir to the Rotherhide title and uncovering what exactly is happening to the missing street urchins in the dark underbelly of London. With the help of Juliette Thorndike, his intrepid beloved, he must navigate the irate members of the Rotherhide family, his own complicated feelings toward the mother who abandoned him, and the seedy side of a London gambling club. The stakes are high for Daniel–if the Prince Regent rules against his claim to the title, he is certain that Juliette’s parents will never let him wed their daughter. And the stakes are even higher for the missing children–if Daniel and Juliette cannot uncover the tangled web of secrets, blackmail, and hypocrisy, their lives will remain stolen forever.

I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two books in this series; however, I was delighted to discover that my favorite character from the Serendipity and Secrets series has a large supporting role in the book. Marcus Haverly, gentleman spy extraordinaire and suave aristocrat, takes Daniel Swann under his wing and helps fly him towards his rightful inheritance. The religious thread is woven into the story well as Juliette must continue to trust that God has every outcome under His control. Fans of mystery and romance will enjoy this well-paced novel of romantic suspense.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a fabulous conclusion to the Thorndike & Swann Mystery series! This is the 3rd book in the series and also ties in to the Serendipity and Secrets series. Though the story line itself would stand alone in this book and enough history is given that you can follow along with the character information, I would still recommend reading this in order and reading it after Serendipity and Secrets, as there are definite spoilers in this book of the other books. As some of the character arcs transfer from story to story, some of the mysteries surrounding certain characters have been fully revealed by this book and so reading this one makes you fully aware of those reveals that are part of the suspense in earlier books. Because I've enjoyed the character developments over the course of the prior books, this one was probably my favorite of the author's as I already loved the characters and had some of the back-story readily available.

This book continues the story of Daniel Swann, inspector for Bow Street and Juliette Thorndike, debutante. When Daniel is called to a gaming club to investigate the murder of the manager of the establishment, and street children begin disappearing shortly thereafter, he finds himself caught up in discovering who is behind these heinous acts. When the clues point to the most unexpected place, Daniel has to decide how reliable his gut intuition is. Juliette has some major decisions to make while her parents are away on another trip and her uncle is also called away. For much of this book, she was able to simply be a part of the society set, which was needed in order to help her fully make the needed decisions. The main culprit was a surprise to me and the other mental/emotional angst throughout the book was resolved in an unexpected way. The ending was absolute perfection! All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable historical romantic suspense (not sure if that's a thing, but that's how I would qualify this one) and it's one I'd definitely recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I have enjoyed every one of Erica Vetsch's books, and have particularly enjoyed how this series has progressed! I would recommend reading the books in order, since the story makes more sense that way, though this one can be enjoyed as a stand alone. It's just interesting to read about how Juliette and Daniel got to the points they are at in the beginning of this story.
A lot is going on: with Daniel and his past, then Lady Juliette facing choices about her future. The suspense is spot on. I enjoyed how the characters develop throughout this story. I enjoyed the different look at this point in history, with Juliette's world clashing a bit with helping the street children.
I highly recommend picking this book up! I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Daniel has just learned that he is the true heir to an earldom - but he'll have to prove it (well, wait passively for others to prove it for him). Meanwhile, his position at Bow Street is becoming increasingly untenable due to the attitude of his supervisor, and Juliette's parents have left the country before he could ask for her hand. Then a man is murdered and street children start to disappear. Are the two connected in some way? Can he solve the murder before someone else dies - or solve the children's disappearance before more disappear? The evidence starts to point in one direction, but he finds it hard to believe... And he's beginning to realise that he can't ask Juliette to marry him if he doesn't gain the earldom. Complications abound - is a real happy ending possible?

With an ongoing romance, an attempt to right past wrongs, a murder, several missing children and a wrongful arrest or two, this is a definite page-turner without being overly cluttered. The romance is definitely present but takes a bit more of a back seat - the mystery is the main focus, with the romance and the claim to the earldom being important parts of Daniel's (and Juliette's) life, but secondary in the story. The balance is managed well and I enjoyed each part and the way they interacted. Note that I was glad to have read the previous book for context, particularly of Daniel and Juliette's romance, though this could probably still be read as a standalone story (especially the mystery side of it). Not sure whether more books in the series are coming, but I'm sure I'll enjoy them if there are. A good clean murder mystery with a side of romance.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Children of the Shadows is book three in a fun series that you’re going to want to read all of! Bonus if you read them all in order. I have read them all and have loved each book. I highly recommend that you read them in order. It’s the best way to do it. But you can always be a rebel and read this one without reading the other two.

This book was amazing! I have loved this series. It reads quickly and keeps you fully immersed in the book. You won’t be able to stop reading the book. Of course, read it in order! I’ve said that before but you’ll get the most from the book if you know the backstory of our two main characters and how they met, what their lives are like, etc.

Daniel is our bow street runner. He’s concerned with bringing justice to the streets of London. Add in the feisty Juliette and you’re reading for an engaging read. She’s always fun to catch up with! They’re in a relationship, but not. . . in that they’re trying to hide it.

Children are going missing off the streets and they seem to be the only ones who notice or care. Join the fun and danger as you try to solve the case before them!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

"Children of the Shadows" is a Christian mystery set in 1816 in England. This is the 3nd book in the series, and it didn't spoil the previous mysteries. However, you at least need to read the previous book to understand the romance as Juliette and Daniel were told they must stay apart for various reasons. The little time they had together was usually spent kissing. I was sad that Juliette had little to do in this story except fret about her future.

Daniel, his police partner, and his apprentice investigated the disappearing street children. They tracked down clues or had others look for certain information for them. All of the obvious clues pointed toward someone they didn't believe could be guilty. I did wonder why Daniel wasn't suspicious of the behavior of one of the culprits (who was the one I guessed). There was a very subtle clue pointing at the other culprit, but I didn't catch it at the time. Some historical details were woven into the story, but other details verged on fantasy.

The Christian element was mainly how the main characters felt that the street children were valuable and deserved help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.

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.

I can truthfully say that I have not read a single book by Erica Vetsch that I did not enjoy. My one complaint is that each series must reach its end before I am ready to leave its characters behind. Once again I have reached the end of another series and no, I am not ready to leave Daniel and Juliette. I am quite certain that the two of them must have more adventures ahead of them. Perhaps a new series featuring the pair could be arranged (hint, hint?)

Children of the Shadows lives up to its mysterious title in every way. Daniel Swann is up to his eyeballs in trying to solve an important case while attempting to keep his superior on the force happy. Yet everywhere he turns he seems to hear about another street child who has vanished. Although that situation does not seem to be at all important to those in charge, Daniel and his team do what they can to learn what happened to the children. Little do they know that the disappearing children might just be connected with his current case. Daniel’s personal life has taken an interesting turn as well with family secrets including a contested inheritance revealed and his romantic relationship with Juliette that must be kept quiet at least until her parents return from a business trip.

To avoid revealing too much, I will just say that Children of the Shadows is filled with multiple plot twists and a big surprise or two that kept me up late because I had to know what happened next. As stated above, I love this author’s books and highly recommend that you read the entire series.

Will this mystery be the end of their romance?

Well, it's hard to believe that Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series is over...I've come to like the characters so I hate having to say goodbye to them. Anyway...

Children Of The Shadows was one twisty-turny mystery! Erica Vetsch had me guessing and second guessing myself all the way through. Which I find utterly fascinating as this third Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery was also very much a Regency romance with all of the angst and glittering balls that one has come to expect from the genre. Erica Vetsch did a great job blending the mystery and Regency romance genres in a way that allows the spirit of each to shine through.

Another thing that I really enjoyed about Children Of The Shadows – and the rest of the series – is that a few familiar faces from Erica Vetsch's previous Regency mystery series make appearance in some expected and unexpected places...

If you haven't read Erica Vetsch's Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series yet, you are missing out. They are all enjoyable reads, from book one to the exciting conclusion to the series in Children Of The Shadows, they are sure to entertain and intrigue for hours...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Lady Juliette Thorndike finds herself in a delicate position, in love with Bow Street detective Daniel Swann, but fearing her beloved parents, the Earl and Countess, would disapprove of the match. When Daniel finds he us the long-lost heir to an earldom himself, will his ally, the Duke of Haverly, be able to prove Daniel’s case? Meanwhile, children are going missing off the London streets at an alarming rate. Throw a murder into the mix and you have a page-turning, satisfying conclusion to an excellent inspirational Regency trilogy written by a talented author.

Children of the Shadows marks the final book in the Thorndike and Swann series. While that makes me so sad, I’m excited to read whatever series Vetsch writes next! Many of the books I share with you can be read as a standalone, but don’t do that with this series. You’ll miss way too much! I devoured these books quickly, so you can easily read them all in a week or two depending on what type of reader you are. I think they’re all really hard to put down!

As much as I love Juliette Thorndike, I think that having the focus mainly on Daniel Swann during Children of the Shadows made this my favorite novel in the series. The Debutante’s Code, the first book, was mainly about Juliette and her family’s secrets. In the second book, Millstone of Doubt, Juliette and Daniel share the spotlight as they solve the case together. However, the end becomes more about Daniel’s secret benefactor who’s been supporting him since childhood. Children of the Shadows reveals much more about Daniel, his benefactor, his mother, and more.

Daniel has harbored so much bitterness over the years that when he discovers the truth, he wrestles with being able to forgive the people in his past. As a child, he felt abandoned and unwanted, and he’s held onto all of the pain. Forgiveness is a hard thing for us. We allow it to fester inside and allow it to control our thoughts. Even when Daniel learned the truth, forgiveness was still hard. It was hard to just let go of his preconceived notions about why his mother sent him away as a child. I love how Vetsch “preaches” the gospel to us without preaching to us! She weaves it into the story naturally, and it is beautiful.

I was enthralled by Daniel’s investigation. It reveals lots of twists and turns and just totally unexpected stuff! I’ve loved getting to know the characters throughout this series. Juliette’s personality shines whenever she is around. I absolutely love Juliette’s uncle and the dowager who takes on the role of Juliette’s chaperone when her parents are away. Cranky old ladies are my favorites! I literally could type paragraphs about the magnificent characters in these novels. They each contain well-written side characters who only play a role in a particular book. I felt like I was in the dirty streets of Regency London as well as in the upper crust neighborhoods and townhouses where the wealthy and titled lived.

Children of the Shadows wraps up the Thorndike and Swann series so well! I was laughing. I was crying. Words just don’t do this novel justice. It’s beautiful, magnificent, convicting, exciting, and so much more all at once! I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch is the third and final book in the Thorndike and Swann series and exceeded every expectation I had of this story.

While you will not be lost if you have not read the previous books in the series, you will have a better understanding of Juliette and Daniel’s relationship if you do read those first. And if you’d really like to dive deep into the secondary characters (namely the Duke of Haverly and his wife), then Vetsch’s Serendipity & Secrets series is a must-read.

However, if your tbr is as large as mine and you don’t have the space to read the other books right now, Children of the Shadows is an engaging read with lots of intrigue that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Vetsch balances the mystery, romance, and personal lives of her characters so well, I wanted everything to work out for Juliette and Daniel.

This story has everything I want in a series finale with all of the threads tied up well and an ending that not only satisfied but left me with a smile on my face.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Wow! What A book! Children of The Shadows is the third and final installment of the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mystery Series by Erica Vetsch. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. I just would not suggest it because you will miss so much important background information and amazing storytelling. When Erica Vetsch tells a story you can't help but stop everything until you hear 'the rest of the story". This series focuses around Lady Juliette Thorndike and Detective Daniel Swann. She being a Lady and he being a mere police officer should not be acquainted, much less romanticly inclined. Yet there are a series of incidents that happen to bring them ino contact with one another. In this book the children of London are slowly going amiss and you will be shocked to find out who is taking them. I know I was! Children of the Shadows is not only a great mystery, it is also a testimony of God's love and devotion. Mrs. Vestch's books are all so great you can't put them down. After I finish reading one of her books I usually feel stunned by the ending, but I also feel blessed to be allowed along on the journey. I recommend, not only this book, but the whole series. Happy Reading!

I would love to thank Erica Vetsch and Kregel Publications for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of this book. The review I gave was my honest opinion.

A satisfying conclusion to a terrific series!

With pressure from multiple angles, Daniel finds himself fighting on many fronts for his job, love, and for answers about the children disappearing from the streets. Daniel is an honorable man, and I liked how this book focused more on him and his role within the Bow Street Runners, as he is challenged to fight for his future. I also enjoyed seeing him in the role of a mentor and seeing how he has matured over the course of the series.

There is a lot going on in this book, and I also enjoyed seeing familiar faces from other favorite series by Ms. Vetsch within the pages. Action packed, with a multi-faceted plot that kept my attention riveted to the pages. There were also strong themes of faith, great interactions, as well as intrigue among high society.

Overall, an amazing and satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series with each book better than the last! I enjoyed seeing Juliette and Daniel grow in their faith and in their love for each other throughout the series, and this was the perfect wrap up, full of action, decisions and faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This series is so good, this is the final story and it was a privilege to read it, a good blend of historical romance and mystery, and a strong faith message delivered throughout the story.

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, 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.

I was captivated by the story, full of wit, humor, and suspense, The romance was so sweet with off-the-chart chemistry between the main characters and some worthy kisses...while this could be read as stand-alone, I will recommend reading previous books to get the full backstory of the characters... Content: Christian Romance, clean, kisses only.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kregel Publications for providing me with the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Kregel Publications for this ARC copy.

Absolutely perfect. This is a great series and I highly recommend starting with the first of the series.

The book starts by weaving you into the web of the story then takes off. You have to know the ending.

I forced myself to slow down and savor every word and I am so glad I did.

Very thorough and well written.

I just reviewed Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch. #ChildrenoftheShadows #NetGalley

This is the first book I have read in this series, although the third in the Thorndyke and Swann regency-set series. I enjoyed it and will have to go back and read the rest to pick up on things I’m sure I missed. Daniel and Juliette become embroiled in a complicated case involving murder, kidnapping, blackmail, and corruption. There are plenty of twists and turns that our main characters have to balance with the personal drama of Daniel’s family and a potential inheritance that would allow Daniel and Juliette to marry. Some of the dialogue occasionally struck me as overly dramatic, but that’s a quibble in an enjoyable story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book wraps up the amazing Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries series in a wonderful way! Daniel and Juliet stole my heart from the beginning of the series. I loved the unfolding of their sweet love story across the three books. Although this book can be read easily as a standalone, I recommend reading the other two books first for background info and an enhanced reading experience. All the books in the series are so good, but this is my favorite! A shining cast of characters bring the story to life. All the characters are so beautifully crafted that I hesitate to call any of them “secondary”! The cleverly plotted story with an authentic Regency setting, intriguing mystery, and inspiring faith lessons pulled me in from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book especially for fans of Regency romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.