I'm a huge Jane Fletcher fan so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. The premise is really interesting and original. Romance isn't at the forefront but I didn't mind as the plot is very engaging, especially towards the end. As an adventure novel the book is really gripping, but unfortunately the fantasy element is lacking compared to the author's previous works, mainly because she introduces some interesting concepts but doesn't really explore them - the world building lacks the depth and detail of her previous books. And unfortunately the same could be said for character development. I did wonder if The Shewstone was initially developed as a series and then squashed into one novel. I hope the author turns this book into a series and explores the characters and the world she's created in more detail.

A well told tale with adventure, intrigue, mystery, humor and the inevitable attraction between Eawynn and her sometimes nemesis Matt. As a child, her aristocratic father abandoned Eawynn to the harsh sisters of the temple, where when she comes of age she becomes Dutiful Sister Custodian to the Shrewstone. Young Matt ran from abuse and was adopted by a master criminal who mentors her skills at theft. Matt is tasked with stealing the Shrewstone for a client of her surrogate father. As the quest continues, each woman though proficient at her own craft, must rely on the other’s skills. Reliance on expertise does not mean trust with the heart. The adventures and humorous sagas make this an enjoyable and engaging story.