I was so happy when I saw that this audiobook had been released. I love this series, these characters and love spending time with them. It’s a series that always have me questioning why I don’t read more historical romances, and historical mysteries at that. There’s something about the feel of the era and the pacing and characters that always leave me with a warmth and feel-good feeling while, and after listening.
If you haven’t read or listened to Peril by Post – I just love the title of that book… Peril by Post – it really resonates with me. Anyway, if you haven’t already read it, please do so before jumping into this one. You probably won’t have any issues following the story even if you don’t, but you’ll miss out on the backstory leading up to the events happening here.
Into Thin Eire takes place a couple of months or so after the events of the previous book. John is still haunted by what happened in the Lake District, but does his best to shield it from Julia. And when a mysterious letter forces him away from London and Julia he vows to be back as soon as he can. When he arrives in the West Country no one has seen the mysterious letter writer and all clues lead nowhere. That is until he receives word that his beloved Julia was abducted from their home and it becomes a race against time to save her.
This book is a bit different from the previous books, there’s no real mystery to be solved, rather it’s a rescue. From the start we know the identity of the abductor, we know the reason why she was abducted. So we, or rather John and his companions, spend most of the book trying to find her and get her back. At the same time Julia, of course, is trying to escape and plots and plans for that to happen. A damsel in distress she might be, but she’s not one that will sit around and wait to be rescued.
I’ve said it before, and I’m going to keep saying it; I’m a huge fan of Julia and John solving mysteries together. They come from widely different worlds and have different experiences and when they work together that’s when they are the best. Sadly, for obvious reasons, they don’t get much time together in this book and I have to say I missed their banter, the looks, their togetherness. But I’m still very happy with the book, I love every adventure and struggle these two find themselves in.
Joel Froomkin was as always just great. I love how he captures the feel and tone of the era and really makes you feel like you are spending time in regency England (and the surrounding areas). For this book I think my favourite part was him narrating Julia. It came across so vividly and clear. You really saw her writing that letter, were there for her plotting and planning and felt that determination of not giving up. And the reunion with John was so sweet. One thing is for sure, you can’t go wrong when picking these books up.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I have a feeling that there might not be too many more books in this series. A few comments there in the end have me wondering. I’m a bit torn about that. On the one hand, I’ll be sad to see the series end, on the other I also believe it’s better to end on a high note while the books are still good. I do know there will be at least one adventure for Jon and Julia in the future and I hope it’s not too far away – I need more of this duo in my life.
A copy of this book was generously gifted to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.