The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia's uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia's arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let's face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt.