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The Stormbound Cipher: Prequel to The Counterfeit Conspiracy
A stolen secret. A deadly escape. The mission that started it all.
To the ton, Lord Tristan Kingston is a charming rogue — the second son of an Earl who prefers a glass of brandy to a ledger. But beneath the rakish smile and mud‑caked boots lies England's most effective shadow.
When Lord Tristan steps into a rain‑soaked tavern in Calais, he isn't there for the wine. He's there for a cipher that could stop a French invasion. But the rendezvous is a trap. Hunted across rooftops and chased through a gale‑force storm on the English Channel, Lord Tristan must use every ounce of wit and daring to get the intelligence back to London alive.
The war is fought in the shadows—but the danger is coming home.
Lord Tristan thrives on the edge of a blade. He's mastered the art of the mission and the thrill of the chase, but he's about to face a challenge he never saw coming. Upon his return to London, his next assignment will put him directly in the path of the one woman he can't outmaneuver.
Enter the world of the Disarming a Rogue Mystery Series with this pulse‑pounding prequel. If you crave dashing spies, sharp banter, historical intrigue, and slow‑burn romance, start the adventure today.
Why Readers Are Diving Into This
The Dashing Lord Tristan is the ultimate "hidden" hero—lethal, brilliant, and deceptively charming. High‑Stakes Outrun the French secret police in heart‑pounding chases through the streets of France. Rugged Secondary Meet the men Lord Tristan trusts with his life. The Perfect This prequel lights the fuse for the mystery and romance that explodes in Book 2, The Counterfeit Conspiracy.
To the ton, Lord Tristan Kingston is a charming rogue — the second son of an Earl who prefers a glass of brandy to a ledger. But beneath the rakish smile and mud‑caked boots lies England's most effective shadow.
When Lord Tristan steps into a rain‑soaked tavern in Calais, he isn't there for the wine. He's there for a cipher that could stop a French invasion. But the rendezvous is a trap. Hunted across rooftops and chased through a gale‑force storm on the English Channel, Lord Tristan must use every ounce of wit and daring to get the intelligence back to London alive.
The war is fought in the shadows—but the danger is coming home.
Lord Tristan thrives on the edge of a blade. He's mastered the art of the mission and the thrill of the chase, but he's about to face a challenge he never saw coming. Upon his return to London, his next assignment will put him directly in the path of the one woman he can't outmaneuver.
Enter the world of the Disarming a Rogue Mystery Series with this pulse‑pounding prequel. If you crave dashing spies, sharp banter, historical intrigue, and slow‑burn romance, start the adventure today.
Why Readers Are Diving Into This
The Dashing Lord Tristan is the ultimate "hidden" hero—lethal, brilliant, and deceptively charming. High‑Stakes Outrun the French secret police in heart‑pounding chases through the streets of France. Rugged Secondary Meet the men Lord Tristan trusts with his life. The Perfect This prequel lights the fuse for the mystery and romance that explodes in Book 2, The Counterfeit Conspiracy.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2026
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 21, 2026
I am excited to have heard again from Angela Stranger after I read her debut Indie novel last year, The Grunewald Affair.
The Disarming a Rogue Mystery series is about regency era couples who take up the task of solving mysteries together.
I’m a sucker for anything that feels like Bridgerton, with a bit of banter thrown in.
The Stormbound Cipher was the perfect introduction to Tristan (handsome spy you say?) before the next novel in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about his character and all the action and intrigue that follows him.
It was so great to see how this author’s storytelling has grown and expanded since reading the debut novel! The prequel story has me so excited for what’s to come next!
This my honest and spoiler free review. Thank you Angela Stranger for sending me the advance reader copies of your books. I’m really looking forward to reading The Counterfeit Conspiracy!
The Disarming a Rogue Mystery series is about regency era couples who take up the task of solving mysteries together.
I’m a sucker for anything that feels like Bridgerton, with a bit of banter thrown in.
The Stormbound Cipher was the perfect introduction to Tristan (handsome spy you say?) before the next novel in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about his character and all the action and intrigue that follows him.
It was so great to see how this author’s storytelling has grown and expanded since reading the debut novel! The prequel story has me so excited for what’s to come next!
This my honest and spoiler free review. Thank you Angela Stranger for sending me the advance reader copies of your books. I’m really looking forward to reading The Counterfeit Conspiracy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this ARC from the author through Book Funnel.
Another captivating prequel, making the reader anxious for the next book. Even though this is a short story, nothing is lost, and the author uses every word judiciously. She is talented that way -- taking the reader into the story from the start.
Quotes from or about Lord Tristan:
As the second son, he'd inherited nothing but time and a taste for peril . . .
Lord Tristan kept secrets and found he preferred their company.
"One cannot be a devoted spy and a devoted husband; the two are diametrically opposed."
"Flirting is a speciality of mine, Captain! And whether it's with disaster, a Dutchess, or this tempestuous sea, I aim to come out at worst mildly singed or rumpled."
Of course, the danger of his usual mission is not conducive to marriage, but usually when a person thinks that their plans are all in place, that's when something happens to change things.
Another captivating prequel, making the reader anxious for the next book. Even though this is a short story, nothing is lost, and the author uses every word judiciously. She is talented that way -- taking the reader into the story from the start.
Quotes from or about Lord Tristan:
As the second son, he'd inherited nothing but time and a taste for peril . . .
Lord Tristan kept secrets and found he preferred their company.
"One cannot be a devoted spy and a devoted husband; the two are diametrically opposed."
"Flirting is a speciality of mine, Captain! And whether it's with disaster, a Dutchess, or this tempestuous sea, I aim to come out at worst mildly singed or rumpled."
Of course, the danger of his usual mission is not conducive to marriage, but usually when a person thinks that their plans are all in place, that's when something happens to change things.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love this writer and was so very excited to be offered a chance to read this prequel to The Counterfeit Conspiracy. This short prequel drew me in quickly with the vivid descriptions, the intrigue and my curiosity of what Lord Tristan was involved in.
Angela Stranger does a great job of transporting her readers to the Regency era of Britain and draws them in from the very beginning and keeps them there until the very last page, longing for more.
I was given this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Angela Stranger does a great job of transporting her readers to the Regency era of Britain and draws them in from the very beginning and keeps them there until the very last page, longing for more.
I was given this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderfully quick to read prequel to introduce some characters and their backgrounds to then get me hooked on wanting to know what happens in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Stormbound Cipher is a short but gripping prequel to The Counterfeit Conspiracy, delivering tension, momentum, and intrigue in a compact and satisfying read.
This story introduces Lord Tristan Kingston, a spy navigating the dangers of the English Regency era. What begins as a routine task quickly escalates, and from that point on I was fully immersed. The pacing is sharp, the stakes feel real, and the sense of urgency carries the story effortlessly from start to finish.
Despite its shorter length, this prequel never feels underdeveloped. The action is tight and purposeful, the narrative captures the tone of the era beautifully, and the story stands confidently on its own. I appreciated how clearly Lord Tristan’s character comes through, clever, resourceful, and compelling, without the book needing to overexplain itself.
As the story closes and the next thread is set in motion, the intrigue lingers. I found myself wanting to stay in this world and follow Lord Tristan further, which is exactly what a prequel should do.
I loved this introduction to Lord Tristan’s world and I’m genuinely looking forward to reading more.
I received this book as an ARC, however this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
This story introduces Lord Tristan Kingston, a spy navigating the dangers of the English Regency era. What begins as a routine task quickly escalates, and from that point on I was fully immersed. The pacing is sharp, the stakes feel real, and the sense of urgency carries the story effortlessly from start to finish.
Despite its shorter length, this prequel never feels underdeveloped. The action is tight and purposeful, the narrative captures the tone of the era beautifully, and the story stands confidently on its own. I appreciated how clearly Lord Tristan’s character comes through, clever, resourceful, and compelling, without the book needing to overexplain itself.
As the story closes and the next thread is set in motion, the intrigue lingers. I found myself wanting to stay in this world and follow Lord Tristan further, which is exactly what a prequel should do.
I loved this introduction to Lord Tristan’s world and I’m genuinely looking forward to reading more.
I received this book as an ARC, however this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG, I was not expecting that! What a fast paced, action packed prequel to Lord Tristan's story. We learn that he is so much more than the charismatic, playful, rogue of a younger brother to Lord Henry. I'm not going to spoil the surprise, but I'll tell you it shocked me for a minute. It fits him though. Angela has created a prequel that has me wanting to pick up The Counterfeit Conspiracy immediately and continue the adventure. It's not only well written, it also flows beautifully (never needing to stop and regroup or reread a phrase). Definately looking forwardcto continuing this journey. - OH, it is not necessary to have read the previous books. All pertinent information is provided. I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fun and quick story to set the scene for book 2 in the series.
This prequel novella offered excitement, intrigue, wit and charm in the form of Lord Tristan. His character was built with depth and humor and I really cannot wait to see more of him in The Counterfeit Conspiracy. Though short, I was still easily transported to France, then the sea, then to England, all with beautifully written descriptions. Overall, this was a well-written and exciting read that leaves me wanting more!
I received this ARC from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and offered freely.
This prequel novella offered excitement, intrigue, wit and charm in the form of Lord Tristan. His character was built with depth and humor and I really cannot wait to see more of him in The Counterfeit Conspiracy. Though short, I was still easily transported to France, then the sea, then to England, all with beautifully written descriptions. Overall, this was a well-written and exciting read that leaves me wanting more!
I received this ARC from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and offered freely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An intriguing prequel
Lord Tristan, second son, has no interest in marrying. He likes his dangerous work for the Home Office and has no intention to stop. Even when he narrowly escapes an ambush in Calais after retrieving a very important document. The crossing of the Channel is quite eventful. Who or what will kill him first? The French or the sea?
Lord Tristan, second son, has no interest in marrying. He likes his dangerous work for the Home Office and has no intention to stop. Even when he narrowly escapes an ambush in Calais after retrieving a very important document. The crossing of the Channel is quite eventful. Who or what will kill him first? The French or the sea?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a super quick read that instantly transports you into the world of The Counterfeit Conspiracy. I love the way that the author draws you in and keeps you captivated from start to finish. The writing style is beautiful and you feel like you have stepped back in time!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I enjoyed The Stormbound Cipher - Prequel to The Counterfeit Conspiracy (Disarming a Rogue Mystery Series)
I the writing was extremely exciting and interesting. I can’t wait to read the book. I love a great mystery. Angela Stranger is a great writer! I look forward to reading more of her books.
I the writing was extremely exciting and interesting. I can’t wait to read the book. I love a great mystery. Angela Stranger is a great writer! I look forward to reading more of her books.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews