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Gentlemen of Virtue #2
The Lost Cipher
He would unravel this mystery…or it would unravel him.
Captain Edmund Cholmely has been in the doldrums since his brother’s exposure and death as a traitor. A coded ledger is stolen from the War Office, however, threatening to expose every secret operation Colonel Renforth’s men have ever undertaken, not to mention other war secrets. The cipher is being used again and Renforth sets Edmund to discovering who has the code, seeing it as an opportune task with which Chum might break his melancholy.
Edmund follows the leak to a seaside town where a reserved widow keeps a school, mostly for the daughters of naval officers and those wounded in the war. Her husband created the cipher...
Elise Larkin, widow of Captain Charles Larkin, has run a boarding school for the young ladies of naval officers ever since the loss of her husband. When the stranger comes to the village, she is torn between fear of his purpose and an attraction she cannot deny. Elise is one of just two people still alive who her husband entrusted with the key to a cipher he created for sending coded messages, and she is afraid it will be used for ill.
Edmund knows that recent messages have surfaced using the highly secretive code which is supposed to be dormant. Does the widow know the cipher or hold the key? If released, documents and informants’ names could be revealed, putting them at risk. A mutual need to discover the truth throws Edmund and Elise together, but she suspects him and he suspects her. Gradually, however, Edmund’s rigid notions of guilt and loyalty crumble. He must decide whether love requires trust even when honour forbids it.
Captain Edmund Cholmely has been in the doldrums since his brother’s exposure and death as a traitor. A coded ledger is stolen from the War Office, however, threatening to expose every secret operation Colonel Renforth’s men have ever undertaken, not to mention other war secrets. The cipher is being used again and Renforth sets Edmund to discovering who has the code, seeing it as an opportune task with which Chum might break his melancholy.
Edmund follows the leak to a seaside town where a reserved widow keeps a school, mostly for the daughters of naval officers and those wounded in the war. Her husband created the cipher...
Elise Larkin, widow of Captain Charles Larkin, has run a boarding school for the young ladies of naval officers ever since the loss of her husband. When the stranger comes to the village, she is torn between fear of his purpose and an attraction she cannot deny. Elise is one of just two people still alive who her husband entrusted with the key to a cipher he created for sending coded messages, and she is afraid it will be used for ill.
Edmund knows that recent messages have surfaced using the highly secretive code which is supposed to be dormant. Does the widow know the cipher or hold the key? If released, documents and informants’ names could be revealed, putting them at risk. A mutual need to discover the truth throws Edmund and Elise together, but she suspects him and he suspects her. Gradually, however, Edmund’s rigid notions of guilt and loyalty crumble. He must decide whether love requires trust even when honour forbids it.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
86 books368 followers Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 18, 2026
First and foremost, I haven't read the first of these books, so I don't know anything about how they connect. One look at the Christmasy cover, and I noped out. But this cover? Yes, please! haha But as it was suggested by other readers, this isn't a series you have to read in order, and Lost Cipher works well as a stand alone book.
I loved the author's writing style. It was like somehow reading words that a painter had brushed onto canvas. Absolutely lovely prose that took you into the atmosphere, the time period, and the thoughts of the characters.
I also really enjoyed some moments of camaraderie and development between certain characters. Though the development of the treacherous side left something wanting for me.
I guess the true downside of the book was the flow. Not the pacing, but the way in which 50-100 pages more could've flushed this story out even better. We spent a lot of time in people's heads! Which, hey, isn't terrible. But I could've done with so much more of the dialogue and conversational style we were only allowed little peeks into. Not only that, but the main crux or pot stirring of the plot seemed to come in and leave too fast, like a sudden storm. There wasn't a lot of suspense to the mystery or development of the antagonist. And while some might say the will-they-won't-they had lots of time to develop... it felt obvious from the book description to me where this was all going to land in that department! I suppose the danger just didn't feel as dangerous as I could tell the story wanted it to feel.
But man did I enjoy my few hours in this somewhat moody word painting of the British coast- amidst the salt, sea air, and stormy weather (and emotions hah). A decent romance and somewhat lacking mystery but a decent way to spend a lazy afternoon either way!
I loved the author's writing style. It was like somehow reading words that a painter had brushed onto canvas. Absolutely lovely prose that took you into the atmosphere, the time period, and the thoughts of the characters.
I also really enjoyed some moments of camaraderie and development between certain characters. Though the development of the treacherous side left something wanting for me.
I guess the true downside of the book was the flow. Not the pacing, but the way in which 50-100 pages more could've flushed this story out even better. We spent a lot of time in people's heads! Which, hey, isn't terrible. But I could've done with so much more of the dialogue and conversational style we were only allowed little peeks into. Not only that, but the main crux or pot stirring of the plot seemed to come in and leave too fast, like a sudden storm. There wasn't a lot of suspense to the mystery or development of the antagonist. And while some might say the will-they-won't-they had lots of time to develop... it felt obvious from the book description to me where this was all going to land in that department! I suppose the danger just didn't feel as dangerous as I could tell the story wanted it to feel.
But man did I enjoy my few hours in this somewhat moody word painting of the British coast- amidst the salt, sea air, and stormy weather (and emotions hah). A decent romance and somewhat lacking mystery but a decent way to spend a lazy afternoon either way!
February 22, 2026
The Lost Cipher by Elizabeth Johns
Gentlemen of Virtue Book One
Captain Edmund Cholmely was sent to Plymouth harbour to find a missing ledger. It was thought that Widow Larkin may know of it. Edmund’s goal was to get close enough to the widow to find out if she was friend or foe. If she had the ledger with too many secrets in it to ever get out. He finds himself walking a thin line between wanting to believe the widow and remembering his mission here.
Elise Larkin, a widow, inherited the Belair House after her husband’s death and ran a girls’ school. She also had other secrets. Charles, who had been in the Navy, was after a group of smugglers. He wrote a cipher to interpret the ledger. He taught two people the cipher: Elise and one of his crew, Blake. They’d thought this was over, but a remnant of that smuggler group has popped up. They seem to have the ledger and will do whatever it takes to get the cipher.
Two people who are on the same side, both feeling slightly attracted to each other, but not knowing if they can trust the other. If they could only realize that they could help the Crown by working together.
Another exciting book. It’s a standalone, but Edmund is connected to a group of men whose stories have been told in previous books.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Gentlemen of Virtue Book One
Captain Edmund Cholmely was sent to Plymouth harbour to find a missing ledger. It was thought that Widow Larkin may know of it. Edmund’s goal was to get close enough to the widow to find out if she was friend or foe. If she had the ledger with too many secrets in it to ever get out. He finds himself walking a thin line between wanting to believe the widow and remembering his mission here.
Elise Larkin, a widow, inherited the Belair House after her husband’s death and ran a girls’ school. She also had other secrets. Charles, who had been in the Navy, was after a group of smugglers. He wrote a cipher to interpret the ledger. He taught two people the cipher: Elise and one of his crew, Blake. They’d thought this was over, but a remnant of that smuggler group has popped up. They seem to have the ledger and will do whatever it takes to get the cipher.
Two people who are on the same side, both feeling slightly attracted to each other, but not knowing if they can trust the other. If they could only realize that they could help the Crown by working together.
Another exciting book. It’s a standalone, but Edmund is connected to a group of men whose stories have been told in previous books.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
May 19, 2026
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: The Lost Cipher
Series: Gentlemen of Virtue (Book 2)
Author: Elizabeth Johns
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: Mystery, Misdirection, Missing-ledgers!
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, I wasn't entirely impressed. On the positive side, the atmospheric coastal setting of Plymouth and the historical espionage plot were genuinely interesting and well-conceived. However, the romance felt lacking because the main characters didn't actually interact very much until they hit the halfway mark of the book. The story is definitely driven much more by its central wartime mystery and cipher investigation than by the romantic development.
💖 Why I Loved It:
I really liked the moody, historic coastal setting and the overall premise of the plot. Tracking down a missing, dangerous wartime ledger and decoding old naval ciphers made for an engaging historical backdrop.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
"The world has not paused with you, Cholmely, and we have work that requires you."
📌 Final Verdict:
While the plot is intriguing, go into this one expecting a historical mystery rather than a sweeping romance, as the leads don't cross paths as much as you'd hope. It functions as a decent addition to the series but works best if you enjoy slow, plot-heavy historical suspense!
#TheLostCipher #ElizabethJohns #GentlemenOfVirtue #BookReview #HistoricalMystery #RegencySuspense #Bookstagram #HistoricalFiction #BookReviewer #MysteryReads
Title: The Lost Cipher
Series: Gentlemen of Virtue (Book 2)
Author: Elizabeth Johns
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 My Thoughts: Mystery, Misdirection, Missing-ledgers!
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, I wasn't entirely impressed. On the positive side, the atmospheric coastal setting of Plymouth and the historical espionage plot were genuinely interesting and well-conceived. However, the romance felt lacking because the main characters didn't actually interact very much until they hit the halfway mark of the book. The story is definitely driven much more by its central wartime mystery and cipher investigation than by the romantic development.
💖 Why I Loved It:
I really liked the moody, historic coastal setting and the overall premise of the plot. Tracking down a missing, dangerous wartime ledger and decoding old naval ciphers made for an engaging historical backdrop.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
"The world has not paused with you, Cholmely, and we have work that requires you."
📌 Final Verdict:
While the plot is intriguing, go into this one expecting a historical mystery rather than a sweeping romance, as the leads don't cross paths as much as you'd hope. It functions as a decent addition to the series but works best if you enjoy slow, plot-heavy historical suspense!
#TheLostCipher #ElizabethJohns #GentlemenOfVirtue #BookReview #HistoricalMystery #RegencySuspense #Bookstagram #HistoricalFiction #BookReviewer #MysteryReads
March 8, 2026
Beautifully written: absorbing plot; the detailed, realistic places, people, relationships
I fell into the world of the story immediately: the intelligence group of agents for the Crown in London and the small town by the sea, its port, bar, and girls school. Each was beautifully depicted in detail—its atmosphere, people, and activities.
The difficult mission assigned to Edmund, his cover story, and the mystery of Larkin's widow and the missing cipher key kept me curious until the end.
Most of all, I was enthralled by the characters and their interactions and relationships.
I've discovered a new, favorite author. I can't wait to read another of her books.
I fell into the world of the story immediately: the intelligence group of agents for the Crown in London and the small town by the sea, its port, bar, and girls school. Each was beautifully depicted in detail—its atmosphere, people, and activities.
The difficult mission assigned to Edmund, his cover story, and the mystery of Larkin's widow and the missing cipher key kept me curious until the end.
Most of all, I was enthralled by the characters and their interactions and relationships.
I've discovered a new, favorite author. I can't wait to read another of her books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lost Cipher holds the intrigue that keeps you turning the pages. Had I had the time, I would have read this book in one sitting. The author is an amazing wordsmith. She adds a depth to the story and characters that causes a reader to become completely absorbed in the book.
Elisa is a widow that has been left with dangerous secrets. Edmund is a soldier that is wants to prove his loyalty to the crown. He is sent to uncover secrets and finds love as well.
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to other books by this author.
Elisa is a widow that has been left with dangerous secrets. Edmund is a soldier that is wants to prove his loyalty to the crown. He is sent to uncover secrets and finds love as well.
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to other books by this author.
February 6, 2026
clean romance with suspense
Spies, espionage, suspense and danger!
The heroine is trying to rebuild her life after death has changed the course. Her husband died fighting evil.
The hero struggles with his own brother’s death (told in A gift of Patience by the author). He is sent out to find out if a traitor exists and uncover something missing.
Throughout the plot of twists and turns there is danger and drama. The discovery of healing and romance adds to the whole story!
I look forward to seeing another of the Gentlemen of Virtue get their own HEA.
Spies, espionage, suspense and danger!
The heroine is trying to rebuild her life after death has changed the course. Her husband died fighting evil.
The hero struggles with his own brother’s death (told in A gift of Patience by the author). He is sent out to find out if a traitor exists and uncover something missing.
Throughout the plot of twists and turns there is danger and drama. The discovery of healing and romance adds to the whole story!
I look forward to seeing another of the Gentlemen of Virtue get their own HEA.
February 5, 2026
Fantastic novel of intrigue and a little romance
I have read many of Elizabeth Johns books and have loved them all; this 1 was a bit different I think in that the suspense was greater than some of the other stories which were mostly regency romances; This 1 was mostly intrigue And I loved it; I loved the characters; I loved Edmund and Elise and all of their friends,the plot was believable and well thought out
I have read many of Elizabeth Johns books and have loved them all; this 1 was a bit different I think in that the suspense was greater than some of the other stories which were mostly regency romances; This 1 was mostly intrigue And I loved it; I loved the characters; I loved Edmund and Elise and all of their friends,the plot was believable and well thought out
February 13, 2026
Not your average cozy historical romance.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. I appreciated that they down to earth, realistic and were not fussy. Life is hard for most people and the author created a perspective that touched on the complexity of dealing with challenges of raising children, running a household, managing storms of life and nature while also addressing the nefarious underbelly of greed and betrayal.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. I appreciated that they down to earth, realistic and were not fussy. Life is hard for most people and the author created a perspective that touched on the complexity of dealing with challenges of raising children, running a household, managing storms of life and nature while also addressing the nefarious underbelly of greed and betrayal.
March 20, 2026
Good ending
Slower at the start but the story grows on you. More than the mystery, the love story has depth. The emotions of that time and in that circumstance feel real. The complications in the male main character's life thankfully do not end with a runaway scene by the female as so often happens. Intelligence shown by the woman over her emotions makes a better tale..
Slower at the start but the story grows on you. More than the mystery, the love story has depth. The emotions of that time and in that circumstance feel real. The complications in the male main character's life thankfully do not end with a runaway scene by the female as so often happens. Intelligence shown by the woman over her emotions makes a better tale..
April 12, 2026
Real Rating: 3.75 Stars
The Lost Cipher was a bit of a departure from other Elizabeth Johns books. The romance was a secondary to the main story, and it was quite refreshing.
The Lost Cipher follows Edmund and Elise. Two people who need to heal from past trauma must find out who they are in this new world they find themselves in. They are thrown together to deal with unfinished business left by family, and in doing so, they learn to move on from old pain and find a life on their own terms.
The Lost Cipher was a bit of a departure from other Elizabeth Johns books. The romance was a secondary to the main story, and it was quite refreshing.
The Lost Cipher follows Edmund and Elise. Two people who need to heal from past trauma must find out who they are in this new world they find themselves in. They are thrown together to deal with unfinished business left by family, and in doing so, they learn to move on from old pain and find a life on their own terms.
May 25, 2026
Solid 3 1/2 stars. I almost gave up on this one as too much was revealed to us readers, while the two people who needed to chat kept missing each other. Finally, that happened, and I was in for the adventure. Spies, traitors, secret tunnels and daring rescues, as well as a little budding romance to keep things interesting. An enjoyable read in one lovely evening. Enjoy!
February 7, 2026
Beautifully written adventure romance
This author understands that romance is more than just boy meets girl. She avoids the interminable sex scenes which are often used as fillers when an author has nothing worth saying. The wording in this book is beautiful and creates a mood.
This author understands that romance is more than just boy meets girl. She avoids the interminable sex scenes which are often used as fillers when an author has nothing worth saying. The wording in this book is beautiful and creates a mood.
March 5, 2026
Captain Edmund is having a difficult time regarding the circumstances surrounding his Brother’s death. He needs to find out the truth before he can relax and get back to his life. Suspense and intrigue surrounds everything and he’s trying his best to learn the truth. Don’t miss out on
February 2, 2026
Good Story
I enjoyed this well written tale about loyalties, obligation and the human hearts’ yearning for love and acceptance during a time of uncertainty
I enjoyed this well written tale about loyalties, obligation and the human hearts’ yearning for love and acceptance during a time of uncertainty
February 9, 2026
4 stars means that I would reread it.
I have enjoyed all of John's books. Believable and likeable characters.
I appreciate the mystery elements of this series.
A regency-era-plus!
I have enjoyed all of John's books. Believable and likeable characters.
I appreciate the mystery elements of this series.
A regency-era-plus!
February 10, 2026
great story!
The author did a wonderful job crafting this story and delivering it with graceful prose. Her writing style is amazingly clear and elegant.
The author did a wonderful job crafting this story and delivering it with graceful prose. Her writing style is amazingly clear and elegant.
March 9, 2026
I enjoyed the story.
March 17, 2026
Reasonable plot and characters, and I quite enjoyed it but the added issue at the end for the 'hero' spoiled it for me. To lose one relative is unfortunate, to loose two is unnecessary overkill.
Read
March 20, 2026Enjoyable
I would have to say that this story was very compelling and holds the interest from the beginning until the end
I would have to say that I would recommend it highly
I would have to say that this story was very compelling and holds the interest from the beginning until the end
I would have to say that I would recommend it highly
May 11, 2026
Great Spy and Romance
Very interesting story to find out what is the truth and who is really the bad guy or maybe bad girl? Loved the intrigue and romance.
Very interesting story to find out what is the truth and who is really the bad guy or maybe bad girl? Loved the intrigue and romance.
May 8, 2026
Another interesting historical romance with a good dose of mystery/action, very much in the style of other works by this author.
I feel that the book would have improved with some thorough proofreading or editing; as it is, the timing of some of the events is a bit dodgy and there seems to be something missing in a couple of dialogues. But, other than that, it was fairly enjoyable, so I'm glad I took the time to read it.
I feel that the book would have improved with some thorough proofreading or editing; as it is, the timing of some of the events is a bit dodgy and there seems to be something missing in a couple of dialogues. But, other than that, it was fairly enjoyable, so I'm glad I took the time to read it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews