I adore this series and Book 3 is pure delight. My fav mystery duo, married couple Freddie and Grace, head to Italy for their belated honeymoon and find themselves swept up in uncovering the forces behind an art heist. I couldn't resist their genuine chemistry, the mystery that kept me guessing, and a strong Christian message that brought me joy. Can be read solo but I suggest reading Books 1 & 2 for complete reading pleasure. Highly recommended!

Who doesn't love the idea of a honeymoon in Venice? Frederick and Grace Percy (Lord and Lady Astley) were rudely interrupted as newlyweds on their Egyptian stopover in "The Cairo Curse" and are trying for a honeymoon reset.  Book 3 in this Edwardian-set series, "The Juliet Code" sees them settling into married life while sharing another sleuthing adventure. It's a standalone historical whodunnit, although the set-up chapters reference the main events in the couple's Cairo stint, and various sub-plots and character arcs continue from one story to the next, so some readers may feel they want to begin at Book 1. It's a fun story worth reading to get acquainted with Gracelynn/Grace and Frederick.

Grace is an American heiress who married, "Buccaneers" style, into the British aristocracy. She's been grappling with the arcane social ropes ever since her introduction in "The Mistletoe Countess" (Book 1). Two books later, she is an evolving version of the character I warmed to initially. There were missteps in Book 2, when author Pepper Basham made her a particularly irritating version of the juvenile cutesy/quirky/bookish trope readers are supposed to find endearing in Christian romances.

Thankfully, in their new Venetian adventure, Grace is behaving more like a true partner for the likeable Frederick. This shift in their dynamic enables him to show the realistic protectiveness of an Edwardian husband toward his wife, instead of patronizing her like a child. There's a relaxed intimacy between them conveyed in some charming moments through the story. This is a 'kissing book' as they're known in the clean and wholesome Christian romance genre, meaning the MCs' physical bond as husband and wife is symbolized by kissing. These moments are always tastefully written and not overused.

No sooner have Grace and Frederick arrived in Venice when series character, Detective Jack Miracle arrives in Venice hired by a rich client, Daniel Laraby, to find a stolen painting, one of a famous set of nine known as "The Juliets."  Jack ropes Grace and Frederick into his investigation and the subsequent mystery serves up tomb robbing, an imposter, murders, greed, secrets, and betrayals, with the usual twists, red herrings, and dramatic conclusion.

The art theme and evocative Venetian backdrop is a strength of the story that sets it apart from the usual fare. Ms. Basham writes a pleasant, polished prose well pitched for the sub-genre, and elevated by her lovingly described settings.  Her Third Person narrative is not overburdened with multiple viewpoints. The story unfolds mostly in the POVs of Grace and Frederick, with valid. well-timed shifts to that of Detective Jack Miracle. Unfortunately for the timbre of the book, the character voices are virtually indistinguishable. An American heiress and a couple of British aristocrats are horses of a different color, yet other than a few quirks, they basically think and sound like the same person. This uniformity sometimes makes for bland reading, weighing on the bustling pace of the plot, the appeal of the characters, and the freshness of the story.

It's a mystery with a body count - fewer than the pile-up in "The Cairo Curse" - and an interesting cast of characters, which occasionally became hard to keep track of. However, they all had a role to play in the plot and sub-text, and for readers who enjoy an Agatha Christie approach, a plethora of suspects is part of the fun.

I liked this light, genteel mystery and appreciated the author's efforts in creating an immersive setting and good quality escapism in a book of decent length.  3.75 from Regency Chronicle, rounded up to a 4 for Goodreads and such.   For those unfamiliar with our star ratings, that means we recommend "The Juliet Code" as well above average in its light Christian historical mystery adventure lane.

Thanks to the author, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance review copy. Cover image courtesy of Barbour Publishing © 2023.  Review by Pam Baker © 2023 The Regency Chronicle.

The Juliet Code is one entertaining mystery overflowing with twists and turns and plenty of romance! 5 stars!

Pepper Basham has outdone herself and I couldn't have enjoyed the exploits of Freddie and Grace more. Even though the couple's honeymoon takes them to Venice, Italy, it's not your ordinary honeymoon! Grace fancies herself a detective and can't seem to help herself when a chance to solve a mystery arises. Freddie, in his utter devotion to her tags along, one part exasperation and another in admiration.

I love the way Grace's mind works and the way she expresses herself. I've noted so many great lines,

"It was quite delightful to think of herself as a character in God's book instead of just a wandering character without an author or book at all."
"I know we haven't the power to change the world, but we can start in our little corner where God places us."

I can hardly wait for the next installment of "adventures with Freddie and Grace". And lastly, huge applause to the art department for such a gorgeous cover that so beautifully reflects the story. I appreciate Barbour Publishing making a copy of The Juliet Code available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

You definitely want to read the first two books (The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse) before you read this third book. Characters and events from those books will be often mentioned in The Juliet Code with very little background or explanation of who they are or what exactly happened.

I really enjoyed this book. Basham does a great job with the mystery, revealing layers and background information slowly. The cast of characters is big, with lots of questions about which side each one may be on. Be ready for red herrings, plot twists, retired circus performers, flooding caves, unexpected allies, and more bodies than I enjoy.

Besides the wonderful (for the most part) characters, great location (Venice!), rip-roaring action and exquisitely woven plot, Basham has great insights on God’s work in the world and people’s lives, bravery, faith, brokenness, and trusting God with a loved one’s safety.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #TheJulietCode #NetGalley

Oh Grace! I honestly believe this series is God sent. The banter and chemistry between Freddie and Grace reminded me of that in Georgette Heyer's 'Friday's Child,' and the adventure was reminiscent of 'Storm and Silence' by Rob Thier, yet wholly unique and much more enjoyable! It would be remiss if I didn't mention the faith aspect, which came about genuinely and was evidently a significant part of the main characters' lives. This is a favorite of mine by the author, and I eagerly anticipate Fred and Grace’s next adventure, along with the romances of the secondary characters that played out so well in the story.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! The opinions are entirely mine!

This book takes us on the honeymoon of Lord and Lady Astley. They have already seen their share of murder and kidnapping. Lord Astley decides to take Lady Astley to Venice by way of Cairo for a visit with his cousin who is sponsoring an archeological dig. Of course they find themselves in the middle of a mystery when they get there. Lady Astley has a vivid imagination which isn't helped by all the books she reads. She also has a very spontaneous nature that gets her into trouble. She approaches every situation as if she were Sherlock Holmes.

This book involves murder, tomb robbing, and kidnapping. It's not a suspenseful novel. But full of mystery. This is the second novel in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series. This book sort of fills the reader in on what happened in the first book so it would be possible to read this with out reading the first book.

The only negative I have for this book is that sometimes I felt like I was reading a history book instead of a novel. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

With the Juliet Code Pepper Basham has created a romantic mystery filled with my favorites: Italy, art, and Freddie and Grace. She’s also won me over to kissing books. It’s a mystery that would make Agatha Christie proud. It was such a fun read, and one I highly recommend.