Blog Tour and Review: The Debutante’s Code

by Erica Vetsch

Publisher : Kregel Publications (December 7, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 0825447135
ISBN-13 : 978-0825447136

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Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series

Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn’t spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They’ve been living double lives as government spies–and they’re only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family’s legacy.

Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spy craft. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors–not to mention nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner Daniel Swann, who suspects her of a daring theft.

Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents’ last mission? Or will it lead her to a terrible end?

Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.

Sent away to school at 13, Daniel Swann is the illegitimate son of a housekeeper. After graduating, he can work in his chosen profession until his 25th birthday. At that time his wealthy benefactor will cut him off. With his birthday fast approaching, he is eager to prove himself on his first real case as a Bow Street runner.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is finally returning home from school abroad and excited to see her parents. Instead, her parents are gone, and she’s thrown into the world of spies, murder, and stolen artwork.

I absolutely loved that Juliette’s father would write to her in code, and she learned how to figure them out from a young age. Solving ciphers is a hobby of mine. I would have loved to hear some more details of the code Juliette was working on.

I didn’t like that they both constantly questioned God’s presence and thought that He was only there if He instantly helped them with what they wanted.

I liked that the Duke of Haverly from The Gentleman Spy was in this. I always like to catch up with previous characters, and I loved that book.

The combination of the Regency time period, mystery, and interesting characters made for an excellent read. This book was strong in the mystery and espionage elements, and a little more subtle in the romance. I enjoyed how the plot advanced with some added twists.

The description of Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes is very accurate, and I’m excited for more from this series. There are some questions I am very impatient to know the answers to, and I look forward to more of Daniel and Juliette’s adventures together.