I enjoyed this book immensely. The main characters were endearing, and the other characters all played a part in keeping me hooked, whether I liked them or not. This was the first book I ever read by Erica Vetsch, and I read more afterward.

The Debutante’s Code

By: Erica Vetsch

Publish Date: 16 November 2021

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Historical Fiction/ Mystery and Thrillers

#TheDebutantesCode#NetGalley

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Kregel Publications for allowing me to read and review this book. Sorry it took me so long.

Book Review:

I really enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. Juliette is coming home from finishing her schooling. She is upset because her parents aren’t at the train station to meet her, but her uncle is. he tells her that her parents are at their estate taking care of some issues that came up suddenly. Juliette is also preparing to become a debutant and she was looking forward to time with her mom. Instead, she has to be prepared by a hired hand. This person is well qualified, but it isn’t the same. The good side is that her friend is also using the same person since she doesn’t have a mom. The two are looking forward to being together while they go through the season.

During one of the party’s, they are attending a painting is discovered to be missing. where did it go and who could have stolen the painting while the house is full of guests? The police are called, and a new investigator is on the case. He does things a little differently and the rick don’t like it. After he questions the people who are left Juliette is able to go home. During this time Juliette finally learns what has truly happened to her parents. Now she must decide if she wants to follow in their footsteps and help the Crown.

To do so she will be put in dangerous peril at times. She is willing to follow them because she really isn’t interested in getting married anytime soon. The only problem she sees is the investigator. As time goes on more things come to a head and the investigation is leading to her and her uncle. Will they solve what needs to be solved first or will they both end up in prison? You will have to read the book to find out.

This was a fascinating book about cyphers and investigations with some romance, all during the Regency time period! Lady Juliette is smart and resourceful and it was very cool to see her solving puzzles. I felt bad for her as she felt abandoned by her parents at first and was thrust into her season without their guidance but admired her poise and determination to help. She was also a woman of prayer and integrity. Daniel was a fascinating character with a mystery all of his own. Some mysteries get answered here and some are yet to come in future books. He had amazing self-control to not react when people, especially his boss, belittled him and I admired that and his determination to get to the bottom of what was going on. I loved that some characters from a previous series show up in the story. I can't wait for the next one and I highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Read with Audra. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Fun Regency mystery with an interesting heroine. I look forward to more adventures with Lady Juliette.

Erica Vetsch is a name that I associate with entertaining historical fiction, and this book proves what I already know. Vetsch is an expert in researching the topics she is writing about, and she has a unique talent for weaving fiction and nonfiction together. The Debutante's Code is an intriguing story set in early 1800 England, and it introduces the characters of Lady Juliette Thorndike and investigator Daniel Swann, two people drawn into a fascinating tale of spies, Bow Street runners (London police), art thieves, and deception.

The Debutante's Code is the introduction of the Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries and I look forward to reading more of their exciting adventures. Juliette and Daniel are characters that I want to know better, and there's a hint of romance between them that I'm hoping will develop as the series continues. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Regency fiction.

I voluntarily accepted this book from Kregel via I Read with Audra Blog Tours but there was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

Turns out, The Debutante’s Code is not your average Regency romance novel. Yes, it does include an element of romance, but I would classify it more as a cozy mystery. I enjoyed the intrigue, secret codes, hidden rooms, and all manner of espionage throughout the story. It was fun to try to figure out who Juliette should and shouldn’t trust as the plot unfolded.

If you enjoy Regency romances but are beginning to tire of the same ol’ plot, give this one a try. It definitely kept me turning the page.

The Debutante's Code is a captivating Regency mystery. The first thing to understand (and what I didn't grasp at the beginning) is that this novel is, at its core, a mystery, while the romance is ... practically non-existent. This isn't a problem, necessarily, but as someone who enjoyed Vetsch's Serendipity & Secrets series, which were very much romance novels, I was expecting this novel to follow suit. I imagine there will be much more romance in future novels, but this one was all about the mystery and establishing Juliette and Daniel in their new vocational roles. (Note: This is on me, not Vetsch. The cover clearly states this is part of the "Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries." I just made assumptions based on her previous work.)

As for the story itself, I really enjoyed it once I stopped looking for romance and started appreciating the story that was there. I especially enjoyed Juliette's adventures with her Uncle Bertie, a man who turned out to be not at all who she'd thought him to be. Mystery and suspense abound throughout the novel, and I found it to be a really fun reading experience. (Do I wish some of the code Juliette was trying to break had been given to readers? Yes. I'd have enjoyed trying my hand at cracking it ... not that I would've been successful!)

Juliette and Daniel are both likeable protagonists, which made rooting for them easy. Several characters from Vetsch's Serendipity & Secrets series pop up, as well, and "The Gentleman Spy" himself, Marcus Haverly, appears poised to play a prominent role throughout this series.

The book ends with this particular mystery wrapped up, and it opens up the path for many more Thorndike and Swann adventures in the future - a prospect I'm eagerly anticipating!

Let’s just cut to the chase. If you enjoy books set in the Regency period, get this one. It’s a must read! Author Erica Vetsch has done a fabulous job of combining wit, humor, suspense, and danger. It’s described as a love story, but there really is very little romance in it so don’t let that stop you. And honestly, If I had the time I could have read this book in one sitting.

Well written characters that the reader will love, Lady Juliette simply wants to be home with her parents, and be fully accepted. Daniel Swann is intent on catching a thief. Life is about to get interesting with these two. The secondary characters are great fun too. Everyone needs a best friend like Agatha.

Full of mysteries intersecting with each other, The Debutante’s Code will keep you guessing to the end. I’m looking forward to book two!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I thought that this story was a fun mystery that started the series off with a bang! I can't wait for the next book!

The old saying that Authors get better with time is certainly true of Erica Vetsch! Every new book I read by her seems to be better than the last 😊

I loved the start to this new series (I mean really… Who does not like a book filled with spies, Bow Street Runners and Secrets?). It has such a sense of adventure, and I loved the mystery interwoven through it. And it had the sweet romance part that I have come to love from Erica Vetsch.

A wonderful story to almost end my 2021 reading. 5 Stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

The farther I read into The Debutante’s Code by Erica Vetsch, the more I liked the story. In the beginning, Juliette Thorndike and Uncle Bertie (who was quite a character, at times!) held my attention. Despite her entitled, privileged life, I sympathized with Juliette as she was ousted into high society without her parents’ support. As the plot progressed, I became more invested in the mystery. I had my suspicions about the villain’s identity, but did not settle on anyone until the big reveal.

The Debutante’s Code stands as the first installment in Erica Vetsch’s Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series. This novel introduces the reader to several characters set to reappear in subsequent novels. It promises more exciting, dangerous escapades as Juliette learns her trade. There’s a tad of romantic attraction between Juliette and Daniel Swann that I expect to blossom in later novels. Both Juliette and Daniel have questions begging for answers. Best of all (to me), there’s no cliffhanger at the end of this novel. The mystery is solved while leaving plenty for these characters to learn and explore in forthcoming novels. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is my first time reading a book by Erica Vetsch. I liked her writing style and plan to read more. There were a few phrases that I’d never heard of, and it’s always fun to learn something new through historical fiction. At the beginning of the story, it felt almost like Downton Abbey. By the end, it’s like Mission Impossible.

What a stunning - and fun - first book in a brand new series! This was my first read of 2022 and I devoured it in less than two days.

Juliette Thorndike returned to London after her time in Finishing School in Switzerland expecting to be just another debutante in London Society in the Regency time period. Yet, coming home wasn't what she was expecting: her parents are missing and she's expected to go about her debut without them. Yet, her first outing is marred by an Art Theft...and that theft is just the beginning.

Soon she discovers her family has been spies for The Crown for generations and she has to make a decision to join them as a spy herself. With help from a young (and handsome) Bow Street Runner, Daniel Swann, she follows mysterious clues and faces inevitable dangers.

I was left just hoping the next installment will be out soon! This book is great for lovers of Cozy Mysteries as well as fans of Historical mysteries who also appreciate a dash of romance should slip this one into their book stacks when they get the chance.

Thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I thought this story was pretty good. Vetsch did a great job at writing the character of Lady Juliette. She was smart and strong lead. I really enjoyed the parts where she was trying to figure out who she was about to become. The mystery part of the book was a bit weak for me. I was able to figure out what her parents were up to and the situation with Daniel Swann. That being said it was very entertaining and enjoyable to read. I do wish there would've been a bit more romance but alas that is not the focus of the book.

Overall I thought it was pretty good and if you enjoy mysteries and regency stories you will enjoy this one so I suggest you grab it!


I received a copy of this book through Read with Audra. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Debutante's Code is written by Erica Vetsch. This is book one in a new series written by the author that is entitled: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries. I have been a huge fan of this author since I discovered her when she wrote for Love Inspired Historical. I am super excited to see a new series from her.

You will be transported back regency times. We meet Lady Juliette Thorndike. She has just finished finishing school and is ready for her debut into society. Her life changes when her parents disappear. She soon discovers she never really knew them. She learns that they led a whole life that she knew nothing about. One where they were government spies. She is left in the care of her uncle and soon discovers she is drawn toward the world of espionage.

Daniel Swann comes from a very different background. He finds himself as a Bow Street detective. His first case involves thefts from wealthy homes, factor in a murder and Daniel soon realizes he has more then he bargained for. The crimes have left him puzzled. Daniel and Juliette keep crossing paths everywhere. Daniel is curious to if she is involved somehow. What does she know?

This story is very well written. I enjoyed the mystery and turning pages trying to figure it all out. I love the care and research that the author put into this book to bring the Regency time period alive. Daniel and Juliette are wonderful characters and I hope to continue to read their stories.

I received a copy of this book through the author and Read With Audra. All thoughts are my own.

So my wish was granted after this was already archived so I didn’t get to download it. But since iI hasn’t been able to read this book before it was published, I bought it because I loved Erica Vetsch’s Serendipity and Secrets series.

This was the start of another wonderful series. Lady Juliette’s parents are spies in the Regency era, and when they go missing and there’s thefts and a murder, Juliette’s Season turns into something completely different than what she expected. Daniel is the Bow Street Runner who’s investigating the theft and murder, who keeps crossing paths with Juliette as she’s navigating her new world of espionage.

I loved this! Give me a well written Regency era mystery and I’m happy. Add in wonderful characters, the start of a sweet romance, and a well written, well paced story and it’s even better. The inspirational message was subtle so don’t let that keep you from reading this book even if that’s not what you usually look for in a book.

I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!

I enjoy Erica Vetsch’s writing, but this book wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It’s an intriguing story, but not what I was anticipating romance-wise. Fans of mystery and subterfuge with a light romance plot are likely to enjoy this story. 3/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After reading the three books of the Serendipity and Secrets series and loving them, I was excited to learn of Vetsch's new Regency Mystery series. And I was not disappointed! This was a fun, lighthearted mystery book.

Lady Juliette Thorndike returns from finishing school in Switzerland after seven years. Her life changes drastically when she discovers her parents missing because of their work as government spies. Suddenly, she is navigating her debut into society all while trying to solve the code that will save her parents. Juliette is thrust into the world of espionage, art theft, and budding romantic feelings for Daniel Swann, a Bow Street runner who seems to always be a step behind her. But Lady Juliette is high society while Daniel is not, so is there even a future for them?

There were several mysteries in this novel, and this kept the story interesting throughout. Never a dull moment, it was action-filled and a great start to this new series. I liked both Juliette and Daniel's characters as they used their quick wits to solve parts of the mystery that affected their lives. I have to admit the theme of espionage and Christian morality did not always mix well. Spies commit actions that are clearly against moral standards even if they are done in the name of the Crown!

But apart from this, this was a great book to escape into. There is a more serious theme that runs through the novel, that of parental abandonment, which may be explored to a greater degree in the second installment, Millstone of Doubt, along with some minor unresolved plot threads. I also look forward to seeing how the author will develop the relationship between our heroine and the young policeman she is attracted to.

If you like Regency mysteries, art, espionage, clean stories, and well-written novels, this one will keep you well entertained.

Do you love a mystery? This regency mystery is a fabulous book they had me guessing “who done it” throughout the entire book! Yes there was romance it in, but the mystery was the front and center focus and it was done well. Thank you Erica Vetsch for another wonderful book!

Lady Juliette Thorndike was coming of age and ready for her debut season. Living in Switzerland for the past several years, she was excited to see her patents again. To say she was disappointed to find her parents missing when she arrived gone is an understatement.

Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann just wanted to be anything but “the pup” of the runners. So when he catches a break as lead detective on an art theft ring, his college art studies along with friend Ed, work to uncover the reason behind all the missing art. When it includes a murder, Daniel isn’t sure he’s qualified for all this case had turned into.

When Juliette and Detective Swann continually find themselves thrown together, the suspicion grows about who is really involved in the thefts and murder.

Oh my goodness. I loved this regency story. There’s the hint of romance. Mystery. Whiffs of suspense. And rich details of the time period. I loved the heroine and felt for her as she comes home to disappoint and the unknown. A story that has me wishing the next book was out already. So good!