You may need a dictionary for this one! I read it on my Kindle, and I am glad I did! I used the definition button many times to look up obscure words that my English degree didn't teach me. Phrases like "Spilled like an ewer" and "thicket of skullduggery" sent me to the dictionary, too. There were even a few words that I couldn't find in my dictionary that must have been some sort of slang particular to London at the time.

I'll be honest, when this book was offered to me for review, I didn't even read the description. All I needed to hear was Erica Vetch. I've loved every book of hers that I've read.

The Debutante's Code, therefore, was a big surprise. I had no idea that it was a spy book! A mystery or love story is more what I expected. This was written really well. I was intrigued and curious from the beginning. There were enough odd characters thrown in throughout the book to make the mystery more mysterious and to keep me reading. I think it's her best book yet. She has a whole cast of very believable characters including some of the uppity-up aristocrats that can be so annoying. This book is definitely worth the investment of time and money. You will enjoy several sittings of delightful, mysterious reading. I give this one 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved this new creative Regency mystery by Erica Vetsch! It has all the elements of a great mystery; a compelling suspenseful story, beautiful artifacts and treasures, spies and intrigue, fabulous characters, several suspects, secret codes, and hidden rooms all with a hint of romance. This fast-paced story begins when Lady Juliette returns to England from Europe and is immediately thrust into a Season without the parents whom she expected to be with after being away for so many years.

Still reeling from her parents’ absence, Juliette’s unusual somewhat rushed Season culminates at her debut ball where the excitement begins with a stolen painting and a murder. From this point on, the book goes from one suspenseful moment to the next as Juliette discovers there’s more to her parents and her Uncle Bertie than she supposed. Needing to unravel a code hidden on several artifacts and treasures before they fall into the wrong hands, Juliette and her uncle must use stealth and careful planning to retrieve and decode them. However, it’s not as easy as it seems, when up and coming Bow Street runner Daniel Swann is investigating the thefts and murder. It’s also a race against time as someone else wants the artifacts and is willing to kill for them.

Daniel has an inherent need to prove himself as his mysterious patron will withdraw support when he reaches the age of 25. He works tirelessly with his mentor to solve the crimes and make a name for himself as a Bow Street Runner. When he first spies Lady Juliette, he’s taken with her beauty and manner. Soon though he notices that she begins turning up in the same places as the missing artifacts. Could she have something to do with the crimes?

I loved Juliette and Daniel! Juliette is a smart heroine who struggles with the deception involved in being a spy. She’s conflicted about her parents’ profession and what it would mean if she joined them. Her struggles with faith and her parents were relatable and added extra depth to the story. I enjoyed Daniel’s personality and his tenaciousness. It was fun watching his thought process as he’s always right on the cusp of discovering the truth. Loved his interactions with Juliette as they were fraught with delicious tension. I can’t wait for the next books to see how their slow burn romance progresses.

I thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational mystery. It grabbed me from the start and kept me guessing until the end who the murderer was. The religious aspects of the story were perfectly woven in and were subtle and natural to the characters’ personalities. I loved the fast paced action and suspense and found myself on tenterhooks several times as Juliette and her uncle try to “borrow” and then decode the artifacts. The side characters were delightful as well. With many twists and turns, this mystery definitely kept me turning the pages and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I received a copy of this book from Just Reads through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

Unknowingly trained in the art of spying, had the time come for Lady Juliette Thorndike to step into her predetermined role? Having completed finishing school, Juliette should now be preparing for her debut. Excited to see her parents again after several years, imagine Juliette's disappointment to find them gone and her uncle there in their stead. He is her Uncle Bertie and his reasons for their absence are very unclear to her.

Juliette begins to settle in, but strange things begin happening. There are a series of thefts that begin to occur and the detective handling things, Daniel Swann, has a lot of questions. One of them is why it seems more than coincidental that the thefts occur whenever Juliette or Bertie are present. Of course, they are innocent and what better way for them to prove that by looking for clues on their own. Not only will they maintain their innocence, but they will find answers that appear to be deluding Daniel.

It doesn't take Daniel very long to realize that Juliette just might be an excellent ally, despite the danger that begins to escalate for everyone involved. Meanwhile, Juliette still pines for her parents and pieces of a puzzle slowly begin to come together, possibly connecting their absence with current events.

One exciting thing about this delightful book is the way Juliette started looking for answers and that had to do with the way her father communicated with her in letters while she was away at school. Bertie led her to a set of clues that were similar wo what she read in those letters. I loved how the pair of them solved clue after clue - and avoided Daniel Swann when necessary - to solve the thefts.

Mystery, intrigue and a slow-brewing romance all came together in another wonderful book by Erica Vetsch. I loved the pacing of this book and really enjoyed how everything came together in the end. I smiled from ear to ear as this happened, leaving me more than eager for the next book in a series that I cannot wait to continue.

Many thanks to Kregel Publications and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This has been quite an adventure into the world of spies. I was thrilled to have Lady Juliette at the center of the story. She is kind and generous and missing her parents. It was strange that they took off so quickly with an excuse that for me sounded made up. There is something lingering in the air that smells like deceit and danger as Juliette finds her life jumbled up in her Uncle’s questionable actions.

The story moves at a nice pace and I was intrigued by the robberies that took place in places that should have better protection than it did. Who is behind the thefts and why does Juliette seem to always be in attendance with the thefts happen? The author does a great job of leaving hints as to what is happening but I sure couldn’t figure all of it out. I was taken aback when I found out about Juliette parents. How had they managed to keep this secret from their daughter all these years? Now they need her help to protect them and others from being exposed as spies.

I loved how the artwork was used to hide codes that could cost people their lives if they were found out. Decoding is now up to Juliette as she is in danger and forced to help the enemy.
Daniel is a welcome addition to the story as he tries to prove he can solve the case of stolen art and jewelry. He focuses on Juliette and her uncle thinking they may be behind everything. He hopes to be wrong because along the way, he has developed feelings for Juliette. It is a great adventure that keeps readers guessing til the end where the author gives us a few surprises. I am hoping she will continue the story in a new book because I need to find out a few things about Daniel. I also must know if Juliette and Daniel become more than acquaintances.
I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

The Debutante’s Code is a Regency mystery series with a captivating story filled with twists, turns and lots of mysteries. It took me several chapters to get into The Debutante's Code. I can not even fathom being away from home for seven years to return and face disappoint me to find no parents to welcome me back. No father to share his wisdom, no mother to help Lady Juliette get ready for her debut. Uncle Bertie, a drunkard is there for her. The night of Lady Juliette debut into society there is a theft of artwork which changes her world and what she thought was truth. Pull up a chair and get ready to be pulled into a story of murder and espionage.

#Bookreview: THE DEBUTANTE’S CODE by Erica Vetsch

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes. I love Lady Juliette's adventures. I could feel her joy when she received a message from her parents. Her sweet demeanor to her amazing ability to crack a code made her a fun and complex lady. The twists and turns intrigued me. I thought I figured it out at first but I didn't. Uncle Bertie was an interesting character. Troublesome secrets, mystery, suspense, and doubts in faith made this a great read! I was also glad to read about Marcus again from the author’s previous series.

There is a touch of romance and I would like to see more interactions in the next book. The book that I wanted to read as soon as I finished the last chapter.

Thank you Kregel for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 Stars

4.5 Stars

What’s better than a Regency book filled with the parties and balls put on by the ton and a debutante making her debut in London society? How about a book that includes stolen artwork, The Bow Street Runners, espionage and much, much more? The Debutante’s Code by Erika Vetsch encompasses it all, and the adventure is one you do not want to miss.

Juliette Thorndike is an intelligent young lady but longs for a relationship with her parents after spending years away at school. When she returns to London, she is disappointed to find her parents gone to the country to attend estate business while leaving Juliette to maneuver her debut season alone. And when her coming out ball ends with a stolen painting...the adventure is just beginning.

Vetsch brings in some familiar faces from her previous series (which fans will love), but they do not overpower the page so new readers can enjoy the first in this new series. And believe me, by the end of this book, you’ll be hankering for more of Juliette and Daniel.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I cannot imagine the heartbreak and the hurt after seven long years away at school to come home and face disappointment when the people you want most are not there. That is exactly how Lady Juliette is feeling when she is finally home and neither her mother is there to help her with her debut into society or her father is there to give her wisdom and advice. All she has is her Uncle Bertie who may or may not be a wastrel and a drunk. Lady Juliette must be presented to her peers by a complete stranger along with her best friend.

On the night of their debut, there is an art theft that changes Juliette's world and what she thought was true forever. Enter Bow Street detective Daniel who has been put in charge of this seemingly small case, and Daniel has a lot to prove himself. With his own secrets and those of his past and secret beneficiary, Daniel is very much like Juliette in the fact that they are trying very hard to hide the hurt of absentee parents and to soldier on.

All the while they are thrust into a world of espionage, mystery, art theft, and murder. This is just the beginning of this series and I think the author will be taking us on quite the adventures with Lady Juliette and Daniel. Not all questions were answered, and I find I did not mind that so much this time as I am patiently waiting for the next installment. The author's use of the language differences between the upper and lower classes was authentic and helped set up the times. Her notes were full of information, and I looked up all the art that was mentioned in this novel. Some of it would be absolutely priceless to own, especially the books and their fore-edge painting.

I was provided a copy of this novel through the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

4.5 STARS

I’ve said often that Regency is my favorite genre to read and this one hits it on the mark for me. I always adore the stories that are filled with ball gowns and romance but when you add in elements of mystery involving spies and secret codes and such, well….I am hooked!!

The Debutante’s Code was a fun read! Early on I thought I knew who would be the culprit of one of the thefts. While I was correct in whom I was guessing, I was completely and utterly wrong about motive, which made me even more of a fan of this book because I usually figure out mysteries pretty quick.

Juliette’s and Daniel’s romance flows organically in the story while they sleuth and I look forward to their future books. It was also nice seeing Lord Haverly from Vetsch’s Serendipity & Secrets series. If you enjoy Regency era stories, be sure and grab a copy of this one. It’s a keeper!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Audra Jennings PR for review purposes. No compensation has been received.

This story started of really slow and just as I was wondering if it was going to go anywhere, BAM! All of a sudden I'm in the middle of a mystery and all the pieces are starting to connect! I was concentrating so hard on the story that it wasn't until I was three quarters of the way through that I realised that the Duke of Haverly was the same character from the Serendipity and Secrets series. I'm so dumb! So for those of you who loved Marcus and Charlotte, you'll get to see them again! The adventure and mystery in the book was so fun! I felt like I was reading a Regency version of National Treasure with all the codes and artwork! I could easily envision it being made into a movie. I liked how realistic the characters were, especialy Juliette. I liked that she was nervous or scared or doubtful, that she reacted to situations like a normal person would. And how could l not like Daniel? He's a policeman, enough said! The storyline is clearly going to continue on in future books, so I was a little disappointed that when I got to the end I still had questions unanswered. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the next book. And in that next book Erica Vetsch better make up for the lack of romance in this book! Because there's one sorely disappointed girl right here!

First Initial Thoughts

We start the story with Juliette just coming home from boarding school and ready to see her parents after 7 years of being away. She loves and admires her parents but often feels distant from them. They were always away and never really there for her during her childhood. However, the memories she does have of them were warm and loving. When she comes home she is sad to find out that her parents have left town to take care of matters at their other estate.

Then the season begins. Juliette is swept into the dances, parties, and visits. On her debut dance ball, her best friend’s father’s painting was stolen. This was a Lotto painting and worth a lot of money. Who stole the painting? Why had her parents just run away right when she was about to come home?

Just when things are going well Juliette finds out that her parents are not really who she thought they are. They are spies for the crown. She is shocked, to say the least. She never saw any clues as she was growing up other than the frequent trips they went on. However, she wants to carry on her family legacy and become a spy herself.

Daniel is a detective and assigned the case of the stolen artwork. He is a new detective and is often given the lackluster cases at the office. He wants to solve the bigger cases but his superior Sir Michael thinks otherwise. Will this case help him further in his career? Will he find out who stole this painting?

Setting

Set solely in London, you definitely get that dark and mysterious feeling. It was interesting to learn more about the aristocracy of London during that time. It was full of glamour, luxury, and mystery. Definitely one of the best settings!

Final Thoughts
Daniel is a mystery as well in the novel and we do really see him grow in this story. In the beginning, we learn that when he was young he was sent to a boarding house to get educated by an anonymous sponsor. He was to be taken care of by this sponsor until the age of 25. And that is coming up quickly. It was kind of an odd story, to say the least. We do find out why this was so later on in the story and I do hope we get more back story with Daniel in the next book in the series.

I do have to say that the spy part was good but could have been better. Though, I am used to James Bond level quality. So I do have to give Erica some grace. It was interesting to have a spy story during the Regency period. I am use to reading spy stories set in more of a modern time. It was like watching those old black and white movie mysteries. It was a different time and they used their own witts and intelligence to solve mysteries.

The main theme sprinkled throughout this story was trust. Trust in God, trust in your loved ones, and just trusting others in general. Trust is a hard thing to do. Especially for Daniel and Juliette, which I think was due to their unique upbrining. Leaning on God during difficult times, trusting him that he knows best is equally relieving and frightning. And we see Daniel and Juliette face this throughout the novel and how that trust deepens as the novel progresses.

Overall, I throughly enjoyed this novel and excited to read what happens in the next book in the series!

Her mission just complicated his case...

I have been looking forward to The Debutante's Code for months now. I was totally intrigued by the title and after enjoying Erica Vetsch's previous Regency Era series so much I was more than ready to dive into her new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries.

What a story! It wasn't precisely what I expected and yet it was exactly what I anticipated. There were so many more threads, surprises, and even some familiar faces made an appearance or two. In keeping with the title The Debutante's Code had a bit of a younger vibe, not YA by any means, but still a touch of coming-of-age for both of its main characters.

Erica Vetsch has a real knack for blending Regency Era historical romance with all of its polite manners, graceful dances, and elegant dress with mystery and intrigue that almost comes across as romantic suspense. Those talents are on full display in this first Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery.

I definitely enjoyed The Debutante's Code with all of its charming twists and turns. It was a great start to Erica Vetsch's new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series and I absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens Juliette and Daniel, as well as if some of my suspicions about the past are correct....

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I really enjoyed this Regency mystery! It was fun, with lots of unexpected twists. It left me with just enough unanswered questions to make me excited to read the next book in the series. This is my first read from this author. I will definitely read more from her!

A historical mystery? Yes, please! As soon as I read the description for Erica Vetsch’s latest book The Debutante’s Code, the first book in her new Thorndike and Swann Regency mystery series, I knew it would be one I would enjoy. And I did!

The Debutante’s Code is more of a cozy mystery, which I love, with a slowly built romance. The mystery has many twists and turns, plus the spy angle that adds the perfect touch. I loved the romance and can’t wait to see it develop in the next book. Especially now that Daniel knows Juliette’s history.

Those who loved Erica Vetsch’s The Gentleman Spy (like me!) will especially enjoy this book. And with the promise of more mysteries to come, I’m very excited to see where the series goes from here.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

What a fascinating story and a wonderful trip into the world of Regency spies and Bow Street Runners! Lady Juliette’s debut season ended up being very different than she had imagined it would be. I felt for her as she grappled with wondering if she ever really knew her parents at all and even struggled with the idea that maybe she wasn’t very important to them. Yet, all the while, she worried for their safety as she and her uncle worked together to keep important information out of enemy hands.

Daniel Swann, the Bow Street Runner assigned to the case of the stolen artwork, was an interesting and likable character. He had an intriguing back story that continued to impact his daily life and even, at times, the investigation. He and Lady Juliette ended up crossing paths all through the novel and it was fun to watch Daniel try to piece together the facts.

Fans of the Serendipity and Secrets series will be happy to see a few familiar faces in a handful of scenes, yet this story is not dependent on that series, so don’t worry if you haven’t read it. The Debutante’s Code was a very enjoyable Regency mystery with just the beginnings of a hint at a romance that could develop in future books. It was a lot of fun to read.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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.

The Debutante’s Code kicks off a Regency mystery series with a captivating story filled with twists and turns.

I had trouble putting this book down. I already loved Erica Vetsch’s Regency novels, but The Debutante’s Code is in a league all its own. With an engaging mystery that pulls you in from the beginning, this novel kept me turning pages as Juliette tries to navigate London society while hiding her secret.

Daniel Swann is an excellent character that not only provides conflict for Juliette but almost stole the show himself. I loved his mysterious backstory. As Vetsch revealed bits and pieces, I became even more enthralled. I loved seeing him work to solve the mystery and piece everything together.

The surprise ending was a definite plus, and I admire how Vetsch wrapped everything up. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Overall, The Debutante’s Code is a must read for fans of Regency romance and mysteries.

This was a delightful surprise for me. A Regency novel full of mystery and amateur sleuthing. I happily turned the pages as Lady Juliette, the debutante of the title, discovers her extended family is more than it seems.

Lady Juliette returns to London after 7 years at a Swiss school and is hoping to be met by her parents whom she hasn't seen for the duration. However, they have disappeared to the family country estate on urgent business and Lady Juliette finds she will be escorted to her 'coming out to society' ball by her uncle, who has been tasked with looking after her.

It's not long before mayhem erupts from one posh gathering to the next as a series of recently arrived artwork is being mysteriously stolen. It's a lot of fun as our debutante gets stuck in the middle of it all and is thrown into the world of amateur sleuthing under the stewardship of her uncle.

Enter Daniel Swann, a local police detective who is tasked with investigating these thefts. But he is on his last chance to deliver for his pompous boss, or else he'll be looking for a new vocation. It will take all of his intelligence and a share of good fortune for him to track down those responsible.

There a moments of madcap and suspense as a number of different players are caught up in the mayhem. Vetsch does a wonderful job keeping is on our toes with various layers of intrigue that keeps us guessing as to the culprit.

Juliette is a delightful character who is easy to like, so to Daniel, and we are left with many possibilities of what might eventuate in Book 2 of this fascinating and cleverly written series. I can't wait to see where Vetsch takes us next.

I was very fortunate to be receive an early ebook copy as part of Audra Jennings blogging tour via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is about to have her society debut. Unlike all the other debutantes her parents are mysteriously absent. That becomes only the first mystery in a great story from Erica Vetsch. If you have read her Serendipity & Secrets series you will delight in some of the repeat appearances by a certain character. If not, this book is certainly a stand alone.
Secret codes, art thefts, murder, plus spies on both sides fill this tale and Lady Juliette’s life. She comes to realize her parents and others aren’t quite as they seem. Add in a swoon-worthy Bow Street Runner who is trying to solve the crimes, and make sense of his own secrets make this a delightful Regency mystery. Small spoiler-Since the hero does not completely end up with the heroine, and his secrets aren’t fully resolved I am looking forward to book two in hopes that they both get a satisfying happily ever after. Unless there are more Thorndike & Swann mysteries to come after book two. If you like all things of the Regency era, romance and mystery you will enjoy this book.

This is the first full-length novel that I have read by Erica Vetsch, so I was not quite sure what to expect. I picked this book to read because it sounded really good. Plus, look at that cover!! What's not to love?

The Debutante's Code had a slow start. I had a bit of a time getting into and if I'm honest, finishing it. I think I was expecting more action than there was. However, there was enough mystery and intrigue to keep me going.

I liked Juliette. She tries to be sweet and proper, as she's been taught, even in the middle of the biggest disappointment of her life. There is much she doesn't understand about what is going on around her, yet she keeps doing what she is supposed to do. She handles everything with grace, and at times, good humor. She is a good friend to Agatha, even though she seems to be more mature than Agatha.

While Daniel Swann is the second leading character we do not get enough information about him. He is difficult to get to know. He is great at his job even when his co-workers have obvious disdain for him.

Toward the middle of the book, you can start to see the pieces of the puzzle coming together. The story is intricately woven together and well thought out. It does leave some things hanging at the end, leaving room for lots of revelation and more about Daniel in the second book.

Thank you to Kregel Publications for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.