"Marriage was a very exciting, romantic, and sometimes life-threatening adventure that seemed highly underrepresented within the fictional world."

Frederick and Grace are completely and utterly adorable and charming as they wander into mystery and danger in Venice, Italy. Their newlywed romance is so sigh-worthy and I loved seeing Venice through their eyes on their honeymoon. Grace's innocent, high-energy, joy-filled spirit perfectly complements Frederick's practical, somewhat somber, deeply loyal heart. Frederick and Grace get involved in an art theft mystery through their detective friend but the simple intrigue evolves into a complex plot in an atmosphere quite reminiscent of Clue. It was so much fun following the clues with the dashing earl and his highly capable countess. Filled with history, humor, intrigue, faith, and romance, this book will delight every reader. I really enjoyed getting to know Detective Jack and I am hoping that he will get his own story in the future.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Fiction via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Once again involved in an investigation, Frederick and Grace, also known by their titles of Lord and Lady Astley, keep trying to have a real honeymoon. This time, their plans are thwarted by their friend Jack, a detective. When Jack requests their assistance in solving a mystery related to missing paintings, Frederick (reluctantly) and Grace (eagerly) put their sleuthing skills to work. Set in and around Venice, this third installment in the series is engaging, entertaining, and contains many plot twists to keep readers guessing.

I have SO much love and adoration for Frederick and Grace. What a delight to travel with them to Italy on their honeymoon. If you have not read the other books in the series by Pepper Basham, that’s ok, you can still enjoy (but you need to remedy that ASAP). Grace has an almost magical way of finding herself in the middle of mystery and this time, her new husband Freddie gets to assist. I love the turn of them actually working together to solve this case. I laughed out loud so many times at Grace’s antics and sighed over Freddie’s enduring love and appreciation for her. They are truly such a delightful couple. The mystery is well done and full of twists and turns. I thought I had it figured out a few times and loved the addition of new details that made me backtrack my opinions. I loved the setting and rich descriptions of the locations they visited. There are some new characters which make this series far from over. I cannot wait to see what else these two have up their sleeves. I highly recommend this clean, historical, inspirational fictional romantic mystery.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

4.5⭐️
Pepper has risen to the ranks to sit among my favorite authors! When I pick up one of her books I know I can expect vibrant and multi-layer characters, witty and clever dialogue, & faithful and authentic faith on display.

And this third installment in her Freddie & Grace mystery series did not disappoint! As tongue-in-cheek as any reader expects a British mystery to be, this one features American characters and a setting in Venice.
Frederick and Grace have an adoring marriage that is built on not just a mutual love, but a true enjoyment of each other as a person. It’s refreshing to see this in fiction! The only thing I didn’t like was the intensity and frequency of their allusions and references to their “marriage experience.” Though it’s all very veiled, the mature reader will clearly understand what’s meant - and my mind doesn’t need to go there!

I highly recommend this whole series as they have brought me true enjoyment and remind me how much fun reading can be!

I really enjoyed being back with Freddie and Grace in another adventure together! In book 3 of the series, we see our couple finally reach their honeymoon destination in Italy! However, as things would have it, they are back to sleuthing in a new mystery that needs to be solved.

This series is always a fun time and full of adventure and makes for a great romantic mystery with some nice faith content along the way. As usual with Pepper's books, the characters truly make the story SO great. I love Freddie and Grace and their interactions together are top notch. Add a little humor and mystery and you have a great story!

While The Mistletoe Countess remains my favorite in the series, books 2 and 3 have been an absolute blast as we followed their journeys in Egypt and Italy! We see them traveling through Venice when they meet up with a friend, Detective Jack Miracle. Jack is investigating a series of art heists surrounding the Juliet paintings and Freddie and Grace work to help out.

Overall a great 3rd book in the series and if you love a light mystery with a little bit of romance, check this series out! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to honestly read and review.

2.5 stars
⭐️⭐️💫

I really struggled to get engaged in this story. This book was the 3rd in a series and maybe I would have enjoyed it more if it had read the first two. The first half of the book referred a lot to events that had previously occurred and I felt a little out of the loop. There were a lot of characters and some with multiple names (if you read it you will understand) which became confusing for me. The romance at the end felt rushed and forced and I would have liked to see that blossom throughout the story more. I’m sad to say that I was bored or zoning out while reading because this story was very plot driven but the plot just wasn’t holding my interest.

“Because courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing to do something when we are afraid.”

Another thrilling, romantic Freddie and Grace mystery! I love this duo. Their charm, wit, and delicious romance make them a favorite sleuthing couple. I’ve been eagerly anticipating their next adventure since The Cairo Curse and found The Juliet Code thoroughly entertaining. This latest mystery takes them to Italy where the newlyweds are hoping to enjoy their honeymoon. But, life wouldn’t be complete without Grace stumbling into a mystery, so when their friend Jack Miracle shows up in Venice investigating an art heist, Grace and Freddie find themselves involved in another case.

The stolen series of Juliet paintings based on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet are meant to lead to a hidden treasure. Jack is investigating the heist of one of the paintings owned by an eccentric millionaire and involves Grace and Freddie. They find themselves on the millionaire’s remote island with plenty of suspects, a ghost, and of course danger and mystery.

I loved the house party atmosphere reminiscent of Agatha Christie. The remote island location provides the perfect scene for a murder mystery where one feels a sense of being trapped. Coupled with that is a mansion containing secret rooms and passageways.

Freddie and Grace are their adorable selves. Grace’s bubbly enthusiasm is contagious. She definitely has a knack for solving mysteries but finds herself in the middle of danger. Freddie is right there along with her. While he appreciates his new wife’s talents, he’s learning to trust her and let go of his overprotective tendencies. I loved how they grew more as a couple in this story. Grace has some understandable fears and I loved seeing Freddie help her deal with those. I loved their banter, humor, swoonworthy sweet romance, and faith. The side characters in this story are just as endearing. I loved Jack and can’t wait to see more of him and his hopefully new female assistant.

The mystery was definitely full of twists and turns with a few red herrings along the way. It was a clever plot and I loved how the paintings contained clues to the treasure. While I had my suspicions of who the “bad guys” were, there were some definite surprises.

If you’re short on reading time, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. I love how she interjects just the right amount of emotion and really brings out the characters’ personality, especially Grace and Freddie.

Now I can’t wait for the next adventure! Highly recommend to historical romance/mystery fans and inspirational mystery fans. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, the first two books are must reads and I recommend reading them too. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

We are back with Grace and Freddie for book 3. They are finally getting to go on their honeymoon, so this is more mystery book than romance. Our intrepid couple finds yet another mystery that needs solving.

We get much of what we have come to expect from this dynamic duo. Grace is still her determine self and finds her way into trouble left and right. She has that mind of a sleuth and won't stop working on a problem until it is solved.

I really enjoy these Grace and Freddie stories, even though sometimes I wish Freddie could calm Grace down a bit more. But then she wouldn't be the Grace we, and he, have come to know and love.

Thanks to Barbour publishing, Pepper Basham and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. I'm happy to leave an honest review.

Having not read the first two books in this series I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a very enjoyable read from the first page. I highly recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ebook

What delightful fun and mystery. All three books in the series are worth your investment and can be read alone. It's gratifying to read the success of Pepper Basham in a continuing series of another genre.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

I love these Freddie and Grace mysteries so much! Grace is such a spunky and full of life character! I love her excitement for adventure and for life. She brings so much excitement and joy to Freddie, and she also can bring a lot of heart palpitations too! Hahaha! Poor Freddie. But at least there's never a dull moment for these two. And secretly Freddie loves it all...well I think he does! ;-)

These two keep trying to enjoy a quiet vacation and honeymoon together, but unfortunately trouble finds Grace, or is it that Grace gravitates to trouble (or should I say adventure?). But it definitely makes for a fun reading adventure.

I loved all of the twists and turns. I kept making guesses and adjusting my guesses due to the twists and turns. And don't think you know who is who because again...surprises and twists and turns.

Jack goes missing, there's danger around every corner, searching for missing paintings, trying to decide who they can trust, wishing for time to be real tourists and do some sightseeing all while trying to keep each other safe. Add to that some sweet and clean romance and you've got a great read that kept this reader turning pages!

If you haven't read the previous two books in this series, I highly encourage you to do so because they're great. But you could read this one as a standalone if you absolutely must! ;-)

Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril. Sweet and clean romance with nothing further than kisses.

I received a copy from the author/publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Once again Pepper Basham has created a thoroughly intriguing mystery with this delightful hero and heroine. This series is one of the most refreshing I’ve read, and this installment doesn’t disappoint. Basham starts off with action, which doesn’t let up until the final chapter. She definitely shows she has talent for romantic suspense and uses humor to the best advantage. I don’t know of any other series that has me wondering how the good guys will get out of their latest predicament and in the next scene laughing out loud at the methods they use to escape. This is one of the most entertaining novels, I’ve read this year.

Another Frederick and Grace Story full of mystery and packed with action!

The characters are so well developed and have some quirky aspects! This mystery takes us to Venice and its full of a whole lot of mystery! I laughed and rooted for Frederick and Grace figure things out! Add Jack and Miss Whitby and this book was amazing!

I look forward to many more adventures!

Audiobook: Narrated by Pamela Klein
Pamela has the perfect voice and accents for this book! I love when the audiobook meets my expectations! She compliments the story itself and allows you to immerse yourself in the story and just relax. I lover her accents and voice inflection that brings the book even more to life.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I just love Frederick and Grace stories, and this one is on par with the other 2. This time we find them in Italy, continuing their honeymoon travels after Egypt. Detective Jack Miracle asks them to help him with a simple investigation, which turns in to so much more than anyone expected. The interactions between our main characters is still fun, and Grace is still a riot. Other characters we meet mostly deal with the paintings they are investigating and the person who's hired Jack, a Mr Laraby and his house party. Another very entertaining, hard to put down story. Make sure to plan time to read this one, as it will demand your time until it's finished.

Lady Grace and Lord Frederick Astley have finally made it to Venice for their long awaited honeymoon, only to discover their friend Detective Jack Miracle (great name BTW) happens to be in town. He's on assignment and could do with their assistance. Grace, in particular, is desperate to join in the fun but Frederick is less inclined being concerned for his wife's safety. We'd expect nothing less from our chivalrous English Lord.

It's not long before the honeymoon festivities are once again deferred as they're quickly drafted into another mystery here in the magical city of Venice. With a cast of possible villains that reminds one of a Hercule Poirot mystery with the humour reminiscent of Hart to Hart, this third instalment in this series has all the delightful ingredients of a good mystery. Clues continue to be disclosed and Grace uses her inquisitive nature and love of great fiction stories while Frederick and Jack use their own skills of logical deduction in attempting to solve the mystery of the Juliet Code.

Humour is never far away when it comes to the newlyweds as is their love of adventure and passion for each other. I'm continually flipping pages with a smile on my face but Basham surprises us by once again putting her couple into danger. The latter is important as it gives depth to the story and also helps further reveal more of our dynamic duo.

I really can't get enough of these two and I do hope Ms Basham has another mad capped story or two involving this wonderful couple.

I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook version of the story from Barbour via NetGalley but this has had no bearing on my review.

The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham, the third installment in the Frederick and Grace Mystery series, takes readers on a captivating journey through the enchanting canals of Venice. Newlyweds Frederick and Grace Percy find themselves embroiled in a thrilling mystery of art heists and hidden codes, guided by their friend Detective Jack Miracle. The novel expertly balances a sweet love story between the protagonists with a gripping mystery involving the elusive Juliet paintings and a disappearing detective. Basham's seamless integration of faith, unexpected plot twists, and a cast of authentic characters adds depth to the narrative. Against the backdrop of Venice's atmospheric setting, the story unfolds with red herrings and plot twists, making The Juliet Code a delightful continuation of the series, blending romance, mystery, and faith into a compelling tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next adventure.

Grace and Frederick finally make it to their honeymoon, but adventure awaits.  The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham is the third book in this series and follows the honeymooners as they try to solve a mystery of the missing paintings.

It was fun to see Frederick and Grace a few months after the wedding, with Frederick finally accepting that life with Grace will be an adventure.

The mystery was slow to start, but once it does, the reader will realize that nothing is as it seems and no one is who they appear to be.

I had a good time guessing who the villains and good guys were.

Readers will be reminded that their lives are in God's hands. He has a perfect plan for each of us that will play out in the allotted time. All we have to do is trust Him and keep our eyes on Him.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

I received this book as a free ARC; opinions are my own.

This is the third book in a series by Pepper Basham following Grace and Frederick through adventures and mystery. It had been quite some time since I had read the first two books (Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse) so I was a *tad* rusty on the backstory. Having said that, this book works as a stand alone as well where Basham gives you enough details to follow along without rehashing everything ad nauseum from previous books.

The storyline was amazing. Every time I thought I may have an idea of where it was going or whodunnit, the author threw in a plot twist. It kept me on my toes and reading much later into the night than I should have! Grace and Freddie kept up their familiar banter throughout the book, oftentimes making me smile, and you could see how the author develops their love from book one to book three. Insert dreamy sigh here. Basham also weaves the gospel through the story subtly, without it being preachy, and made me consider things she said long after I put the book down.

I loved everything about the book and highly recommend. And easy and fulfilling read.
#sponsored

In the past two years it's become quite evident that Pepper D. Basham has firmly established a place for herself on my all time favorite list of authors. I truly think she dominates every single genre she chooses to write within, and at this point, I just might read her grocery list if she so chose to publish it.

I wholeheartedly adored The Mistletoe Countess, and I was thrilled when I heard she was going to turn it into a continuing series. The follow up, The Cairo Curse, was every bit as phenomenal as the first, and I've been waiting for book three ever since. I'm not sure a book has ever been built up so much in my mind before, and yet this extremely talented lady managed to make it even more than I ever could have expected or hoped for. The Juliet Code is without a doubt one of the best books I've read in 2023, and I can't possibly recommend it enough.

Fredrick and Grace have become quite the sleuthing team, and in the midst of their honeymoon, Detective Jack hires them for their first "official" case. While in Italy, famed paintings are going missing, and the thefts seem to be connected to nefarious deeds that have Fredrick concerned for his beautiful wife's safety amidst all the details. Grace is determined to get to the bottom of what's going on, and the reader gets to follow the dynamic duo on a whirlwind mystery that's tied up in history, greed and a decades old unsolved mystery.

With a continuing swoon worthy romance, a hilarious and witty storyline that's fast moving and always engaging, and a mystery that will keep every reader on the edge of their seat guessing, this is truly one of those rare books that I think could appeal to almost every single type of reader. Fredrick and Grace are truly both a hoot and a delight, and I always look forward to their hilarious interactions, and their big hearts for Jesus. Alongside the classic characters, a few new ones are introduced throughout the story, and it was a special treat trying to figure out who the dastardly villains were among the bunch.

I don't think I've enjoyed a book this much since Pepper's last release, and I hope she has many more stories to come for her reader's in the future. I love how the faith element is at the front and center throughout the entirety of her stories, and I couldn't have loved this more.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Definitely go ahead and pick this one up! I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Thanks so much to Barbour Fiction for allowing me to advance read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour Fiction) via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

4.5 ⭐️

Freddie & Grace are back and FINALLY able to resume their honeymoon, but of course adventure isn’t far behind them!

Everything about this story was truly a dream! Touring Venice, spending time with detective friends, the deliciously mysterious Agatha Christie vibes, a family secret, stolen paintings, a string of murders. Basically everything I like in a story.

Something I’m really loving about this series is that we get to follow a married couple. Sure, they’re in the honeymoon stages, but it’s a refreshing experience to see a Christian couple following God, growing together, and going on adventures. Marriage didn’t end the excitement; it brings them even closer together. Frederick keeps Grace grounded & Grace helps Frederick fly. The balance & dynamic between them is so lovely.

And the themes! A powerful & touching reminder that our lives—as children of God—are in our Heavenly Father’s hands. Frederick’s desire to keep his wife safe was natural & good, but he still needed to entrust control to God. Such a beautiful reminder!

Lastly, I have to add this just because. Do I miss Elliot? Yes. Yes, I do. However, I am wishing him good fortune with his lady love, haha. And I was consolable with the appearance of none other than Detective Jack Miracle… aaaaaaaand his slight romance thread, which I am also totally shipping! 😍


*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.