I should've dnf'd this book. I thought about it a few times but thought maybe I could push through and it would get better. It didn't really get better.

Honestly, this book was fine. It wasn't great, it wasn't horrible, it was just boring. The main characters had absolutely no chemistry, like so little I was shocked when they first kissed because I just wasn't expecting it to happen. The plot was uninteresting and the 'twist' if you would like to call it that was obvious from the start. Anyway, give this book a miss.

This was described as The DaVinci Code meets Bridgerton but I really didn't get those vibes. I get where they were coming from describing it as that, but it didn't really hit the mark on either end for me.

One of the weaker points was the characters for me - I found them kind of flat, I didn't get a very strong sense of their depth of personalities, nor did I like them very much. I also didn't really feel their chemistry on the romantic side of things. The side characters really didn't do anything for me either, some big reveals about the big baddies didn't have much impact because i just didn't care who they were.

The atmosphere also fell flat a bit, in that I didn't find myself transported into the Regency era Bridgerton type world, nor did I really feel the mystery and suspense and intrigue of the DaVinci Code.

With the plot, I do see why they'd call it a mix of DaVinci Code but it didn't feel all that ... clever. A lot of it wasn't anything you could figure out on your own while reading because the clues were so personal between the FMC and her brother, so you just had to wait for her to figure it out, which wasn't very fun. Ah well, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I found it fine and with good characters development. The story was interesting and good.

Although I wouldn't recommend it, because none of my circle likes this kind of books.

Interesting and engaging story of a woman trying to figure out the puzzle left by her dead brother. She has a protector of sorts and all who help are not what they seem.

The Peresphone Code was an entertaining murder mystery that captures your attention from the beginning with a brutal murder.

The story takes place in the time period of the 1800's.

The book has it all: murder, secrets , secret societies and club plus characters that aren't perfect but I did love them all.

Dora who is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy merchant is only acknowledged in her family by her brother.

When he is murdered Dora and Dr Jacob Sandys are on the run as they follow the clues to who would murder her brother

Its a journey with twists and turns and one the reader will delight in.

I sincerely hope we see Dora and Jacob again very soon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for introducing me to Julia Golding's books.

When Anthony Pennington, Hades of the Hell Fire Club is murdered, he leaves something behind, hidden somewhere to be found by his sister.
Dora Fitz-Pennington and Dr Jacob Sandys set about solving the riddle left by Dora's brother and in doing so get embroiled in a political tug of war between the two powerful secret societies - the Hellfire Club and The Illuminati.

There's a lot of politics going on in this book, but at it's heart it's a historical adventure with a strong romantic thread. Dora is clever and resourceful, if a little impulsive. Jacob starts off taciturn and comes out of his shell as the story unfolds. There's a wild adventure that goes all over England. It's a rollicking good adventure and lovely romance. It was great fun to read!

With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the arc.

The Persephone Code is a Regency era, murder mystery. Described as a cross between Bridgerton and the Da Vinci Code, I found it an overall enjoyable read though aside from the era, found little to compare with Bridgerton.

We follow Dora as she tries to solve the murder of her half brother, following clues he left her prior to his death. She is supported by Jacob, a doctor who was tasked with breaking the news to her of her brothers death, but who takes a shining to her. The Hellfire Club and Illuminati are central to the plot providing conspiracy theories - with various twists and turns though personally, I would have preferred more complexity. I also didn't particularly care for the characters which is something of a shocker for me. I liked Dora and Jacob, but I didn't love them and wasn't particularly routing for their romance. I also found the ending somewhat anticlimactic, expecting maybe a little more action than was included.

I enjoyed it, but didn't love it, hence 3/5.

A very intriguing regency era murder mystery. I had a fun time reading this book.

It did take me a while to get into this book but once I did I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and the chemistry between the main charecters was so good.
I do wish there was more action and more twists and turns but overall it was a good read.

My continual expansion of reading different genres continues! This time it's a regency set, murder mystery crossed with secret societies and conspiracy theories!

There are layers to the story involving family estrangement, illegitimate children, secret elite societies and second sons of nobility forging their own paths. Dora has taken defying her father to a new level but still loved her older, legitimate brother - even when he strayed from the straight and narrow. Jacob could have led an easy life as the second son of a wealthy landowner but he wanted a life with purpose. Now thrown together, Jacob becomes Dora's protector as they unravel the mystery of her brother's death and break a code or too on the way.

What I loved most about Jacob and Dora is that they have flaws and recognise them in themselves and each other. Jacob's struggle especially was heart wrenching. He tries so hard to keep his own counsel but eventually he slips - when Dora needs him most.

Dora's father is a complete a$$hat and I really wish he had come more of a cropper. Some of the secondary characters were great fun and I really hope that if there are further books in the series that they pop up to lend a hand again. Learning more about Dora's brother and his reasoning for wanting to join Hellfire was so sad but very probable for that time-period sadly.

Yes, I did kind of guess most of the plot points but I still went along for the ride, wondering how our intrepid due would uncover and react to them. The romance was very proper and Regency in tone with the exception of a couple of scenes were we got to see beyond their very proper manners and see the beginnings of some passion.

Historical fiction full of twists and turns . Set in early 19th century it explores the depths of society at the time as the glorious couple investigate a series of incidents

The Persephone Code is a Regency era murder mystery. Dora's estranged brother is found murdered and Dr Jacob Sandys is tasked with telling her .He has left a letter for her which she must collect in person .Jacob and Dora embark on a quest to find his killer .A little slow paced at times but Dora and Jacob are great characters and this is an enjoyable story .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC

Historical Mystery set in England 1812 in a gentleman doctor and the sister of the murdered Hellfire Club's warden contend with the Illuminati as they investigate several deaths.

4/5 stars: Golding's Historical Mystery which takes place in England 1812 and features an ex-Army officer, former addict and Viscount's son who allies with the bastard actress sister of the murdered Hellfire Club's warden to solve his murder and as they investigate several more victims come to light. The two find themselves caught between the legendary Illuminati and the Hellfire Club, whose members are some of the most influential gentleman of the ton, and will do anything to keep their activities quiet and obtain the secrets her brother's held in his charge. With plenty of twists and turns, Golding has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Told in dual narrative, Golding's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Jacob and Dora are the main narrators with a couple other POVs added to further the plot. I very much like the two both have decided to break with the conventions of their stations, Jacob by studying to be a doctor and Dora by breaking with her family and working as an actress. Additionally, the progression of their romantic relationship was well done, doesn't subsume the mystery plot and while descriptive the sex scenes are fade-to-black. Golding tackles some sensitive subjects, so take care and check the CWs. I enjoyed this a lot and look forward to reading more from Golding.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

"The Persephone Code" invites readers into a captivating tale set amidst the intriguing backdrop of the Hellfire Caves in Buckinghamshire. Following the murder of Antony Pennington, the warden of the clandestine society, his sister Dora embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind his death. Assisted by Dr. Jacob Sandys, a former army officer with a troubled past, Dora finds herself entangled in a web of conspiracy involving the enigmatic Illuminati and the notorious Hell Fire Club.
The novel promises an engaging mix of historical intrigue, dark themes, and a burgeoning romance between its protagonists. I found "The Persephone Code" to be an enjoyable read, largely due to its well-paced plot and charming characters. I particularly enjoyed how the author skillfully wove together the storyline.
In summary, "The Persephone Code" offers an enjoyable read for fans of historical mysteries, delivering an intriguing storyline and compelling characters. It earns a solid four-star rating for its entertainment value and engaging narrative.

A historical mystery at in Regency England that involves secret societies and conspiracies.

I really wanted to like this one because it was a unique premise! However, the writing style was just really not for me. Others might enjoy it more though.

3.5🌟

This story starts off with such a fast paced scene that I was immediately hooked. This Regency Era murder mystery was a mix of insane plot twists and revelations.

This is only my third regency era book and I’m still really unsure about the genre. I find these books set in historical settings to be both really interesting but can also stump me a bit as I’m not used to the writing style. This one had me both hooked but also had me struggling a bit.

I found that there was too much talk of politics and for a book likened to Bridgeton, I found myself a bit befuddled. I knew going into this story that it would involve mystery but I expected a lot more romance alongside that mystery and found myself confused when the moment they finally come together it was a fade to black. That definitely impacted my rating as I was expecting something a lot different.

However, I did really enjoy the characters. I found Dora to be really strong-willed and fierce. I found that her and Jacob worked really well as he levelled Dora out with his calm and coherent thoughts. I just wish that we got a bit more romantic moments between Dora and Jacob as I felt like there was very little lead up to the relationship.

Overall, I did enjoy this story and if you enjoy Regency style books and a little bit of mystery imbedded into them, then this is definitely a book for you.

This was something different for me. I was immediately hooked on the Davinci Code x Bridgerton comp!

Dora is trying to solve her brother's brutal murder and putting her acting skills to good use. Jacob has been asked to come investigate too. The two have chemistry and work well together. The murder mystery element had conspiracy links with the Illuminati and the plot moved at a good pace. I personally wasn't hooked throughout but I put that down more to my mood as the book was well written and researched.

The only thing that I'd suggest is perhaps not to comp with Bridgerton. Too much is expected from the romance department with a comparison like that and I felt this book fell short in the romance section because of that. I went in expecting one thing and got fade to black.

Well written and interesting murder mystery with a twist.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Persephone Code by Julia Golding is a Regency mystery where Dora and Jacob, two strangers, are brought together when Dora’s brother is murdered. Dora is an actress who left her father’s noble family instead of marrying the man he chose for her while Jacob is the son of an influential family who chose to be a doctor instead of a soldier. Sparks fly between them as they work to decipher the code Dora’s brother left behind and they travel across the countryside.

The addiction of the Illuminati and the Hell Fire Club plays into that love of conspiracy theories so many of us have and the fascination with secret organizations pulling the strings. I got a bit of an Eyes Wide Shut feeling from the Hell Fire Club, but I was also unfamiliar with the organization until reading this.

Dora is an actress through and through and we get to see her use her skills throughout the novel as she communicates with people to try to find out not only who murdered her brother but several young women as well. It’s always great to have a main character who not only uses their skills, but those skills feel relevant to the plot.

Jacob is a recovering opiate addict and we get glimpses into his journey of sobriety, his addiction, and the opium dens of the era. Opium had devastating effects in the 1800s not only in the UK, but throughout the world and to this day. Jacob and Dora also draw attention the slave trade the UK was participating in and the plantations of Jamaica.

Content warning for depictions of assault, mentions of slavery and racism

I would recommend this to fans of Regency era mysteries with several POVs, readers looking for historical fiction that discusses the worst parts of the time period, and those looking for a female-led Da Vinci Code-style mystery.

I was a little letdown by this book. The plot is interesting, but the characters are weird and I didn’t love them. They just felt off and some of the wording made it seem modern when is supposed to be historical fiction. The pacing was also off in my opinion. It was an okay read overall, nothing special.

I really enjoyed this and hope there are more to come. The MCs were flawed but very endearing, and all-rounded. They weren’t simpering historical characters in any way, Dora is properly strong, brave and frankly kick-ass. She and aristocratic black-sheep Jacob make a great pair with very compatible skills. The story is set near where I live and I’ve been to the Hell-Fire caves, so that was an added bonus, but you really don’t need to have any prior knowledge of the area or the Hellfire Club for that matter. Good job Julia Golding - Am here for a sequel, please!

3.5 stars

This was an enjoyable read, with an intriguing world building. The characters were pretty interesting, and the romance side was nice, though a bit rushed and maybe more chemistry was needed to make it work for me.

While I read it in the hopes the mystery intertwines nicely with the romance, and they did.. it feels my expectations were too big for this book and it didn't quite reach them. Overall it was a nice read.

I received a copy of this in order to share my view on it.