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Review: The Juliet Code - A Freddie and Grace Mystery #3


What a joy to continue with another Freddie and Grace Mystery, especially as the title, the cover, and the synopsis were all so compelling! The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham lives up to all of the mystery promised, along with plenty of swooniness along the way.

Many thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: mentions of ghosts

Book Synopsis

Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, Renaissance paintings featuring Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries.

As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Two things always enchant me when it comes to Freddie and Grace: marriage and mysteries. I love that the Percys are such a sweet couple whose heart and innocence quickly win everyone over, no matter where they travel. Paired with the misadventures that befalls them, readers are taken along for a ride with the best chaperones. Adding in the elements of mysteries and crime-solving, the way each one is approached is positively delightful. The Juliet Code is the ideal setting if envisioning an episode of Poirot being played out, complete with a mysterious cast of characters, an island of dubious origin, and a plot that continues to untangle as Freddie and Grace get to its heart. Along with Detective Jack Miracle and his sleuthing tips, I enjoyed this riveting story about stolen art and lost family legacies.

I appreciate how much Freddie and Grace relied on their faith in this book, especially as they were traipsing into unknown territory. Pepper Basham's stories about a married couple are refreshing and lovely, notably the idea of Freddie and Grace working together as detectives. I love the spiritual lessons that Freddie encounters in this book, making him an even more endearing character. As usual, Grace’s characteristic optimism points to the hope that she has in the Lord, especially when demonstrated through her whimsical and literary nature. If you’re looking for a European whodunit where hijinks are aplenty and the Christian faith is woven through a married couple’s relationship with each other and all those around them, these mysteries are the ultimate foray into a cozy escape.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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