The Persephone Code

By Julia Golding

What it’s about?

Bridgerton meets The Da Vinci Code in the most page-turning book you will read in 2024!

You don’t dabble in satanism. You sell your soul to the devil or not at all.

1812

Deep below the hills of the Buckinghamshire countryside, the infamous Hellfire Caves house a pleasure palace for the idle rich – a secret society steeped in satanism, opium and debauchery of the highest order.

When the club’s warden, Antony Pennington, is brutally murdered, his bastard sister, Dora, must follow the clues to decode who the killer is, aided by an unexpected ally – ex-Army officer, former opium addict and son of a Viscount, Dr Jacob Sandys.

As a shadow dogs their every footstep, Dora and Jacob find themselves in the midst of a shocking conspiracy, caught between the legendary Illuminati and the Hell Fire Club. With time running out, they must fight against both the most influential gentleman of the ton – and the undeniable attraction they feel towards each other…

What I think:

This was a fun romp.

Dora is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man. She has been disowned by her father, but has stayed in touch with her brother. Dr Jacob Sandys is tasked with notifying her of her brother Anthony’s murder.

Dora and Jacob begin to investigate his death and follow a series of clues Anthony has left around the country.

There’s danger and a quest that involves the Illuminati and the Hellfire Caves.

It’s not really Bridgerton or the Da Vinci Code, but it’s an entertaining adventure. I would recommend you suspend your disbelief and enjoy the fun and utter escapism.

Thank you to NetGalley for my gifted copy of The Persephone Code.