The Royal Code

Gift Shop Mysteries #2

by Beth Adams

The Royal Code is the second book in the Gift Shop Mysteries fiction series.

When Sarah Morgan’s brother, David, brings her a beautiful desk rumored to have belonged to a European archduchess, Sarah is fascinated. But as excited as she is about the antique, she can’t help feeling skeptical about its origin story…until she finds a cache of coded messages inside a hidden compartment in the desk. The messages concern the Austrian royal family and a mystery that has puzzled historians since the end of World War I. Could the secret she’s stumbled upon really lead to the location of the Florentine Diamond, missing from the Austrian crown jewels?

As Sarah tries to piece together the clues and uncover how this priceless desk ended up in Port Huron, she traces the history of her small Michigan town, leading her to a mysterious local mansion and surprising connections to people and places she never could have anticipated.About the Gift Shop Mysteries Series

Every gift tells a story…and some bring mysteries!

Get ready for a faith-filled mystery like no other! The excitement begins when Sarah Morgan returns to her picturesque hometown along the shore of Lake Huron to open a gift and curiosities shop, which she calls Heavenly Presents. As she reconnects with family and friends and grows in her faith, Sarah feels her shop becoming more than just a place to browse or buy. It’s turning into a cozy haven, where tucked among the handmade keepsakes and one-of-a-kind wonders are clues to long-buried secrets and surprising truths. Sarah soon discovers that solving small-town mysteries might just be the most meaningful gift she can offer.

Why You’ll Love the Gift Shop Mysteries Series

If you’re looking for a mystery series that’s equal parts heartwarming and intriguing, Gift Shop Mysteries is your perfect next read. Set in a charming lakeside town with a faith-filled shop owner as your guide, each book

Captivating mysteries that keep you guessing—but never keep you up at nightA cast of relatable, endearing characters who feel like old friendsA cozy, small-town atmosphere you’ll want to escape to again and againFaith-filled encouragement and hope, gently woven through every storyThemes of redemption, reconnection, and second chances—with God, family, and communityPlus, each book includes delightful

A recipe inspired by the storyA personal letter from the author“Behind the Counter” insights into the real-life history or inspirationBook club-ready discussion questionsWhether you’re drawn to uplifting mysteries, enjoy uncovering meaningful secrets, or simply want a soul-soothing read with depth, heart, and a touch of suspense—this series was made for you.

Genres: Mystery

Paperback

Expected publication June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Deborah Almada · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read from Guideposts. If you are familiar with Guidepost, it is definitely cozy with a faith-based background. These mysteries are cozy but do not include murders, just some kind of mystery to unwrap. In this book, book two in the series, Sarah has come home to coastal Michigan to open her antique and gift shop, Heavenly Presents. When her brother brings her a desk, he thinks she might want to sell, a desk his wife inherited from her grandmother that they just do not have room for, Sarah is delighted because she feels it is old and well crafted. As she starts to research the piece, she finds a letter written by an Austrian Archduchess, some letters in code, and a key in a secret compartment. The rest of our story is Sarah trying to find the origins of the desk and who it belonged to. While this story had lots of elements that had the potential to be fascinating, I found it just ok. There are lots of family, friends, and fellow business people in the story, but everything was just very superficial to me. For some reason, I just could not get invested in the people or the mystery. As I said, this is a pleasant story. The writing is good, it just didn't hook me. I would like to thank #Netgally, #Guideposts, and the author for an opportunity to read this book. #TheRoyalCode #TheGiftShopMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Royal Code by Beth Adams is a charming cozy mystery that quickly pulled me into its intriguing story. The mystery centers around an antique burled walnut desk with a hidden compartment, coded letters, and an old key—details that immediately captured my imagination. Adams’s vivid descriptions made it easy to picture the beautiful desk and the secrets it held. I especially enjoyed the author’s friendly writing style, which drew me into the story along with the kindly main character. The cast of secondary characters added warmth and depth, making the setting feel inviting and memorable. The mystery was enjoyable, the ending satisfying, and I appreciated the gentle thread of faith woven throughout the story. Although The Royal Code is the second book in A Gift Shop Mystery series, it can easily be read as a standalone. I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, along with the reader’s guide. Overall, The Royal Code is an appealing tale with an interesting mystery, engaging characters, and plenty of cozy charm.

[Debbie Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like cozy mysteries, putting together the clues and figuring out "who done it", you will enjoy this book. When Sarah's brother David gives her an antique desk that belonged to his wife's grandma, Sarah's life will dramatically change. She finds a hidden drawer in the desk that is filled with old letters and an unknown key. When news breaks in the local paper of these findings, everyone tries to claim or purchase the desk. When the desk, papers and key are stolen, Sarah and her friend try to put the pieces together to solve the mystery and bring the thieves to justice. This is a fun, cozy mystery with fun characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #theroyalcode #guidepost

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

An antique desk with a secret compartment containing coded letters. What are the possibilities? An Austrian Archduchess of the Hapsburg Empire gave a fabulous gift to an American WWI soldier who could turn it into some real good in the world. This is a lot like a Hallmark mystery movie where women think they can solve crimes and confront suspects without the police.

The story rambles a bit. For instance, “After the service, Sarah chatted with a few people and then headed home to get lunch started. She filled a pot with water and set it on the stove to boil before grating parmesan and then tossing a salad.” I got lost in some of the details and skimmed a bit.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Royal Code by Beth Adams is the second installment in Guideposts’ Gift Shop Mysteries series. The only reasons I put this book down were to sleep and to work. The treasure comes from a time about 100 years ago, an era of history that I wasn’t very familiar with. However, I did know a little bit about the royal consort referenced, as well as the novel mentioned in the book. I will probably be reading biographies of the historical figures mentioned as soon as I have a chance. I loved the blend of fiction and historical fact in this book. I highly recommend this second book in the series!

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Mystery

The Royal Code is a fantastic cozy mystery that kept me turning pages to see who done it. I was captivated from the start and guessing all the way through. The historical elements added so much to the story. It's a definite must-read whether you're a mystery lover or not.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun cozy mystery involving an antique desk and hidden coded messages with ties to an Austrian royal family. Along with learning as much information as possible, Sarah finds herself in a mystery when someone steals the desk from her antiques store. Great mystery, and I enjoyed how the author incorporated faith into this story.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Royal Code by Beth Adams” the 2nd instalment in A Gift Shop Mystery series set in the Port Huron. This is a new to me author and I will definitely be reading more from her. The Royal Code by Beth Adams is a charming cozy mystery with a pleasant, steady pace. Unlike many cozies, there’s no murder here. Instead, it weaves together a historical mystery with a modern-day one.

The plot centers on Sarah’s brother, David, bringing her a beautiful desk rumored to have belonged to a European archduchess, Sarah is fascinated. Chapters set in the past help fill in the desks backstory.

I enjoyed the author’s writing style and liked main character Sarah Morgan and her staff at Heavenly Presents in her hometown of Port Huron.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.