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Her Royal Spyness #11
Son Espionne royale au service de Sa Majesté
Entre Downton Abbey et Miss Marple , une série d'enquêtes royales so British !
Une nouvelle mission pour Georgie : enquêter sur la dernière conquête du Prince de Galles !
En tant que prétendante au trône d'Angleterre, Georgie ne peut épouser un catholique. Suspendue à la décision du Parlement concernant son mariage, elle s'est réfugiée en Irlande. Pour tromper le temps, elle pense à son amie Belinda qui séjourne en Italie. Bientôt l'occasion de la rejoindre sur les rives du lac Majeur se présente à elle. La reine en personne demande alors à Georgie de profiter de son voyage pour jouer les espionnes.
L'Histoire pourrait bien compromettre sa mission : une importante conférence réunissant les diplomates de Grande-Bretagne, de France et d'Italie vient de s'achever pour discuter de la menace nazie...
Une nouvelle mission pour Georgie : enquêter sur la dernière conquête du Prince de Galles !
En tant que prétendante au trône d'Angleterre, Georgie ne peut épouser un catholique. Suspendue à la décision du Parlement concernant son mariage, elle s'est réfugiée en Irlande. Pour tromper le temps, elle pense à son amie Belinda qui séjourne en Italie. Bientôt l'occasion de la rejoindre sur les rives du lac Majeur se présente à elle. La reine en personne demande alors à Georgie de profiter de son voyage pour jouer les espionnes.
L'Histoire pourrait bien compromettre sa mission : une importante conférence réunissant les diplomates de Grande-Bretagne, de France et d'Italie vient de s'achever pour discuter de la menace nazie...
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
842 people are currently reading
3589 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
124 books9,579 followersI'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 922 reviews
August 14, 2017
Like catching up with old friends.
July 19, 2017
Tuesday morning I finished reading Rhys Bowen's On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service and as usual with books in this Royal Spyness Mystery Series I did not wish to put it down. Each time I was forced by reality to put it down I was most eager to get back to Dacy and Lady Georgiana Rannoch! You will have to wait a little longer as I feel so honored to have had this book on my table and to read before the August 1st Publication. We are now 11 books in on this A Royal Spyness Mystery and they get even more exciting with each new book. I am in awe of how Rhys Bowen captures not only the Era but the true character of what one assumes the sullied Mrs. Wallis was truly like. The cover is as usual perfect and accurately reflects that the picture painted by Rhys Bowen's words of the impossibility of life for the 35th in line for the throne. In an absolutely brilliant way she ties up an impossible situation with grace, style and fantastically written characters. One of the best series and one of the best books she has written. I highly recommend this book and series!
July 5, 2022
4.5 stars
July 4, 2017
Another delightful adventure with Lady Georgiana. She received to letters to her from Queen Mary and Belinda. Queen Mary wanted to ask about her decision to forfeit the crown in order to marry Darcy. When the Queen learns Georgiana is planning on being in the area where a house party, the Duke Of Wales is attending get asked the hostess to invite Georgie. Arriving at the party, minus her maid Georgia finds her Mother, who tells she is being blackmailed by a guest. Of course, we know Darcy is nearby as a gardener. Later the guest is found dead. It looks like suicide but an inept policeman strands the party at the house. Georgiana must find the killer in order to get back to Belinda. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkeley Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkeley Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 7, 2017
A royal entry into the Royal Spyness Mysteries!
Author Rhys Bowen continues to overwhelm me with her knowledge of not only the 1930’s, but the royalty and aristocracy of the time. It’s as though she has traveled there and witnessed these things herself.
Lady Georgiana Rannoch, is thirty-fifth in line for the British crown. However, Georgiana is more interested in withdrawing from the line of succession so she can wed her love, Darcy O’Mara. I can’t say I blame her one bit! However, in, ON HER MAJESTY’S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE, thoughts of marriage have to go on hold when Darcy is off on another secret mission, and Georgie has been asked by her cousin the queen to go to Italy and do some spying for her. And so begins another delightful rump with our unique heroine.
This book was simply astounding. On the same level with any Agatha Christie novel (Honestly, I think it’s better), ON HER MAJESTY’S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE was an adventurous ride full of mystery and excitement. From one chapter to the next I didn’t know what to expect. Truly an all-round brilliant read that I didn’t want to end.
I would love to see the Royal Spyness mysteries made into movies, but they would have to stay 100% true to the way author Bowen has written them.
Author Rhys Bowen continues to overwhelm me with her knowledge of not only the 1930’s, but the royalty and aristocracy of the time. It’s as though she has traveled there and witnessed these things herself.
Lady Georgiana Rannoch, is thirty-fifth in line for the British crown. However, Georgiana is more interested in withdrawing from the line of succession so she can wed her love, Darcy O’Mara. I can’t say I blame her one bit! However, in, ON HER MAJESTY’S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE, thoughts of marriage have to go on hold when Darcy is off on another secret mission, and Georgie has been asked by her cousin the queen to go to Italy and do some spying for her. And so begins another delightful rump with our unique heroine.
This book was simply astounding. On the same level with any Agatha Christie novel (Honestly, I think it’s better), ON HER MAJESTY’S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE was an adventurous ride full of mystery and excitement. From one chapter to the next I didn’t know what to expect. Truly an all-round brilliant read that I didn’t want to end.
I would love to see the Royal Spyness mysteries made into movies, but they would have to stay 100% true to the way author Bowen has written them.
September 1, 2017
Lady Georgiana Rannoch has just spent several blissful weeks with her beloved Darcy. Now Darcy has gone off to make some money before the wedding, leaving Georgie behind with his father and Princess Alexandra. Then Zou Zou leaves for a flight contest making Lord Kilhenny less of a charming companion than Georgie wants right now. A letter from Belinda solves Georgie's problem of where to go next. Before she can dash off to Italy to wait for Belinda's big event, she needs to check in with her royal relatives. The Queen has a new task for Georgie-to spy on David and that American woman who, coincidentally, will be in the same town in Italy as Belinda at a house party. The Queen fears Wallis Simpson has finally obtained a divorce from her husband and the house party is a front for a secret wedding. Georgie is left high and dry by her new maid who refuses to leave Ireland, but a train journey is so simple. What could go wrong? Enter one would-be seducer, one missing Belinda, add in Georgie's mother who is hiding something, a former schoolmate who is now chummy, and a murder! Georgie just wants to join her friend and have a gay old time. Can she trust the police to solve the murder quickly?
This story relies A LOT on coincidences. It also veers into the history of Nazi-era Europe, which gives the story a slightly darker tone. There is one actual historical event in this novel and one made up event that possibly, maybe, could have happened (or not). Other than that, there isn't much history here. As a mystery, the story fell short for me. I figured it out right away. I can't believe anybody would be THAT stupid not to figure out who was hiding what. It was obvious. As a romance, however, I loved the story. Georgie is planning a summer wedding and Darcy has gone all sweetly prudish on her. I hope they marry soon because I like the light tone of the mysteries and getting into the war is too dark and depressing to think about.
Georgie has grown a lot. She's now less clumsy and more assertive. She stands up to Fig with some good zingers and is able to express her wishes to the Queen without getting flustered. Georgie finally knows what she wants and is willing to do anything to get it. Her observation abilities are also excellent, however, she does fail to connect the dots to the obvious. Of course there was no proof but still... The only thing I didn't like was her niggling doubts as to Darcy's loyalty. She still worries about his past adventures with the opposite sex and wonders if he is still bed hopping. Darcy is still swoony! He is a superhero because I doubt anyone could actually pull off what he did. I love how caring he is with Georgie. He lets her be herself and supports her 110%. He is protective but not overprotective.
There are a few returning characters like Belinda who is growing up. She has her moments when she sounds clueless and immature, but she's gone through a lot and is about to go through an ordeal and it has made her more sober. I sort of felt bad for her. Georgie's mother Claire is attending the house party as well. Claire pretends to be mother of the year but is as selfish as ever. She only ever uses Georgie, who longs for affection from her own mother. Max, Claire's fiance, seems to know more English than he lets on. I do not approve of his business practices and in real life, Claire would find herself in over her head in the coming years.
The biggest new characters are Camilla, Countess of Marola and Martini, an old school mate of Georgie and Belinda's. I was pleasantly surprised by her. I ended up feeling rather sorry for her. Her husband, the Count, seems like a nice enough man despite his wild past, but his relatives are horrendous. They rival Mr. Darcy's relatives in Pride and Prejudice. The Dowager is an old prune with nothing good to say. She'll disapprove of her daughter-in-law no matter what because Camilla is English and Camilla has taken her role as Countess. The biggest new character is Rudolph von Rosskopf. He is a slimy bastard and if someone didn't murder him quickly, I was ready to leap into the pages and at least put him out of action. His actions towards Georgie were inexcusable. She made herself clear and that should have been that. The one thing I really really really hated about him was The last new character is Georgie's new maid, Gerda. Gerda is frightfully efficient and one of those servants who takes pride in what their employer looks like. Gerda has high standards and I don't blame Georgie for being a bit frightened by her. I would be too!
I'm still enjoying this light mystery series. High sticklers beware : some of the language used sounds incredibly stereotypical from Hollywood.
This story relies A LOT on coincidences. It also veers into the history of Nazi-era Europe, which gives the story a slightly darker tone. There is one actual historical event in this novel and one made up event that possibly, maybe, could have happened (or not). Other than that, there isn't much history here. As a mystery, the story fell short for me. I figured it out right away. I can't believe anybody would be THAT stupid not to figure out who was hiding what. It was obvious. As a romance, however, I loved the story. Georgie is planning a summer wedding and Darcy has gone all sweetly prudish on her. I hope they marry soon because I like the light tone of the mysteries and getting into the war is too dark and depressing to think about.
Georgie has grown a lot. She's now less clumsy and more assertive. She stands up to Fig with some good zingers and is able to express her wishes to the Queen without getting flustered. Georgie finally knows what she wants and is willing to do anything to get it. Her observation abilities are also excellent, however, she does fail to connect the dots to the obvious. Of course there was no proof but still... The only thing I didn't like was her niggling doubts as to Darcy's loyalty. She still worries about his past adventures with the opposite sex and wonders if he is still bed hopping. Darcy is still swoony! He is a superhero because I doubt anyone could actually pull off what he did. I love how caring he is with Georgie. He lets her be herself and supports her 110%. He is protective but not overprotective.
There are a few returning characters like Belinda who is growing up. She has her moments when she sounds clueless and immature, but she's gone through a lot and is about to go through an ordeal and it has made her more sober. I sort of felt bad for her. Georgie's mother Claire is attending the house party as well. Claire pretends to be mother of the year but is as selfish as ever. She only ever uses Georgie, who longs for affection from her own mother. Max, Claire's fiance, seems to know more English than he lets on. I do not approve of his business practices and in real life, Claire would find herself in over her head in the coming years.
The biggest new characters are Camilla, Countess of Marola and Martini, an old school mate of Georgie and Belinda's. I was pleasantly surprised by her. I ended up feeling rather sorry for her. Her husband, the Count, seems like a nice enough man despite his wild past, but his relatives are horrendous. They rival Mr. Darcy's relatives in Pride and Prejudice. The Dowager is an old prune with nothing good to say. She'll disapprove of her daughter-in-law no matter what because Camilla is English and Camilla has taken her role as Countess. The biggest new character is Rudolph von Rosskopf. He is a slimy bastard and if someone didn't murder him quickly, I was ready to leap into the pages and at least put him out of action. His actions towards Georgie were inexcusable. She made herself clear and that should have been that. The one thing I really really really hated about him was The last new character is Georgie's new maid, Gerda. Gerda is frightfully efficient and one of those servants who takes pride in what their employer looks like. Gerda has high standards and I don't blame Georgie for being a bit frightened by her. I would be too!
I'm still enjoying this light mystery series. High sticklers beware : some of the language used sounds incredibly stereotypical from Hollywood.
August 15, 2017
Oh, Lady Georgie! You do make me so happy that I'm a reader and that I found Her Royal Spyness series four years ago. Having a new Royal Spyness book to look forward to each year is a guaranteed favorite read for the year. Rhys Bowen is a born storyteller that charms readers with her fascinating characters, witty dialogue, captivating settings, and suspenseful story lines. Always fun reads, there is still the serious undertone of a murder to be solved. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service is the eleventh book in this series, and each one is a treasure of exceptional narrative.
It is 1935 and Lady Georgie is still in Ireland at her fiance Darcy's castle after they both helped exonerate Darcy's father from a murder charge. But, Darcy has jut left for another of his "secret missions," and Georgie decides she needs to return to London to check on her request to the Queen. The request is an important one, a relinquishment from Lady Georgie of her place in the line of succession to the English throne, which is currently 35th. It must be granted before Georgie and Darcy can legally marry in England. Upon her arrival in London, Darcy finds two letters waiting for her at her brother's house, which used to be her house, too, and both of those letters end up working together to send Georgie to Italy. Georgie's friend Belinda is hidden away in Italy awaiting the birth of her baby and has asked Georgie to come stay with her, and the letter from the Queen is an invitation to tea, which results in the Queen giving Georgie a mission of her own while in Italy. Georgie is to act as spy at a house party given by a past school chum of hers where the Queen's son, Edward the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson are to be guests. The Queen fears that the couple are using this house part as a cover to marry.
After seeing Belinda, Georgie is off to the house party of her old school chum, who really wasn't quite a chum. It is an odd assortment of fellow party guests that Georgie encounters, with the first surprise being her mother and her mother's fiance, a German industrialist. There is a German general and his aide and a couple of more German soldiers present, too. The hostess of the party is married into a wealthy, distinguished Italian family, and her husband is Mussolini's top aide. A very strange gathering for a house party indeed. And, one of the Germans is blackmailing Georgie's mother, who, of course, asks Georgie for help. The dynamics of Georgie's and her mother's relationship are always interesting to follow, but our dear Georgie is learning how to stand up for herself a bit. With secret meetings and locked doors, there is much to cause suspicion that there is more than just a house party occurring. Then, one of the Germans is murdered, and the stakes become life and death for everyone. Lady Georgie must not only try to determine who the murderer is, but she is determined to help her mother as well. As Georgie works frantically to put the puzzling pieces into a complete picture, she is barely one step ahead of her own demise. And, will Darcy take any part in this killer party? Well, you might want to look for some early signs of that.
It is amazing how many things a book in this series can do. From entertaining with humor to thrilling with a murder mystery to sharing pivotal moments in history, the Royal Spyness series satisfies many appetites. The characters in these books, both old and new, are full of fascinating quirks and witty words. Of course, there is a masterful hand guiding all of these elements, and so kudos to the brilliant Rhys Bowen once again. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service is a smash hit!
It is 1935 and Lady Georgie is still in Ireland at her fiance Darcy's castle after they both helped exonerate Darcy's father from a murder charge. But, Darcy has jut left for another of his "secret missions," and Georgie decides she needs to return to London to check on her request to the Queen. The request is an important one, a relinquishment from Lady Georgie of her place in the line of succession to the English throne, which is currently 35th. It must be granted before Georgie and Darcy can legally marry in England. Upon her arrival in London, Darcy finds two letters waiting for her at her brother's house, which used to be her house, too, and both of those letters end up working together to send Georgie to Italy. Georgie's friend Belinda is hidden away in Italy awaiting the birth of her baby and has asked Georgie to come stay with her, and the letter from the Queen is an invitation to tea, which results in the Queen giving Georgie a mission of her own while in Italy. Georgie is to act as spy at a house party given by a past school chum of hers where the Queen's son, Edward the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson are to be guests. The Queen fears that the couple are using this house part as a cover to marry.
After seeing Belinda, Georgie is off to the house party of her old school chum, who really wasn't quite a chum. It is an odd assortment of fellow party guests that Georgie encounters, with the first surprise being her mother and her mother's fiance, a German industrialist. There is a German general and his aide and a couple of more German soldiers present, too. The hostess of the party is married into a wealthy, distinguished Italian family, and her husband is Mussolini's top aide. A very strange gathering for a house party indeed. And, one of the Germans is blackmailing Georgie's mother, who, of course, asks Georgie for help. The dynamics of Georgie's and her mother's relationship are always interesting to follow, but our dear Georgie is learning how to stand up for herself a bit. With secret meetings and locked doors, there is much to cause suspicion that there is more than just a house party occurring. Then, one of the Germans is murdered, and the stakes become life and death for everyone. Lady Georgie must not only try to determine who the murderer is, but she is determined to help her mother as well. As Georgie works frantically to put the puzzling pieces into a complete picture, she is barely one step ahead of her own demise. And, will Darcy take any part in this killer party? Well, you might want to look for some early signs of that.
It is amazing how many things a book in this series can do. From entertaining with humor to thrilling with a murder mystery to sharing pivotal moments in history, the Royal Spyness series satisfies many appetites. The characters in these books, both old and new, are full of fascinating quirks and witty words. Of course, there is a masterful hand guiding all of these elements, and so kudos to the brilliant Rhys Bowen once again. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service is a smash hit!
October 9, 2024
On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service by Rhys Bowen is the 11th book in the Royal Spyness Mystery series. Lady Georgiana Rannoch is waiting to hear back regarding her request to renounce her succession to the throne in order to marry Darcy, when she is asked by the Queen to attend a house party in the Italian country and report back on the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson who are also attending. Another fabulous book in one of my favourite series. There is so much going on in this book with Belinda waiting to give birth, and Georgie's mother needing help with finding photos about which she is being blackmailed. It is lovely to catch up with everyone and I'm looking forward to the next installment. A brilliant and exciting representation and mystery.
December 11, 2021
A confession, I haven't been reading these excellent cozy books in order despite the blurbs saying to do so. There are enough reminders of previous events, and a reader can guess the rest, to get by.
At this point, the penniless royal, Georgie, is obtaining permission from the Queen and Parliament to wed a Catholic (who serves his country as a spy for the Queen).
The usual fun ensues along with the heroine's eternal bad luck, think of her surprise when she realizes that she has tracked chicken feathers and mud back into the villa she isn't supposed to be outside of after the murder. She also has to face a few embarrassing encounters, top of which is finding her mother at the villa. Seems as if a high-level Nazi meeting with the Royals is on, and Georgie finds more than she expected while overhearing the details.
Recommended, fun, a good escape, and pray your mother never asks you to retrieve compromising pictures.
At this point, the penniless royal, Georgie, is obtaining permission from the Queen and Parliament to wed a Catholic (who serves his country as a spy for the Queen).
The usual fun ensues along with the heroine's eternal bad luck, think of her surprise when she realizes that she has tracked chicken feathers and mud back into the villa she isn't supposed to be outside of after the murder. She also has to face a few embarrassing encounters, top of which is finding her mother at the villa. Seems as if a high-level Nazi meeting with the Royals is on, and Georgie finds more than she expected while overhearing the details.
Recommended, fun, a good escape, and pray your mother never asks you to retrieve compromising pictures.
December 2, 2018
What fun to catch up with all of these characters, as usual, Georgiana and Darcy are in the thick of things. This is a series that needs to be started with book one to truly enjoy all the idiosyncrasies of these wonderful characters. Highly recommend to those that love a fun mystery with a solid story.
November 18, 2019
The mystery in this one is almost immaterial, what really is the meat and heart of this story are the relationships with Belinda and Darcy. And that's not a bad thing. Completely enjoyed it.
January 10, 2018
Missing: One assertive, proactive female sleuth.
Georgie, please come back. I don’t know who this simpering, dependent damsel-in-distress is, but if this is who you are when you’re with Darcy: Run.
So Georgiana ends up at a house party in Italy, almost gets assaulted by another guest (this is not Rhys Bowen’s fault in the slightest, but I read the scene in question at the height of the Weinstein scandal and these books are supposed to be my escape from life, so that was way too much cold-water reality). Oh, and Georgie pines over Darcy and apparently shows this by becoming completely passive and unable to do anything without his help, all while wondering if he’s truly faithful to her (when she’s not being superior about how they’re going to have a perfectly wonderful life together – someone should really tell her that money problems are the number one cause of marital stress).
Look, I can’t stress this enough: It’s not a fairy-tale romance when the princess is wondering if the prince is off banging some other girl. And if she’s worried about that now, at the height of their love, then she has no business marrying him (especially since it requires her forfeiting her place of in the line of succession!).
On the plus side, the absence of Queenie is a big point in the book’s favor. I just wish Georgie would quit moping over her loss. Queenie brought nothing to the table, and being intimidated by confidence and people doing their jobs properly is not endearing. It makes Georgie look like an insecure idiot.
I go back to my comment after reading the previous book in the series: This series should be renamed Her Royal Spineless. And that makes me sad, because if Georgie were more of her old self and less of a moping dishcloth, the series still has enough fun plots to be enjoyable. As is: Not recommended.
Georgie, please come back. I don’t know who this simpering, dependent damsel-in-distress is, but if this is who you are when you’re with Darcy: Run.
So Georgiana ends up at a house party in Italy, almost gets assaulted by another guest (this is not Rhys Bowen’s fault in the slightest, but I read the scene in question at the height of the Weinstein scandal and these books are supposed to be my escape from life, so that was way too much cold-water reality). Oh, and Georgie pines over Darcy and apparently shows this by becoming completely passive and unable to do anything without his help, all while wondering if he’s truly faithful to her (when she’s not being superior about how they’re going to have a perfectly wonderful life together – someone should really tell her that money problems are the number one cause of marital stress).
Look, I can’t stress this enough: It’s not a fairy-tale romance when the princess is wondering if the prince is off banging some other girl. And if she’s worried about that now, at the height of their love, then she has no business marrying him (especially since it requires her forfeiting her place of in the line of succession!).
On the plus side, the absence of Queenie is a big point in the book’s favor. I just wish Georgie would quit moping over her loss. Queenie brought nothing to the table, and being intimidated by confidence and people doing their jobs properly is not endearing. It makes Georgie look like an insecure idiot.
I go back to my comment after reading the previous book in the series: This series should be renamed Her Royal Spineless. And that makes me sad, because if Georgie were more of her old self and less of a moping dishcloth, the series still has enough fun plots to be enjoyable. As is: Not recommended.
December 17, 2018
This episode is taking itself too seriously. Just because it's about Hitler doesn't mean it can't be funny. Nazis should be good fodder for comedy. They are inherently ridiculous and they hate it when you laugh at them.
Also, the cozy mystery aspect was a bit weak. I like mysteries where they give the reader clues. The mystery in this one is a locked door story with a feather. I figured out the feather but the locked door solution was silly.
The audio version is still worth it though for the amazing comedic performances of the narrator.
Getting rid of Queenie was fine, but Georgie is getting more and more pathetic.
Also, the cozy mystery aspect was a bit weak. I like mysteries where they give the reader clues. The mystery in this one is a locked door story with a feather. I figured out the feather but the locked door solution was silly.
The audio version is still worth it though for the amazing comedic performances of the narrator.
Getting rid of Queenie was fine, but Georgie is getting more and more pathetic.
January 10, 2024
Glad to see this one surround Georgie's mom and Belinda but other than that I wasn't all that interested in the murder. The house party with Georgie's old schoolmate and Belinda's old flame was interesting, I did like the people who were gathered.These books are getting more and more about Nazis and we see WWII coming and I'm not all too excited about that. I'm just so scared for everyone and I don't know if I want this story to go all the way to WWII, I can see everyone still adjusting to the first world war. But on a better note, I am glad Georgie and Darcy are finally tying the knot!
August 10, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Berkley. All opinions stated in this review are entirely my own.*
A great book is a book that makes me crave more. A book that transports me to the setting, and makes me feel as if I am participating in the mystery. On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service was a truly great book.
Georgie was wonderful. It is absolutely wonderful to see how much she’s progressed and matured throughout the series. She’s almost like a different character, but it isn’t bad. It’s wonderful. I really love the other characters, too. Darcy is great, though I wish the whole Georgie/Darcy marriage thing would be resolved soon!
The mystery was excellent, though slightly predictable. It had tons of parts that fit together nicely. The setting was absolutely a joy to read about. I loved the Italian aspect and how it’s incorporated into the entire plotline.
Overall an absolutely standout book in a series that I absolutely love! I can’t wait to see how Ms. Bowen pulls off Georgie and Darcy’s marriage! If you are looking for a series that connects fiction with real events, then the Royal Spyness mysteries are most certainly for you.
A great book is a book that makes me crave more. A book that transports me to the setting, and makes me feel as if I am participating in the mystery. On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service was a truly great book.
Georgie was wonderful. It is absolutely wonderful to see how much she’s progressed and matured throughout the series. She’s almost like a different character, but it isn’t bad. It’s wonderful. I really love the other characters, too. Darcy is great, though I wish the whole Georgie/Darcy marriage thing would be resolved soon!
The mystery was excellent, though slightly predictable. It had tons of parts that fit together nicely. The setting was absolutely a joy to read about. I loved the Italian aspect and how it’s incorporated into the entire plotline.
Overall an absolutely standout book in a series that I absolutely love! I can’t wait to see how Ms. Bowen pulls off Georgie and Darcy’s marriage! If you are looking for a series that connects fiction with real events, then the Royal Spyness mysteries are most certainly for you.
August 8, 2017
Georgie is off the Italy in the spring of 1935. She is going to keep her friend Belinda company until she gives birth to her baby in secret. However, when the Queen finds out about Georgie’s plans, she worms Georgie’s way into a nearby house party to Georgie can learn if the Prince of Wales has secretly married Mrs. Simpson. When Georgie arrives, she finds a strange assortment of guests, which include her mother with another mission for Georgie. Can she accomplish any of it?
I look forward to this series because they are always fun, and this book is no exception. As Georgie is heading out to her ultimate destination, we get updates on everyone in her life. This may slow things down for those new to the series, but fans will absolutely love it. Once we reach Italy, things pick up and get very interesting quickly. I love how the global politics of the day was woven into this book while still giving us an entertaining mystery and keeping the tone light as always.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I look forward to this series because they are always fun, and this book is no exception. As Georgie is heading out to her ultimate destination, we get updates on everyone in her life. This may slow things down for those new to the series, but fans will absolutely love it. Once we reach Italy, things pick up and get very interesting quickly. I love how the global politics of the day was woven into this book while still giving us an entertaining mystery and keeping the tone light as always.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
September 3, 2017
This series falls into the category I think of as palate cleansers between more serious books--light and refreshing. Perhaps I should make a shelf for those.
One has to like Georgie, who earnestly always tries to do the right thing. Though in reduced circumstances despite her royal connections, luckily she has friends who come through for her, and she returns the favor. Even murder seems less terrible in Georgie's world, where victims who get their throats slit or their faces half blown off are somehow distant from, or incidental to, the action.
Nice bit on page 144, where a German general says of Hitler: "He is a brilliant man. He talks and millions follow. He will make Germany great again, you will see." One wonders whether Bowen is having second thoughts about her adopted country.
One has to like Georgie, who earnestly always tries to do the right thing. Though in reduced circumstances despite her royal connections, luckily she has friends who come through for her, and she returns the favor. Even murder seems less terrible in Georgie's world, where victims who get their throats slit or their faces half blown off are somehow distant from, or incidental to, the action.
Nice bit on page 144, where a German general says of Hitler: "He is a brilliant man. He talks and millions follow. He will make Germany great again, you will see." One wonders whether Bowen is having second thoughts about her adopted country.
August 7, 2017
This series is always a solid 3 stars- nothing too deep and the plot is formulaic and fairly predictable, but I just really love them. In this installment, Georgie is sent to the Italian-Swiss border to find out some information for the Queen as she also visits Belinda in her confinement. Of course Darcy and her mother show up, and the mystery is pretty evident halfway through the book. I will continue to go through this series though, because they're so fun.
September 18, 2018
Rounding up from 3.5 stars. A relief to find it’s still a light-reading series that mostly works for me. Though mostly predictable, it’s not so that it makes the reading feel pointless. It’s the kind of series I read for a comfy revisit of the characters, locale, and timeline much more than for the particular story.
August 7, 2017
Very good. Only one quibble and that is that it was too obvious who the villain was too early.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
I loved all the twists and turns as Georgie tries to help her friend Belinda and obey her majesty! So many unexpected and fun and heartwarming developments, But why doens't her mother dump the Nazi???
August 10, 2017
This was my first foray into this fun, well written, and well-developed series; and I must say, can't believe I missed ten 10 previous books! Well at least I can back I start from the beginning. Not to worry if you haven't read any either. Just pick one up and jump right in and join the sleuthing, you won't be lost. In this one, Georgie Rannoch, cousin to the Queen Mother, and 35th in line for the royal Crown, is on several missions. Her best friend, Belinda is hiding out in the Italian country-side because she is with child, i.e pregnant but without husband. Society did not look very fondly on this situation back in the 1930's. Georgie is trying to figure out and way to see Belinda when the Queen asks her to attend a gala party in the, guess where, yes: the Italian Lake Country conveniently near Belinda. The Queen wants to make sure the Prince of Wales is not planning to secretly wed Mrs. Simpson! Meanwhile, Georgie's boyfriend, so to be fiance, once she gets permission to marry him, is on a dangerous undercover mission. Of course, everything that could go wrong will go wrong once Georgie gets to the party. Would this be a fun mystery if it didn't! Add this series to your list. It's wonderful.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher.
September 24, 2018
An entertaining, easy mystery involving a delightful Lady Rannoch who is once again on a secret mission for her majesty. I thoroughly enjoyed the book that I choose because it is a light-read in-between more serious stuff. I was also glad to see a little less of Queenie and liked the Italian setting quite a bit. Unfortunately, I suspected the murderer right away, taking away some of the fun.
This was written recently and took place in the past (1935), but I liked the few hints at the present like #WhyIDidNotReport while still remaining light and gore-free (well mostly, someone just has to die in a mystery :-)
This was written recently and took place in the past (1935), but I liked the few hints at the present like #WhyIDidNotReport while still remaining light and gore-free (well mostly, someone just has to die in a mystery :-)
August 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I didn't feel too lost. I have a few questions about Georgie's family that is presumably answered in earlier books. Read my full review at Girl Who Reads
August 8, 2017
This was one of the most obvious mysteries I've ever read. The maid was clearly the culprit from the beginning. And here's a plot hole, how did the maid know that the wardrobe had a false back, while no one else did?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
3.5 Bowen’s books are always delightful, especially when read between heavier books 💕
May 24, 2024
Book #11
This is one of my favorite go-to series. There is never a dull moment with Georgiana. She is funny, busy, nosey, fearless, and all in between.
I love her relationship with the Queen. I admire all of the characters and their roles in the story.
I'm looking forward to seeing what life has in store for Georgiana in the next book 📖.
This is one of my favorite go-to series. There is never a dull moment with Georgiana. She is funny, busy, nosey, fearless, and all in between.
I love her relationship with the Queen. I admire all of the characters and their roles in the story.
I'm looking forward to seeing what life has in store for Georgiana in the next book 📖.
May 7, 2017
I have just received a free ARC of this book from the publisher through Goodreads. I've read some of the books in the author's The Molly Murphy Series but is the first for me in this series.
Lady Georgiana Rannoch is engaged to Darcy O'Mara. He is Catholic and she is not. She is also 35th in line for the throne so, in order to marry a Catholic, she must get the Queen's OK and permission from Parliament as well as give up her right to the throne. For most Americans this is EYEROLL but for readers of British mysteries it is cool plot beans. When the Queen invites her to tea, Georgie is sure that her marriage will be the topic of conversation but, instead, the Queen asks her to do a little spying for her. The Prince of Wales and his "very good friend" Mrs. Wallis Simpson would be attending a house party in Italy and the Queen is afraid that Mrs. Simpson's divorce may have come through and that the prince may be planning to marry her secretly. Since Darcy is away working undercover on a secret mission and Georgie has a friend in Italy she wanted to visit anyway, the party will not be too far out of the way and a little snooping seems to be the price of getting clearance to marry.
But, when Georgie finally arrives at the house party, it seems that some people are not who they pretend to be and pretty much everyone is up to no good. No one is more surprised than Georgie when her mother shows up at the house party playing the unexpected role of doting Mummy-dearest. When one of the guests is murdered Georgie has to get to the bottom of it, because it is obvious that the bumbling local constabulary can't get to the bottom of anything. Fortunately, only Georgie knows exactly why her mother is the best suspect.
This is book #11 in Her Royal Spyness series. It was a good read, lighter and with more humor than the Molly Murphy series. It seems to me that there was more than adequate background information given to make it unnecessary to read the books in order. However, now I intend to read the earlier books in the series. I took a peek at a few Goodreads reviews of earlier books and noticed negative comments on the progress of the relationship between Georgie and Darcy. That was not an issue in this book because the situation keeps them apart too much to expect their relationship to develop significantly.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. Comparisons can be drawn between Prince Edward's relationship with Mrs. Wallis Simpson and that of our current Prince of Wales with Mrs. Parker Bowles. Similarly, Georgie is puzzled that "a silly little man" in Germany has any followers but she is told that the German people are still bitter about the outcome of WWI and he has promised them that he "will make Germany great again."
Lady Georgiana Rannoch is engaged to Darcy O'Mara. He is Catholic and she is not. She is also 35th in line for the throne so, in order to marry a Catholic, she must get the Queen's OK and permission from Parliament as well as give up her right to the throne. For most Americans this is EYEROLL but for readers of British mysteries it is cool plot beans. When the Queen invites her to tea, Georgie is sure that her marriage will be the topic of conversation but, instead, the Queen asks her to do a little spying for her. The Prince of Wales and his "very good friend" Mrs. Wallis Simpson would be attending a house party in Italy and the Queen is afraid that Mrs. Simpson's divorce may have come through and that the prince may be planning to marry her secretly. Since Darcy is away working undercover on a secret mission and Georgie has a friend in Italy she wanted to visit anyway, the party will not be too far out of the way and a little snooping seems to be the price of getting clearance to marry.
But, when Georgie finally arrives at the house party, it seems that some people are not who they pretend to be and pretty much everyone is up to no good. No one is more surprised than Georgie when her mother shows up at the house party playing the unexpected role of doting Mummy-dearest. When one of the guests is murdered Georgie has to get to the bottom of it, because it is obvious that the bumbling local constabulary can't get to the bottom of anything. Fortunately, only Georgie knows exactly why her mother is the best suspect.
This is book #11 in Her Royal Spyness series. It was a good read, lighter and with more humor than the Molly Murphy series. It seems to me that there was more than adequate background information given to make it unnecessary to read the books in order. However, now I intend to read the earlier books in the series. I took a peek at a few Goodreads reviews of earlier books and noticed negative comments on the progress of the relationship between Georgie and Darcy. That was not an issue in this book because the situation keeps them apart too much to expect their relationship to develop significantly.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. Comparisons can be drawn between Prince Edward's relationship with Mrs. Wallis Simpson and that of our current Prince of Wales with Mrs. Parker Bowles. Similarly, Georgie is puzzled that "a silly little man" in Germany has any followers but she is told that the German people are still bitter about the outcome of WWI and he has promised them that he "will make Germany great again."
February 13, 2021
I have been a fan of Georgie since book 1 - Her Royal Spyness!
Georgie and Darcy are waiting for Royal permission to marry - as Georgie is 35th in line to the throne she needs permission from the King to marry. Added to the problem is the fact that Darcy is Catholic - a no no as far as the British are concerned.
So in before she approves the wedding, the Queen sends Georgie to Italy to spy on her cousin Bertie and that awful woman Mrs Simpson. Of course while she is there Murder happens - so Georgie needs to find out who the murderer is, why they did it, stay alive and guard the Prince from scandal.
All in a days work!
Georgie and Darcy are waiting for Royal permission to marry - as Georgie is 35th in line to the throne she needs permission from the King to marry. Added to the problem is the fact that Darcy is Catholic - a no no as far as the British are concerned.
So in before she approves the wedding, the Queen sends Georgie to Italy to spy on her cousin Bertie and that awful woman Mrs Simpson. Of course while she is there Murder happens - so Georgie needs to find out who the murderer is, why they did it, stay alive and guard the Prince from scandal.
All in a days work!
September 5, 2017
I have only recently discovered Rhys Bowen. I knew of her as an author, but I had not read any of her books. This was my second book by her, but the first in this series.
I loved the whole conceptual idea of this series. Fictional characters placed and set in real life events with real life people. A great cozy mystery set in the early set during the Hitler/Mussolini pre-war era with a little romance, scandal and lots of royalty.
As I said this was my first book in this series and I am so sad that I haven't been following it all along.
Guess I have some additional reading to do! Look out tumbling TBR pile!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I loved the whole conceptual idea of this series. Fictional characters placed and set in real life events with real life people. A great cozy mystery set in the early set during the Hitler/Mussolini pre-war era with a little romance, scandal and lots of royalty.
As I said this was my first book in this series and I am so sad that I haven't been following it all along.
Guess I have some additional reading to do! Look out tumbling TBR pile!
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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