We Three Queens

Her Royal Spyness #18

by Rhys Bowen

New mother Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannoch finds herself trying to separate fact from fiction when a murder occurs while a film is being made on the grounds of her estate in a new Royal Spyness Mystery from beloved bestselling author Rhys Bowen.It's late 1936, and King Edward is in turmoil, having fallen in love with the scandalously divorced and even more scandalously American Wallis Simpson. He wants to marry her but knows that doing so will jeopardize his crown. Edward confides in his dear friend Darcy, Georgie's husband, and the couple agree to hide Wallis in their home while Edward figures out what to do. But unbeknownst to Georgie and Darcy, Sir Hubert, the owner of the estate, has given a film crew permission to shoot a motion picture about Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn on the grounds. Trying to keep Mrs. Simpson hidden while raising a newborn baby seems like it couldn't be any more stressful for the Rannochs, until one of the stars of the film is found murdered on set. Georgie must solve the murder for king and country before scandal threatens to envelop them all.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

I'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

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Georgiana is enjoying her new life as a mother, but she is about to be besieged by guests. First comes Wallis Simpson at the request of King Edward while he tries to figure out how he can marry her. Then comes Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law as they look for a school for their son. Finally, Sir Hubert returns home with a film crew in tow. They want to feature the estate in a film about Henry the VIII. Unfortunately, not long after the film crew arrives someone vanishes. Can Georgie figure out what is happening?

Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a long time for anything to happen. The three storylines didn’t relate to one another and the first two were very predictable. It took FOREVER to get a body, nearly 3/4 into the book. And the suspects weren’t developed until late in the game. I know more about what everyone ate for dinner than the side characters’ motivations. Mrs Simpson was hardly in it, especially for the way she’s mentioned in the description.
These main characters are so likable, I’d still recommend it even though the pacing was bad. I’m a fan of the series but not so much of this book. I’m curious to see how the series will continue after cousin David’s abdication as we hurtle toward WWII.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Dotti · Rating 2 out of 5]

To date, I have read eighteen Royal Spyness novels. Eighteen novels of quirky, silly Georgie and her lovely Darcy, falling in love and solving mysteries. I have watched her go from a silly young royal dressing in a maid’s costume to solve a mystery, to a young mother married in the countryside. I have witnessed murder upon murder, mystery upon mystery, hijinks galore.

This book, quite frankly, was a mess.

I can’t imagine Bowen expected that she would be writing this many books, because the current setting of the book is far more serious than the general tone. Germany is falling to fascism, war is looming, and we face the abdication of King David over Wallace Simpson. The series, originally filled with flapper dresses and silly costumes, has been forced into a level of seriousness that does not fit with the levity of the character.

The mystery itself was also a mess. At about the 20% point, we have three separate sets of guests staying at the house—Wallace Simpson, hiding from the British press; Georgie’s brother and his family, touring local boarding schools; and a full film crew, using the castle as a setting for a movie about the first two wives of Henry XIII. There are three separate mysteries (two disappearances and a murder) that all need to be resolved at various points in the story and make the pacing feel disjointed. Bowen could have pared down the story to just the film crew and had a much better story; instead, we have a murder that happens at the cusp of the third act, which feels far too late.

A large part of the fun of these books are Georgie’s hijinks, and she has none of them. Instead, she has a tremendous amount of stress from internal forces. All I wanted was for her to be climbing a bannister, but now Georgie would see it as too improper, or a danger to her family, or something.

Bowen impresses upon us constantly that Georgie is ~not like other moms, she’s a cool mom~. She does a ton of things that are completely unrealistic for noble-born mothers in that era, because Bowen believes that her audience would be upset about Georgie’s behaviors if she acted with the distance of a early 20th century woman. But honestly, all I wanted was for Georgie to have some fun, silly adventures while the nanny watched the baby for a bit. Instead, we got an anxious mother who spent all of her time paying attention to her baby instead of solving mysteries.

This was not Bowen’s finest work. I hope she can turn it around for the next book, but if they keep this up, I’ll have to say goodbye to Georgie for good—and reread the first books again instead.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness series is a delightful blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery, enhanced by the engaging banter and chemistry between Georgie and her dashing husband - Darcy O’Mara. Their witty exchanges are one of the standout features of the series, infusing a touch of romance into the overarching mystery. In her latest installment, We Three Queens, Bowen continues this winning formula, setting the story against the backdrop of one of Britain’s most tumultuous historical periods—the abdication crisis. This novel masterfully weaves together some real events with not one, but two captivating fictional mysteries. Yes, I said TWO.

I adore Bowen’s signature combination of sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and well-developed characters. We Three Queens is a real page-turner that’s hard to put down; each chapter left me eagerly anticipating the next. (Oh, why do I have to sleep?) While Bowen skillfully incorporates royal historical figures, it's the fictional characters who truly shine in this narrative. With such a rich cast and great storytelling, I find myself already longing for the next book. I miss the days when two books were released each year. However, I fully understand the challenges of that pace and Bowen’s desire to write other books.

==============
I am currently listening to the Audible book, but Goodreads wants it to be 2013 again. For several of the audiobooks I have listened to this year, there has been no option to select audiobook. I’m not happy. I am happy to listen to this book.

[Natalia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgie is settling in as a new mother when she gets asked for a favor by the King (her cousin). She’s asked to host Wallis Simpson at her home while he awaits the decision if they can marry. Georgie reluctantly agrees, but meanwhile Sir Hubert invites some Hollywood people to film at the home. Of course, Fig and Binky arrive unannounced, making for a an upheaval that Georgie didn’t want. Add in a murder and she has quite the surprise she didn’t want. It’s nice seeing Georgie and Darcy being married and now parents. Georgie has certainly come a long way. As always these books are like catching up with old friends. With Hitler on the horizon and Georgie’s mum being in Germany…..I wonder if we’ll get more stories?

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Georgie and Darcy are happily settled in at Eynsleigh, content to spend time with their new son. Georgie stays home to run the house and care for the baby while Darcy must pop up to London to the office now and again. When he returns home late one night, he has a request- not make that a royal command! Georgie's cousin David, now King Edward VIII, has a crisis on his hands. He means to marry Mrs. Simpson one way or another, even if it means giving up the throne. (GASP!) The King plans to announce his relationship with the American divorcee to the media and when that happens, Wallis will be hunted by the press and the public. Georgie's royal cousin would like to send his lover to Eyesleigh to hide out with Georgie and Darcy until the crisis reaches a peak. Surely it won't take long for the people to pressure Parliament to sanction the marriage? Georgie has news too. Her ghastly sister-in-law Fig has written to say they are arriving uninvited at the same time Mrs. Simpson is due to arrive. Georgie figures having Mrs. Simpson in the house will keep Fig from being too haughty but it is rather a lot of people. To add to the full house, Sir Hubert returns home with an announcement: a Hollywood film crew is coming to film a movie on the grounds of Eynesleigh! (Did he mention they're paying?) They'll just be outside and only for a day or two, no trouble at all. No trouble? With Mrs. Simpson in residence? Wallis does nothing but complain and then disappears without a trace. Where could she have gone in the middle of the night/very early morning, especially without all her things? Is she all right? Georgie's niece Addy enjoys being a part of the film. It's all fun and games until Addy decides she's done but then they discover the lead child actress is also nowhere to be found! Could someone have abducted both Mrs. Simpson and the girl? No, it's not possible. Where could they be? The search for the missing girl leads to a grisly discovery- one of the actresses from the film has turned up murdered. She indicated she grew up in the area. Could there be some local connection? Are the disappearances and murder connected? Then Georgie's mother turns up hoping to be hired for the film! Will she finally stick around in England or return home to Max?

I hate to say it but this story was very disappointing. I don't know how to rate it. I put off reading the book because I feared there would be too much baby, but I missed Georgie and I was hoping to see Wallis Simpson and Mummy Claire go toe to toe again. That's always amusing. There's no real mystery here. Halfway through the book there are two disappearances, both of which are obvious and not much of a mystery. They're resolved too quickly. First Georgie and Darcy are worried sick about Wallis and then they decide they don't give a care because she's an adult free to go as she wishes. UM OK. Why they didn't think to check where she MIGHT be in the first place, I don't know because that's what I would have done. "Where's David? What's he doing now? Surely Mrs. Simpson must have run off to be with him?" is the correct question to ask. Do that first, run around like mad after if the answer is in his bed sleeping alone, speaking to the media, doing his duty as King, riding with his nieces, etc. He's the King, someone has to know where he is at all times. Ask HIM where his lover is! If this is supposed to be the central mystery, it's not because we all know what happened. I think everyone reading this book KNOWS that. I think literally everyone knows that anyway! (Maybe not Harry?) The murder doesn't occur until 3/4 of the way through the book. Georgie asks a few questions, gets the PUBLIC involved in a murder investigation and then solves it. What the heck? The murderer isn't even IN the story at all!

And yes, there's too much baby. It's all about what a good mother Georgie is by our modern standards vs. Fig who is stuck in the Victorian era. Georgie is loving, she feeds the baby herself and brings him downstairs to be with her all day. Her maid, Maisie, does double duty and handles the unsavory parts of having a baby. Gee Georgie. You can't pick and choose how you want to parent your baby. Dirty nappies come with the territory. Darcy has grown staid now he's a father. While Georgie insists he'd hate being tied down to a desk job, it sure sounds like that's what he's doing! He's drawing a salary and has to go to London to the office. That sure sounds like a 9-5 day job to me. He may get sent out on assignments once in awhile and he insists he won't have to go to war if it comes to that. Darcy would be more useful to "them" behind the scenes at home. So that relieves my mind anyway.

We still have to worry about Mummy though. Claire is a narcissist who can't be made to see reason. She needs to be worshipped and adored, spoiled and pampered. She bolted because Georgie's dad expected her to be a traditional wife and stay in Scotland while he went off to Monte Carlo -solo! I TOTALLY get her on that one and don't blame her but she left Georgie alone and lonely. Ergo, Georgie is determined to bring her son up differently. I don't know why Georgie bothers trying to convince her mother to return to England to stay. We know the situation in Germany is becoming dangerous and she just shrugs it off because she is who she is. I did think Claire was coming around in the last book but here she's back to her old self.

Fig is GHASTLY - more than usual- but also sympathetic at times. Personally, I'm with Fig. Keep those brats in the nursery and away from me most of the time thank you. Binky spends an hour a day playing with the kids (mainly Podge) and that's a lot more or as much as most dads up to the present generation. (Of course we had weekends and vacations to spend more time with our dads). Binky seems like a good, loving father. Fig is just AWFUL to him. She makes it clear she married him for the social climbing reasons and/or because she thought she could "fix" Binky. Girls - don't marry a "fixer upper." Binky is fine the way he is. He's not too sharp but that's OK. He's kind, caring and good with his children. Fig is rude, condescending and dismissive of her own husband and his family. Only HER family matters. HER son will follow in HER father's/grandfather's/etc. footsteps and join the army. Nevermind the fact little Podge takes after Binky. Podge is sweet, sensitive and creative. He won't last a minute at military style boarding school. It's a good thing Binky is the one taking Podge to look at schools and they seem to feel the same way about the same schools. (NOT the one Fig would like. Is that a school or a prison?)

Fig all but ignores Addy unless it's convenient for her. Addy was a little bratty when we last saw her but she's still very young and at the age where she says what she's thinking and feeling. She's in awe of the famous movie star come to film a movie about the wives of Henry VIII. She doesn't know who Henry VIII was let alone his wives and daughters but she sees princess and like most girls of 6 is all "OMG PRINCESS!" Addy is happy to dress up like a princess and play pretend for a bit. Nanny worries a lot about little Addy getting cold and Fig doesn't give a care if Addy is making money. Nanny seems like a good woman- wise and sensible. Fig wants Podge to go to school nearby and when it's Addy's turn, she can go to a girls' school near Georgie too. That way the children can spend their holidays with their auntie and uncle and little cousin. The nerve of that woman! She invites them all to come stay without checking to see if it's convenient and then plans to invade Georgie and Darcy's home in the future. It's not even their property! Shouldn't she ask Sir H first? Or ask Georgie to ask Sir H? I expected Fig to be snotty to Wallis Simpson, an American, a divorcee, a social climber and an immoral woman. Wallis is everything Fig hates. YET Fig is in awe of the fashionable, glamorous American and is unusually silent around Wallis. Fig ends up with a personality transplant at the end of the novel and is more empathetic than we've ever seen her. Who knew she had emotions? Or is she just playing in hopes of ingratiating herself with someone she thinks has money or will give her money? Or is Fig pretending so the other woman acts like a drama queen and Addy gets the role in the absence of the child actress?

Why is everyone around Georgie so selfish? She wants Granddad to stay but he leaves because he doesn't want to be around fancy folk and knows Fig doesn't care for him. Sure don't stay and allow yourself to be bullied by a younger woman who isn't even related to you. That's his right he's earned at his age. BUT Georgie wants him to stay. She needs him. She needs someone sane and someone she cares about with her during this difficult time. He could have stayed and he could have stood up to Fig. Actually Georgie should do it. Granddad is a hero! Who do you think kept the streets of London safe? I already discussed how Georgie's Mummy is a narcissist, her brother is a coward and mild mannered and now Sir Hubert doesn't ASK if it's Ok for a film crew to come. Yes it's his house but basically Georgie and Darcy are the tenants and it should be up to them. The filming interrupts their routine. They have a new baby and two large puppies who don't understand that not all humans want to be greeted with muddy paws and slurpy kisses. Holly and Jolly have to be shut up which isn't fair to them. Yes they could use the money for the farm but still, Sir H could have asked and could have given advance warning of WHO he was bringing home. He's too nice. He flirts with one of the actresses and allows the cast and crew to encroach on private property and private time. If I were Georgie, I would have taken the baby and gone home with Granddad or better yet informed my cousin the king he was paying for me, the baby and Granddad to go on vacation in the south of France while Sir H entertained the film crew and Wallis moped in her room.

At least Darcy is sweet and supportive. There's more love making (off page) and he's happy working as a farmer and at his day job with the government. He loves Georgie very much. They have a cute, fun relationship. I always enjoy Queenie and finally Georgie has come to terms with the fact Queenie doesn't WANT to learn to be a proper maid. Queenie is good in the kitchen and the temperamental French chef seems to like her. Queenie gets annoying because she's star struck and stalks the stars around the estate but she's always funny and we learn the chef has picked up some of Queenie's expressions. Lana Lovett, one of the two leading ladies, is not super nice. Addy complains about her. I get the impression Lana wants to be THE star and not share the spotlight. I don't think she likes her co-star very much. Gloria Bishop seems to have a nicer personality. English by birth, from nearby somewhere, she's torn between love for her career now and memories of the past which seem to haunt her. Her childhood is long in the past and now she has to focus on the movie but she seems distracted somehow. Grant Hathaway is a slimy pig who needs a hat pin in his hand and a kick between the legs. He even sexually harasses a CHILD actress! She's not legal! He gets fresh with Georgie, his hostess, a happily married woman and new mother, in front of her husband. Oh ew! Grant has been typecast as Henry VIII for sure. He brings up a totally period incorrect discussion on #MeToo and just say NO and call him out. Sure that will work in the 1930s... It doesn't work now does it?

Wallis Simpson is portrayed as a scheming social climber who slept her way to the top. Here she's also unpleasant to be around, demanding, rude and longs to be queen. YET she's learning that maybe what she wished for isn't all it's cracked up to be. Does she want to be Queen still? She did marry her man even without the coronation so I hope she did love him. In this novel, David is portrayed as a whiny, clingy boy who is happy to allow Wallis to boss him around. [Toss in the story we all know about the nasty nanny]. He's indecisive about what to do and is a sad drunk. Nora is Cy's secretary and the one trying to make sure everything runs smoothly. She seems to have an unpleasant personality and fits the profile of murderer precisely. It's always the quiet assistants who snap.

Rosie Trapp is a child actress, I thought at first based on Shirley Temple, but she's a rival to Shirley. Or at least her mother thinks so. Mrs. Trapp thinks little Rosie will be the NEXT Shirley Temple and is the greatest actress that ever lived. Rosie (Addie) seemed like she was a sweet kid but is now overly precocious and too self-aware. Her mother has given her an ego but also taken away the girl's childhood. Part of Rosie just wants to be a normal girl and go see the animals on the farm. Her mother treats her as too precious to lead a normal life and even recruits Georgie's niece to be Rosie's stand-in because Rosie can't possibly stand around outside so long. She'll catch cold! (But it's OK for Addy!) When Rosie goes missing, Mrs. Trapp is frantic with worry. She does seem to love her child but her obsession with gangsters following them and kidnapping her kid is bizarre. How would they get into the country unnoticed and how would they even get into the estate? It's very weird to jump right to gangsters. I would have thought she wandered off, got cold and is lost in the woods somewhere. Part of me believes the mother's worry but the other, cynical part of me thinks the mother puts too much emphasis on the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and may use that fear to her advantage to create publicity for her kid. I sure hope the girl is all right and the mother isn't such a wacko as to kidnap her own daughter for publicity. Dorothy Hart, teen sensation, is playing Mary Tudor. Dorothy seems like a nice young lady. She's wistful and misses her old life as a normal girl. She didn't HAVE to go to work to help her family but her acting gets the family nice things they didn't have before, like a swimming pool, and she does seem to enjoy those perks. She doesn't enjoy being harassed by a creepy adult male. Who would? Where is her mother?

Jacob and Donnie, laborers on the estate, are starstruck but not as bad as Queenie. They're excited to take roles in the film - they'll be paid, of course. Both were orphaned at a young age and have had tough lives. They're housemates and seem to get along well. Yet at some point Jacob begins acting strange, hiding away from everyone. Is he really just sick or is there another reason he doesn't want to see anyone? I suspect he has a reason and it has to do with the film cast or crew. He seems too nice to be a murderer and why would he kill a stranger, an actress he only just met?

This story is so disjointed. There's no mystery, no suspects, no clues until the very end. I'm skipping the next one. It's all about the evil nanny. UGH. Can we go back to Georgie sleuthing and Queenie tagging along please?

Now, for the fictional characters. None of them are particularly likable. Cy Marvin, the director, is tough. He only cares about his movie, how much money they're wasting and getting the actors to do their job correctly the first time. That makes sense, that's his job, but he's not nice about it. He's a tyrant. I was surprised he wasn't killed.

[LeahBethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounding up! I love this series, and We Three Queens was another delightful installment. The kidnapping and murder were fairly easy to figure out, but let’s be honest—I'm mostly here for Georgiana and Darcy!

[Sharon Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Georgie Rannoch since her first appearance, and found this to be a delightful addition. I always look forward to the latest of her adventures, and felt this was among the better ones. As far as ongoing characters are concerned, it definitely helps to have some familiarity with the series to have a sense of everyone's relationships, but like most in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

At this point, Georgie and Darcy are living with their infant son on Georgie's stepfather's estate. They are asked by Georgie's cousin, David, aka King Edward to hide his paramour Wallis Simpson (yes, that Wallis Simpson) for a few days while he awaits Parliament's decision as to whether they can be wed. Not a fan of Mrs, Simpson, they begrudgingly agree. But soon, they are joined, uninvited, by Georgie's brother, whom she likes, and sister-in-law Fig, with whom there is mutual dislike, and their two small children. Sir Hubert, the owner of the estate announces that he is coming home (yay!) and decides to bring a film crew with him (surprise!) as they are filming a movie about Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, and would love to film it on his property. Trying to keep Mrs. Simpson's presence a secret only becomes more and more challenging!

As if that wasn't enough, there is a kidnapping or two, and of course, a murder, to propel this charming mystery.

In all, this is one of the series that I very much enjoyed, and will definitely recommend.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series just gets sillier and sillier.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different one. The murder mystery didn't start until there were just over 100 pages to go, but boy did a lot take place. Georgie is enjoying a quiet peaceful life raising her baby boy in her country home. Darcy arrives after a summons from the king saying that Edward VIII is going to make the news of his affair with Wallis Simpson public and he wants her to stay with them in hiding while he breaks the news. Shortly after she arrives Binky Fig and their children arrive as they are looking for a boarding school for their son Podge. Then to make things even more farcical Sir Hubert arrives and announces they are going to be filming a movie about Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon at the house, a wildly inaccurate film at that. Soon the house is taken over by Hollywood types. In the middle of this Mrs. Simpson vanishes and not long after the child playing Elizabeth I as a girl also disappears followed quickly by the arrival of Georgie's mother. Once the kidnapping gets resolved the actress playing Catherine of Aragon is found dead in the woods while Georgie and Darcy are out walking their dogs. As I said even with the murder taking place so late there is a lot happening here enough to keep the reading engaged. Even though she featured prominently in the book description Mrs. Simpson is hardly here and her vanishing is for selfish reasons. I enjoyed seeing Podge and Addy more as they become more well rounded characters instead of just briefly seen or only spoken about. I did think some parts were a bit off. Like Georgie who was in the line of succession not knowing how the line of succession works. What happens to the monarchy if he abdicates? She asks Darcy. As if she wouldn't know. Maybe the books are trying to teach an audience that knows little about the royals but it would've been better asked if say little Addy had asked since I can't believe Georgie wouldn't know the throne would be passed onto Bertie especially given her relationship with Queen Mary and I'm pretty sure it was spoken about in previous books. It just seemed an odd thing to say and maybe she meant how would the monarchy survive the crisis and I'm reading too much into it. I also found it odd that she knew about the Lindbergh kidnapping but thought it was an unsolved crime. I'm sure if she knew that baby was taken and killed that she most likely would've at the very least have heard about Hauptmann's trial. But aside from these quibbles I did enjoy the book. It ends with the abdication and also some hints about where the series could go if we end up in WWII like the roles of Darcy and Georgie's mother that'll be interesting to see played out.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's actually three mysteries in this one, making it especially interesting, even though it's set completely at their estate. I like how this book brought the series full circle with Queen Mary and Lady Georgiana, but also left open the possibility of many more potential books as the UK entered a new era.

[Katie Storer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

What a surprise. This book started out feeling a bit formulaic. It had me worried. I didn’t want to feel bored … like this was becoming the same old/same old tale. As usual, the main characters, and the new ones introduced to us were lovable/extremely interesting/aggravating, and there was one character I hoped would be the murder victim.

I love that we get to see Georgie nursing her son. All her uppity friends and family warn her that it will ruin her figure…but she has decided to be a hands-on mom and relish the closeness she is building with her child. There is no preaching by the author, but every once-in-a-while, she adds little tidbits that absolutely makes the story, and characters, taste rich and comforting. It is always these bits which make this series feel new and real.

Georgie, Darby, and everyone else tries to convince Georgie’s mom that she shouldn’t go back to Germany with her millionaire fiancé. He is friends with Hitler and everyone “loves her”. She turns a blind eye toward the Hitler’s vile practices and thinks life in Germany will always be pleasant. Real world history mixes very well with these fictional characters.

I cannot wait to see what has to Georgie and Darby next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should be 3 stars as the murder takes place at 74% in the book. It’s also very different than how the summery makes it out to be. But I do love these characters so I bumped it up a Star.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this series and how we learn history through Lady Georgia's relations.
She is the daughter of a Duke, so cousin to the King. It is 1936 and Georgie and Darcy and baby James are living in the estate of Sir Hubert, which Georgie will inherit. They have little money, though Darcy is now working for the government. The home farm is being developed so they are growing their food and making some money. They have hired 3 farm hands, which will become crucial to the plot.
Meanwhile King Edward has asked them to hide Wallis Simpson as he tries to get Parliament to approve his marriage.
Next George's brother The Duke and his wife and children turn up.
Then Sir Hubert comes home from his travels, bringing along a Hollywood director who plans to film there.
Last but not least, George's mother shows up, and she is still planning on marrying her German fiancée though Darcy tries to convince her not to return to Germany.
So, there is a huge cast of characters and Georgie must deal with it all while nursing the baby, planning the meals, and putting up with her sister-in-law, Fig.
The books are always told from George's point of view and I find them quite humorous for murder mysteries. The murder comes quite late in the book, and I was wondering who the victim was going to be.
I find the core characters to be comforting including Queenie and Grandad, and I will continue reading as long as the series continues. I am wondering how Bowen will deal with the war. She has already shown how the King and Wallis admire the Nazi's, so I imagine the next book will have the abdication.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review, which this indeed is. Do start from the beginning.

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one, the eighteenth in an overall fantastic series, does come up a little short. Still entertaining but the plot was lacking. It’s more of a checkin with various characters, especially new parents Georgie and Darcy and what their life looks like now, than any type of murder or mystery story. Any crime and/or commotion is scattered, stumbling in bits and starts, and comes incredibly late in the overall arc. In the end it’s a stepping stone to a few real historical events, keeping the fictional characters placed precisely where they may need to be for future accuracy. Amusing and charming but not one of the stronger books in the Royal Spyness collection.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars mainly because I love these cozy historical mysteries due to Lady Georgiana and her cast of characters that enhance true history. However I agree with others as far as the pacing of this story.

The good parts: a more natural and less stilted relationship between husband and wife. Darcy had a much more active roll. I LOVE to listen to these books on audible and I must say, Jasmine Blackborrow’s narration is now on par for the much beloved narrator, Katherine Kelgrin who sadly passed away and left us all bereft. Jasmine had some pretty big shoes to fill and she has succeeded! Queenie and many of Georgie’s family return. I’m hoping that Georgie and Darcy will become more of a team of mystery solvers in future books of this series. Great title in light of the Christmas season release.

The not so good parts: the story drags for 3/4 of the book with most of the mystery (there’s more than one in this book), the murder, and the actual history of cousin David. In fact, I was rather surprised that the “American Divorcee” was relegated to her room very early on in the story. It was a bit confounding in light of the time in history. So much so that the historical part of this book truly only took place in name only in the beginning and then brought back at the end of the book.

Still, I will definitely read more of these books as the characters have become “friends” that I will truly miss.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read but this one felt like three different stories plunked together.

[Randee Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgie and Darcy are settling into life as new parents, but their home life is anything but peaceful thanks to an invasion of unwanted houseguests. Their first houseguest is the infamous Wallis Simpson. Years ago, Georgie was tasked by the former King and Queen of England to spy on their son’s relationship with the American divorcée. Cousin David is now the King of England, and he’s determined to make Wallis his queen. While Parliament decides the fate of his personal relationship, the King sends Wallis to stay with his “favorite” cousin. Wallis does not like being stuck at some country estate and is making everyone miserable. Georgie’s easy-going half-brother, insufferable sister-in-law, and their two-children show up for an unexpected visit while they search for boarding schools for the children. Georgie’s narcissistic mother also pops in for a visit while her German boyfriend is meeting with important people in London. And then there’s Sir Hubert—Georgie’s former stepfather who owns the estate when she and Darcy live. Sir Hubert is usually off climbing mountains, but he’s back for a visit along with an American film crew. Wallis and the movie’s child star both disappear in what are probably unconnected events, and then one of the leading actresses is murdered. It’s up to Georgie and Darcy to investigate.

I’ve read all eighteen novels in the Royal Spyness series, and WE THREE QUEENS is not one of my favorites. The story was disjointed with multiple different plotlines—some of which loosely tied in together. There were a lot of mundane activities taking place to keep the plot lumbering along but did little to add to any of the three separate mysteries. The outcome to the disappearance of Wallis Simpson was easy to determine based on the historical timeline of her relationship with King Edward VIII. The child star’s “kidnapping” was also fairly obvious, but a good deal of the novel was spent looking for the child. The aftermath of the kidnapping was rather disappointing. The only real mystery in the novel was the murder of one of the leading actresses. The murder took place very late in the novel, was quickly solved without much of an investigation, and seemed more like an afterthought. It would have made more sense for the murder to take place earlier in the novel because it would have allowed for an extended investigation and would have added more drama to the separate disappearances of Wallis Simpson and the actress. It’s the slow buildup to the outbreak of World War II and the impending danger that Georgie’s mother faces if she remains in Germany that really keeps the overall story moving.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Oct. 1936 and Lady Georgie is enjoying her quiet life at home in the country being a wife and new mother. Of course that peace is soon shattered by the arrival of the dreaded Wallis Simpson; imperious Fig, guileless Binky, and their kids Podge, and Addy; an American film company; Georgie's naïve mother; and a murder!

How did this chaos ensue? First, new King VIII needs a place where Mrs. Simpson can stay out of sight of the press while Parliament decides if the he can marry her. He naturally imposes on his easy-going cousin, Lady Georgie.

Fig and Binky's son Podge is nearing boarding school age, so they need place to stay while searching for a suitable school, preferably one that's near relatives he can impose on, uh, visit during the school holidays. They extend their stay far longer than the few days Fig suggests when informing Georgie of their visit. After all, Eysnleigh Manor in Sussex is much more hospitable than Rannoch Castle in Scotland during the winter!

Sir Hubert, Georgie's godfather and master of Eysnleigh Manor, stops in Hollywood, CA on his way home from his usual adventures abroad and invites a film crew to shoot some outdoor scenes of a Henry VIII movie at the manor. Naturally, the arrangement evolves from outdoor-shooting only, to interior shooting, to actors and crew all over the house.

Of course, the presence of Mrs. Simpson is a trial, especially since she needs avoid being seen by outsiders. Combined with the imperious presence of Fig, the two are a social/houseguest nightmare. Add American actors who are in awe of royals and Queenie, Georgie's inept and star-struck maid, and chaos is sure to ensue – and it does, much to the amusement of the reader.

As a long-time fan of this series, I could hardly wait to see what Queenie would to do Mrs. Simpson, Fig, or both, let alone the American film stars. Watching Georgie try to deal with the chaos while solving a kidnapping and a murder makes the book compelling.

In addition to the situational humour, I really enjoyed seeing how Bowen dealt with the long-awaited abdication of King Edward VIII. Since the series began with Lady Georgie spying on the then Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson at the behest of Queen Mary, I wonder how the "Royal Spyness" aspect of the series will continue now that the need to observe the progression of Edward and Mrs. Simpson's relationship has presumably ended. Will Lady Georgie be expected to keep eye on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in exile? They are, after all Nazi sympathizers. The series shows no sign of ending soon so we only have to wait a year to find out!

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Another stellar entry in the Royal Spyness series, featuring Lady Georgianna, who used to be (eventually) in line for the throne before she renounced upon marrying her commoner husband Darcy. Georgie is a great character, forthright, grounded, and unusual for her time.

It's 1936. Georgie and her husband Darcy, a sort of spy for the British government, are settled into the castle home of her once stepfather Lord Hubert with their baby son James. Georgie's cousin David is now King but what the British public doesn't yet know is that he is in love with a divorcee and willing to abdicate if he is not allowed to marry her. Meanwhile there are great rumblings in Europe where Hitler is in power and where Georgie's flaky mother is engaged to marry a rich German industrialist who is a Nazi sympathizer.

Their family peace and quiet is disturbed when the King asks Darcy to shelter his lady friend from the press and public scrutiny. Since she is demanding and snobbish and nasty, they are less than thrilled, but when the King asks, you don't say no. She arrives in the middle of the night with a mountain of luggage and a bad attitude.

Meanwhile, Georgie's brother and his unpleasant wife show up with their kids for a visit so they can ostensibly check out schools for her nephew. Georgie is pretty sure they mostly want to escape the bitter Scottish winter where they live.

As if this wasn't enough, Lord Hubert returns home after having invited a movie film crew to do some filming on location. Amidst all the acrimony, the child star of the movie is possibly kidnapped, the King's lady love disappears, and it isn't long before a dead body is discovered.

Georgie and Darcy cope, as always, with calm, logic, humor and an occasional glimpse of Queen Victoria's steely attitude (she was Georgie's great something grandmother). It's all great fun and highly entertaining. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn again. I keep reading the next book in the series hoping it will be better than the last. The whole series is starting to feel like a series of recycled storylines:
Queenie does something inappropriate but no one really cares because *shrug* it’s Queenie and no one else will tolerate her. Fig and Binky show up uninvited and everyone is biding their time and barely tolerant of one another. “Mummy” pops in for her book cameo so we can hear that nothing has changed and she is still self-centered and not understanding the situation in Germany. The grandfather who has some character is also relegated to a cameo before he runs off to escape the drama of the aristocracy. Georgie is summoned by the Queen. Sadly this could be a review for any of the books in the series.

This one had potential but it took 100 pages before anything happened and then it was too “busy” with multiple unrelated storylines. Even the twist got shortchanged and was far more interesting than the bulk of the story. Potential that once again falls short.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came very late to this series, as far as my records show having read only the most recent three (this is No. 18) - but better late than never, as the old saying goes. I've found the books fascinating, which says a lot because I'm a fan of neither historical novels nor, for the most part, cozy mysteries. This one, I'm happy to say, is delightful as well.

The star of the show, Lady Georiana Rannoch, is a cousin of the King of England - who happens to be that guy who abandoned the throne to marry the [older] woman of his dreams. Perhaps that's partly the attraction for me; I was born roughly four years after he abdicated and remember hearing the story later from my parents, who of course lived through it all (probably listening to the news on the upright radio on which my dad and I also listened to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights). Anyway, I remember what a scandal it caused here in the States, so it was extra fun to learn that the woman in question - Wallace Simpson - plays a role here when King Edward asks Georgie and her hunky husband, agent Darcy O'Mara, to keep her hidden at Eynsleigh, the huge estate that will one day belong to Georgie.

What Georgie and Darcy learn after the fact, though, is that Sir Hubert, the current owner of the estate, has offered up the grounds as a setting for some scenes of a Hollywood movie. Needless to say, Wallis is frantic because she doesn't want to be found (and also because all the servants will not be at her beck and call), the servants are frantic because they're being commandeered into unbargained-for service and Georgie is frantic because all the house routines are being turned upside down just as she's trying to deal with a still-nursing infant son. On top of that, she's worried about her mother, who's in Germany making google eyes at one of Hitler's top officers and refuses to believe that either of them are anything other than nice guys.

Just as it seems they may achieve some semblance of order, things take a turn for the worse; Georgie's sister, her husband and two kids come for a long visit and the child-star actress in the film suddenly goes missing. The search for the young girl takes up a good bit of the book until yet another tragedy strikes - one of the cast of characters is murdered. This time, Darcy turns to his government employer for professional assistance, while Georgie puts some of her own investigative talents to work.

All told, it's another fun look at life in mid-1930s England. Since it's closing in on the start of World War II - and Georgie's mother has just gone back to Germany - I'm wondering how the next installment can avoid taking a darker turn. Well, guess I'll have to wait and see. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this one.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal Spyness #18 continues the series in good form. Lady Georgiana have produced a son, James Albert and are happily settling into country life at her godfather Sir Hubert’ estate in Sussex with Darcy popping to do his secret whatever he does, when their serene life explodes in unwanted guests and turmoil. First Georgie’s cousin, Davis/King Edward is foisting Wallis Simpson on them to hide her from the public as he fights Parliament and the Church of England to marry a twice divorced American woman. Then Georgie gets a not from her imperious sister-in-law Fig informing her that she and Georgie’s brother Binky and their children are descending on them for a week or two while they look at boarding schools for seven year old Podge. It never rains, but what it pours. Sir Herbert turns up and announces he’s bringing guests from America- a Hollywood film cast, director, actors and all their support crews to film outdoor scenes for their Henry VIII and first two wives and two daughters. It’s a nightmare with one thing after another going wrong and wringer!
It’s a the perfect next Her Royal Spyness mystery.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves series, Her Royal Spyness is one that I look forward to reading each year when the newest book comes out. This is number 18 in the series so I definitely recommend that if you were interested, you start with book one.

We are following Lady Georgina, who is 17th in line to the royal throne. I can not say much without spoiling things that happen throughout the series but there is a mystery occurs, which brings the excitement back to the gang. This is one of my favorite series to get back into each year and this one did not disappoint. The characters are familiar and I feel like real people to me. I will say that the mystery in this one was very obvious with the solution was so I was never really surprised by the reveals, but I did not attract from my love of the book. And I look forward to reading the next one next year.

[Vonny Hirchert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! I love this series!

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Enjoyable series. This one was slow to get going but I do enjoy the characters.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE THREE QUEENS by Rhys Bowen
As a new mother, Georgie is savoring the peace and contentment at home at Eynsleigh . . . until all peace is ended by a houseful of troublemakers. “That woman” comes to stay at the request of her kingly cousin, Fig and family come, ostensibly to visit schools, and a whole film crew arrives at the invitation of her godfather, Sir Hubert. Amid all the confusion and (of course) crimes, Georgie is determined to care for her baby herself, despite the chorus of relatives insisting she needs “a proper nanny.”
I couldn’t stop reading, even getting up in the middle of the night to continue, and now I’m a little sad that it’s finished, and wishing I could join everyone for a traditional Christmas, if they’d have me. I promise not to cause trouble.

[Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less is not.more

Pleasant and humane. This novel is weak on sleuthing and deep on character development. More on character use. Time for more development.

[Michelle Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Nothing says WWII is looming like the mentioning of the Mitfords, Wallace Simpson and Hitler. Another great book!