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Her Royal Spyness #20
To Crown It All
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
25 days and 23:39:50
12 copies available
U.S. only
Lady Georgiana “Georgie” Rannoch prepares for the biggest family reunion of the decade—which just so happens to be the coronation of the new king of England—in the landmark twentieth book in the Royal Spyness series from the queen of historical mystery, Rhys Bowen.
1936. There’s great excitement in England in the weeks leading up to the crowning of King George VI. Georgie receives a series of letters from family members coming to London for the coronation—all of whom expect to stay with Georgie and her husband, Darcy. But one letter is unlike the others—it’s from Georgie’s mother, the Dowager Duchess of Rannoch, and quite unlike her in style.
The last time Darcy saw Georgie’s mother, she was surrounded by Hitler and his bodyguards. Georgie suspects that something is very wrong, and the two study the letter, finding hidden clues that she’s asking for help. Georgie and Darcy concoct a scheme to get the duchess invited to the coronation to attempt a rescue.
The duchess arrives as part of the German embassy, with a “minder”— one young Count von Sissheim—in tow. When the count is found murdered, the duchess is the obvious suspect. Will Georgie be able to clear her mother’s name in time for the coronation?
1936. There’s great excitement in England in the weeks leading up to the crowning of King George VI. Georgie receives a series of letters from family members coming to London for the coronation—all of whom expect to stay with Georgie and her husband, Darcy. But one letter is unlike the others—it’s from Georgie’s mother, the Dowager Duchess of Rannoch, and quite unlike her in style.
The last time Darcy saw Georgie’s mother, she was surrounded by Hitler and his bodyguards. Georgie suspects that something is very wrong, and the two study the letter, finding hidden clues that she’s asking for help. Georgie and Darcy concoct a scheme to get the duchess invited to the coronation to attempt a rescue.
The duchess arrives as part of the German embassy, with a “minder”— one young Count von Sissheim—in tow. When the count is found murdered, the duchess is the obvious suspect. Will Georgie be able to clear her mother’s name in time for the coronation?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Rhys Bowen
117 books10.1k 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My mother loves Rhys Bowen, so when I saw To Crown It All was book 20 in the Her Royal Spyness series, I figured I would give it a try. Twenty books into a series might seem like a ridiculous place to start, especially when historical fiction isn’t typically my thing, but anything for Mom!! 😂 And honestly, I’m glad I did and that Berkley kindly provided the eARC via NetGalley.
This was my first experience with Georgie, Darcy, and the rest of the cast, so I was definitely coming into this one without the history that longtime readers have with these characters. Thankfully, I never felt completely lost, and I could see why this is a series my mother has stuck with for so long. There is something very charming about this group of characters, and the relationships between them are a big part of what kept me invested.
The historical setting was another highlight. Bowen does a great job using the coronation and the growing tension in Europe to give the story a little more weight without losing the lighter, cozy feel of the series. There is a sense that the world around Georgie is changing, even while she is worrying about dresses, family, murder, and whether everything will go according to plan.
I will say that the mystery itself wasn’t particularly difficult for me to figure out. I had a pretty good idea of where things were headed, and the mystery ultimately took a bit of a backseat to the characters, the coronation, and everything else happening around Georgie. But honestly, that didn’t keep me from enjoying the book. At this point, I’m here as much for the people and the atmosphere as I am for the actual whodunit.
Twenty books into a series is no small feat, and while I may have come into To Crown It All at a very unconventional starting point, I can understand why my mother has enjoyed spending time with these characters for so long. It may not have turned me into a historical-fiction convert overnight, but it was charming, entertaining, and a surprisingly fun way to step outside my usual reading habits.
This was my first experience with Georgie, Darcy, and the rest of the cast, so I was definitely coming into this one without the history that longtime readers have with these characters. Thankfully, I never felt completely lost, and I could see why this is a series my mother has stuck with for so long. There is something very charming about this group of characters, and the relationships between them are a big part of what kept me invested.
The historical setting was another highlight. Bowen does a great job using the coronation and the growing tension in Europe to give the story a little more weight without losing the lighter, cozy feel of the series. There is a sense that the world around Georgie is changing, even while she is worrying about dresses, family, murder, and whether everything will go according to plan.
I will say that the mystery itself wasn’t particularly difficult for me to figure out. I had a pretty good idea of where things were headed, and the mystery ultimately took a bit of a backseat to the characters, the coronation, and everything else happening around Georgie. But honestly, that didn’t keep me from enjoying the book. At this point, I’m here as much for the people and the atmosphere as I am for the actual whodunit.
Twenty books into a series is no small feat, and while I may have come into To Crown It All at a very unconventional starting point, I can understand why my mother has enjoyed spending time with these characters for so long. It may not have turned me into a historical-fiction convert overnight, but it was charming, entertaining, and a surprisingly fun way to step outside my usual reading habits.
July 26, 2026
Every year, I look forward to the newest "Her Royal Spyness" mystery! It's hard to believe that this is already the 20th! Leading up to the coronation of King George VI and the looming start of WWII, as always this book did a wonderful job with the historical aspect.
These books never fail to make me laugh, especially the scenes with Queenie and this one was no exception! The mystery side of this novel, was a bit easy to guess who was the culprit, and I feel as though the resolution could have been tidied up a bit, or maybe that will come more in the next book? However, it is so well-written, that it didn't even bother me, it was very engaging and such a treat to read!
Highly recommend if you're a fan of the series, and I hope the series will continue past this book, I would be interested to see what would happen to Georgie and her family once WWII hits.
Thank to you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
These books never fail to make me laugh, especially the scenes with Queenie and this one was no exception! The mystery side of this novel, was a bit easy to guess who was the culprit, and I feel as though the resolution could have been tidied up a bit, or maybe that will come more in the next book? However, it is so well-written, that it didn't even bother me, it was very engaging and such a treat to read!
Highly recommend if you're a fan of the series, and I hope the series will continue past this book, I would be interested to see what would happen to Georgie and her family once WWII hits.
Thank to you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To Crown it All is the twentieth Her Royal Spyness novel. Twenty books of our sweet, clumsy Georgie becoming a wife and mother, navigating society and trying to find ways to support herself. Twenty books for Georgie to fall in love and solve murders along the way. And, as much as I love Georgie, it might be time for her to rest.
This book had some major issues. This book echoed some of the same problems as the most recent books. There are too many plotlines, too few resolutions, and too little focus on the fun antics that made the story engaging. The murder in this story doesn’t occur until halfway through the book, and the mystery is left unresolved. There’s a secondary mystery, in which the Crown Jewels are stolen, at the 70% mark, which dominates the end of the story. The plot beyond the murder focuses on Georgie’s mother’s need to escape from Nazi Germany and the coronation of George VI following the abdication of Edward VIII. The heavy political backdrop of this book pulls the story away from the light, silly setting that made this series sparkle.
I know that Bowen wrote this book under difficult circumstances with the passing of her husband. For that I commend her, as her grief is evident in the dedication of the book.
However, for a mystery novel, the mystery needs to be addressed. The murder cannot be left unsolved. The murder shouldn’t happen halfway through the book, and there shouldn’t be a second mystery introduced at the start of the third act. It’s a pacing problem borne by the weight of too much history. The story started as destitute Georgie living in a flapper era trying to make a living, climbing down drain pipes and hiding in closets. Now, we have a succession crisis, with the threat of Nazi Germany and World War II looming. Our story has left the things that made it fun and has become burdened by the weight of history. And fundamentally, I miss Georgie as she was. I miss antics, and silliness, and our main character using her hidden intelligence to solve a murder.
I’m sad to say that this book had too many problems to recommend. The series has lost the things that made it engaging. Maybe it’s time for Georgie to take a rest and let another silly detective take the mantle.
Thank you to Berkley, Rhys Bowen and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy.
This book had some major issues. This book echoed some of the same problems as the most recent books. There are too many plotlines, too few resolutions, and too little focus on the fun antics that made the story engaging. The murder in this story doesn’t occur until halfway through the book, and the mystery is left unresolved. There’s a secondary mystery, in which the Crown Jewels are stolen, at the 70% mark, which dominates the end of the story. The plot beyond the murder focuses on Georgie’s mother’s need to escape from Nazi Germany and the coronation of George VI following the abdication of Edward VIII. The heavy political backdrop of this book pulls the story away from the light, silly setting that made this series sparkle.
I know that Bowen wrote this book under difficult circumstances with the passing of her husband. For that I commend her, as her grief is evident in the dedication of the book.
However, for a mystery novel, the mystery needs to be addressed. The murder cannot be left unsolved. The murder shouldn’t happen halfway through the book, and there shouldn’t be a second mystery introduced at the start of the third act. It’s a pacing problem borne by the weight of too much history. The story started as destitute Georgie living in a flapper era trying to make a living, climbing down drain pipes and hiding in closets. Now, we have a succession crisis, with the threat of Nazi Germany and World War II looming. Our story has left the things that made it fun and has become burdened by the weight of history. And fundamentally, I miss Georgie as she was. I miss antics, and silliness, and our main character using her hidden intelligence to solve a murder.
I’m sad to say that this book had too many problems to recommend. The series has lost the things that made it engaging. Maybe it’s time for Georgie to take a rest and let another silly detective take the mantle.
Thank you to Berkley, Rhys Bowen and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
These Royal Spyness mysteries are great fun. Lady Georgiana, a distant relative of the British royals, is now married to Darcy O'Mara and the mother of a toddler. The setting for this one is the period after the Duke of Windsor abdicated and leading up to the coronation of King George and Queen Mary in 1937. Hitler and European tensions are a constant threat.
Georgie and Darcy are busy as they will have a houseful of guests for the festivities, including her brother's family, Darcy's father, her stepfather and assorted friends. Then Georgie receives a troubling letter from her mother who has been in Germany with her industrialist boyfriend. The letter is coded but indicates that her mother needs to be rescued as the Germans won't let her leave. Darcy calls on her royal relatives to send her mother an invitation to the coronation.
Then Georgy is "invited" to participate as one of the queen's train carriers. And, the village decides to hold a fete and coronation tea the weekend before. Georgy has a lot on her plate. Her mother does show up but with a tyrannical German handler who refuses to leave. Darcy, who is sort of a troubleshooter for the British government, is occupied with security arrangements.
Throw a dead body into the mix and chaos ensues. These books are a delight, light in tone with humor and affection amongst the principals. And the suspense of the actual royal event: Will the coronation go off as planned? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Georgie and Darcy are busy as they will have a houseful of guests for the festivities, including her brother's family, Darcy's father, her stepfather and assorted friends. Then Georgie receives a troubling letter from her mother who has been in Germany with her industrialist boyfriend. The letter is coded but indicates that her mother needs to be rescued as the Germans won't let her leave. Darcy calls on her royal relatives to send her mother an invitation to the coronation.
Then Georgy is "invited" to participate as one of the queen's train carriers. And, the village decides to hold a fete and coronation tea the weekend before. Georgy has a lot on her plate. Her mother does show up but with a tyrannical German handler who refuses to leave. Darcy, who is sort of a troubleshooter for the British government, is occupied with security arrangements.
Throw a dead body into the mix and chaos ensues. These books are a delight, light in tone with humor and affection amongst the principals. And the suspense of the actual royal event: Will the coronation go off as planned? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Prolific author Rhys Bowen delivers another winning entry in the Her Royal Spyness series, accomplishing the nearly impossible—keeping a series that is 20 entries in charming and entertaining. In To Crown It All, protagonist Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannoch’s mettle is tested once again, both by outside forces and those within, including her family and inept maid.
This time, Georgie’s impulsive actress mother is stuck in Hitler’s Germany and needs help freeing herself. Georgie calls on her royal contacts to devise a plan, but it is only partially successful as her mother is being “minded” by a German government handler. When the handler is murdered. Georgie and husband Darcy must solve the murder while keeping Georgie and the other participants in the coronation of King George VI safe.
To Crown It All is a testament to Rhys Bowen’s ability to keep a long-running series fresh, entertaining, and atmospheric. Series devotees will enjoy the return of familiar supporting characters and the high-profile backdrop, while the mystery itself provides plenty of clever twists and turns.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
This time, Georgie’s impulsive actress mother is stuck in Hitler’s Germany and needs help freeing herself. Georgie calls on her royal contacts to devise a plan, but it is only partially successful as her mother is being “minded” by a German government handler. When the handler is murdered. Georgie and husband Darcy must solve the murder while keeping Georgie and the other participants in the coronation of King George VI safe.
To Crown It All is a testament to Rhys Bowen’s ability to keep a long-running series fresh, entertaining, and atmospheric. Series devotees will enjoy the return of familiar supporting characters and the high-profile backdrop, while the mystery itself provides plenty of clever twists and turns.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The 20th entry in this long running series finds Lady Georgiana hosting a house party and a May day fair in advance if the coronation of King George VI. All the usual series characters gather for the celebration on advance of traveling to London, including Georgiana's mother, who returns from Germany with an escort who implies that she is not free to remain in London and must return to Hitler Germany after the festivities.
The mystery gets lost in the excitement of the coronation, the interaction between all the secondary characters, and the possibility of an IRA plot to disrupt the ceremony. A body doesn't appear until nearly halfway through the book and the villain is pretty obvious from the beginning. The killer is never really identified or brought to justice, and the Scotland Yard investigation just disappears. Readers who have enjoyed the series will find much to enjoy but now readers will be bewildered by the lack of a cohesive plot
The 20th entry in this long running series finds Lady Georgiana hosting a house party and a May day fair in advance if the coronation of King George VI. All the usual series characters gather for the celebration on advance of traveling to London, including Georgiana's mother, who returns from Germany with an escort who implies that she is not free to remain in London and must return to Hitler Germany after the festivities.
The mystery gets lost in the excitement of the coronation, the interaction between all the secondary characters, and the possibility of an IRA plot to disrupt the ceremony. A body doesn't appear until nearly halfway through the book and the villain is pretty obvious from the beginning. The killer is never really identified or brought to justice, and the Scotland Yard investigation just disappears. Readers who have enjoyed the series will find much to enjoy but now readers will be bewildered by the lack of a cohesive plot
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The last Royal Spyness book was a bit of a letdown, but Bowen is back in form in this twentieth installment. The whole crowd is gathered at Sir Hubert's house in the countryside, and so we get to spend most of the book with all the usual character, with the notable exception of Granddad. Whereas the last book felt like Georgie was inventing a case to investigate, there is plenty of organic drama here - the coronation of George VI, the awful Fig inviting herself to stay, and Georgie's mom finding herself stuck against her will in Hitler's Germany. While the mysteries fizzle out instead of getting clear resolution, the overall story is satisfying and entertaining.
Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An enchanting addition to Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness Series. Fans will be delighted to read about Lady Georgiana's hijinks as she navigates motherhood, murder, and a plot to bomb the coronation of King Edward VIII. Many reoccurring characters make appearances, adding to the charm and nostalgia that long-time readers of the series have come to expect.
To Crown It All, and other books in the series will also appeal to readers of Victoria Thompson.
I was fortunate to receive a free ARC of this book from Netgalley. The above thoughts, insights, or recommendations are my own meek musings.
To Crown It All, and other books in the series will also appeal to readers of Victoria Thompson.
I was fortunate to receive a free ARC of this book from Netgalley. The above thoughts, insights, or recommendations are my own meek musings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To Crown It All by Rhys Bowen is the latest in Georgiana and Darcy's life, and this time it concerns the coronation of King Edward VIII. With this she has to worry about getting her mother out of Germany before she is too entangled with Hitler, the convergence of her brother and his family, other guests arriving every day and making time to spend with her son. This is a good depiction of what the coronation was like with the addition of a mystery for her to solve. As usual, this is a fun book with lots of detail and the usual characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another amazing entry! Georgie is going to be part of the cornation! For the occassion, her mother has arrived from Germany with a watch-dog, who is tasked with making sure Georgie's mom returns to Germany. The extended cast of characters are all in for the festivities. Darcy and Georgie get caught up in the murder of the German minder and a possible IRA attack at the coronation. The ending is a pleasant surprise!
#rhysbowen #herroyalspyness #georgieanddarcy #netgalley
#rhysbowen #herroyalspyness #georgieanddarcy #netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another fun installment in the Lady Georgiana series. The whole cast of characters is in for the royal coronation, but, of course, loads of things get in the way of a smooth process. The characters are engaging and likeable (for the most part), and the mystery is interesting. More interesting, however, are the descriptions of what a coronation might look like from behind the scenes. Rhys Bowen is a must-read author for me!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Not the strongest book in the series. I am reading another recent book by this author, and apparently she lost her husband earlier this year. That may explain the less than stellar writing here, but her editor shouldn't have let her leave this without making it much more tightly written and plotted.ppp
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being able to predict every major event in this novel did not preclude me from completely enjoying it. Georgie always provides a fun adventure and this series is a perfect comfort read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC--all opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC--all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Another highly enjoyable outing with Lady Georgie! I love this series.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fun, breezy read though the culprit was obvious. However Ilove the characters in these books and I love Lady Georgie's bravery which is often up front.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews