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Her Royal Spyness #1
Her Royal Spyness
Narrator Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, 34th in line for the throne, is flat broke. She bolted from Scotland -- and engagement to Fishface (Prince Stiegfriend) -- for London, where she has:
a) built a fire in the hearth
b) fallen for an absolutely unsuitable Irish peer
c) made a few quid housekeeping incognita, and
d) been summoned by the Queen to spy on her playboy son
When an arrogant Frenchman trying to swipe our family estate winds up dead in my bathtub, how can I clear my very long family name?
a) built a fire in the hearth
b) fallen for an absolutely unsuitable Irish peer
c) made a few quid housekeeping incognita, and
d) been summoned by the Queen to spy on her playboy son
When an arrogant Frenchman trying to swipe our family estate winds up dead in my bathtub, how can I clear my very long family name?
ebook
First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
Rhys Bowen
127 books9,611 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,963 reviews
January 29, 2011
Let's say one of your friends sets you up on a blind date with a guy you know nothing about. You go to the restaurant to meet him, and you're filled with trepidation because the whole experiment could go either way. You've heard really good things about him from your friend, but for all you know, she could just be biased, or your tastes may not match.
You get to the restaurant, you find your blind date, and he's not bad to look at. In fact, he's quite appealing. You chat casually over cocktails and starters, and everything's going surprisingly well. Blind dates haven't worked out so well for you in the past. This one may be the jackpot, however. The guy seems smart, he manages to make you laugh out loud a couple of times, and the food and ambience are adding to the mystique. You mentally thank your friend and settle down to have a good evening.
The waiter comes over to ask you for your main course choices. Your date asks for the cheapest, blandest-looking food on the menu. Uh-oh, you're a hearty-eating type of girl. But you decide to give him another chance, and ask him about your his job. It's like unleashing a veritable torrent. He tells you how underpaid he is, how everyone's out to get him, how he's so frickin' broke all the time, how his momma was a slut and his daddy was a clumsy fool, and how he's trying to escape a relationship with a fortune-hunter who sounds more than a little slutty and shifty. Oh, and he thinks his boss is embezzling from the company.
You perk up, because it sounds like there will at least be an element of drama to enliven his dreary recital. You ask him if he is doing anything to confirm his suspicions. He tells you his best friend, who is completely innocent, has been arrested for the crime. Did you rescue him? you ask. He tells you that he has made some inquiries amongst the people who work in the company but nothing is forthcoming yet. He also tells you that he has drafted a couple of friends who move in the same circles to keep an eye out for his boss and report any suspicious behaviour. But what are you doing about it? you ask insistently, and he waffles on a bit, and you realize, much to your disgust, that he is just expecting the answer to fall in his lap, without much positive action on his part.
You don't want to be rude and walk out in the middle of the date, because he doesn't seem like a completely horrible person or anything, just a weak-willed nobody, and maybe he doesn't deserve quite the amount of scorn you're mentally heaping on his head. You struggle through the rest of the evening, hoping in vain to spot some of the charm and humor you thought you saw in him at the beginning of the evening. You get nothing. Zilch. Nada. You finally get to the end of the evening, pay the tab, and walk out heaving a sigh of relief, when he tells you hesitantly that he would like to see you again. Hell, no! You bid him farewell politely and walk off, wondering to yourself how something that had such potential could turn out to be such a bust.
You get to the restaurant, you find your blind date, and he's not bad to look at. In fact, he's quite appealing. You chat casually over cocktails and starters, and everything's going surprisingly well. Blind dates haven't worked out so well for you in the past. This one may be the jackpot, however. The guy seems smart, he manages to make you laugh out loud a couple of times, and the food and ambience are adding to the mystique. You mentally thank your friend and settle down to have a good evening.
The waiter comes over to ask you for your main course choices. Your date asks for the cheapest, blandest-looking food on the menu. Uh-oh, you're a hearty-eating type of girl. But you decide to give him another chance, and ask him about your his job. It's like unleashing a veritable torrent. He tells you how underpaid he is, how everyone's out to get him, how he's so frickin' broke all the time, how his momma was a slut and his daddy was a clumsy fool, and how he's trying to escape a relationship with a fortune-hunter who sounds more than a little slutty and shifty. Oh, and he thinks his boss is embezzling from the company.
You perk up, because it sounds like there will at least be an element of drama to enliven his dreary recital. You ask him if he is doing anything to confirm his suspicions. He tells you his best friend, who is completely innocent, has been arrested for the crime. Did you rescue him? you ask. He tells you that he has made some inquiries amongst the people who work in the company but nothing is forthcoming yet. He also tells you that he has drafted a couple of friends who move in the same circles to keep an eye out for his boss and report any suspicious behaviour. But what are you doing about it? you ask insistently, and he waffles on a bit, and you realize, much to your disgust, that he is just expecting the answer to fall in his lap, without much positive action on his part.
You don't want to be rude and walk out in the middle of the date, because he doesn't seem like a completely horrible person or anything, just a weak-willed nobody, and maybe he doesn't deserve quite the amount of scorn you're mentally heaping on his head. You struggle through the rest of the evening, hoping in vain to spot some of the charm and humor you thought you saw in him at the beginning of the evening. You get nothing. Zilch. Nada. You finally get to the end of the evening, pay the tab, and walk out heaving a sigh of relief, when he tells you hesitantly that he would like to see you again. Hell, no! You bid him farewell politely and walk off, wondering to yourself how something that had such potential could turn out to be such a bust.
March 29, 2020
I am not a total cosy fan but this book starts the series with a very clever premise. Set in the 1930s in the UK, Georgie is 34th in line to the throne. She actually has afternoon teas with the Queen in Buckingham Palace which is just wonderful!
There is not a lot of spying going on in this book despite the title. The Queen does send Georgie to a weekend house party to spy on her son and Wallis Simpson, but that part is very small. Most of the book revolves around a dead body in a bath and repeated attacks on Georgie's life.
Georgie is an interesting character, not just because of her illustrious royal connections. She is smart, aware that she has been spoiled by her upbringing and not one to do the wrong thing. I like her attitude.
So all in all a fun, light hearted little mystery which sets up the rest of the series very well. I look forward to reading many more!
There is not a lot of spying going on in this book despite the title. The Queen does send Georgie to a weekend house party to spy on her son and Wallis Simpson, but that part is very small. Most of the book revolves around a dead body in a bath and repeated attacks on Georgie's life.
Georgie is an interesting character, not just because of her illustrious royal connections. She is smart, aware that she has been spoiled by her upbringing and not one to do the wrong thing. I like her attitude.
So all in all a fun, light hearted little mystery which sets up the rest of the series very well. I look forward to reading many more!
September 8, 2009
Oh good, a new shelf: "Vaginal-Mystery"! Bored of the corsets, there are only so many virgins to read about who get pregnant in the Epilogue, you know?
This is the start of a new fetish: Lady mysteries. I've listed a few before, Deanna Raybourn being my fave, so I downloaded the firsts to a few other series.
This one I really enjoyed although it was very fluffy. It was mainly the main character that made it engaging, Georgie is 34th in line to the throne, so it was an interesting new angle, her being poor and very well bred and funny. I had a lot of fun, the characters were great EXCEPT the love interest for some reason! The mystery wasn't particularly deep but it was a fun ride. If the romantic interest had been more fully fleshed out and believable I would have given this 4 or 5 stars. I will read another, but not excited about the coupling that seemed to happen randomly at the end of the book.
This is the start of a new fetish: Lady mysteries. I've listed a few before, Deanna Raybourn being my fave, so I downloaded the firsts to a few other series.
This one I really enjoyed although it was very fluffy. It was mainly the main character that made it engaging, Georgie is 34th in line to the throne, so it was an interesting new angle, her being poor and very well bred and funny. I had a lot of fun, the characters were great EXCEPT the love interest for some reason! The mystery wasn't particularly deep but it was a fun ride. If the romantic interest had been more fully fleshed out and believable I would have given this 4 or 5 stars. I will read another, but not excited about the coupling that seemed to happen randomly at the end of the book.
January 9, 2016
Review written January 1, 2016
4.2 Stars - Fun, fun, fun... Yes, amusing fun and a surprising good mystery. - I'm on for more!
I've been listening to the 8 hrs audiobook very well narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Her Royal Spyness is the first serial part (of 10 so far) in the mostly happy reviewed 'Her Royal Spyness' series (labeled in the cozy-mystery genre).
A great start to a new audiobook year.
*******************************************
« Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie Rannoch, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932. »
Our young heroine Georgie has a slightly stupid and rather self-absorbed brother of fine noble title (Duke of Atholt and Rannoch), a greedy and stingy sister-in-law, and a big Royal family that sets the limits of what is possible and not possible for a young 22 year old lady without income or wealth. —Lady Georgiana is actually Thirty fourth in line for the British throne and daughter of a Scottish Duke and an English actress (later divorced).— Poor as a church mouse, but resourceful, is Georgie now leaving her brother and the family castle Rannoch far away up in the chilly Scotland for much more exciting opportunities in London.
The large old city house is cold and life is pretty hard to manage without a helping maid or servants. Poor Georgie who just learned a lot of "unnecessary stuff" as etiquette, talking fine French and to behave in a noble lady's way, don't even know how to make fire and heat from the stoves. — Add a empty purse ... and starving stomach.
Then there is a dead man in the bathtub, a lot of handsome young gentlemen, strange things are happening and 'HM' (aka Her Majesty the Queen) ask for a favor ...a spy favor.
Ha ha, this is truly in the jolly good lighthearted mystery genre. Novels like this one are often called cozy historical mysteries and is maybe my very new audiobook passion. I just want more of them. — Not much of kisses (just a few) or long romance parts (historical chick-lit?) but hilarious characters, good "whodunnits" cases, all those "important" British upperclass problems, good crime solving and a few exciting suspense scenes. Everything set in a past 1930s time (...with interesting meetings with a demanding Queen).
It will be many more of sweet Georgie's adventures as 'Her Royal Spyness'. I want to know more and follow her hilarious struggles in life.
Loving it. My happy applauses!
*******************************************
I LIKE - this great start to a new audiobook year
4.2 Stars - Fun, fun, fun... Yes, amusing fun and a surprising good mystery. - I'm on for more!
I've been listening to the 8 hrs audiobook very well narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Her Royal Spyness is the first serial part (of 10 so far) in the mostly happy reviewed 'Her Royal Spyness' series (labeled in the cozy-mystery genre).
A great start to a new audiobook year.
*******************************************
« Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie Rannoch, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932. »
Our young heroine Georgie has a slightly stupid and rather self-absorbed brother of fine noble title (Duke of Atholt and Rannoch), a greedy and stingy sister-in-law, and a big Royal family that sets the limits of what is possible and not possible for a young 22 year old lady without income or wealth. —Lady Georgiana is actually Thirty fourth in line for the British throne and daughter of a Scottish Duke and an English actress (later divorced).— Poor as a church mouse, but resourceful, is Georgie now leaving her brother and the family castle Rannoch far away up in the chilly Scotland for much more exciting opportunities in London.
“The words hot, lot, and got were not apart of a ladies vocabulary.”
The large old city house is cold and life is pretty hard to manage without a helping maid or servants. Poor Georgie who just learned a lot of "unnecessary stuff" as etiquette, talking fine French and to behave in a noble lady's way, don't even know how to make fire and heat from the stoves. — Add a empty purse ... and starving stomach.
Then there is a dead man in the bathtub, a lot of handsome young gentlemen, strange things are happening and 'HM' (aka Her Majesty the Queen) ask for a favor ...a spy favor.
“Is he one of us, or strictly NOCD? (Which, in case you don't know is shorthand for 'Not our class, dear'.)”
Ha ha, this is truly in the jolly good lighthearted mystery genre. Novels like this one are often called cozy historical mysteries and is maybe my very new audiobook passion. I just want more of them. — Not much of kisses (just a few) or long romance parts (historical chick-lit?) but hilarious characters, good "whodunnits" cases, all those "important" British upperclass problems, good crime solving and a few exciting suspense scenes. Everything set in a past 1930s time (...with interesting meetings with a demanding Queen).
It will be many more of sweet Georgie's adventures as 'Her Royal Spyness'. I want to know more and follow her hilarious struggles in life.
Loving it. My happy applauses! *******************************************
I LIKE - this great start to a new audiobook year
September 6, 2015
This is the first novel in a series set in the Britain of the 1930s featuring Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, aka Georgie. Thirty fourth in line for the British throne and daughter of a Scottish Duke and an English actress, she has failed to find a suitable husband during her coming out season and is bored of lingering like an unwanted guest in the family estate, cold and draughty Castle Rannoch in the wilds of Scotland. Her brother the current Duke of Glen Garry and Rannoch (known as Binky), penniless after their father gambled away the family fortune, has cut off her allowance in the hope that will force her into marriage. Georgie boldly escapes to London where she camps out in the family town house. She has no idea how to cook or light a fire or manage without servants but she has her wits and intelligence to fall back on as well as several old friends from finishing school.
Don't let the title of the book put you off as the story is not nearly as corny as it sounds. In fact there is very little spying at all but the title may be a hint of things to come in later episodes. As the blurb on the book cover will tell you Georgie's life becomes complicated by a body turning up in her bathtub and she must set out to solve the mystery of how he got there. This was an often funny historical cosy mystery as the somewhat hapless Georgie gets herself into and out of messy situations and I am looking forward to seeing how the series develops. 3.5★
Don't let the title of the book put you off as the story is not nearly as corny as it sounds. In fact there is very little spying at all but the title may be a hint of things to come in later episodes. As the blurb on the book cover will tell you Georgie's life becomes complicated by a body turning up in her bathtub and she must set out to solve the mystery of how he got there. This was an often funny historical cosy mystery as the somewhat hapless Georgie gets herself into and out of messy situations and I am looking forward to seeing how the series develops. 3.5★
August 11, 2017
Book 3 of my recent audiobook listening binge! I've owned this in Audible for a while now.
I'm not sure what my experience reading the print of this would be, but in audio, it is great fun. The narrator, Katherine Kellgren, does a fabulous job with voices for different characters, which elevates the whole thing.
The basic story is that Georgie, 34th in line to the throne of England, is trying to make a living after being cut off by her brother. Along the way a dead body shows up in her bathtub and she seems to be in danger as well.
Other books in the series may be heavier on the mystery but this one was more focused on setting up the characters and social situations. Georgie really even didn't do the spying the Queen requested of her either, so maybe that continues across more books. I didn't care so much, it was fun as it was, but those looking for a serious mystery may be disappointed.
This is probably a good series for audiobook fans who have exhausted Gail Carriger. Same era, same best friend who loves fashion, less steampunk and werewolves.
I'm not sure what my experience reading the print of this would be, but in audio, it is great fun. The narrator, Katherine Kellgren, does a fabulous job with voices for different characters, which elevates the whole thing.
The basic story is that Georgie, 34th in line to the throne of England, is trying to make a living after being cut off by her brother. Along the way a dead body shows up in her bathtub and she seems to be in danger as well.
Other books in the series may be heavier on the mystery but this one was more focused on setting up the characters and social situations. Georgie really even didn't do the spying the Queen requested of her either, so maybe that continues across more books. I didn't care so much, it was fun as it was, but those looking for a serious mystery may be disappointed.
This is probably a good series for audiobook fans who have exhausted Gail Carriger. Same era, same best friend who loves fashion, less steampunk and werewolves.
September 17, 2025
I read this in a few hours as it is so good I could not stop reading it. Poor Georgie as she has to endure a super rough time from most everyone and one guy is trying to kill her as she may inherit a fortune.
I am reading this for the second time as I just love this book.
I am reading this for the second time as I just love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
I truly thought I was going to be a fan of "Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, 34th in line for the throne". The tone started out fun, and funny: "The moan of the wind through the vast chimneys, coupled with the tartan wallpaper in the loo, had the effect of producing almost instant depression or even insanity"… "dances, parties, and other sporting events"… Unfortunately, I ended up disliking Lady VGCE rather a lot, and not being too fond of Rhys Bowen's writing, either.
He evidenced in this book an unhappy tendency to the "In case you were napping before the commercial break" sort of recap, which is intensely irritating in television and much, much worse in books.
"Hello, my ducks. How are you holding up, then?"
"All right," I said. "Apart from nearly being pushed under a train."
I saw the worried look cross his face. "When was this?"
"On my way from my solicitors'. I was at the front of a crowded platform and the crowd must have surged forward at the approach of a train. I was almost pushed in front of it."
As I recall, this incident was part of the narrative, not so long before this recapping passage. This is not a unique occurrence in the book. The author must have been proceeding with the expectation of readers with the attention spans and short term memories of goldfish.
In addition to "Yes, I KNOW - I was HERE" syndrome, the book also suffers from a nasty case of other sorts of unnecessary repetitions. Example: "And as far as I knew, Tristram hadn't been on the boat last Sunday." "It was just possible that Tristram was part of it too, although I didn't think he had been on the boat on Sunday." It's this sort of thing that makes me want to bang my head on my desk a few times.
Captain Obvious also makes an appearance – never a good thing in something intended to be a mystery. And there is a splash of "is that supposed to be irony?": "I reminded myself that a Rannoch never runs away from danger" – Except for Binky Rannoch, who very much did.
Follows a sampling of my venting via Kindle notation:
- "I ventured a little rouge to my cheeks, a dash of lipstick to my lips, and put my twenty-first birthday pearls around my neck. I was rather proud of doing the whole thing without help."
Really? Which part was the hard part, clasping a necklace or applying makeup? Did a servant really do one's makeup if one was ridiculously wealthy? Was makeup so acceptable in 1932? And what about her hair? If she was proud of putting on jewelry and makeup I would think she'd be over the moon about fixing her own hair.
- "…How could a rope have wound itself so tightly around my ankle that I couldn't undo the knot…?"
Easy – ever put an iPod with earbuds in your pocket? Instant knots.
- "I understand your brother is the Dook we've been reading about," he said …
Why "Dook"? How else are you supposed to say it? Duke. Dooook. Duck? Dyuck? Merriam Webster: "dük". I don't know.
I think I've said elsewhere that, while I generally have a perfectly adequate sense of humor, books others seem to find uproariously funny leave me completely cold. It may well be that this, with its posh ladyship bumbling about pretending to be a maid and ineptly attempting covert surveillance and trying to figure out how to make it on her own, is one of those books. Apart from that one bit in the very beginning about the loo, it didn't tickle any fancies or funnybones.
In knitting together the review based on notes I took while I was writing, I'm a little surprised – okay, very surprised – that I originally gave the book three stars: this feels like two at best. (Pardon me while I make that adjustment.) The main character was annoying; the secondary characters were worse; the writing was more annoying still in places; the plot had elements that did not play fair with the reader, and other elements that were too obvious. Ah well. Given the hundreds of books I've already got on my Kindle, it's just as well to come across a series - an author - I'm not interested in pursuing.
He evidenced in this book an unhappy tendency to the "In case you were napping before the commercial break" sort of recap, which is intensely irritating in television and much, much worse in books.
"Hello, my ducks. How are you holding up, then?"
"All right," I said. "Apart from nearly being pushed under a train."
I saw the worried look cross his face. "When was this?"
"On my way from my solicitors'. I was at the front of a crowded platform and the crowd must have surged forward at the approach of a train. I was almost pushed in front of it."
As I recall, this incident was part of the narrative, not so long before this recapping passage. This is not a unique occurrence in the book. The author must have been proceeding with the expectation of readers with the attention spans and short term memories of goldfish.
In addition to "Yes, I KNOW - I was HERE" syndrome, the book also suffers from a nasty case of other sorts of unnecessary repetitions. Example: "And as far as I knew, Tristram hadn't been on the boat last Sunday." "It was just possible that Tristram was part of it too, although I didn't think he had been on the boat on Sunday." It's this sort of thing that makes me want to bang my head on my desk a few times.
Captain Obvious also makes an appearance – never a good thing in something intended to be a mystery. And there is a splash of "is that supposed to be irony?": "I reminded myself that a Rannoch never runs away from danger" – Except for Binky Rannoch, who very much did.
Follows a sampling of my venting via Kindle notation:
- "I ventured a little rouge to my cheeks, a dash of lipstick to my lips, and put my twenty-first birthday pearls around my neck. I was rather proud of doing the whole thing without help."
Really? Which part was the hard part, clasping a necklace or applying makeup? Did a servant really do one's makeup if one was ridiculously wealthy? Was makeup so acceptable in 1932? And what about her hair? If she was proud of putting on jewelry and makeup I would think she'd be over the moon about fixing her own hair.
- "…How could a rope have wound itself so tightly around my ankle that I couldn't undo the knot…?"
Easy – ever put an iPod with earbuds in your pocket? Instant knots.
- "I understand your brother is the Dook we've been reading about," he said …
Why "Dook"? How else are you supposed to say it? Duke. Dooook. Duck? Dyuck? Merriam Webster: "dük". I don't know.
I think I've said elsewhere that, while I generally have a perfectly adequate sense of humor, books others seem to find uproariously funny leave me completely cold. It may well be that this, with its posh ladyship bumbling about pretending to be a maid and ineptly attempting covert surveillance and trying to figure out how to make it on her own, is one of those books. Apart from that one bit in the very beginning about the loo, it didn't tickle any fancies or funnybones.
In knitting together the review based on notes I took while I was writing, I'm a little surprised – okay, very surprised – that I originally gave the book three stars: this feels like two at best. (Pardon me while I make that adjustment.) The main character was annoying; the secondary characters were worse; the writing was more annoying still in places; the plot had elements that did not play fair with the reader, and other elements that were too obvious. Ah well. Given the hundreds of books I've already got on my Kindle, it's just as well to come across a series - an author - I'm not interested in pursuing.
October 22, 2013
An excellent read! It was a fun story and I liked the descriptions of things from that time period. I felt like I was there in 1930s London. The characters were likeable too, especially Georgie. A very resourceful girl with nine lives :) This story reminded me of Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence stories, even though those take place a decade earlier than this one.
I am looking forward to starting the next in the series. This is a wonderful escape read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I am looking forward to starting the next in the series. This is a wonderful escape read and I enjoyed every minute of it.
May 8, 2011
In an industry absolutely saturated with generic career-related cozy mysteries, Her Royal Spyness is a wonderful breath of fresh air. The lovely purple cover and interesting title caught my eye while I was at the library, and I picked it up hoping to be entertained. And entertained I was. From the fascinating historical settings and whimsical humour to the cast of characters, this first installment of Rhys Bowen's new Royal Spyness series delivered a great deal of fun.
Lady Georgiana Rannoch of the extremely long name is 34th in line to the English throne, but is unfortunately dirt poor, unmarried and entirely reliant on her spineless older brother Binky and odious sister-in-law, Fig. When she realizes she's set to marry Prince Siegfried, Georgie decides that she'll do the unthinkable (for a lady of her class) instead - she'll work to support herself! Unfortunately, before her cleaning service can really kick off, Georgie finds herself in a bit of a pickle: there's a dead man in her bathtub, and he was trying to take Rannoch Castle. Naturally she becomes the prime suspect along with her brother. To rectify the situation, Georgie takes matters into her own hands and tries to clear their names, avoiding a few attempts on her own life along the way.
Georgie is an absolute delight! I thoroughly enjoyed her fresh inner voice and the wry humour she uses when perceiving both her own (less than stellar) situation and that of other members of the nobility. Her amateurish initial attempts at detective work is hilarious, but while she may be a little sheltered and innocent, she's far from stupid. Bowen's other characters are just as vividly portrayed: Darcy, Georgie's very intriguing romantic interest, is an attractive and flirty Irishman with a mysterious background; there are instant sparks between these two that I sincerely hope will develop into something more in later books. Her friend Belinda is a laugh with her wild and worldly ways, providing balance to Georgie's naiveté, while her relationship with her Cockney grandfather is surprisingly warm and touching, revealing a previously unseen depth to Georgie's character. There was a particularly poignant scene where in her hunger she happily accepts her grandfather's offer to cook her eggs, only to realize afterwards that her grandfather very likely gave her his last two, because his financial state is little better than hers.
The actual mystery in Her Royal Spyness isn't the most complex and probably wouldn't challenge seasoned readers of detective novels, but I liked the smooth manner in which it was incorporated into the story. Despite the fact that it was slightly secondary to Georgie's exploration of the world outside Rannoch Castle, her interactions with various characters and her own personal growth, I enjoyed the way it played out. It is also clear that Bowen has taken great care with the world building; the historical details are never infodumped, but are very subtly blended in. I loved noticing random tidbits of information and the unique insight into the uppercrust of English society.
Fans of light historical mysteries with a dash of adventure and romance will love this, particularly if you have a soft spot for period England, royalty and the nobility like I do. People who are a bit tired of the current rush of ditzy, men-obsessed amateur detective heroines with a dismal command of the English language would particularly appreciate Georgie, who is sensible and classy despite her lack of cash. This is the perfect book to read in the middle of winter when one is curled up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate (or perhaps tea). My only warning is to make sure you also have the next book ready, because you'll be desperate for more when you reach the last page!
Lady Georgiana Rannoch of the extremely long name is 34th in line to the English throne, but is unfortunately dirt poor, unmarried and entirely reliant on her spineless older brother Binky and odious sister-in-law, Fig. When she realizes she's set to marry Prince Siegfried, Georgie decides that she'll do the unthinkable (for a lady of her class) instead - she'll work to support herself! Unfortunately, before her cleaning service can really kick off, Georgie finds herself in a bit of a pickle: there's a dead man in her bathtub, and he was trying to take Rannoch Castle. Naturally she becomes the prime suspect along with her brother. To rectify the situation, Georgie takes matters into her own hands and tries to clear their names, avoiding a few attempts on her own life along the way.
Georgie is an absolute delight! I thoroughly enjoyed her fresh inner voice and the wry humour she uses when perceiving both her own (less than stellar) situation and that of other members of the nobility. Her amateurish initial attempts at detective work is hilarious, but while she may be a little sheltered and innocent, she's far from stupid. Bowen's other characters are just as vividly portrayed: Darcy, Georgie's very intriguing romantic interest, is an attractive and flirty Irishman with a mysterious background; there are instant sparks between these two that I sincerely hope will develop into something more in later books. Her friend Belinda is a laugh with her wild and worldly ways, providing balance to Georgie's naiveté, while her relationship with her Cockney grandfather is surprisingly warm and touching, revealing a previously unseen depth to Georgie's character. There was a particularly poignant scene where in her hunger she happily accepts her grandfather's offer to cook her eggs, only to realize afterwards that her grandfather very likely gave her his last two, because his financial state is little better than hers.
The actual mystery in Her Royal Spyness isn't the most complex and probably wouldn't challenge seasoned readers of detective novels, but I liked the smooth manner in which it was incorporated into the story. Despite the fact that it was slightly secondary to Georgie's exploration of the world outside Rannoch Castle, her interactions with various characters and her own personal growth, I enjoyed the way it played out. It is also clear that Bowen has taken great care with the world building; the historical details are never infodumped, but are very subtly blended in. I loved noticing random tidbits of information and the unique insight into the uppercrust of English society.
Fans of light historical mysteries with a dash of adventure and romance will love this, particularly if you have a soft spot for period England, royalty and the nobility like I do. People who are a bit tired of the current rush of ditzy, men-obsessed amateur detective heroines with a dismal command of the English language would particularly appreciate Georgie, who is sensible and classy despite her lack of cash. This is the perfect book to read in the middle of winter when one is curled up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate (or perhaps tea). My only warning is to make sure you also have the next book ready, because you'll be desperate for more when you reach the last page!
March 25, 2020
Her Royal Spyness (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #1)
by Rhys Bowen
synopsis from goodreads
Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932.
So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg... She's gate-crashed a wedding... She's making money by secretly cleaning houses... And she's been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.
Everything seems to be going swimmingly until she finds a body in her bathtub... and someone is definitely trying to kill her.
My thoughts:
Let me start by saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how many cups of coffee/tea.….which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies:
1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series.
2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence about whether I will read the next book.
3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues
4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues
5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL!
What I think about when I give my ratings:
1.) There called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them!! Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy are they? The more cheese the better for me…lol. The horrible puns in the titles…LOVE THEM. Yes…if you’re wondering... I am the person who loves laffy taffy jokes.
2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters
3.) Setting/theme
4.) The mystery
4 large cups of coffee...it was "bloody brilliant"
Oh my it really is exhausting to be a royal! Lady Georgie and I are recovering from some near death experiences while trying to spy for HM, and figure out how the dead body got in her bathtub.
I am annoyed with myself for having waited so long..... A royal start to a new series! Right away I fell in love with this quirky bunch of characters.
Bowen does a great job with the mystery of the story, and kept me and Georgie guessing...not to mention trying to stay alive. I'm going to avoid boats and trains for a while...lol. gees.
If you are looking to start a new series (well new to you...not to the book world) I really recommend you check out Her Royal Spyness! I know after I recover from this adventure...i'm looking forward to catching up with Georgie for round 2. Cheerio!
Check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
Hope everyday is a great reading day!
by Rhys Bowen
synopsis from goodreads
Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932.
So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg... She's gate-crashed a wedding... She's making money by secretly cleaning houses... And she's been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.
Everything seems to be going swimmingly until she finds a body in her bathtub... and someone is definitely trying to kill her.
My thoughts:
Let me start by saying I rate my cozy mysteries different than all other genres of books I read. I still use a five star rating system (or with cozies I like to think instead of stars how many cups of coffee/tea.….which is my idea of cozy). The following is how I rate my cozies:
1 cup of coffee- did not finish or will not continue on in series.
2 cups of coffee- this book has potential, but on the fence about whether I will read the next book.
3 cups of coffee- good- will definitely continue series, but did have some issues
4 cups of coffee- great- will definitely continue series- minor issues
5 cups of coffee-EXCEPTIONAL!
What I think about when I give my ratings:
1.) There called cozies for a reason, and that being said I know they are not for everybody. I love them!! Therefore the first thing I think about is how cozy are they? The more cheese the better for me…lol. The horrible puns in the titles…LOVE THEM. Yes…if you’re wondering... I am the person who loves laffy taffy jokes.
2.) Characters/ and relationships with secondary characters
3.) Setting/theme
4.) The mystery
4 large cups of coffee...it was "bloody brilliant"
Oh my it really is exhausting to be a royal! Lady Georgie and I are recovering from some near death experiences while trying to spy for HM, and figure out how the dead body got in her bathtub.
I am annoyed with myself for having waited so long..... A royal start to a new series! Right away I fell in love with this quirky bunch of characters.
Bowen does a great job with the mystery of the story, and kept me and Georgie guessing...not to mention trying to stay alive. I'm going to avoid boats and trains for a while...lol. gees.
If you are looking to start a new series (well new to you...not to the book world) I really recommend you check out Her Royal Spyness! I know after I recover from this adventure...i'm looking forward to catching up with Georgie for round 2. Cheerio!
Check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
Hope everyday is a great reading day!
May 2, 2014
Trying to write this review without using the cliché words “cute” and “cozy” is so hard, because it was! It’s cozy in the way only the British royal family can be. Picture the lovely Helen Mirren sitting in a clearing at Balmoral, and that prancing deer—the epitome of visceral restraint! That’s this book.
At its center, penniless Lady Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne, is looking to strike out on her own, and earn a living—an unheard of endeavor for someone with royal blood in the 1930s. Why can’t she be content to marry a distant wealthy relative, like all the other young ladies of good, royal breeding? Leave it to stubborn Georgiana to get embroiled in murder, black mail, and seduction in the process. This is the stuff that makes for fabulous reading!
While this book was nominated for the Agatha Award in 2007, I’d say that the mystery element wasn’t its strongest point. Although it’s my belief that that isnt’ necessarily a bad thing. I see this book as an introduction to Georgie, her family, and Depression era London. Everyone had fallen on hard times, and that included members of the aristocracy. It was also startlingly witty and hilarious! I listened to the audio edition of this book and the narrator, Katherine Kellgren, did a wonderful job of intoning the accent and demeanor of all of the characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. If you like historical “cozy” mystery books like this one, might I recommend the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood? That is also an awesome series set in 1920s Australia, and I find that it’s even better when you listen to the audio editions. Check out the first book in the series, Cocaine Blues.
At its center, penniless Lady Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne, is looking to strike out on her own, and earn a living—an unheard of endeavor for someone with royal blood in the 1930s. Why can’t she be content to marry a distant wealthy relative, like all the other young ladies of good, royal breeding? Leave it to stubborn Georgiana to get embroiled in murder, black mail, and seduction in the process. This is the stuff that makes for fabulous reading!
While this book was nominated for the Agatha Award in 2007, I’d say that the mystery element wasn’t its strongest point. Although it’s my belief that that isnt’ necessarily a bad thing. I see this book as an introduction to Georgie, her family, and Depression era London. Everyone had fallen on hard times, and that included members of the aristocracy. It was also startlingly witty and hilarious! I listened to the audio edition of this book and the narrator, Katherine Kellgren, did a wonderful job of intoning the accent and demeanor of all of the characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. If you like historical “cozy” mystery books like this one, might I recommend the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood? That is also an awesome series set in 1920s Australia, and I find that it’s even better when you listen to the audio editions. Check out the first book in the series, Cocaine Blues.
February 20, 2021
An audiobook 2021 listen of a book previously read and commented-on in 2017. It doesn’t improve, but maybe more fun, partly because of the atrocious narration - dreadful accents, terrible pronunciation!
Oh, dear!
Another female 1930s light crime novel. Badly written by another English authoress living in the USA. On a bandwagon.
Some fun, a not bad, if obvious, denouement.
If you want to read it, skim-read it quickly and it will be fairly enjoyable.
Badly paced, weak stereotypical characters, full of anachronistic words and phrases, and behaviours.
"London 1932. Narrator Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, 34th in line for the throne, is flat broke. She bolted from Scotland -- and engagement to Fishface (Prince Stiegfriend) -- for London, where she has:
a) built a fire in the hearth
b) fallen for an absolutely unsuitable Irish peer
c) made a few quid housekeeping incognita, and
d) been summoned by the Queen to spy on her playboy son
When an arrogant Frenchman trying to swipe her family estate winds up dead in her bathtub, how can she clear her very long family name?"
Oh, dear!
Another female 1930s light crime novel. Badly written by another English authoress living in the USA. On a bandwagon.
Some fun, a not bad, if obvious, denouement.
If you want to read it, skim-read it quickly and it will be fairly enjoyable.
Badly paced, weak stereotypical characters, full of anachronistic words and phrases, and behaviours.
"London 1932. Narrator Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, 34th in line for the throne, is flat broke. She bolted from Scotland -- and engagement to Fishface (Prince Stiegfriend) -- for London, where she has:
a) built a fire in the hearth
b) fallen for an absolutely unsuitable Irish peer
c) made a few quid housekeeping incognita, and
d) been summoned by the Queen to spy on her playboy son
When an arrogant Frenchman trying to swipe her family estate winds up dead in her bathtub, how can she clear her very long family name?"
February 7, 2017
a light read. mystery was way too easy. i guessed it right away at the first hint.
london in 1932. i liked that i got to read about royals. Georgina's character was smart, easygoing and fun to read. I really liked the author's writing style. i was hoping for a laugh out loud read. though it was highly entertaining with amusing lines. i didn't find it that funny.
london in 1932. i liked that i got to read about royals. Georgina's character was smart, easygoing and fun to read. I really liked the author's writing style. i was hoping for a laugh out loud read. though it was highly entertaining with amusing lines. i didn't find it that funny.
November 27, 2022
An entertaining read with great characters, especially Georgie! There were a lot of funny moments. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
September 27, 2023
This is my third fifth time rereading this, I am hoping to reread the series before the new one comes out in October I am about 3 1 books behind in this series. I really like these cozy historical mysteries with a small romantic plot to them, though this is my 3rd 5th time reading this I couldn't remember anything about the mystery. Which isn't unusual for me. I really like Georgie, Belinda, and Darcy and I'm glad to be in this world again. The social life of Georgie and her friends is entertaining and fun, she is a nice balance between social and private.
February 21, 2014
While there are laugh-out-loud moments (mostly early in the book), there are enough detractions that I can't really recommend the book. The heroine is a delight but the mystery is a bit thin (so it's good it didn't really start until about halfway through the book) and some of the character actions are a little too driven by story purposes and authorial manipulation rather than flowing out of character for my taste. Still, it was entertaining enough that I stayed up late to finish it.
April 17, 2021
What a fun start to a new to me series. I highly recommend the audio book. Good thing I have more ebooks and audio books to get to on my various devices.
January 4, 2024
*4.5 rounded up. This gave me EVERYTHING I wanted out of it. Rhys Bowen knows how to write characters and witty inner monologue so well. I was giggling and smiling throughout reading this “mystery” and I say quotes because I was surprised the murder didn’t really happen until almost halfway through, there’s a lot of set up until then which I honestly wasn’t mad about but I’m sure others will be.
January 31, 2019
I really loved this book!A great start to the series and I can't wait to continue on with it.
March 30, 2019
People. It finally happened.
I have had gifted Her Royal Spyness by my mom at least 4 times. Yes I have 4 copies of this book on my book shelf at any given time. I have read a number of Bowen’s books and I comment every single time about how I haven’t read this series.
I recently read Four Weddings and Maybe a Funeral…..which was the last book in the series. Talk about late to the party. I thought it was a great read but obviously I was missing a huge back story between Darcy and Georgie. I vowed then that I would remedy that situation and read Her Royal Spyness.
And then I didn’t.
Flash forward to a few weeks ago. I had been knee deep in some heavy duty books both in length and content and I just needed a break. Something easy, fast paced, and generally relaxing. I finally—finally—after a number of years (eight by my count), picked up this book to read.
Aren’t mothers always right? In this case mine was. This was a fantastic read and just what I needed! Georgie was hysterical and I loved her posh upbringing and yet she is some how penniless. The contrast between the two makes for fantastic and funny plots within the story. I adored Georgie from the get go.
I couldn’t get enough of this book and damn near finished it in one sitting. I instantly knew I needed the rest of the books in the series and spend an entire Sunday visiting every bookstore in my town desperately hunting for at least the first 5 books (mission accomplished by the way).
Darcy was dashing, sexy, charming, and I’ll be honest, I would date him even if he was a penniless thief who just wanted into my pants. Georgie and Darcy have amazing chemistry and I loved that it wasn’t a typical attraction where it had to ‘grown on them’ through a number of books. Their attraction was instant and clear and I thought that was refreshing and frankly a nice change from some other historical mysteries that I have read. I love love love this series so far.
The mystery itself wasn’t overly complex but what I loved was learning the why. I had a couple of theories but found that I was completely off base in the end. It was a great read and I am looking forward to binge reading this series—-because let’s be honest, I can’t read just one!
See my full review here
I have had gifted Her Royal Spyness by my mom at least 4 times. Yes I have 4 copies of this book on my book shelf at any given time. I have read a number of Bowen’s books and I comment every single time about how I haven’t read this series.
I recently read Four Weddings and Maybe a Funeral…..which was the last book in the series. Talk about late to the party. I thought it was a great read but obviously I was missing a huge back story between Darcy and Georgie. I vowed then that I would remedy that situation and read Her Royal Spyness.
And then I didn’t.
Flash forward to a few weeks ago. I had been knee deep in some heavy duty books both in length and content and I just needed a break. Something easy, fast paced, and generally relaxing. I finally—finally—after a number of years (eight by my count), picked up this book to read.
Aren’t mothers always right? In this case mine was. This was a fantastic read and just what I needed! Georgie was hysterical and I loved her posh upbringing and yet she is some how penniless. The contrast between the two makes for fantastic and funny plots within the story. I adored Georgie from the get go.
I couldn’t get enough of this book and damn near finished it in one sitting. I instantly knew I needed the rest of the books in the series and spend an entire Sunday visiting every bookstore in my town desperately hunting for at least the first 5 books (mission accomplished by the way).
Darcy was dashing, sexy, charming, and I’ll be honest, I would date him even if he was a penniless thief who just wanted into my pants. Georgie and Darcy have amazing chemistry and I loved that it wasn’t a typical attraction where it had to ‘grown on them’ through a number of books. Their attraction was instant and clear and I thought that was refreshing and frankly a nice change from some other historical mysteries that I have read. I love love love this series so far.
The mystery itself wasn’t overly complex but what I loved was learning the why. I had a couple of theories but found that I was completely off base in the end. It was a great read and I am looking forward to binge reading this series—-because let’s be honest, I can’t read just one!
See my full review here
July 16, 2019
Another great book by Rhys Bowen. I love Lady Georgiana Rannoch. Life has dealt her many blows-her parents divorce, her father ignring his children and land and then genteel poverty. But Georgie doesn't just give in. She wants a life of her own and that means leaving the castle where her sister in law makes life miserable for her. She goes to the London house and learns how to take care of herself like making a cuppa. And she meets a man she shouldn't fall in love with-:-) Darcy O'Mara, a dashing Irish peer who is so unsuitable she MUST fall in love with him. I enjoy the characters and the time period and OF COURSE the murder mystery. I LOVE THIS SERIES!
August 18, 2022
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen was such a fun and whimsical cozy mystery! 4 stars!
Set in the 1930s, primarily in London, with some Scotland vibes, this is all about Lady Georgiana Rannoch – daughter of a royal, Scottish duke, 34th in line to the English throne. After her brother cut off her allowance and an unwanted engagement to Prince Siegfried occurs, Georgie runs off to London to get away from everything to be on her own for the first time in her life. Unfortunately, she must figure out how to support herself and live without servants for once! Just when Georgie starts to figure out how she plans to support herself and live her life a free woman, she finds a strange man dead in her bathtub. With this being the man who was trying to take Rannoch Castle, she becomes the number 1 suspect along with her brother, Binky. Georgie and her friend Belinda start their work to clear her name and stay alive!
Ya’ll, this was SO much fun! I loved the characters, dialogue, writing style, scenery, and the mystery itself. I think this may have been my first cozy mystery, ever?! SO MUCH FUN! I loved Georgie, Belinda and Georgie’s sweet non-royal grandfather was such a sweet bean!
Georgie does find herself involved in a bit of a romance with an Irishman named Darcy and I found that very mysterious trying to figure him out! Belinda cracked me up and was such a nice addition to the story too! I am so glad she was there – I hope she is in the future books!
There were so many moments where I laughed and was just really invested in the story. Seeing how royal families fair when they don’t have their servants was also hilarious. Trying to light a fire or hot bath water in the 1930s –or only being able to make toast or a boiled egg to eat, hilarious.
*Bonus points for there being a mention of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Culloden - you already know ya girl LOVES Scotland and Scottish references soooo I loved when one character brought that up!
I think for someone who is new to cozy mysteries, this was a delightful read, and I can’t wait to read more in the series! I am so glad I picked more of the series up to read! This is the perfect book to read in the fall or winter time too! Just what I was looking for as I am obsessing over wanting fall to be here already in Tennessee, ha!
This was an overall clean read, with some discussions of sex but nothing over the top for me. I laughed at those parts honestly because Belinda was hilarious. I also want to say there was some very mild language, but I honestly don’t even remember it and it didn’t bother me either, just want to notate it for any who would be interested to know that.
It does take about 100 or so pages to get to the actual mystery part, but I was here for all the details! While it wasn’t a perfect book, it certainly was the perfect whimsical, humorous, and cozy mystery for what I was wanting to read at the time. 4 big stars!
Set in the 1930s, primarily in London, with some Scotland vibes, this is all about Lady Georgiana Rannoch – daughter of a royal, Scottish duke, 34th in line to the English throne. After her brother cut off her allowance and an unwanted engagement to Prince Siegfried occurs, Georgie runs off to London to get away from everything to be on her own for the first time in her life. Unfortunately, she must figure out how to support herself and live without servants for once! Just when Georgie starts to figure out how she plans to support herself and live her life a free woman, she finds a strange man dead in her bathtub. With this being the man who was trying to take Rannoch Castle, she becomes the number 1 suspect along with her brother, Binky. Georgie and her friend Belinda start their work to clear her name and stay alive!
Ya’ll, this was SO much fun! I loved the characters, dialogue, writing style, scenery, and the mystery itself. I think this may have been my first cozy mystery, ever?! SO MUCH FUN! I loved Georgie, Belinda and Georgie’s sweet non-royal grandfather was such a sweet bean!
Georgie does find herself involved in a bit of a romance with an Irishman named Darcy and I found that very mysterious trying to figure him out! Belinda cracked me up and was such a nice addition to the story too! I am so glad she was there – I hope she is in the future books!
There were so many moments where I laughed and was just really invested in the story. Seeing how royal families fair when they don’t have their servants was also hilarious. Trying to light a fire or hot bath water in the 1930s –or only being able to make toast or a boiled egg to eat, hilarious.
*Bonus points for there being a mention of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Culloden - you already know ya girl LOVES Scotland and Scottish references soooo I loved when one character brought that up!
I think for someone who is new to cozy mysteries, this was a delightful read, and I can’t wait to read more in the series! I am so glad I picked more of the series up to read! This is the perfect book to read in the fall or winter time too! Just what I was looking for as I am obsessing over wanting fall to be here already in Tennessee, ha!
This was an overall clean read, with some discussions of sex but nothing over the top for me. I laughed at those parts honestly because Belinda was hilarious. I also want to say there was some very mild language, but I honestly don’t even remember it and it didn’t bother me either, just want to notate it for any who would be interested to know that.
It does take about 100 or so pages to get to the actual mystery part, but I was here for all the details! While it wasn’t a perfect book, it certainly was the perfect whimsical, humorous, and cozy mystery for what I was wanting to read at the time. 4 big stars!
September 21, 2018
I was completely predisposed to like this first in Her Royal Spyness cozy mystery series, and like it I did. It's just what I needed as a break from the more serious books I've been reading lately. Nothing taxing, you'll likely figure out the whodunit pretty early, but so fun to read! Written with wonderful humor, spunky energy and a light touch, with an outstanding audio performance by the great, unfortunately late, Katherine Kellgren. My only disappointment is that the audiobooks are not available from the library!
August 15, 2018
Well that was a fast listen, it was "such fun"! Loved the English take and the mystery which was an easy enough mystery. I look forward to the next in the series once I've had a break.
August 7, 2018
***2018 Summer of Spies***
What an absolutely charming beginning to a series! Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie is a poverty-stricken gentlewoman, 34th in the line of succession to the throne, trying to keep up appearances with little to no income. This author makes the most of the fascination with the Royal family and the deportment of Queen Victoria and her successors. For example:
A great deal of fun is had with the whole “we are not amused” stereotype, the contrast between Britons and Americans, and the differences between the classes. Don’t be looking for hard-hitting class commentary here, however. Most of the fun derives from the fact that Georgie and her brother are so clueless with regard to the actual running of a household and are so dependent on their servants that they can barely start a fire or boil water for tea.
There is a romantic aspect to the tale as well—Georgie is expected to either find suitable employment for a woman of her rank or find a husband with enough money to keep them in the style that they are accustomed to, money being more important than love in the equation. Georgie, however, has her own ideas on the suitability of husbands and she may have to dodge some of Queen Mary’s ideas on the subject.
Light & fluffy, perfect for summertime reading!
What an absolutely charming beginning to a series! Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie is a poverty-stricken gentlewoman, 34th in the line of succession to the throne, trying to keep up appearances with little to no income. This author makes the most of the fascination with the Royal family and the deportment of Queen Victoria and her successors. For example:
”The sight of one female person slinking across the forecourt on foot would definitely have my esteemed relative-by-marriage, Her Royal Majesty and Empress of India, Queen Mary, raise an eyebrow. Well, probably not actually raise the eyebrow because personages of royal blood are trained not to react, even to the greatest of improprieties. Were a native in some dark corner of the colonies to strip off his loincloth and dance, waggling his you-know-what with gay abandon, not so much as an eyebrow twitch would be permitted. The only appropriate reaction would be polite clapping when the dance was over.”
A great deal of fun is had with the whole “we are not amused” stereotype, the contrast between Britons and Americans, and the differences between the classes. Don’t be looking for hard-hitting class commentary here, however. Most of the fun derives from the fact that Georgie and her brother are so clueless with regard to the actual running of a household and are so dependent on their servants that they can barely start a fire or boil water for tea.
There is a romantic aspect to the tale as well—Georgie is expected to either find suitable employment for a woman of her rank or find a husband with enough money to keep them in the style that they are accustomed to, money being more important than love in the equation. Georgie, however, has her own ideas on the suitability of husbands and she may have to dodge some of Queen Mary’s ideas on the subject.
Light & fluffy, perfect for summertime reading!
February 2, 2009
Lady Georgiana is thirty-fourth in line to the English throne, but the distinction of being a royal, albeit a minor one, hasn't kept money woes at bay during the Depression. However, since royals - no matter how minor - aren't supposed to get "common" jobs, Georgiana's only option, according to the Queen, is marriage to the highly repulsive Prince Siegfried. Georgiana resolves to support herself, even if she has to do it clandestinely. And so she decides to work as a maid (horrors!). When a blackmailing Frenchman winds up dead in her bathtub with her brother as the prime suspect, Georgiana decides to use her newfound freedom as an incognito maid to root out the real killer.
Her Royal Spyness is a light, fairly enjoyable (if predictable) read that's heavy on chick lit elements and short on a solid, well-developed mystery. The novel's biggest strength is the character of Georgiana and her often-hilarious attempts to learn basic skills that most people take for granted - such as making one's own breakfast. Bowen also provides some fascinating "insider" glimpses into the royal social scene of the 1930s (such as the royal reaction to the infamous Mrs. Simpson). However, the story falters a bit by being a little too much of a modern chick-lit novel and not enough of a solid historical mystery. The pacing also tends to plod a bit as it gets bogged down in Georgiana's flirtation with a rakish Irishman and her Bridget Jones-style obsession with will-they-or-won't-they jump in the sack. There's too little focus on the murder mystery and the story is in desperate need of some balance. The novel's concept is cute and original - here's hoping sequels build on this foundation and deliver more solid mysteries.
Her Royal Spyness is a light, fairly enjoyable (if predictable) read that's heavy on chick lit elements and short on a solid, well-developed mystery. The novel's biggest strength is the character of Georgiana and her often-hilarious attempts to learn basic skills that most people take for granted - such as making one's own breakfast. Bowen also provides some fascinating "insider" glimpses into the royal social scene of the 1930s (such as the royal reaction to the infamous Mrs. Simpson). However, the story falters a bit by being a little too much of a modern chick-lit novel and not enough of a solid historical mystery. The pacing also tends to plod a bit as it gets bogged down in Georgiana's flirtation with a rakish Irishman and her Bridget Jones-style obsession with will-they-or-won't-they jump in the sack. There's too little focus on the murder mystery and the story is in desperate need of some balance. The novel's concept is cute and original - here's hoping sequels build on this foundation and deliver more solid mysteries.
March 2, 2017
Her Royal Spyness
4 Stars
Lady Victoria Georgina Charlotte Eugenie is 34th in line to the British throne. Unfortunately, she is also penniless and about to be married off to a pompous Romanian prince. To avoid this dreaded future, Georgie escapes to London where things go from bad to worse after she discovers the body of an arrogant Frenchman in her bathtub, and her brother, the Duke, is arrested for murder. Will Georgie be able to discover the real killer before it is too late?
A light hearted, charming and amusing cozy mystery that is not to be taken too seriously at all.
Set in 1930s London, a time period that is very familiar to me, the portrayal of the English aristocracy and upper classes is astute and incisive.
The mystery is rather obvious and it is easy to figure out the culprit, although the motive lacks foundation. Nevertheless, it is fun following along with Georgie as she stumbles across the various clues and almost gets herself killed on a number of occasions.
While the minor romance is engaging, Georgie's love interest needs work in order to fully fit the role of redeemable rake. It will be entertaining to see how that comes about.
Katherine Kellegrin's narration is superb. Her accents are spot on and she delivers each and every hilarious line of dialogue with wit and aplomb.
All in all, a lovely beginning to a promising series. Looking forward to Georgie's next adventure.
4 Stars
Lady Victoria Georgina Charlotte Eugenie is 34th in line to the British throne. Unfortunately, she is also penniless and about to be married off to a pompous Romanian prince. To avoid this dreaded future, Georgie escapes to London where things go from bad to worse after she discovers the body of an arrogant Frenchman in her bathtub, and her brother, the Duke, is arrested for murder. Will Georgie be able to discover the real killer before it is too late?
A light hearted, charming and amusing cozy mystery that is not to be taken too seriously at all.
Set in 1930s London, a time period that is very familiar to me, the portrayal of the English aristocracy and upper classes is astute and incisive.
The mystery is rather obvious and it is easy to figure out the culprit, although the motive lacks foundation. Nevertheless, it is fun following along with Georgie as she stumbles across the various clues and almost gets herself killed on a number of occasions.
While the minor romance is engaging, Georgie's love interest needs work in order to fully fit the role of redeemable rake. It will be entertaining to see how that comes about.
Katherine Kellegrin's narration is superb. Her accents are spot on and she delivers each and every hilarious line of dialogue with wit and aplomb.
All in all, a lovely beginning to a promising series. Looking forward to Georgie's next adventure.
February 26, 2017
Cute book. I figured out who did it pretty early. It's kind of funny how they had so many cans of beans left at the London home. Also wouldn't the Queen know that she needs a little cash to survive? 3-1/2 out of 5 stars.
September 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this royal spy story. The audio is impeccable and the story flowed from the beginning to the end. I'm looking forward to completing the 15 book series. Sometimes you just don't see the murderer coming🙃
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