Son Espionne royale et le baron irlandais

Her Royal Spyness #10

by Rhys Bowen, Blandine Longre (Translator)

Irlande, 1934.
Lady Georgie est sur un petit nuage : le beau Darcy O'Mara l'a finalement demandée en mariage. Mais rien n'est simple pour une princesse d'Angleterre... Georgie doit obtenir une autorisation de la reine pour épouser son fiancé.
Avant même que les tourtereaux puissent officialiser leur union, une nouvelle épreuve se dresse sur leur chemin : le père de Darcy est suspecté de meurtre. Il est impensable pour une héritière royale d'épouser le fils d'un criminel ! Prête à tout pour innocenter son beau-père, Georgie décide de rejoindre le château familial des O'Mara... au risque de déterrer des secrets de famille bien cachés.

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

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2016

About the author

I'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.

I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.

My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.

I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.

I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries

Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law

Reviews

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just make me happy. I really liked that Darcy had such a starring role in this story.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of very few series which I do not read in order but I find it does not matter at all. There is really very little character advancement and Georgie and Darcy's romance barely progresses at all.

Having said that Crowned and Dangerous begins with the appearance of a giant leap in said romance but this is quickly quashed by events and the status quo is resumed. Darcy's father is accused of murder and Georgie uses her detecting skills to find out who really did it.

I think this is the first book in the series I have read so far in which Darcy remains present all the way through. Usually he is popping off on his secret missions leaving Georgie to get on with life without him. I was hoping to get to know him better but he was actually a bit of a wet blanket in contrast to Georgie who firmly believed in his father's innocence and went all out to prove it.

Reading this probably makes you wonder why I gave it four stars! That will be because I love the characters, the author writes really well and the story was fun. I always know when I pick up a Royal Spyness book that I am in for an enjoyable, laid back read.

[Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Royal Spyness #10...

I normally really enjoy this series but this one didn't move me like the rest of the series has. There was a LOT of repetition and chatty dialogue but there really wasn't any adventure or action like there normally is. It was just kind of boring and the whole Queenie-the incompetent maid, the always broke & homeless Lady Georgiana & the continuously delayed wedding to Darcy thing is getting rather old. If Queenie's stay with Lady Oona becomes permanent or at least straightens her up and if Georgiana & Darcy FINALLY tie the knot, I will be a very happy reader!
It is past time for a change- spice it up and give us some new material please! 

*I read this for my 2016 Halloween Bingo: ~Genre: Mystery~ square BINGO!!

 

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are really heating up between Lady Georgiana and her handsome Irish beau, Darcy. As the book opens they are eloping to Gretna Green in Scotland. There are a few minor problems though. Georgie is thirty fifth in the line of succession to the throne so she needs a special dispensation from the King to marry a Catholic. They are also broke and have no place to live but when you're in love, who cares?

Unfortunately a blizzard stops their progress and as they stop they discover Darcy's father, Lord Kilhenny, has been arrested for murder. After he fell on hard times, the Lord has sold his castle and estate to a rich American. The American ends up dead and Darcy's father is accused of killing him in a fit of rage. Darcy drops everything and rushes to Ireland to help his dad.

There is a delightful romp through Ireland as Georgie and Darcy investigate the crime. There are oddball relatives, a Princess who flies airplanes, ghosts and an archeological dig. There's one delightful surprise after another including an exchange between the Prince and Mrs. Simpson that is hysterical.

For just plain fun this is a great book.

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun romp through Georgianna's life. Not my favorite of her adventures but still a good mystery that she and Darcey must solve.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

FYI this review is for the audio version. Got hooked into this series when Jen L. suggested I listen to Her Royal Spyness on audio. I was ruined from reading this series from the first word Kathrine Kellgren spoke. She breathes even more life into each and every deftly written character that you are totally convinced it is more than one person reading you the story.

This installment was a pure delight as always. Though I would have enjoyed a little more Belinda and Granddad. That aside I really enjoyed the addition of Darcy's family and most of the story being set in Ireland. The highlight of this series are the characters, and again this installment does not disappoint. Bowen introduces some new and memorable characters that you fall in love with, or detest wholeheartedly. Fabulous characters, hilarious dialogue and a well crafted mystery, what is not to enjoy. I felt quite bereft when the story ended, and know I will probably have to wait another year until I get me some more Georgie.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Georgiana and Darcy are on their way to Scotland to get married when a snow ❄ storm stop ✋them. In the paper is an article about Darcy's father being arrested.Darcy goes to Ireland. Georgiana goes to London and then to her grandfather. Georgiana goes to Ireland and joins Darcy in the investigation. A friend, Zou Zou and Queenie show up and help with the investigation. They reach the truth leading to the arrest of the killers. Darcy and Georgiana are engaged. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡

I enjoy British 🏰👑 mystery novels and this is one of my favorites. Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a deep breath, everyone - Crowned and Dangerous is easily one of the best Royal Spyness books to date. In fact, I’d argue that it’s right up there at the top alongside the virtually perfect The Twelve Clues of Christmas, which is no mean feat. Years ago, sometime before the release of the 5th book, I remember suggesting that having a mystery centered around Darcy’s family home in Ireland would make a rollicking-good story; we could finally get to know more about the mysterious and enigmatic Darcy, not to mention it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce Georgie to his family. I never thought in my wildest dreams that it would actually happen, but it’s just as fun as I’d imagined it would be.

I’ve made no secret in my reviews of the last few books that my interest in what was my favorite historical mystery series has gradually waned; there had been precious little forward movement in the development of Georgie and Darcy’s characters and their relationship and the murder mysteries have faded into the background. But in Crowned and Dangerous, I felt like the author had actually addressed each and every issue I’d noted in my review of the previous book. A suspenseful case of murder that doesn’t seem like a mere inconvenience to Georgie? Tick! New characters that are likable rather than the same-old-same-old? Tick! Character development for Georgie and Darcy? Tick! Actual relationship development? Double tick!

The murder mystery once again takes center stage in this book: Darcy’s father, Lord Kilhenny, has been accused of murder, thus throwing Darcy and Georgie’s elopement plans into disarray. The very personal stakes that both Georgie and Darcy have in solving this mystery really heightened the tension and made sure that their focus, and that of the readers’, were always firmly directed towards tracking down the murderer. This is an aspect that I’d sorely missed in the last few books; a balanced interweaving of the charming historical background with the detective work itself. Clues were also revealed gradually rather than randomly withheld and the murderer’s identity wasn’t immediately obvious, which made the process a lot more fun.

But the real highlight of Crowned and Dangerous was the romantic development that I’ve been waiting for since The Twelve Clues of Christmas - Darcy and Georgie are more in love than ever and they’re ready to take that next step to making their relationship official. Hurrah! The previous book ended on a cliffhanger that promised an exciting development for them, but I was of two minds whether I wanted it to happen quite that way. Thankfully, it’s resolved in such a satisfying way that I could barely contain my warm fuzzies upon turning the final page: They finally put a ring on it!

It’s touching to see so clearly how strong their bond is - they’re an engaged couple through and through, referring to themselves naturally as a “we” and an “us." Even with Princess Zamanska acting as a third wheel, they were in a world of their own. I was particularly pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was to see them investigate together for a change. Better yet, we have Darcy at the most honest and expressive he’s ever been with Georgie regarding his feelings; there can be no doubt that Darcy is absolutely head-over-heels in love with her and would do anything to marry her. What a long way they’ve come since the first book, where Darcy had been the dashing man-of-the-world who was more interested in being naughty than settling down, and Georgie was the epitome of a naive, sheltered young lady of aristocratic background. I haven’t been this invested in a literary couple since… well, The Twelve Clues of Christmas.

And of course I can’t forget that we finally get to know Darcy O’Mara, whose background and family situation have always been such a mystery. I had complained in my review of the previous installment that it’s been nine books and we still barely knew anything about Darcy, except that he is involved in some undercover work, is the son of an Irish peer and is always mysteriously flitting in and out of each book.

Well, that finally changes - Darcy is finally around from beginning to end, rather than dropping in conveniently on Georgie mid-novel! To begin with, this mystery is centered around Darcy, and as such we get the delightful opportunity to meet his father, Lord Kilhenny, his hilarious great-aunt and great-uncle, and visit his childhood home at Kilhenny Castle in Ireland. As Georgie comments at one point, it’s lovely being able to see another side to Darcy - not the charming, eligible bachelor about London, but the hometown boy and local aristocrat. It felt very much like Georgie (and the readers along with her) was finally able to connect more deeply with Darcy and become part of his rather eccentric family.

While Darcy might not have wanted Georgie to see him at his weakest, being able to see him virtually paralyzed with fear for his father actually humanized him in my eyes. It also made it more apparent how much he’d grown as a character (aside from a bout of noble idiocy which almost spoiled the fun). He’s definitely a far cry from the young lad in Her Royal Spyness who’d crash parties and casually engage in hanky-panky. Georgie, even more so than Darcy, has matured beyond recognition and I felt like a proud mother hen as I watched her rise to the occasion when her man was in distress - she gets to bail out Darcy for a change! No damsel-in-distress, that’s for sure. She investigated intelligently, approached Darcy with determination and common sense (but avoiding being clingy, which I can’t stand) and was generally a vastly more confident and self-assured character.

Of course, I can’t leave out Queenie and the rest of the supporting cast, either. Queenie was another point of contention for me in the last few books; whatever humor she’d initially offered in the part of the “hopeless maid” had long outstayed its welcome and had become grating instead. But here, I’m reminded why Georgie couldn’t stay cross with her for long; she really is like a faithful dog, and after her heroic efforts to rescue Georgie in this book, I think I’m actually going to miss her. On the other hand, I certainly don’t miss having the materialistic London set around - being surrounded by Darcy’s crazy but loving family members was a significant improvement and I was particularly fond of Great-Aunt Oona. I even liked Darcy’s grouchy father, Lord Kilhenny, and thought Princess Zamanska was (mostly) a hoot.

All in all, I’d say Crowned and Dangerous has successfully revived my love for this series and its characters - I literally cannot wait to see how Georgie and Darcy’s story continues in the upcoming books. Hopefully we might see a wedding mystery soon?

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cozy mystery series and all the characters. I don't know how many more books there will be in the series, but it won't be enough. My only complaint is that we only get one book each year.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.

Review to follow.

[Cheryl James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 10 of 17

Once again Georgiana and all the characters keep me in suspense while I try to solve the murder mystery.

There is humor when it needs to be, and sadness when it should be.

This is my go-to series. The stories, the plots, and the characters are well-developed and always put together.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Berkley. This title will be released on August 2, 2016. All thoughts and opinions stated in this review are entirely my own.*

I want to start by saying that Rhys Bowen is one of the absolute best cozy/historical mysteries that has ever written. Everything she writes is golden and I count myself a fan! This book absolutely fulfilled my expectations and I hope that the 'Georgie' books continue for years to come.

Georgie is a character that I compare other characters to. That's how good she is. She's smart, cunning, but clumsy, and naive. It all wraps up in a package that is absolutely wonderful to read about! I was slightly disappointed that the ending/cliff-hanger of the last book didn't carry over into this one, (all stuff you can read on the back cover, so it's not spoilers) however I hope it's remedied in the next book.

The mystery was wonderful, however in all of Ms. Bowen's books, it takes a backseat to the superb characters. I didn't even guess who the culprit was until the end. Also, the end was absolutely wonderful, and I hope we go back to Ireland in future books.

Overall an absolutely wonderful book. I will read this series for as long as it's written. Highly recommend!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are several books in this series, but this will work as a stand alone. Of course it is more enjoyable if you have kept up with Georgianna's struggles and antics over the years. A total romp, lots of fun and new characters to look forward to seeing again.

[Maire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of the better installments in this series, unfortunately! I was initially excited when the action moved to Ireland, but overall I felt like the mystery itself was a little too "pat" and skimpy on the details. I would have preferred something a little meatier. I always enjoy these books for their lightheartedness and levity, but this one seemed almost like a parody of itself--too much silliness and not enough substance. All of that being said, I still found it a fun read and I did love the time I got to spend with Georgie!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I had issues with:
1. After nine previous books, I had hoped Georgie and Darcy's relationship had finally progressed, but circumstances prevented them from moving forward.
2. Georgie comes across far too many murders. I have issues with cozy mysteries that find a non-investigator continually stumble across dead bodies.
3. If she had married Darcy in a previous book, this would have made more sense as he investigates for the government.
4. Zou Zou annoyed me rather than entertained me.
5. Georgie keeps suspecting that Darcy and women she comes across were once lovers yet she broods rather than has a conversation with him.

Things I appreciated:
1. We saw more of Darcy's family.
2. Binky finally stood up to his wife.
3. I disliked Queenie in previous books, but she made some progress in this one.
4. Some aspects of the overall story seem to be getting tied up so I have hope for Darcy and Georgie in future books.

I still will read this series, but I have not enjoyed the last few books as much as the first few.

[Ellie J. (semi-hiatus with 👶🏼🎀) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these Royal Spyness mysteries—they’re so entertaining 🥰

[Carlymor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun entry in one of my favorite series. This time Georgie and Darcy are (finally!) on their way to get married, eloping to Gretna Green. But, then another delay occurs when Darcy finds out that his father has been arrested for murder. The ensuing investigation introduces some new and entertaining characters. It was nice to see more personal interactions between Darcy and Georgie this time, instead of him running off on one of his secret missions. I always enjoy these books and am looking forward to the next one!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Georgiana Rannoch’s fiancé is whisking her to a secret elopement when he hears his father has been arrested for murder. Telling Georgiana to go home, Darcy heads for his father’s estate. But Georgie won’t give up on her man, and she follows him to the family castle. His father is uncooperative. After losing all his money, Lord Kilhenny sold the estate to a rich American whose body was found by the man’s valet. Lord Kilhenny’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon and he was passed out drunk the night of the murder. The local constable is ready to pin the crime on him until Georgie intervenes. Can there possibly be another explanation? As she and Darcy delve into the American’s background, they learn he might have had something to hide.

This story is a gripping read which I didn’t want to put down. Georgie is a delightful heroine and it’s always a pleasure to see what scrape she gets herself into next. She deserves happiness and hopefully she’ll finally wed her man in a subsequent story. In the meantime, be on the lookout for more adventures in this engaging series.

[Jude: The Epic Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had a very interesting premise but it didn't turn out quite as I wanted it to, I just wished there was more to it. Not a big fan of this American gangster turnout. Glad to finally get to know Darcy and his family more and more about what exactly he is up to in life. I really liked Darcy's father and Zou Zou and I want to see more of them.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 10 in the Royal Spyness series. Georgia and friends travel to Ireland to rescue Darcy's father. I continue to love the narration and still want to carry on. The story is often ridiculous but I enjoy that as it makes me laugh....

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just like a warm cup of tea,okay but not quite hitting the spot.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo libro mi è piaciuto più del precedente tanto che credo che cercherò di procurarmi i volumi precedenti della serie, visto che la ho iniziata dal nono. È stato un acquisto fatto senza pensare in edicola, ma alla fine posso ritenermi soddisfatta.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we left Georgie and Darcy they were eloping to Scotland but when we find them in Crowned and Dangerous something happens to stop their journey. First snow and then Darcy's Father is arrested for murder. Off he goes to Ireland and soon Georgie follows. It does not look good but between Georgie, Darcy and a great cast of characters the real villain is found. This does bring the two closer together but no wedding yet. What will Bowen put the two lovers through next. I for one am staying tuned.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhys Bowen’s Crowned and Dangerous (Her Royal Spyness #10) takes Georgie to Ireland to help Darcy when his father is accused of murdering the American who bought Kilkenny Castle and Stables.
Darcy receives a message that Darcy’s father is in big trouble just when Darcy and Georgie are off on a trip that Darcy has planned to surprise Georgie, and is she surprised!! But ‘best laid plans’..........
Upon receiving the message about the mess his father is in, Darcy changes direction literally, and Georgie must return the borrowed car to its owner, a friend of Darcy’s who just happens to be a princess from Poland! Just how friendly are Darcy and this princess?! Georgie decides to stop worrying about ‘the princess’ and begins her trek to Ireland to assist Darcy and his father even though Darcy has called her and told her that there is no more ‘us’ (Darcy & Georgie), and Georgie must go forth alone as though she has never even known Darcy! What a change from the way this book began! It is quite an adventure, and Georgie arrives with ideas that may truly help Darcy and his dad. Enjoyable with characters who are great fun! 41/4 stars.

[Lollyletsgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

You see, on the way to eloping, along with an errant snowstorm, they get some terrible news that sends them in a completely different direction. Darcy's father has been accused of a heinous crime and Darcy leaves Georgie to help him. She of course follows and as the reader, so do we!

I really liked this one, we got to see more of Georgie with Darcy, and we also got to meet his family (bonus!). I also liked that Queenie didn't play as large a role in this adventure, while I like her, she's beyond my patience and Georgie must be really, really patient or equally desperate to keep her around.

I enjoyed meeting Zhou Zhou, (For some reason, I kept picturing her as a young Zsa Zsa Gabor or Marilyn Monroe. ;]) and her fondness for adventure; though her constant attentions toward Darcy rankled- again, clearly not as patient as Georgie.

This mystery itself was a fun twisty-turney romp with Darcy, Georgie, Zhou Zhou, his extremely reluctant father, and other odds and ends relatives (whom I think they actually play a larger role than Darcy's dad), cause as one point I though I had it figured out, then - nope, I didn't ;] but those are the best kind, right?

A copy was provided to me for an honest review, which this is.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute and cozy as usual. This one follows Georgie & Darcy as they attempt — and fail to elope, due to Darcy’s dad being arrested for a murder he didn’t commit. Sleuthing ensues. Extra cozy and extra fun.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Georgie and Darcy are about to elope to Greta Green (so Darcy can make an honest woman of her when they finally have some alone time), they run into some major obstacles. First, a major snowstorm bars their way and then Darcy reads some shocking news in the paper : his father, Lord Kilhenny is accused of murdering the American who purchased his estate. Darcy sends Georgie back to Kensington and heads off to Ireland to be with his father. When he feels that it is inevitable his father will be hanged, he tries to push Georgie away so she won’t be tainted by scandal. Fortunately, Georgie is made of sterner stuff and she barges in on her fiancé’s family troubles. It’s a good thing because two minds are better than one when it comes to solving crimes. Darcy, Georgie and their friend Princess Alexandra Zamanska soon get to work to clear Lord Kilhennys name.
The plot of this book is pretty good. It’s not great though. I figured out the American man’s secret pretty quickly though I did not know which of the suspects did it and why. There was a big surprise at the end I didn’t quite see coming. The mystery was left a little bit unfinished. It lacked some of that adrenaline rush or excitement that comes when Georgie investigates alone. I just loved the literary references to Pride and Prejudice, of course, Darcy’s namesake. There are others as well that made me smile. I’m not sure how I feel about Darcy’s actions at the end. I hope it all works out for them.
The real stand out of this book is the excellent character development. Georgie has really come into her own. I feared a star-crossed lovers plot but she is determined to be the heroine of her love story and lead her own life the way she wants. Queenie haters will be happy she is absent from most of the story. I missed her comic relief. She is also growing and changing like Georgie. Even Binky’s character is developing. Fig is still Fig though.
The new characters include Darcy’s father, Lord Kilhenny, making an appearance at last. Darcy fears his father’s temper and crotchety nature will take a dislike to Georgie if they meet under these circumstances. He doesn’t know his father very well and it’s a shame. Zou Zou sizes him up right away and even Georgie know his bark is worse than his bite. His development was a bit much at the end. I’m not sure I buy that interesting development. I just loved batty Aunt Oona and Uncle Dooley. They’re classic British eccentric characters but also warm, welcoming and a lot of fun. The last new major character is Zou Zou, Princess Alexandra Zamanska. I didn’t really like her for the same reasons Georgie doesn’t. She’s the kind of person you want to hate but can’t because she chooses to ignore any negativity. The one other character in this book is Mr. Roach’s manservant. He seems weasely to me. Typical bad guy character but did he have it in him to kill his employer? Read the book to find out.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen is the 10th book in the Royal Spyness Mystery series. Lady Georgiana Rannoch and Darcy O'Mara are planning to elope when their plans are thwarted when Darcy's father is arrested for murder. Another fun and entertaining book in the series. I love that Queenie is finally starting to make an effort and that Georgie is standing up more for what she wants. It was nice to meet more of Darcy's family. I enjoyed this book immencely and highly recommend the series.

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a majestic treat, the Royal Spyness Mysteries are the crown jewels of historical mysteries.

Author Rhys Bowen writes hysterical fiction like no other author. Her details to these period pieces are spot on. When she does “change history” for the purpose of the stories, she’s always forth right about it on her Historical Notes page at the back of her books.

CROWNED AND DANGEROUS is a glowing gem in an already sparkling series. Rhys Bowen brings life to the 1930’s in such a way, readers will feel a part of the adventure.

This is my third book in the Royal Spyness mysteries so far, and it is the best of the three. As in the others I’ve read, protagonist, Lady Georgiana Rannoch is a delightful character. Once again I found myself caught up in her excitement and enthusiasm. She makes every book more memorable than the one before.

An excellent plot, combined with flawless writing, CROWNED AND DANGEROUS, indeed, the entire Royal Spyness series, is a cut above other historicals.

You don’t have to be a mystery fan to read this series. Readers of romance, history, and adventure genres will all enjoy reading the Royal Spyness Mysteries!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crowned and Dangeroud
4 Stars

When Darcy O'Mara's father is arrested for murder, Georgie must use all of her sleuthing skills to prove his innocence or her future with Darcy will end before it even begins.

The case, as always, it pretty straightforward, and there is never any doubt that Georgie and her friends will uncover the truth.

The real highlight is the focus on Darcy's background and family. There are some wonderful moments with is quirky relatives and grouchy father. Moreover, the true depth of his feelings for Georgie really comes to the fore. For her part, Georgie demonstrates not only her intelligence and resourcefulness, but also her ingrained sense of loyalty to those she cares about.

Overall, a light and enjoyable read, and Queenie steals the show once again.