Royal Flush

Her Royal Spyness #3

by Rhys Bowen

Lady Georgiana must outwit two clever hunters who are after the Prince of Wales in the third novel in the New York Times bestselling Royal Spyness Mystery series.Scotland, 1932. Back home until a little London scandal blows over, minor royal Lady Georgiana Rannoch has two equally important objectives. Queen Mary wants Georgie to keep the divorced, American, and entirely unsuitable Wallis Simpson from seducing the Prince of Wales, while Scotland Yard wants her to stop one of the members of the shooting party at Balmoral from turning their sights from the quails to His Royal Highness...

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

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2009

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

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Geschichte spielt in Schottland im Jahr 1932. Lady Georgie soll ein Auge auf den Kronprinzen haben bzw. die Augen offenhalten, denn scheinbar hat es jemand auf das Leben des Kronprinzen abgesehen. Es geschehen allerlei seltsame „Unfälle“…
Es ist der dritte Band dieser Cosy-Crime-Serie, und ich mochte ihn sehr.
Einerseits finde ich einfach die Zeit sehr spannend, in der die Geschichte spielt. Dann mag ich auch das Setting total gerne. Ich könnte mir diesen Roman total gut verfilmt vorstellen. Schottland in den 1930er Jahren, der Adel, die alten Gemäuer und Kleider… Das wäre interessant!
Auch die eigentliche Handlung hat mir natürlich sehr gut gefallen. Es ist ein gemütlicher Krimi, der langsam vorangeht ohne viel Drama, auch wenn es Todesfälle gibt…
Es war wieder sehr unterhaltsam, Lady Georgie zu begleiten. Ich mag sie und ihre besondere Art und freue mich schon auf ihr nächstes Abenteuer!

[Kate Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know that I would enjoy this series nearly as much as I have this far if I were actually reading the books, but the reader of the audiobooks, Katherine Kellgren, is really phenomenal.

The mystery here is pretty lame, as was the case in the previous books, but Georgie is such a delightful protagonist, and the supporting characters (Georgie's flighty friend Belinda, serial divorcee mother, and, of course, Darcy the love interest being among the best of them) are a lot of fun.

The changes in Georgie's life are happening VERY slowly, and it occurs to me that this is why steampunk is such a popular genre: we get the romance and beauty of a previous time, but there are ingenious inventions that help people receive information and travel at something much more like a modern pace. It's a clever cheat, and series like this one suffer a bit in comparison. Georgie isn't a Miss Marple-ish old lady or a wealthy spinster; she is a penniless young royal, and at some point she WILL have to marry or something and move things forward. It's hard to sit and wait for something to happen knowing there are very few ways Georgie's life can actually turn out.

...but I just started the next book, so clearly it doesn't bother me that much.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am slowly reading the series, and this was a funny book in many ways...yet lagged a bit in others. I rate it 3.5* and plan to continue the series. The book starts off with some really funny fixes that Georgie gets herself in herself into. Darcie is never really fleshed out enough for me to enjoy him as the love interest. He just seems to show up to save the heroine as needed. Listened to this on vacation and it was just right for a light read. A lot of fun learning a bit of British history (and gossip) especially about Wallace Simson. Plan to continue the series.

[Zyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series is so cozy, entertaining and addicting.

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books in this series but was just a little disappointed with this one. There was nothing new in it story wise and none of the characters developed in any way. It was entertaining in its own way but I was expecting more.

I am also experiencing so many parallels between this series and Bowen's other long running series about Molly Murphy. Her boyfriend, Daniel, is just as erratic and unlikable as Georgie's Darcy is. I stopped reading that series when I grew tired of the weakness of the obstacles the author was throwing up against the course of true love. Am I going to go the same way with Her Royal Spyness?

I guess that remains to be seen. I will go on to read book 4 and hope that something actually happens.

[Annu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful read. As like the last two books, Georgie is such an amazing character. And as usual, Belinda was busy with her new conquest. This story takes place mostly at Castle Rannoch, so there was a lot of Fig in this book and I've started to like her inspite of what Georgie thinks about her. Grand-dad is such a sport in helping Georgie with her sleuthing. And finally we see some progress with Georgie and Darcy (I just want to see them full-fledgedly dating each other). The mystery was quite good, although I figured out bits and pieces here and there. Definitely one of my favorite series 😁

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written June 27, 2016

3.7 Stars - Another enjoying crime adventure with the "Royal" family

Book #3

8:30 hrs narrated by Katherine Kellgren.

My new reading passion (started last fall) are all these lighthearted cozy mystery novels. A genre even better as audiobooks. I really liked the first two (Her Royal Spyness (4.2) and A Royal Pain (4.3)). It was yet again with a good feeling I started audiobook listening to a new part.

London / Scotland August, 1934

Always fun to meet the Queen's amateur spy. Lady Georgie (aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie Rannoch, cousin of King George V of England), this heroine is a unforgettable lovely penniless aristocrat. — When the Queen ask it's hard to say no...

I LIKE - listening to cozy mysteries

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

'With its posh clientele in the country for the summer, Georgie's housecleaning business has fizzled. So she tries hiring herself out as a dinner-and-theatre companion. But her first client has quite the wrong idea. To avoid further scandal, Georgie's shipped home to Castle Rannoch, where her summer plans include honoring a promise to Her Majesty to keep Castle Rannoch's divorcée houseguest from seducing the Prince of Wales. She's also been coerced into helping Scotland Yard with a top-secret mission - namely keeping an eye on the shooting party at Balmoral and preventing someone from shooting the Prince. And Georgie must manage all this without strangling her odious sister-in-law Fig or spineless brother Binky.'
____________________________________

Royal Flush is the third book in Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness series, which follows clumsy and endearing Lady Georgiana Rannoch , thirty-fourth in line to the English throne, as she she stumbles through trying to make it on her own and solve some mysteries along the way.

After a very embarassing faux pas in London, we're back to Scotland and Georgie's family home for this book. It was so shocking to see Fig being nice for a change, she was almost like a totally new character. But with a big and unwanted house party eathing them out of house and home, I suppose being nice to Georgie was her only way forward. We get to see a michevious side to Georgie as she sets out to make a stay a Rannoch as terrible as possible in order to drive the guests out. That made me love her character more. Plus with Fig panicking and begging for her help, she really takes charge in this book and I think it's the most confident we've ever seen her.

I wasn't crazy about the previous book in the series, but this one has more than made up for that. I think Royal Flush has been my favorite in the series thus far. There was a healthy dose of both ridiculousness and danger, I adored it.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never thought I'd be glad of a headache. But I am! I started this yesterday a.m. when I had a migraine and could not stop listening. Well, I did a little to go to bed last night. But I picked it right up again this morning.

Torn from the headlines! (Well,the headlines of 1932.) That's how I'd describe this book. I love books like this that are set amongst the controversies and scandals of a certain time. I also especially like this series for the characters. Plucky Lady Georgiana (34th in line to the throne). Devastating Darcy O'Mara. And shameless Belinda!

Added to all this is the wonderful narration/performance by Katherine "Katy" Kellgren. Can't wait to move on to book #4.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honestly surprised that Royal Flush has not yet won any awards, because it brings us an even more enjoyable tale of adventure, intrigue and romance than the first two books, both of which I had already thought were close to perfection. It certainly deserves one.

This third installment takes Georgie back to her childhood home of Castle Rannoch in Scotland, after her newest attempt at earning money (advertising herself as "escort" in a newspaper) brings disastrous results. I've always enjoyed Georgie's exploits in London, which are consistently laugh-out-loud because she is very much a fish out of water around her set. Despite this, I had also wanted to see her somewhere in which she's comfortable and supremely confident, so I was delighted with the relocation to Castle Rannoch. The beautiful countryside is vividly presented by Rhys Bowen's skillful writing, but what I loved most was seeing a different Georgie - one who is finally playing host instead of being left at others' mercy like she was in London. Georgie's definitely in her element here; she can climb hills, hunt and ride with the best of them, and she's surrounded by people who cares about her and whom she knows well. I must admit that it's not often that I care about female characters in mystery series, but I absolutely adore Georgie. She's smart and witty, spunky, and infinitely resourceful, so I was incredibly glad to see her spend time in a place where people respected and appreciated her.

Old characters return; Georgie's loveable but spineless brother Binky, her odious sister-in-law Fig (who's actually quite likeable here, since she's relying on Georgie this time), Granddad, Belinda, the royals and the ridiculous Wallis Simpson. Luckily we get very little of the latter, and we meet new and interesting characters in Georgie's cousins, Lachan and Murdoch, along with a whole host of guests at Rannoch and Balmoral. I was gratified to see more eligible males hanging around Georgie and showing interest - God knows the girl needs a confidence boost, what with Darcy being a bit of a flake!

And of Darcy, there is fortunately a great deal more in this book than there was in A Royal Pain. I call him a flake, but he finally raises the stakes a bit, actively following Georgie, initiating contact and becoming far more upfront with his feelings for her. I think I was even happier than Georgie to see real developments in their relationship and a confirmation that Darcy isn't just flirting. Their exchange at the end shows that he's still not ready to commit/hasn't mentally reached the point yet where he understands the full extent of his feelings, but at least he's far more proactive! Hopefully we'll see even more progress in the next book.

Aside from the wonderful setting and historical details that Bowen's a master at weaving into the story, there is also nonstop action and a rather intriguing mystery, all moving along at breakneck speed. There's never a boring moment! Georgie's pulled even deeper into official service for the Crown this time; she's asked to solve the series of mysterious "accidents" that have been befalling those in line for the throne. The subsequent string of murders and crazy events keep Georgie busy from straight-out sleuthing, but the process is certainly interesting. Serious mystery buffs looking for a traditional mystery might be disappointed, but I enjoyed it all the same.

Rhys Bowen has definitely set the bar high with Royal Flush, so I can't wait to read Royal Blood. Here's to hoping that it'll be even better!

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book number three in Bowen’s “Royal Spyness” series of cozy mysteries, starring Lady Georgiana Rannoch, thirty-fourth in line to the throne.

Georgie is having a tough time in London. She is really strapped for cash and her latest effort at business has captured the attention of the authorities. However, they will keep quiet if she will do a little spying for them. It seems there is a threat against the royal family, and they suspect it is an insider. Lady Georgiana is the perfect person to observe and report what she finds. So off she goes to her ancestral home, which is just next door to Balmoral.

I like this cozy series. Georgie and her best friend Belinda are quite the pair. And the handsome, if enigmatic, Mark Darcy certainly seems interested. Georgie’s Bohemian mother figures prominently in this storyline, as does her maternal grandfather, a retired policeman with good instincts and some connections.

I like the historical background that Bowen weaves into her plots as well. Historical notes at the end of the novel give insight into what was actually happening during the timeframe of the story, as well as clarifying the author’s inventions for the plot’s sake

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked on this series of audiobooks! I am amazed at the skill of the narrator and how many different characters she can perform seamlessly going from American to Scot to Irish to Cockney to German to the Queen of England! Very entertaining!!

[~☆~Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in less than 24 hours as it was too exciting. The first bit was too embarrassing and annoying but it got better and better. It is hard to believe but so exciting. I am ready for the next one.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen is the 3rd book in the Royal Spyness mystery series. Lady Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne, is forced back to her home in Scotland, Castle Runnoch, to avoid a scandal after a misunderstanding, where she is asked to look into accidents that are happening to the royal family. A delightful and fun mystery. The narrator of the audiobook is wonderful especially with all the character voices and adds to the experience. Lots of entertaining moments as Georgie plots with her sister-in-law in getting rid of unwanted guests. A light-hearted and very enjoyable book.

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

Not my favorite of the series: I was not interested in the mystery at all. But I liked the setting and the way that all the characters met up together in Scotland. Glad to see a bit more of the Scottish castle and Georgie's home, I do wish to be back in a more city area. But there was a lot of people here, more than is expected.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series even more than the first time I listened to it. Too bad I can’t give it more than my previous 5 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

Not my favorite of the series: I was not interested in the mystery at all and I'm not sure I understood everything that went on there. But I liked the setting and the way that all the characters met up together in Scotland. Glad to see a bit more of the Scottish castle and Georgie's home.

[Melissa McShane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still enjoying this rather lightweight series, and maybe it's just that I was reading it in tiny installments on my break at work, but I didn't pick up on whodunit right away, so I call it good. I'm starting to be fond of the supporting cast, particularly Georgie's friend Belinda, who is just too shallow and sex-obsessed for words. And I *was* warming up to Darcy as Georgie's love interest; he's started to demonstrate that he's really interested in her, and there's evidence that his constant disappearances are because he's some sort of secret government agent (or something), and he even tells Georgie's grandfather (probably my favorite character) that he's Georgie's "young man," and then he has to go and ruin it. At the end, Georgie asks him why he sticks with her, a strange phrase that implies that she's sort of a mess, which is untrue. And he says, in order, that a) at first he was interested in the challenge of getting into her pants, and then b) he thought she might be a good lay if he could get her to relax, and THEN c) he can't stop thinking about her like she's some kind of obsession. Not romantic. Not an attitude that makes me like him. And he was doing so well.

The series makes for good lunchtime reading, so I haven't given up on it yet.

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so done with this series. The first book was good, the second was okay, this was a waste of time. It's just a boring rehash of the same predictable plot. Yes, the characters were quirky and interesting at first, but instead of being developed in the next books they have just been flattened into caricatures of themselves.

Worst of all is Darcy. He shows up every time Georgie is in danger. Every. Single. Time. I had great hopes that he wouldn't be able to make an appearance for the final confrontation. I mean, Georgie was on a plane! Flying! In the sky! I was sure this time Georgie would have had to fend off for herself, pull off some crazy stunt and land the plane herself, or maybe find a second parachute and jump off, miraculously redeeming herself as an action heroine. But, of course, bloody Darcy just had to show up and treat us to another round of heroics and will-they-or-won't-they. So done.

[PorshaJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. And Wallace Simpson included.....with gossip. The Queen as a small child. Wonderful audio. Can't wait for the next one.

[Literary Lusts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Royal Spyness series is a fun fluffy historical mystery series set in mainly Britain and Scotland during the 1930's. The protagonist is Lady Georgiana who is 34th in line for the British crown. She is therefore burdened with family obligations but without the money or power to always fulfill or live up to them. She is a fun heroine to read about as she has a generally bubbly and funny personality, although she at times makes some silly decisions. In Royal Flush, the third book in the series, due to a scandal of her own creation Lady Georgiana is forced to flee from London to her ancestral home of Castle Rannoch in Scotland. She is also secretly instructed to keep her eyes and ears open as other members of the British royal family are also in Scotland and have had several mysterious accidents occur recently. Of course shenanigans ensue and Lady Georgiana gets involved with the mystery and ends up assisting with finding the culprit.

This is the third book in the series and it has started to develop a kind of pattern. There's a bit of frustration with the seemingly endless dangling of the potential romance between Lady Georgiana and a mysterious Irishman named Darcy. It's not a very complicated mystery series either as typically you can guess what's going on fairly early. However despite my grumblings it was still an enjoyable read. Lady Georgiana is a fun protagonist and usually the dialogue makes me laugh out loud a few times. If you are looking for a simple bit of historical fluff with some light mystery then you should give the Her Royal Spyness series a try.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light to read, I finished this book in one sitting down, not noticing that it's past 5AM already. There are more mysterious things happening in this third novel than in previous ones, although these things were never the focus until the later part of the book. The questions and whodunits are like afterthoughts to the life and times of royalty and the high society in the early 30s. It's like going to a party and then suddenly remembering when the party is winding down that there's a murder to be solved.

This book might not appeal to hardcore mystery/thriller readers, but for anyone who reads and appreciates any kind of fiction, this is a pleasant and funny read. Full of wit and humor, it has many laugh-out-loud moments brought about by Lady Georgina's clumsiness, naivete, or insights into the social set she's in.

Lines like: "I had an impression of rock wall flashing past me, and the words formed themselves in my brain, I am about to die. Bother. And for some reason I was remarkably annoyed at being about to die a virgin." are witty gems that pepper the pages throughout.

Enjoyable as usual.

[JoLene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am continuing to enjoy this series. On this go-round, Georgie has the brilliant idea to rent herself out as a companion to visiting business men --- she'll get free dinner and possibly theater visit and they will get good company. Unfortunately her ad in the paper makes it seem like an prostitution ring :-). The police get wind and strongly "suggest" that she leave London for a while, so she runs back to the family seat in Scotland, where many of the high society types are gathering for some summer fun.

This series continues to delight. Georgie and her friends/ family are hilarious and Bowen weaves in a lot of historical detail that makes for a fun read.

[✨Susan✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a new Georgiana (34th in line to the crown), adventure. In this addition someone is knocking off or trying to knock off people who are in line for the crown. Georgiana gets herself unwittingly into a little pickle with the the police and in order to save her from soiling her reputation and that of the Royal Family she becomes indented to the police and placed on a secret mission.

Great history of people and machinery are peppered through out and there is always a sweet secret romance for Georgiana and the ever elusive Mr. Darcey. A wonderfully, fun series that always has a good mystery and some good laughs.

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with Lady Georgiana (34th in line to the British throne & Great Grandaughter of Queen Victoria) and again the audio narration by Katherine Kellgren is PERFECTION :)

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Royal Flush
4 Stars

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 34th in line to the throne, gets herself into a bit of a pickle, and is sent home to Scotland to avoid scandal. Her sleuthing skills are an added bonus as the Home Office is concerned about a number of recent "accidents" involving the Prince of Wales, who just happens to be at Balmoral for the shooting.

The mystery is intriguing although the culprit's identity becomes easy to ferret out, even if Georgie doesn't quite manage it in time. The problem is that Georgie is an engaging, but somewhat clueless heroine, who wouldn't spot an important clue if it walked up and hijacked her (which is actually the case in this book).

Bowen's historical research on the royal family is excellent, especially the details concerning Queen Victoria's oldest grandson, Prince Albert Victor, as well as the relationship between David, Prince of Wales, and Mrs. Wallis Simpson.

The slow burn romance between Georgie and Darcy O'Mara has potential although the revelation toward the end of his initial thoughts and amorous plans for her lessen his appeal. Hopefully, he will soon be able to redeem himself.

Overall, another entertaining installment in Rhys Bowen's charming cozy historical mystery series. However, readers interested in serious and complex storylines may be disappointed with this lighthearted fare.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

About fifty pages into Royal Flush, I figured out why I like this series as much as I do: it’s a mix of screwball comedy and murder mystery. I love screwball comedies, because they’re ridiculous, they know they’re ridiculous, but they never deign to break the fourth wall to make sure the audience knows they know they are ridiculous. They just revel in being fun. And that’s what the Royal Spyness series does: it fully embraces its zaniness and sees no reason to apologize for it. I’d even say that it might be one of the best examples I’ve found of a modern screwball comedy.

Royal Flush is the first book in the series where the murder mystery drives the entire narrative. It makes sense: this is Georgie’s third crime-solving caper, and it would be weird to not acknowledge that this is becoming a regular habit of hers. I did think she was a little obtuse at a couple of points in the narrative, but it still leans towards a believable level. Recommended.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunting Accidents

Lady Georgina has plan to earn money but it ends in a disaster and she is sent to Castle Rannock to help host a hunting party. Upon arrival Georgie finds that Binky has step into an animal trap and almost lost his leg. Fig,her sister-in-law is upset as the party of Americans are eating and drinking a lot. Before long she learns about near fatal accidents to members of the Royal Family. Darcy is present and he save Georgie when almost lost her life. Before the Royal Family is eliminated Georgie must find the answer.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another highly enjoyable addition to the series, made even more amusing by the wonderful audiobook narrator. Lady Georgiana (Georgie to family and friends), 34th in line for the British throne in 1932, manages to get herself into one pickle after another. When her latest effort to earn her keep goes hilariously awry, she is sent off to her ancestral estate in Scotland by the Home Office under the guise of keeping tabs on her royal relatives at the neighboring Balmoral Estate. It seems certain members of the royal family have been falling afoul of serious near-miss accidents and it's up to Georgie to find out if these are mere unlucky coincidences or if there is some foul plan afoot.

Once again, the mystery aspect of the story is light fluff that's not all that hard to figure out - even for people like me who aren't even trying to figure it out. As an amateur sleuth I also have to admit that Georgie isn't all that great at deductive reasoning. More often than not clues sail right past her but, in that regard, perhaps she's more representative of what an actual amateur sleuth would be like.

Darcy O'Mara, an impoverished member of the Irish Peerage, is back in the mix as Georgie's elusive love interest. Like Georgie, I find myself quite charmed by the dark-haired man of mystery who always seems to show up at just the right time. That said, I would've preferred it if Georgie had held onto her anger with him for longer than she did. She needs to make him work harder in my opinion.

I also enjoyed the drama with the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson that's been percolating in the background for the last two books. If Wallis Simpson really was this obnoxious in real life, I have no idea what the Prince of Wales saw in her.

All in all, this was a fun way to spend a few hours.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a story here, but I was too busy getting out my torch and pitchfork, I didn't really follow it.