I liked this story fairly well and learned a lot about the history of the British royals that I wasn't aware of already. There weren't as many references to illicit sex as there were in the last one, so that was good! I loved the feature of Princess Elizabeth (now QEII) and I adore Georgie's grandpa. He reminds me of Donna Noble's gramps on Doctor Who. Great series---I'm excited to read book four! ( )

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 time frame of the story, as well as clarifying the author’s inventions for the plot’s sake ( )

Despite the absurdities of the premise of this setting, I find these books good light entertainment. ( )

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.



( )

Pretty fun story, I have quibbles, but not significant ones. Set in 1937, and so an interesting time of history in England and involving the royal family. I liked that the author explained at the end what was history and what wasn't. I am not fond of Katherine Kellgren's narration, it is hard on my ears. ( )