A Royal Pain

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The Queen of England has concocted a plan in which penniless aristocrat Lady Georgie is to entertain a Bavarian princess and conveniently place her in the playboy prince's path, in the hopes that he might finally marry.

But queens never take money into account. Georgie has very little, which is why she moonlights as a maid-in-disguise. She must draw up plans: clean house to make it look like a palace; have Granddad and her neighbor pretend to be the domestic staff; un-teach Princess Hanni the English she's culled from American gangster movies; cure said princess of her embarrassing shoplifting habit; and keep an eye on her at parties.

Then there's the worrying matter of the body in the bookshop and Hannis' unwitting involvement with the Communist Party. It's enough to drive a girl crazy.

Listen to more Royal Spyness mysteries.

©2008 Janet Quin-Harkin (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Macavity Award, Historical Mystery, 2009

"All the characters from the first book in this rollicking series are present here - Georgie's much-married actress mother, her kind-hearted and resourceful Cockney grandfather, her sophisticated friend Belinda and the enigmatic Darcy O'Mara, a penniless Irish peer to whom Georgie finds herself attracted. There are also fleeting references to the war clouds that are gathering in Europe and the rise of fascism at home and abroad, both of which are neatly tied in with the murders and their solution. It works - both as a grand period piece and a lighthearted and completely diverting mystery." (The Denver Post)

Fun mystery with great characters

Really enjoying this series. The narrator is probably the best I've ever heard and the reason that I came to the series. I had listened to other books that she had narrated and she is amazing. Really brings the characters to life. Overall, the story is entertaining and compelling with just enough mystery.

Loved it!

The narrator and the series continues without disappointing. I will definitely continue this series. Just the right mix of comedy, mystery, and romance. Nothing heavy--just a light listen for when I want to be entertained without having to think too much.

Relief from Pain!

This book provided me with an easy night after surgery rest not sleep and an enjoyable story for that rest.

Great narration!

The narrator did a fabulous job and really got a work out with so many different accents. The story was entertaining and we got to see a bit more of "granddad" who is one of my favs. The sniping with Wallis Simpson was fun also. Only thing I didn't like much is the "virginity" talk it was brought up in the first book and just gets brought up a bit too much for my tame taste. There's also one scene that goes a bit far---not even sure why that's there. Overall though I liked it and will go on to book three. I liked her "Evans" series too and wish there more of those on Audible.

Love the performance

Can't wait to start the next book! I love the voices for Darby and Belinda.

A great listen

Would you listen to A Royal Pain again? Why?

Maybe... I usually don't reread mystery books since I already know the ending...But I would read the next book....

What did you like best about this story?

I love the on going relationship of Georgie and Darcy..Always wondering if they will end up together...

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

Katerine does a great job with all the accents and attitudes she has to perform..I do enjoy listening to her..

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mostly makes me laugh... the things this girl gets into just by being related to the throne and trying to survive in a pre WWII era. Very interesting...

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a fun and light read... It's not to dark for a mystery and that is because of the main character and her personality. I also think it has a little romance to keep you guessing as well as the case...Just overall fun listen...

Fluff-y Fun

What made the experience of listening to A Royal Pain the most enjoyable?

Talented reader reading entertaining story with much sly humor .

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Will lady Georgiana survive penury, difficult relatives and friends, dead bodies in the bathtub, and murder attempts or be shipped off to a backwater to be lady in waiting to an aging royal? Time and an entertaining read will tell.

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

Wonderful voicing of diverse characters

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Giggled repeatedly

An amazing guilty pleasure

This series is an absolute delight to listen to. The narrator doesn't amazing performance with all the voices and I have to admit I swoon whenever Darcy O'Mara is mentioned. I adore the twists and turns of a good old-fashioned mystery. I'm really looking forward to listening to the Next book!

Addicting mystery interlaced with romance

Katherine Kellgren is amazing bringing every character to life each with their own unique voice and mannerisms. You feel as if you are listening to a broadcast of a play with a large cast. Paired with Rhys Bowen brilliant writing that keeps you eagerly listening wanting to know what happens. I have gone through book 1 and 2 within a week, hating when I have to stop. You fall instantly in love with Georgie and her friends learning more about them with each book you read.

now obsessed!!

first, the narrator is impeccable! I will always search for books she's reading. second she helped show the quality of the writing. A+ by far.