Her Royal Spyness

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Agatha Award-winning author Rhys Bowen’s charming combination of intrigue and romance blended with a touch of humor shines when performed by Audible Hall of Fame narrator Katherine Kellgren, whose deft range and impeccable accent work make it hard to believe this isn’t a multicast performance.

In this irresistible cozy set in 1930s London, Rhys Bowen introduces the lively Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie—or "Georgie" for short. Despite standing 34th in line for the throne and occasionally having tea with (…and spying for!) Her Majesty the Queen, Georgie is penniless and down-on-her-luck. And just when it seems things might be looking up, she finds a body in her bathtub.

Listeners are sure to be hooked on this royally enjoyable series—and luckily for them, the collaboration between author and narrator only gets richer over the course of 12 books.

©2007 Janet Quin-Harkin (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Fun "who done it" but ...

I enjoyed the reader, I think she did a great job with all the voices! I was considering getting the next one just because I enjoyed her performance so much. The story was fun & it kept me guessing until almost the end. What I didn't like was how it got so racy. I'm not a prude but I do not want to listen to women trying to get rid of the "burden" of her virginity as if it is some disease. Not my cup of tea.

Love this series!

I have not read/listened to them in order but it would have been smart to fill in some of the wholes to start with this one. I enjoyed the stories and the narrator, nonetheless!

Love the characters

Would you listen to Her Royal Spyness again? Why?

The narration is very enjoyable.

What did you like best about this story?

The humour and the voices make it fun and light to listen too. Always makes me smile.

What does Katherine Kellgren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices of the different characters, her aristocratic English voice is just the best.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Right royal spy

Female authors

As an avid audible fan, doing 50 books+ a year, I have to look for some variety and sometimes try female authors. Almost always disappointed eventually by their stories.

Women authors often tend to fall into the trap of writing their heroines to be more super males than females. Not this one, her females are female. Our heroin doesn't win the day by out arm wrestling the local pub champ, she does it by being clever and persistent.

On top of that, the vocal performance is captivating. Confess a weakness for an elegant British accent, but Ms Kellgren is so much more. She brings a life to the story that few readers attain and has catapulted herself past dozens of others to the top of my vocal performers list. As a friend once told me, "I'd listen to Morgan Freeman read a phone book." (as would I). Ms Kellgren has made my Phone Book Club.

Bravo to them both, what an enjoyable couple days.

Very Clever...

Would you consider the audio edition of Her Royal Spyness to be better than the print version?

Really enjoyed listening to this book. The main character is both relatable and enjoyable. The cast of characters around her are well developed and interesting. As always, Katherine Kellgren gives a fantastic performance and slips flawlessly into many different accents.

It's fine. Not great, just fine.

Would you be willing to try another book from Rhys Bowen? Why or why not?

Yes, but I'd probably get it from the library.

What does Katherine Kellgren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The characters were amusing. She makes them seem likable but sort of silly.

Any additional comments?

It wasn't bad, but I don't think I'd spend a credit buying more of the series. That's why there's a public library.

Little easy fun! Enjoyable book!

What did you like best about this story?

Topical to the 30s, very British with good humor.

Which character – as performed by Katherine Kellgren – was your favorite?

Georgie - she is a feisty girl with a lot of spirit and good wit.

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

I laughed a number of times and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will listen to the rest of the series as well. The narrator did a fab job with all the accents. Living in England, I can tell you she performs Scottish and Irish accents very well!

Any additional comments?

A great listen - lots of fun!

Royally suspenseful

Takes the imagination on a delightfully suspenseful journey to experience members of royalty and their various shenanigans, pomp and pomposity involving murder, betrayal, and basically bad behavior - quite entertaining.

Recommend! Recommend! Recommend!

I am too old to read overlong, over dramatic, often boring 1000 page classic literature. I have already been down that road. So, in my golden age, I prefer to indulge my self. After all, who knows how much longer I will be around. This book is hilarious. And I loved it. Already buying the next one. I, one crazy old lady who has loved reading since the first time I read "See Jack Run" recommend this book. Definitely Recommended!

A Perfect Summer Read

If you could sum up Her Royal Spyness in three words, what would they be?

Light, fun, interesting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Her Royal Spyness?

When Georgiana goes to the wedding with Darcy.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved Georgiana's meetings with the Queen. Courtly comedy and brown bread with tea. A lovely combination.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No, although the first meeting with her grandfather was sweet.

Any additional comments?

This isn't a terrific mystery, but it is a fun book and perfectly suited to summer. I won't read the rest of the series quickly, but it will definitely stay on my "to be read" list.