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.

Funny, Entertaining and a Wonderful Read

I actually purchased this to listen with my wife. What a pleasant surprise! Best of all I'm hooked on a series with plenty of novels to go.

The story is of a clever, beautiful, poor yet still royal woman having to disgrace her position by working. It leads to a myriad of humorous scenes, all of which overshadow the actual mystery.

Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job reading a variety of characters.

Fun, cute, charming!

If you are looking for a silly, cute book with engaging characters and an adorable narrator to "cleanse the palate" between more serious reads, this is it! Really enjoyed it.

Cozy Mystery with dry British Humor. Brilliant!

This book is funny, charming, and wonderfully narrated. If you enjoy short cozy mysteries and dry British humor then you will really enjoy this one. It was an easy "read" and just what the doctor ordered for my Downtown Abbey withdrawal.

What a terrific little book!

This is such a delightful listen. I've been through the series now, and while I can't say I'm smarter for it, I certainly have been entertained. Suspend reality and then be taken into a different world. Katherine Kellgren is a wonderfully gifted narrator. She makes a good book even better. Charming.

A fun read; light and entertaining

I was attracted to this book from the title alone. Everything else about it was a bit of a turn-off, from the location, era and even to the genre itself; I'm not one for mystery serials. This book came up during a sale, and I wanted to try something a bit different than my usual fare.

I was very impressed by the writing and the narration. The prose aren't anything amazing, but the story is nicely paced and the characters are a hoot. I also enjoyed the introduction to the crazy little pocket of humanity on the outer fringe of the royal family. It was educational and amusing.

The mystery at the center of this plot was very interesting, and did keep me guessing for a while. It wasn't the most logical plot in the world, and if I felt like being nit-picky about it, I could probably find several things to be unhappy about.

As it stands, the book was just the right sort of light read for me at the time. I have put the sequel on my wishlist and I'll probably pick up more of the series if it goes on sale. That about says it all, doesn't it?

Seriously Silly

Other reviews called it fun, entertaining, laugh out loud. I don't think so. Silly is not really fun. Overall I am giving it a three because I listened to the whole thing. Curiosity driven. It is passable entertainment, and other than style points it will please a lot of readers, mostly women. I hand it to her because she pulls off what she is attempting.

A Rolicking good time

I have listened to all the Royal Spyness books. The narrator is excellent, the story frothy and fun. An enjoyable listen!

Ridiculously Good Fun!

This book and the subsequent series is enjoyable because they are so clever. It might seem like a simple toss-away after you finish. However, the historical setting, real places/people, require research and thought in plotting out.
The narrator is fantastic and I suggested to friends who have read the paper versions. I dare say they aren't getting nearly the same experience as the audiobook is richly performed.
Of course, I'm now completely addicted and working my way through the series like an addict!

Katherine Kellgren is a star!

The book is enjoyable, the mystery engaging, but what will keep me interested in this series is the narrator! Katherine Kellgren is on the same level as Jim Dale. Hers is a name I will search for, every time, knowing she can truly bring a book to life.

Fun Read

If you are looking for an easy, well written, enjoyable book. this title is a good choice.

It takes place in London in the 1930's. There is a murder, and a good mystery surrounding it. The murder is just part of the story. There are many interesting characters, some subtle humor, and a bit of romance.

What you will not find is non-stop action, explicit sex and violence, and coarse language.

Narrator Katherin Kellgren does a superb job. Her voice is pleasing. She does a fine job of giving characters distinctive voices.