Queen of Hearts

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 35th in line for the British throne, knows how to play the part of an almost royal - but now she's off to Hollywood, where she must reprise her role as sleuth or risk starring in an all-too-convincing death scene...

My mother, the glamorous and much-married actress, is hearing wedding bells once again - which is why she must hop across the pond for a quickie divorce in Reno. To offer my moral support, and since all expenses are paid by her new hubby-to-be, Max, I agree to make the voyage with her.

Crossing the Atlantic, with adventure in the air and wealthy men aboard, Mother all but forgets about Max and matrimony - especially when movie mogul Cy Goldman insists on casting her in his next picture.

Meanwhile, I find myself caught up in the secret investigation of a suspected jewel thief. Lucky for me, the lead investigator happens to be my dashing beau, Darcy!

Mother's movie and Darcy's larceny lead everyone to Cy's Hollywood home, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin are hanging about and there’s enough romantic intrigue to fill a double feature. But we hardly get a chance to work out the sleeping arrangements before Cy turns up dead - as if there wasn’t enough drama already.

©2014 Janet Quin-Harkin (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Loved it

Great work! love this author and love this series! Rys Bowen makes you want more when the book is over

Things need to happen already.

I'm giving this a 3 star because I have enjoyed the series but I was disappointed by this one for several reasons. Mainly though it's that the personal stories aren't progressing. When will find out what Darcy does, and how is it that he gets these crazy dangerous jobs with not enough pay to even buy food? I'll continue reading but I do hope that more happens in the personal aspects.

Not Bowen's best

What did you love best about Queen of Hearts?

The narration, Queenie, and Georgie's reactions to Queenie.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I just didn't care that much. The mystery was kind of weak.

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

She is fabulous. She makes the series.

Any additional comments?

I'm with everyone else about the Georgie and Darcy lack of sex storyline. Also, stick to the UK or at least Europe. We're invested in the story of a British aristocrat, and all that this entails.

Katherine Kellgren is flawless

The narrator is about as important as the author when it comes to audio books I find. Katherine Kellgren is consistently flawless in her performances. I'll listen to anything she narrates! Love this series too.

Another fun one.

The narrator once again gives us so many accents, and voices you would think there are multiple readers. If you like the Royal Spyness books you will love this one.

Fun Mystery Tale

What made the experience of listening to Queen of Hearts the most enjoyable?

The narrator was wonderful!! She had a lot of characters to give voices to, with multiple accents, and she did a terrific job of this. You knew who was talking just with her different voices and expression.

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

Not terribly, a bit predictable, but a fun listen with comical characters! Reminded me of playing the game of Clue: Was it Mrs. White with the Candlestick in the Library?!

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

She acts out the book with her voice. It's like listening to a theatrical performance.

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

Laugh, yes, cry, no.

Any additional comments?

Any enjoyable, light read with a great mix of characters in several 1930's era settings. Recommended!

Georgie solves another murder

This is an excellent entry in the series. There are many twist & turns in the story. I liked the flavor of old Hollywood in the story. Georgie spent more time with her mother. For a pleasant change Claire spent money on Georgie. Darcy also spent time with Georgie. Their story progressed a bit. They were able to spend some time together like a normal couple. However, I'm ready for them to marry. It's time for Noel to keep his word regarding writing a song for Georgie that will provide her some residual income. For Georgie fans this is another great story.

Fantastic and fun, I want more!

Wonderful. Magnificent! This is definitely one of my all time top favorite series, and this was a fantastic and fun installment. I pre-ordered it weeks in advance, having been waiting eagerly since the end of the last book, and I again cannot wait for the next one.

With the likes of Charlie Chaplin and other Hollywood stars at a grandiose estate, a burglar and murderer in the midst of the house party, and wild zebras and giraffes roaming free on the grounds, this was quite the most unique and fun whodunit I have ever come across. And I was charmed as always by Darcy O'Mara, on another of his mysterious missions. I actually deduced the answer to the mysteries before Georgie put two and two together and the big reveals, but even so it lost none of it's fun. Without much in the way of spoilers, I realized who the thief was by the time they were in Beverly Hills, and I had my vague suspicions proved correct about the "man overboard" (though hadn't put my finger on it precisely). I guessed the murderer when the sheriff arrived and started his interviews, but I was shocked by how that solution played out. Quite the thrilling and traumatic climax, but followed by a lovely denouement. I'm glad Georgie and Darcy finally got their day out together; they are one of my favorite literary couples. I find their relationship refreshing, and Bowen gives us hints and suggestions of romantic intrigue and vicarious sexual escapades with the likes of Bellinda and Claire (I am curious to see how things go with her and Max, given the situation developing in Germany), so I don't think the adorable couple deciding to wait in any way detracts from their relationship or the story. I don't much care for some of the other reviews on here which have poo-poo'ed on this aspect. Given the times, and their lack of financial prospects, it makes sense that they'd wait to marry. And though I sense her impatience growing, given Georgie's personality, innocence and upbringing, it makes sense that they'd wait until marriage, and I absolutely ADORE that Darcy is being the gentleman about it. It was a lovely day spent with some of my favorite characters, a light and most entertaining book. I look forward to book 9 with great anticipation.

Kellgren was a fantastic narrator, as always. Impressive emotion and a wide range of distinct characters with many accents were wonderfully played. The male characters were particularly great- Juan, Craig, the sheriff and Cy were each unique and colorful, in addition to the flawless performances of the usual cast members, from the usual variety of aristocrats to Cockney maid Queeny, as well as her friend Belinda and mother Claire. I happened to see a reviewer who mentioned that the sheriff was too Texan, and the Spanish accents too Irish - I found no such flaws. I think perhaps if he sounded a little Texan, it was merely a result of him being a western rural lawman of the era, not perhaps the Californian of today or one of the more high-brow Los Angeles characters which they expected. Jaun (Spanish) sounded great, and the house staff (all Mexican) I thought sounded properly Mexican. Kellgren handles the pacing well, so that it comes to life, like a radio play or even a movie in my head, with the rapid dialogue and increased tension in action scenes, or the mellow and sweet tone of one-on-one scenes between Georgie and Darcy. I am astounded by Kellgren's versatility and ability to bring the characters and action to life. It's remarkable; I am often in awe when I realize all of the voices are by a single person. I am tempted to listen to any and all works she has narrated, just to drink in her talent.

Full marks, 5 stars all around- more if I could give them!

Another Raucous Romp

Would you listen to Queen of Hearts again? Why?

Yes. Bowen's Spyness books are great ear candy. Katherine Kellgren is spectacular again voicing characters from Cockney to SoCal.

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

It is well paced and the movement keeps you ready for the turn of the plot.

Which scene was your favorite?

Had to be the unexpected arrival of Queenie.... but no spoilers here.

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

Belinda always makes me laugh

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next Spyness novel!

An Old Hollywood Hurrah!

What did you love best about Queen of Hearts?

This was another solid murder mystery from Rhys Bowen, and again I didn't peg the killer. It was fun, and I loved the old hollywood setting for much of the story. Good light reading.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Georgie, our accidental detective is my favorite, always. She's down to earth, relatable and fun. Now if I can just get Rhys Bowen to write Darcy out as her love interest, and me in.

Which scene was your favorite?

All of the scenes in the movie mogul mansion are great. It makes me think of places like the Winchester House in California, or the Newport Mansions out east.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to listen for very long periods. The story doesn't bog down like others books can. Also, the voice actor's performance was very good: male and female voices, different accents and personalities were captured nicely.

Any additional comments?

The only negative comment I have is that the Spanish accents were not great in the performance. They came off more eastern European. But I lived in Southern California for many years and I do voice-overs and accents myself, so I may be pickier than most.