The Twelve Clues of Christmas

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Solo Narration - Female, 2014

She may be 35th in line for the throne, but Lady Georgiana Rannoch cannot wait to ring in the new year—before a Christmas killer wrings another neck…

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me—well, actually, my true love, Darcy O’Mara, is spending a feliz navidad tramping around South America. Meanwhile, Mummy is holed up in a tiny village called Tiddleton-under-Lovey with that droll Noel Coward! And I’m snowed in at Castle Rannoch with my bumbling brother, Binky, and sourpuss sister-in-law, Fig. So it’s a miracle when I contrive to land a position as hostess to a posh holiday party in Tiddleton. The village is like something out of A Christmas Carol! But no sooner have I arrived than a neighborhood nuisance, a fellow named Freddie falls out of a tree, dead…. Dickensian, indeed.

Freddie’s merely a stocking stuffer. On my second day in town, another so-called accident turns up another mincemeat pie—and yet another on my third. The village is buzzing that a recent prison break could have something to do with it… that, or a long-standing witch’s curse. I’m not so sure. But after Darcy shows up beneath the mistletoe, anything could be possible in this wicked wonderland.

©2012 Janet Quin- Harkin (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Katherine Kellgren performs an impressive range of accents: Irish brogue, high-pitched Cockney, fussy American, West Country burr, and more. Kellgren triumphs as Georgi, who is 34th in line to the throne, giving her a refined accent contrasted with down-to-earth sensibilities. Due to the author's light touch and Kellgren's humorous delivery, the many Yuletide deaths in this cozy do not become macabre. The listener just marvels at the mounting 'accidents' amid the bountiful Christmas cheer." ( AudioFile)

Audie Award Winner, Solo Narration - Female, 2014

My favorite in the series is far

It's not JUST because it's set at Christmastime in the English countryside that I loved it so much (though that's definitely part if it). But this was by far the most layered plot in the series so far. It was really fun! In some of the others in the series, even though I didn't guess all the details, I had a good idea of whodunit before it was revealed. This one had more wrinkles and twists and definitely kept me guessing! Though I'm starting to tire of the loud, obnoxious American caricatures... Not that there aren't plenty of us in real life! But having every American as that stereotype in book after book is like male comedians who always make the same jokes at womens’ expense, or women comediennes who do the same with men. You just wish there’d be a fresh twist at this point. That being said, I still really loved this one. And Katherine Kellgren is a whiz at narration - there's no accent she can't do. I LOVE her narration!!

My favourite in the series

I've listened to this book in its entirety. I've paid for it with a credit. And it is most certainly included in my annual membership of 24 credits

Why are you purposely preventing me from giving props to the authors and books I enjoy with these atrocious criteria for rating?

A Royal Joy!

Why do I love this series? Well it's amusing on several levels. Perhaps my favorite take is the dramatic contrast in the main character's status as a Royal with her poor economic situation. She always sleeps in mansions and palaces, but they never seem to be heated. She has a personal maid, but she is a walking disaster. I could go on and on.

The mysteries are clever, but always overshadowed by the hilarious situations we find our heroine in. Her wit, compassion, passion, patience and yes, her manners, make her one of the most irresistible characters I've ever encountered in literature.

A great REAL Christmas mystery

I have been enjoying Rhys Bowen's series and was delighted there is a new Christmas volume.
I was especially impressed that it really had to do with Christmas and Christmas is central to the story. I have noticed that many authors write a "holiday" book that could stand on its own without any Christmas theme, its just that the mystery takes place around Christmas, but "12 Clues" needs the holidays to hang together.
Further, the story itself, as well as the narrator, are excellent and quite enjoyable. I have listened to maybe 20 Christmas audibles this you and !2 Clues is the most memorable.
Thank you.

A Treat

Any additional comments?

I've really enjoyed the entire Royal Spyness series and this latest installment did not disappoint! Loved being back in Georgie's world and enjoyed the mystery. Great Narration as well. Thank you Rhys and Katherine for another great book!

Perfect holiday entertainment

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a fun listen. I'm ashamed to admit how long it took me to catch on to the mystery which only delighted me more once I had at least some of the motive figured out. It was farsical and therefore not meant to be overly serious.

What did you like best about this story?

All the characters are likeable and its set after the great wall street crash. It's interesting to see all the upper classess trying to redefine themselves in order to survive financially in a tough economy.

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

The narrator, Katherine Kellgren does accents and men's voices very well. You have no difficulty keeping up with the dialog. Her reading is not overly dramatized as I wouldn't like that but it's also not under performed. Her phrasing and timing add to the quality of the listen.

You'll LOVE this Mr. Darcy too!

my favorite book in the royal spyness series thus far! definitely a fan! must read.

Another book in a great series

This series continues to be a great listen. The narrator does a wonderful job with all the different character voices. Can't wait to start the next book.

Just as charming, not as mysterious

We love this series and have listened to them all! However, the mystery aspect of this addition to these Historical, Romantic, Mystery Novels was far weaker than in any of the previous books!

Pure fun!

What did you love best about The Twelve Clues of Christmas?

Great holiday book especially for anglophiles!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Twelve Clues of Christmas?

Georgie and Darcy's happy ending.

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

Wonderful narration giving a great performance of numerous characters.