The national best-selling author of Royal Blood whisks her heroine away to the French Riviera for fun-and danger.
Lady Georgiana Rannoch has once again been called into service by Her Majesty the Queen. This time she's sent to Nice on a secret assignment that's nothing to sneeze at: recover the Queen's stolen snuff box.
As much of an honor as it is to be trusted by Her Majesty, an even greater honor awaits Georgie in Nice - as Coco Chanel herself asks Georgie to model her latest fashion. But when a necklace belonging to the Queen is stolen on the catwalk, Georgie has to find two priceless items - and solve a murder. How's a girl to find any time to go to the casino?
Listen to more Royal Spyness mysteries.
©2011 Janet Quin-Harkin (P)2011 Audible, Inc.
“Katherine Kellgren's performance encompasses an astonishing range of personalities while remaining true to her impoverished sleuth's impeccable enunciation…Kellgren, undaunted by the burgeoning cast of characters, supplies plenty of distinctive accents and jaunty tones. The delighted listener wants the story to go on and on.” (Audiofile)
"Fans of Peter Lovesey''s hilarious books transforming the future Edward VII into an unlikely sleuth will relish Bowen''s whimsical fifth Royal Spyness mystery starring Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 34th in line to the British thrown (after 2010''s Royal Blood). Bowen successfully melds a whodunit with comedy as few contemporary writers can." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
"The best part of this delicious series is the cast of characters (well known and otherwise), led, of course, by the level-headed and stiff- upper-lipped Georgiana, who tackles whatever is in front of her, be it murder or romance, with uncommon relish. A royal romp." (Booklist)
"Lots of good fun"
This was a great easy read. Lots of fun and well done. The books are easy to figure out but there are always some nice things added in and the characters are funny and light hearted. Georgie is getting more clever and it would be nice to actually have her figure it out before she gets herself in a pickle. Having said that though, there are lots of adventures, parties and interesting (and often shallow) people. The narrator is enjoyable. Ms Bowen is good at coming up with interesting ideas and is entertaining. If you are interested in an easy fun time, this is a book you will enjoy. Funny characters and lots of bridget jonesque girl fun with a good accent.
"Murder mystery for the delicately nurtured"
A murder mystery for the delicately nurtured, or those who merely wish to escape the daily grind and grittiness. In the Miss Marple genre, but with a heroine who has youthful, girlish exuberance and the patina of royalty. This is the latest delightful instalment in this lighthearted series, which never fails to provide enough plot twists and surprises, to keep the listener engaged. Perfect for an overnight transatlantic flight or for cheering up time spent dreary waiting rooms.
"Superb"
This audiobook is a perfect confluence of author and narrator. It is a hilarious book with a mystery plot and many excellent lines from various characters. The author's previous books in this series were funny, but had weak mystery plots. This book has both excellent characters and plot. The narrator does an absolutely perfect French accent, adding immensely to the listening pleasure. I was a bit leery that the author had included famous people as characters in her book, but she nails them in the book. They are portrayed very accurately and well.
This is the sort of book that lingers in the listener's mind for a long time and with pleasure. I recommend this book for hours of delight.
I'm addicted to audiobooks. I've listened to probably 300 (maybe more) audiobooks most of which are historical romances. Listening is much easier than reading and you can do other things while listening. When reading you can't do anything but read.
"Very NICE!"
I love the Royal Sypness Mystery books. Rhys Bowen must have a great sense of humor because there are plenty of times while I'm listening to her books that I laugh out loud. The writing is excellent and the story is creative and entertaining.
I only wish that Georgie and Darcy could be paired up to solve a mystery together and that their romance was spiced up considerably.
I've listened to the whole series and the narrator is wonderful and truly brings the whole story to life. I'll definitely listen to more audiobooks narrated by Katherine Kellgren. She's GREAT!
I can't wait for the next Royal Spyness Mystery.
"Devoured it"
I will keep this short. I started listening to this series earlier this week. I am all caught up now and feeling really despondent that there are not anymore to listen to now. A great mix of mystery, humor, history and romance. There is not a dull moment. The heroine is fabulous, fun supporting cast and a truly fabulous setting.
Katherine Kellgren could read the phone book and make it sound fun.
I love genre fiction but enjoy discoving something new. Mysteries are my favorite.
"Such a delight"
I enjoy this series so much and this book in partuclar because the getting-repetitive love interest figures very little. However, Coco Chanel and the often absent mother are nice additions. The main character, who is a minor and penniless royal, is sent by the Queen of England to the French Riviera to quietly retrieve stolen item of her majesty's. Of course it's never as simple as it starts out. The mystery is challenging, yet not too dour or dark in tone. The author does a good blancing act in this respect. The setting is well described and lively. The reader is top notch and I enjoy every word and detail.
"Great series. Fabulous narrator"
Read these in order if you can. Just started with the first in the series and read straight through them all!! The stories are great and the reader is one if the best. Her ability to use different accents and voices really makes the stories come to life.
"This was another fun book by Rhys Bowen"
If you enjoy a historically based novel, have a background knowledge of the English royal family, enjoy a strong female character, like mysteries, & enjoy twisted humour - then you will love this series. There is a bit of romance, but it doesn't overshadow the storyline. The reader does a great job depicting the cast of characters. Would love to hear more by this author. It was so interesting to hear about the world of fashion in the 1930's and about the Riviera. Great story.
"Love this series"
This is a great series, set in 1930's, with a hint of romance along with a mystery. However, I am tired of hearing the same explanations of the main characters in each book. Obviously, it is so the books can stand alone, but for fans, it is tedious. The plot keeps one riveted, and the narrator is absolutely excellent. Overall, I recommend it.
"Fun but..."
This is a fun read. It goes on a bit too long and there is a bit too much "man wrongly accused." I'd say spoiler alert but I think it's part of the description of the book. If not it's telegraphed so far out that you'd have to be deaf to miss it. Also, the romance is a bit contrived and hokey.
Did I love this? No.
If you enjoy period romance and think it might be fun to have a little murder in as well, read away! If you're looking for a great mystery, maybe check out something else.