Naughty in Nice

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

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.

Critic reviews

“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)

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.

The perfect ending to the series"

Where does Naughty in Nice rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high up I would say in the top 75%

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

I just could not figure out who the murderer was...I suspected everyone except the real culprit.

Have you listened to any of Katherine Kellgren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

She is very good. I would say as good as she always is.

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

Not really. a book is a book.

Any additional comments?

Georgiana in Nice...with Coco Chanel and her mother...what else could you ask for.

The Most Fun I've Had in the Last Six Months

Would you consider the audio edition of Naughty in Nice to be better than the print version?

Having not read the print version, it may be presumptuous of me to say, but I can't imagine that the audio version isn't far superior. Katherine Kellgren is mesmerizing. Her command of different English accents is amazing, and this is the first time I've heard totally believable English and American accents from the same narrator. Hats off and a deep bow to Katherine Kellgren (thanks so much for an entertaining read!).

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

This is an unusual series, in that it combines mystery with humor and romance. All three elements are in play at all times, and that in itself creates a pleasant tension within the story.

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

She can do a dozen different characters and accents, men and women, and keep them separate. It's like listening to a cast recording. Kellgren is simply amazing, and she makes the story come alive in a way that I've rarely experienced.

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

Yes, though I was unable to listen all in one sitting, I have to admit to stealing time that was otherwise allotted.

Any additional comments?

This is a perfect match of author to narrator. I'd like to give them both a hug.

Lady Georgie Comes Into Her Own

This series has definitely become my guilty pleasure. I have listened to all of the previous editions in the Her Royal Spyness series, and they were all enjoyable, but in this one, Lady Georgiana really hits her stride as a character.

I won't give any spoilers, but some of the best parts of this story include the inclusion of Coco Chanel and Lady Georgiana's mother, who has a more inclusive role in this story. I am not very familiar with the life of Coco Chanel, but if she was anything like the way she was portrayed fictionally, I would be eager to learn more about such an icon. Rhys Bowen has previously portrayed real life persons as characters and they were very like their real life personae to the knowledge I have of them.

I don't feel the perceived absence of Darcy O'Mara detracts from the story, because it is really a non-issue, he is still present in the thoughts of Lady Georgiana, and it was nice to have the introduction of someone who could possibly take his place. [I can not believe I am commenting on romantic complications between two fictional characters, I suppose I will be reading Regency Romances before long (no offense to lovers of that genre).

I will not end this review without mentioning that Katherine Kellgren does a wonderful job as she has in all the previous version. Her voice and characterizations are spot on.

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.