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Her Royal Spyness #18
We Three Queens
New mother Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannoch finds herself trying to separate fact from fiction when a murder occurs while a film is being made on the grounds of her estate in a new Royal Spyness Mystery from beloved bestselling author Rhys Bowen.It's late 1936, and King Edward is in turmoil, having fallen in love with the scandalously divorced and even more scandalously American Wallis Simpson. He wants to marry her but knows that doing so will jeopardize his crown. Edward confides in his dear friend Darcy, Georgie's husband, and the couple agree to hide Wallis in their home while Edward figures out what to do. But unbeknownst to Georgie and Darcy, Sir Hubert, the owner of the estate, has given a film crew permission to shoot a motion picture about Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn on the grounds. Trying to keep Mrs. Simpson hidden while raising a newborn baby seems like it couldn't be any more stressful for the Rannochs, until one of the stars of the film is found murdered on set. Georgie must solve the murder for king and country before scandal threatens to envelop them all.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2024
About the author
Rhys Bowen
116 books9,003 followersI'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 20, 2024
Lady Georgiana is enjoying her new life as a mother, but she is about to be besieged by guests. First comes Wallis Simpson at the request of King Edward while he tries to figure out how he can marry her. Then comes Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law as they look for a school for their son. Finally, Sir Hubert returns home with a film crew in tow. They want to feature the estate in a film about Henry the VIII. Unfortunately, not long after the film crew arrives someone vanishes. Can Georgie figure out what is happening?
Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 20, 2024
It took a long time for anything to happen. The three storylines didn’t relate to one another and the first two were very predictable. It took FOREVER to get a body, nearly 3/4 into the book. And the suspects weren’t developed until late in the game. I know more about what everyone ate for dinner than the side characters’ motivations. Mrs Simpson was hardly in it, especially for the way she’s mentioned in the description.
These main characters are so likable, I’d still recommend it even though the pacing was bad. I’m a fan of the series but not so much of this book. I’m curious to see how the series will continue after cousin David’s abdication as we hurtle toward WWII.
I received an arc from NetGalley
These main characters are so likable, I’d still recommend it even though the pacing was bad. I’m a fan of the series but not so much of this book. I’m curious to see how the series will continue after cousin David’s abdication as we hurtle toward WWII.
I received an arc from NetGalley
November 25, 2024
Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness series is a delightful blend of historical fiction and cozy mystery, enhanced by the engaging banter and chemistry between Georgie and her dashing husband - Darcy O’Mara. Their witty exchanges are one of the standout features of the series, infusing a touch of romance into the overarching mystery. In her latest installment, We Three Queens, Bowen continues this winning formula, setting the story against the backdrop of one of Britain’s most tumultuous historical periods—the abdication crisis. This novel masterfully weaves together some real events with not one, but two captivating fictional mysteries. Yes, I said TWO.
I adore Bowen’s signature combination of sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and well-developed characters. We Three Queens is a real page-turner that’s hard to put down; each chapter left me eagerly anticipating the next. (Oh, why do I have to sleep?) While Bowen skillfully incorporates royal historical figures, it's the fictional characters who truly shine in this narrative. With such a rich cast and great storytelling, I find myself already longing for the next book. I miss the days when two books were released each year. However, I fully understand the challenges of that pace and Bowen’s desire to write other books.
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I am currently listening to the Audible book, but Goodreads wants it to be 2013 again. For several of the audiobooks I have listened to this year, there has been no option to select audiobook. I’m not happy. I am happy to listen to this book.
I adore Bowen’s signature combination of sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and well-developed characters. We Three Queens is a real page-turner that’s hard to put down; each chapter left me eagerly anticipating the next. (Oh, why do I have to sleep?) While Bowen skillfully incorporates royal historical figures, it's the fictional characters who truly shine in this narrative. With such a rich cast and great storytelling, I find myself already longing for the next book. I miss the days when two books were released each year. However, I fully understand the challenges of that pace and Bowen’s desire to write other books.
==============
I am currently listening to the Audible book, but Goodreads wants it to be 2013 again. For several of the audiobooks I have listened to this year, there has been no option to select audiobook. I’m not happy. I am happy to listen to this book.
November 30, 2024
4.5 stars
August 24, 2024
Georgie is settling in as a new mother when she gets asked for a favor by the King (her cousin). She’s asked to host Wallis Simpson at her home while he awaits the decision if they can marry. Georgie reluctantly agrees, but meanwhile Sir Hubert invites some Hollywood people to film at the home. Of course, Fig and Binky arrive unannounced, making for a an upheaval that Georgie didn’t want. Add in a murder and she has quite the surprise she didn’t want. It’s nice seeing Georgie and Darcy being married and now parents. Georgie has certainly come a long way. As always these books are like catching up with old friends. With Hitler on the horizon and Georgie’s mum being in Germany…..I wonder if we’ll get more stories?
November 19, 2024
This series just gets sillier and sillier.
August 16, 2024
I have been a fan of Georgie Rannoch since her first appearance, and found this to be a delightful addition. I always look forward to the latest of her adventures, and felt this was among the better ones. As far as ongoing characters are concerned, it definitely helps to have some familiarity with the series to have a sense of everyone's relationships, but like most in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
At this point, Georgie and Darcy are living with their infant son on Georgie's stepfather's estate. They are asked by Georgie's cousin, David, aka King Edward to hide his paramour Wallis Simpson (yes, that Wallis Simpson) for a few days while he awaits Parliament's decision as to whether they can be wed. Not a fan of Mrs, Simpson, they begrudgingly agree. But soon, they are joined, uninvited, by Georgie's brother, whom she likes, and sister-in-law Fig, with whom there is mutual dislike, and their two small children. Sir Hubert, the owner of the estate announces that he is coming home (yay!) and decides to bring a film crew with him (surprise!) as they are filming a movie about Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, and would love to film it on his property. Trying to keep Mrs. Simpson's presence a secret only becomes more and more challenging!
As if that wasn't enough, there is a kidnapping or two, and of course, a murder, to propel this charming mystery.
In all, this is one of the series that I very much enjoyed, and will definitely recommend.
At this point, Georgie and Darcy are living with their infant son on Georgie's stepfather's estate. They are asked by Georgie's cousin, David, aka King Edward to hide his paramour Wallis Simpson (yes, that Wallis Simpson) for a few days while he awaits Parliament's decision as to whether they can be wed. Not a fan of Mrs, Simpson, they begrudgingly agree. But soon, they are joined, uninvited, by Georgie's brother, whom she likes, and sister-in-law Fig, with whom there is mutual dislike, and their two small children. Sir Hubert, the owner of the estate announces that he is coming home (yay!) and decides to bring a film crew with him (surprise!) as they are filming a movie about Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, and would love to film it on his property. Trying to keep Mrs. Simpson's presence a secret only becomes more and more challenging!
As if that wasn't enough, there is a kidnapping or two, and of course, a murder, to propel this charming mystery.
In all, this is one of the series that I very much enjoyed, and will definitely recommend.
December 7, 2024
This was a different one. The murder mystery didn't start until there were just over 100 pages to go, but boy did a lot take place. Georgie is enjoying a quiet peaceful life raising her baby boy in her country home. Darcy arrives after a summons from the king saying that Edward VIII is going to make the news of his affair with Wallis Simpson public and he wants her to stay with them in hiding while he breaks the news. Shortly after she arrives Binky Fig and their children arrive as they are looking for a boarding school for their son Podge. Then to make things even more farcical Sir Hubert arrives and announces they are going to be filming a movie about Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon at the house, a wildly inaccurate film at that. Soon the house is taken over by Hollywood types. In the middle of this Mrs. Simpson vanishes and not long after the child playing Elizabeth I as a girl also disappears followed quickly by the arrival of Georgie's mother. Once the kidnapping gets resolved the actress playing Catherine of Aragon is found dead in the woods while Georgie and Darcy are out walking their dogs. As I said even with the murder taking place so late there is a lot happening here enough to keep the reading engaged. Even though she featured prominently in the book description Mrs. Simpson is hardly here and her vanishing is for selfish reasons. I enjoyed seeing Podge and Addy more as they become more well rounded characters instead of just briefly seen or only spoken about. I did think some parts were a bit off. Like Georgie who was in the line of succession not knowing how the line of succession works. What happens to the monarchy if he abdicates? She asks Darcy. As if she wouldn't know. Maybe the books are trying to teach an audience that knows little about the royals but it would've been better asked if say little Addy had asked since I can't believe Georgie wouldn't know the throne would be passed onto Bertie especially given her relationship with Queen Mary and I'm pretty sure it was spoken about in previous books. It just seemed an odd thing to say and maybe she meant how would the monarchy survive the crisis and I'm reading too much into it. I also found it odd that she knew about the Lindbergh kidnapping but thought it was an unsolved crime. I'm sure if she knew that baby was taken and killed that she most likely would've at the very least have heard about Hauptmann's trial. But aside from these quibbles I did enjoy the book. It ends with the abdication and also some hints about where the series could go if we end up in WWII like the roles of Darcy and Georgie's mother that'll be interesting to see played out.
December 4, 2024
There's actually three mysteries in this one, making it especially interesting, even though it's set completely at their estate. I like how this book brought the series full circle with Queen Mary and Lady Georgiana, but also left open the possibility of many more potential books as the UK entered a new era.
November 26, 2024
4.75 stars
What a surprise. This book started out feeling a bit formulaic. It had me worried. I didn’t want to feel bored … like this was becoming the same old/same old tale. As usual, the main characters, and the new ones introduced to us were lovable/extremely interesting/aggravating, and there was one character I hoped would be the murder victim.
I love that we get to see Georgie nursing her son. All her uppity friends and family warn her that it will ruin her figure…but she has decided to be a hands-on mom and relish the closeness she is building with her child. There is no preaching by the author, but every once-in-a-while, she adds little tidbits that absolutely makes the story, and characters, taste rich and comforting. It is always these bits which make this series feel new and real.
Georgie, Darby, and everyone else tries to convince Georgie’s mom that she shouldn’t go back to Germany with her millionaire fiancé. He is friends with Hitler and everyone “loves her”. She turns a blind eye toward the Hitler’s vile practices and thinks life in Germany will always be pleasant. Real world history mixes very well with these fictional characters.
I cannot wait to see what has to Georgie and Darby next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
What a surprise. This book started out feeling a bit formulaic. It had me worried. I didn’t want to feel bored … like this was becoming the same old/same old tale. As usual, the main characters, and the new ones introduced to us were lovable/extremely interesting/aggravating, and there was one character I hoped would be the murder victim.
I love that we get to see Georgie nursing her son. All her uppity friends and family warn her that it will ruin her figure…but she has decided to be a hands-on mom and relish the closeness she is building with her child. There is no preaching by the author, but every once-in-a-while, she adds little tidbits that absolutely makes the story, and characters, taste rich and comforting. It is always these bits which make this series feel new and real.
Georgie, Darby, and everyone else tries to convince Georgie’s mom that she shouldn’t go back to Germany with her millionaire fiancé. He is friends with Hitler and everyone “loves her”. She turns a blind eye toward the Hitler’s vile practices and thinks life in Germany will always be pleasant. Real world history mixes very well with these fictional characters.
I cannot wait to see what has to Georgie and Darby next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
December 1, 2024
Should be 3 stars as the murder takes place at 74% in the book. It’s also very different than how the summery makes it out to be. But I do love these characters so I bumped it up a Star.
November 14, 2024
I just love this series and how we learn history through Lady Georgia's relations.
She is the daughter of a Duke, so cousin to the King. It is 1936 and Georgie and Darcy and baby James are living in the estate of Sir Hubert, which Georgie will inherit. They have little money, though Darcy is now working for the government. The home farm is being developed so they are growing their food and making some money. They have hired 3 farm hands, which will become crucial to the plot.
Meanwhile King Edward has asked them to hide Wallis Simpson as he tries to get Parliament to approve his marriage.
Next George's brother The Duke and his wife and children turn up.
Then Sir Hubert comes home from his travels, bringing along a Hollywood director who plans to film there.
Last but not least, George's mother shows up, and she is still planning on marrying her German fiancée though Darcy tries to convince her not to return to Germany.
So, there is a huge cast of characters and Georgie must deal with it all while nursing the baby, planning the meals, and putting up with her sister-in-law, Fig.
The books are always told from George's point of view and I find them quite humorous for murder mysteries. The murder comes quite late in the book, and I was wondering who the victim was going to be.
I find the core characters to be comforting including Queenie and Grandad, and I will continue reading as long as the series continues. I am wondering how Bowen will deal with the war. She has already shown how the King and Wallis admire the Nazi's, so I imagine the next book will have the abdication.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review, which this indeed is. Do start from the beginning.
She is the daughter of a Duke, so cousin to the King. It is 1936 and Georgie and Darcy and baby James are living in the estate of Sir Hubert, which Georgie will inherit. They have little money, though Darcy is now working for the government. The home farm is being developed so they are growing their food and making some money. They have hired 3 farm hands, which will become crucial to the plot.
Meanwhile King Edward has asked them to hide Wallis Simpson as he tries to get Parliament to approve his marriage.
Next George's brother The Duke and his wife and children turn up.
Then Sir Hubert comes home from his travels, bringing along a Hollywood director who plans to film there.
Last but not least, George's mother shows up, and she is still planning on marrying her German fiancée though Darcy tries to convince her not to return to Germany.
So, there is a huge cast of characters and Georgie must deal with it all while nursing the baby, planning the meals, and putting up with her sister-in-law, Fig.
The books are always told from George's point of view and I find them quite humorous for murder mysteries. The murder comes quite late in the book, and I was wondering who the victim was going to be.
I find the core characters to be comforting including Queenie and Grandad, and I will continue reading as long as the series continues. I am wondering how Bowen will deal with the war. She has already shown how the King and Wallis admire the Nazi's, so I imagine the next book will have the abdication.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review, which this indeed is. Do start from the beginning.
December 10, 2024
This one, the eighteenth in an overall fantastic series, does come up a little short. Still entertaining but the plot was lacking. It’s more of a checkin with various characters, especially new parents Georgie and Darcy and what their life looks like now, than any type of murder or mystery story. Any crime and/or commotion is scattered, stumbling in bits and starts, and comes incredibly late in the overall arc. In the end it’s a stepping stone to a few real historical events, keeping the fictional characters placed precisely where they may need to be for future accuracy. Amusing and charming but not one of the stronger books in the Royal Spyness collection.
October 16, 2024
Georgie and Darcy are settling into life as new parents, but their home life is anything but peaceful thanks to an invasion of unwanted houseguests. Their first houseguest is the infamous Wallis Simpson. Years ago, Georgie was tasked by the former King and Queen of England to spy on their son’s relationship with the American divorcée. Cousin David is now the King of England, and he’s determined to make Wallis his queen. While Parliament decides the fate of his personal relationship, the King sends Wallis to stay with his “favorite” cousin. Wallis does not like being stuck at some country estate and is making everyone miserable. Georgie’s easy-going half-brother, insufferable sister-in-law, and their two-children show up for an unexpected visit while they search for boarding schools for the children. Georgie’s narcissistic mother also pops in for a visit while her German boyfriend is meeting with important people in London. And then there’s Sir Hubert—Georgie’s former stepfather who owns the estate when she and Darcy live. Sir Hubert is usually off climbing mountains, but he’s back for a visit along with an American film crew. Wallis and the movie’s child star both disappear in what are probably unconnected events, and then one of the leading actresses is murdered. It’s up to Georgie and Darcy to investigate.
I’ve read all eighteen novels in the Royal Spyness series, and WE THREE QUEENS is not one of my favorites. The story was disjointed with multiple different plotlines—some of which loosely tied in together. There were a lot of mundane activities taking place to keep the plot lumbering along but did little to add to any of the three separate mysteries. The outcome to the disappearance of Wallis Simpson was easy to determine based on the historical timeline of her relationship with King Edward VIII. The child star’s “kidnapping” was also fairly obvious, but a good deal of the novel was spent looking for the child. The aftermath of the kidnapping was rather disappointing. The only real mystery in the novel was the murder of one of the leading actresses. The murder took place very late in the novel, was quickly solved without much of an investigation, and seemed more like an afterthought. It would have made more sense for the murder to take place earlier in the novel because it would have allowed for an extended investigation and would have added more drama to the separate disappearances of Wallis Simpson and the actress. It’s the slow buildup to the outbreak of World War II and the impending danger that Georgie’s mother faces if she remains in Germany that really keeps the overall story moving.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I’ve read all eighteen novels in the Royal Spyness series, and WE THREE QUEENS is not one of my favorites. The story was disjointed with multiple different plotlines—some of which loosely tied in together. There were a lot of mundane activities taking place to keep the plot lumbering along but did little to add to any of the three separate mysteries. The outcome to the disappearance of Wallis Simpson was easy to determine based on the historical timeline of her relationship with King Edward VIII. The child star’s “kidnapping” was also fairly obvious, but a good deal of the novel was spent looking for the child. The aftermath of the kidnapping was rather disappointing. The only real mystery in the novel was the murder of one of the leading actresses. The murder took place very late in the novel, was quickly solved without much of an investigation, and seemed more like an afterthought. It would have made more sense for the murder to take place earlier in the novel because it would have allowed for an extended investigation and would have added more drama to the separate disappearances of Wallis Simpson and the actress. It’s the slow buildup to the outbreak of World War II and the impending danger that Georgie’s mother faces if she remains in Germany that really keeps the overall story moving.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 19, 2024
It’s Oct. 1936 and Lady Georgie is enjoying her quiet life at home in the country being a wife and new mother. Of course that peace is soon shattered by the arrival of the dreaded Wallis Simpson; imperious Fig, guileless Binky, and their kids Podge, and Addy; an American film company; Georgie's naïve mother; and a murder!
How did this chaos ensue? First, new King VIII needs a place where Mrs. Simpson can stay out of sight of the press while Parliament decides if the he can marry her. He naturally imposes on his easy-going cousin, Lady Georgie.
Fig and Binky's son Podge is nearing boarding school age, so they need place to stay while searching for a suitable school, preferably one that's near relatives he can impose on, uh, visit during the school holidays. They extend their stay far longer than the few days Fig suggests when informing Georgie of their visit. After all, Eysnleigh Manor in Sussex is much more hospitable than Rannoch Castle in Scotland during the winter!
Sir Hubert, Georgie's godfather and master of Eysnleigh Manor, stops in Hollywood, CA on his way home from his usual adventures abroad and invites a film crew to shoot some outdoor scenes of a Henry VIII movie at the manor. Naturally, the arrangement evolves from outdoor-shooting only, to interior shooting, to actors and crew all over the house.
Of course, the presence of Mrs. Simpson is a trial, especially since she needs avoid being seen by outsiders. Combined with the imperious presence of Fig, the two are a social/houseguest nightmare. Add American actors who are in awe of royals and Queenie, Georgie's inept and star-struck maid, and chaos is sure to ensue – and it does, much to the amusement of the reader.
As a long-time fan of this series, I could hardly wait to see what Queenie would to do Mrs. Simpson, Fig, or both, let alone the American film stars. Watching Georgie try to deal with the chaos while solving a kidnapping and a murder makes the book compelling.
In addition to the situational humour, I really enjoyed seeing how Bowen dealt with the long-awaited abdication of King Edward VIII. Since the series began with Lady Georgie spying on the then Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson at the behest of Queen Mary, I wonder how the "Royal Spyness" aspect of the series will continue now that the need to observe the progression of Edward and Mrs. Simpson's relationship has presumably ended. Will Lady Georgie be expected to keep eye on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in exile? They are, after all Nazi sympathizers. The series shows no sign of ending soon so we only have to wait a year to find out!
How did this chaos ensue? First, new King VIII needs a place where Mrs. Simpson can stay out of sight of the press while Parliament decides if the he can marry her. He naturally imposes on his easy-going cousin, Lady Georgie.
Fig and Binky's son Podge is nearing boarding school age, so they need place to stay while searching for a suitable school, preferably one that's near relatives he can impose on, uh, visit during the school holidays. They extend their stay far longer than the few days Fig suggests when informing Georgie of their visit. After all, Eysnleigh Manor in Sussex is much more hospitable than Rannoch Castle in Scotland during the winter!
Sir Hubert, Georgie's godfather and master of Eysnleigh Manor, stops in Hollywood, CA on his way home from his usual adventures abroad and invites a film crew to shoot some outdoor scenes of a Henry VIII movie at the manor. Naturally, the arrangement evolves from outdoor-shooting only, to interior shooting, to actors and crew all over the house.
Of course, the presence of Mrs. Simpson is a trial, especially since she needs avoid being seen by outsiders. Combined with the imperious presence of Fig, the two are a social/houseguest nightmare. Add American actors who are in awe of royals and Queenie, Georgie's inept and star-struck maid, and chaos is sure to ensue – and it does, much to the amusement of the reader.
As a long-time fan of this series, I could hardly wait to see what Queenie would to do Mrs. Simpson, Fig, or both, let alone the American film stars. Watching Georgie try to deal with the chaos while solving a kidnapping and a murder makes the book compelling.
In addition to the situational humour, I really enjoyed seeing how Bowen dealt with the long-awaited abdication of King Edward VIII. Since the series began with Lady Georgie spying on the then Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson at the behest of Queen Mary, I wonder how the "Royal Spyness" aspect of the series will continue now that the need to observe the progression of Edward and Mrs. Simpson's relationship has presumably ended. Will Lady Georgie be expected to keep eye on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in exile? They are, after all Nazi sympathizers. The series shows no sign of ending soon so we only have to wait a year to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
3.75 stars
Another stellar entry in the Royal Spyness series, featuring Lady Georgianna, who used to be (eventually) in line for the throne before she renounced upon marrying her commoner husband Darcy. Georgie is a great character, forthright, grounded, and unusual for her time.
It's 1936. Georgie and her husband Darcy, a sort of spy for the British government, are settled into the castle home of her once stepfather Lord Hubert with their baby son James. Georgie's cousin David is now King but what the British public doesn't yet know is that he is in love with a divorcee and willing to abdicate if he is not allowed to marry her. Meanwhile there are great rumblings in Europe where Hitler is in power and where Georgie's flaky mother is engaged to marry a rich German industrialist who is a Nazi sympathizer.
Their family peace and quiet is disturbed when the King asks Darcy to shelter his lady friend from the press and public scrutiny. Since she is demanding and snobbish and nasty, they are less than thrilled, but when the King asks, you don't say no. She arrives in the middle of the night with a mountain of luggage and a bad attitude.
Meanwhile, Georgie's brother and his unpleasant wife show up with their kids for a visit so they can ostensibly check out schools for her nephew. Georgie is pretty sure they mostly want to escape the bitter Scottish winter where they live.
As if this wasn't enough, Lord Hubert returns home after having invited a movie film crew to do some filming on location. Amidst all the acrimony, the child star of the movie is possibly kidnapped, the King's lady love disappears, and it isn't long before a dead body is discovered.
Georgie and Darcy cope, as always, with calm, logic, humor and an occasional glimpse of Queen Victoria's steely attitude (she was Georgie's great something grandmother). It's all great fun and highly entertaining. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another stellar entry in the Royal Spyness series, featuring Lady Georgianna, who used to be (eventually) in line for the throne before she renounced upon marrying her commoner husband Darcy. Georgie is a great character, forthright, grounded, and unusual for her time.
It's 1936. Georgie and her husband Darcy, a sort of spy for the British government, are settled into the castle home of her once stepfather Lord Hubert with their baby son James. Georgie's cousin David is now King but what the British public doesn't yet know is that he is in love with a divorcee and willing to abdicate if he is not allowed to marry her. Meanwhile there are great rumblings in Europe where Hitler is in power and where Georgie's flaky mother is engaged to marry a rich German industrialist who is a Nazi sympathizer.
Their family peace and quiet is disturbed when the King asks Darcy to shelter his lady friend from the press and public scrutiny. Since she is demanding and snobbish and nasty, they are less than thrilled, but when the King asks, you don't say no. She arrives in the middle of the night with a mountain of luggage and a bad attitude.
Meanwhile, Georgie's brother and his unpleasant wife show up with their kids for a visit so they can ostensibly check out schools for her nephew. Georgie is pretty sure they mostly want to escape the bitter Scottish winter where they live.
As if this wasn't enough, Lord Hubert returns home after having invited a movie film crew to do some filming on location. Amidst all the acrimony, the child star of the movie is possibly kidnapped, the King's lady love disappears, and it isn't long before a dead body is discovered.
Georgie and Darcy cope, as always, with calm, logic, humor and an occasional glimpse of Queen Victoria's steely attitude (she was Georgie's great something grandmother). It's all great fun and highly entertaining. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2024
I came very late to this series, as far as my records show having read only the most recent three (this is No. 18) - but better late than never, as the old saying goes. I've found the books fascinating, which says a lot because I'm a fan of neither historical novels nor, for the most part, cozy mysteries. This one, I'm happy to say, is delightful as well.
The star of the show, Lady Georiana Rannoch, is a cousin of the King of England - who happens to be that guy who abandoned the throne to marry the [older] woman of his dreams. Perhaps that's partly the attraction for me; I was born roughly four years after he abdicated and remember hearing the story later from my parents, who of course lived through it all (probably listening to the news on the upright radio on which my dad and I also listened to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights). Anyway, I remember what a scandal it caused here in the States, so it was extra fun to learn that the woman in question - Wallace Simpson - plays a role here when King Edward asks Georgie and her hunky husband, agent Darcy O'Mara, to keep her hidden at Eynsleigh, the huge estate that will one day belong to Georgie.
What Georgie and Darcy learn after the fact, though, is that Sir Hubert, the current owner of the estate, has offered up the grounds as a setting for some scenes of a Hollywood movie. Needless to say, Wallis is frantic because she doesn't want to be found (and also because all the servants will not be at her beck and call), the servants are frantic because they're being commandeered into unbargained-for service and Georgie is frantic because all the house routines are being turned upside down just as she's trying to deal with a still-nursing infant son. On top of that, she's worried about her mother, who's in Germany making google eyes at one of Hitler's top officers and refuses to believe that either of them are anything other than nice guys.
Just as it seems they may achieve some semblance of order, things take a turn for the worse; Georgie's sister, her husband and two kids come for a long visit and the child-star actress in the film suddenly goes missing. The search for the young girl takes up a good bit of the book until yet another tragedy strikes - one of the cast of characters is murdered. This time, Darcy turns to his government employer for professional assistance, while Georgie puts some of her own investigative talents to work.
All told, it's another fun look at life in mid-1930s England. Since it's closing in on the start of World War II - and Georgie's mother has just gone back to Germany - I'm wondering how the next installment can avoid taking a darker turn. Well, guess I'll have to wait and see. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this one.
The star of the show, Lady Georiana Rannoch, is a cousin of the King of England - who happens to be that guy who abandoned the throne to marry the [older] woman of his dreams. Perhaps that's partly the attraction for me; I was born roughly four years after he abdicated and remember hearing the story later from my parents, who of course lived through it all (probably listening to the news on the upright radio on which my dad and I also listened to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights). Anyway, I remember what a scandal it caused here in the States, so it was extra fun to learn that the woman in question - Wallace Simpson - plays a role here when King Edward asks Georgie and her hunky husband, agent Darcy O'Mara, to keep her hidden at Eynsleigh, the huge estate that will one day belong to Georgie.
What Georgie and Darcy learn after the fact, though, is that Sir Hubert, the current owner of the estate, has offered up the grounds as a setting for some scenes of a Hollywood movie. Needless to say, Wallis is frantic because she doesn't want to be found (and also because all the servants will not be at her beck and call), the servants are frantic because they're being commandeered into unbargained-for service and Georgie is frantic because all the house routines are being turned upside down just as she's trying to deal with a still-nursing infant son. On top of that, she's worried about her mother, who's in Germany making google eyes at one of Hitler's top officers and refuses to believe that either of them are anything other than nice guys.
Just as it seems they may achieve some semblance of order, things take a turn for the worse; Georgie's sister, her husband and two kids come for a long visit and the child-star actress in the film suddenly goes missing. The search for the young girl takes up a good bit of the book until yet another tragedy strikes - one of the cast of characters is murdered. This time, Darcy turns to his government employer for professional assistance, while Georgie puts some of her own investigative talents to work.
All told, it's another fun look at life in mid-1930s England. Since it's closing in on the start of World War II - and Georgie's mother has just gone back to Germany - I'm wondering how the next installment can avoid taking a darker turn. Well, guess I'll have to wait and see. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a copy of this one.
December 11, 2024
3.5 stars mainly because I love these cozy historical mysteries due to Lady Georgiana and her cast of characters that enhance true history. However I agree with others as far as the pacing of this story.
The good parts: a more natural and less stilted relationship between husband and wife. Darcy had a much more active roll. I LOVE to listen to these books on audible and I must say, Jasmine Blackborrow’s narration is now on par for the much beloved narrator, Katherine Kelgrin who sadly passed away and left us all bereft. Jasmine had some pretty big shoes to fill and she has succeeded! Queenie and many of Georgie’s family return. I’m hoping that Georgie and Darcy will become more of a team of mystery solvers in future books of this series. Great title in light of the Christmas season release.
The not so good parts: the story drags for 3/4 of the book with most of the mystery (there’s more than one in this book), the murder, and the actual history of cousin David. In fact, I was rather surprised that the “American Divorcee” was relegated to her room very early on in the story. It was a bit confounding in light of the time in history. So much so that the historical part of this book truly only took place in name only in the beginning and then brought back at the end of the book.
Still, I will definitely read more of these books as the characters have become “friends” that I will truly miss.
The good parts: a more natural and less stilted relationship between husband and wife. Darcy had a much more active roll. I LOVE to listen to these books on audible and I must say, Jasmine Blackborrow’s narration is now on par for the much beloved narrator, Katherine Kelgrin who sadly passed away and left us all bereft. Jasmine had some pretty big shoes to fill and she has succeeded! Queenie and many of Georgie’s family return. I’m hoping that Georgie and Darcy will become more of a team of mystery solvers in future books of this series. Great title in light of the Christmas season release.
The not so good parts: the story drags for 3/4 of the book with most of the mystery (there’s more than one in this book), the murder, and the actual history of cousin David. In fact, I was rather surprised that the “American Divorcee” was relegated to her room very early on in the story. It was a bit confounding in light of the time in history. So much so that the historical part of this book truly only took place in name only in the beginning and then brought back at the end of the book.
Still, I will definitely read more of these books as the characters have become “friends” that I will truly miss.
December 13, 2024
Royal Spyness #18 continues the series in good form. Lady Georgiana have produced a son, James Albert and are happily settling into country life at her godfather Sir Hubert’ estate in Sussex with Darcy popping to do his secret whatever he does, when their serene life explodes in unwanted guests and turmoil. First Georgie’s cousin, Davis/King Edward is foisting Wallis Simpson on them to hide her from the public as he fights Parliament and the Church of England to marry a twice divorced American woman. Then Georgie gets a not from her imperious sister-in-law Fig informing her that she and Georgie’s brother Binky and their children are descending on them for a week or two while they look at boarding schools for seven year old Podge. It never rains, but what it pours. Sir Herbert turns up and announces he’s bringing guests from America- a Hollywood film cast, director, actors and all their support crews to film outdoor scenes for their Henry VIII and first two wives and two daughters. It’s a nightmare with one thing after another going wrong and wringer!
It’s a the perfect next Her Royal Spyness mystery.
It’s a the perfect next Her Royal Spyness mystery.
December 10, 2024
Cute! I love this series!
November 26, 2024
WE THREE QUEENS by Rhys Bowen
As a new mother, Georgie is savoring the peace and contentment at home at Eynsleigh . . . until all peace is ended by a houseful of troublemakers. “That woman” comes to stay at the request of her kingly cousin, Fig and family come, ostensibly to visit schools, and a whole film crew arrives at the invitation of her godfather, Sir Hubert. Amid all the confusion and (of course) crimes, Georgie is determined to care for her baby herself, despite the chorus of relatives insisting she needs “a proper nanny.”
I couldn’t stop reading, even getting up in the middle of the night to continue, and now I’m a little sad that it’s finished, and wishing I could join everyone for a traditional Christmas, if they’d have me. I promise not to cause trouble.
As a new mother, Georgie is savoring the peace and contentment at home at Eynsleigh . . . until all peace is ended by a houseful of troublemakers. “That woman” comes to stay at the request of her kingly cousin, Fig and family come, ostensibly to visit schools, and a whole film crew arrives at the invitation of her godfather, Sir Hubert. Amid all the confusion and (of course) crimes, Georgie is determined to care for her baby herself, despite the chorus of relatives insisting she needs “a proper nanny.”
I couldn’t stop reading, even getting up in the middle of the night to continue, and now I’m a little sad that it’s finished, and wishing I could join everyone for a traditional Christmas, if they’d have me. I promise not to cause trouble.
December 1, 2024
An entertaining read but this one felt like three different stories plunked together.
November 27, 2024
I love this series! Nothing says WWII is looming like the mentioning of the Mitfords, Wallace Simpson and Hitler. Another great book!
September 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.
It's 1936 and Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannock is a new mother trying to get a handle on taking care of an infant. But the rest of the world doesn't give her any breathing room. First, her cousin, King Edward, is madly in love with a totally unsuitable woman, a twice-divorced American named Wallis Simpson, and he is desperate to be allowed to marry her. Meanwhile, although America is aware of the affair, England is not, so he needs a place to hide Mrs Simpson until he can figure out what to do. So he calls on Georgie and her husband Darcy to let her stay with them in the large country house where they currently live, courtesy of Georgie's godfather, Sir Hubert. But Mrs Simpson no sooner arrives than Georgie gets a letter from her sister-in-law saying they are coming to look at nearby schools for their son and will also be staying in the house. THEN, Sir Hubert arrives with a "surprise". He has given permission for an American film crew to film on their grounds so they can have authenticity for their movie about Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the princesses Mary and Elizabeth. Thankfully, the film crew will NOT be staying at the house, but it is a houseful nonetheless.
When the young actress playing a young Princess Elizabeth is kidnapped, everything just gets more complicated. And then there is a murder on the grounds!! Geeorgie uses all her skills and abilities to read people to figure out what has happened and keep her little family happy and safe.
This series never fails to satisfy and serve as a palate cleanser for heavier mysteries!!
It's 1936 and Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannock is a new mother trying to get a handle on taking care of an infant. But the rest of the world doesn't give her any breathing room. First, her cousin, King Edward, is madly in love with a totally unsuitable woman, a twice-divorced American named Wallis Simpson, and he is desperate to be allowed to marry her. Meanwhile, although America is aware of the affair, England is not, so he needs a place to hide Mrs Simpson until he can figure out what to do. So he calls on Georgie and her husband Darcy to let her stay with them in the large country house where they currently live, courtesy of Georgie's godfather, Sir Hubert. But Mrs Simpson no sooner arrives than Georgie gets a letter from her sister-in-law saying they are coming to look at nearby schools for their son and will also be staying in the house. THEN, Sir Hubert arrives with a "surprise". He has given permission for an American film crew to film on their grounds so they can have authenticity for their movie about Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the princesses Mary and Elizabeth. Thankfully, the film crew will NOT be staying at the house, but it is a houseful nonetheless.
When the young actress playing a young Princess Elizabeth is kidnapped, everything just gets more complicated. And then there is a murder on the grounds!! Geeorgie uses all her skills and abilities to read people to figure out what has happened and keep her little family happy and safe.
This series never fails to satisfy and serve as a palate cleanser for heavier mysteries!!
December 14, 2024
To date, I have read eighteen Royal Spyness novels. Eighteen novels of quirky, silly Georgie and her lovely Darcy, falling in love and solving mysteries. I have watched her go from a silly young royal dressing in a maid’s costume to solve a mystery, to a young mother married in the countryside. I have witnessed murder upon murder, mystery upon mystery, hijinks galore.
This book, quite frankly, was a mess.
I can’t imagine Bowen expected that she would be writing this many books, because the current setting of the book is far more serious than the general tone. Germany is falling to fascism, war is looming, and we face the abdication of King David over Wallace Simpson. The series, originally filled with flapper dresses and silly costumes, has been forced into a level of seriousness that does not fit with the levity of the character.
The mystery itself was also a mess. At about the 20% point, we have three separate sets of guests staying at the house—Wallace Simpson, hiding from the British press; Georgie’s brother and his family, touring local boarding schools; and a full film crew, using the castle as a setting for a movie about the first two wives of Henry XIII. There are three separate mysteries (two disappearances and a murder) that all need to be resolved at various points in the story and make the pacing feel disjointed. Bowen could have pared down the story to just the film crew and had a much better story; instead, we have a murder that happens at the cusp of the third act, which feels far too late.
A large part of the fun of these books are Georgie’s hijinks, and she has none of them. Instead, she has a tremendous amount of stress from internal forces. All I wanted was for her to be climbing a bannister, but now Georgie would see it as too improper, or a danger to her family, or something.
Bowen impresses upon us constantly that Georgie is ~not like other moms, she’s a cool mom~. She does a ton of things that are completely unrealistic for noble-born mothers in that era, because Bowen believes that her audience would be upset about Georgie’s behaviors if she acted with the distance of a early 20th century woman. But honestly, all I wanted was for Georgie to have some fun, silly adventures while the nanny watched the baby for a bit. Instead, we got an anxious mother who spent all of her time paying attention to her baby instead of solving mysteries.
This was not Bowen’s finest work. I hope she can turn it around for the next book, but if they keep this up, I’ll have to say goodbye to Georgie for good—and reread the first books again instead.
This book, quite frankly, was a mess.
I can’t imagine Bowen expected that she would be writing this many books, because the current setting of the book is far more serious than the general tone. Germany is falling to fascism, war is looming, and we face the abdication of King David over Wallace Simpson. The series, originally filled with flapper dresses and silly costumes, has been forced into a level of seriousness that does not fit with the levity of the character.
The mystery itself was also a mess. At about the 20% point, we have three separate sets of guests staying at the house—Wallace Simpson, hiding from the British press; Georgie’s brother and his family, touring local boarding schools; and a full film crew, using the castle as a setting for a movie about the first two wives of Henry XIII. There are three separate mysteries (two disappearances and a murder) that all need to be resolved at various points in the story and make the pacing feel disjointed. Bowen could have pared down the story to just the film crew and had a much better story; instead, we have a murder that happens at the cusp of the third act, which feels far too late.
A large part of the fun of these books are Georgie’s hijinks, and she has none of them. Instead, she has a tremendous amount of stress from internal forces. All I wanted was for her to be climbing a bannister, but now Georgie would see it as too improper, or a danger to her family, or something.
Bowen impresses upon us constantly that Georgie is ~not like other moms, she’s a cool mom~. She does a ton of things that are completely unrealistic for noble-born mothers in that era, because Bowen believes that her audience would be upset about Georgie’s behaviors if she acted with the distance of a early 20th century woman. But honestly, all I wanted was for Georgie to have some fun, silly adventures while the nanny watched the baby for a bit. Instead, we got an anxious mother who spent all of her time paying attention to her baby instead of solving mysteries.
This was not Bowen’s finest work. I hope she can turn it around for the next book, but if they keep this up, I’ll have to say goodbye to Georgie for good—and reread the first books again instead.
November 27, 2024
In My Three Queens, the 18th entry in Rhys Bowen's delightful Royal Spyness historical mystery series (all of which I've loved), Lady Georgie has recently had a beautiful baby boy and is serenely settling into life in her godfather's large, beautiful home with her husband, the dashing Darcy. But things quickly get more lively when King Edward asks them to temporarily house Mrs. Wallis Simpson, who is keeping a low profile while the King tries to convince Parliament to approve their potential marriage. Then Georgie's brother, his disagreeable wife, and their two young children announce they will be arriving to stay while they investigate possible boarding schools for their son. And if that weren't enough, Sir Hubert, the house's wealthy owner, tells them he is returning from his travels and is bringing "a couple of dozen" of his new friends--a Hollywood movie crew that wants to shoot some scenes in front of the exterior of an authentic English country home. What could possibly go wrong?
This series entry impressed me as a bit lighter than many of the other books, although there are also more serious themes surrounding the mystery, including a kidnapping and, late in the story, a murder. Lady Georgie is one of my favorite characters--devoted to her husband and son but up for adventure when asked for help by the Queen.She is a minor royal but has not lived a privileged or prosperous life. Her flamboyant and clueless but flamboyant mother (Lord Hubert was her first husband) is currently being courted in Germany by a suitor who is friendly with Hitler. Darcy has been working as a spy but is now settling down to hopefully work on more local projects so he can spend more time with his family. And the hapless Queenie is still working for the couple and making gaffes as usual, but is developing into a competent chef.
Rhys Bowen is an expert writer who can entertain and intrigue at the same time. I highly recommend reading this series from the very beginning--enjoy!
This series entry impressed me as a bit lighter than many of the other books, although there are also more serious themes surrounding the mystery, including a kidnapping and, late in the story, a murder. Lady Georgie is one of my favorite characters--devoted to her husband and son but up for adventure when asked for help by the Queen.She is a minor royal but has not lived a privileged or prosperous life. Her flamboyant and clueless but flamboyant mother (Lord Hubert was her first husband) is currently being courted in Germany by a suitor who is friendly with Hitler. Darcy has been working as a spy but is now settling down to hopefully work on more local projects so he can spend more time with his family. And the hapless Queenie is still working for the couple and making gaffes as usual, but is developing into a competent chef.
Rhys Bowen is an expert writer who can entertain and intrigue at the same time. I highly recommend reading this series from the very beginning--enjoy!
August 24, 2024
4.0
There’s really no way to talk about this latest installment of “Her Royal Spyness” without spoilers, other than to say that it it breaks more than one of the rules of mystery writing and Wallis Simpson is back.
We started at such an idyllic point. Georgie madly in love with her baby and routinely breastfeeding him throughout the day. Grandad is there enjoying his great grandson who spends lots of time downstairs and not in the nursery. Darcy is even around a lot of the time.
Even when Wallis Simpson, Fig and family, and a mob descend on the house and chaos ensues, she is still more settled than we have ever seen her. I cannot imagine the next book will be another set at quiet Eynsleigh though, but it has been nice.
Otherwise,…
(SPOILERS)
(END SPOILERS)
(The rest refer to ongoing plotlines, minor details, or world history you should already know.)
On that last note, it may have been addressed in earlier books when it was first introduced, but why is his house and land not entailed and he can leave it to Georgie?
Since each question spurs another one, are O’Mara and Georgie going to go back and forth between a remote, somewhat-neglected old castle in Ireland and a remote, somewhat-neglected old manor in Sussex when they inherit?
How are they going to get Georgie’s mom to wake up and ditch Max and get the heck out of Germany? For Georgie’s sake, obviously. Her mother kind of deserves it otherwise.
And speaking of the “dowager duchess”, even though I’m not her biggest fan, why did she get all the blame for not wanting to stay with Sir Hubert when he was gone all the time scaling dangerous mountains is remote places?
Where is Belinda? She’s been overlooked for a while it seems. Even Zou Zou made the conversation a couple of times.
What happened to her Georgie’s father’s second family? I did not remember that. Was it addressed in “Naughty in Nice”? Otherwise, it seems like it should be a can of worms about to open.
Dominatrix or not, what could Edward possibly see in Wallis Simpson? Regardless, given their great affinity for Hitler, his abdication was very much a blessing.
I have to say that I didn’t love this book as much as I have others, but parts of it I enjoyed more than most. Part of that was due to the skirting of the code for mystery writing and part was that there was just a lot of chaos and unlikeable people. Still, it’s got that Royal Spyness charm, but just a bit more grown up. I’m not sure how they can keep going during the war without turning into a more serious series, but I guess (hope) we’ll find out. It’s better than the alternative.
Thank you to Rhys Bowen, NetGalley, and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
There’s really no way to talk about this latest installment of “Her Royal Spyness” without spoilers, other than to say that it it breaks more than one of the rules of mystery writing and Wallis Simpson is back.
We started at such an idyllic point. Georgie madly in love with her baby and routinely breastfeeding him throughout the day. Grandad is there enjoying his great grandson who spends lots of time downstairs and not in the nursery. Darcy is even around a lot of the time.
Even when Wallis Simpson, Fig and family, and a mob descend on the house and chaos ensues, she is still more settled than we have ever seen her. I cannot imagine the next book will be another set at quiet Eynsleigh though, but it has been nice.
Otherwise,…
(SPOILERS)
(END SPOILERS)
(The rest refer to ongoing plotlines, minor details, or world history you should already know.)
On that last note, it may have been addressed in earlier books when it was first introduced, but why is his house and land not entailed and he can leave it to Georgie?
Since each question spurs another one, are O’Mara and Georgie going to go back and forth between a remote, somewhat-neglected old castle in Ireland and a remote, somewhat-neglected old manor in Sussex when they inherit?
How are they going to get Georgie’s mom to wake up and ditch Max and get the heck out of Germany? For Georgie’s sake, obviously. Her mother kind of deserves it otherwise.
And speaking of the “dowager duchess”, even though I’m not her biggest fan, why did she get all the blame for not wanting to stay with Sir Hubert when he was gone all the time scaling dangerous mountains is remote places?
Where is Belinda? She’s been overlooked for a while it seems. Even Zou Zou made the conversation a couple of times.
What happened to her Georgie’s father’s second family? I did not remember that. Was it addressed in “Naughty in Nice”? Otherwise, it seems like it should be a can of worms about to open.
Dominatrix or not, what could Edward possibly see in Wallis Simpson? Regardless, given their great affinity for Hitler, his abdication was very much a blessing.
I have to say that I didn’t love this book as much as I have others, but parts of it I enjoyed more than most. Part of that was due to the skirting of the code for mystery writing and part was that there was just a lot of chaos and unlikeable people. Still, it’s got that Royal Spyness charm, but just a bit more grown up. I’m not sure how they can keep going during the war without turning into a more serious series, but I guess (hope) we’ll find out. It’s better than the alternative.
Thank you to Rhys Bowen, NetGalley, and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
November 21, 2024
We Three Queens is the 18th in the Royal Spyness Mystery series by Rhys Bowen. Lady Georgiana "Georgie" Rannoch is cousin to King Edward. It's 1936 and she's living on her godfather's Sir Hubert's estate in the country and enjoying her life as a wife and new mother. Her husband Darcy still works for the government and has the ear of the king.
At the beginning of the book, Georgie is content having a quiet life and taking care of her home and family. Unfortunately, that peace doesn't last long. Darcy comes home to say that the king is requesting that they "hide" Edward's scandalous mistress the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson from the press. He's trying to get permission from parliament to marry her which is against the law at present. The King is hoping to get the press on board with his "true love" predicament and pressure the government to allow him to marry her. At the same time Georgie's brother and his awful wife Fig with their two kids show up with very little notice. If things weren't complicated enough, Sir Hubert comes home unexpectedly with a whole film crew in tow. Any peace and quiet Georgie might have had is ruined. It's like a massive invasion.
There are three story lines going at once and none of them really merge that well. Nothing much happens in terms of a mystery until a child on the set goes missing about halfway through. Was she kidnapped or is it a publicity stunt? Then about 75% in, there's finally a murder.
In the end there's the King's abdication, but from what we know about Edward's and Wallis Simpson's Nazi affiliations, it would appear that England and the world dodged a bullet by his leaving the throne and moving to France when he did.
Normally I like this series, but the stories are usually more focused than this. There are just too many moving parts and having so many characters makes this one seem rather chaotic. On the plus side the familiar characters are there and are consistent in their behaviors. I do enjoy how loving Georgie and Darcy are. I also enjoy Georgie's dry sense of humor and wit.
At the beginning of the book, Georgie is content having a quiet life and taking care of her home and family. Unfortunately, that peace doesn't last long. Darcy comes home to say that the king is requesting that they "hide" Edward's scandalous mistress the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson from the press. He's trying to get permission from parliament to marry her which is against the law at present. The King is hoping to get the press on board with his "true love" predicament and pressure the government to allow him to marry her. At the same time Georgie's brother and his awful wife Fig with their two kids show up with very little notice. If things weren't complicated enough, Sir Hubert comes home unexpectedly with a whole film crew in tow. Any peace and quiet Georgie might have had is ruined. It's like a massive invasion.
There are three story lines going at once and none of them really merge that well. Nothing much happens in terms of a mystery until a child on the set goes missing about halfway through. Was she kidnapped or is it a publicity stunt? Then about 75% in, there's finally a murder.
In the end there's the King's abdication, but from what we know about Edward's and Wallis Simpson's Nazi affiliations, it would appear that England and the world dodged a bullet by his leaving the throne and moving to France when he did.
Normally I like this series, but the stories are usually more focused than this. There are just too many moving parts and having so many characters makes this one seem rather chaotic. On the plus side the familiar characters are there and are consistent in their behaviors. I do enjoy how loving Georgie and Darcy are. I also enjoy Georgie's dry sense of humor and wit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
2.5 stars. I think we're nearing the end of Georgie and Darcy. For a mystery series, there's no actual mystery in the book until 3/4 of the way in.
By the time the actress' murder happened, it was very anti-climatic. are all signs that Bowen either got stuck or just doesn't care much anymore. And if she doesn't care, why should the readers?
If this is the end, it's certainly a terrible let-down for those of us who love these characters. And if there's more, then hopefully this is a blip and the next book will be more of what we're accustomed to reading.
By the time the actress' murder happened, it was very anti-climatic. are all signs that Bowen either got stuck or just doesn't care much anymore. And if she doesn't care, why should the readers?
If this is the end, it's certainly a terrible let-down for those of us who love these characters. And if there's more, then hopefully this is a blip and the next book will be more of what we're accustomed to reading.
July 23, 2024
Perhaps because you become more involved with the characters as you read this Royal Spyness series but in any case, these novels seem to be getting better. Lady Georgiana Rannoch and her husband Darcy and their newborn son enjoy living in the country estate of Sir Hubert. Someday Georgie will inherit the estate so Sir Hubert thinks they should live there now which is helpful because although Georgie is related to the Royal Family and Darcy will eventually inherit an Irish estate, they are not at all well off. It is the fall of 1936 and Darcy & Georgie are asked by her cousin David, also known as King Edward VIII, to have his love, Wallis Simpson, stay with them (basically hide out) while he tries to get the British government to let him marry her. They don't really want to but of course they agree.
Unbeknownst to them, Sir Hubert is back from a trip to the U.S. and has agreed to let a Hollywood director use the estate as a backdrop to a movie about Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Controlled chaos ensues. Before long the child star of the movie is missing, and her mother is sure she was kidnapped like the Lindbergh baby. Then one of the adult stars is murdered and Georgie and Darcy know that they need to help find out what happened. Read from an Edelweiss eARC, the murders are always solved but getting to see Georgie and Darcy mature and their family grow is the fun part of these books.
Unbeknownst to them, Sir Hubert is back from a trip to the U.S. and has agreed to let a Hollywood director use the estate as a backdrop to a movie about Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Controlled chaos ensues. Before long the child star of the movie is missing, and her mother is sure she was kidnapped like the Lindbergh baby. Then one of the adult stars is murdered and Georgie and Darcy know that they need to help find out what happened. Read from an Edelweiss eARC, the murders are always solved but getting to see Georgie and Darcy mature and their family grow is the fun part of these books.
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