God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (A Royal Spyness Mystery)

The mark of a good book is being sad when you reach the last few pages of the last chapter. That’s how I felt after reading God Rest Ye Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen.

This wonderful book was given to me by my friend and equally wonderful published author, Dorothy Bodoin. Dorothy knew how much I love mystery series, such as her Foxglove Corners, so she introduced me to the series called A Royal Spyness Mystery by author Rhys Bowen. Even though it’s #15 in the series, it’s a standalone book so it doesn’t matter in which order I read them. I am definitely hooked, and I can’t wait to read more. It’s well written and each chapter ends with a little cliff hanger so you are compelled to turn the page. The characters are fun and colorful, and there’s subtle humor, which I love. All of these attributes can also be found in Ms Bodoin’s books; that’s how I know I will enjoy Ms Bowen’s series just as much. It’s a great read for Christmas or any time of the year!

I am so happy I came across this wonderful series, and have enjoyed reading each and every book. Rhys Bowen is a wonderful author; her dialogue is exceptionally well written and the stories are a delight to delve into. The only (very small) exception I can possibly find, is that if you do the historical research, the Prince of Wales was very much involved with Lady Thelma Furness until October of 1934, when she returned to America to support her sister in the Gloria Vanderbilt custody court case. It was after this time that the prince became involved with Mrs. Simpson, who was a 'friend' of Lady Furness. This series has the prince involved with Mrs. S quite early on in the 1930's, which was not the case. Otherwise, this series is so enjoyable and entertaining, I happily overlook the historical hiccups, rare as they are. I can't wait for the next installment!

An unexpected invitation changes Georgie's plans for Christmas in this latest Royal Spyness Mystery. Georgie, Darcy, her mother; and brother, Binky's family are heading to the royal Sandringham estate to spend the holidays with Darcy's eccentric Aunt Ermintrude, a former lady in waiting to Queen Mary.

As the guests arrive to the grace-and-favor house, more surprises are in store, including the arrival of Mrs. Simpson, the American divorcee causing many royal pains for the HRH crowd. As the holiday festivities begin, barbs and innuendos are traded, magnifying in intensity when deadly accidents occur. Georgie receives a royal request to get to the bottom of things--will she and Darcy discover who is behind the evil deeds before another tragedy occurs?

Author Bowen once again delights readers with a charming, royal whodunnit perfect for the holidays. I'm a huge fan of this series and this latest tale does not disappoint---a highly recommended read!

Wow, this was a great book! Again, I'm also wary when I pick up a book that has had so many previous stories published before the one I'm reading, but I didn't feel like I was reading mid-series. In fact, I felt very comfortable reading the story.

And I loved the story and the setting. Newly weds Georgie and Darcy are invited to spend Christmas with Darcy's aunt who had been a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary. Once they have arrived, Georgie is summoned to speak with Queen Mary, who once again, enlists Georgie to keep an eye on things as the Queen is worried.

As it turns out, the Queen has a reason to worry especially when an unexpected house guest shows up to join Darcy's aunt's party.

I normally would find it annoying that Georgie has ties to the royal family but it just fits so naturally. I just loved how the author deftly weaves history within the fiction and I look forward to reading more in the series. (I've already pre-ordered the next book.)

There’s something missing in this book. The atmosphere and Georgiana don’t sparkle. The set-up takes too long. The cast of characters non-discript. The dialogue flat. And finally, the motive stinks. When the end comes it’s more a relief. We can send Georgiana and Darcy home to regroup and try again. I felt while reading that Ms. Bowen was writing on auto-pilot. The inner dialogue, Georgie thinking, is missing. The much earlier Christmas adventure of Georgie (featuring Mummy AND Noel Coward) was much more fun. I enjoy Ms. Bowen employing the historical figures. She has fun with Mrs. Simpson and Mummy. But, this time Mrs. Simpson is so one-dimensional she’s a caricature, as is the Prince of Wales. This was a good weekend read but it also had me missing the vim and vigor of the earlier Royal Spyness books.

I haven’t read any books in this series but it worked fine as a stand-alone novel. Set in 1935, at the typical Christmas house party in the English countryside, this time the house is on the grounds of the royal Sandringham estate and the King and his family become minor characters in the book. There is an accident, and then a second, and thus, a mystery to be solved. Lady Georgina, a young bride and great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and her husband, Darcy O’Mara, rise to the occasion to try to solve the crime. In the meantime, we witness the sumptuous dinners, royal shooting parties, morning horseback rides and all the other activities of a Christmas celebration at that time. I both read and listened to this book; narrator Jasmine Blackborrow did a wonderful job of the different voices, with Scottish, English, and American accents. This was an easy-to-read, entertaining book and audio, and I recommend them if you’re looking for something fun during the holiday season.

It seemed fitting to read a Christmas Mystery that took place in a snowy region of England in a gentler time of the 20th century. And, of course, amid Royals and family. Enjoyed the appearances of the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson whose characters were presented much as they truly were. The gathering dark cloud of Nazi Germany offered reminders of the coming changes that would engulf the lives of Georgie, Darcy and the entire world. Nothing would be untouched by it's devastation. It will be interesting to see how our protagonists will be drawn into its wrath.