Her Royal Spyness

I really like that this series takes place in Europe and is in the 1930s as it provides a new look at history.I’m already looking to obtain more in the series.

This was a charming read at I time when I really needed a pick-me-up. For fans of royal history, there's plenty of cameos and appearances of real life royals, aristocrats, and notorious public figures from the years leading up to WWII. The blend of the historical and the fictional was entertaining, the mystery was fun, and I loved following Georgie and her friends as they try to navigate life in the grey zone of being people with ties to powerful families, but without any support from said families beyond being given a place to stay. Much of this book works to establish a who's-who of Georgie's family, friends, and romantic interests, and her efforts to build a business to support herself. While the actual spying in this novel was minimal, I'm going to move on to the sequels with the expectation that it will become a bigger part of future plots, now that the core worldbuilding is established.

This book had me laughing on page one. The mystery doesn't begin until a couple of chapters later, but it doesn't matter because the send-up of British aristocracy is so highly entertaining. This is the first in a series and I definitely plan to read book two.

It is nice to be part of the British royal family but not if you are twenty-one, thirty-fourth in line for the throne, and completely broke. Georgie is the sister of the current Duke of Glen Garry and Rannoch. Her grandmother was the youngest of Queen Victoria's daughters. But it is 1932 and the duke has fallen on hard times.Georgie decides to go to London to try to make her own way but she doesn't really know what she can do. She is camping out in the family home with no servants, no heat and no prospects. She reconnects with some school friends but they aren't much better off. She knows that she doesn't want to marry a man she doesn't love or work as a companion for one of her elderly relatives. She decides to start a housecleaning business but has to keep her role secret. Royalty doesn't dust!She comes home one day to find a body in her bathtub. The man who said he was collecting on her father's gambling debts is the victim. Her brother the current duke, who is knows as Binky to his family, had come to London to meet with the man but has fled back to Scotland leaving Georgie to pick up the pieces. When the police target Binky, Georgie has to find a way to investigate and find the real killer.Meanwhile, the queen has summoned Georgie to the palace and asked her to attend a house party so that she can see if the Prince of Wales is really infatuated with Mrs. Simpson. Her Majesty wants Georgie to act as her spy. Georgie is busy with both investigations and is also suffering an unusual number of accidents. Georgie has always been sort of clumsy but falling off a boat, being pushed onto Subway tracks, and falling down a flight of stairs are well beyond her usual clumsiness. She has become someone's target but she has no idea why anyone would want her dead. Somehow, Georgie manages to persevere and solve all the different cases.I liked the writing style and I liked all the period details in this first in a series of mysteries starring Georgie. I'm eager to read more.

It's been about a week since reading this book By Rhys. I wanted a break from Space Marines SciFi and came across this period piece that looked interesting. I don't normally write reviews but After reading Rhys Bowen's novel; "Her Royal Spyness". I can't remember if it's a story in a book or actual episode of Downton Abbey. The details and ambience are quite vivid. The story centers around a young girl, Georgiana. Whom is very reminiscent of Downton Abby's Lady Mary' Crawley's youngest sister; Lady Sybil. She has the topical choices at the time. Already having been 'Presented' with very slim prospects. It's a choice to marry a foreign prince or Lady in waiting to an old royal aunt. Running away leads to frustration and desperation that turns into job seeking in the service quarters. Fortunately for her she did not run across Mr. Carson or Anna. they would have spotted her as a pretender without any real credentials. Though She must have a bit of lady Violet Crawley inquisitive blood as it helps her look into the reoccurring mystery. This story could easily follow Downton Abby (the movie) as it's set in 1930. Hum. I should watch it again. Our girl may have made an appearance. I have not started into the 2nd book as like waiting for next week's episode. I want to still savor and make it last. If you're waiting for a spinoff of Downton Abby. Then this may be the next best thing until then. Aloha, ukeboy57 (YouTube)

A nice tale fast paced and full of twists and turns and very resourceful heroine. The characters portrayed were believable and some were very funny.

An enjoyable bit of fun of the P G Wodehouse kind. It lacks his sparkling use of language, but it is still entertaining.

Bought as a gift so can't comment on the content. But arrived promptly and in perfect condition.

Several red herrings nicely confuse and no obvious suspects until final chapters. Quite delightful picture of high society between the two world wars and a likeable heroine too.

5+++++ Great yarn and I will be reading the whole series. Mystery, satire, hilarious but some times frightening.Quality used book!!!!