Georgie and Darcy are finally on their honeymoon in Kenya’s Happy Valley, but murder crashes the party in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling series.I was so excited when Darcy announced out of the blue that we were flying to Kenya for our extended honeymoon. Now that we are here, I suspect he has actually been sent to fulfill another secret mission. I am trying very hard … mission. I am trying very hard not to pick a fight about it, because after all, we are in paradise! Darcy finally confides that there have been robberies in London and Paris. It seems the thief was a member of the aristocracy and may have fled to Kenya. Since we are staying in the Happy Valley—the center of upper-class English life—we are well positioned to hunt for clues and ferret out possible suspects.
Now that I am a sophisticated married woman, I am doing my best to sound like one. But crikey! These aristocrats are a thoroughly loathsome sort enjoying a completely decadent lifestyle filled with wild parties and rampant infidelity. And one of the leading lights in the community, Lord Cheriton, has the nerve to make a play for me. While I am on my honeymoon! Of course, I put an end to that right off.
When he is found bloodied and lifeless along a lonely stretch of road, it appears he fell victim to a lion. But it seems that the Happy Valley community wants to close the case a bit too quickly. Darcy and I soon discover that there is much more than a simple robbery and an animal attack to contend with here in Kenya. Nearly everyone has a motive to want Lord Cheriton dead and some will go to great lengths to silence anyone who asks too many questions. The hunt is on! I just hope I can survive my honeymoon long enough to catch a killer. . . .
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Series: Royal Spyness #13
Publication Date: 8/6/19
Number of Pages: 304
I have wanted to start reading this series since its beginning, but for some reason I never did. I remedied that by starting with this book – and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t find starting with the thirteenth book a problem. Yes, I missed the development of the relationship between Darcy and Georgie, but – goodness – I got to start with the honeymoon! I’m sure I missed out on the development of other characters and relationships, but I fully intend to go back and read the first books of the series when I have a chance to do so. None of what I’d missed detracted from my enjoyment of this book. It is well written and witty with great characters and multiple mysteries. All of the loose ends were wrapped up and justice was served just as it should be.
Georgie and Darcy spent the first few days of their honeymoon on a friend’s houseboat in a secluded section of the Thames. That was a wonderful, private first few days of marriage, but soon enough the food ran out and they had bumped their heads on the low ceilings one too many times. They both decided it was time to head back into London – where Darcy soon announced that he’d arranged for the remainder of their honeymoon to be in Kenya. WOW! The trip of a lifetime and Georgie is so excited.
Soon, our sharp-as-a-tack heroine comes to suspect that there is more to the destination than meets the eye. When she confronts Darcy, he tells her that he’s been assigned to keep an eye out for a suspected jewel thief. She buys that and soon settles in to help him determine who the thief might be – and to catch him or her.
Once they arrive in Kenya, things soon begin to happen – but none of them actually point toward a jewel thief. There are lots of other mysteries as well – a murder, attempts on Georgie and Darcy’s lives, residents swapping spouses, drug parties – you name it. Then, when you add in the political intrigue, you have quite a busy story.
I thoroughly enjoyed and certainly recommend this book. It is well written, well-plotted and I really loved the characters. I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series as well as going back to read the previous books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Georgiana ‘Georgie’ Rannoch has married the man of her dreams, the Honorable Darcy O’Mara and now it’s time for the honeymoon! After several idyllic days on a houseboat, Darcy surprises Georgie with an unexpected trip of a lifetime–they’re going to Kenya in a region known as the White Highlands! Georgie has a secret royal request from Queen Mary to give her any updates on her son David who is also in the area— particularly those scandalous tidbits that involve a certain Mrs. Simpson.
The African countryside is filled with majestic sites and exotic animals, and more than a few aristocratic countrymen and ladies who have made this their homestead. Jealousy, love triangles, and lives of decadent excess are the norm, with some liaisons curling Georgie’s newlywed toes! When an eye roving lord is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect. Will Georgie and Darcy help solve the crime, or will the killer silence them for good?
This is the 13th book of Author Bowen’s Royal Spyness mystery series, and I couldn’t have been more delighted with this read. The characters are sure to keep you entertained, the storyline packed with action and historical facts woven in a mystery that will keep you turning the pages. This is one of my favorite mystery series, I’ll be back for the next book!
This book was cute
Such a terrific and fun book–the incredibly talented Rhys Bowen never fails to amaze and delight me. And this is much more than a fun mystery–Rhys Bowen is a terrific writer, who takes us to new places and shows us new worlds and creates wonderful characters–plus she’s hilarious and witty at the same time! Do not miss this!
This series has been a delight since the very beginning and Love and Death Among the Cheetahs is the best one yet. If you’re a fan of Georgie’s adventures, don’t miss this one!
I love this series with Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a relative of the queen in the 1930s. Georgie and her new husband, Darcy O’Mara, are headed to Kenya for their honeymoon. Darcy occasionally works for the British government and it appears he might have an ulterior motive for this trip. Soon the happy couple is embroiled with a wacky crowd of aristocrats who lead a bizarre lifestyle. When Lord Cheriton is found dead and partially eaten by a lion, murder enters the scene. Drugs, Nazis, wild animals and jewel heists factor into the possible clues. This book is another delightful installment in a totally engaging series and the scenery makes you want to go on a safari. Fortunately, you can experience it in your armchair with this story and without the inherent dangers. Another winner!
I enjoy all of Her Royal Spyness books, but this isn’t my favorite. Other than the main protagonists, Georgie and her new husband, the characters are hard to like and you kind of wish they would all end up murdered.
Rhys Bowen’s Lady Georgie is up to her adorable eyeballs in mayhem once again on her African honeymoon – I absolutely loved Love and Death Among the Cheetahs! 🙂
I love this series! Witty, fun to read, and a pleasant escape into a gentler, kinder time.
I love Rhys Bowen’s books and this is no exception, except….the ending is too pat, too abrupt and too unbelievable. It seems as if she reached the minimum words the publisher expected and wrapped it up without regard to the reader, characters or plot.
I always enjoy a Georgie Ranoch story, but this one was rather slow (hence only 4 stars). Georgie and Darcy are off to Kenya on their honeymoon. What they encounter there is true wildlife! Yes, lions and elephants and the like, but more so, the wild English aristocrats bedhopping and snorting cocaine. It’s all very startling for Georgie, and actually provided an interesting glimpse into that time period for the reader. However, this outing for Georgie reminded me of Heirs and Graces, with the heir from Australia–both stories dragged. The murder didn’t even happen until more than half way through the story, and then it was wrapped up way too quickly in the last 20 pages. I love Rhys Bowen and the character of Georgie, so I will always look forward to the next Royal Spyness book, but this was not my favorite.
Not as good as her previous books in this series. Not very realistic, rather silly in some ways.
Love the series
I love this series. When I need some easy relief from the stresses of today I read about Georgie and her latest adventure.
I love this series. Characters are likable, history is interesting, situations fun and exciting
I usually love this author and this series, but for me, Love and Death Among the Cheetahs left the cozy genre. The morals and the murder were both too much for me. It was one of those books where I struggled with the decision to keep reading, and I kept hoping the unpleasant parts would be over soon.
Good British traditional, with actual historical setting, and unusual characters.
interestiing insight to privileged life in Kenya during British rule
I have read all of the “Royal Spyness” books in the series. I love the characters, the story lines and the settings. Georgie (the main character) is wonderful and courageous. Always look forward to the next one in the series.
Love this whole series. Interesting settings and personalities.