Lady Georgiana Rannoch juggles secret missions from the Queen, her beau, and her mother in this mystery in the Royal Spyness series.When royal sleuth Georgie Rannoch receives a letter from her dearest friend Belinda, who’s in an Italian villa awaiting the birth of her illegitimate baby, she yearns to run to her side. If only she could find a way to get there! But then opportunity presents itself … opportunity presents itself in a most unexpected way—her cousin the queen asks her to attend a house party in the Italian Lake Country. The Prince of Wales and the dreadful Mrs. Simpson have been invited, and Her Majesty is anxious to thwart a possible secret wedding.
What luck! A chance to see Belinda, even if it is under the guise of stopping unwanted nuptials. Only that’s as far as Georgie’s fortune takes her. She soon discovers that she attended finishing school with the hostess of the party—and the hatred they had for each other then has barely dimmed. Plus, she needs to hide Belinda’s delicate condition from the other guests. And her dashing beau, Darcy’s (naturally) working undercover on a dangerous mission. Then her actress mother shows up, with a not-so-little task to perform. With all this subterfuge, it seems something is bound to go horribly wrong—and Georgie will no doubt be left to pick up the pieces when it does.
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A house party in Italy goes horribly wrong when Lady Georgiana Rannoch, an impoverished relative of the queen, means to visit a friend. With a houseful of odd guests, including Georgiana’s mother and the Prince of Wales, it’s a matter of conjecture as to who’s at fault when a guest is found dead. Did one of the man’s blackmail victims do him in, or was it spycraft at work? With the Nazis closing in and Mussolini’s machinations, anything is possible. Can Georgie discover the culprit before she becomes the next victim? This is a delightful mystery with a quirky set of suspects and a bevy of motives. But as usual, it’s Georgie’s life that is the biggest draw in this charming series.
I like a good British mystery and this series provides them. I like the central character, a distant poor relation of the Queen.
Enjoyable series
The main character big a delight. Enjoyable light reading. Well written.
One of my favorite book series. Great characters. Look forward to each new adventure.
Fun
This was a satisfying new installment in the series. I liked the setting which referenced actual historic events. The heroine has become an old friend and I look forward to her next adventure but a little dramatic tension was lost when she married.
Her Royal Spyness novels are always fun, and this one does not disappoint. It was more predicable than the previous books, with several hints as to the identity of the murderer, but still a fun, easy, very enjoyable read. Love Rhys Bowen!
I have to be honest here, I usually get tired of these types of long series. The characters get stale, the stories seem recycled. But I genuinely look forward to the release of every new book in this series! They are fun, clever, and actually hit on some historical topics that have some heft to them! My only complaint for this book? I read it too fast! It was over too soon and now I have to wait for the next one! But seriously, if you haven’t read this series, pick it up!
I totally enjoy this series and always look forward to the next release.
I just discovered Rhys Bowen. On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service was my first book. I enjoyed this light hearted British whodunit. As It turns out, it’s the 11th book in the Royal Spyness Mystery Book series. Had I known, I would have started on number 1. But this book stood alone. I’ll be headed back for book #1.
Enjoyed
Love this series. Enjoy all the books written by this author.
As always I enjoyed Rhys Bowen’s writing and characters. A most enjoyable read.
Loved every one of series, and can’t wait for next. Page turner. Hated it to end. Brava!, more!
A great comfort read. Like getting together with old friends.
I love this series.
This is definitely one of my favorite book series! I always look forward to the next installment.
love this series highly recommend
I love reading all of this author’s books I haven’t missed a one. It is old world British Royalty and such wonderful fun and entertaining. Take a chance you will NEVER regret it.