"Her Royal Spyness"

Oh very sorry for being absent as of late..did warn you that for a time I would be so however. I have just been taking me time, family time and relaxing, which includes reading. A lot. 

As you know I am a huge fan of what is commonly called a Cozy Mystery**. Cozies are for me a lovely read, they flow wonderfully, they have engaging lead sleuths, often small town charm, and for the most part are not filled with sex and foul language, so a good clean read. Not to worry however despite such books being a "clean" read, they always have plenty of romance to keep it just spicy enough to not be boring. There are plenty of categories in the Cozy genre, you can pick those based out of the UK, those centered around pets, around food, as well as around hobbies. Most of the main characters are women, though I have run across men from time to time as well. **you can read more about the definition of a cozy when you click on above link. 

I am always on the look out for new series to follow, to fill in the voids between publishing of the many I already follow. The most recent author drew me in with the covers; you will see in a bit. Rhys Bowen , is the author I speak of. Her series is one of three she writes and goes by the name of Royal Spyness  . The sleuth this go around is Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, Georgie's father is the duke of Glengarry and Rannoch (a fictitious title). The books are set in the early 1930's and takes place with a base in London, but both the books I have read have taken place in other European countries. 

Rhys Bowen

I mentioned that Ms. Bowen drew me in with the cover, often it is the first thing that makes me grab a book off the shelf or click on the link, way before I see what the book is about. I am a visual person after all, and the cover can set the tone. In this case the instant recognition that the story was going to take me back to an era I am fascinated by was the grabber...finding out it took place in Transylvania and mentioned Vampires was a plus.  

In this, the fourth in the series, and the first that I have had the pleasure to read, the description is this:

"Penniless and thirty-fourth in line to the throne, Lady Georgiana Rannoch finds herself in a truly draining state of affairs. To escape her hateful brother, Georgie accepts an invitation from the Queen to represent the royals at a wedding in Transylvania. But at the macabre-looking castle, Georgie finds the bride with blood running down her chin, and a wedding guest is poisoned. Now it’s up to Georgie to save the nuptial festivities before the couple’s vows become “to love and to cherish, till ‘undeath’ do them part…” " 

At first I will admit I was having a hard time getting into the book, but that at times happens with new to me authors. However as the story moved along, I became very attached to Lady Georgina, and her maid ( I shall save the pleasure & giggles she brings for you to discover). I often could hardly be forced to turn put the book down and do what was needed that day, or to turn the light out for slumber than night. It was a mighty good romp through the life and mishaps that surrounded Lady Georgina as she went about solving the mystery at hand. I had giggles, I had gasps, and I was right every step and miss step of the way enjoying every word. 

In the fifth of the series, and the latest published, I was able to get to know "Georgie" and her Mother, another reoccurring character much better. This time, I also had the pleasure of Coco Chanel being included...what a treat! 

"In 1933, Georgie, the mystery world’s favorite penniless heiress, escapes to the French Riviera after Her Majesty the Queen sends her there on a mission to recover her stolen snuff box.

Lady Georgie is honored to be trusted by the Queen—and even more honored when she meets Coco Chanel and is asked to model her latest clothing line. But when a necklace belonging to the Queen is stolen on the catwalk, Georgie not only has to find two priceless items—she also has an unsolved murder on her hands and has to keep an eye on her love interest, Darcy O’Mara, who has been acting awfully suspicious throughout Georgie’s ordeal."

 I loved all the glamour, the intrigue, romance, as well as danger that seemed at every turn and how the author kept me guessing till the very end, and often had me settling on one person as the culprit only to be surprised at their innocence and be on the hunt right along with Georgie for a new suspect. 

I am excited to see what adventure Lady Georgina, and all the characters take me along with when the next offering by Rhys Bowen is released. I hope you will also discover this most delightful Cozy Mystery and get as much enjoyment as I have out of the series as I did. 

** Click here to find out all you need to know about Rhys Bowen, her three series and where to get them for yourself.