“Her Royal Spyness” is the first book in the Royal Spyness Series by Rhys Bowen.  It was published in 2007.  The 11th book in this series was published in August of 2017.  The series has been nominated for and won a variety of awards.

I asked on Facebook for a recommendation for an audio book to listen to on my way back from South Carolina this year. I received several suggestions of books, including this one. I’m rather embarrassed to admit I hadn’t read any books by this critically acclaimed best-selling author and decided to remedy the situation.  I’m so glad I did.

The story takes place in London 1932 and features Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie who is 34th from the throne.  As the story opens she is fed up with life in Scotland living with her brother and his wife.  She has taken over the London home without servants and without any money.  To survive she cleans homes incognita.   At the same time Georgiana is attending fancy parties to help the Queen spy on her playboy son.

When a Frenchman, who claims he won her family estate from her deceased father gambling, ends up dead in her bathtub, she fears she or her brother may be accused of killing him.  She is determined to find the real killer and clear her family name.

While fans of Downton Abbey, Charles Todd and Jacqueline Winspear may enjoy this series, it is quite different, although the setting is similar.  Her Royal Spyness offers a delightful, light tone. It is a fast paced cozy mystery.  Rhys Bowen differentiates this series from her other work by calling it “lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire.”

The narrator of the audio book is Katherine Kellgren who does a fine job with a light English accent that helps place you right in the midst of the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book as did my husband. I hope to read many more of Rhys Bowen’s books.

Five stars out of five.

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In accordance with FTC guidelines for reviewers, I would like to clarify that this book was provided to me by the publisher free of charge.  I am not compensated by the author or publisher for my review. All they expect is an honest review of the work.