Description (from cover): “Georgie is back and hanging the stockings with care when a murder interrupts her Christmas cheer in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling Royal Spyness series from Rhys Bowen.
Georgie is excited for her first Christmas as a married woman in her lovely new home. She suggests to her dashing husband, Darcy, that they have a little house party, but when Darcy receives a letter from his aunt Ermintrude, there is an abrupt change in plans. She has moved to a house on the edge of the Sandringham estate, near the royal family, and wants to invite Darcy and his new bride for Christmas. Aunt Ermintrude hints that the queen would like Georgie nearby. Georgie had not known that Aunt Ermintrude was a former lady-in-waiting and close confidante of her royal highness. The letter is therefore almost a royal request, so Georgie, Darcy, and their Christmas guests: Mummy, Grandad, Fig, and Binky all head to Sandringham.
Georgie soon learns that the notorious Mrs. Simpson, mistress to the Prince of Wales, will also be in attendance. It is now crystal clear to Georgie that the Queen expects her to do a bit of spying. There is tension in the air from the get-go, and when Georgie pays a visit to the queen, she learns that there is more to her request than just some simple eavesdropping. There have been a couple of strange accidents at the estate recently. Two gentlemen of the royal household have died in mysterious circumstances and another has been shot by mistake during a hunt. Georgie begins to suspect that a member of the royal family is the real target but her investigation will put her new husband and love of her life, Darcy, in the crosshairs of a killer.”
My Thoughts:
**I have reviewed previous books in this series: The Twelve Clues of Christmas, Malice at the Palace, and Crowned and Dangerous**
Rhys Bowen has long been a favorite historical mystery author of mine. I adore her Molly Murphy mysteries and the Royal Spyness series, of which this book is a part of. Every single time a new book of hers is released, I jump right on it. Bowen has a way of creating characters that one simply cannot get enough of and books that never disappoint. I love her writing style and how she makes the characters all seem like friends. I devour her books in a matter of days as they are so good and impossible to put down. Georgie is a lesser royal, who has been down on her luck in the past, but the future is looking bright. She has recently married Darcy and they make plans of how to spend their first Christmas together. When those plans are thrown out the window due to a royal request, Darcy and Georgie head with her mother, her brother and his wife with their children to Darcy’s aunt’s house located on the Sandringham estate for a Christmas house party.
In true Georgie fashion, things start to go amiss from the moment they arrive. People start to turn up dead in mysterious circumstances and strange accidents are happening all over the estate. Georgie, along with Darcy, use their wits and skills to find out what is going on. Everyone is a suspect and no one is safe. Georgie and Darcy must race the clock and a killer before more murders occur. Georgie, while hoping for a relaxing first Christmas with her husband, finds herself in the midst of a murder’s cold blooded plot. With the return of beloved characters and a storyline that will keep the reader engaged and wanting more, this book is a great addition to the already fantastic Royal Spyness series.
Bowen has created another fantastic read with this book. I loved that I got to read this book right in the middle of Christmas season as that was a treat. Nothing like spending Christmas with your favorite characters. Georgie has come a long way in the series and the author shows no signs of slowing down in plans for her future in the books. As always, I am already eagerly anticipating the next installment of this book and only wish the author could write them faster. This was a delightful read and one that left us with a little surprise at the end. Have you read this book or this series? If so, I would love to hear in the comments what you think about the characters and this latest book in the series.
Overall Rating: 5+ stars
Author: Rhys Bowen
Series: Royal Spyness Mystery #15
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Pages: 302
Genre: Historical Mystery
Get It: Amazon
Disclaimer: This book was selected by myself at the library, and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
Girl Lost In a Book 