Synopsis
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.
Review
God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Clever, fun, overall enjoyable to visit this era. I’d recommend this to anyone who is looking for a book to transport you to a date and time where you get to mingle with others in a socialite type of way, savor over a good feast, and try to solve a Clue-like game mystery in the process.
The Story
I liked the tension that was set up for what was to come. Like I landed in the middle of their lives that was developing into something exciting for the holidays but not without dilemmas which were quite transportive, entertaining, and with all the savory food and drink to go along with it.
Like the game of Clue, the backdrop, meandering around for a few days, people not really doing much at times, but I enjoyed the atmosphere so much that I was happy to read more about their lives.
The Writing
Rereshing and not a slog. I liked the diary keeping of sorts, this epistolatory approach as occasional excerpts leading to the upcoming big day made for a reader insight and depth, keeping the story flowing, yet in a personal, I understand character rationalization, sort of way.
I would like to see how this series fairs as an audiobook.
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