A delectable prequel to the national best-selling Royal Spyness mysteries featuring Lady Georgiana Rannoch - 34th in line to the throne, and England’s poorest heiress. At the end of her first unsuccessful season out in society, Lady Georgiana has all but given up on attracting a suitable man - until she receives an invitation to a masked Halloween ball at Broxley Manor. Georgie is uncertain why she was invited, until she learns that the royal family intends to marry her off to a foreign prince, one reputed to be mad. When the prince, dressed as the devil, rescues her from an embarrassing situation at the ball, Georgie is surprised to find her unwanted suitor to be a dashing, charming man - especially when he pulls her aside and gives her the kiss of a lifetime. But as the time comes for the unmasking, Georgie’s rescuer vanishes and the party is thrown into chaos, making it clear that everything at Broxley Manor is not as it appears…
©2012 Janet Quin-Harkin (P)2014 Audible Inc.
"Fun, light prequel"
This is a quick novella set before the events in Her Royal Spyness. You meet a 19 year old Georgie nearing the end of her season. It introduces several (but not all) of the characters in the series during the titular social event.
I quite enjoyed the audiobook. I'm a fan of Katherine Kellgren's performances in the series, and this is just as solid as any. Unfortunately, the plot is vague and there's not really a mystery here, the way there is in the other novels in the series. There is one small plot twist that is very predictable if you're familiar with the series. Since I have read the other novels, for me it was about learning more about the characters and enjoying the setting than about the plot itself. In those areas, it does deliver a lovely (if brief) little narrative. The story is paced well and held my interest throughout the entire narration. It answers a few questions about some characters' backstories, too, which is key to any prequel.
As an additional point, if someone hasn't read the series yet, I'd probably not recommend starting here. I don't think it would confuse a new listener, but there's not enough of a plot or mystery for a newcomer to actually decide if they'd like the rest of the series, and it slightly spoils the ending to a later novel.
"Too short!"
Too short!
Love these novels... But this short story was not worth burning a credit for or even paying the 5 dollars
"Fun Little Ditty"
Cute little storyline. It is Interesting to see how Mrs. Simpson came into the picture. Narrator is one of the best.
"Too short"
I expected an inferior story as I do not enjoy novellas. Much to my pleasure I was wrong. Great fun knowing the beginning of the service.
"As always a pleasure"
It is too short and therefore not worth a full credit.
If you have read the series you will want this but it is a pity the story is so short. It just does not seem like value for money.
The dance scene
This is a short story and should be added to one of the other books.
It is not worth the value of a full credit.
"Too Short!"
It being a full length book
Georgina
This was a tease. It was good to get the background on the series but as soon as you got into the story it was over.
"Good intro to main character"
Although I enjoyed the story, I certainly did not like the narrator. The main character is only 19, but the voice is of a much, much older woman. The narrator needs to be young and enhance the character.
"Fun Short Royal Spyness Prequel"
I love the Royal Spyness stories & Katherine Kellgren is one of my absolute favorite narrators!
This is a short prequel to the series & sets up a couple of later incidents.
Fig is, as usual, very unhappy over not getting invites to royal parties & Georgiana is a bit nervous about going to them.
Can't really say much more or you'd have spoilers! I recommend most definitely for anyone into the RS series or anyone starting, but you should have the first story available to listen or read.
"Can't get enough"
I only wish that this was a novel rather than a novella since the only disappointing part of any of the Royal Spyness books is that they have to end. I would suggest that Ms Bowen write nothing but Royal Spyness books so that we could have several new ones every year.
As usual, the narration is perfect. I never tire of Kathrine Kellgren's voice.
This is definitely a girls book but I recommend it to any female listener who enjoys a good puzzle, an appealing, clever but accidental heroine and a luscious side kick.
"Only wish that it lasted longer..."
Delightful story. Only thing is that as a novella it's ends to soon.
Eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
"Masked Ball at Broxley Manor"
Might try the author again. Definitely NOT the same narrator.
I found the delivery so unbearable that I couldn't get past Chapter 1.
Dreadful! She shouted. Accents were poor and inconsistent.
Couldn't listen to enough of the story to answer the question.
Audible narrators are usually very good. Disappointing to find a dud!