Her Royal Spyness: A Royal Spyness Mystery
- Narrated by:
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
-
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release Date:08-03-10
- Publisher: Audible Studios
Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932. So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg... She's gate-crashed a wedding... She's making money by secretly cleaning houses... And she's been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.
People who bought this also bought...
Audible Editor Reviews
Why we think it's Essential - Her Royal Spyness is an absolute gem! In this lighthearted mystery series, Rhys Bowen delivers a charming combination of intrigue and romance blended with a touch of humor. She has created an interesting cast of characters and those personalities (a royal down on her luck, a lovable cockney grandfather, a devilishly lovable Irish gent) come alive through Katherine Kellgren's flawless narration. This is a series that begs to be listened to, but fair warning, once you start, you won't be able to stop! —KatiePublisher's Summary
Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932.
So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg... She's gate-crashed a wedding... She's making money by secretly cleaning houses... And she's been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.
Everything seems to be going swimmingly until she finds a body in her bathtub... and someone is definitely trying to kill her.
©2007 Janet Quin-Harkin (P)2010 Audible, Inc.
What the Critics Say
- Audie Award Nominee - Best Mystery/Suspense Audiobook, 2011
"Rhys Bowen has crafted an insightful blend of old-fashioned whodunnit, clever satire, and drawing room comedy of errors -- and created a feisty new heroine to delight a legion of Anglophile readers." (Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs novels)
"Kellgren finds unique voices for quirky characters such as Georgie’s adorable grandfather and estranged mother, Wallis Simpson, and a sexy Irish lord. Kellgren will make listeners want to meet the kilt-clad ghosts who play bagpipes in Scotland’s castle corridors and tartan-wallpapered bathrooms." (AudioFile)
More from the same
What Members Say
Sort by:
-
"Happy addition to a difficult genre"
I love a good mystery and am frequently disappointed. This one was very satisfying. The story is set during an interesting time in history, the early 1930s; the characters span a range of social classes due to the main character's position as a fiscally destitute minor royal whose mixed parentage includes a Cockney grandfather. She thinks out of the box which places her in situations that would be precluded by strict adherence to class code. The story contains enough plot twists to keep the reader guessing, but all the necessary clues are provided, so the conclusion is logical.
The narrator does a fantastic job with the voices and accents.66 of 66 people found this review helpful -
Emily - Audible NJ, United States 06-11-12 Member Since 2010
As an Audible Editor I listen for a living! British classics, YA novels, speculative fiction, and anything quirky, fascinating, or heart-wrenching.
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 914
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 165
- 35
"I’ve Been Charmed"
I’m writing a review of the first book in this series, but that’s because you need to begin at the beginning and keep going. But you don’t want to miss any of the books in Bowen’s adorable and delightful Royal Spyness series. These books are total charmers. They tell the story of Lady Georgiana Rannoch, cousin to the Queen, in 1930s England. She’s a minor royal who's completely penniless, but expected to keep up with the Joneses. Uninterested in marrying for money, she’s trying to figure out how to make her own way in the world, with very few suitable options available to her. And then there’s the fact that keeps running into dead bodies (as tends to happen in these cozy mysteries). You may be rolling your eyes, but trust me: these books are absolutely wonderful little gems. And while I would never dare discourage reading, you really ought to listen to them. Katherine Kellgren is the real star here. She gives perfect voice to all of the characters Georgie encounters: her Cockney grandfather, a handsome Irish rogue, a crazy German princess who’s obsessed with American gangster movies, a stuffy butler, and even Wallis Simpson and Coco Chanel. I can’t wait for the next one!
45 of 45 people found this review helpful -
"Joy, Joy, Joy!"
This is the first novel in Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness series and it is a jewel. Katherine Kellgren brings the characters to life and will have you laughing out loud. Not that there isn't suspense in plenty and some romantic interest as well. Audible has all of this series on the site now and if you haven't heard them, you are in for a major treat!
97 of 99 people found this review helpful -
"Not Bad"
Since I have run the gamut of Agatha Christie's mysteries (some multiple times) I was starting to feel like a part of my life was missing, so I figured that I would give this author a shot, even on the outset, I thought these books would be overly hokey. They aren't. Also, I have to say that although the story lines are sometimes, but not wholly predictable, that this series is pretty darn enjoyable. They definitely fit the cozy genre to a "t" and I think the main character is great. Like Christie, Bowen treats English artistocracy with a tongue in cheek type of humor and manages to keep the reader interested enough in the plot to want to keep going without stopping. I don't necessarily think it is a bad thing to be able to predict some of the outcomes, as long as we aren't able to guess them all, and hey maybe this was the author's intent, anyway.
If you are looking for a happy, fun, cozy, enjoyable whodunit, this series is for you.54 of 55 people found this review helpful -
Emily Anchorage, AK, United States 01-24-11 Member Since 2009
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 58
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 23
- 13
"Funny as all get out!"
I am generally not a 1st person plot view fan, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery was not the focus of the story, and I liked that. The whole "aristocrat struggling to get by" plot was what had me coming back to it, and I laughed out loud many a time.
The narrator was perfection as well, I believe she just might be Georgie and just never knew till now :)35 of 36 people found this review helpful -
"Delightful little mystery"
I bought this book on a whim. The idea of a down-and-out royal trying to make a living in 1930s London was interesting enough to peak my curiosity, but mixing that with a murder mystery was enough to convince me to give it a try.
The book was a worthwhile read for me if only for the portrait it paints of the 1930s class-conscious society that existed of that time in the UK. The lives of those in the upper class as well as those not in that class (NOCD - not our class darling) is presented as is with no explicit excuses or embarrasment, just as the people who lived then must have thought of it. What are most interesting, besides the interactions of the two classes, are the unconscious restrictions placed on the upper class who still, sometimes, had to make a living.
The murder mystery added some additional interest to the book although the mystery was both much clearer and easier to piece for me than Agatha Chrisie's Miss Marple books. There were sufficient red herrings thrown in and our heroine does indeed make some stupid decisions, but it is all in fun and the true culprit did not become clear to me until the last hour or so of the book. All in all I can say that I had a good time reading it. I do not expect to read any other books in the series but I do not regret having purchased and read this one.
Ms Kellgren's narration of the book is first class - the British, Scots and American accents sound authentic (to my ears). She spoke clearly and seemed perfectly chosen for the tone and pace of the book. I feel I can recommend this book for some fun and light reading.12 of 12 people found this review helpful -
"If you like Miss Marple and Mrs. Pollifax"
I' m sure this kind of book isn't for everyone, but if you like Jane Marple or Emily Pollifax, you'll like Georgie. An amusing cozy mystery/adventure in which a young royal (35th in line for the throne) adjusts to having no money, no household help and tries to survive by doing menial work and special investigations for the queen.
The narrator does an excellent job.44 of 48 people found this review helpful -
"Delightful"
This was a delightful and an enjoyable listen. I am looking forward to listening to the others in the series.
16 of 17 people found this review helpful -
Natalie Los Angeles, CA, United States 03-09-11 Member Since 2014
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 27
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 42
- 8
"Fun, cute, charming!"
If you are looking for a silly, cute book with engaging characters and an adorable narrator to "cleanse the palate" between more serious reads, this is it! Really enjoyed it.
16 of 17 people found this review helpful -
"To The Manor Born Meets The Royals"
I have been a fan of British everything for as long as I can remember. I am so glad that I found this great set of books. As I read/listen to this story I find myself imagining Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie being play by that great British actress Penelope Keith, from the BBC1 sitcom “To the Manor Born.” I can't wait to get into the next installment of this fantastic series. Bravo to Rhys Bowen for her wit, style and elegance in showing us that to whatever station we may find ourselves in we are all people at heart.
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
Sort by:
-
Mr. F. HartshornLeicester, UK4/9/14
"Body found in Dukes bath!!!"
Where does Her Royal Spyness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?This series of audiobooks is among the best for easy listening. Lots of humorous episodes with a minor Royal who also has a cockney grandad.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Her Royal Spyness?Georgie, short for Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie is the poor relation but gets called in to the palace to be the Queens spy. This leads to hilarious scenes between Georgie and Fig (the sister-in-law); who holds the purse strings of her brother Binky (the Duke); as she tries to get money or a maid to come down from the Scottish Castle to the London residences were she tries to look after herself without servants.
Which scene did you most enjoy?Georgie's meetings with her ex-policeman Grandad (the royal one haunts the castle battlements) as they investigate the Murder in their bath while dodging someone who wants her out of the way.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?Full of laughs and old-fashion fun with thrills in a time between the World Wars.
Any additional comments?Katherine Kellgren brings the book to life with the range of voices and accents she brings to this audiobook. Looking forward to the next in the series.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful -
Mrs. Rm WaltersBarnsley, South Yorkshire, England.6/28/14
"Brilliant Book"
Where does Her Royal Spyness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?Very high, certainly one of my favourites.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Her Royal Spyness?Having more or less worked out who the murderer was, I was delighted to find I was correct.
What does Katherine Kellgren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?Wonderful use of accents, with just the right emphasis.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?Yes, but one does have to sleep!
Any additional comments?I will certainly be investing in the rest of the series over the coming months.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful -
L8/7/15
"Great, light-hearted fun"
This is a great, light-hearted story with a classic feel to it. It kind of reminded me of the old Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot series. Not a complicated tale, and it was easy to work out how the culprit was, but it was still fun to listen as the heroine of the story put the pieces together. I liked the narrator, she did a good job with the characters and added to the fun. This is an ideal book for a lazy afternoon when you want something entertaining but uncomplicated.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
ZeinabGiza, Egypt12/2/14
"Very Amusing"
What made the experience of listening to Her Royal Spyness the most enjoyable?A very enjoyable books. Light entertaining and quite jolly.
Would you be willing to try another book from Rhys Bowen? Why or why not?Definitely. I really enjoyed this one
Which scene did you most enjoy?Her scenes with HRM. The characterization was very funny.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?I actually finished it in about 2 days. More's the pity!
Any additional comments?I'm really looking forward to the next book I purchase from this series. I listen to audio books as I do the house work. The time flies by and I don't feel the load of the chores!
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
jacwillsUnited Kingdom11/16/14
"A fun lightweight story"
This is not going to win an intellectual review but it was fun and kept me amused on the way to work. I will probably get another in the series at some point because it is easy listening. Enjoyable.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
BridgetAymestrey, United Kingdom11/18/13
"Dreadful narration"
What did you like best about Her Royal Spyness? What did you like least?I liked the concept behind the story. But the story itself is slow-moving and very badly read. The accents are too heavy and unbelievable.
What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?I lost interest before getting to anything interesting. The pace of the book was too slow
How could the performance have been better?Less use of accents
If this book were a film would you go see it?No
2 of 10 people found this review helpful
© Copyright 1997 - 2016 Audible Inc.