On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service (Royal Spyness #11)

As usual, Rhys Bowen has given us another delightful Georgie story. Sure, it\’s not great literature but it is an enjoyable romp in the Italian Lake District with the “posh set” and Nazis. What more could we want? Some of the situations are repetitive from previous adventures of Georgie and friends. The usual suspects are there – Georgie\’s mother and Max, the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson (she\’s still annoying), Belinda, and, of course, the dishy Darcy. This time Georgie encounters early Nazis and their attempt to influence the future King. History tells us how that turns out. Add in some blackmail and a murder (naturally) and we have Rhys\’ latest. And very little Queenie. Thank you! The mystery wasn\’t that hard to figure out but the telling was good. The ending with Paolo and Camilla was just a tad too convenient for me though. There were some great lines in the book. Calling Camilla horse-faced made me laugh. Couldn\’t possibly be a dig at the Duchess of Cornwall could it? ? And someone saying Hitler wanted to make Germany great again reminded me of something. As usual, Katherine Kellgren\’s narration was perfect. She does such a good job with this series. Now begins the wait for the next book. It will certainly contain a wedding, right?

Listening to a Rhys Bowen Royal Spyness Mystery narrated Katherine Kellgren is like a fantastic dessert after a wonderful dinner. This is book 11 in the series which does not have to be read in order but is best read in order. In this novel Georgie is in Italy where she runs into her fiance Darcy O\’Mara as well as her actress mother and mom\’s German paramour. While there the queen asks her to check on the status of the Prince of Wales\’ marriage plans with that awful American woman Mrs. Simpson. Georgie\’s friend Belinda is there awaiting the birth of her baby. Of course there is a murder which Georgie must solve. There is really a lot going on, but Georgie\’s maid Queenie is left in Ireland, so one fun character is missing. Oh, and Georgie and Darcy are trying to get permission to marry (he is Catholic), because she is 35th in like for the British throne. To her great consternation 24 year old Georgie maintains her virginity. The novel is set in the 1930\’s before the start of WWII.. The performance by US born and London trained actress Katherine Kellgren is vocal art of which no other narrator I\’m aware of, female or male, is capable. Every character has his/her own voice and accent representing where he/she is from. The sad part is author Rhys Bowen, nom de plume of Janet Quin-Harkin, will likely not release the next novel is the series until next summer.

I have enjoyed this series very much. Just good, entertaining fun with characters brought to life so well by Katherine Kellgren. This story had some serious issues with the Nazi\’s and Belinda\’s situation. I think I got into it more for that reason. I listened to this book knowing it would be the last read by Katherine Kellgren and it was bittersweet for sure. I cried at the end for the loss of this talented woman, gone too soon and who will be missed by so many.

I have enjoyed each and every story in this series. Rhys Bowen\’s story telling is consistent, always fun and interesting. Georgiana, she\’s sort of a bit of Calamity Jane but somehow it all works out. Her Mr. Darcy is dashing as ever and so in love with her, I can hardly wait for when their wedding finally takes place. It\’s wonderful to see how Georgie always supports Belinda regardless of how big or small her messy life can be. Big, strong Darcy, turns tail at the end but in a funny way. Katherine Kellgren, she\’s just incredible. Her vocal talent surpasses or equals my favorite readers. There\’s no, \”she/he said, each character voice is distinct and clear. I\’m never confused with who\’s talking at any time. Thank you both for sharing your amazing talent. If you have enjoyed the previous books in this series, you won\’t be disappointed.

Katherine Kellgren will always be the voice of Lady Georgiana for me. She will be sorely missed. But what a wonderful story, as only Rhys Bowen can tell. Can\’t wait for Darcy and Georgiana to finally tie the knot!

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