A Royal Threesome (A Royal Spyness Mystery)

This trio of Rhys Bowen novels introduces us to the intrepid, somewhat clever and occasionally clumsy Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie Rannoch, the mostly penniless daughter of a dead duke and thirty-fourth in line to be Queen of England. Known as Georgie to her friends, she is an engaging heroine who, because of her social position, isn't really allowed to take a job to support herself. That means she must rely on her half-brother - the current duke - and his penny pinching wife for money and her sister-in-law is loathe to give her a farthing. On top of that, she is expected to do what might be called "favors" for Queen Mary without any monetary recompense. As she points out, you really can't say "no" to a request from the queen even when you're so poor that you're forced to eat baked beans and toast for dinner. How Georgie navigates her way through these three mysteries - Her Royal Spyness, A Royal Pain and Royal Flush - provides us with not only some very interesting mysteries and intriguing characters but also with some gentle rants about the inequalities women in 1930s Great Britain faced. These three novels also highlight the crisis that held Great Britain in its grip in the early Thirties when the Duke of Wales fell in love with Wallis Simpson, a divorced American woman who just happened to be married to her second husband at the time she and the heir to the throne were carrying on their affair. There is mystery, no small degree of humor, and what must be considered these days as an atypical romance for though Georgie is in love she is a virgin and fully intends to stay that way until she is married, This is a delightful start to the series and I highly recommend it.

Lady Georgianna is twenty, beautiful, and broke, in 1932 or thereabouts. Her Roal relations need her to clue them in on as to what That Woman is doing with The Prince of Wales, find objects nicked by visitors. and find out what the handsome but equally poor Darcy is doing. Real personages of the thirties appear.This is a delightful romp ,

This is a series I love, and one that I can read again and again. These are the first three stories, introducing you to Georgie and her world. Funny, direct and sometimes poignant, they are a wonderful escape.

Fun series - for cozy lovers and royal family lovers. Just a great fun read that keeps you wishing the book was longer. I've read the whole series and plan to start from the beginning when the next book comes out, just for the escapism and joy of it!

Great characters. Fun stories. Perfect summer reading.

Beware. This is her first three Spyness novels combined. I thought it was a new book and received the ones I have already read. I don't think that is very clear in the description, though I couldn't understand why it was available in only paperback. My library doesn't carry it and now I know why.

Loved these three fast-paced historical mysteries. Sheltered minor royal Georgie Rannoch is tossed out into the bitter reality of the depression. Lacking any talent besides pluck she finds herself being one of Queen Mary's unpaid informants. Mystery and murder ensue, but Georgie manages to come out unscathed with the help of a dashing Irishman and her party-girl best friend. The historical details are delicious and I particularly loved the glimpses of the Prince of Wales and the notorious Mrs. Simpson. Can we say catty? Youch!

So excited when a new Royal Spyness comes out!! Such a fun concept! Love the time period!

Enjoyable stories, well written and made one think. Plenty of familiar characters and the stioreis run into one another easily.

Fantastic series, really light, engaging & entertaining. I read all 8 back to back! Definite page turner. Reminiscent of old detective fiction. Full marks Rhys Bowen!

Superficial people from a limited circle. The heroïne is VERY young - and needs a lot of help for succeeding in her endavours.

Excellent initiation to this series.

Love all Rhys Bowen books. I have them all.