The April weather in 1935 is delightful and Georgie is enjoying her time as a guest at Kilhenny Castle in Ireland, the family home of Lord Kilhenny, Darcy's father; yet, it is not giving her the pleasure she normally would enjoy. She is distracted by the marriage dilemma, the dangers that Darcy may encounter as part of his role in the British Secret Service and the sad plight of her good friend Belinda. As Georgie ponders what to do, two letters arrive. One is a request from Queen Mary and the other an update from Belinda. Georgie now has a brilliant idea on how to resolve her dilemma. Can she really pull it off?

ON HER MAJESTY'S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE is a sure to be a smash hit for New York Times best selling author Rhys Bowen with fans both new and seasoned! This latest installment, number 12 in Bowen's Royal Spyness Mystery series, featuring the lovely and uniquely talented Lady Georgiana and her very resourceful Darcy, is a very witty tongue in cheek satire that will leave the reader laughing and panting for more! While I have to admit I am an avowed fan of Bowen's previous books in the series, I thought ON HER MAJESTY'S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE really takes the cake! This mystery has a lovely balance between light and hilarious moments, predictable and surprising events, all in the shadow of dark and dangerous undertones that keep me turning the pages. I also love the intermingling of fact (pre-World War II tensions in Europe) and fictional situations. Similarly, there are some new interesting secondary characters, such as Baron Rudolf Von Rosskopk and Camilla Waddell-Walker that are linked with historical figures. The description and actions of British heir David and his consort, Mrs. Wallis Simpson, are so spot on one would swear that Bowen had listened in on real conversations! That is real icing on the cake!

Bowen definitely does solid research for her books and ON HER MAJESTY'S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE realistically reflects the underlying tensions of the times in 1935 with the foreboding of another European war on the horizon. Like the other books in Her Spyness series, Bowen fully captures the mannerisms of the titled and untitled classes, the social prejudices, the nuances, and mannerisms of the era. It is a testimony to Georgie's character that she supports her friend Belinda as she suffers through a lonely unwed pregnancy and keeps it confidential from gossip it would cause her friend.

ON HER MAJESTY'S FRIGHTFULLY SECRET SERVICE is a totally engaging royally connected special mystery for your eyes only. The many legions of Bowen's Royal Spyness Mysteries to love this latest offering and new fans are sure to be enamored as well. So, get set to travel and enjoy the scenery on this adventure and find out just why Georgie's mother had gone to Italy!

Book Summary