God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen
Narrator: Jasmine Blackborow
Series: Her Royal Spyness Mysteries #15
Published by Audible Studios on October 12, 2021
Source: Purchased
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery
Length: 9 hrs 8 mins
Pages: 302
Format: Audiobook
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Georgie is back and hanging the stockings with care when a murder interrupts her Christmas cheer in this all-new installment in the New York Times bestselling Royal Spyness series from Rhys Bowen.

Georgie is excited for her first Christmas as a married woman in her lovely new home. She suggests to her dashing husband, Darcy, that they have a little house party, but when Darcy receives a letter from his aunt Ermintrude, there is an abrupt change in plans. She has moved to a house on the edge of the Sandringham estate, near the royal family, and wants to invite Darcy and his new bride for Christmas. Aunt Ermintrude hints that the queen would like Georgie nearby. Georgie had not known that Aunt Ermintrude was a former lady-in-waiting and close confidante of her royal highness. The letter is therefore almost a royal request, so Georgie, Darcy, and their Christmas guests: Mummy, Grandad, Fig, and Binky all head to Sandringham.

Georgie soon learns that the notorious Mrs. Simpson, mistress to the Prince of Wales, will also be in attendance. It is now crystal clear to Georgie that the Queen expects her to do a bit of spying. There is tension in the air from the get-go, and when Georgie pays a visit to the queen, she learns that there is more to her request than just some simple eavesdropping. There have been a couple of strange accidents at the estate recently. Two gentlemen of the royal household have died in mysterious circumstances and another has been shot by mistake during a hunt. Georgie begins to suspect that a member of the royal family is the real target but her investigation will put her new husband and love of her life, Darcy, in the crosshairs of a killer.

I’ve read several of the Royal Spyness mysteries, but not all of them and not necessarily in order. I feel like each of the stands alone well, but also gives us updates on characters we’ve become familiar with. In God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen, Georgie and Darcy are celebrating Christmas at his eccentric aunt’s home on the grounds of Sandringham where the king and queen are in residence. Not only is the house party is a cover for Wallis Simpson to have a place to stay near the Prince of Wales during the holiday season, but the Queen is also afraid. Last year two people died during the holidays at the estate, and she is worried something terrible might happen again. Soon, her fears are realized and it’s up to Georgie and Darcy to find out who the killer is.

I love Georgie. She’s funny and smart and loyal. And Darcy adores and respects her. They make a perfect couple. And I love the Christmas setting as always, the foods of the era, the decorations, the royal traditions. It’s so festive.

The mystery was well done. There were several suspects, each with their own motive, but I didn’t put it together until Georgie did. And I have to admit to loving one of the clues.

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen is a delightful treat for the season.