Thursday, July 08, 2010

Book club discusses "Her Royal Spyness" [May]


The book club selection back in May was Rhys Bowen's debut series with a new character Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie. This young "minor royal"--as she refers to her spot on the line of royalty--is 21-years-old and determined to create fresh start for herself without relying on a preselected husband to support her. So, she quietly looks for a job, in London leaving Scotland without her previously steady allowance.

Here is a color version of the author photo that you would find in a copy of this title.

The results are basis for the book as "Georgie" (to her friends) oddly--and secretively--settles in employment as a maid only then to turn amateur detective as she becomes determined to investigate the murder of a man found in a family home and leading to her brother, Binky, as the suspected murder. And, in the meanwhile, Georgie is asked by the queen to spy on her son and his new romantic interest. This book also is the first of a series.

Observations from the book club included:

  • the book title doesn't bear any genuine relation to the murder and mystery (though it does set the stage for this new series)
  • the book focuses on the queen although the king (King George V) was alive then
  • the story actually demonstrates the problems that "minor" royals might have encountered in their lives
  • one commented that the book was well-edited
  • one commented that she figured out the mystery before finishing the story
  • it was suggested the book could become a good TV series.