Title: Malice at the Palace
Author: Rhys Bowen
First published August 4, 2015
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.07
Overview
Lady Georgiana Rannoch may be thirty-fifth in line for the British throne, but she still struggles to make ends meet. Fortunately, an assignment from the Queen provides a solution to her empty purse.
Lady Georgiana is to accompany Princess Victoria to the luxurious Riviera, where they will mingle with Europe’s elite. But when a member of the royal entourage is found murdered, Lady Georgiana must use her wits to solve the crime and protect the princess.
As the investigation deepens, Lady Georgiana discovers secrets that put her own life in danger. With the help of her beau Darcy, she must navigate the treacherous waters of the upper class and uncover the truth before it’s too late.
About the Author
Hi there! I’m a successful author who has been honored with various awards for my mystery novels. My Molly Murphy series, set in 1902 New York City, has won both the Agatha and Anthony awards.
I’ve also written four WWII novels, one of which became a #1 Kindle bestseller. The Tuscan Child has sold almost a million copies to date, and In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar.
My other stand-alone novels include The Victory Garden, which tells the story of land girls in WWI, and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes a chef for Queen Victoria.
My latest book, THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK, is set to be published in April 2021. It’s another historical novel that deals with themes of love, loss, and intrigue.
My books have been translated into 29 languages, and I have fans all over the world. In addition to my mystery novels, I also write the Royal Spyness series, which is a satirical take on the British royal family in the 1930s.
It’s been voted as the best mystery series by readers in the past. I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
Although I was born and raised in England, I divide my time between California and Arizona to escape the harsh California winters. When I’m not writing, I love to travel, sing, hike, and play my Celtic harp.
Editoral Review
In her latest historical mystery, Malice at the Palace, acclaimed author Rhys Bowen takes readers on a thrilling journey back to 1930s London. Bowen is no stranger to the genre, having penned several popular series including the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy mysteries, but in Malice at the Palace she manages to elevate her storytelling to new heights.
With her trademark wit and attention to detail, Bowen delivers a compelling plot full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Set during the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Malice at the Palace follows the adventures of Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a distant relative of the royal family who has fallen on hard times.
Desperate for money, Georgie agrees to attend the coronation as a “lady-in-waiting” to Princess Marina of Greece, but soon finds herself embroiled in a treacherous plot involving stolen jewels, a powerful Russian countess, and a possible assassination attempt on the king. With the help of her dashing beau, Darcy O’Mara, and her trusty sidekick, Belinda Warburton-Stoke, Georgie sets out to uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice.
What makes Malice at the Palace such a standout in the crowded field of historical mystery novels is Bowen’s skillful blending of fact and fiction. As with her previous books, she weaves real historical events and figures into her narrative, giving the story a sense of authenticity and grounding.
But she also knows when to take creative liberties, and her vivid descriptions of the opulent coronation ceremony and the glamorous parties that surround it are a delight to read. Bowen’s greatest asset, however, is her knack for characterization.
Georgie is a charming and relatable protagonist, with her mix of pluck and vulnerability, and readers will find it hard not to root for her. Bowen also excels at creating memorable supporting cast members, from the sardonic Belinda to the foppish Grand Duke of Russia.
The villains of the story, meanwhile, are suitably sinister, and Bowen does an excellent job of keeping readers guessing as to their true motives. While there is much to praise in Malice at the Palace, the novel is not without its flaws.
At times, the pacing feels a bit uneven, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary while others are resolved too quickly. Additionally, while the stakes are high and the sense of danger palpable, some readers may find the resolution to the central mystery a bit pat.
Overall, however, Malice at the Palace is a delightful, engrossing read that is sure to please fans of the genre. Bowen’s attention to historical detail, her deft handling of suspense, and her endearing characters make for an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
