Title: Queen of Hearts
Author: Rhys Bowen
First published August 5, 2014
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780425260364 (ISBN10: 0425260364)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
In the latest installment of the Lady Georgiana Rannoch mysteries, our favorite almost-royal finds herself in yet another precarious situation. This time, she’s headed to the French Riviera to attend a fancy wedding with her miserly and highly-opinionated grandfather.
As if dealing with his constant criticism wasn’t enough, Georgie soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a suspected jewel thief. With the help of her charming beau Darcy and a cast of colorful characters, Georgie must unravel the clues and catch the thief before it’s too late.
But when a member of the wedding party turns up dead, Georgie realizes that she’s in deeper than she ever could have imagined. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous French Riviera, Queen of Hearts is a thrilling and charming addition to the Lady Georgie series.
About the Author
As a mystery author, I’ve had the honor of winning both the Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy series, which takes place in 1902 New York City. But that’s not all – my WWII novels have also been international bestsellers, with one even reaching #1 on Kindle.
The Tuscan Child has sold almost a million copies to date, and In Farleigh Field has won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. I’ve also written standalone novels, including The Victory Garden, which is about land girls during WWI, and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
My latest book, THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK, is set to be published in April 2021, and it’s another epic historical novel filled with love, loss, and intrigue. To date, my books have been translated into 29 languages, and I’m incredibly grateful to have fans all around the world.
In addition to my historical fiction, I also write a series called Royal Spyness, which is a satirical take on the British royal family in the 1930s. It’s lighter, sexier, and funnier than my other work, and it was even voted as the best mystery series by readers one year.
I’m also known for my Constable Evans books, which are set in North Wales, as well as my award-winning short stories.
Although I was born and raised in England, I currently split my time between California and Arizona, where I can escape the harsh winters of California. When I’m not writing, I love to travel, sing, hike, and play my Celtic harp.
I’m proud to say that my first novel, Murphy’s Law, won the Best Novel award in 2001, and the Historical Mystery award that same year. It’s been an incredible journey since then, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Editoral Review
Rhys Bowens Queen of Hearts is a historical mystery novel that takes readers back in time to the early 1900s, invoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Bowen is a New York Times bestselling author, renowned for her compelling mystery novels set during historical periods.
Queen of Hearts follows the story of Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a penniless aristocrat who has been sent to Eynsleigh, her familys estate in the English countryside, to keep her out of trouble. Georgies elder brother, Binky, has locked himself away at Eynsleigh with his mistress, and the family is in financial peril.
Georgie, determined to help her family, takes on a job as a hostess at a private party held by the queen of England. Things turn awry, however, when the queens jewels go missing, and Georgie becomes the prime suspect.
Bowens writing is impeccable, and she skillfully brings the historical setting to life. The novel is an elegant depiction of the early 1900s, replete with vivid imagery and ornate detail.
The characters are well-rounded and likable, with Georgie being a standout. She is a strong, relatable protagonist who holds her own, even in the face of adversity.
One of the strengths of Queen of Hearts is its pacing. The novel never drags, and the mystery is expertly woven into the story.
The plot keeps the reader interested, and Bowen cleverly inserts twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. While Queen of Hearts is a captivating mystery novel, Bowen also uses the story to examine the societal norms of the early 1900s.
The novel touches on issues such as class divide, gender roles, and the changing landscape of British society. Bowens portrayal of these topics is well-researched and thought-provoking.
Overall, Queen of Hearts is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of mystery novels set in historical periods. The only flaw is that at times, the story seems predictable, but Bowens writing more than makes up for this minor flaw.
Bowen has crafted an inviting world that readers will fall in love with. For fans of Rhys Bowens previous works, Queen of Hearts is a must-read.
For mystery lovers looking for a well-written, engaging novel, this book should be at the top of their list. The novel is a seamless blend of mystery, historical fiction, and societal commentary.
The Washington Post recommends Rhys Bowens Queen of Hearts with four and a half stars out of five.
