Short and Sweet Short Story Reviews - #367 -Cat by Sandra R. Neeley, What Child is This by Rhys Bowen

CAT by Sandra R. Neeley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orglo is a interesting character. He can become whatever his host needs and is really not a threat to the host. However that is not what most think and Orglo has been alone on an abandoned space station for years and has give up ever finding a host. Then Chloe lands in her damaged space ship and all of Orglo's dreams seem to come true. First he appears as a cat and then as Chloe's dream come true. This is a interesting short story with two well developed characters well worth the time you need to read it.


What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jack and Maggie Harris have just lost everything in a bombing raid on Christmas Eve. As they wander the streets lost and alone something unexpected happens. The result brings them more than they every expected. Their loses began before the war when their child died. As the title suggests they find both a child, new hope and a unexpected home. A easy to read short story that highlights the courage of the British people during World War II.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 277 - Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells, Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding by Rhys Bowen

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murderbot just cannot keep out of trouble. Even when he tries to distant himself from humans when the chips are down and they are in trouble he steps in. I love this ongoing story arc. Murderbot and his musing are priceless. To get all of his asides you need to read the first two novellas. I am looking forward to the next novella and then Murderbot get an entire book. Yea!!

I received a free copy in retune for an honest review.

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Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally it looks like Lady Georgiana Rannoch and Darcy O'Mara are going to tie the knot. Of course it is not going to go smoothly. Georgiana finds herself in a very bad situation and the problems just keep coming. Then first her Mother and then he Grandfather find that their wedding have been called off. That was their bad news but the good news was that they both arrived to help Georgiana. This is another fun book in Her Royal Spyness Mystery series. Hope that there will be more after this one.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 186 - In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen, The Hot Zone by Jayne Castle

In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gemma Dawson does a very impressive job giving additional life to Rhys Bowen's characters. The story highlights the hardships during the early days of World War II. The characters are interesting and very well drawn. The feel of the story is realistic. The plot matches events as they happened in 1941. While some of the characters are fictional some are also real. This is a interesting and hard quit listening to book. While I had a very clear idea of one character who was a German sympathizer the other was a bit of a surprise. All in all a very good book to listen to.


The Hot Zone by Jayne Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lyle is Sedona Snow's dust bunny. Let me start by saying I WANT MY OWN DUST BUNNY!! This continues the story line set on Rainshadow. There are the usual characters and one is in danger. Sedona has escaped from being held in a underground lab and just wants to continue living her life in peace. Cyrus Jones is new to Rainshadow. When danger strikes he is there to protect Sedona. The plot is nothing new but it still held my attention. Sedona and Cyrus are both very interesting characters who are just a little outside the norm. Look for new twists in the aliens ruins on Rainshadow. Of course Lyle the dust bunny often steals the show. Great fun addition to the series.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 139 - Champion by Anna Hackett, Rough Rider by B.J. Daniels, On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service by Rhys Bowen

Champion by Anna Hackett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blaine Strong has been the iffiest of the humans captured and sold into slavery. He has been drugged and made to fight to the death before being rescued. Now he has to try to come to terms with what and who he is now and for that he needs help. Saff Essikani is the one to provide it but not without a lot of danger, tension and new problems for the Galactic Gladiators. The world building and back story was done in the previous novellas but there is some tucked into the story line if you missed the first stories. This one brings Blaine and Saff together in a rescue operation, sets the stage for the next story in the series and is a satisfying read with a nice romance for our two main characters.


Rough Rider by B.J. Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boone McGraw and C.J. Knight are on a collision course and don't know it. Both are looking for answers; C.J. to the murder of her partner and Boone hoping to find his sister kidnapped twenty-five years ago. It takes some time but their two investigations come together into one as C.J. learns about secrets her partner kept from her and someone from the past tries to kill both Boone and C.J. A nice ending to the series but there are still characters who need their story. This was a three book series but I hope that we set to see the twins get a HEA like their older brothers.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Georgie finds herself with a locked room mystery when she goes to a house party at the request of the Queen. Once again Darcy shows up unexpectedly to provide back up but Georgie is the one to save the day. Their wedding seems to be getting closer while someone sets off to try and stop another wedding from taking place. I love Georgie and Darcy but am hoping they will someday tie the knot. I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens in the next book. This was a very nice mystery even though it was apparent to me if not to Georgie who the villain was.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 36 - Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton, Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen

Pushing up Daisies by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Agatha and how M.C. Beaton has allowed her to grow and change but still remain about the same. This time Agatha pulls back to keep from hurting a friend something she would not have done at the start of the series. . The mystery this time is one that looks like it will not be solved. There are added events that seem to tie in but end up just adding to the confusion. I would suggest reading from the start of the series but this is book #27 so that is a lot of reading to catch up on. As always great characters , interesting action and a fun mystery.


Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When we left Georgie and Darcy they were eloping to Scotland but when we find them in Crowned and Dangerous something happens to stop their journey. First snow and then Darcy's Father is arrested for murder. Off he goes to Ireland and soon Georgie follows. It does not look good but between Georgie, Darcy and a great cast of characters the real villain is found. This does bring the two closer together but no wedding yet. What will Bowen put the two lovers through next. I for one am staying tuned.

Book Beginnings and The Friday 56 - October 2, 2015

I'm linking up with Rose City Reader for Book Beginnings and Freda's Voice for Page 56. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Pick the closest book on your book stack and join the fun.

The Beginning:

By London standards, it was a dark and stormy night"

Page 56:

"Actually it was the queen who asked me to come and stay here to look after Princess Marina until her marriage."

From Malice at the Place (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen.

Stacking the Shelves - September 26, 2015

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves. 

From the Library:

War Dogs by Greg Bear

Malice at the Palace by Rhys Bowen

Time Salvager by Wesley Chu

Nova by Margaret Fortune

Blood of theCosmos by Kevin J Anderson







From Review from the author:


Blue Yonder by Diana Dooley

Queen of Hearts (Her Royal Spyness Mystery # 8) by Rhys Bowen

Historical Mystery

What Goodreads says:

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, thirty-fifth in line for the British throne, knows how to play the part of an almost royal—but now she’s off to Hollywood, where she must reprise her role as sleuth or risk starring in an all-too-convincing death scene …

My mother, the glamorous and much-married actress, is hearing wedding bells once again—which is why she must hop across the pond for a quickie divorce in Reno. To offer my moral support, and since all expenses are paid by her new hubby-to-be, Max, I agree to make the voyage with her.

Crossing the Atlantic, with adventure in the air and wealthy men aboard, Mother all but forgets about Max and matrimony—especially when movie mogul Cy Goldman insists on casting her in his next picture.

Meanwhile, I find myself caught up in the secret investigation of a suspected jewel thief. Lucky for me, the lead investigator happens to be my dashing beau, Darcy!

Mother’s movie and Darcy’s larceny lead everyone to Cy’s Hollywood home, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin are hanging about and there’s enough romantic intrigue to fill a double feature. But we hardly get a chance to work out the sleeping arrangements before Cy turns up dead—as if there wasn’t enough drama already…

Georgiana Rannoch cannot go anywhere without a mystery and a murder occurring.  This time she is in Hollywood on a trip she does not have to pay for.  The mystery starts out with a jewel thief and ends with a murder but do the two have anything in common?  Read to find out.

I loved seeing more of Darcy.  I wish the two would deicide to live on love and not wait for wealth.  I also enjoyed seeing more of Georgiana’s Mother.  She is very self-centered but at least this time Georgiana gets a trip and expenses out of her.  The usual characters are there and some very new Hollywood types also.  Look for some who are real and some who are thinly disguised.  See if you recognize who they are modeled on?

This is another great addition to the series.  As always the writing, characters and plot are very well done.  Lady Georgiana just keeps getting into difficult situations.  I wonder what Bowen will have her doing or going next.

Berkley Prime Crime published Queenof Hearts by Rhys Bowen in 2014.

Stacking the Shelves, September 27, 2014

Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I added to my shelves this week. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their 

shelves.

Just three books this week:

From Amazon Vine:

Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin

The Abyss Beyond Dreams  (Chronicle of the Fallers) by Peter F. Hamilton

From the Library:

Queen of Hearts (A Royal Spyness Mystery #8) by Rhys Bowen

Heirs and Graces (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries #7) by Rhys Bowen

Historical Mystery

What Goodreads says:

"As thirty-fifth in line for the throne, Lady Georgiana Rannoch may not be the most sophisticated young woman, but she knows her table manners. It's forks on the left, knives on the right, not in His Majesty's back.

Here I am thinking the education I received at my posh Swiss finishing school would never come in handy. And while it hasn't landed me a job, or a husband, it has convinced Her Majesty the Queen, and the Dowager Duchess to enlist my help. I have been entrusted with grooming Jack Altringham, the Duke's newly discovered heir fresh from the Outback of Australia, for high society.

The upside is I am to live in luxury at one of England's most gorgeous stately homes. But upon arrival at Kingsdowne Place, my dearest Darcy has been sent to fetch Jack, leaving me stuck in a manor full of miscreants, none of whom are too pleased with the discovery of my new ward.

And no sooner has the lad been retrieved than the Duke announces he wants to choose his own heir. With the house in a hubbub over the news, Jack's hunting knife somehow finds its way into the Duke's back. Eyes fall, backs turn, and fingers point to the young heir. As if the rascal wasn't enough of a handful, now he's suspected of murder. Jack may be wild, but I'd bet the crown jewels it wasn't he who killed the Duke."

Once again Lady Georgiana is about to be with out a place to stay.  As a heir to the throne (35^th in line)  she is not allowed to work but has no income.  Again at the last minute she asked to live at a stately manor and provide help for Jack Altringham, the long lost heir to the Dukedom.

Of course there is a murder.  The current Duke, Cedric, is found dead with a knife in his back.  Georgiana is the one to find him.  On the bright side Darcy is also on the scene.  Most of the favorite characters are back.  Darcy and Georgiana still are in love but have no money to marry.  Georgina does help solve the murder and is in danger for a few pages but all ends well.  She even ends the book with a place to stay for the next few weeks or months.

I loved the character of Jack.  He is a breath of fresh air in the Duke’s house whole.  He is fresh from the Australian outback and has no desire to be a Duke.  It is fun to watch him react to British upper class in the 1930’s.  By the end of the book you could tell that he will be a great addition and will put his title to much better use than his uncle.

Heirs and Graces continues the fun that was in previous book in Her Royal Spyness Mysteries.  It is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to seeing what is in story for Georgiana in the next book.

Berkley Prime Crime published Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen in 2013.

Stacking the Shelves, December 20, 2013

Some of the Books Stacked on My Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books I am adding to my shelves. They may it be physical or virtual. I include books I buy in a physical store or online, books I borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!  Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Follow the link to see what others have on their shelves.

I went to the library to check out one audio book and the trip resulted in one audio book and four hard cover books.  I have no resistance.

Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen
Parasite by Mira Grant
Farside by Ben Bova
The Humans by Matt Haig
Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey

Book Beginnings December 20, 2013

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Gilion at Rose City Reader. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

My book beginning today is from a book I checked out from the library yesterday.  I went to get an audio book for when I am driving and promised myself I would not check out anything else.  I came home with one Audio Book and four books.  I have no will power.

Heirs and Graces by Rhys Bowen is book # 7 in the Royal Spyness Mystery series.  This series is set in the 1930's and features Lady Georgiana Rannaock, 35th in line for the throne of England.  As you might guess it is a fun series filled with real and imaginary characters.  Here is the beginning of Heirs and Graces.

"One thing I should have learned about my mother was that I could not count on her.  After all, she bolted form the family home, abandoning my father and me when I was two, and by the time she resurfaced again in my life she had worked her way through global list of men."

 

Teaser Tuesdays, October 2, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: 

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

My Teaser this week is from Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen.  This is the first book in the Molly Murphy Mystery series and is a Agatha Award Winner.  I have been reading the Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen and really like how she writes.  When I was in The Mystery Book Store in Seattle there was a shelf that had first books in a series.  Murphy's Law was there.  It was a used book so I bought it to see how I like this series.  I do like it.  Just what I needed, more books to read.  Here is my teaser: 

"It wasn't that ,"  I said.  "I was trying to see where O'Malley had gotten too."  Page 46

Book Beginnings on Friday

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Katy from A Few More Pages. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

Today's beginning is from Naughty in Nice, A Royal Spyness Mystery, by Rhys Bowen. For any of you who have not read any of this series the main character is Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, daughter of the second Duke of Glen Garry and Rannoch and thirty fourth in line to the throne of England. All that means is that she has no money and is not allowed to work.  The books are set in the 1930's.  Here is the beginning of Naughty in Nice.

"The Riviera had never looked more inviting.  The sun sparkled on a sea of deepest blue."

Just a small spoiler.  In the next paragraph we find that Georgiana is looking at a poster of the Riviera while working in a soup kitchen in Victoria Station.  This is a really fun series that includes real people from the era with fictional characters who solve mysteries.

The Royal Spyness Mysteries: Her Royal Spyness, Royal Pain, Royal Flush and Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen

Mystery

I just finished Royal Blood the latest in the Royal Spyness Mystery series by Rhys Bowen. Lady Georgiana, 34th in line to the throne, is again up to her neck in problems. She is looking for a way to escape her brother and her money problems when the Queen sends her to represent the Royal Family at the wedding of an old school chum, Princess Maria Theresa. When she arrives she finds the wedding is being held in a spooky castle and the bride is not what she remembers. Then first one one of the guests is murdered and then shortly after that another guest is pushed to their death. Once again Lady Georgiana involvement in solving the crime puts her life in danger.

This is a really fun series. Historical events are mixed in with the fictional crimes. Lady Georgiana has family problems, no money and is not allowed to work. To add to her problems her family keeps trying to marry her off to men she cannot stand. While she works to overcome all of these problems she keeps running into murder and mayhem. Each book has a great cast of supporting characters many of which appear in each book.

So far there are 4 books (Her Royal Spyness, Royal Pain, Royal Flush and Royal Blood) in the series with another due out in 2011. Each can be read as a standalone but are better if read in order.

Berkley Prime Crime publishes the Royal Spyness Mysteries by Rhys Bowen

Royal Pain and Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen

Mystery

I recommended Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen in my November 18, 2008 post. In that post I mentioned that much of the book was devoted to setting the scene and background for the series but it still had enough plot to hold a readers interest. With the background setup out of the way A Royal Pain and A Royal Flush move forward at a brisk pace. Lady Georginna, “34th in line to the throne and a penniless heiress”, finds her unique background aids in solving mysteries. Of course, if not for her background she would never be involved in the mysteries at all. Again there is the fascinating mix of real and imaginary characters. Set in 1932 the historical background becomes a part of the story in each book. Added to the mix is Lady Georginna’s attraction to someone who is also penniless and Catholic, a no-no for an heir to the British throne.

The promise seen in Her Royal Spyness is fulfilled in Royal Pain and Royal Flush. While each can be read as a stand alone the books are better if read in order.

Berkley Prime Crime published Royal Pain in 2008 and Royal Flush in 2009.

Rhys Bowen lives in California but was born in England. She has written two other series.

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

Mystery

This is the first book in a new series by Agatha winning author Rhys Bowen. The series features Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie. Lady Victoria is 34th in line to the British throne explaining the title of the book, Her Royal Spyness. Her bother has cut off her allowance and there are plans to marry her off, so she decides to strike off on her own. Leaving her brother’s home in Scotland, she travels to London where nothing in her education has prepared her for work. After a brief and unsuccessful job as a store clerk she comes up with the idea to start a cleaning service. On her first job she finds a body and plays a part in solving the crime. There are a wide range of characters in the book. Some are fictional and some are historical. The two blend seamlessly to move the story forward. This is a gentle little mystery. There is not a lot of violence or blood. The story is characters rich and character driven. While a lot of the book helps set the scene for the series there is enough plot to hold a readers interest. Rhys Bowen gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of British Royalty in the 1930’s. In this setting Lady Victoria should have ample opportunity to solve mysteries. If you like mystery and enjoy historical settings you will love Her Royal Spyness. I look forward to many other books in this series.