Rhys Bowen’s latest Royal Spyness mystery has been out almost a month, but I just had a chance to read it. Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding is a fun romp that wraps up the suspense so many readers have been awaiting. Will Lady Georgiana Rannoch finally marry the love of her life, Darcy O’Mara?
All along, there have been all kinds of barriers in the way. Georgie was in line for the throne, so the King has to allow her to marry a Catholic, but she’ll no long be in the line of succession. And, neither Georgie or Darcy have much money, although she has a title and he’ll inherit a castle in Ireland. And, now that the marriage has been approved, Georgie has to get a dress, a trousseau, and the pair have to find a place to live. And, Queen Mary wants the royal family and maybe some of the extended family invited to the wedding, and proposes Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as bridesmaids. Oh, and don’t forget that Georgie’s mother and her grandfather both have wedding planned soon as well. Let’s think about a circus.
Georgie and Darcy are getting desperate to find a small place to rent when her godfather comes through. Sir Hubert Anstruther was once her stepfather, and he made her his heir. He writes from Argentina to say she’ll inherit his estate Eynsleigh someday, so she and Darcy might as well move there. He suspects something is wrong at Eynsleigh, though.
It certainly seems wrong when Georgie arrives. Where are the housekeeper and butler she expects to see? Why isn’t the current staff competent? Something seems fishy at the estate. When there seems to be “a gas leak” in Georgie’s bedroom, she suspects there might be a serious problem. If Georgie wants to make it to her own wedding, she might want to prevent her own funeral.
Rhys Bowen brings back all the beloved characters in this series. As I said, it’s another fun book in this mystery series. Poor Georgie never has an easy time of it, but her many fans enjoy watching the charming amateur sleuth conquer the barriers on her way to happiness.
Rhys Bowen’s website is www.rhysbowen.com
Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding by Rhys Bowen. Berkley Prime Crime, 2018. 9780425283523 (hardcover), 291p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
I just finished this book about two days ago! As usual, Rhys Bowen gave us a fun story with her wonderful characters. I love the way she lets her characters grow. They are not stuck in a moment in time. And there are hints for more adventures to come.
And, I thought I was way behind, Christie. I'm glad we finished about the same time.
Thank you for the kind review, Lesa. I'm still having such fun with this series.
I just finished this yesterday Lesa. I enjoyed my visit with Georgie and was happy with the ending. I don't think I loved it as much as you and my daughter did. I had the majority of the plot figured out and felt there weren't enough sparks between Georgie and Darcy. It's almost like they were an already older married couple. Wonderful review.
Rhys, I'm so glad you're still have fun with it. So are your readers.
Sharon, I had that plot figured out early on, too, but it was just a nice return to familiar characters.
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