A Royal Pain

A Royal Pain follows Lady Georgiana Rannoch, thirty-fourth in line to the British throne, who struggles to maintain her royal status while living in poverty during the 1930s. Queen Mary assigns her to chaperone a visiting Bavarian princess, leading Georgiana to navigate high society events and etiquette. The story combines elements of mystery and romance as Georgiana attempts to both fulfill her royal duties and investigate suspicious occurrences surrounding the princess. Her tasks become more complex when her brother's estate faces financial troubles and romantic entanglements arise. Set against the backdrop of pre-WWII Britain, the novel depicts the contrasts between aristocratic privilege and economic hardship during the Great Depression. The characters' adherence to social protocols and royal responsibilities creates tension with their personal desires and modern sensibilities. The narrative explores themes of duty versus independence, and how tradition and change intersect in a society on the brink of transformation.

Readers found this second book in the Royal Spyness series light and entertaining, with many highlighting the humor and historical details of 1930s London society. They praised the growing romantic tension between Lady Georgiana and Darcy O'Mara. What readers liked: - Fast-paced dialogue - Period-appropriate details about clothing and social customs - Balance of mystery and comedy - Character development from the first book What readers disliked: - Some found the mystery plot predictable - The Bavarian princess character annoyed many readers - A few noted the romance moved too slowly - Several mentioned the resolution felt rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.96/5 (28,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (200+ reviews) Common reader comment: "A fun, light mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a royal setting."

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen A penniless aristocrat in 1930s London solves murders while navigating royal society and romance.

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn A Victorian adventuress teams up with a natural historian to investigate murders and conspiracies in London.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley An eleven-year-old chemistry prodigy in 1950s England uses science to solve mysteries at her family's estate.

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley A Victorian-era cook in a nobleman's household uncovers murders and secrets while managing her kitchen duties.

The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee A reformed thief works as an undercover agent in Victorian London, infiltrating high society to solve crimes.

🔹 Author Rhys Bowen has won multiple prestigious awards including the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award for her mystery writing, though she writes under her pen name rather than her real name, Janet Quin-Harkin. 🔹 "A Royal Pain" is the second book in the Royal Spyness mystery series, which follows Lady Georgiana Rannoch, who is 34th in line to the British throne during the 1930s. 🔹 The series' setting during the 1930s coincides with significant real historical events, including the rise of Hitler in Germany and the romance between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, which are woven into the storylines. 🔹 The protagonist, Lady Georgiana, is loosely based on real minor royals of the era who were rich in titles but poor in funds, a common situation for aristocrats during the Great Depression. 🔹 The book's fish-out-of-water humor draws from the author's own experiences as an immigrant to the United States from England, helping her craft authentic cultural misunderstandings between British and American characters.