It’s a bit of a theme, really: men create problems and limitations that the women have to stay within while solving everything to everyone else’s comfort and satisfaction. Her brother, who goes by Binky, is largely useless in this situation, so Georgie has yet another problem to solve. Then Georgie’s brother shows up suddenly, and she learns that their late father had gambled away their family estate in Scotland to an odious Frenchman who has arrived to claim his debt. She could become a lady in waiting to an elderly relative of the Queen’s, or she could make a somewhat advantageous marriage to someone who would make sure her fire was lit and her water was hot, but Georgie knows enough about herself, the world, and her capabilities to know she wants to make choices for herself, as difficult as that may be. The first third or so of the book (it can be difficult to tell with audio, so my estimations may be off) is about Georgie learning how to care for herself independently, while also struggling against the limitation placed upon her by her lack of funds, lack of husband, and inability to get a job as herself – royals do not work, and for her to do so as herself would be terribly scandalous. She learns about crashing parties for food, hiding her identity long enough to secure a day’s wage, and discovering how much the queen knows and how fast she knows it. However, Georgie’s character is warm and kind, and friends from her school days and coming-out balls soon find her in London. Georgie finds herself in a cold London home with no servants, unable to light the boiler for hot water or light a fire for warmth. When Georgie overhears the two of them discussing a house party wherein Georgie will be matched with an even more dreadful potential match at the request of the queen, she books it to London after lying about a friend needing help with a wedding. Her half brother has cut off her allowance and her dreadful sister in law reminds her constantly that she lives with them only because of their generosity. Unfortunately, she has zero money with which to meet those expectations.

Georgie, aka, Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, is 36th in line for the throne currently held by Queen Mary, and as such has Expectations to Uphold. Her Royal Spyness was recommended to me most vociferously after Amanda’s and my recent podcast (episode 292) about audiobooks when I asked for advice on what to listen to next, and of course, not that I ever doubted, every person who suggested it was entirely right.

This review is for both the narrative and the audiobook performance of Her Royal Spyness. I’m continuing my streak of listening to historical mysteries while I walk the dogs each day, and I’m switching between series so I don’t burn out on the patterns and familiarity of a particular author or character. Genre: Historical: Other, Mystery/Thriller

Her royal spyness