God Rest Ye, Royal God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen by Rhys Bowen.
God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen is the 15th in Her Royal Spyness series. I always enjoy Ms. Bowen’s books, but I especially enjoy the audiobooks of this series, though this time I read the ebook.


This was Georgie and Darcy’s first Christmas together as a married couple, and they invited a small family party to join them. However, when Darcy’s aunt, a personal friend of the queen’s and living on Sandringham’s grounds, invites them to join her party, their plans change and they move their party to Sandringham estate.


As so often happens around Georgie, attempted murder and eventually a death, accidental or intentional, soon occur, and it resembles others from the past that locals attribute as part of a curse. The true culprit is eventually discovered by Georgie and Darcy but not before another near death occurs.


As usual, I enjoyed being a part of Georgie’s world again as her life enters new stages and along with another mystery to solve. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, and I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Gentlemen

I desperately want to spend Christmas with Georgiana and her wacky family, even if they do have an uncanny tendency to stumble upon a murder or two.

Rhys Bowen seems to have an inexhaustible ability to continue coming up with mystery plots for Georgie and Darcy to solve. It’s amazing that so many books into a series, the plots haven’t gotten repetitive or stale.

I do think it helps that Bowen is gently nudging Georgie’s personal story along as well, making the series and Georgie’s life feel fresh each time.

Bowen pretty much always nails the atmosphere and setting that I crave in a historical mystery, but she does a particularly good job here. Lots of interaction with the royals this time around, and loads of terrifically festive Christmas content.

This entire series has been an absolute delight, and the newest installment is no exception. Georgie and Darcy are as clever and amusing as ever (as are many of the beloved side characters who have storylines and personalities just as rich as the main two). As always, reality and fiction are effortlessly woven together, with lesser-known bits of British history sprinkled throughout (and with every book adding to the reader’s understanding of Cockney slang thanks to the super lovable Grandad). A bit slower to jump into the murder aspect than some of the other books, this addition is best-suited to those already attached to the characters. For those of us who can’t get enough of Georgie and Darcy, the updates feel like reading the annual letter from beloved but not seen nearly enough favorite relatives, immersing the reader in a warm and cozy feeling (at least until the murder!).

Thank you to Berkley Books for a gifted copy. This did not impact my review.

A somewhat busy but intriguing Royal Spyness mystery. The Christmas setting was fun and there were more royals in this story than usual.

I always enjoy books in this series. They are the epitome of the cozy British mystery. Not to quote Stefon from SNL, but this book has everything…British royalty, a traditional English Christmas, a dashing romantic couple, and of course a mystery to solve. There is even our beloved Queen Elizabeth as a little girl. That being said, the mystery itself is not too hard to solve and the premise is stretched beyond belief, but just go with it. The writing is good, the characters familiar, and the atmosphere super cozy. Recommend for fans of the genre.

This is the fifteenth installment in Bowen's Royal Spyness cozy mystery series. This one finds Georgie and her new husband Darcy celebrating their first married Christmas not at their country home but, at the request of the Queen, at his aunt's home near the royal Sandringham estate. HIstorical figures abound, including the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson in a subplot. The murder mystery is light and fun and the characters well-drawn. Another entertaining episode in the adventure of Lady Georgina.

Georgie is preparing for her first Christmas with her husband, Darcy, when he receives a letter from his aunt inviting them to visit for Christmas at her home on the Sandringham estate. They bring Georgie’s mother and brother with them. When they arrive, they find the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Simpson are there too, as she is not permitted to be with the Royal Family for the holiday. Georgie soon discovers that there have been mysterious fatal accidents on the estate over the last year, which makes her keep an eye out for danger. Then, a couple of near misses make her suspect that a member of the Royal Family is being targeted. She must investigate these accidents before it’s too late.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a cozy mystery, and this one was the perfect book to jump back into the genre. I loved the setting of England in the 1930s. The Royal Family played an important role in the story because the King was a distant cousin of Georgie. I love any story with the Royal Family in it!

Though this book is number 15 in the series, I could follow it. The characters and their relationships as well as past events were described thoroughly in the first few chapters so I knew who they were right away. It is easy to read this book even if you haven’t read the previous ones.

The mystery part of this cozy mystery didn’t start until about the final third of the story. There was a lot of foreshadowing before it happened, so I was prepared for something dramatic to happen. I enjoyed the historical elements of the story that weren’t about the mystery.

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen is a great historical holiday story!

Thank you Berkley Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rhys Bowen sets up an intriguing Royal Spyness mystery in God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Georgie is newly married to Darcy when they are invited to Christmas hospitality from his aunt in her house near Sandringham. The queen is worried about her husband's health, the crown prince's affair with Mrs. Simpson and some unexpected deaths so she asks Georgie as a royal relative to look into the matter. The prince and Mrs. Simpson join the house party of Darcy's aunt. People start dying. Whodunit? Georgie is up for the game. Murder at Christmas. How jolly.

A new Rhys Bowen book is always a pleasure to read and this Christmas story with Georgie and her whole family is just in time for a holiday read.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Set in the final days of 1935, God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen, the fifteenth entry in the Royal Spyness Mystery series, is a Christmas delight sure to please longtime fans and new readers alike.

Christmas is coming, and newlyweds Georgie and Darcy are planning their first holiday celebration in their home until they receive an invitation from Darcy’s Aunt Ermintrude to join her house party. Ermintrude was one of Queen Mary’s ladies-in-waiting and now lives adjacent to Sandringham estate where the Royal family is holidaying. It quickly becomes apparent that this invitation is as good as a royal summons, and they cannot refuse. Along with Georgie’s family, there are several couples in attendance including Georgie’s cousin David and his paramour Wallis Simpson. The queen requests Georgie keep an eye on the couple but also expresses worry that some accidents and tragic deaths occurring at the estate might be targeting David. As the body rises, Georgie and Darcy investigate, but is it all really about the Prince of Wales? Will Darcy become a victim?

I love that this book is set at Christmastime, and the secluded house party theme is the perfect backdrop for the murders. The Royal family plays an important role, and I really like Queen Mary but equally dislike Wallis. But then, Wallis is always portrayed in a less than positive light, right? Georgie is as delightful as ever and Darcy is still quite dashing. It is nice to learn even more about his family. The details of an English Christmas are engrossing, and I felt like I was in the midst of the shooting parties, early morning horseback rides, ice skating, and festive meals. There are even puppies to round out the festivities.

The pace is a bit slow (leisurely holiday) but it builds to a climactic reveal. There is, however, a solid mystery here that is not overshadowed by the festive air. I did not figure out the killer’s identity until Georgie put it all together and was taken by surprise even though there are lots of theories, suspects, clues, and red herrings to keep readers guessing. Motivations, circumstances, and emotions run the gamut, and there are moments of great sadness as well as great joy. Historical figures and events are woven seamlessly throughout the story.

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen is a smart addition to its highly entertaining long running series. I cannot wait to read more Georgie adventures as this book leaves readers on the cusp of great change. Highly recommended.

Imagine this: you’re newly married and planning an exciting and joy-filled Christmas surrounded by friends and family. ENTER: murder, mystery and…strange happenings at the Royal Sandringham estate?

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I have to admit, this was the first book I read by this author and I did enjoy it quite a bit! It’s set in the 1930s and includes historic Christmas traditions that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Lady Georgiana and Darcy are invited to spend the holidays by their aunt at her estate with the queen nearby who has personally requested the Georgie’s presence to help her figure out what’s going on (strange mishaps and tragic murders are concerning her).

Perfect for you if: you enjoy a bit of mystery and drama with Christmas cheer.🎄

A huge thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. ❤️

I love the Royal Spyness series! This one was as good one: Georgie is trying to celebrate Christmas with her family and the Royal Family, but people keep having "accidents". Will Georgie and Darcy (now married!) figure it out in time? This is the perfect cozy mystery to curl up and read during the holidays! Thank you for my e-copy.

I always enjoy a Lady Georgianna mystery and this one certainly delivers on all the things I love about them. Georgianna seeing more then everybody else, plenty of Darcy, so much historic details and all the British Christmas trappings that you could want! However, I found the actually mystery extremely lacking and it felt rushed. They went very quickly from having Christmas at home to Christmas near Sandringham and a house full of strangers. It felt very contrived and ultimately not as satisfying as I hoped it would be. Still any any Rhys Bowen mystery is still better than none!

I love this royally inspired series by Rhys Bowen. Although there is always a good mystery, I love the humour, the snarky comments, the historically accurate events of the Royal Family, and the characters, including Queenie and Georgie's granddad.. Married life seems to be going well for Georgie and Darcy, and they make a good team in solving the latest murders.

If you love Christmas with a side of intrigue and murder, Go Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen is the perfect read. I love the mix of historical elements, mystery, and Christmas that blended together in this story. This book kept me guessing and entertained!


Georgie is excited for her first Christmas as a married woman in her lovely new home. She suggests to her dashing husband, Darcy, that they have a little house party, but when Darcy receives a letter from his aunt Ermintrude, there is an abrupt change in plans. She has moved to a house on the edge of the Sandringham estate, near the royal family, and wants to invite Darcy and his new bride for Christmas. Aunt Ermintrude hints that the queen would like Georgie nearby. Georgie had not known that Aunt Ermintrude was a former lady-in-waiting and close confidante of her royal highness. The letter is therefore almost a royal request, so Georgie, Darcy, and their Christmas guests: Mummy, Grandad, Fig, and Binky all head to Sandringham.

Georgie soon learns that the notorious Mrs. Simpson, mistress to the Prince of Wales, will also be in attendance. It is now crystal clear to Georgie that the Queen expects her to do a bit of spying. There is tension in the air from the get-go, and when Georgie pays a visit to the queen, she learns that there is more to her request than just some simple eavesdropping. There have been a couple of strange accidents at the estate recently. Two gentlemen of the royal household have died in mysterious circumstances and another has been shot by mistake during a hunt. Georgie begins to suspect that a member of the royal family is the real target but her investigation will put her new husband and love of her life, Darcy, in the crosshairs of a killer.

Rhys Bowen continues the Royal Spyness Mystery series with God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen, set on the fringe of the royal Sandringham Estate, Christmas 1935. Newly-weds, Darcy and Georgianna O’Mara are settling into married life and Georgianna is planning her first Christmas house party. As Georgianna is writing letters and putting an advert in The Lady for a new cook to help the bumbling Queenie, all the plans go awry. Darcy receives an invitation for them to spend the holiday with Lady Aysgarth, his Aunt Ermintrude, AND that Queen Mary, in residence at Sandringham, is looking forward to a visit from Georgianna-practically a royal summons!
Rhys Bowen’s readers are off on an adventure of merry making and mystery as the cast of quirky and famous guests arriving at Lady Aysgarth’s Wymondham Hall continues to surprise and dismay Georgianna. For “royal followers” the guest list includes the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson so processing into dinner in order of rank is a must. When Lady A’s companion Mrs. Short, realizes there are thirteen guests at table, she admonishes the group that this is bad luck, and a death is imminent. Rhys Bowen’s use of foreshadowing is a perfect eyebrow raising moment for the now leery guests. A series of unfortunate “accidents” peeks the holiday drama and keeps readers second guessing along with Darcy and Georgianna as they meet surreptitiously to strategize and solve the royal mysteries. Proper hunts, a “paper chase”, ‘sardines’ and royal names like “Cookie” and “Shirley Temple” add to the royal celebrations. Even royal granddaughters, Lilibet and Margaret are at Sandringham for holiday snowman building and ice skating. Meanwhile, Queen Mary and readers are counting on Georgianna to figure out “who dunnit!”

3.5 stars

This frothy historical series featuring a minor British royal relative is always fun. Lady Georgiana and her husband Darcy are spending Christmas at Darcy's aunt's. The Queen has made it known she has a little problem for Georgie to work on. This is the mid-thirties, and loosely follows actual events. The King is in poor health and there is a lot of anxiety about the Prince of Wales ascending to the throne since he is involved in a brazen affair with an American divorcee, Wallis Warfield Simpson, who happens to still be married.

In the meantime, there have been mysterious deaths -- possibly accidental -- of people surrounding the royal family. The Queen is troubled and wonders who the real target is. While Darcy and Georgie are there, several more deaths occur and the couple try to discover what the common link is.

This series entry is particularly lightweight escapist reading but Georgie and Darcy and their assorted family members are entertaining. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a romantic way of beginning a novel; a couple of Newlyweds, excited to be spending their first Christmas together in their new home, where they plan to throw a beautiful holiday party!

Suddenly all things change when an invitation comes along inviting Darcy and Georgie to a family member’s party.

This invitation is only the beginning of a new mystery to solve.

Although this book is the 15th(?!) book in its series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone, but f you’d love to dive in to the story and all the characters I recommend reading the series.

Over all a great read, entertaining, lots of mystery, and bits of humor I appreciated throughout.

It definitely makes me want to go back and read all the books I’ve missed! (Maybe audiobooks?😍)

This latest title in the cozy, historical Royal Spyness series is set at Christmastime, with a holiday trip and a festive atmosphere for Georgie's newest mystery. The books transitioned nicely into married life for Georgie, and it was good to catch up with many of the secondary characters. Fans of the series will enjoy this, but I don't think it's the best title to start with for readers unfamiliar with the books.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say, this is quite possibly the most enjoyable cozy mystery that I’ve read. Rhys Bowen’s books are always good fun, but God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen is the perfect blend of mystery, character development, and royal history. Georgie and Darcy are settling into married life, and seeing them navigate Christmas together is exciting (if not slightly stressful). While past murders and the current murder do take centre stage, we also get to spend a fair amount of time with highly entertaining supporting characters.

Georgie’s attitudes are quite modern, especially in regards to her employees, and that is a fascinating counterpoint to some of her older and more royal relatives. I also have to give Bowen extra points- she skillfully weaves in a Sandringham Christmas for the royal family without having it take over the whole book.

Note: while this is the fifteenth book in the series, I think you can absolutely read this without feeling lost. (Though do go back and read the rest!)