Lady Georgiana Rannoch knows the perks and perils of being 35th in line to the English throne. While her royal blood does give Georgie a certain social cachet, her lack of a steady income and employable skills often leave her struggling to make ends meet.
When Georgie is summoned to tea at Buckingham Palace, she is relieved to find that Queen Mary has a simple task for her: serve as welcoming committee and companion to Princess Marina, a Greek royal newly engaged to Prince George. The job comes with free lodgings at Kensington Palace, and Georgie eagerly moves in. But when she discovers the body of a young woman--rumored to be one of Prince George's mistresses--in the courtyard, Georgie finds herself mixed up in yet another mystery that could turn into a royal scandal.
In her ninth Royal Spyness mystery, Rhys Bowen (Queen of Hearts; Heirs and Graces) populates 1930s London society with an entertaining mix of royalty (both historical and fictional) and familiar series characters. As she investigates the murder of Bobo Carrington and her connection to the prince, Georgie must also escort Princess Marina about town, practice her diplomatic skills on various members of the aristocracy, and make sure her hapless maid doesn't ruin her one good evening dress. Meanwhile, Georgie's dashing young man, Darcy O'Mara, may be involved in the case for reasons of his own.
Lighthearted, witty and sparkling with period charm, Malice at the Palace is a satisfying entry in Bowen's enjoyable Royal Spyness series. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams