From Cradle to Grave

1937 Lady Georgina ‘Georgie’ is enjoying motherhood, or would be if she didn’t hate the new nanny her sister-in-law had foisted on her and, worse, shown up, herself, to ensure Georgie is showing proper respect towards the woman.

But Georgie is distracted from her domestic problems when she hears that several men, acquaintances of them or their friends, have all died in what have been declared tragic accidents recently and she isn’t convinced they were accidents. True, they all died while taking part in potentially dangerous activities but they were also all highly experienced and skilled at the activities. They were also all about the same age and only sons of aristocratic parents. Is it possible a serial killer is targeting men show more who match this criteria, men like her husband, Darcy?

From Cradle to Grave is the 19th novel in the Royal Spyness historical mystery series by Rhys Bowen and it is well-written with an interesting mystery. And for those of us who like some real history with our fiction, Bowen has also clearly done a great deal of research into the period and draws a fascinating picture of class, the expectations and limitations placed on women, and the attitudes of the aristocracy towards domestics in England during the period. The story also takes the reader across much of the United Kingdom with vivid descriptions of the varied landscapes. A very enjoyable tale and I recommend it highly.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review show less

I always enjoy a Lady Georgiana book. This time her snobby sister-in-law has found a nanny for Georgie and Darcy’s son, Edward. Georgie hates her drill Sargeant ways and time restrictions she placed on Georgie and baby. Meanwhile, sil arrives from Scotland and is her usual insufferable way. Georgie learns from her friend, Zouzou that a friend of hers has lost her son in a strange accident. There are more accidental deaths of a group of young men that knew each other in college. Georgie manages to straighten out the domestic problems and solve the mysterious deaths with the help of Darcy.

I absolutely loved this newest edition to The Royal Spyness series. I love Georgie, Darcy, ZouZou and Belinda. I also enjoy all of Georgie’s help. I loved that Georgie must find a nanny she likes for her son and help to solve some murders. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story. I loved that Georgie stayed closer to home in this book. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

Her Royal Spyness, Georgie, is enjoying domestic life, particularly her infant son, when two bolts of ugliness appear at her door. Nanny Hardbottle and her sister-in-law, Fig, have arrived to ensure that James is raised properly. This event is sufficiently distracting that she is slow to notice that young men of distinction are dying in rather strange circumstances. The game is soon afoot, and she is off to save Darcy from a similar fate.

Fig decides Georgiana needs a nanny, who turns out to be rigid and traditional. Several deaths in her circle of acquaintances seem questionable and she and Zou Zou and Belinda investigate. It appears that a serial killer is at work, a motive is discovered and a last killing is adverted.