****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is one of my favorite mystery series and I enjoy the progression of the characters' stories just as much as the mystery itself. Some mystery series fall into a pattern without much character development. I like that these characters build relationships that evolve and mature. I love to read how the characters are interwoven with real historical figures, too. I am curious if Rhys Bowen will draw somewhat more of a parallel between Georgie and Darcy's relationship and the relationship between the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson. For instance, will Darcy give up his religion out of respect for Georgie's sense of duty to her family (recognizing his own desire to "make his mark on the world" presumably out of his own sense of duty) or will Georgie choose to give up her place in line or will something else get in the way, but I digress, and I'll leave this in Ms. Bowen's much more capable hands.The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing. Maybe a bit fantastic, but in the end reminiscent of my all time favorite mystery, And Then There Were None.The return of old characters was like visiting old friends. I love Georgie's grandfather and her mother is a fun character (like the this-time-absent Belinda). The scenes with Binky and Fig are amusingly frustrating. Queenie, though sometimes maddeningly in the way, has her endearing moments.These books are always interesting as period pieces. The time between wars in Britain is fascinating (love the Maisie Dobbs series, too) and the attitudes and actions of the smart young things and upper class is fun to "observe" especially in current economic times. Rhys Bowen does a good job of vividly describing everyday life, and in this book holiday food, games, and traditions, in a way that is engaging and never cumbersome.SPOILER ALERT?I like the evolution of Darcy's character and Georgie and Darcy's relationship. Some authors are tempted to overplay the rogue bit to the point that the reader has a tough time imagining what the heroine sees in him. I think Darcy is the right mix or dashing and affectionate. I like that both Georgie and Darcy occasionally say or do the wrong thing, but not to the point that the reader wants to shout to the other to just RUN (though like another reviewer, I was a little frustrated that Georgie didn't realize earlier that there were ways around the religion issue). I like that at this point, they both have let the other know their true feelings (no silly cop outs) and their scenes together were very rewarding. Like another reviewer, I do like the more worldly, spy representation of Darcy, and he did feel more like a sidekick at times in this book, but this was a family, holiday setting and there will be other books for that side of Darcy (please, oh, please keep this series going). Curious if there was more to any of the looks that Darcy gave Georgie near when he first arrived. Already looking forward to Heirs and Graces next year.
