Scan barcode
jesuu__'s review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Against all odds, I've grown quite fond of the series, I do have to say at points I don't like Georgia that much, but I do understand where she's coming from, but still annoys me
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
Georgia has been asked to help protect Princess Kira, a Russian royal who is engaged to one of the Queen's cousins. Kira's bodyguard has been murdered and there are concerns that someone will get to Kira. Lots of intrigue involving anarchists, relationship developments, and of course murder.
bookscatsbikes's review against another edition
4.0
A running gag throughout The Royal Assassin is a fear of anarchists under the bed. Everyone fears them – the Queen, Russian tsars and princesses – and sees them everywhere. I’m not sure about the validity of the reference to attempts on Queen Victoria’s life by anarchists.
There isn’t much detail provided about the anarchists. They are merely a link to the Russian princess betrothed to a British duke. Apparently they are all Russian and enjoy blowing things up. An anarchist printer is introduced briefly but his politics are never addressed. And the actions by the pertinent anarchists are ultimately driven by a single woman’s quest for justice (in her mind).
A vague concept of Russian anarchists allows the introduction of a cast of characters not previously seen in the Victorian Bookshop series. Georgia goes undercover as an English teacher to help protect the Russian princess. Working in a British aristocratic household filled with Russian aristocratic guests creates a bit of a farce, but a dangerous one. (You know, because of those damned anarchists.)
Parker does a good job maintaining the various languages spoken by the characters – English, French and Russian. While all dialogue is written in English, it is very clear when another language is spoken and who then is being kept out of the conversation. That could have gotten very messy but is very easy to keep track of.
A subplot between two characters that has been brewing comes to a satisfying conclusion in this installment. And Georgia and Blackford continue to make eyes at each other and kiss several times. Their relationship is doomed – she is a middle-class bookseller and he is a duke. Georgia periodically thinks about how he should be getting married and producing an heir. Those asides were a bit distracting. The obstacles to their relationship have been obvious from the first book. It makes more sense when Georgia feels sad about her feelings for Blackford.
So watch out for anarchists while reading The Royal Assassin and keep your fingers crossed that Georgia and Blackford are the sorts of characters to defy historical conventions.
There isn’t much detail provided about the anarchists. They are merely a link to the Russian princess betrothed to a British duke. Apparently they are all Russian and enjoy blowing things up. An anarchist printer is introduced briefly but his politics are never addressed. And the actions by the pertinent anarchists are ultimately driven by a single woman’s quest for justice (in her mind).
A vague concept of Russian anarchists allows the introduction of a cast of characters not previously seen in the Victorian Bookshop series. Georgia goes undercover as an English teacher to help protect the Russian princess. Working in a British aristocratic household filled with Russian aristocratic guests creates a bit of a farce, but a dangerous one. (You know, because of those damned anarchists.)
Parker does a good job maintaining the various languages spoken by the characters – English, French and Russian. While all dialogue is written in English, it is very clear when another language is spoken and who then is being kept out of the conversation. That could have gotten very messy but is very easy to keep track of.
A subplot between two characters that has been brewing comes to a satisfying conclusion in this installment. And Georgia and Blackford continue to make eyes at each other and kiss several times. Their relationship is doomed – she is a middle-class bookseller and he is a duke. Georgia periodically thinks about how he should be getting married and producing an heir. Those asides were a bit distracting. The obstacles to their relationship have been obvious from the first book. It makes more sense when Georgia feels sad about her feelings for Blackford.
So watch out for anarchists while reading The Royal Assassin and keep your fingers crossed that Georgia and Blackford are the sorts of characters to defy historical conventions.
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
It has been arranged that the Russian Princess Kira is to marry the son of the Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Sussex. But the Archivist Society are brought in when Kira's bodyguard is murdered. As she is staying at the home of the Duchess of Hereford, Georgia is recruited to work undercover as an English secretary.
An enjoyable mystery but still with unwanted Americanisms.
An enjoyable mystery but still with unwanted Americanisms.
krisrid's review against another edition
3.0
I like this series, and I especially like the character of Georgia, but this particular book wasn't the best of the series for me.
I'm not very interested in Russia or Russian history, and that's what this story focused on. I prefer England and its own local historical dramas, so while I enjoyed this, as I said it wasn't my favourite of the series.
We did get more of the romantic tension between Georgia and the Duke of Blackford in this one, and we also got to see the two of them working together as equals to solve the mystery, find the killers and save the day. I like that Blackford treats Georgia with respect as well as admiration and doesn't continually try to make her stay behind and out of danger. She wouldn't accept it if he did try, but it's a big mark in his favour that he doesn't. He understands who she is and he obviously respects that, even if the societal rules of the day *seem* to mean he and Georgia can't ever really be together. I'm betting at some point the author will figure a way around that . . . at least I'm hoping she does!
Overall this was good - not great, but an entertaining fun, cozy mystery read. I will continue with this series.
I'm not very interested in Russia or Russian history, and that's what this story focused on. I prefer England and its own local historical dramas, so while I enjoyed this, as I said it wasn't my favourite of the series.
We did get more of the romantic tension between Georgia and the Duke of Blackford in this one, and we also got to see the two of them working together as equals to solve the mystery, find the killers and save the day. I like that Blackford treats Georgia with respect as well as admiration and doesn't continually try to make her stay behind and out of danger. She wouldn't accept it if he did try, but it's a big mark in his favour that he doesn't. He understands who she is and he obviously respects that, even if the societal rules of the day *seem* to mean he and Georgia can't ever really be together. I'm betting at some point the author will figure a way around that . . . at least I'm hoping she does!
Overall this was good - not great, but an entertaining fun, cozy mystery read. I will continue with this series.
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Russians are coming in this 3rd Victorian Bookshop Mystery and the Archivist Society puts Georgia Fenchurch right into the middle of the chaos. Russian Princess Kira is engaged to the Queen’s cousin and she has come to town to spend some time getting to know him better. Or has she? It seems the princess may have another mission in mind. Her bodyguard has been killed and the Queen is worried for her safety. Georgia is placed in the home undercover to protect her and to try and find out who is behind the recent murder. She is also trying to figure out Princess Kira’s real reason for her visit.
Kate Parker does it again. I stayed up late to finish this story because I could not put it down. I absolutely love Georgia. She goes wherever she is asked putting herself in danger time and time again. He relationship with the Duke of Blackford is very complicated and frustrating. Georgia is a commoner meaning she cannot marry the Duke if he wants to keep his title. Her dear friend Emma is also a brave soul and is in a complicated relationship herself with the Duke’s right hand man. Lady Phyllida Monthalf is worried about all of them.
The Archivist Society is quite a group. The devise a plan and follow through with excellent results. The Duke of Blackford is a key member and even Sir Broderick in his disabled state is a force to be reckoned with. His logistics are a big part of their success.
This author does an excellent job blending the history and the mystery. She peppers it with just the right amount of romance and humor too. I felt like a birdie on Georgia’s shoulder traveling about London, from her home, to her shop, to the East End, and everywhere in between.
I am anxiously awaiting and very excited about the next book in this series. I am truly hoping that the next adventure shows the Duke that he can’t live without Georgia and the author finds some way for them to be together.
sheilasamuelson's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book ESPECIALLY since it was set in Victorian Era England!!
murderbydeath's review
4.0
I didn't guess who the culprit was but I wasn't surprised either; I'm not sure it could have realistically been anyone else. An entertaining read with a quite an ending and I enjoy the characters.
More wordy review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/1203297/royalassassin
More wordy review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/1203297/royalassassin
More...