Review - The Royal Assassin

I reviewed the debut novel in this new series, The Vanishing Thief (click here),  the second book The Counterfeit Lady (click here) and was so fortunate to get an author interview (click here) as well.   But, in this book Georgia must go undercover again as an English tutor to a Princess, stretching her middle class world.

Author: Kate Parker

Copyright: July 2015 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 3rd in Victorian Bookshop Mystery series

Sensuality: mild kissing and situations

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth, Private Investigator

Main Characters: Georgia Fenchurch, antiquarian bookseller and member of the Archivist Society

Setting: Victorian era - after 1851, London

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

The Russian princess Kira is engaged to the son of the Queen’s cousin. The Duke of Blackford is enlisted to protect the princess after her royal bodyguard is killed.  Blackford naturally asks for the Archivist Society's help, specifically requesting Georgia go undercover as the Princess's English tutor as preparation for her British wedding.

It is suspected that anarchists, an ongoing problem in Russia for the royal family, are England and attempting to kill the Princess and harm relations between Russia and England.  But Georgia discovers other motives at work.  When an unlikely new guard shows a ruthless side, it is obvious that everything isn't as it seems.

Georgia is a great character who is proudly middle class in a time period where class awareness drives the social order.  She faces some of her abandonment issues in this third outing.  Emma takes some risks as she and goes undercover among the anarchist's with Blackford's servant, Jacob. Duke of Blackford show more of his true self as he trusts Georgia and tries to mediate between Russian Princess and the Duchess who is housing the Russians.  Lady Beatrice Hereford is the Duchess housing the Princess and entourage, she has her hands full while in the early stages of pregnancy.  She is the breakout character in this book.  Count Farkas, the man who murdered Georgia's parents, makes a few appearances.

The plot is fast paced while still allowing for character's to be developed, along with a romantic touch here and there.  Several moments of surprise and other times of knowingwhat was coming gave a good balance.  The climax provided good action and a few thrills.  The wrap-up left a hint of a promise for interesting future for Georgia.

This series has consistantly provided entertaining stories with intrigue and excitement.  I eagerly await the next in the series.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend.

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