Rhys Bowen - Royal Blood

Agatha-winner Bowen successfully mixes Wodehousian farce with a whodunit plot in her fourth 1930s mystery starring Lady Georgiana Rannoch (after 2009's Royal Flush). When the queen asks Georgiana, a distant relative of George V, to attend the wedding of a royal cousin and old schoolmate, Princess Maria Theresa, in Romania, the impoverished 22-year-old must scramble to come up with a maid to maintain appearances. Bowen once again demonstrates her mastery of the light, romantic mystery. Rhys Bowen has been nominated for every major mystery award, and has won seven. Born in England, she resides among us here in northern California.