Reviews

REVIEWS

All That Is Hidden

“Bowen and Broyles… never disappoint.”
Kirkus Reviews

Where the Sky Begins

“The writing is so smooth and consistent, and the narrative unfolds so steadily, it’s hard to look up from.”
New York Journal of Books

Peril in Paris

“Touring prewar Paris with Bowen’s irresistible sleuth is a treat.”
Kirkus Reviews

Wild Irish Rose

“[Bowen and Broyles deliver] a satisfying domestic mystery, rich in the details of running a middle-class urban household in the early twentieth century.”
Booklist

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen

“A charming combination of history and mystery.”
Kirkus Reviews

“The humor and wit match a cast of charming, quirky characters. Bowen’s lovely English Christmas cozy doesn’t disappoint.”
Publishers Weekly

The Venice Sketchbook

“A must-read for Bowen fans and historical fiction enthusiasts.”
Library Journal (starred review)

Epic Book Society
One of the Epic Book Society’s 37 EPIC Books Set in Italy!

Above the Bay of Angels

“This delightful mystery neatly blends historical details of late Victorian life, from rich foods to royalty, into a story spiced with humor and romance. Bowen’s depiction of Bella as a modern Victorian woman, skillfully navigating class differences while struggling with the choice between a safe life and her ambitions, rings true.”
Library Journal (starred review)

“A treasure trove of Victoriana… A truly delightful read.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Bowen serves up a vivid picture of turn-of-the-century London with its strict class distinctions, crowded streets, and devotion to the Queen… Fans of Bowen and Victorian cozies will enjoy this inside-the-palace romp.”
Booklist

The Victory Garden

“Tragedies strike, yet people grow and pull together in this rewarding romantic historical romp. Lovers of history will better understand the sacrifices in England during the Great War, while romance fans will revel in the engagement and growth of the characters. Another great read from the award-winning author.”
Library Journal

“Bowen has created subtle depth of theme and character by layering in women from multiple generations… [Her] masterful weaving of these tales builds a nuanced, thematic portrayal of the inherent strengths of women and the male hackles such power can raise.”
Historical Novel Society

The Victory Garden is a stunning piece of historical fiction that will grab you from the first page.”
San Diego Entertainer

“A deftly penned novel by an author with a distinctive flair for originality and an entertaining narrative storytelling style that will hold the reader’s rapt attention from beginning to end.”
Midwest Book Review

The Tuscan Child

“Pass the bread, the olives, and the wine. Oh, and a copy of The Tuscan Child to savor with them.”
—NPR

“Besides being an action-packed story that is intense and haunting, Bowen also brings to life the setting where the reader can smell the cooking scents, see the brilliant olive groves, and hear the Italian chatter.”
Crimespree

“The interwoven mystery is expertly crafted and unravels at a pace that will keep readers guessing until the end. This is an overall enjoyable trip to the Tuscan countryside and readers will be reluctant to leave this charming and intriguing place.”
RT Book Reviews

In Farleigh Field

“Instantly absorbing, suspenseful, romantic and stylish—like binge-watching a great British drama on Masterpiece Theater.”
—Lee Child

In Farleigh Field is brilliant. The plotting is razor sharp and ingenious, the setting in World War II Britain is so tangible it’s eerie. The depth and breadth of character is astonishing. They’re likeable and repulsive and warm and stand-offish. And oh, so human. And so relatable. All this would be enough to propel In Farleigh Field to the top of your favourites list, but what truly distinguishes this book, indeed all her books, is the quality of writing. Rhys Bowen is one of the very best fiction writers of the day. With a deep understanding of the wounded human heart, and an uncanny ability to capture the quiet emotions and the grand scale of war, she rises above her contemporaries. This is magnificently written and a must read.”
—Louise Penny

“Irresistible, charming and heartbreakingly authentic. Rhys Bowen’s knowing voice transports Downton fans into a riveting family saga—a compelling journey through history, loss, honor and love. When war gets personal, every heart is in peril.”
—Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of Say No More

“For those of us who didn’t get enough Downton Abbey and Bletchley Circle and Foyle’s War… ME ME ME! It’s firing on all cylinders. I think it’s got a huge audience. LOVE the sense of time and place (no surprise there), too.”
—Hallie Ephron

“If you loved Downton Abbey, you’ll adore this compelling saga of an aristocratic English family finding courage on the home front in WWII. Unputdownable!”
—Deborah Crombie, New York Times best-selling author of the Duncan Kincaid Novels

Named one of 12 Historical Romance Novels That Prove Love is Timeless

Crowned and Dangerous

“Outstanding… Bowen adds romance to this blend of Christie and Wodehouse for a stylish, head-scratcher of a whodunit. Colorful set pieces and larger-than-life characters enrich the clever plot, which enchants and satisfies while forwarding the series arc.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Time of Fog and Fire

“I devoured this flawlessly written mystery in one day, and enjoyed every word… The book is a wonderful read, full of interesting details that give life to the story.”
Historical Novel Society

Malice at the Palace

“A light, fun, stylish whodunit that reads like a collaboration between Agatha Christie and P.G. Wodehouse… Georgiana remains one of my favorite traditional mystery heroines.”
Crimespree Magazine

“The best yet in this lighthearted series… The solution to the murder is both clever and logical.”
Publishers Weekly

Queen of Hearts

“Bowen’s eighth Royal Spyness mystery is a showcase for the series’ many strengths… Fans of P.G. Wodehouse looking for laughs mingled with some amateur sleuthing will be quite pleased.”
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

City of Darkness and Light

“Molly’s adventures never disappoint, even when a vacation in Paris embroils her in murder.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Filled with intriguing characters, especially Molly herself, who is brave yet realistically portrayed… Bowen keeps the story moving forward at a pleasing pace. The setting of turn-of-the-century Paris comes to life as the mystery builds.”
Romantic Times

Heirs and Graces

“Bowen’s seventh Royal Spyness mystery is loaded with country-house charm.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Delightful… Georgiana keeps her good humor and survives the Great Depression with quite a bit of style.”
Kings River Life

The Twelve Clues of Christmas 

“Yet another brilliant novel from Rhys Bowen… Like all of Rhys’s books, this is so much more than a murder mystery. It’s part love story, part social commentary, part fun and part downright terrifying. And completely riveting. I adore this book and can hardly wait to give it to all my family and friends for Christmas! For all who love the season, and a great murder mystery, this book is perfect.”
New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny

“Bowen blends zany humor with fair-play detection as well as any author of traditional mysteries.”
Publishers Weekly

“A visit with Lady Georgiana is always a treat and keeps getting better as Bowen’s characters continue to grow into friends you never want to say goodbye to. You’ll love this charmingly witty entry in the Royal Spyness series and follow a path of red herrings to the end of a delightfully convoluted mystery.”
Romantic Times

Hush Now, Don’t You Cry

“The latest addition to Molly’s case files offers a charming combination of history, mystery and romance.”
Kirkus Reviews

The Family Way

“Highly entertaining… Molly pieces together a complicated mystery set against a rich historical backdrop.”
Romantic Times

Naughty in Nice

“Georgiana makes a superb sleuth.”
Booklist

Naughty in Nice was such a delectable tale, I want to stop writing this review and go back to reread the entire series because it is that bewitching… Rich with titillating characters, a magnetizing plot and an atmosphere that jumps off the page.”
Blogcritics.com

The Last Illusion

“Winning… The gutsy Molly, who’s no prim Edwardian miss, will appeal to fans of contemporary female detectives.”
Publishers Weekly

Her Royal Spyness

“[T]his merry first in a new cozy series from Agatha-winner Bowen introduces a delightful heroine—Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie… Quirky characters… add to the fun. Georgie’s madcap antics are certain to leave the reader eager for the next installment.”
Publishers Weekly

*Starred Review* “Bowen, the Agatha winner responsible for the popular Molly Murphy series, has come up with another winner in her new heroine, Lady Georgina… [T]he best part here is Bowen’s evocation of 1930s England. Drawing on Georgie’s diary entries, she vividly portrays what daily life between the wars was like for a modern young woman bumping up against tradition… [T]his is a smashing romp.”
Booklist

“Marvelously funny and very entertaining.”
—Meg Chittenden, Writersarereaders.com

Oh Danny Boy

“Rhys Bowen is one of the few authors of ‘cozy’ mysteries in recent years to achieve much critical success, having been nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award in 2005. It’s clear to see why she has received that acclaim, as her new book shows.”
—David Montgomery, Chicago Sun-Times

“Though Oh Danny Boy is marketed toward cozy mystery readers, its enjoyable charm and wit will appeal to a cross-section of mystery fans.”
Baltimore Sun

“There is a reason Rhys Bowen gets nominated for so many awards. She’s just damn good.”
Crimespree Magazine, 6/12/06

For the Love of Mike

“Pioneering private eye Molly Murphy’s third adventure allows both her and her author to take wing amid the seediest settings… Molly grows ever more engaging against a vibrant background of New York’s dark side at the turn of the century.”
Kirkus Reviews

“…[F]ull of the flavor of New York City at the turn of the century… The infancy of labor union struggles and women’s suffrage movements are well documented. For the Love of Mike is a well-paced and well-researched mystery novel.”
Bookreporter.com

“[A] lively period re-creation. Highly recommended.”
Library Journal

Death of Riley

“Rhys Bowen’s wit makes Death of Riley more than equal to her award-winning first book, Murphy’s Law. The ending is a historical treat.”
—Maan Meyers, a.k.a. Martin and Annette Meyers, authors of the Dutchman series

“An evocative trip through old New York — including the poets, painters, playwrights and private investigators of Greenwich Village 1901 — in the company of Irish immigrant Molly Murphy, a spirited and appealing guide.”
—S.J. Rozan, Edgar-Winning Author of Winter and Night

“Bowen’s highly detailed picture of New York at the turn of the century is a delight.”
Kirkus Reviews

“The most pervasive character in the Molly Murphy books is New York City itself. Bowen, always a consummate professional, conveys such a strong sense of the turn-of-the-century city that you can smell it. If you don’t love New York, and Molly, when you begin, you will be the time you finish.”
—Helen Francini, Drood Review

Murphy’s Law

“Bowen tells a phenomenal story, and it will be a real treat to see what fate has in store for Molly and Daniel.”
Romantic Times, top pick

“Perceptive and poignant writing… make us look forward to Molly’s return.”
Chicago Tribune

“Rhys Bowen launches her Molly Murphy series with the same skill that has made her five Constable Evans novels so enjoyable… Entertaining.”
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

“Conveys a nice sense of place and period in this debut of a new historical series with its spunky, 19th century heroine.”
Publishers Weekly

Evan’s Gate

“[P]erfectly paced, deftly choreographed… Bowen delivers an enchanting portrait of Wales with genuine, flawed characters, a modicum of humor and plenty of red herrings to keep the detective constable and the reader guessing.”
Publishers Weekly

“A fine sense of place, a compelling dual story line, and a cast of sympathetic, well-drawn characters give this small-town police procedural plenty of appeal.”
Booklist

“A small masterpiece in a charming series.”
Toronto Globe and Mail

Evan Only Knows

“British police procedurals don’t get better than this.”
Allreaders.com

Evans to Betsy

“Bowen deftly and humorously weaves the various plot threads into an entertaining whole. This is a series that consistently charms.”
Publishers Weekly

“A welcome addition to a charming series.”
Library Journal

Evan Can Wait

“Lots of people write small-town mysteries, perhaps because they seem so easy to do, but few of them get it as right as Bowen does. Readers expecting hard-boiled intensity should look elsewhere, but fans of light, entertaining mysteries, with an emphasis on appealing characters and intriguing plots will be thrilled.”
—David Pitt, Booklist

“Few writers are capable of this deft combination of dark and light. This is a pitch-perfect book, which will charm you in one sentence, chill you in the next.”
—Laura Lippman, winner of the Edgar, Shamus, Anthony and Agatha Awards

“Denser and more detailed than Evan’s first four adventures, but the action is crisp, the small-town atmosphere and characters as appealing as ever. Though Evan’s superiors are as usual unimpressed, his coterie of fans will be pleased—and enlarged.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Rhys Bowen textures Evan Can Wait with a carefully wrought and emotionally powerful backstory of a Northern Welsh slate mining community enduring World War II. The past echoes into the present, giving Llanfair an expanded stage, and produces a darker and weightier book where both Constable Evans and teacher Bronwen reveal more emotional depth than hitherto seen. The brash Betsy keeps the series’ trademark humor alive as she preens and schemes to be a film star during a documentary intended to dramatize the flotation of a downed Nazi airplane. Series fans will be pleased with a maturing cast that does not discard the elements that made them fans in the first place.”
—Barbara Peters, Poisoned Pen Bookstore

“Rhys Bowen just keeps getting better. Her tiny corner of Wales is lovingly created and Constable Evans is its national treasure.”
—Margaret Maron, award-winning author