Thursday, February 9, 2023

Above the Bay of Angels - Book Review

 

girl in a garden
Above the Bay of Angels
Above the Bay of Angels is a stand-alone book by Rhys Bowen, an author that has best-selling books in her mystery series.  I had never read this author before but after reading this delightful historical mystery, I will be sure to look for more books by this author.  I found this book very intriguing.

The Book on Amazon

Below is a link to the book on Amazon if you should wish to purchase it.  If you are a member of Amazon Prime you will find it in the Kindle books you can read for no charge.


Book Summary

At the beginning of the book, you meet Bella a young girl who is sent into servitude when her mother dies, and her father can no longer support her and her sister.  In the years she is a servant she works her way up to working in the kitchen and becoming a cook.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Bella runs into a young woman in the streets of London who has been hit by a carriage.  As Bella comforts her the young woman thrust a letter into Bella's hand and then dies.  The letter contains an invitation to interview for Queen Victoria's cooking staff that very afternoon.  Bella is torn with what to do, but soon decides that the letter will do the young woman no good.  Bella poses as the young woman, Helen Barton and is able to obtain a position at Buckingham Palace.

Helen (Bella) carries on with her pretense and is able to find herself in favor with Queen Victoria in her cooking skills.  When one of the cooks cannot make a trip to Nice with the Queen's staff Helen (Bella) is able to make the trip.  Helen has some delightful adventures both with cooking and the people she meets in Nice.  A mystery ensues when one of the Queen's relatives is poisoned by some food.  When a detective from London is called in Bella fears her cover will be blown.  

The book is a wonderful, lighthearted mystery.  There are many cooking references, so if you are interested in food and cooking you will also enjoy this mystery.  I'll leave you now to read the book and find out if Bella finally finds peace and happiness.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


5 comments:

  1. This book sounds very intriguing, Mary Beth. I'm familiar with 'historical romance novels', but didn't realize there were 'historical mysteries'. A mystery in Buckingham Palace in the time of Queen Victoria sounds very interesting. Thanks for introducing me to author Rhys Bowen with this book. I'll certainly be checking out her books.

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  2. Sounds like a book I would love reading! I do love historical fiction and the fact that it centers around a cook is awesome in my opinion. I've never read a book written by Rhys Bowen either, so I especially appreciate this review. On my way to downloading it now to my Kindle. I can hardly wait to see what happens to Helen (Bella).

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  3. I have read a few of Rhys Bowen’s novels in one of her popular series and she’s an excellent writer. This story sounds absolutely delightful! Thanks so much for sharing your revoir this book, which I know I will enjoy.

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  4. This sounds like an intriguing historical mystery! Lovely setting in Buckingham Palace and the food references sound great. Now I wonder what happens to Bella...Thankyou for a great review and recommendation.

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  5. Sounds like a light read but an interesting read for sure - I love the combination of royalty, cooking and a mystery - that's pretty original!

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