Above the Bay of Angels cover art

Above the Bay of Angels

A Novel

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Above the Bay of Angels

By: Rhys Bowen
Narrated by: Gemma Dawson
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About this listen

"...Sweeping and intimate, warm and gripping. I loved it!" (Louise Penny, number-one New York Times best-selling author of the Chief Inspector Gamache novels)

A single twist of fate puts a servant girl to work in Queen Victoria’s royal kitchen, setting off a suspenseful historical mystery by the New York Times best-selling author of The Tuscan Child and The Victory Garden.

Isabella Waverly only means to comfort the woman felled on a London street. In her final dying moments, she thrusts a letter into Bella’s hand. It’s an offer of employment in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, and everything the budding young chef desperately wants: an escape from the constrictions of her life as a lowly servant. In the stranger’s stead, Bella can spread her wings.

Arriving as Helen Barton from Yorkshire, she pursues her passion for creating culinary delights, served to the delighted Queen Victoria herself. Best of all, she’s been chosen to accompany the queen to Nice. What fortune! Until the threat of blackmail shadows Bella to the Riviera, and a member of the queen’s retinue falls ill and dies.

Having prepared the royal guest’s last meal, Bella is suspected of the poisonous crime. An investigation is sure to follow. Her charade will be over. And her new life will come crashing down - if it doesn’t send her to the gallows.

©2020 Janet Quin-Harkin, writing as Rhys Bowen (P)2020 Audible, Inc.
Cosy Historical Mystery Women's Fiction Fiction Royalty England Exciting
All stars
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I found the story different from the usual ‘Romance’ novel, to its credit.

My biggest problem was with the narrator. It stood out that UK English was not her forte. Ordinary words mispronounced was jarring. Other than that, well done.

Interesting read

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I adored this book. The narrator was brilliant and enjoyable to listen to. The story was captivating. A wonderful period drama. Thoroughly enjoyable.

excellent

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Light reading with a twist to keep it interesting. Nicely narrated. Historical setting and engaging characters.

Enjoyable, light and entertaining

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I loved this inventive story set toward the end of Queen Victoria's reign. The main character Bella struggled against the usual adverse conditions met by single women who wish to work with accomplishment, with admirable ability to stand up for herself. Brilliant ending!

An Extraordinary Tale

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This was a nice easy book to listen to, it's not going to blow you away but it's very enjoyable.

A solid 3 star book

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.