Above the Bay of Angels - by Rhys Bowen (Paperback)

About the Book

"A single twist of fate puts a servant girl to work in Queen Victoria's royal kitchen, setting off a suspenseful, historical mystery ... 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"--

Book Synopsis

"...Sweeping and intimate, warm and gripping. I loved it!" --Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling 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 bestselling 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.

Review Quotes

"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

"[Bowen] recreates her landscapes of 'Palace' and 'Kitchen' with great skill, and readers are drawn into the lives of the characters, as much is revealed even in the close quarters of the kitchen...A delightful way to learn more about food, its preparation and its presentation; and a tender love story." --Historical Novel Society

"Rhys Bowen is a gift to all who love great writing, rich and complex characters and a plot that grabs from first words. I dare you to put it down once you've read [the] opening sentence. Set in Nice, Bowen brings to life a little known and riveting episode in history--the annual visit of Queen Victoria to the French seaside town and the tumult that ensues. She takes us inside the royal court, inside the kitchens, through the eye of a junior chef, and into the towns and villages of the French Riviera. It is sweeping and intimate, warm and gripping. Above the Bay of Angels is a wonderful read that will stay with you long after the book is finished. I loved it!" --Louise Penny, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Chief Inspector Gamache novels