Due to a few unfortunate twists of fate, Isabella Waverly goes from living a life of leisure as an aristocrat to working as a scullery made for a new-money family. Isabella is trying to find an escape from her new life of drudgery when she witnesses a woman being runover by a horse-drawn wagon in London. The woman – Helen Barton – was carrying an offer of employment to work as a cook in the royal kitchen. Knowing this may be her only chance, Isabella assumes Helen’s identity and is hired as a cook in Queen Victoria’s royal kitchen. Isabella does everything she can to learn more about cooking and soon discovers a talent at making pastries and other desserts. Things seem to be working out for Isabella when the threat of blackmail and the unfortunate poisoning of a royal threaten to expose her true identity.

ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS was an interesting, well researched novel. Rhys Bowen brings to life Victorian England and Nice – especially through the types of dishes that were served to Queen Victoria and the other royals as well as the servants who worked in the royal household. I was a little disappointed in the novel – the description of the novel makes it sound like it is a mystery novel. A royal dies after consuming a poisoned meal, and Isabella is the top suspect because she is the one who prepared the meal. It took a long time to get to the poisoning – a third or even a fourth of the way through the novel – and Isabella very quickly proved her innocence by finding the real killer. Even though the description of the novel implies there is a mystery, the mystery is not the main focus of the novel. The story up to the murder – even though it was interesting – dragged out for me. I’ve read nearly all of Rhys Bowen’s novels, and I can say that this is probably my least favorite simply because nothing overly exciting seems to happen throughout the middle chunk of the novel.

Rhys Bowen always writes an involving story full of great characters. She brings the Victorian era alive highly recommend this book.#netgalley#lakeunionpublishing,

Not my favorite of Bowen's many lovely novels, but enjoyable nonetheless. I would have liked the main character to have a little more personality, but the historical setting was quite interesting. The first 3/4 of the story meandered at a rather leisurely pace, and then everything seemed to speed up at the end.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

I did not enjoy this book as much as others from this Author. Bella as a main character was not a particularly likeable character, although her work ethic and tenacity was admirable... I still did not find myself rooting for her. I felt the ending to this story wrapped itself up like it was trying to tie a pretty bow, it was too convenient an ending and convoluted ending to a murder mystery that the main character didn't need to be the heroine of.

Getting ahead by finding a job as a cook in Queen Victorias Kitchen leads to a trip to Tuscany and a real page turner. Finding what makes you happy instead of rich. Something we can all learn from.

What an amazing writing style this author has.
The characters are well developed
The pace of the story is slow but the writing style makes up for that
My first novel by this author and certainly not my last

This is the first book I have read by Rhys Bowen and it certainly won't be the last. I loved this book and was sad to finish. It was one of those books that played out in my mind like a film, I felt so engaged and was drawn to the character of Bella, wanting her to succeed and find happiness. She is such a positive role model. I enjoyed the setting and history of the novel and it even had a good dose of a mystery and detective investigation. What a great mix. Highly recommended.

This is a fantastic historical novel. The first book that I have read by this author. Well researched and well written. Keeps the readers interest with a good story and great use of language. It may seem far fetched in some areas, but it is an escapist form of a novel. Brings several prominent historical figures to life and reading it reminds you of a Downton Abbeyesque period. A perfect novel for a lazy Sunday to unwind and relax.

I enjoyed Above the Bay of Angels. Frequently, not-too-heavy historical mysteries are a part of a series, and although I like to read them, I like the closure a stand-alone mystery brings.

Isabella Waverly is a cook working for Queen Victoria working under an assumed name. She ends up traveling to Nice. A murder occurs, and to prove herself innocent, she works to solve the mystery. The actual murder that takes place happens somewhat late in the novel; however, the story up to that point is not boring.

This author can seemingly write no wrong. You're pretty much guaranteed a book with her (if this genre is your thing). Great plot, well written characters, great style and ease of writing. Recommended.

I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!

An absolute delight! We are whisked into the Victorian age with no barriers, and taken into the Queen's life. There has obviously been a lot of research done by the author.
Isabella Waverly seizes a chance to work in the Queen's household as a junior cook. I liked her so much, unafraid to state her case, able to hold her own even when propositioned by the Monarch's son. Standing up for herself when she was thought to have administered a poisoned mushroom to a guest. Chatting to the Queen on almost equal terms. Of course she had the advantage of being from a noble family, although she is working under an assumed name.
The recipes described are so interesting and reminded me very much of my own copy of Mrs Beeton's recipe book, complete with the beautiful table decorations. The kitchen work with the many chefs was fascinating, and one felt as though one was there with them in the steamy crowded kitchens...but still producing delicate and appetising meals.
I enjoyed this book so much and am grateful to have had a review copy from NetGalley. Thank you.

Rhys Bowen is a master of the historical mystery and ABOVE THE BAY OF ANGELS in no exception. It is well researched and delightfully written. I felt as if I were living in the time of Queen Victoria as I was reading this novel. I enjoyed the inclusion of the culinary details as a bit of a foodie myself. They add to the story and the mystery is enthralling as well. It would make a good history book club selection and one could have a tea as well.

This is my first Rhys Bowen novel and I was completely taken by her writing style. You are immediately taken to Victorian England as soon as you start the first page. The book follows Isabella Waverly as she becomes employed as a cook to the Queen. The descriptions of the food will have you craving these dishes.

The characters are richly written, with good character development. This book is a slow burn, with the main conflict happening well after the half way mark. However, the story is so richly written you will keep the pages flying.

Isabella Waverly is from an aristocratic family, educated and comfortable in her childhood. Her mother dying and her father's drinking puts Bella into servitude. Becoming the lowest of maids, for a family of new money and no breeding is disgraceful. A chance accident on the street gives Bella the escape she needs. She has the opportunity to become an under cook at Buckingham Palace for Queen Victoria.

Of the many things that are well researched for this book is the food of the times. The foods others ate as well as what the Queen demanded. Rhys Bowen always comes through on her research and her books are based in Historical Fact and she is quite open about what fiction she added. Truly enjoyable!!

This is a Victorian Era mystery that I absolutely loved. A girl passes herself off as someone else and becomes a cook in Buckingham Palace where she cooks for the queen. Later she is suspected of murder and must figure out the truth of the matter. It was a quick read. I enjoyed the mystery and also the descriptions of the food.

An interesting take on the Victorian era, told from a unique perspective. Overlapping social classes and a hint of coming change, wrapped in what turns into an engaging mystery. A must read for fans of historical fiction.

Another charming Victorian-era adventure with a feisty, talented heroine. This one actually includes the ageing Queen and Empress, along with a well-drawn cast of characters from scullery maids to exalted royalty.
Put out to service at age fifteen by her drink-addled father, Bella Waverly has years of kitchen drudgery under her belt when a terrible accident changes her life. She witnesses an omnibus accident, and holds the hand of the dying young woman. Tasked with notifying Bucking ham Palace of the young woman's death - she had an interview as cook scheduled - Bella takes a huge risk and passes herself off as the young women, Helen Barton. And gets the job.
When her pastry chef boss is ill, Bella charms the Queen with her incomparable scones. It's not all scones and jam for Bella, as the real Helen Barton's scheming brother blackmails her. And the licentious Prince of Wales is charmed by her fiery red hair. Later she is included int he kitchen crew taken to Nice, on the French Riviera, where she has many adventures including being suspected of murder.
In typical Rhys Bowen fashion, the clues are subtle and the heroine find them in the nick of time. She also finds a variety of love (including the Prince of Wales version) interests, and the life of her dreams.

This book is an absolute gastronomic delight.I was very taken with the description of the food and cooking methods.Rhys Bowen needs to publish a cook book of all the food described in her books.
This story is about Bella Waverly who through a quirk of fate becomes Helen Barton.She ends up cooking for Queen Victoria and gets embroiled in a murder.
Lots of historical references but without the heaviness that sometimes accompanies historical fiction.
#netgalley#abovethebayofangels#rhysbowen