Above the Bay of Angels

Author: Rhys Bowen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Amazon Publishing, 2020
Pages: 348
Rating: Highly Recommend

Synopsis: Isabella Waverly only means to comfort the woman felled on a London street. In her dying moments, she thrusts a letter into Bella's hand. It's an offer of employment in the kitchens of Buckingham Pace, 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: Light on historical fact, but what a story. I never cared to go to the French Riviera before, but please, sign me up. I love Bowen's choice of settings. She truly brings each one to life.

I was expecting something along the lines of Downton Abbey, and life below stairs. Bowen delivered.