This review is for the audiobook version of What Happens in London, by Julia Quinn. This story was a lot of fun! Perfect for when you’re feeling stressed and need an escape. Lady Olivia Rutland hears a rumor about her new neighbor and begins spying on him. What she doesn’t know is that he’s a spy. Sir Harry Valentine works for the War Office, translating Russian documents. He notices his neighbor spying on him while he works and decides he should investigate.
There is a lot of humor in this book and it does a good job of keeping things light, even when a pigeon is pecking someone to death or a Russian prince seems menacing. Sir Harry and Lady Olivia are both likeable characters, with more depth than I expected and enough back story to be interesting.
I’m generally a fan of Julia Quinn and this book is no exception. It isn’t groundbreaking or amazing, but it’s well written and has an interesting story with characters you can care about, which is what I’m looking for in escapist fiction right now.
The reader does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, from a grouchy butler to a flighty cousin, each has personality and a distinct speaking style.
I remember this one as a lot of fun to read too – Ms Quinn does a good job of adding humour to her books.