Reviews

The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett

lawstudentwhoreads24's review against another edition

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3.75

3.75 ⭐️ 
An okay read, the first part was definitely better compared to the second. The characters were engaging but was not sure about the mystery. Nevertheless enjoyed the regency element and excited to continue with the series. 

christym's review

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lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

matty2020's review

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This was a delightful read - a novel I happily devoured over a long lazy Sunday during my vacation. SJ Bennett has crafted a very clever story and used probably the most famous woman on the planet as her sleuth - Queen Elizabeth II - ably aided by Rosie Oshodi the Queen’s Assistant Private Secretary.

While of course a ‘whodunnit’ which is very well crafted - the novel is filled with nuggets of everyday life for the Queen and Prince Phillip - and much like ‘The Crown’ gives a warmth and sense of closeness and familiarity- in amongst the awful investigation of the murder of one her guests at Windsor Castle. It seems in this world the Queen is quite the amateur detective and has been solving crimes on the side since childhood.

The interaction of the Queen with her staff and general reflections on her daunting and busy schedule is just one of the things to love about this book. I’m hoping this is the first of many similar adventures for the Queen and Rosie - with the second in the series due later this year.

Gets my vote for a tremendously enjoyable read!

hygrpfrt's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

teneke's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

werona's review against another edition

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funny relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Do sięgnięcia po tę książkę przekonały mnie corgi, które są na okładce. Nie wiem czego się spodziewałam. Dostałam w porządku rozrywkę z w miarę ciekawym wątkiem kryminalnym. Nie czułam się jakoś bardzo wciągnięta w historie, ale jednocześnie nie była zła.

bargainsleuth's review against another edition

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4.0

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It’s been a while since I’ve read or listened to anything having to do with the British royal family, and it was time to remedy that. The Windsor Knot is the first book in a new series where Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries.

I really didn’t know that I needed a book where Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries like a royal Miss Marple until I read the synopsis. What surprised me after reading the blurb is that this idea hasn’t been done before. It’s a perfect fit. A cozy mystery is the perfect type of fiction book starring the grandmotherly queen.

For the most part, The Windsor Knot works well as a mystery. Obviously, the queen can’t go tramping around looking for clues. She has to rely on Rozie Oshodi, her private secretary, to get the information and bring it back to her for dissemination. It’s very realistic in that regard. And all the while Elizabeth II is doing everything she normally does, including directing the palace’s activities, public appearances, greeting President Obama, and dealing with her family. Even with the mystery in her lap, she still has time for her horses.

I thought the humor in the book was an excellent addition to an otherwise pedestrian mystery. The story alternates POV between the queen and Rozie, and while I found Rozie very capable at her job, I had a hard time connecting with her. I much preferred to be inside the queen’s head, especially when she discusses the case with her husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh. In this story, Prince Philip is some of the comic relief, much like he was in real life, making off-the-cuff remarks that occasionally ruffled feathers. He’s got some real doozies in this book:

“Last thing you want is to be discovered in a royal palace with your goolies out.”

“Philip.”

“No, I mean it. No wonder everyone’s keeping it hush hush. That, and protecting your fragile nerves.”

The Queen threw him a look. “They forget. I’ve lived through a world war, that Ferguson girl, and you in the navy.”

That’s just one example of the great banter written in The Windsor Knot. The rest of the book has crisp dialogue that advances the story well. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of the royal family and enjoy cozy mysteries.

ennasa's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0

hollyarchi's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

kae_h's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0