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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Infidelity, War
This was my first foray into SJ Bennett’s with the Queen as investigator. Set in the 1950s, two people are found murdered in a mews house in close proximity of Buckingham Palace. In true sensational fashion, the young woman who is found murdered, is reported in the press as the Tart in the tiara. The murdered man has a shady past and the police attempt to identify him. The parallel story is of the young Queen who is undertaking State visits where things don’t go according to plan. Is someone trying to sabotage her Majesty? SJ Bennett weaves the investigation through the official channels with Fred Darbishire and the unofficial ones with a young woman, Joan McGraw employed by the Palace.
I loved the descriptions about the Queen’s gown fittings with the fashion designers, the big names of the screen and stage in the 1950s and the backdrop of the political stories of the day including the Suez crisis. The social norms of the day (the classism, sexism etc) are seamlessly incorporated into the tale with intricate detail. A thoroughly intelligent and enjoyable read.
Found the various nobleman to be confusing and the murderer and her reason to be implausible. However, enjoyed the insights into Queen Elizabeth.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Honestly I really do love this series !
It’s such an easy cosy listen, with great characters, plots and the want to find out what happens.
I hope there will be another in the series !?
It’s such an easy cosy listen, with great characters, plots and the want to find out what happens.
I hope there will be another in the series !?
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thoroughly enjoy this series of mysteries by SJ Bennett. I loved the first three in which Queen Elizabeth II and her Assistant Private Secretary work behind the scenes to assist the police in solving murders c 2016. The fourth book switches gears and takes us to the much younger Queen Elizabeth c 1957 when the Queen is still adjusting to her status as queen and being advised by the mustaches or the old guard advisers relied on by her father who do not necessarily have the young queen’s best interests at heart. Enter a new APS, Joan McGraw, a young Irishwoman whose father is a doorkeeper at Oxford and who served the war effort at Bletchley Park and other secret endeavors (read: smart but not the same class as other courtiers, who are bothered by Joan’s close relations with the Queen, who cares more about Joan’s brain than her pedigree. When there is a murder in the mews home rented by a high level member of the government and court, potentially involving those close to the queen, she and Joan work behind the scenes to assist the police in solving the murder. This book was every bit as satisfying as its predecessors- the new crew is engaging and interesting - I have already pre ordered the next installment.