You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
A very enjoyable series, this time featuring a younger HRH Elizabeth II in her thirties with three young children who finds herself at a challenging political turning point for the UK. She is advised on Royal matters by her father’s old courtiers “the men in moustaches”, until happenstance intervenes and she meets Joan McGraw an ex-Bletchley code breaker. This coincides with the gruesome Chelsea Murders taking place that may indicate a connection or two to the Royal Household so they join forces to secretly investigate and prove to be a formidable team.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-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:
No
It kinda feels like an episode of The Crown mixed with some Agatha Christie and I love it. I like the multiple focus, it helps you feel more connected with the characters.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm honestly obsessed with this series. It can do no wrong.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A murder of a sex worker and her mysterious client in Chelsea, threats to the queens wellbeing posed as coincidences, prince Phillip is MIA the night of the murder. What is the queen to do? Solve the mysteries of course and aid MI5 and the local police to bring about justice.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I completely enjoyed this newest in the Queen Investigates series. Having read the others I was excited for this but was confused when I realized it wasn’t set when the others were, late in the Queen’s life, but in 1957. At first I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it but was quickly reassured and I would say I liked it even more than the previous books in the series.
It felt a little like The Crown and I loved this trip back to those days and the history. One of the highlights was the clever way the author combined true historical events with the fictional murder mystery story.
I very rarely listen to audiobooks and have struggled in the past with the narration ruining the story for me on other books. In contrast, the narrator of this audiobook, Samantha Bond, highly improved the reading experience. I loved all the subtle changes in her accents, from the crisp British of the upper crust royalty to the rougher lower cast and even the occasional American. 5 stars for the narrator.
It felt a little like The Crown and I loved this trip back to those days and the history. One of the highlights was the clever way the author combined true historical events with the fictional murder mystery story.
I very rarely listen to audiobooks and have struggled in the past with the narration ruining the story for me on other books. In contrast, the narrator of this audiobook, Samantha Bond, highly improved the reading experience. I loved all the subtle changes in her accents, from the crisp British of the upper crust royalty to the rougher lower cast and even the occasional American. 5 stars for the narrator.
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A Death in Diamonds is a captivating addition to the Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series, blending royal intrigue, historical depth, and a sharp-witted mystery. Set in 1957, Queen Elizabeth II faces political challenges and a cleverly plotted murder mystery, making for an engaging read for fans of historical and cosy crime fiction.
As Elizabeth navigates her reign, she contends with her late father’s courtiers—whom Prince Philip dubs the 'men in moustaches'—who may be working against her. When two gruesome murders occur in Chelsea, someone close to the Queen uses her as an alibi, pulling her into the case. Determined to uncover the truth, she enlists Joan McGraw, an ex-Bletchley Park codebreaker, as her discreet and intelligent ally.
Bennett’s writing is elegant, witty, and impeccably researched, capturing the Queen’s intelligence, dry humour, and deep sense of duty. The inclusion of McGraw adds fresh intrigue, bringing an espionage element to the royal sleuthing. The murder mystery is compelling, enriched with historical detail and a richly atmospheric 1950s London.
A Death in Diamonds is another triumph for Bennett, seamlessly weaving history and crime. The Queen proves once again that she was far more than a figurehead—she was a quiet force to be reckoned with. Fans will adore this latest outing, while newcomers will be eager to explore the series.
A thoroughly enjoyable and elegant whodunnit—long may this series reign!