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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
In 1957 London, Queen Elizabeth II enlists ex-code breaker Joan McGraw to uncover sabotage within the court and to help solve a murder mystery that threatens the monarchy’s reputation.
I adore this series! I appreciate the author’s attentiveness to historical detail in incorporating actual events into the story. They give the book a feeling of verisimilitude that might otherwise be lacking, given the premise. The characters are fascinating and well constructed. The mystery is compelling and full of twists. The novel is entertaining and the audiobook narration perfectly suited to the subject.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I adore this series! I appreciate the author’s attentiveness to historical detail in incorporating actual events into the story. They give the book a feeling of verisimilitude that might otherwise be lacking, given the premise. The characters are fascinating and well constructed. The mystery is compelling and full of twists. The novel is entertaining and the audiobook narration perfectly suited to the subject.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love the characters of Queen Elizabeth and her personal secretary, Joan. I love the blend of actual historical events with fiction in the story, but the pacing of the book is uneven.
Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this book and audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was wondering how, and if, this series would continue after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The previous three books were set in the 2000s, but now S.J. Bennet has pivoted and set this book back in the 1950s, during the early years of the queen’s reign. I’m actually glad about that, as it means that many more mysteries are possible!
This book involves the murder of a “lady of the night,” which I prefer rather than simply saying call girl. The way in which Queen Elizabeth finds out about this murder and becomes interested in finding the killer is just beautifully done, absolutely expert writing.
As usual, we get glimpses into royal life, both public and private, and the lives of those who work for the palace. I do have to say I enjoyed Princess Margaret quite a bit when she appears; the portrayal is definitely something we’ve all heard about the princess, providing some humor and bite to the story.
This is one of those series where you just sit back and enjoy the cozy mystery that ensues. The characterizations are well-drawn, from what we know of the royal family, as well as the staffers. The how and why and most importantly, the who murdered the young lady are entirely plausible, which made me enjoy this book even more.
Samantha Bond narrates, and as usual, she’s absolutely everything this book needs. She provides a respectful, endearing portrayal of the queen and those around her. She’s perfect for this series.
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
slow-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:
Complicated
~3.5 stars rounded up. Very detailed regarding historical context as well as for the fictional plot. I did however get very confused around characters as they're called by their given names, aristocratic titles, and nicknames in different contexts so it was difficult to keep up that despite what they were called we were talking about the same few people.
I really enjoyed reading the interactions between Joan and HM as well as between Elizabeth I and Phillip.
I really enjoyed reading the interactions between Joan and HM as well as between Elizabeth I and Phillip.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual content
I always enjoy this series, this one felt a little more convoluted than the others though. I enjoyed the change of period and the introduction of Joan. Looking forward to the next one to see what comes next!
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Murder
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
1957. The body of a female escort, wearing a diamond tiara, is discovered with an older dead man, in a bedroom of a mews house near Buckingham Palace. But how and why were they killed and by whom. Inspector Fred Darbishire investigates but the Queen takes an interest with the help from her APS Joan McGraw. But is someone trying to undermine the Queen.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery, the first I have read of this series which can easily be read as a standalone story with its interesting characters.
A well-written and entertaining historical mystery, the first I have read of this series which can easily be read as a standalone story with its interesting characters.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexism, Xenophobia, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Colonisation, Classism
Minor: Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Vomit, Kidnapping