Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
| Character | 6 – I sort of like a few characters
| Atmosphere | 7 – Setting is pretty good
| Writing | 8 – Very good
| Plot | 8 – A little different, I liked it
| Intrigue | 7 – I want to read more from this author/series
| Logic | 8 – I totally understand this world
| Enjoyment | 8 – I had a good time
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
adventurous
informative
mysterious
relaxing
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
Lovely margining of the early reign of Elizabeth II.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This series is one of my favourites of the last five years. A mystery series where Queen Elizabeth II solves crimes? Sign. Me. Up. I loved the first three books in the series, each had their own charm. However, this fourth book may just be my favourite. While the others are set in the 2010s, A Death in Diamonds is set in the 1950s. We have a young Elizabeth and Philip in Paris and London at a time when British society is changing rapidly, and it is fascinating to see the changes through their eyes.
I also love that this murder mystery poked around more in the aristocracy and the clergy. A lot of historical fiction set in the twentieth century focuses on the Windsor family but both of these groups had substantial standing in this period.
This is not a cosy mystery series in my opinion, and I love that. It means that there is a bit more meat to the mystery and slightly more character development! (That’s not a shot at cosies, either- I just don’t find myself reaching for them very often anymore.) Bennett fleshes out her story beyond the Royal Family and builds her world in Chelsea so well.
This is one of my favourite books of 2024! And will be out soon in North America!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I also love that this murder mystery poked around more in the aristocracy and the clergy. A lot of historical fiction set in the twentieth century focuses on the Windsor family but both of these groups had substantial standing in this period.
This is not a cosy mystery series in my opinion, and I love that. It means that there is a bit more meat to the mystery and slightly more character development! (That’s not a shot at cosies, either- I just don’t find myself reaching for them very often anymore.) Bennett fleshes out her story beyond the Royal Family and builds her world in Chelsea so well.
This is one of my favourite books of 2024! And will be out soon in North America!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed the first 3 books and this is set in 1957
Its a cosy enjoyable murder mystery :)
Its a cosy enjoyable murder mystery :)
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
This is a new series to me, but I honestly thought this was a standalone novel. I will be going back to read the previous three.
I loved this version of Queen Elizabeth. I love that, while it shows her grappling with her duty as monarch as well as a mother and wife, there is also the element of her being a woman. She wants to know what is going on with her husband, with her children, but doesn’t forget that she must be on her guard as Queen.
I hope Joan continues into the next novel. I found her to be the most compelling character of the story. The true historical components are well researched. There’s so many more that I hope the author includes.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
I loved this version of Queen Elizabeth. I love that, while it shows her grappling with her duty as monarch as well as a mother and wife, there is also the element of her being a woman. She wants to know what is going on with her husband, with her children, but doesn’t forget that she must be on her guard as Queen.
I hope Joan continues into the next novel. I found her to be the most compelling character of the story. The true historical components are well researched. There’s so many more that I hope the author includes.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.