Reviews tagging 'Death'

El nudo Windsor by S.J. Bennett

17 reviews

ashleyjean6's review against another edition

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

3.5

An insane premise that actually worked. It's great on Audiobook! Not a ton of character development, but in a murder mystery that's not usually a strong point is it? But fun and different and definitely atmospheric. I'd read another one in the series! 

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kmyr1123's review against another edition

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

4.0


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littleredhat's review against another edition

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

4.0

During a dine and sleep at Windsor Castle, a Russian pianist, Maksim Brodsky, is found hanged in his wardrobe in a compromising manner. Due to his nationality, the police and M15 immediately suspect the involvement of Russian state-sanctioned spies, and/or the Queen's servants. But Her Majesty has other ideas. A secret sleuth from a young age, she enlists the help of her new secretary, Rosie Oshodi, to solve this mystery... but how can the monarch become involved in the investigation without being discovered?

This was the ideal time to read this book due to the upcoming Platinum Jubilee. It's a classic "cosy crime" novel, with a royal flavour - Miss Marple with a crown, if you will - and with political sprinkles throughout, too. The concept of the Queen as hidden detective is amusing, and yet, not completely unbelievable. S.J. Bennett's portrayal of Her Majesty is respectful but realistic, and her fictional self, along with Rozie, are very likeable protagonists. I was reminded somewhat of another royal portrayal by a different Bennett, in "The Uncommon Reader".

I always struggle to piece together "whodunnits" (I can never solve them!), but the ending brings everything together perfectly and cleverly, as the genre demands. It's a relatively quick and light read with moments of tension, but which never completely crosses the line into "thriller" territory.

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purplepenning's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

3.75


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kassidypf13's review against another edition

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

3.25


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wolfthorn's review against another edition

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lighthearted 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? No

3.0

I wanted an easy read and it was definitely that. I didn't expect the plot to be quite so intensely political, I expected something a lot lighter and more like a cosy mystery. It's incredibly fanciful and I think it would have been better if it was the Queen's first crime-solving experience. I also would have liked more scenes from her point of view, the ones with her and Prince Philip were the best ones. 

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thealienamongus's review against another edition

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

4.5


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linesiunderline's review against another edition

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

3.5

I went into this wanting to feel all the cozy feels, and by the end of the book, I think I got to the desired cozy level.

What I liked:
- the characterization of the Queen - she was just as I imagine she might be IRL: smart, direct, thoughtful, witty, loyal, warmer than you expect
- sneaking an insider type peek into the workings of palace life
- every scene with HRH and Philip
- Rozie Oshodi: I look forward to getting to know her better in subsequent books, she is whip smart and tough

Howevers
- uneven pacing
- elements of the mystery were a bit hard to keep track of at times
- I’d have liked even more face time with HRH. Every scene she was in was satisfying.

So I’ll be happily reading on as this series continues. I hope there are more Corgis, more references to the family, more tea and cocktails, and most of all more time with Lillibet.

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charlottesomewhere's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious 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? No
I just love the idea of the Queen pottering around solving crimes. I really enjoyed this one, the characters are brilliant, the mystery kept me guessing, it was funny and emotional. I'll definitely be reading more in this series. 

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echoingtales's review against another edition

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

2.5

Light-hearted fun, easy read

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