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lanalou's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Fun start to a new to me series
sindri_inn_arsaeli's review against another edition
4.0
I was very excited to win an ARC of this title in a GoodReads contest! I enjoy the cozy mystery genre, and was excited to see how the author would create a series involving the current Queen of England!
My verdict? Quite charming! I had wondered if the story would follow a young Queen Elizabeth solving cases in the past, but this first in a series sets up a backstory that the queen has depended on special staff throughout her long career to help her in her crime solving, and it is her current Assistant Personal Secretary's first case with the queen. The characters were interesting and dynamic. The author did a great job of using the prose to reflect the voice of the character on the spotlight in each chapter or subsection. The plot was convoluted enough for me to be engaged the whole time, trying to figure it out. And when it finally came to the solution, it did indeed seem like a knot unraveling! The stakes were appropriately high to involve the queen without crossing into the realm of real spy novels, where I would expect more professional crime solvers. All in all, a satisfying and solid step in a new series!
My verdict? Quite charming! I had wondered if the story would follow a young Queen Elizabeth solving cases in the past, but this first in a series sets up a backstory that the queen has depended on special staff throughout her long career to help her in her crime solving, and it is her current Assistant Personal Secretary's first case with the queen. The characters were interesting and dynamic. The author did a great job of using the prose to reflect the voice of the character on the spotlight in each chapter or subsection. The plot was convoluted enough for me to be engaged the whole time, trying to figure it out. And when it finally came to the solution, it did indeed seem like a knot unraveling! The stakes were appropriately high to involve the queen without crossing into the realm of real spy novels, where I would expect more professional crime solvers. All in all, a satisfying and solid step in a new series!
pewterwolf's review against another edition
4.0
Well, this was fun! A cosy murder mystery (I get why people say "Imagine The Crown meets Miss Marple"), but I completely get why some readers won't like this as, at times, a tad too cosy.
Full review might come up on The Pewter Wolf Reads in early-mid January 2021
***I bought a physical hardback copy of this, and it was after I read a good chunk of it that I realised that I had an eProof from the UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***
Full review might come up on The Pewter Wolf Reads in early-mid January 2021
***I bought a physical hardback copy of this, and it was after I read a good chunk of it that I realised that I had an eProof from the UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***
amymorrow017's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.5
sarahmrob's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
catherinew's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0