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rae5tar's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I’m not really into British novels or novels set in England, but I learned a quite a bit about the monarchy while also having a laugh or two, and bonus-it’s a murder mystery-making it an enjoyable read.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett takes us back to April of 2016 in London where Queen Elizabeth II hosted a soiree the night before at Windsor Castle. Her Majesty was stunned when she was informed that the pianist was found dead in his room and the details are quite salacious. At first blush it looked like an accidental death, but it is soon discovered that the musician was murdered. When the police begin looking at the household staff, Queen Elizabeth feels she must do something to assist. What most people do not know is that Queen Elizabeth has a flair for solving mysteries. It is a secret that Queen Elizabeth would like kept. Her Majesty sets out to learn who killed the musician without anyone being the wiser. The synopsis for The Windsor Knot had me excited. I thought the author captured Windsor Castle, the staff, and how a royal household is run (especially the number of staff it takes to run the large household). She also captured Queen Elizabeth (or how I imagine her) with her concerns for her royal duties, her dry wit, her keen intelligence, and her formal manner of speech. I thought the story, though, lacked depth and I did not like the way the book started. The book begins after the pianist has died. I felt the story should have begun before the party and led up to his death. It would have provided the tale with a better flow. The mystery was interesting. It was thought out and unique. It was clever how the crime was pulled off. I enjoyed solving this whodunit. However, I felt that the mystery was not at the forefront of the book. It gets pushed aside for Queen Elizabeth’s duties and engagements. The Windsor Knot has an intriguing and original premise (Queen Elizabeth as a sleuth). I just felt the book missed the mark. I would like the focus to be on Queen Elizabeth solving the mystery instead of her royal duties. The story also needed more action to spice up the pacing. I enjoyed the interesting facts about Windsor Castle and the royal family. The Windsor Knot will appeal to anglophiles and those who enjoy gently paced cozy mysteries.
sarah_sapphire's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was an interesting take on a detective story, lighthearted in tone and interesting how the mystery was woven together.
ahtrip's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Jolly good
evaalice's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.75
kirby_reads's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.0
brookiek08's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book! So funny and was a great read for the commute. One star off as I did get a little confused with the murder but managed to get back on track. Would definitely recommend as something different.
mctmama's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Her Majesty the Queen has an event at Windsor Castle, and much to everyone's surprise, a young Russian pianist that entertained all the guests is found dead in the morning in a compromising manner. Instead of letting MI5 solve the case, the Queen has some thoughts of her own, and uses her new personal secretary to help tie up the loose ends and solve the murder. An entertaining mystery, especially if you enjoy the Royal family.
yellowchairreader's review against another edition
2.0
Started with promise...loved it. Lost interest around 60% of the way in. Carried on reading as felt I was near the end but wasn't invested in the plot.