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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.
viking_bookworm's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
daameliiie's review against another edition
1.0
(Disclaimer: I know that this book is moderately loved, and that’s absolutely valid. I can understand why… this is just a rant, meant to be funny
boitevide's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
pocketfulofprinting's review against another edition
2.0
I need to put my thoughts down while they're still top of mind. When I first picked up The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett, the synopsis sounded fresh and original. This is mystery-lite, which I'm completely down with, but the pacing was slow, the stakes were low, and the revelations didn't engage.
The gist of the story (and I'm guessing the theme of a future ongoing series) is Her Majesty The Queen, along with her assistant secretary, take it upon themselves to solve a murder that happened inside the walls of Windsor Castle following a "dine and sleep." The actual authorities appear to be on the wrong track and Queen Elizabeth, over the course of the novel, neatly steers them back.
Bennett clearly did her research and portrays a realistic portrait of the Queen, Prince Philip, and the royal goings-on at various palaces. In real life, Queen Elizabeth is famous for her soft power, diplomatic skills, and non-partisanship and these traits follow the Queen into the book. However, they make for a very boring lead character in a murder mystery novel. I would be willing to suspend belief if it allowed the Queen to have more agency and an active role in the solving of this mystery. Between galas, horse shows, and privy council meetings, she primarily makes suggestions to Rozie Oshodie (her assistant secretary) on who to interview and Oshodie does all the legwork. When Oshodie does find something of note, they then have a non-discussion discussion about it. Never explicitly mentioning what they're really talking about.
The final reveal is a surprise, not because of what it reveals, but by how little I cared (I feel terrible saying that!) The reader is never given the chance to guess the outcome for themselves because the murder players were underdeveloped and one of them comes out of left field. Ultimately, I would try her next book because the concept has a lot of promise. However, I would like to see the Queen take an active role and not be a passive presence sitting in her plush palace. I think it would be more fascinating if they took her back to the '50s-'70s and she could really flex some detective skills! The book hints that she's been solving mysteries for decades, so I'm ready to see it.
The gist of the story (and I'm guessing the theme of a future ongoing series) is Her Majesty The Queen, along with her assistant secretary, take it upon themselves to solve a murder that happened inside the walls of Windsor Castle following a "dine and sleep." The actual authorities appear to be on the wrong track and Queen Elizabeth, over the course of the novel, neatly steers them back.
Bennett clearly did her research and portrays a realistic portrait of the Queen, Prince Philip, and the royal goings-on at various palaces. In real life, Queen Elizabeth is famous for her soft power, diplomatic skills, and non-partisanship and these traits follow the Queen into the book. However, they make for a very boring lead character in a murder mystery novel. I would be willing to suspend belief if it allowed the Queen to have more agency and an active role in the solving of this mystery. Between galas, horse shows, and privy council meetings, she primarily makes suggestions to Rozie Oshodie (her assistant secretary) on who to interview and Oshodie does all the legwork. When Oshodie does find something of note, they then have a non-discussion discussion about it. Never explicitly mentioning what they're really talking about.
The final reveal is a surprise, not because of what it reveals, but by how little I cared (I feel terrible saying that!) The reader is never given the chance to guess the outcome for themselves because the murder players were underdeveloped and one of them comes out of left field. Ultimately, I would try her next book because the concept has a lot of promise. However, I would like to see the Queen take an active role and not be a passive presence sitting in her plush palace. I think it would be more fascinating if they took her back to the '50s-'70s and she could really flex some detective skills! The book hints that she's been solving mysteries for decades, so I'm ready to see it.
kellyann87's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
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It’s been a while since I’ve read or listened to anything having to do with the British royal family, and it was time to remedy that. The Windsor Knot is the first book in a new series where Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries.
I really didn’t know that I needed a book where Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries like a royal Miss Marple until I read the synopsis. What surprised me after reading the blurb is that this idea hasn’t been done before. It’s a perfect fit. A cozy mystery is the perfect type of fiction book starring the grandmotherly queen.
For the most part, The Windsor Knot works well as a mystery. Obviously, the queen can’t go tramping around looking for clues. She has to rely on Rozie Oshodi, her private secretary, to get the information and bring it back to her for dissemination. It’s very realistic in that regard. And all the while Elizabeth II is doing everything she normally does, including directing the palace’s activities, public appearances, greeting President Obama, and dealing with her family. Even with the mystery in her lap, she still has time for her horses.
I thought the humor in the book was an excellent addition to an otherwise pedestrian mystery. The story alternates POV between the queen and Rozie, and while I found Rozie very capable at her job, I had a hard time connecting with her. I much preferred to be inside the queen’s head, especially when she discusses the case with her husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh. In this story, Prince Philip is some of the comic relief, much like he was in real life, making off-the-cuff remarks that occasionally ruffled feathers. He’s got some real doozies in this book:
“Last thing you want is to be discovered in a royal palace with your goolies out.”
“Philip.”
“No, I mean it. No wonder everyone’s keeping it hush hush. That, and protecting your fragile nerves.”
The Queen threw him a look. “They forget. I’ve lived through a world war, that Ferguson girl, and you in the navy.”
That’s just one example of the great banter written in The Windsor Knot. The rest of the book has crisp dialogue that advances the story well. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of the royal family and enjoy cozy mysteries.
It’s been a while since I’ve read or listened to anything having to do with the British royal family, and it was time to remedy that. The Windsor Knot is the first book in a new series where Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries.
I really didn’t know that I needed a book where Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries like a royal Miss Marple until I read the synopsis. What surprised me after reading the blurb is that this idea hasn’t been done before. It’s a perfect fit. A cozy mystery is the perfect type of fiction book starring the grandmotherly queen.
For the most part, The Windsor Knot works well as a mystery. Obviously, the queen can’t go tramping around looking for clues. She has to rely on Rozie Oshodi, her private secretary, to get the information and bring it back to her for dissemination. It’s very realistic in that regard. And all the while Elizabeth II is doing everything she normally does, including directing the palace’s activities, public appearances, greeting President Obama, and dealing with her family. Even with the mystery in her lap, she still has time for her horses.
I thought the humor in the book was an excellent addition to an otherwise pedestrian mystery. The story alternates POV between the queen and Rozie, and while I found Rozie very capable at her job, I had a hard time connecting with her. I much preferred to be inside the queen’s head, especially when she discusses the case with her husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh. In this story, Prince Philip is some of the comic relief, much like he was in real life, making off-the-cuff remarks that occasionally ruffled feathers. He’s got some real doozies in this book:
“Last thing you want is to be discovered in a royal palace with your goolies out.”
“Philip.”
“No, I mean it. No wonder everyone’s keeping it hush hush. That, and protecting your fragile nerves.”
The Queen threw him a look. “They forget. I’ve lived through a world war, that Ferguson girl, and you in the navy.”
That’s just one example of the great banter written in The Windsor Knot. The rest of the book has crisp dialogue that advances the story well. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of the royal family and enjoy cozy mysteries.