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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
4.5
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.
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.