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A review by bargainsleuth
A Murder at Balmoral by Chris McGeorge
5.0
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Imagine a world where King Edward VIII did the right thing and threw off Wallis Simpson and married a “suitable” bride. What resulted, and who came to the throne following that partnership, is part of the fun of this alternative historical fiction mystery. You know me, I couldn’t resist a book about the House of Windsor, even though it’s completely speculative. So is The Crown on Netflix, to some degree.
In keeping with the Agatha Christie spirit of a locked room mystery, the royal family has gathered at Balmoral for the Christmas holidays and sent the majority of the staff away. The head of security and the head chef are really the only non-royals present when the king is discovered poisoned. And oh, did I mention that there’s a blizzard going on outside so no one can get in or out of the estate?
I had a few issues with the book, like the fact that it was at this Christmas celebration that King Eric was going to announce his successor and heir to the throne. Apparently, King Edward VIII shook things up and changed how succession to the British throne works. But that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the mystery.
Even though I was able to guess the murderer, I wasn’t sure about all the details. Most of the royals have secrets that slowly dribble out over the course of the book, and the twists in the novel left me guessing the motive for the murder.
This was an enjoyable, alternative royal family romp in the spirit of Christie. Recommend!
Imagine a world where King Edward VIII did the right thing and threw off Wallis Simpson and married a “suitable” bride. What resulted, and who came to the throne following that partnership, is part of the fun of this alternative historical fiction mystery. You know me, I couldn’t resist a book about the House of Windsor, even though it’s completely speculative. So is The Crown on Netflix, to some degree.
In keeping with the Agatha Christie spirit of a locked room mystery, the royal family has gathered at Balmoral for the Christmas holidays and sent the majority of the staff away. The head of security and the head chef are really the only non-royals present when the king is discovered poisoned. And oh, did I mention that there’s a blizzard going on outside so no one can get in or out of the estate?
I had a few issues with the book, like the fact that it was at this Christmas celebration that King Eric was going to announce his successor and heir to the throne. Apparently, King Edward VIII shook things up and changed how succession to the British throne works. But that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the mystery.
Even though I was able to guess the murderer, I wasn’t sure about all the details. Most of the royals have secrets that slowly dribble out over the course of the book, and the twists in the novel left me guessing the motive for the murder.
This was an enjoyable, alternative royal family romp in the spirit of Christie. Recommend!