A review by danreadsitall
Royal Gambit by Daniel O'Malley

funny mysterious reflective tense medium-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

4.25

 While my opinion on certain institutions and places is known, I do enjoy a good mystery. Daniel O'Malley gives us a supernatural one with the Prince of Wales found dead in a locked room. Out 15 July 2025, thanks for the copy Hachette Audio.

Alexandria Dennis-Palmer-Hudson-Gilmore -Garnsey has had very little control of her life since her parents sold her to the Checquy at the age of six. But since then she has been an agents of a secret British agency that deals with supernatural phenomena. One that has been inserted into aristocratic life since her abilities are not as visually as overt as some. With the murder of the crown prince "Alix" is now pushed into more of a public role as her relationship with the Royals changes. Really messes with her career goals. Least there is a quokka.

Narrated by Moira Quirk, always a pleasure to hear from you. And some of the confrontations are fantastic.

Reasons to read:
-Weird powers
-Yea I could definitely see the British government doing that
-Some interesting bits about how things are done when certain folks die
-I'd fight for a Greggs to be nearby for a reasonably priced sausage roll
-Didn't expect the quokka

Cons:
-Someone could turn into that the whole time?!?!