A review by anhistorianabouttown
A Death in Diamonds by S.J. Bennett

informative 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

5.0

This series is one of my favourites of the last five years. A mystery series where Queen Elizabeth II solves crimes? Sign. Me. Up. I loved the first three books in the series, each had their own charm. However, this fourth book may just be my favourite. While the others are set in the 2010s, A Death in Diamonds is set in the 1950s. We have a young Elizabeth and Philip in Paris and London at a time when British society is changing rapidly, and it is fascinating to see the changes through their eyes. 
I also love that this murder mystery poked around more in the aristocracy and the clergy. A lot of historical fiction set in the twentieth century focuses on the Windsor family but both of these groups had substantial standing in this period. 
This is not a cosy mystery series in my opinion, and I love that. It means that there is a bit more meat to the mystery and slightly more character development! (That’s not a shot at cosies, either- I just don’t find myself reaching for them very often anymore.) Bennett fleshes out her story beyond the Royal Family and builds her world in Chelsea so well. 
This is one of my favourite books of 2024! And will be out soon in North America!


Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.