Her Majesty The Queen Investigates
by SJ Bennett
#ADeathinDiamonds #NetGalley
A Death in Diamonds is the fourth entry in this most enjoyable series that offers readers Queen Elizabeth the sleuth, and what a talented detective she is. This title can be read on its own but readers will, I think, enjoy every one of the earlier books as well.
This time, a Bishop’s bolthole is the site of the murders of a couple seemingly having an assignation. The woman is wearing a valuable tiara that, it turns out, Princess Margaret had wanted to possess.
Who are these two? Why were they killed? Are their murders related to a series of subtle threats and annoyances that Queen Elizabeth has been facing? Is someone in the Queen’s most inner circle, in fact, unworthy of her trust?
As the Queen cannot do everything (after all, she has many other duties), she looks to help from her newest employee, the formidable Joan, to assist. The two communicate in varied ways, including by sending messages through what others will see as the frivolity of the Queen’s fashion.
What I most enjoy in this series is the reasonably plausible way in which the Queen’s life is portrayed. There are interactions between her and Philip and with Charles and Anne, the two children who are alive at the time that the story is set. The mysteries themselves also offer a fun read.
It is easy to recommend this title to Anglophiles and lovers of traditional mysteries. I look forward to the next in this series.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 January 2025
The audio book:
How fortunate listeners are to have actress Samantha Bond read this story. She carries the story along and is a delightful companion throughout the audio. I feel that her British intonation adds a sense of verisimilitude to the novel.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this excellent audio title.
All opinions are my own.
Look for reviews of these others in the series on my blog:
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 