Author: S. J. Bennett
Series: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates (Book 5)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (November 11, 2025)
Description: Amateur sleuth Queen Elizabeth II is back on the case in 1960s England in the fifth installment of this historical mystery series the New York Times Book Review calls “sheer entertainment,” perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Richard Osman.
1961, England.
The Queen is spending a night on board the royal train with her entourage and her sister, Princess Margaret. But before they reach their destination, an unreliable witness claims to have seen a brutal murder from one of the carriages.
The Queen and her assistant private secretary, Joan McGraw, get to work on their second joint investigation. No one else saw the crime. If there is a victim, could he be the missing photographer friend of Margaret’s new husband, Tony Armstrong Jones?
This time, the Cold War threatens to undermine the Queen’s upcoming visit to Italy. She and Joan must tackle dark forces that follow them all the way, in a tale of spies, lies, and treachery.
This charming mystery will be perfect for fans of The Crown and Miss Marple.
My Thoughts: It is 1961. The Queen is on the Royal train when Princess Margaret's temporary lady in waiting claims she sees a murder from the windows of the train. No one else saw the crime and Sandra Pole isn't the most reliable of witnesses.
However, Her Majesty recruits her Assistant Private Secretary Joan McGraw to look into the case. Joan has to fit it in between a Royal visit to Italy and the upcoming visit of the new American President John F. Kennedy to England.
The victim turns out to be a friend of Margaret's new husband Tony Armstrong-Jones. The victim seems to be involved in espionage as he seems to have been planning to get a Soviet defector into England using the Royal yacht as an escape vehicle.
I loved the way the Queen and Joan work around other members of the Royal Household and the intelligence services to keep Her Majesty's name out of the investigation despite her substantial help in solving the case.
I loved the historical detail in the story. The Space Race is heating up with the Soviets putting a man in space before the Americans can and, incidentally, leaving the Brits well behind.
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love getting comments. Let me know what you think.
This blog is now officially declared an Award Free zone! I do appreciate your kindness in thinking of me and I am humbled by your generosity.
Your comments are award enough for me. Comment away!