1957, England. Young Queen Elizabeth II is finding her way in postwar Europe, trying to repair friendships with foreign governments. Advised by her father's old courtiers, the Queen suspects that they may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her public appearances: that much she is sure of.
Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.
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| January 2025; Crooked Lane Books; 979-8892420907 audio, ebook, print (320 pages); mystery |
I didn't realize A Death in Diamonds is part of a series until I was reading the author notes at the end of the book. It is book 4 in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series. Obviously, it can be read on its own with no problems.
When I started it, I wasn't sure about the Queen being an amateur sleuth in a cozy mystery. I was relieved that she wasn't out gathering clues and interrogating suspects. It actually reads more like historical fiction rather than a true murder mystery.
There are two mysteries that the Queen wants solved.
First, there is the sabotage of her visit to Paris and attempts to mess up other public appearances. Who has it out for her?
Second, a "tart in a tiara" and a man are found murdered in a mews house in Chelsea. This murder is more of a curiosity for the Queen. I would liken her interest in the case to someone who is a true crime enthusiast. At least until there is a possible tie to someone in the royal household.
To help her with the sabotage, she enlists a young woman who has stepped in as the Assistant Private Secretary. Joan McGraw has an "interesting" war which is code for someone who can't speak of what they did during the war. A black mark on her record is the reason the Queen knows she is the perfect person to be her eyes and ears in the palace.
It was a lot of fun reading this book. I really like Joan. She's an accomplished woman but still has an air of innocence (and perhaps a touch of naivety) which makes her very endearing.
While most of the happenings in the book are fictional they felt like they really could have happened.
Bennett spun an entertaining tale and I can't wait to read in the series.
Buy A Death in Diamonds at Amazon
Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.
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