A Royal Murder by Verity Bright ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Lady Eleanor Swift has found herself once again embroiled in a murder. This time though she is asked to assist with the investigation - apparently, her reputation of being a decent sleuth is becoming known.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

February 2022; Bookouture; 978-1800195691
audio, ebook, print (288 pages); cozy mystery

Unfortunately, it isn't the good-looking chief inspector, the man who makes Ellie's heart flutter, that asked her to help with the murder investigation. In fact, Hugh Seldon is expressly forbidden to participate in the investigation by the head of the royal police. The murder victim is a minor member of the royal family and Sir Perceivial is adamant there will be no scandal and no leaks. This is why he's instructed Ellie to investigate.

This story is full of colorful characters. It's the decadent 1920s with posh sets of Bright Young Things. Bed hopping, gambling, and parties galore are the preoccupations of the day. It immediately starts off with meeting Ellie's new BFF Tipsy. You might think that you missed a book because it seems like we are picking up in a different place than where the series left off in the last book. But I checked and A Royal Murder is book 9 and I did read book 8 Death on a Winter's Day. 

While I have read most of this series - I haven't read the first two books - I don't think you necessarily have to have read the previous books to enjoy this cozy mystery. What you need to know about the regular characters is dribbled throughout the story to inform new readers and serve as a reminder to long-time readers.

For those rooting for Ellie and Hugh, there may be some progress on that front. However, since their slow-burn romance is usually one step forward and two steps back who knows how it will progress. At least, if begrudgingly, Hugh is coming to understand that he isn't going to stop Ellie from sleuthing. In all their awkwardness they really are perfect for each other - even if "polite" society thinks their stations are too mismatched.

The mystery is a good one. As I've said, the suspect characters are all quite colorful which adds some fun to the story. There are plenty of motives for wanting the young man dead, but are any of them actually motivated enough to kill? You'll have to read the book to find out whodunnit!

Buy A Royal Murder at Amazon

(Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read the ebook for FREE!)

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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