Murder Most Royal by SJ Bennett
In this SJ Bennett’s third outing for Her Majesty the Queen, Murder Most Royal, Lilibet is back doing what she does best, solving murders. Only this time, it’s Christmas and we in north Norfolk, at Sandringham, in a particularly brisk winter, where the Queen and family hope to have some much needed down time. But, of course, as we’re beginning to find out in this ever expanding series, the Queen never get’s any time off and, as quick as you can say candlemas, we have our first murder. And not just of anyone, but a distant relative to the Queen herself, Edward St. Cyr.
Bennett, through her meticulous research, brings the countryside and the numerous estates to life and populates them with families and the usual assortment of secondary characters we’ve come to expect. There’s the eccentric and quirky, the shady and the secretive. And then, of course, there’s our favourite assistant personal secretary, Rozie Oshodi, back in the saddle and riding tall aiding the Queen at every turn of the page.
Along with a great deal of subterfuge, there’s plenty of wit, snark, and snappy dialogue which, at times, had me smiling as wide as a Norfolk broad. Especially the little tête-à-têtes between the Queen and Phillip, which are always a delight. We also have Anne and Charles filling out the roster at Sandringham, along with a slew of assorted guest and royals, as the Queen holds court all the while trying to connect together the puzzle pieces.
It’s Bennett’s vivid descriptions, attention to detail without overwhelming the reader, and her knack for weaving an intricate trail of clues amongst the lies, deceit, and red herrings, that will have you page turning to find out who the killer is, and more importantly, why.
It was rather poignant and a little sad reading this one, knowing that it was finished just days before the Queen’s passing. But also joyous in knowing the author has at least two more installments yet to come, and promises to keep the series going as long as she can. All of which makes me happy to know. I can’t wait for the next in the series, A Death In Diamonds which, for me, will be out in Feb 2025.
Long may Lilibet reign.
MURDER MOST ROYAL Book 3 in Her Majesty the Queen Investigates Author: SJ Bennett Publisher: William Morrow ISBN: 9780063307926 Genre: Murder-Mystery