kmyr1123's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death
littleredhat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was the ideal time to read this book due to the upcoming Platinum Jubilee. It's a classic "cosy crime" novel, with a royal flavour - Miss Marple with a crown, if you will - and with political sprinkles throughout, too. The concept of the Queen as hidden detective is amusing, and yet, not completely unbelievable. S.J. Bennett's portrayal of Her Majesty is respectful but realistic, and her fictional self, along with Rozie, are very likeable protagonists. I was reminded somewhat of another royal portrayal by a different Bennett, in "The Uncommon Reader".
I always struggle to piece together "whodunnits" (I can never solve them!), but the ending brings everything together perfectly and cleverly, as the genre demands. It's a relatively quick and light read with moments of tension, but which never completely crosses the line into "thriller" territory.
Moderate: Murder and Death
purplepenning's review against another edition
3.75
Moderate: Kidnapping, Murder, Drug abuse, Death, Drug use, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Suicide, and Alcohol
kassidypf13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Minor: Drug use, Murder, Death, and Drug abuse
wolfthorn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Minor: Addiction, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Murder, Racism, Sexual content, Suicide, and Violence
thealienamongus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Death, Murder, Sexual content, and Suicide
linesiunderline's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
What I liked:
- the characterization of the Queen - she was just as I imagine she might be IRL: smart, direct, thoughtful, witty, loyal, warmer than you expect
- sneaking an insider type peek into the workings of palace life
- every scene with HRH and Philip
- Rozie Oshodi: I look forward to getting to know her better in subsequent books, she is whip smart and tough
Howevers
- uneven pacing
- elements of the mystery were a bit hard to keep track of at times
- I’d have liked even more face time with HRH. Every scene she was in was satisfying.
So I’ll be happily reading on as this series continues. I hope there are more Corgis, more references to the family, more tea and cocktails, and most of all more time with Lillibet.
Moderate: Death and Murder
charlottesomewhere's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Grief, Murder, and Violence
echoingtales's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Minor: Death of parent, Death, Drug use, Murder, Self harm, Sexism, and Suicide attempt
miserablesplendor's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Death