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apple_pie_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
aconnor's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ihateprozac's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
The Windsor Knot follows Queen Elizabeth II as she hosts a soiree at Windsor Castle, only to find a Russian pianist dead in the castle the next day. MI5 are quick to brand the death as auto-erotic asphyxiation gone awry but Lizzie isn't convinced, and she tries to solve the mystery without getting her husband or the authorities offside.
Given I'm not a monarchist, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this fictionalised view of Queen Lizzie and the inner workings of the Royal Family. I loved her inner monologue and how she railed against people viewing her as a feeble doddery old woman. She's incredibly sharp and is an expert at engineering things in such a way that people think it was their own idea, she isn't seen as interfering, and all the brittle male egos surrounding her remain intact.
I really liked her inner circle staffers too. They all felt like very distinct, real, fleshed out people and had back stories and lives that I could get invested in.
My main issue with this story is that I guess I wish it had been a bit.....cozier? It's far heavier on the geopolitical side than I would have expected, with a focus on espionage and Russian interference. I went in expecting more corgis and crumpets and just wasn't interested in MI5 and Putin. That is partly on me though and I would consider reading on in the series, but will adjust my expectations accordingly.
The Windsor Knot follows Queen Elizabeth II as she hosts a soiree at Windsor Castle, only to find a Russian pianist dead in the castle the next day. MI5 are quick to brand the death as auto-erotic asphyxiation gone awry but Lizzie isn't convinced, and she tries to solve the mystery without getting her husband or the authorities offside.
Given I'm not a monarchist, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this fictionalised view of Queen Lizzie and the inner workings of the Royal Family. I loved her inner monologue and how she railed against people viewing her as a feeble doddery old woman. She's incredibly sharp and is an expert at engineering things in such a way that people think it was their own idea, she isn't seen as interfering, and all the brittle male egos surrounding her remain intact.
I really liked her inner circle staffers too. They all felt like very distinct, real, fleshed out people and had back stories and lives that I could get invested in.
My main issue with this story is that I guess I wish it had been a bit.....cozier? It's far heavier on the geopolitical side than I would have expected, with a focus on espionage and Russian interference. I went in expecting more corgis and crumpets and just wasn't interested in MI5 and Putin. That is partly on me though and I would consider reading on in the series, but will adjust my expectations accordingly.
jennc's review against another edition
5.0
This book was just a delight.
I went into it thinking it would be light and funny and it was, that but it was so much more. I felt like the author had respect for the Queen and her role. She didn't have her acting in a foolish way or taking up things she would never do. It was realistic enough that you didn't have to dispend disbelief and I really appreciated that. (Also, I swear every time Philip spoke I heard Matt Smith from The Crown.) I loved the insight into the relationship between the Queen and her staff. I enjoyed hearing the Queen's thoughts, seeing her as a person as well as her title.
The mystery was smart and not easy to figure out which I loved. It kept my interest and kept me guessing. And Rozie...Oh how I loved her! She was a smart, tough, kind character who I just want to read more and more about. It takes a real talent to balance all the different perspectives that the author did and she pulled it off beautifully.
Honestly, I just didn't want this book to end. It was just the book I needed. I added it as a favorite and I've already purchased the next in the series. And I can't wait to read it!
Thank you to William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into it thinking it would be light and funny and it was, that but it was so much more. I felt like the author had respect for the Queen and her role. She didn't have her acting in a foolish way or taking up things she would never do. It was realistic enough that you didn't have to dispend disbelief and I really appreciated that. (Also, I swear every time Philip spoke I heard Matt Smith from The Crown.) I loved the insight into the relationship between the Queen and her staff. I enjoyed hearing the Queen's thoughts, seeing her as a person as well as her title.
The mystery was smart and not easy to figure out which I loved. It kept my interest and kept me guessing. And Rozie...Oh how I loved her! She was a smart, tough, kind character who I just want to read more and more about. It takes a real talent to balance all the different perspectives that the author did and she pulled it off beautifully.
Honestly, I just didn't want this book to end. It was just the book I needed. I added it as a favorite and I've already purchased the next in the series. And I can't wait to read it!
Thank you to William Morrow and Custom House and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
tamisiobhan's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 rating
What a sweet and delightful book to read. Maybe not something that should be said when death has occurred but although there were deaths within the book, they weren’t the main focus. The story mostly focused on how the Queen, with the help of those she wanted to know, found out information on the deaths. And just as beautifully, did so in a way that the investigation officers believed they had done all the work themselves. A book that was easy to read, made me chuckle and look forward to reading the second in the series.
What a sweet and delightful book to read. Maybe not something that should be said when death has occurred but although there were deaths within the book, they weren’t the main focus. The story mostly focused on how the Queen, with the help of those she wanted to know, found out information on the deaths. And just as beautifully, did so in a way that the investigation officers believed they had done all the work themselves. A book that was easy to read, made me chuckle and look forward to reading the second in the series.
bibliocamera's review against another edition
5.0
I’m all for the trend of historical people solving a murder. Georgia O’Keefe, Emily Dickinson and The Queen of England! I l enjoyed that this incorporated so much current events in the plot. And I really loved the Queen’s partner in crime was a kick ass former officer in the Royal Horse Artillery. Rozie Oshodi is a great fictional character.
edlib's review against another edition
5.0
I’m all for the trend of historical people solving a murder. Georgia O’Keefe, Emily Dickinson and The Queen of England! I l enjoyed that this incorporated so much current events in the plot. And I really loved the Queen’s partner in crime was a kick ass former officer in the Royal Horse Artillery. Rozie Oshodi is a great fictional character.
bsmith27's review against another edition
2.0
The queen solves a mystery about a dinner guest who dies. I didn't really care about the mystery. I did like the main characters.