I know SJ Bennett intends to go back in Queen Elizabeth’s life for future mysteries in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series. There’s just something a little sad about Murder Most Royal, though. While this third book is my favorite in the series so far, Queen Elizabeth is ninety and Prince Philip is ninety-five, and they’re planning his retirement and move north. It’s sad to think of a future that never was. However, the Christmas as Sandringham, despite a murder, is the perfect setting for this story. It’s more personal than the other two in the series, since the Queen’s family comes home for the holidays.
But, drat. The Queen has a cold, and Prince Philip is recovering, and the royal doctor won’t let them take the train as they normally do. So, they enjoy the view from the helicopter, including the unexpected sighting of deer on a neighboring estate. They’ll learn all about that because it seems the owner, Edward St. Cyr, is dead. When the Queen’s assistant private secretary, Rozzie Oshodi, points out a newspaper article about a hand found on the beach in a plastic bag, it’s the Boss herself who identifies the hand. She recognizes the signet ring as one in the St. Cyr family. Ned was seventy, and the Queen knows the family well. She has no expectations that they’ll find Ned alive.
The poor Queen. Although her cold turned out to be a full case of the flu, she does try to enjoy Christmas at Sandringham. But, the family continually mentions the deceased while they tell stories and speculate on his fate. It leaves the Queen little choice but to ask Rozie to help her investigate. After all, she knows everyone involved, including a woman who was a victim of a hit-and-run. She just wants to put all the pieces together.
As I said, there’s something a little nostalgic about this mystery. But, Bennett also includes a great deal about wilding, a hands-off approach to land restoration. The details are all interesting. But, as usual, it’s the Queen herself who takes centerstage in this seasonal mystery. Just perfect for the holiday season.
SJ Bennett’s website is shbennettbooks.com
Murder Most Royal by SJ Bennett. William Morrow, 2023. ISBN 9780063051201 (hardcover), 286p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
