The Queen Who Came in from the Cold

Her Majesty the Queen Investigates #5

by S.J. Bennett

Amateur sleuth Queen Elizabeth II is back on the case in 1960s England in the fifth installment of this historical mystery series The New York Times Book Review calls “sheer entertainment,” perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Richard Osman.

1961, England.
The Queen is spending a night on board the royal train with her entourage and her sister, Princess Margaret. But before they reach their destination, an unreliable witness claims to have seen a brutal murder from one of the carriages.

The Queen and her assistant private secretary, Joan McGraw, get to work on their second joint investigation. No one else saw the crime. If there is a victim, could he be the missing photographer friend of Margaret’s new husband, Tony Armstrong Jones?

This time, the Cold War threatens to undermine the Queen’s upcoming visit to Italy. She and Joan must tackle dark forces that follow them all the way, in a tale of spies, lies, and treachery.

This charming mystery will be perfect for fans of The Crown and Miss Marple.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Historical, British Literature

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2025

About the author

Author of the bestselling series featuring Queen Elizabeth II as a well-placed secret sleuth.

You can find her on Instagram @sophiabennett_writer and sign up to her author newsletter at sjbennettbooks.com

Podcast: Prepublished. Conversations with authors and editors about what it takes to get your book published. Available via sjbennettbooks.com

Sophia does not correspond directly via Goodreads. (Beware scammers. Honestly, who are these people?) You can contact her via her website.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen Who Came in from the Cold by S.J. Bennett

Synopsis /

It's 1961 and the Queen is planning her state visit to Italy aboard Britannia. But before she goes, an unreliable witness claims to have seen a brutal murder from the royal train. Did it really happen, and could the victim be a missing friend of Princess Margaret's new husband, Tony Armstrong Jones? The Queen and her assistant private secretary, Joan McGraw, get to work on their second joint investigation, little imagining that this time it will take them all the way to Venice in a tale of spies, lies and Cold War skulduggery.


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publisher Crooked Lane Books, and author S.J. Bennett, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for November 11, 2025.

[cue fanfare music]



Hear ye, hear ye! All subjects of the kingdom!



The fifth book in the series Her Majesty the Queen Investigates is about to begin!

While the first three books in this series were all set in 2016, a change occurred when the fourth book: A Death in Diamonds was set in 1957 and now: The Queen Who Came in From the Cold is the second story that reaches back into the past; and is set in 1961. But one thing that has remained steadfast throughout all books in this series, is the sleuthing ability of Queen Elizabeth II.

As the current title hints at, in The Queen Who Came in From the Cold, the reader 'might' be gifted with some Cold War mystery and intrigue; or, in other words, some good old fashioned spycraft!

When the story opens, Her Majesty, Prince Phillip, together with Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret and their entourages are about to board the royal train. The Queen was in favour of this form of travel, as it allowed the family to carry out Royal Duties onboard and to travel overnight, ensuring they arrive at destinations well-rested for official engagements. However, on this occasion, for one member of the royal party at least, the journey will not be so memorable. One of them will witness a murder.

The author portrays the Queen as a daughter, a sister, a wife, and most importantly, a working woman – although this working woman has unusual set of advantages and constraints. The reader learns that life for the Queen is hardly spontaneous, Her Majesty's days are scheduled in 10 minute increments and planned to the Enth degree. However, we also learn that Queen Elizabeth is capable of manipulating time to her advantage when the need arises.

Making a return and featuring heavily in this instalment is the Queen's APS, Joan McGraw, and Bennett has gifted the reader a little more insight into her background.

As the reader has become accustomed to, the Queen has an almost compulsive need to investigate any and all murderous happenings which have occurred on her watch; all the while never wanting her involvement in any crime solving to become apparent - it becomes increasingly convoluted in this story.

Expertly blending fact and fiction, Bennett soon wins the reader over as we are quickly immersed in the early life of the young reigning monarch. The young Queen is still adapting to her change in circumstance and Bennett shows the reader how Lilibet embraces change and makes the role her own. It’s easy to see why the public admires her so.

Another entertaining read and a superb addition to the series. I give this 4 Welsh Corgis! 🐶🐶🐶🐶

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Crooked Lane Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#TheQueenWhoCameinfromtheCold #NetGalley

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of these books I've read rather than listened to and I've got to say I really missed Samantha Bond.

However the book is just as good. This time we're heading into "Joe country" (yes, I read Herron) with the peculiar murder of a bon viveur called Michalowski. Unfortunately the disposal is witnessed from the royal train and, of course, (ex-Bletchley Assistant Private Secretary) Joan is more than willing to help Her Majesty solve the puzzle of hos murder.

The early 60s are the time of Bond, the Cambridge Spies and Profumo so there's a lot of skulduggery involving the horsey set, a trip to Italy and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The action certainly doesn't take a break.

For me, the best thing about these books is the idea of QE2 being involved. They are fun and well written whilst they weave actual events into the fictional goings on.

Definitely recommended for fans of the series or those new to "Her Majesty Investigates". It might help to read the rest of the series but I don't think its essential. However it is a great series so reading them (or listening to them) is well worth it.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance review copy.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon and I love listening to the audio versions of this series! This entry is set in 1961 and there were nods to Agatha Christie and also John Le Carre. The scenes with the Queen and Prince Philip in Venice were lovely. Samantha Bond did an excellent job as narrator as usual.

[Päivi Metsäniemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heti alkuun täytyy sanoa, että arviooni vaikuttaa se, että tämä oli ensimmäinen kirja, jonka sain lahjaksi lapseltani - esikoisen joululahja minulle. Siihen sisältyy niin valtavasti kaikkia kerroksia - kukaan ei lahjo minua kirjoilla kun pelkäävät että ”olen jo lukenut”, en hanki juurikaan kirjoja itse ja olen ollut huolissani, olemmeko onnistuneet kirjallisuuskasvatuksessa ollenkaan kun nuoriso ei vapaaehtoisesti oikein kirjaan tartu. Mutta sitten tällainen yllätys! Eikä haittaa, että kyseessä on sarjan viides osa, ne toimivat ilmeisesti hyvin yksinään, eivätkä edes sijoitu aikajanalle.

Sarjan ideana on, että kuningatar Elisabeth tavalla tai toisella selvittää rikoksia. Kuulostaa juntilta, mutta kirjailija onnistuu tehtävässä mainiosti - on täysin perusteltua, miksi kuningatar kiinnostuu murhasta, jonka todistajaksi yksi kuninkaallisen junan matkustajista joutuu (terveisiä Agatha Christielle ja Junalle Paddingtonista 16.50). Seuraa seikkailu, joka sopii hyvin vuoteen 1961 - on kireitä suhteita suurvaltojen välillä, avaruuskilpailua, vakoojia. Kuningasperheen jäsenistä muodostuu kuva, joka omassa mielessä on alkanut kehittyä the Crownia katsoessa, ja täydentyy tässä uskottavasti ja hauskasti.

Olen hyvin iloinen, että luin, ja hankin käsiini sarjan aiemmin suomennetut alkuosat, jotka sijoittuvat käsittääkseni kuningattaren vanhoille päiville. Hienosti tehtyä viihdekirjallisuutta, jolla on oma tärkeä arvonsa - voi todellakin sanoa, että viihdyin!

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there will be many more in this series. Thank you to the author for her meticulous research. So well written and plotted!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is the 1st I've read of this series.

The Queen is travelling to Italy and one of her entourage witnesses a body dump while traveling on the train. Initially it is thought that the witness was drunk, but the more time that passes, the more they are realizing that it might have actually happened.

And, The Queen's secretary apparently had a prior life status that would make her a perfect person to investigate, and possibly find out what is going on... and, bring the people to justice!

Fast paced. A lot of action going on. AND, there are a lot of actual facts interwoven into this historical fiction novel... enough so that it is believable!!

This takes place in the 1960's, so Bond, James Bond... is a big figure in the making!
And, everyone wants to be him!

And, I love how the author speaks at the end and talks about a book that someone was reading IN THE STORY!!! As well as a bunch of other things!!

Plus… it brings us to Italy….and Venice… and the Murano Glass Factories… and the canals! 🩷🩷🩷
And… there’s a dog! 🐕

4 intriguing, bright, somewhat catastrophic stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#TheQueenWhoCameInFromTheCold by @SJBennett and narrated nicely by @SamanthaBond.

This has already been released, but I was lucky enough to get an ALC to read from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia. Look 👀 for it on shelves now!!

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly improbable, but good fun.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this series featuring Queen Elizabeth II as an amateur sleuth, this time back to solve a thorny case in 1960s England. Great fun for histfic mystery fans who adore all things royal, especially the beloved Queen and her adorable corgis. Cheers!

[Andrea van der Meer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is finally growing on me. It seems the historical angle with a younger queen works better for me, this way we can slowly see her growing older and the first books make more sense as well.

The use of language combined with character APS Joan makes me miss Britain just a tad every time I read the books. Can’t wait for part 6!

[Grandma Susan]

DNF. Profanity from the start. Highly disappointing.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1961. The Queen is on the Royal train when Princess Margaret's temporary lady in waiting claims she sees a murder from the windows of the train. No one else saw the crime and Sandra Pole isn't the most reliable of witnesses.

However, Her Majesty recruits her Assistant Private Secretary Joan McGraw to look into the case. Joan has to fit it in between a Royal visit to Italy and the upcoming visit of the new American President John F. Kennedy to England.

The victim turns out to be a friend of Margaret's new husband Tony Armstrong-Jones. The victim seems to be involved in espionage as he seems to have been planning to get a Soviet defector into England using the Royal yacht as an escape vehicle.

I loved the way the Queen and Joan work around other members of the Royal Household and the intelligence services to keep Her Majesty's name out of the investigation despite her substantial help in solving the case.

I loved the historical detail in the story. The Space Race is heating up with the Soviets putting a man in space before the Americans can and, incidentally, leaving the Brits well behind.

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.J. Bennett gaat next level in dit combi cosy crime/spionage/007-boek. Het zit weer erg goed in elkaar met heuse actie in Venetië. Heerlijk!

[Barb reads......it ALL! · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my absolute favorite series!

[Michelle Fryzuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another series I can’t say no to!
Such a good story

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever wondered could Queen Elizabeth II solve mysteries - read this book and this series.

A clever and suspenseful installment in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series. The story begins as a classic murder mystery, then deepens into Cold War espionage. The spy angle holds up well, though the pacing dips slightly toward the end.

The real strength lies in characterisation. The Queen’s inner monologue feels pitch-perfect, both regal and relatable. Her dry observations, such as “If one was going to lie so shamelessly, one had better do it well” are a highlight, making her human without stripping her dignity. Prince Philip, with his outrageous quips, cuts the tension and keeps the tone light when needed.

The plot structure is intricate and holds together, providing surprises and fast-paced moments that balance well with the slower and more atmospheric moments. Bennett blends cosy mystery charm with espionage intrigue in a way that feels natural to the royal setting. Is that even possible? Well, turns out it is.

Overall, this is a fun, well-crafted, and engaging read that makes one wish for a chance to have met the Queen, even for those who aren’t monarchists.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really a straight up mystery and more espionage which isn't my jam so I didn't like this one as well as the previous book.

[Alexia | Books4Dreamz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Bonnier Books UK for the gifted ARC of the fifth installment in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series.

This cozy mystery series features the most unexpected sleuth of all: Queen Elizabeth II herself, solving murders in her “spare time.” Honestly… iconic. The books blend classic whodunnit vibes with witty charm, sharp royal insight and delightful behind-the-scenes glimpses of palace life during her reign. They’re clever, comforting and SO entertaining.

The Queen Who Came in From the Cold is the fifth book in the series—and it absolutely recaptures the magic of the early installments. I’ve read all the books so far (except book four, A Death in Diamonds), and while I loved the first one, the following entries never quite matched its sparkle… until now.

This fifth book is just as good—if not even better—than the first. And I’m here for it! I’ll definitely be going back to read book four and I fully plan to continue with this series. These stories are cozy, funny, easy to read and I had the best time turning these pages.

Given the current times and the disheartening news surrounding the British monarchy, this fictional portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II as a sharp and charming detective keeps a bit of that royal magic alive. So don’t let the real-world associations stop you—the stories themselves are pure fun.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A worthy addition to this gentle mystery series, where Elizabeth II, the British queen, investigates crime. I liked this quiet story a lot. It takes place in 1961. Cold war. The first human, the Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin, orbits Earth. Spies on both sides play their dirty games. The Queen visits Italy. And the queen's trusty Assistant Private Secretary Joan McGraw helps the young queen in their mutual quest for justice.
It was an absorbing tale with several sympathetic characters. The two female leads - the queen and Joan - stand out especially well on the background of their male entourage. The only bitter note in this novel was the ending. Not that it wasn't written well - it was. The problem for me was that it was too realistic. The bad guys were not punished. The good guys didn't win. And the poor murdered man died brutally and senselessly for some thugs' political advantage. No justice for him at all, poor schmuck, even after his murder was solved. So sad. Just like in real life.

[Bookish Fam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the definition of a cozy mystery, especially if you love the British royal family. A guest on the Royal train sees a body being carried into the woods as the train is passing by, but she is somewhere she should not be. The Queen takes an interest in this case, as well as her assistant Joan, who happened to work for Bletchley during the war and interrogated nazi soldiers after the war. So many people come into play in this story, and I loved it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

[Linda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reads say this book hasn't yet been published so this must be the paperback version. I bought the hardback copy last November.

Absolutely brilliant & I loved every minute. This in my opinion is the best in the series so far. You've got spies, defection, murder, foreign travel & the Royal yacht Britannia. It follows the Queen & Prince Philip on a royal visit in the UK using the royal train & to Venice, Italy on the royal yacht. Helped by her assistant press secretary Joan, they solved her puzzle connecting a murder to a defector. Loved it!!

[SurfsideSallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes place in 1961 - the Queen is traveling to Italy and one of her sisters staff believes she witnessed a murder - but can this person be trusted?

What a fun story and the first I have read of this series. I loved the idea of the royals involved with solving a crime but doing so in a way that is under the radar.

It is fast paced and a fun journey to take!

I truly enjoyed reading the book, Thank you to Net Gallery for the early copy of this book

[Stacey ˗ ღ ˎˊ˗ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ because the plot is well-crafted and cunning, the historical details beyond reproach, and the idea of QEII helping solve state mysteries is a winner. HOWEVER, and this is a big however, this was not really a mystery but far more of a thriller spy novel. I wish that had been made more clear in prior reviews, so learn from me. If you like John Le Carre, this is for you. The Queen also doesn’t play nearly as major a role as I expected. Oh well.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment of the crime solving queen. This time we are back in her past, dealing with Russian double agents, defecting scientists and a Mediterranean tour on the royal yacht Britannia.
Very fun, and a good little twist at the end too!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another historical mystery set in 1961 with Queen Elizabeth involved in the unfolding of a plot of a Russian space scientist defection to England. The research is well done and does not distract from the main plot. Although part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Clean read.

[Debbie George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists in this cute murder mystery that the Queen helps to solve.

[Anna Farey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and could not put it down in the end.
Already ordered the next one in the series.

[Lori Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best book of the series.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever and well written HM Queen mystery.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 5th book in the series 'Her Majesty the Queen Investigates' harks back to 1961, when the capitalist Western Bloc was in a cold war with the communist Eastern Bloc. The rivalry leads to a murder and an MI5 problem, both of which Queen Elizabeth helps resolve.

The book works fine as a standalone.



*****

Early in the story, Queen Elizabeth and her entourage board the Royal Train for a trip up the west coast of Great Britain.





Before the locomotive departs, Princess Margaret's substitute lady-in-waiting, a striking blonde called Sandra Pole, boards the train with her chihuahua Conchita.



The first evening on the Royal Train goes well, with martinis, dinner, and lively conversation.



The next morning, lady-in-waiting Sandra Pole tells Joan McGraw - the Queen's assistant private secretary (APS) - something shocking.





Sandra claims she went to get a wrap yesterday evening, looked out the window, and saw three men disposing of a dead body. The police determine the general location, search, and find nothing.



Then Sandra admits she shaded the truth. It turns out Sandra snuck into the Queen's railroad car yesterday AFTERNOON, to take a photo of her dog Conchita in the Queen's bathtub. That's when she saw the horrible event.



This time the police locate a dead body in a cistern. The victim is photographer Pavel Michalowski, who's a friend of Princess Margaret's husband, the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.



The Queen, who's surreptitiously helped the authorities before, becomes interested in the case. By chance, the Queen's perusal of a horse magazine gives her a clue to Michalowski's killers, and - in a roundabout way - the Queen informs the police.



That's just the BEGINNING of her majesty's involvement in the case though. The Queen learns Michalowski, who played chess, had connections with the immigrant community, and was known to help high-profile defectors escape from the Eastern bloc.



Happily, the Queen has useful connections. Her APS Joan McGraw was a code-breaker during WWII, and is familiar with the world of espionage;



and Joan's boyfriend is Major Hector Ross, Head of D Branch, MI5.



As a result, Joan gets a peek at evidence collected from Michalowski's apartment, and is able to inform the Queen that there ARE arrangements to help a defector escape from Russia. Astoundingly, the plans are tied to the Queen and Prince Philip's upcoming trip to Italy on the yacht Brittania.





No spoilers, but the Queen feels obligated to pull all sorts of strings to avoid a HUGE diplomatic incident AND to assist the defector. Her majesty's clever machinations come to involve an admiral;



naval personnel;



intelligence agents;



Italian fishermen;



the Queen Mother;



the indispensable APS Joan McGraw; and more.



All this is fun and compelling, and one admires the Queen's intelligence, spunk, and ability to dissimulate.

Her majesty's wily operations necessarily take only a fraction of her time, and the Queen spends time with Prince Phillip - who affectionately calls her cabbage and sausage;



takes her children to a point to point horse race;



performs her royal duties;



reads the briefings in her red box;



plays with her corgis; and more.



The story has unexpected twists, as expected in a good mystery. I like this series, and this book is my favorite so far. Recommended to fans of suspense stories.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Samantha Bond, who does a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, S.J. Bennett, and Dreamscape Media for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Tonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't my favourite in the series but I enjoyed it. The books are a bit like watching The Crown.