Murder at the Royal Palace: An addictive and totally gripping historical murder mystery

Lady Eleanor Swift #23

by Verity Bright

Lady Eleanor Swift has a special royal invitation. She’s got just the right dress and the perfect plus one… But wait! Is that a body by the throne?

Lady Eleanor Swift is at Buckingham Palace to see her new husband, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, knighted. Brimming with pride, all she can hope is that Gladstone the bulldog behaves himself in front of the king.

But the happy day is overshadowed when Dilly Dalrymple, a royal guard from the Tower of London, tragically dies. The head of the royal police asks Eleanor and Hugh to investigate – unofficially. This is her first clue that there’s more to the story…

Donning a disguise as a journalist for a well-to-do magazine, Eleanor, with butler Clifford posing as her photographer, is invited to stay in the Tower amongst the remaining guards and their families. She wasn’t expecting gossiping wives, affairs aplenty and talk of long-lost treasure! Was Dilly killed to settle an old score or was he perhaps a little too close to someone else’s wife?

But when another soldier is murdered at midnight, hours after the gates are locked, Eleanor knows she needs to keep her wits about her… And when everyone seems to have a reason to lie, can Eleanor dig up the truth before it’s her head next?

A totally gripping royal whodunnit full of twists, set in 1920s London. Fans of T.E. Kinsey, Catherine Coles and Lee Strauss will be utterly obsessed!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Cozy

332 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I do love a long series! This is #23 in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series and it is still as fresh as it was when it began.

This time around we find Ellie, Hugh and Clifford gathered at Buckingham Palace to watch Hugh being honoured with a Knighthood. Sadly a guard at the Tower of London is murdered and the team are asked to investigate unofficially. Lots of entertainment follows as Ellie and Clifford disguise themselves as a journalist and a photographer in order to seek out clues.

This was a very clever way to change the normal setting of the books yet still allow all the regular characters to take part. So very readable and great fun - these books are always good!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, waited for the ceremony to begin at Buckingham Palace, she was overcome by excitement. Her new husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, was about to be knighted. There were several people receiving awards and when one of them collapsed to the ground, the doctor rushed forward, as did Ellie. Beefeater, Dilly Dalrymple died and the head of the Royal Police asked Hugh to investigate. As Hugh was unable to, Ellie and Clifford took over the case. And when they made their way into the Tower, it was as a reporter and her cameraman, supposedly to write an article on life behind the scenes.

As Birdie and Miss Smith, with camera and notebook in their hands, worked their way through interviewing everyone in sight, their confusion only heightened. There were plenty of suspects but motive was the sticking point. When a second person was murdered, they knew the clock was ticking. Would they solve the mystery without any more deaths?

Murder at the Royal Palace is the 23rd in the Lady Eleanor Swift series by Verity Bright and I have read them all. I love the change of direction in this one; it works perfectly. The characters are special, and now we have a new one to add to the mix - Rune :) I'm really hoping this series will continue; it's fabulous! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the free e-book ARC. All opinions in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.

A month after her marriage to Scotland Yard's finest detective, Ellie is thrilled her new husband will finally get the recognition he deserves from the Crown. She can hardly contain her excitement while she waits for Hugh to be knighted! Before Hugh can receive the honors, a man nearly collapses in Ellie's lap. Her natural compassion and nurse's training jump in to help but she's roughly dismissed and on the verge of breaking protocol. After Hugh's big honor, they attend the garden party at Buckingham Palace where the man who seemed ill previously collapses again. He's carted off to the hospital still alive but doesn't survive. Ellie and Hugh, about to start their own detective agency, invite the head of the Royal Police, Sir Leonard Dalrymple to dine with them in hopes of making a useful contact for their new agency but he turns the tables on them and imperiously asks them to investigate the ill man's death- unofficially. Hugh is uninterested but Ellie's compassion is roused. It turns out the dead man, Dillon "Dilly" Dalrymple, was Sir Leonard's brother. This case has Ellie posing as a journalist and Clifford as a photographer to infiltrate the secret community within the Tower of London where something suspicious is going on and people are seeing ghosts. Will they be able to solve the case in one week's time and see the murderer brought to justice? With the help of The Ladies, the might just do it but Sir Leonard is not an easy client and the investigation doesn't go as planned. Will this first case also be the last for the new detective agency?

First, I want to say, this book is dedicated to Laura, who was the heart and soul of Verity Bright. Laura's heart and soul is what makes this series special. I keep coming back for the characters BECAUSE they have so much heart. It has been delightful to watch Ellie go from insecure, immature, terrified young woman to mature, confident and caring adult. Her heart is what sets her apart from other sleuths of this time. She may have lost her parents when she was young but her heart has room for more love and she finally has the family she always wanted. I'm happy the Ladies are included as an official part of the sleuthing team now and sweet young Polly has really grown and found her voice. Hugh is a little grumpy but he's still officially working for Scotland Yard and has a huge load of case files to go through. He's walking a fine line doing double duty as both an official copper and a PI. He's frustrated because Sir Leonard is playing his wife and not being honest. Hugh is also grumpy because he's a newlywed separated from his wife. Clifford as a riot! He may be a prim and proper butler but incognito as a Cockney photographer, he can really let his fondness for his mentor's niece show. His banter with Ellie is always delightful but here he lets his hair down a bit (so to speak). He really seems to enjoy acting more than he would admit. He's still some sort of super spy secret agent who can pick locks and a proper butler who keeps Ellie in line. Kofi is away at school and not present in this novel but the Terrible Two are along for the ride but not involved in the investigation. Gladstone is there to provide comfort to his humans when needed - or is he merely begging for more sausages? How is this dog still ALIVE? LOL!

The plot of this book was excellent too. It did seem to bear a resemblance to an episode of Murder She Wrote that I watched the DAY I started reading this novel so I wasn't surprised by WHY but WHO was a shock. I didn't think it was that person at all. I did figure out HOW it was done right away when the clue was revealed, long before Ellie and Clifford got it. Even though I've been to the Tower of London, I had no idea about the secret community within for the staff. That was fascinating! (My dad, who is not a big reader, recommends The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise to learn all about the Yeoman Warders). The information is presented as part of the story as told to Ellie and Clifford so it works naturally and isn't just dumped in there for the sake of relaying information to the reader. I really hate it when authors do that. Here it could have been too much but it was all part of the investigation and Ellie and Clifford learning what they needed to know that it worked. This one also lacked the repetitive going over the suspect list too many times. There were a couple of phrases and words that sounded too modern American and kind of took me out of the story momentarily. I think the term should be "stepped out with" and not "gone out with" but I'm not an expert in early 20th century slang. Also "brass knuckles" is American slang. Other than that, I felt like I was there with Ellie and Clifford.

Sir Leonard is a tough customer. He keeps his cards close to his vest. Of course he's a policeman and that's his job but he's not a very forthcoming client. The sleuths have to keep him in the loop and he can stop the investigation at any time. This is different from what they're used to and of course Ellie's impetuosity and compassion often clash with authority figures. Sir Leonard was once close with his brother but they fought a lot and didn't speak often but when one needed the other, they'd drop everything and rush to the other's side. That's very sweet and sad. Sir Leonard must be grieving inside because he doesn't seem to be outwardly. He believes his brother's death was suspicious but officially, his brother died of natural causes. Therefore, Sir Leonard needs experienced problem solvers to investigate and let him know if there's enough evidence to bring to Scotland Yard to investigate a murder. I don't fully trust him. Is he lying? Did he do away with his brother himself and the investigation is a smokescreen? He seems a little too nice at first, too accepting to Ellie's sleuthing skills but he has the power to end Hugh's career early and probably toss Ellie in jail. He exudes power and influence.

The victim, Dilly, sounds like a nice man and didn't deserve to die. He may have been involved in a few things he shouldn't have been doing but overall, it sounds like he was a man of good character. It looks like he was either killed for one of those things or may have stumbled across something he wasn't supposed to see/hear. The killer was truly unhinged and arrogant to think they could get away with it.

Who else could have done it? How about Chief Yeoman Warder Rufus Irving. This man is a FUSSpot! He is a stickler for rules and regulations - no exceptions. He doesn't have a fun bone in his body. Of course he is military like all the other men. These men are all walking around with PTSD, toxic masculinity issues and empire obsession. Most of that is not addressed, this novel being set in the 1920s, but it means I try to make allowances for the characters. However, I'm certain Rufus Irving is up to something! He locks "Elaine" and "Birdie" in each night but lets other men wander around. is this for their own safety or to keep them from seeing something they shouldn't? Todd Mace is the new Ravenmaster. He's cheeky, arrogant and young. He doesn't understand the ravens the way Dilly did or seem to care for them, only the money the job brings him. Todd is upset two ravens took off and one returned to die, the other presumed dead. Old Joe was poisoned! Did someone poison the old Ravenmaster, Dilly and the bird got into it? Todd just shrugs it off as lead poisoning. Todd doesn't seem too upset about Dilly's death either. He's too busy trying to flirt with "Elaine" (Ellie) who is much too old for him! Is he really that callous, inexperienced or lying? Did he kill Dilly to get the job?

Mrs. Hilda Erskine is a lively wife of a beefeater. She is attracted to "Birdie" (Clifford) and enjoys winding him up trying to flirt. She's also a big gossip and prattles on about everything. She seems upset about Dilly's death. Hilda has a reason to be. She was either the murderer or perhaps suspects her husband! Arthur fits the profile. He's quiet, moody and antisocial. He tried to block Dilly's appointment as a Beefeater for...? no good reason? I'm sure he had a reason but he wasn't willing to say. He made no secret of his hatred for the other man and isn't happy about this article Ellie's alter ego is supposed to be writing. He's an old timer, Dilly was a newcomer who didn't know his place. But Arthur doesn't even LIKE his job! My money is on the doctor, Norman Orton. He has a medical garden with poisonous plants! He could have easily killed Dilly with something and he did seem shifty at the knighting ceremony. What is his motive though? Did Dilly know a secret about the doctor he threatened to expose?

Another new character is Francis Caudle, current barman and the executioner. I can't imagine he has to do his regular job at all these days! Or even his job as jailer. I hope. He's forthcoming with information in a matter of fact way and seems to do his job as bartender and beef server well. Yet he's a little suspicious of "Elaine" and the jist of her article. Of course no one wants a tabloid story written about them, especially former military men. The Chaplin, Cyril Royce, can't be the murderer! He's a man of God! But does he know who is the murderer but won't say because he can't? Does he value his profession over justice? Dilly's friend, Corporal Whitgift, was hired by Sir Leonard to keep an eye on Dilly. Dilly confided something to Whitgrift but not specifics. Even so, Whitgrift ends up dead too! Does the murderer fear Whitgrift knows who he is and willing to rat him out?

My very favorite new character is Rune, a chatty, mischievous raven. He's so funny and charming! "Bloody Murder!" He teams up with the Terrible Two to make a Terrible Threesome! The three pets are charming and adorable, especially Rune who is based on the Raven in Poe's poem, making this story a good Halloween season read. My second favorite new character is Miss "Bibby" Peach, a librarian at the British Library. She is eager to help research for both Ellie's personal mission and the case. She's a lot of fun and doesn't seem to act her age at all! Bibby is not proper and stuffy like Clifford, but she loves to read and learn the way he does. Ellie is trying to play matchmaker! Will it work?

This was such a great story and I am thankful to the Bookouture team for making it happen.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Knight of the Realm, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, is now Sir Hugh, and Lady Eleanor Swift couldn't be more delighted. Her new husband is also finishing up all his paperwork before retiring from Scotland Yard so he, Eleanor and Clifford, their indispensable butler, can set up a new detective agency! First, however, there is the small matter of finding out why another honour recipient collapsed and subsequently died at Buckingham Palace! The dead man lived and worked at the Tower of London and Eleanor and Clifford find themselves there, undercover as a journalist and photographer with Seldon working in the background in order to solve the agency's first semi-official case. Danger follows them, as always, but can they deliver an elusive killer before the Bloody Tower gains three more victims?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Once again, Verity Bright has delivered a fascinating, historically inspired, cosy crime, which is both fun and informative. Early on, there did seem to be a lot of information to digest, but as the story continued, it was all relevant and necessary. I loved Clifford as the photographer and the input of 'the aprons' in the agency meetings. Sadly, Laura Tong, Verity Bright, with her husband Mark, recently passed away, so I'm not sure how many more Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries there will be. If this is one of the final visits to Henley Hall and it's inhabitants it is definitely one of the best. I had no idea whodunnit as every suspect had a motive and could have very satisfactorily been responsible.

This is a wonderful series, one which I will, once it does finish, happily reread with the benefit of hindsight!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor and her butler Clifford are at Buckingham Palace to see her new husband, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, knighted. She is thrilled and busting with pride for Hugh. During the ceremony, a royal guard from the Tower of London, Dilly Dalrymple collapses in front of Eleanor. She tries to help him, but his doctor shoos her away and takes him from the ceremony. It is at the garden party following the even when Eleanor finds out that he died. Hugh is approached by Sir Leonard Dalrymple, head of the royal police to investigate the death. He believes that someone murdered his brother, but has no evidence. He hires Eleanor and her team that are opening an investigative business, but she has to investigate on the sly. She disguise herself as a journalist for a well-to-do magazine, Elaine and has her camera man, Birdie (Clifford) at her side. They claim to be writing an article about the city inside the Tower. Her ladies arrive in London to help out and the whole household works together to solve the mystery of how did Dilly die? When another man is murdered, the tension is high and Eleanor, Clifford and Hugh take some chances to solve their first case.

I really enjoyed this addition to the series. It was really interesting to learn about the workings of the Palace Guards and the Beefeaters. I also enjoyed seeing Eleanor in action, using her wits, intuition and nosey persona gather information. The ladies play an important part in this one, gathering gossip, but also helping with research. This was a tricky mystery with a lot of suspects and several red herrings. The plot kept me interested and reading well into the night to find out who the culprit was. Another well written mystery that I enjoyed. There is a secondary storyline with Eleanor trying to find more information about what happened to her parents and I enjoyed meeting Bibby, the librarian who is helping with that search. If you enjoy an historical mystery with great characters, some humour, and interesting mysteries, I recommend this book and series.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable mystery in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series. This time the group ends up at the Tower of London for the first case of their private detective agency, with Hugh just about retired from the police. I'll admit I was mostly stumped by the mystery, and at times it seemed pretty convoluted, but I like the whole cast of characters from Ellie and Clifford to Hugh to all of the "aprons," as well as the "Terrible "Two" (Ellie's dog and cat). And now we get a raven in the mix. Better yet, I just discovered there's at least one more book in the series, out in December.

[Lady Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.2/ 5

Unfortunately, this is ultimately a 4-star rather than a 5-star Eleanor Swift book. And the reason for that is simple and direct: it reads more like a history book than it does a murder mystery.

*winces*

I know, I know, that sounds harsh, but similarly to A Death in Venice, it feels like the authors just immersed themselves in the history and culture of a place, and somewhere along the way forgot that this story is a murder mystery, supposed to be driven by its characters and its plot.

So, this time around, Eleanor finds herself at the royal palace, about to see her beloved husband, Hugh, knighted. The festivities are dampened a bit by the fact that a gentleman collapses right at Eleanor's feet, and is revealed to die later on that same day. Eleanor, Clifford, and Hugh are trying to kickstart their new business as a detective agency, and it just so happens that a prestigious gentleman ends up hiring them for their first case: to find out if the gentleman who collapsed and died was, in fact, murdered.

A pretty good premise, admittedly, but it gets lost amidst all the history and background of the Tower of London. You can tell that the authors did extensive research on this, but personally I would have preferred that it was dialed back a bit, as by the time they're overloading you with so many facts about the community within the Tower, you sort of lose track of where they started from and what they're supposed to be investigating.

Additionally--and I've been noticing this as an issue with the series for quite a few books--all the quips between Clifford and Eleanor just feel routine at this point. I mean, I understand that their relationship is already well established and therefore might not need to develop all that much; but still, I would like to see some new developments between them, and certainly something to take Clifford out of the role of butler more often!

But, ahem, maybe that's neither here nor there, admittedly. The point is that the story does unfortunately get lost amidst all the research the characters are literally doing, to the point that I was incredulous as to how they could draw such conclusions as they did just by going to the library and reading up on the Tower. It's not as much sleuthing as I would've preferred, in other words, and resulted in me lagging on the reading side of things, as the story was slow-paced this time around.

That being said, I will give credit to the things I liked in this book which do amount to quite a few:

+ Rune. He's a wonderful addition to the "Terrible Two"--now re-named the "Terrible Three"--and definitely smarter than I would've given a raven credit for being. Is it true that ravens are actually quite smart, though? Anyways, I'm so glad that Eleanor's keeping him, and look forward to what having an airborne sidekick will do for her moving forward!

+ Bibby. I'm legit shipping her with Clifford right here and now, and I really wish the authors would tease this out more and bring it to fruition in future books. For now, all we really have about her is that she's pretty much the perfect woman for Clifford, a female replica of him intellectually, but apart from Eleanor's slight hint at the end, there's not much else to go on. In case the author is waiting for reader opinion on this, let me just say here and now that YES, she can and SHOULD be Clifford's love interest, please and thank you! I mean, sure, it'll be long-distance for now, but I have no doubt that they can work something out and be the Carson/Mrs.Hughes pairing that we need for this series!

+ All the heartwarming moments WERE indeed heartwarming!

+ The teasing glimpses into finding out more about Eleanor's past and what happened to her parents. Granted, this is only hinted at, and it's clear from the get-go that it's not going to be the main focus of this story; but regardless, I did like how we're finally starting to answer some of the bigger questions that have been nagging at us since the start to this series, and it's great to find that we're finally making some headway!
_____________

And all that, of course, brings us to my updating ranking of the books in this series, with a lot of looking forward to the next installment this year, and just in time for the holidays:

My Updated Ranking of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries

1. Death on a Winter's Day (Book 8)
2. Mystery by the Sea (Book 5)
3. A Midwinter Murder (Book 20)
4. A Very English Murder (Book 1)
5. Death Down the Aisle (Book 11)
6. A Witness to Murder (Book 3)
7. Murder at the Fair (Book 6)
8. Death on Deck (Book 13)
9. The French for Murder (Book 10)
10. Murder in an Irish Castle (Book 12)
11. Murder in Mayfair (Book 18)
12. Murder in the Snow (Book 4)
13. Death at the Dance (Book 2)
14. Death at a Paris Hotel (Book 22)
15. Murder on the Cornish Cliffs (Book 16)
16. A Recipe for Murder (Book 21)
17. Murder in Manhattan (Book 14)
18. A Royal Murder (Book 9)
19. Murder by Invitation (Book 15)
20. Murder at the Royal Palace
21. Murder on the Nile (Book 19)
22. A Death in Venice (Book 17)
23. A Lesson in Murder (Book 7)

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder at the Royal Palace" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 23rd book in the fantastic Lady Eleanor Swift series. Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford have arrived at Buckingham Palace for the Investiture. Hugh is about to be knighted by King George. He is about a month away from leaving Scotland Yard as their best Chief Inspector and starting a detective agency with Ellie, Clifford and the Aprons. Of course, where Ellie goes there is always trouble and when a man collapses in front of her at the ceremony, it is the beginning of one of their most interesting cases. It's almost has the feel of a locked room mystery only Ellie and Clifford are locked on the grounds of the Tower of London at night while trying to find out what happened to poor Dillion (Dilly) Dalrymple. His brother Sir Leonard who is Head of the Royal Police has asked Hugh to investigate but as he is winding down his cases at the Yard, Ellie and Clifford go in undercover to solve the case. No one is treating the case as suspicious but Ellie is convinced something is not right at the Tower.

Soon the Aprons (Mrs. Butters, Mrs. Trotman, Polly and Lizzie) along with the Terrible Two (Master Gladstone and Tompkins) arrive to help with the case and are asked to formally join the new - yet unnamed - detective agency, as many times in the past they have given them vital clues.

We meet a fun and smart new character - Rune, the Raven who himself gives them several clues. Everyone it seems has a reason to kill Dilly - did he see or hear something that put him in danger? What exactly is going on at the Tower, is there something underhanded at play?

Everyone is very suspicious - a Beefeater who threatened to resign is someone was hired, someone who dislikes ravens wanted to be Ravenmaster, fusiliers acting strangely. Then there is another death that again they try to convince everyone was just an unexpected accident. In the end a lot comes down to greed as the group put together the pieces and the history of what was happening at the Tower.

Ellie gets some news from a new friend at the British Library - Bibby - about her parents that went missing when she was a child. Having solved their first unofficial case, named their agency, the group is excited to find that they have been recommended for another case.

Always an interesting feature to the Lady Swift books are the Historical Notes at the end. This time the reader will learn about Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Beefeaters, Ravens, Fusiliers, the Tower Moat, the Ceremony of the Keys, the Tower Treasure, ghosts and Thallium used as a poison.

If there were more stars to grant - this would be a perfect 10.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read Murder at the Royal Palace in exchange for my honest review.

Book 23 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series is an absolute show-stopper! I have adored this series from the start, and this latest installment is among the best. Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford begin their adventure at Buckingham Palace where Hugh is about to be knighted by King George—a moment of pride and pomp quickly overshadowed when a man collapses during the ceremony. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon unravels into a mystery that leads Eleanor and Clifford undercover at the Tower of London.

The setting is fantastic: the Beefeaters, ravens, old legends, and locked gates at night all provide a rich, atmospheric backdrop. Verity Bright continues to blend humor, history, and suspense seamlessly. I especially loved the addition of Rune the raven, who quickly became a memorable character in his own right. As always, the Aprons and the Terrible Two add charm and warmth, balancing the darker moments of the mystery.

The mystery itself kept me guessing, with every suspect holding a motive and plenty of twists to keep the tension high. The ending was clever, surprising, and immensely satisfying. On top of that, the historical notes at the end add fascinating context about Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and even the royal ravens—something I always look forward to in this series.

This book felt like a perfect 10 stars if such a rating existed. Cozy, clever, and consistently delightful, Murder at the Royal Palace is another triumph by Verity Bright. Fans of T.E. Kinsey, Catherine Coles, or anyone craving a golden-age-style cozy mystery will be utterly charmed.

Highly recommended!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor Swift is at Buckingham Palace to see her new husband, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, knighted. The happy day is overshadowed when Dilly Dalrymple, a royal guard & ravenkeeper from the Tower of London, collapses in front of Ellie & later tragically dies. The head of the royal police asks Eleanor and Hugh to investigate – unofficially. Donning a disguise as a journalist for a well-to-do magazine, Eleanor, with butler Clifford posing as her photographer Birdie interview the Beefeaters & their wives at the Tower of London. But when another soldier is murdered at midnight, hours after the gates are locked, Eleanor knows she needs to keep her wits about her
The twenty third book in this brilliant series. Hugh & Ellie are now married & Hugh has tended his resignation to the police as he, Ellie, Clifford & the Aprons are planning to start an investigative agency. Hugh has a mountain of paperwork to complete before he leaves. The Tower of London provides the backdrop for this book & I loved the history interwoven into the book. There are lots of twists & turns as well as red herrings before Ellie reveals the villain, the climax is thrilling, dangerous & full of drama. There’s also a new addition to the ‘gang’ Rune the raven. There’s also some slight progress into finding out what happened to Ellie’s parents. Another well written, engrossing cosy mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series has retained it’s quality over the course of 20 plus books and the newest addition - ‘The Murder At The Royal Palace’ is no different. Once again we get a truly enjoyable cosy mystery that has it’s trademark heart and humour throughout.

Ellie and Hugh are starting their married lives with Hugh’s knighting at Buckingham Palace, but of course, murder makes itself known and so, accompanied by faithful butler Clifford and the rest of the Henley Hall Gang, they set about unmasking the killer and forcing secrets to rise up with plenty of investigative shenanigans along the way.

I love the sense of family we get in these books and the way our characters are developing as we enter this new phase of life. The accompanying quiet investigations into the fate of Ellie’s parents is also a nice addition that I’m looking forward to seeing develop further.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "Murder at the Royal Palace" as part of the book tour in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[CPE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Royal Palace is Verity Bright’s twenty-third Lady Eleanor Swift novel and it’s up to the usual high standard. Although the cover shows Buckingham Palace, where Ellie’s husband, Hugh, is knighted at the start of the novel and another honorand is taken ill, the action mostly takes place in the Tower of London. I had no idea that the Tower’s official name is His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. The book’s title, therefore, could mean a murder at either Buck House or at the Tower – a nice ambiguity.

Ellie, Hugh, Clifford and their fledgling detective agency are asked to investigate the sudden death of a Beefeater. To do so, Ellie is passed off as Elaine Smith, a magazine journalist, with Clifford as Birdie, her lovable Cockney photographer. Hugh does less of the groundwork, as he is working out his final month’s notice as a Scotland Yard detective before their private detective agency is officially launched.

Verity Bright has a gift for writing repartee between Ellie and Clifford – and Clifford’s adoption of the Birdie persona increases the opportunities to display his quick wit. Readers of the earlier books will have enjoyed the playfulness shown by Gladstone and Tomkins, Ellie’s dog and cat. This book adds a mischievous raven, Rune, to the menagerie.

The book does what every “cosy” murder mystery is supposed to do: find the murderer; ensure they won’t do it again; and restore the status quo ante (that is, put things back to the position they were before the murder). Hierarchy is restored and everyone knows how they fit into the society in which they live. That’s pretty much the definition of a “cosy”: put the world straight as if the relevant “unpleasantness” never happened. However, verity Bright gently brings about a subtle change during this novel. Polly, the maid, has been a gawky, clumsy teenager during the series to date. The staff are invited to join the staff of the detective agency and Polly offers some shrewd insights, for example, asking if there was anything the deceased Beefeater didn’t cease doing during his last few weeks? I’m ashamed to say, the cleverness of her question escaped me on my first reading. Think about it: If you stop eating your usual food; and stop drinking your usual drink – but you are still poisoned; whatever you’re still doing probably killed you. That, ladies and gentlemen, is incisive deduction – and it was Polly’s thinking.

I admit to finding a couple of phrases jarring: a “heads-up”, for example, as a noun rather than an imperative, appears to date from the mid-1970s. Admittedly, such phraseology doesn’t detract from the plotting or the wittiness of the dialogue. It does, however, breach the fourth wall and smacks the reader with an ungentle reminder that they are in the present day and not the 1920, thus destroying the reader’s immersion in the novel.

However, my quibbles are very minor indeed. I felt the book’s excellent points far, far, outnumber any minor irritations I may have felt at some minor lapses of style. You will enjoy this book far more if you start with the first book in the series and work through them in order. However, this book could be read as a stand-alone. (But it will be infinitely less fun than it could be!)

#MurderattheRoyalPalace #NetGalley

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've come to love this series for the characters and story but must admit, the historical bits the duo of writers that form Verity Bright are a bonus. With half the duo now gone, see the dedication, I hope this series will continue. I've grown to enjoy the time I spend hanging out with Lady Eleanor Swift and her seemingly all-knowing butler Clifford, not to mention her husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, and her ladies. And, oh, let's not forget Gladstone, the bulldog. Gladstone didn't get to tag along initially as it's on royal palace grounds. Hugh is being knighted! He's honored but seems to be a mix of embarrassed at the fuss and worried about getting out of there so he can attend to police work. Then, a fellow honoree passes out in front of King George. They discover he's been ill for some time but, well, Eleanor being Eleanor, she's suspicious and urges Hugh to take the case after his death that is offered by his brother. She sells it to Hugh as sort of a trial run for their almost-there investigative agency with Clifford.

Things escalate from there and in the process you'll learn a great deal about the palace history, particularly the infamous Tower of London. I think in my mind I've always perceived it as pretty much a museum that now houses the royal jewels but not much else. As you'll discover, it's a residence for palace guards and workers of all sorts. If you've ever heard the term Beefeaters, for instance, you'll learn what that actually entails as well as the history of the name. The victim was actually the Raven Master, charged with, well, the well being of royal ravens. You'll learn their story as you read, don't worry, and why they were considered so important. Rune, one of them, is an intriguing, fun character in the story, in fact. I had to chuckle when I read that Clifford was reading Poe's collected works and immediately thought raven, so was delighted to see I'd picked up on at least one clue. All this and more, much more, while you're trying to solve a mystery but keep getting distracted by all the palace and royal mentions. Grin.

I won't detail the plot further, it's a fun one that ultimately includes family drama, danger, royalty, old legends, ghosts--maybe, maybe not, and hidden....well, let's just say stuff for now. You'll have to much fun sorting it all out and I don't want to ruin that fun. The characters are likable and, of course, taking place in the Tower of London adds a certain aura to it all. It was fun to see Eleanor's loyal ladies arrive and jump right into the investigation, not to mention noting the growth and maturity of the younger ones. I'd be giving away a delightful surprise at the end to say much more so, well, read the book and enjoy traveling back in time to the era of King George. Oh, at a time when the now familiar red booths holding phones first appeared, too. See, more fun history. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for introducing me to this delightful cast and sharing the wealth of info usually included within. I always find myself peeking at the historical notes at the end throughout, I must admit. I guess I'm not much more patient to find out the read story than Eleanor. Grin.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A Murder at the Royal Palace
Series: A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #23
Author: Verity Bright
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 30, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 335

In Book #21 Lady Eleanor Swift’ and longtime love interest dashing Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon got married.
Lady Eleanor Swift is at Buckingham Palace to see her new husband, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, knighted. She and Brimming with pride, all she can hope is that Gladstone the bulldog behaves himself in front of the king.

But the happy day is overshadowed when Dillion aka Dilly -Dalrymple, a royal guard who worked and lived at the Tower of London, tragically died. The head of the royal police asks Eleanor and Hugh to investigate –Eleanor and butler Clifford pose, undercover as a journalist and Clifford as Birdie the photographer with Seldon working in the background in order to solve the agency's first semi-official case.
You may remember that Seldon retired as chief inspector and had finishing up all his paperwork before retiring from Scotland Yard so he, Eleanor and Clifford, their indispensable butler, could start a new detective agency! There undercover world works and they are able to solve whodunit it however not without some drama.
With their first case under their belt., they need to come up with an official name. The name ‘The Bryon Detective Agency was chosen.

The end hints at their next adventure.

Since this is an Historical Fiction, the Author goes into details “with Historical Notes’ (Something I always love!)
We are told that most of the places, ceremonies and past event are real however ‘creative adjustments’ were made~
Some of what was real:
• Buckingham Palace
• Tower of London
• Beefeaters
• Ravens – amazing bird they were held responsible for the downfall of the kingdom
• Fusiliers – a regiment connected to the Tower of London
• Tower Moat – original filled with fish and used as a source of food
• Ceremony of the Keys – Daily military ceremony at the Tower of London
• Tower of Treasure- it believed that twenty thousand gold coins are hidden in the Tower of London
• Ghosts- Yes it is believe the Tower has a lot of ghosts perhaps twenty
• Thallium – a poison

About the Author ~~~ Verity Bright
I was saddened that on June 29, 2025 — ... Laura Tong, one half of the husband-and-wife cozy crime writing partnership Verity Bright. Was tragically killed and her husband Mark was seriously injured
Their writing spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humor, before embarking on their first historical mystery.

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early e-Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 30, 2025.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Murder at the Royal Palace (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Book 23) by Verity Bright

Rating: 5 Stars

I absolutely loved Murder at the Royal Palace — it’s a five-star treat from start to finish. From the moment I picked it up I was swept into a charming, cozy mystery that feels both delightfully old-fashioned and thoroughly fresh.

In this installment, Lady Eleanor Swift is off to Buckingham Palace for a wonderfully proud reason: her husband, Detective Chief Inspector Seldon, is being knighted. She’s dressed to the nines, has the perfect date lined up, and even hopes Gladstone the bulldog will keep his composure in front of the monarch. But the glittering occasion takes a dark turn when a royal guard, Dilly Dalrymple, collapses and dies. The official channels are tight-lipped, so Eleanor and Hugh are quietly asked to look into the matter on the side — and Eleanor quickly realizes there’s more beneath the polished surface of palace life.

Eleanor plunges into palace intrigue by adopting a disguise as a society journalist while her faithful butler Clifford pretends to be her photographer. Together they navigate a web of whispered scandals, flirtations, and hints of hidden treasure. The guest list reads like a buffet of secrets: gossiping wives, illicit affairs, and old scores that might explain who wanted Dilly silenced. Was this murder the result of a longstanding grudge, or did the guard know a little too much about somebody’s private life? The investigation unfolds with clever sleuthing, touching moments, and plenty of wry observations.

A few personal thoughts: the cover is gorgeous — seriously, it’s one of my favorites in the series, This may well be my favorite entry so far. The balance here is just right: it’s a cozy, historically flavored mystery that’s both entertaining and informative. I loved the vivid palace setting and the little historical details woven into the plot, and the characters continue to be a joy to spend time with. Eleanor’s pluck, Hugh’s steadiness, and Clifford’s dry wit are such a fun trio.

If you enjoy gentle mysteries with a strong sense of place, warm character relationships, and just enough scandal to keep you turning pages, pick this one up. I’m already eager for the next adventure.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its heartfelt dedication and acknowledgement, this book will always hold a special place in my heart. Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler and dear friend, Clifford, are at Buckingham Palace. Her husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, is about to be knighted by King George. The momentous occasion has a rather abrupt interruption. A man falls, and soon dies. As the cause of death becomes apparent, so does the assumption that his death was intended.

Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford jump right into action. Asked to do a quiet, rather unofficial, investigation, the three of them devise a plan and begin looking for the man’s murderer. In a rather lighthearted fashion, Eleanor poses as a journalist, with Clifford as her photographer. This gives them a lot of room to dig deeply into the murder, as well as what might be going on at the palace. I loved seeing another side of Clifford in this book as he really leaned into his role as “Birdie”.

Also, I learned a bit of history! The Beefeaters, Ravenmasters, were something I hadn’t heard of. Their roles, and the esteemed royal ravens that they train and work with, might have seemed like a thing of legend, but their presence and symbolic purpose at the palace exists to this very day.

The mystery itself is top-notch. Eleanor and Clifford particularly shine in this 23rd installment of the series, as well as the other enjoyable characters that were very much a part of the story. Not only do we have Hugh, but Mrs, Butters and the other ladies (lovingly referred to as “aprons”) as they all seamlessly work together as a loving family. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Eleanor and Hugh’s lovable bulldog Gladstone and their tomcat Tomkins. I love their roles in this book especially with the ravens—one in particular, Rune—as they were interwoven into this story.

I’m sure that I’m not just speaking for myself, but this delightful cozy mystery series has been wonderful from the start, and never loses steam. I am hoping for many more stories with Eleanor, Hugh and Clifford. The loss of Laura, one half of Verity Bright, will undoubtedly be deeply felt by those who knew her. It is hoped that her husband will find solace and comfort in continuing this series.

Thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[April Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor Swift, along with her butler Clifford, are at Buckingham Palace awaiting the ceremony of her new husband DCI Hugh Seldon to be knighted by King George. V. One of the other recipients collapses and Eleanor tries to help him. He is taken to a hospital and dies. The police have determined this was due to illness and no foul play. Ellie is not so sure and then the Chief of the Royal Police, and the deceased man's brother, comes to ask Hugh to investigate. Since Hugh is still a Scotland Yard detective, he cannot but Ellie and Clifford take the job. They think this will be a great first job for their new detective agency that will be started as soon as Hugh works out his notice. The deceased man was beefeater and raven master at the Tower of London, so Ellie and Clifford go undercover to flush out what really happened with him. What they find is a community of secrets, jealousy, betrayal and greed. Will they be able to unravel the truth?

There aren't enough stars to give for this book. I admit I am a big fan of this series but even so, this one blew me away! It has everything you want, great characters, good ones and not so good ones, everyone seems to have a reason but then why they couldn't have done it, a history of ravens and the dark history of the Tower of London, and one of the best mystery plots I have read. I could not put this down! We also get some hope about learning the fate of Ellie's parents. Bibby Peach from the British Library is a great addition and can't wait to see more of her. Speaking of editions, Rune the raven has made the terrible two a terrible three. I love him!

Although this is the 23rd installment of this series, you could read this without reading any of the previous books and still enjoy it. My only complaint is that I was ready for it to end and to say goodbye to my friends at Henley Hall.

The weather is getting cooler so the perfect time to get a copy of this book, a cup of tea and a blanket in your favorite chair and enjoy!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book and give my opinion.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change is very much in the air coupled with immense excitement in the latest Lady Eleanor Swift Cozy Murder, Murder At The Royal Palace, as both Clifford and Lady Eleanor wait in the magnificent Ballroom of Buckingham Place to witness Hugh, her beloved husband of barely one month, receive his Knighthood from King George.
When a recipient waiting to receive his award for Services to the King, catches her eye, she is much struck by his immense pallor; when he stumbles, almost falling she instinctively goes to help until the Place security men come to assist the man.
Sir Leonard Dalrymple, Head of Palace Security makes himself known to Ellie, Hugh and Clifford, much to Hugh’s chagrin. Ellie considers this could be the break they need to start their very new Detective agency and is prepared, up to a point, to let bygones be gone!
Accepting the death of the man who collapsed at Buckingham Place was unusual, he was also Sir Leonard’s brother, they agree to investigate his death much against their better judgement.
Clifford and Ellie find they will need to go undercover in the Tower of London, while Hugh is doing his best to finish up his massive pile of paperwork before he leaves Scotland Yard for good, and with more than one or two strange occurrences happening Ellie, Clifford, Hugh and the Ladies find themselves up against a very careful, ruthless killer.
Murder At The Royal Palace is steeped in the bloody history of the Tower of London, the superstition that surrounds old buildings with a long history, the small town inside the walls of the Tower which is home to the Beefeaters, (Yeoman Warders, Guardians of the Tower) as well as the Tower Ravens. When all these factors combine you have the perfect setting for a very grizzly series of murders which will plunge Ellie, Hugh and Clifford into immense danger.
The research that has gone into the background of Murder At The Royal Palace is formidable which has resulted in creating a captivating murder but also offers a slice of British history many readers will enjoy.
Highly recommended for lovers of a good murder mystery.

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Murder at the Royal Palace’ is the first book to be published since the tragic passing of Laura, part of the husband-and-wife team behind Verity Bright. It was a poignant read for me as this is a series which brings great comfort, a place to escape to when my world is too complicated. The characters have become real in my eyes; Lady Swift is my BFF and Gladstone is always pinching a sausage off me. The complete series is now at 23 books, and I have been there for everyone. You are always guaranteed a cracking read; the mystery is always interesting, the historical details are authentic, there is a slight social commentary, and the characters pop off the page.

Lady Eleanor Swift and Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon are now happily married! Hurray! Hugh is about to leave the police force and the book opens with his investiture as a Sir at Buckingham Palace. Alas, as always, drama follows. Eleanor and a man collapses in front of the King and later sadly passes away. In order to investigate, Eleanor and Clifford, her loyal butler, pretend to be a journalist and photographer and are installed in the Tower of London. The deceased was a Beefeater and his brother the chief of the royal police, and he believes that his brother was murdered.

The setting of the Tower of London made for an atmospheric and claustrophobic read. The tension was palpable when those gates were closed and the whole community was locked into the palace. The historical details were top-notch in this book and I personally learnt a lot about the palace and the roles of the Beefeaters. It is fascinating that there is practically a whole village community hidden away. The ravens have always been an intriguing part of its history and when they are croaking ‘murder’, it gives the reader a slight chuckle!

As usual, we have the normal gang of reprobates with Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford. But I took an instant liking to a new character who I hope will appear in future books! Plus, we might finally be finding out what happened to Eleanor’s parents.

I really adore these books and I hope that Mark takes great comfort in knowing that there is a legion of fans behind him.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new Lady Eleanor Swift mystery is always a major cause for celebration and in Murder at the Royal Palace, the redoubtable sleuth finds herself embroiled in another investigation in the most distinguished establishment in the land.

Eleanor is as proud as punch. She’s at Buckingham Palace to watch her beloved husband Detective Chief Inspector Seldon get knighted and she couldn’t be happier. However, her happiness is overshadowed by the collapse of Dilly Dalrymple, a royal guard who meets a sticky end. With her fame and reputation having preceded her, Eleanor is asked by the royal police to investigate the murder and it soon transpires that there’s far more to Dilly – and his death – than meets the eye.

Posing as a journalist for a high society magazine with her butler Clifford masquerading as her photographer, Eleanor starts to interview the high profile guests and residents at the palace – and what she discovers is far from salubrious. The palace is a hotbed for scandalous secrets, salacious affairs and gossip about long-lost treasure. With Dilly having been far from noble in his behaviour, Eleanor wonders whether someone wanted him killed to settle old scores or for getting too close to his wife…

When another soldier is murdered, Eleanor realises she has no time to lose. Can she uncover whodunnit? Or is she going to be the killer’s next victim?

Historical cozy crime does not get any better than this! Whether this is your first Lady Eleanor Swift or you are an avid reader, Murder at the Royal Palace will delight, entertain and charm old and new fans alike. Fun, escapist, enjoyable and so addictive, I struggled to put it down, Murder at the Royal Palace is a first-class crime novel that I devoured in one sitting!

With Lady Eleanor and the colourful cast in her orbit as fabulous as ever, Murder at the Royal Palace continues to cement Verity Bright’s standing as one of the brightest stars of cozy crime!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ellie Sinyard-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor Swift and her ever faithful butler, Clifford, are awaiting the investiture of her newly minted husband, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon for services to the police force when one of the other candidates falls at Eleanor’s feet. Later, Hugh is approached by the head of the palace police and informed that the man has died, and asks Hugh to take the case to determine if the death was murder. Having been burnt once by the man’s predecessor, Hugh refuses, however, Eleanor chooses to take on the case.
She and Clifford find themselves ensconced in the enclosed world that is The Tower of London, for the dead man was one of the Tower guard, the Ravenmaster. They don’t find the inhabitants of the Tower particularly helpful and they are racing against time to discover if it was murder, and if so who was the murderer. When Eleanor and Clifford find another dead body, the case becomes even more complicated.
Surrounded by the legends and rituals of the Tower of London, Eleanor and Clifford are faced with many obstacles to finding the truth. Do the Ravens hold the answer? Are all the inhabitants telling them the truth? How are they going to unravel all the clues and find the answer to bring justice to dead before they are unceremonially removed from the Tower?
With the help of Hugh and the ladies from Henley Hall and a librarian from the British Museum, they work furiously through the tangled webs to a solution that answers all their questions.
The latest episode of The Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries is, as usual, a combination of mystery and romance and friendships. The characters that Verity Bright has created continue to grow and are friends into whose lives we want to step. A unique setting with an equally intriguing plot. 5/5


Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read the eARV of this book

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another highly enjoyable Eleanor Swift mystery!

All is changing as Hugh receives a knighthood and is getting closer to his retirement. From official policing at least. Even something as special as a visit to the palace and a garden party can't stop Eleanor stumbling into another crime. This one is centred around the Tower of London and the Beefeaters who serve there. I loved all the little historical references, the very literal past that they have to dig into as they solve this murder. And the ravens. I love ravens, so it was great to see them featured here and to play a part in both the crime and solving the mystery.

The suspects and supporting characters are great as always, the author has the knack of creating characters you want to learn more about and are invested in, in only a few lines.

One slight thing about the blurb, Gladstone isn't at the knighting ceremony. As much as I would have loved that, I think they did the right thing in keeping him away, our boy couldn't handle that much excitement.

I love Rune. Not sure how I feel about them basically taking him, but Rune owns my heart and I'm so glad he's going to have this happy ending and that we will see more of him going forward. And that's not the only new character we are going to see more of, I like the little suggestion of someone else too.

As always, the book comes with another few breadcrumbs of the mystery surrounding Eleanor's parents. We are one slow step forward, but I am starting to wonder if we are ever going to find anything real about it.

Very entertaining, already itching to read the next as the new agency goes full steam ahead.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor Swift and her enterage go to the Royal Palace to see her new husband Seldon be knighted by King. One man appears to be quite sick as he stumbles forward. Eleanor actually jumps out of her seat to keep him from falling. At the reception, the man falls again, near their table. He is taken to the hospital by ambulance. They are planning to stay at Claridge's, and Ellie has asked Sir Leonard (Head of the royal police) to come to dinner with them. At dinner, Sir Leonard asks Seldon to prove that his brother Dilly was murdered. Seldon refuses. However, as they finish dinner, Sir Leonard invites them to come to Traitors' Gate the next morning. Ellie asks him what connection he has to the man who died, and he answers that the man was his brother.

When Seldon and Eleanor have a tour with Sir Leonard, a Raven hops on the bench where she is sitting and says "Twas murder!" Clifford and Eleanor are invited to stay in the Royal Tower to help investigate while the rest of them stay in the hotel. The new keeper of the ravens is Todd, and he takes Ely and Clifford to see them. Two have recently left and are presumed dead. Later, the the ravens moves into the hotel with with Seldon, the Ladies, and dog and cat. He has managed to follow Eleanor and Clifford when they went back to the hotel.

Clifford and Eleanor continue to investigate as she pretends to be a reporter and Clifford her photographer, although they are continuing to investigate. Things get very exciting as there is another death/murder. Things get very dangerous, the more they discover, and the end is very exciting.

I thank Netgalley and Bookoutour for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Royal Palace by Verity Bright. Lady Eleanor and High are finally married and visiting London with the entire staff. Hugh is not quite finished with his stint with Scotland Yard but Ellie and Clifford have accepted a “job” in which Hugh will not be involved. It is an exciting book, much of it taking place with Ellie and Clifford, undercover, in the famed Tower of London. As I was to visit just days later, this book prepared me for said visit and made it much more meaningful. As usual, Ellie and Clifford managed to draw Hugh in despite their promises not to be involved. Also the ladies worked undercover, mostly eavesdropping, which added much needed information to the case.

Excellent characters, as always, shown off to their best advantage by Verity Bright. I know there will be several more books, but this is the last written in its entirety for Bright before her death. This has been an engaging series, full of growth for the main characters. The relationship between Hugh and Ellie has blossomed into love and marriage, and even Clifford is loosening up, slightly. The setting is early 20th century England and is a study in historical fiction as the world around them is changing quickly and everyone is having to adjust. The characters are exceptional and the mysteries are well thought out and interesting. It has been a joy to read this fine series. I will miss it.

I was invited to read Murder at the Royal Palace by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #VerityBright #MurderAtTheRoyalPalace

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done to another addition of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery. In this book, post honeymoon, Eleanor and Seldon are preparing for life as PIs in the near future when Seldon retires from Scotland Yard. But first he is to be knighted and a man dies during the celebration. Quietly the Captain of the Guard requests the two to investigate the man's death, who just happens to be his brother and a Beefeater. This could be an important connection to the agency's future so the couple say yes. It means an undercover operation as the Butler will be Eleanor's photographer and she a reporter for a well-to-do magazine who are telling about the life behind-the-scenes at the Tower of London.

Eleanor is not expecting all the gossip, adultery and talk of a missing treasure. But when another man is killed when the Tower is locked up for the night, Eleanor and her team will need to use all their wits to figure out who is the dastardly murderer before she is the one will her head off.

This series hasn't gotten old yet and I love how they continue to incorporate many of the workers at the castle in the mystery even when they aren't at home. And who can't adore the dog? It was very interesting to see life at the Tower of London for the Beefeaters and their families: their own pub and other amenities. Plus the information about the ravens.

I hope there are many more in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man dies at Buckingham Palace at the garden party after Hugh’s knighthood. The man’s brother hires Eleanor and her detective agency to investigate...
Murder at the Royal Palace is the 23rd book int he Lady Eleanor Swift series of cosy murder mysteries set in the 1930s.
I usually enjoy the books in this series but this one was my absolute favourite: I LOVED IT!
Eleanor is super proud of her new husband Hugh who has been awarded a knighthood. But death is never far away and Eleanor desperately tries but unfortunately fails to save the brother of the head of the royal police. Eleanor and Clifford go undercover at the Tower of London as a journalist and her cameraman in order to prove the death was murder.
Cue ravens, Beefeaters, history, tradition, ghosts and drama! I loved all of the detail about the Tower which is hugely familiar to me as I love the Channel 5 show. The level of research into the Tower is superb and I was immersed in the era and location.
On the personal side, Eleanor and Hugh are preparing for the next big change: setting up a proper detective agency and this case becomes their first. They are ably assisted by the usual supporting cast of Clifford and the women of the household as well as the pets. Clifford continues to be frequently horrified by Eleanor's antics and the humour is warm and affectionate.
Murder at the Royal Palace is just brilliant, the best yet.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor is full of pride. An invitation to watch her husband being knighted is no small honor and she has promised herself to behave and not create any form of situation. But she is a magnet for strange situations, and a Royal guard collapses and dies a few feet away from where she is. When she and her husband are approached to investigate this death of a man known to have been very sick, and when it is strictly not official, you do know there is a mystery afoot.

The need for secrecy and for the Palace not to be even connected with the taint of murder and gossip is reminiscent of the times of King George, in comparison to present times where royalty is fair game and no one is bothered by it. Here the investigation is stealthy and under cover with Lady Eleanor acting as a journalist with her butler as a cameraman in order to get access to the Tower where they feel the secret to this death lie.

Apart from the investigation, the story is full of historical detail of the traditions of the tower, its inhabitants, the ravens, the archaic ceremonies and very important the hierarchy that operates this ancient place. However Royal the place, intrigue and corruption as usual is rife and this is what is uncovered.

An interesting story, more detailed than other books in the series.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest Eleanor Swift mystery from Verity Bright, readers join Eleanor and her new husband, DCI Seldon, at his knighting ceremony in Buckingham Palace. When Dilly Dalrymple, a royal guard stationed at the Tower of London, dies at the Palace, the head of the royal police asking Eleanor and Hugh to unofficially investigate the case. Disguised as a journalist and photographer. Eleanor and Clifford start interviewing the guests and residents, whose answers only lead to more questions and another murdered soldier at midnight hours after the gates are locked. Packed with high stakes, an epic setting, and a twisted conspiracy at its core, fans of the series will love Lady Eleanor’s latest investigation. The mystery is fascinating and well-written, while the characters’ relationships to the murder victims and the larger story keep readers guessing, and the added bits of intensity within the mystery expand the story into something truly exciting. Eleanor is a brilliant and competent protagonist who’s grown a lot over the series, and her growth in this book as a newly married woman negotiating this relationship really adds some fantastic depth to the story. Well-written, detailed, and entertaining, cozy historical mystery fans will love Verity Bright’s latest instalment in this brilliant series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but all opinions are my own. Murder at the Royal Palace serves as a transition book as it features the first mystery solved by the new detective agency that Ellie, Clifford and Seldon decided to start in the prior book in the series. Seldon is working to finish up some old cases before he leaves Scotland Yard so it feels a bit like a swan song for the Ellie-Clifford partnership before they get more help. Although the agency hasn't officially been founded, Ellie finds their first mystery while attending the Seldon's knighthood ceremony at Buckingham palace when a follow honorary collapses and dies. His brother, head of the royal police asks Seldon to look into it, but due to his current position, can't so Ellie and Clifford step in. Going undercover, they get to experience the small community that is the guards of the Tower of London as they try to catch the killer. The mystery is nice, but what I really enjoyed about this all the information about the Tower of London; it is interesting how it is really a little village within the Tower walls complete with a doctor, church and pub. I'm very excited to see where the series goes from here now as the detective agency takes off.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In MURDER AT THE ROYAL PALACE, written by Verity Bright, Lady Eleanor Swift is at Buckingham Palace to witness the knighting of her husband, Hugh Seldon (Chief Inspector), by King George. A man being recognized by the King feels unwell and Lady Swift comes forward from her viewing seat, against the edict to remain seated, to catch him as he falls. The man is ill again during the after-party and is taken by ambulance to the hospital. I want to know what happens.

It is good to return to Lady Eleanor Swift, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, and butler Clifford. I enjoy reading about 1920’s London. While I like the set-up, the plot grows more interesting as the story progresses. It may take time for things to get going, but the plot moves toward a satisfying conclusion. I like the explanation of historical references at the end of the book. I want to know what happens with Eleanor and Hugh’s new detective agency and see how they solve the next case. I look forward to reading future books in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MURDER AT THE ROYAL PALACE.