The Queen Who Came in From the Cold

Her Majesty the Queen Investigates #5

by S.J. Bennett

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.

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

Hardcover

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.

[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!! 📚⭐️

[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!

[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.

[Joan Wetherell · Rating 1 out of 5]

How can this have been published at a date in the future?

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Polly Perks · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***

It’s 1961, and Queen Elizabeth II is travelling on the royal train when an unreliable witness claims to have seen a brutal murder from one of the carriages. The victim may be linked to Princess Margaret’s new husband’s past, and as Cold War tensions simmer, the Queen and her assistant Joan McGraw quietly begin investigating.

I really enjoy this series and have read all the previous books, so it was great to return to Bennett’s blend of history, humour, and royal intrigue. The Cold War backdrop adds an extra layer of tension, and the Queen’s discreet sleuthing remains the highlight. Some of the side characters felt a little thin and parts of the plot leaned on familiar tropes, but the twists toward the end kept me engaged.

This will appeal to readers who enjoy historical mysteries with unusual detectives. Fans of The Crown or Bennett’s earlier The Windsor Knot will find much to enjoy here, as will those who like a touch of espionage with their crime.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

This was a charming addition to the series, with Queen Elizabeth once again stepping into the role of unexpected sleuth. I really enjoy the way S.J. Bennett weaves real history, royal detail, and a touch of wit into these mysteries—it feels both respectful and playful. The Cold War angle added intrigue, and the Queen’s perspective gives the story a unique, cozy feel that’s unlike most mysteries out there.

That said, the pacing occasionally dragged, and some of the secondary characters felt a little thin compared to the Queen’s vibrant presence. Still, the writing is elegant, the concept is delightful, and there were enough clever twists to keep me invested.

Overall, this is a lovely, lighthearted read that fans of royal fiction and cozy mysteries will appreciate. Not my absolute favorite in the series, but definitely a solid installment.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flat out love this series, as it combines two of my favorite things: the Queen and a good mystery. The unexpected bonus is Ms. Bennett’s skillful writing – she’s excellent at plotting and character development, and her portrayal of the Queen – chef’s kiss! The Queen, as portrayed here, is dutiful, intelligent, and possessed of a full measure of curiosity and humor. My reading about the Queen suggests these things were true. This series installment is set in 1961, during the space race, the cold war, and the popularity of James Bond.

The main character is actually not the Queen (though she’s a strong second), but the Queen’s assistant private secretary, in 1961, posited by Bennett, a capable Bletchley Park graduate named Joan McGraw. (In the more contemporary novels, it’s a London born Nigerian officer named Rozie Oshodi). Joan and the Queen share a kind of mind meld, as both are curious and wanting to solve the puzzles that come their way.

In this outing, the puzzle forms on a train journey to Scotland, where Princess Margaret’s substitute lady in waiting claims to have seem a dead body from the train window. As no trace can be found, and the lady in waiting appeared to be drunk, not much credence is given to this until Elizabeth, ever curious, seeks out a train loving Anglican priest to explain railway timetables and locations and the Queen utilizes this information to locate the body.

Of course, the Queen is always at a necessary remove, with the actual operations of their detection activities carried out by Joan. In all the books, men around the Queen are more than happy to hog the credit for anything that goes right, and often are delighted to explain to the Queen herself just how they were so clever, accounts the Queen listens to with a bemused attention.

The action in the previous novels took place in London at the palace or in Scotland, but this novel, after the initial and delightful train journey, takes place on one of the Queen’s favorite spots: Britannia, the royal yacht. As in the previous books, one of the delights of this one is simply how the Britannia was operated and managed. As the Queen is on a tour of the Mediterranean, the details of managing a royal tour are also included. Even the most rabid anti monarchist (who are unlikely to be reading this book, to be real) would have some sympathy for the Queen’s grueling schedule, which was planned in 5 minute increments.

The real action concerns a defecting Soviet with ties to their space program, with a plan in place for the person in question to be stashed in the royal yacht and taken to London. The Soviet has ties to the dead man seen from the train and while the Queen is initially horrified at the idea of using the yacht in this manner, ultimately, she’s unable to let the person be killed by the KGB, who seem to be in pursuit.

Bennett often throws in an action scene toward the end and this novel is no exception. It’s a dandy, taking place on a small Italian island in the middle of the night. While I don’t read these books for the action sequences, I always enjoy them. They are kind of the delightful dessert complimenting the rest of the story, a story that Bennett manages to make captivating and emotionally resonant. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series to date, and five books in, that’s quite the achievement. I also enjoy that the recent books are now taking place in the more distant past, when Elizabeth was a new Queen and she and Phillip were one of the most glamorous couples on the planet. The glamor, the intrigue, the characters, the plots, the setting – these books are a pure delight in every possible way.

[UKDana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1961, and the country is obsessed with James Bond and British spies. Queen Elizabeth II is dragged into a potential diplomatic nightmare when someone tries to smuggle a Russian spy onto the Royal Yacht Britannia.

I've enjoyed each book in the Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series by S. J. Bennett. While I preferred the three books in the series which featured the older version of the Queen, using a historical setting has worked well too. The Queen Who Came In From The Cold is one such novel, set in 1961.

Elizabeth and her entourage are preparing for a trip aboard the royal train. During the trip, one of the passengers is convinced she witnessed a murder. The Queen, along with Joan, her Assistant Private Secretary, decides to investigate and discover a plot to smuggle a Russian defector aboard Britannia while the Queen and Prince Philip are visiting Italy.

The Queen comes across as shrewd, practical and considered. Well aware of diplomatic relations, she toes a very fine line in her support of the people trying to smuggle a spy into Britain. All of this is done against a backdrop of the uncovering of double agents in England who were working for Russia.

There is a very glamorous feel throughout. A royal visit to Venice conjures up beautiful gowns and gorgeous scenery. Time on Britannia invokes scenes of elegance and wealth. Across the country, the population is captivated by the thought of John F Kennedy and his wife on a state visit to Britain, the alluring world of James Bond, and the first man in space. Not everything is quite as captivating, though. The royal train gives you a glimpse of how frugal the Queen could be, with the whole thing being a mishmash of dated carriages. By mixing real events alongside the fictional elements of the story, combined with such accurate and nuanced portrayals of the royal family, we get an amazing sense of authenticity to the narrative.

Danger lurks around every corner, however, and Joan finds herself in some precarious situations. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering which way events would go. For a cosy crime novel, this comes very close to being a full-blown spy thriller. Even when events are concluded, there is still a sense of unease. You can never be sure in the world of espionage and double agents.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on:-
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[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

SJ Bennett, The Queen Who Came in from the Cold
Her Majesty The Queen Investigates, Book 2 of Her Majesty The Queen Investigates, Crooked Lane Books, November 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Although a murder has its complications, not least that to make a novel based around such a crime fun as well as an exercise in sleuthing, SJ Bennett has achieved this with elegance. The Queen Who Came in from the Cold is such an entertaining read, beginning with its references to Mrs Jones’ foibles – and, of course, Princess Margaret was indeed Mrs Jones, albeit one with a title and tiara - the introduction of Queen Elizabeth chattering with the Duke of Edinburgh while trying to accomplish her work in the royal Daimler and the intricacies of the phone and speaker which mysteriously disconnects as Henry Coxon regales Pavel Michalowski with his royal gossip.

Queen Elizabeth is to be taken from her customary lifestyle, the Royal Train, the Royal Yacht Britannica, Buckingham Palace, gracious international encounters, replete with comforting protocol to a world in which she indeed must encounter vastly different aspirations. Some threaten the Royals’ beloved protocol, and possibly even more beloved, the Royal Yacht Britannica.

Replete with royal staff members of varying capacity and obsequious or contrary behaviour; an intrusive and eccentric last minute substitute Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret; dogs; community leaders or business people of note, particularly to themselves; and political faux pas the Royal train becomes the focus of a rumour – a murder was observed by a passenger as it travelled through the countryside. The discovery of the body is the beginning of an investigation and subterfuge that involves Queen Elizabeth and Britannica.

The investigation, the characters and the involvement of royalty are woven together into a witty and engaging story. MI5, and its plans, smug people of limited capacity but little ability to discern this, and Queen Elizabeth’s adherence to personal and public protocol are wonderfully drawn. This book is a delight, and I shall enjoy reading the earlier novels in the series as well as hoping for further work from this gifted author.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to Crooked Lane Books for my ARC.

Second, as a fan of the series, I think this has to be the best of the lot.

Set in the early 1960s, with a young Queen Elizabeth within the timeframe presented in "A Death in Diamonds," readers are brought onto the royal train as the royal couple, along with the newly married Princess Margaret, are traveling past the English countryside. One of the ladies-in-waiting happened to witness some foul play as the train passed a clearing. Using her resources and quick wit, Queen Elizabeth narrows down the possible location where the body may be found, and, from there, the queen becomes embroiled in a murder mystery, which quickly becomes a battle of wits against the Soviet KGBs. Naturally, the queen stays above the fray using her assistant private secretary Joan McGraw to drop nuggets here and there and nudging law enforcement and even the MI5 along in the right direction. This is all while navigating her royal duties and state visits.

What makes this book different and so much fun to read was that author SJ Bennett did not just write this as a whodunit. The murdered figure is tied to something more intricate and reflects the Cold War and Space Race taking place at that time. I liked that the history aspect is thrown in; after all, the queen is a historic figure. But beyond that, this book , in particular, has the queen caught in a moral conundrum: Does she continue to wash her hands off the situation so as to not bring scandal, and possibly, a world war, but in doing so, will cause the loss of lives, due to her non-action? Has the queen finally met her match.

In doing this, the author puts the queen on the spotlight, not just as a head of state, but also as mom, a warm-blooded human with a human heart beating beneath the fashionable ermine and ivory lace. I believe, this storyline, in presenting the queen in a different light, will be a hit with many fans of the series. I know it was a hit with me.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1961 and Queen Elizabeth II is in her prime at 35 years old.

The Cold War is in full swing.

A mysterious murder seen from the Queen's private train sets in motion a chain of events that will include the British countryside, Tunisia, and Venice.

Five reasons why this fifth book in the series gets all the stars from me:

👸That cover is amazing! Love the young queen with her Corgis by her side and a knowing look on her face. Few on her staff know how much she is participating in the solving of the mystery and she is fine with that!
👸With a young QE2 we also get a young Prince Phillip. Their private conversations are so delightfully written. His very British pet names like "Sausage" and "Cabbage" are so endearing.
👸Every mode of transport in that era is brought into the narrative. She is on her train and planes, automobiles, and even her beloved Britannia gets a turn. My favorite was their time on Britannia!
👸The early 1960's brought us classic spy novels by the likes of Ian Flemming and John le Carré. While staff members and the Prince are enjoying the books, the real deal is happening around them. Phillip is keen to read some of the James Bond books so he can discuss them with JFK in the upcoming visit.
👸As with the previous books in the series, we see how the Queen is participating so discreetly in the investigating that others in her orbit get the credit. Her machinations behind the scene nudge things along and we can see the results.

It was a brilliant move to go back in time for this fifth book now that the beloved Queen has passed. I hope there will be more historical mysteries in this series. Her many experiences over the years should be a rich source of material. Keeping my fingers crossed!🤞

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelley Quezada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in a sharply plotted , warmly humorous and nuanced portrait of Elizabeth II as a sleuth. Set in 1961, this is the newest "Her Majesty the Queen Investigates" that opens aboard the Royal Train, where Princess Margaret’s temporary lady-in-waiting claims she’s seen a murder from the window. No one else noticed a thing but the Queen’s curiosity is stirred. She discreetly assigns her Assistant Private Secretary, Joan McGraw, a sharp former Bletchley Park code breaker, to look into the matter while juggling preparations for a royal tour of Italy and the impending visit of President John F. Kennedy. The case darkens when it is discovered the victim is a friend of brother-in-law Tony Armstrong-Jones. It appears the death may be tied to a Cold War plot to smuggle a Soviet defector into Britain via the Royal Yacht Britannia. From behind the scenes, the Queen offers shrewd guidance as she and Joan work around the Palace and the intelligence services to keep her involvement hidden. Bennett once again blends a cozy mystery with espionage to excellent effect. The story shifts smoothly from whodunit to spy thriller, driven by clever twists and rich atmosphere. The Queen’s inner voice remains a highlight—wry, dignified, and deeply human—while the character of Joan is engaging and capable . Their partnership to aid the escape of a Soviet defector is thrilling.
Much of the novel unfolds aboard H. M. S. Britannia and across the Mediterranean, with Bennett’s eye for royal detail shining through—from the grueling five-minute schedules to the glamorous setting. The nighttime climax on a remote Italian island is a brisk, cinematic flourish. The audio narration is delivered with alacrity and charm.

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A brutal murder spotted from a carriage window… no one else saw it. Just one unreliable witness. And who steps in to investigate? The Queen herself. 👑🔍

📖 The Queen Who Came in from the Cold
👑 Her Majesty The Queen Investigates (Book 5)
✍️ @sophiabennett_writer
🏛️ Crooked Lane Books
📅 Pub Date: Nov 11, 2025
📚 Genre: Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers

✨ My Thoughts ✨
A murder spotted from a carriage window on the royal train in 1961… a missing photographer tied to Princess Margaret’s new husband… and the Queen herself stepping in to investigate with her assistant Joan McGraw. The crime was scary and cruel, and the discovery of the dead body genuinely spooked me—it added the perfect eerie touch to the mystery. Spies, lies, treachery, and the Cold War looming in the background—this book has everything I adore. I absolutely fell in love with the story, the royal setting, the investigation, and the Agatha Christie–style atmosphere. The title, the cover, and the entire mystery drew me in, and I enjoyed every character along the way. Though it’s part of a series, it reads beautifully as a standalone—and now I can’t wait to pick up the rest. A perfect cozy yet clever thriller, highly recommended for fans of Christie, Miss Marple, or The Crown.

Thank you @NetGalley and @crookedlanebooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.


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[Margie Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.J. Bennett set the first three books in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates mysteries in 2016, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in her later years. But for the next two, including The Queen Who Came in from the Cold, she wisely switches the time to the late 1950s and early 1960s, leaving a lot more room for further books in the series.

I particularly enjoy the way the Queen is portrayed as a sharp thinker who often doesn't get the personal credit she deserves when quietly dealing with a situation that may threaten the reputation or safety of the royal family, or both. She works closely as a team with her capable assistant private secretary, Joan McGraw, who has honed her skills in the military and knows how to balance royal protocol with dangerous circumstances. In this book, whose title hints at the Cold War, a socialite called in at the last minute to replace one of the Queen's ladies in waiting, spots what appears to be a vicious murder as she travels with the Queen and her entourage on the royal train. But it is difficult to reconcile her report with the lack of sightings by other persons on the train, until some clues start emerging.

It's a premise that includes spies, defections, the space race between Russia and the US, Prince Philip,the Queen's sister Princess Margaret and her new husband, and an inside look at sumptuous palaces and travel on the royal yacht. There are some precarious action scenes, but I was most intrigued by the step-by-step investigation and the execution of a perilous plan. The quality remains high in this always-enjoyable historical mystery series.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.

[William J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book. I enjoyed reading The Queen Who Came In From The Cold. It is a very cute mystery that starts out with the Queen, her husband, sister Margaret, and others boarding her Majesty's Royal Train for a trip. The Queen brought along her two white terriers and her assistant private secretary, Joan. Margaret brought in Sandra Pole, Margaret's stand-in-lady-in-waiting. Sandra was known for being flirty, silly, criminally unreliable and a bit of a kleptomaniac. Sandra also brought her dog, Conchita, a chihuahua, who liked to bite. Sandra's dogs liked to terrorize the Sealyhams. Sandra didn't really work out as a lady in waiting for Margaret. At dinner one night she left the table which was really against protocol to fetch a piece of clothing, her wrap, and said she ended up witnessing a murder. She initially lied about the time, where she was when she witnessed the murder because she really had gone into the Queens private quarters and was taking pictures with her dog in the Queens' bathroom. She returned to the table in shock, getting drunk and telling stories of killing tigers that the Royal Family were appalled to hear. The Queen later starts her own investigation about the murder that Sandra witnessed, the time of day she saw the murder, and where the murder happened according to Sandra's detailed information. The Queen talks to a railroad consultant and the Murder Squad is also involved to help solve this murder. This book was so much fun to read and I highly recommend that you buy, gift, but most importantly read this book, Her Majesty The Queen Investigates. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[Knjiska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own :)

England, 1961. The Queen is traveling on the royal train when an alleged murder is witnessed from one of the carriages. With no body, no suspect, and only an unreliable account to go on, Her Majesty, alongside her assistant private secretary, Joan McGraw, finds herself pulled into another secret investigation. With Cold War tensions brewing and political stakes rising, the Queen must balance diplomacy, duty, and a mystery that hits closer to home than anyone expects.

I’ve read S.J. Bennett’s books before, so I knew exactly what kind of story I was stepping into. And once again, the author didn’t disappoint. This was such a cozy, clever mystery, full of charm and quiet wit. I absolutely loved seeing the Queen as the main character, calm and observant, quietly piecing things together while everyone around her underestimates her.

The train and yacht settings were so atmospheric, and I really enjoyed the Cold War backdrop. It added just enough tension to make the mystery feel high-stakes while keeping that signature cozy tone. I also loved how Joan McGraw continues to grow as a character; she’s the perfect foil for the Queen - smart, steady, and increasingly independent in her own right.

The beginning was a little slow, and it took a while for the story to truly find its rhythm, but once it did, I was completely drawn in. By the midpoint, the pacing picked up beautifully and the intrigue pulled me right along.

All in all, it was a charming, elegant mystery. A perfect blend of royal glamour, subtle humor, and quiet intelligence.