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A Right Royal Cozy Investigation #16
Lift and Let Die
Not yet published
Expected 26 Oct 26Lady Beatrice should be finalising wedding vows — not investigating murder.
With just weeks to go before she marries Richard Fitzwilliam, Bea is pulled back to Three Lakes, the new rehabilitation centre founded by her brother after a senior staff member dies in a late-night lift malfunction.
At first, it looks like a tragic accident. The victim had a history of anxiety, and when the lift stalled between floors, panic proved fatal.
But it doesn’t take long for the truth to surface—the malfunction was deliberately engineered. What began as a heartbreaking accident becomes a calculated act of revenge.
With the centre’s royal opening fast approaching, and Bea’s own wedding on the horizon, scandal is the last thing her family needs. Rich steps in officially. Bea, unofficially. Perry develops a suspicious interest in lift mechanics, and Simon claims he’s staying out of it while preparing for his US book tour (he isn’t). And, of course, Daisy uncovers a clue no one else spotted.
As they dig deeper, Bea discovers that someone at Three Lakes has been holding onto a grievance for far longer than anyone realised. And now, they’ve decided it’s time to settle it.
Some loyalties last a lifetime. So do some grudges.
With just weeks to go before she marries Richard Fitzwilliam, Bea is pulled back to Three Lakes, the new rehabilitation centre founded by her brother after a senior staff member dies in a late-night lift malfunction.
At first, it looks like a tragic accident. The victim had a history of anxiety, and when the lift stalled between floors, panic proved fatal.
But it doesn’t take long for the truth to surface—the malfunction was deliberately engineered. What began as a heartbreaking accident becomes a calculated act of revenge.
With the centre’s royal opening fast approaching, and Bea’s own wedding on the horizon, scandal is the last thing her family needs. Rich steps in officially. Bea, unofficially. Perry develops a suspicious interest in lift mechanics, and Simon claims he’s staying out of it while preparing for his US book tour (he isn’t). And, of course, Daisy uncovers a clue no one else spotted.
As they dig deeper, Bea discovers that someone at Three Lakes has been holding onto a grievance for far longer than anyone realised. And now, they’ve decided it’s time to settle it.
Some loyalties last a lifetime. So do some grudges.
- GenresCozy
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 26, 2026
About the author
Helen Golden
32 books118 followersHelen Golden spins crimes that are charmingly British, delightfully deadly, and served with a twist of humour.
With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces. Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.
Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.
If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.
With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces. Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.
Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.
If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again Helen Golden triumphs. This last book in the series is outstanding; it is meticulously executed with an intensely crafted storyline shrouded in the usual web of deceit. I have to admit that it has surpassed my wildest expectations and exceeded previous high standards by a mile.
I love the way Helen brings each of her characters to life, it’s like they are old friends now, she weaves her intensely clever plots around their characters and diverse activities with her unique style of writing and had me spell bound from the first page. Her attention to detail, in my opinion, is where her strength lies, as this is the information that builds the imagination of the reader.
This book will have you reading well into the small hours, you really will not be able to put it down until the very last word !!
I love the way Helen brings each of her characters to life, it’s like they are old friends now, she weaves her intensely clever plots around their characters and diverse activities with her unique style of writing and had me spell bound from the first page. Her attention to detail, in my opinion, is where her strength lies, as this is the information that builds the imagination of the reader.
This book will have you reading well into the small hours, you really will not be able to put it down until the very last word !!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the perfect ending to this delightful series! Lady Bea and Rich, along with Perry and Simon, and of course, Daisy pitch in to solve the murder of a man working at the soon to open Four Lakes Center for veterans in time for their much heralded wedding. Everyone has their part to play in this investigation identifying who is responsible for Gareth Harkness's death and bringing them to justice. Tina Spicer leads the investigation now that Richard Fitzwilliam is on sabbatical in anticipation of his retirement from the police. Will Tina find happiness with another member of the Four Lakes team? Maybe we will have a chance to find out someday. Here's to spin-off possibilities for her or Perry with occasional visits from the new Duke, Duchess and Daisy naturally!
I completely enjoyed my visit with this royal crew. It has been a pleasure to follow Lady Bea and Richard Fitzwilliam's relationship across the years, most especially to travel along as Lady Bea grows into her role as a working royal.
I have always said one of my favorite tropes in cozy mysteries is a quirky sidekick and Perry Juke more than fits the bill! His vibrance and enthusiasm for almost everything investigatory or decorative is a joy to read. I eagerly anticipate and await news of a Perry spin-off!
I completely enjoyed my visit with this royal crew. It has been a pleasure to follow Lady Bea and Richard Fitzwilliam's relationship across the years, most especially to travel along as Lady Bea grows into her role as a working royal.
I have always said one of my favorite tropes in cozy mysteries is a quirky sidekick and Perry Juke more than fits the bill! His vibrance and enthusiasm for almost everything investigatory or decorative is a joy to read. I eagerly anticipate and await news of a Perry spin-off!
October 15, 2026
Even as Lady Bea and Rich are attending royal engagements and preparing for their upcoming wedding, they are also involved with the opening of a facility to aid veterans. Three Lakes certainly sounds like an ideal setting for veterans needing physical and psychological care. The final touches are being put in place and the soft opening is rapidly approaching until there there is a slight snag. One of the chief staff members is most inconveniently found dead in the elevator one day. He has a multitude of physical problems as well as having panic attacks and at first glance, it seems that he died of natural causes. Or did he?
Questions start to arise about relationships among the staff and old history that might have led to old grudges being renewed.
This book was delightful with several red herrings to chase and an ending unlike I have ever read before with a cozy mystery.
All the familiar characters return for this final installment in the series and of course Daisy does her part by uncovering a valuable piece of evidence that ultimately leads to the answer to some vital questions. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read to complete the series!
Questions start to arise about relationships among the staff and old history that might have led to old grudges being renewed.
This book was delightful with several red herrings to chase and an ending unlike I have ever read before with a cozy mystery.
All the familiar characters return for this final installment in the series and of course Daisy does her part by uncovering a valuable piece of evidence that ultimately leads to the answer to some vital questions. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read to complete the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lady Bea and Richard's wedding is imminent, but of course things can't run smoothly. There's the small matter of a dead body to clear up...
Bea and Perry have been extensively involved in Bea's brother Fred's latest project - a rehabilitation centre for injured veterans.
The body of a senior member of staff is found in a lift known to have been malfunctioning.
It looks like an accident, or the result of a known medical condition.
Until the toxicology report comes back...
Up against the clock, and with precious little evidence to go on, the gang really, REALLY need to get this one solved.
Another brilliant adventure in this always excellent series.
It's goodbye to the Francis Court crew...but hopefully we'll see them again one day
Bea and Perry have been extensively involved in Bea's brother Fred's latest project - a rehabilitation centre for injured veterans.
The body of a senior member of staff is found in a lift known to have been malfunctioning.
It looks like an accident, or the result of a known medical condition.
Until the toxicology report comes back...
Up against the clock, and with precious little evidence to go on, the gang really, REALLY need to get this one solved.
Another brilliant adventure in this always excellent series.
It's goodbye to the Francis Court crew...but hopefully we'll see them again one day
October 13, 2026
A fitting end to what has been, a fun cozy mystery series. This last book sees Bea and Richard trying to finalise the opening of Fred's pet project. A retreat for wounded service men and women where they can repair and recharge. Of course there's a body and a race to find the killer, if indeed there is one, before the grand opening. Meanwhile Bea and Rich's wedding is getting closer and Bea would rather be arguing place settings with her mother, than solving yet another murder, but needs must.
I'll admit I worked out the why fairly quickly and was annoyed that none of the protagonists picked up on it, but the who was much, much harder to work out.
I enjoyed this final story and will miss Bea, Rich, Perry, Simon and especially, Daisy.
I'll admit I worked out the why fairly quickly and was annoyed that none of the protagonists picked up on it, but the who was much, much harder to work out.
I enjoyed this final story and will miss Bea, Rich, Perry, Simon and especially, Daisy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lady Beatrice is much too busy to investigate a murder. Her wedding is pending and she is still working out the details on the veterans home. Then a late night lift "accident" changes all her plans.
As always, Lady Beatrice, pup Daisy and the rest of the characters provide the heart to this fun whodunnit. There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. The clues are well-placed, but not so obvious that you lose the fun of the unveiling.
The story takes a while to get going due to a wide host of characters and plenty of backstory, but once it finds its pace, it doesn't stop. The ending is satisfying and you get some romance along the way!
As always, Lady Beatrice, pup Daisy and the rest of the characters provide the heart to this fun whodunnit. There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. The clues are well-placed, but not so obvious that you lose the fun of the unveiling.
The story takes a while to get going due to a wide host of characters and plenty of backstory, but once it finds its pace, it doesn't stop. The ending is satisfying and you get some romance along the way!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book provided an excellent ending to the series, with it's military information and involvement. It had me gripped. The plot deals with events from the past and how they impact on the future, with revenge mixed in. The wedding preparations offered a lighter touch. Daisy unexpectedly was the hero of the hour as she found the evidence that would lead to eventual arrests. The wedding sounded wonderful. Must admit I'll miss these books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a twisty, beguiling, funny and sorrowful story with our crew following a winding trail of clues, pseudo clues and chameleon clues.
Although, of course, Daisy uncovers the most pivotal clue of all.
Highly recommended!
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although, of course, Daisy uncovers the most pivotal clue of all.
Highly recommended!
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was it an accidental overdose or murder? A man is dead and there are several suspects but who knows what the reason for his death is? This book is both mysterious and comical.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
October 16, 2026
I’ve been reading this series from the start and while I’m sad this is the end, it does seem a good place to end. Everyone is in a good place and there’s one last confounding mystery to solve. Lots of twists and turns and a surprising ending. If you’re a fan of cosy mysteries and enjoy a bit of royalty, definitely give this series a go.
And yes please to a Perry and Simon spin off!
I received an ARC from the author. My review is purely my own.
And yes please to a Perry and Simon spin off!
I received an ARC from the author. My review is purely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my what a finale.
No spoilers but one of the best complex, twisty plots and a very surprising finish.
Perry will be impossible to live with after finding a big clue.
I had inklings, suspcions but still got nowhere near the final solution.
I love the characters and outstanding storytelling that just keeps you hooked for one more page evn when it is 3am and you really need to go to sleep. The plot is the pacey, detailed, whirlwind of excited we've come to love and expect from Helen and this one certainly delivers big time.
Last in the series I am gutted to say goodbye....... I want to know how the uS tour goes for Simon and just how many cushions Perry buys and ships back, how Sam gets on with his A levels, how full time royal duties imact Bea & Rich and sharing resources with Fred & Summer...... in short I just want the stories to carry on but quite understand a time to end.
Thank goodness for Helen's other series the Duchess of Storford is avaialble to keep me going.
No spoilers but one of the best complex, twisty plots and a very surprising finish.
Perry will be impossible to live with after finding a big clue.
I had inklings, suspcions but still got nowhere near the final solution.
I love the characters and outstanding storytelling that just keeps you hooked for one more page evn when it is 3am and you really need to go to sleep. The plot is the pacey, detailed, whirlwind of excited we've come to love and expect from Helen and this one certainly delivers big time.
Last in the series I am gutted to say goodbye....... I want to know how the uS tour goes for Simon and just how many cushions Perry buys and ships back, how Sam gets on with his A levels, how full time royal duties imact Bea & Rich and sharing resources with Fred & Summer...... in short I just want the stories to carry on but quite understand a time to end.
Thank goodness for Helen's other series the Duchess of Storford is avaialble to keep me going.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews