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A Guy Harford Mystery #2
Burying the Crown
Even as war rages, there are deep secrets lurking in the heart of Buckingham Palace…
Windsor, 1942. War rages through Great Britain. Anna Duckworth, former lover of Prince George, Duke of Kent, is found dead after an enemy bomb blast at her country home. When courtier Guy Harford is called to dispose of incriminating love letters between Anna and the Duke, it becomes clear that there’s more to the story than anyone is prepared to reveal.
As the court begins to whisper of a lone gunshot heard in the house that day, another gruesome death befalls the royal circle. With the bodies stacking up, Guy rejoins his old accomplices, East End burglar Rodie Carr and undercover agent Rupert Hardacre, to unmask the dangerous secrets lurking beneath the glittering Crown.
But with tensions rippling from London to Tangier as the Allied Forces prepare to invade North Africa, and Guy’s reputation in the Palace hanging in the balance, can he solve the mystery before more heads roll?
Windsor, 1942. War rages through Great Britain. Anna Duckworth, former lover of Prince George, Duke of Kent, is found dead after an enemy bomb blast at her country home. When courtier Guy Harford is called to dispose of incriminating love letters between Anna and the Duke, it becomes clear that there’s more to the story than anyone is prepared to reveal.
As the court begins to whisper of a lone gunshot heard in the house that day, another gruesome death befalls the royal circle. With the bodies stacking up, Guy rejoins his old accomplices, East End burglar Rodie Carr and undercover agent Rupert Hardacre, to unmask the dangerous secrets lurking beneath the glittering Crown.
But with tensions rippling from London to Tangier as the Allied Forces prepare to invade North Africa, and Guy’s reputation in the Palace hanging in the balance, can he solve the mystery before more heads roll?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2021
93 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 14, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Burying the Crown, the second novel to feature Buckingham Palace courtier Guy Harford.
It’s 1942 and the war isn’t going well, so morale is a top priority. When Anna Duckworth is found dead after a bomb blast surrounded by letters from her former lover, Prince George, Duke of Kent Guy Harford is asked to dispose of the letters discreetly. That’s not the end of the story and Guy soon finds himself involved in all sorts of intrigue.
I thoroughly enjoyed Burying the Crown which is a lighthearted romp through the seamier side of royal life and the intelligence community with a good mystery attached. I have not yet read the first instalment in this series but I love Miss Dimont, who makes a surprise cameo appearance, so I was expecting to be entertained and I wasn’t disappointed.
The novel is quite charming in a very British kind of way with what we now refer to as optics front and centre and the various factions with their own priorities scheming, frequently against each other. It is a glorious tale of surprisingly good results in the face of ineptitude and differing priorities and a master stroke by the author to make his protagonist an amateur in the ways of intrigue.
Aside from the wartime intrigue and the rather stark picture of the royal family, which, I gather, is fact based there is a good mystery involved. The identity of the perpetrator caught me off guard, although the author could be accused of cheating, or at least not offering a level playing field, by keeping some very relevant details hidden until the denouement. Still, it’s fun getting there.
Burying the Crown is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
It’s 1942 and the war isn’t going well, so morale is a top priority. When Anna Duckworth is found dead after a bomb blast surrounded by letters from her former lover, Prince George, Duke of Kent Guy Harford is asked to dispose of the letters discreetly. That’s not the end of the story and Guy soon finds himself involved in all sorts of intrigue.
I thoroughly enjoyed Burying the Crown which is a lighthearted romp through the seamier side of royal life and the intelligence community with a good mystery attached. I have not yet read the first instalment in this series but I love Miss Dimont, who makes a surprise cameo appearance, so I was expecting to be entertained and I wasn’t disappointed.
The novel is quite charming in a very British kind of way with what we now refer to as optics front and centre and the various factions with their own priorities scheming, frequently against each other. It is a glorious tale of surprisingly good results in the face of ineptitude and differing priorities and a master stroke by the author to make his protagonist an amateur in the ways of intrigue.
Aside from the wartime intrigue and the rather stark picture of the royal family, which, I gather, is fact based there is a good mystery involved. The identity of the perpetrator caught me off guard, although the author could be accused of cheating, or at least not offering a level playing field, by keeping some very relevant details hidden until the denouement. Still, it’s fun getting there.
Burying the Crown is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
October 3, 2024
Some spy stories and a taste of war but no complete mystery.
July 3, 2024
This seemed more a series of episodes in Guy's life than a plotted story with a beginning, middle and end. Given the author's note at the end, he may have added a lot of padding to his idea to get a full-length book. Spending time with Guy and his friends is fine, but I could easily leave them to their own devices.
July 29, 2021
Even as war rages, there are deep secrets lurking in the heart of Buckingham Palace…
It is 1942 and once again courtier Guy Harford is called in to discreetly handle a “problem” within the Royal Family.
When the Duke of Kent’s former lover, Anna Duckworth, is found dead after a bomb blast at her country home, a number of love letters between Anna and the Duke are found – Guy is asked to “deal with it”, as he is often asked to “deal with” those annoying or awkward tasks that nobody else wants to do! However, as things unravel, it becomes clear that there’s more to the story than a few indiscrete letters … and this becomes more apparent after another suspicious death. Guy is a likeable character and his amateurishness and slight haplessness is part of the charm – In resolving the issue, Guy enlists the help of his old accomplices, undercover agent Rupert and East End burglar Rodie, and along the way finds himself digging up a biscuit tin in the middle of the night, having tea with a lady in waiting, visiting a seedy London nightclub, heading to Tangiers to find a potential French king, making a frantic journey to Balmoral and much more.
I have always enjoyed historical fiction-based-on-fact and this is an excellent example of historical events and people being so well entwined in the fiction that you will probably be heading to your favourite search engine to discover if the Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State, Pantler for Scotland, Board of Green Cloth, Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland and Serjeant Painter are really members of the royal household who might need an invitation to the party (they are!) or if Major Temperley, ”Crackpot” or Madge Belgrave were real people (they aren’t!)
The plotline is quite complex and isn’t as tight as in some mysteries. It may appear a little disjointed in the middle, but all comes together in the end and overall this is an easy to read, light-hearted cosy mystery with a lot of humour that will satisfy those looking for an entertaining escape from reality and I definitely will look out for more from this author.
The authors note at the end suggest that there are elements of truth in the story, though we will never know for sure quite what is truth & what is fiction!
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#BuryingtheCrown #NetGalley
It is 1942 and once again courtier Guy Harford is called in to discreetly handle a “problem” within the Royal Family.
When the Duke of Kent’s former lover, Anna Duckworth, is found dead after a bomb blast at her country home, a number of love letters between Anna and the Duke are found – Guy is asked to “deal with it”, as he is often asked to “deal with” those annoying or awkward tasks that nobody else wants to do! However, as things unravel, it becomes clear that there’s more to the story than a few indiscrete letters … and this becomes more apparent after another suspicious death. Guy is a likeable character and his amateurishness and slight haplessness is part of the charm – In resolving the issue, Guy enlists the help of his old accomplices, undercover agent Rupert and East End burglar Rodie, and along the way finds himself digging up a biscuit tin in the middle of the night, having tea with a lady in waiting, visiting a seedy London nightclub, heading to Tangiers to find a potential French king, making a frantic journey to Balmoral and much more.
I have always enjoyed historical fiction-based-on-fact and this is an excellent example of historical events and people being so well entwined in the fiction that you will probably be heading to your favourite search engine to discover if the Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State, Pantler for Scotland, Board of Green Cloth, Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland and Serjeant Painter are really members of the royal household who might need an invitation to the party (they are!) or if Major Temperley, ”Crackpot” or Madge Belgrave were real people (they aren’t!)
The plotline is quite complex and isn’t as tight as in some mysteries. It may appear a little disjointed in the middle, but all comes together in the end and overall this is an easy to read, light-hearted cosy mystery with a lot of humour that will satisfy those looking for an entertaining escape from reality and I definitely will look out for more from this author.
The authors note at the end suggest that there are elements of truth in the story, though we will never know for sure quite what is truth & what is fiction!
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#BuryingtheCrown #NetGalley
August 7, 2021
The battles of World War II are raging and the royal assignments take a mysterious turn for debonair courtier, Guy Harford. Crown jewels; illicit affairs; and behind the scenes, political alliances lead to a trail of deceptive dealings. A devious reporter is out to make the royal’s private lives a matter of public humiliation—will Guy be able to carry out his sensitive investigations and thwart the tattling shenanigans in time? Or become the palace scapegoat?
The death of Anna Duckworth draws Guy into the clandestine world of Prince George, the Duke of Kent. The ladies-in-waiting are in the know, giving Guy numerous, eye-rolling insights. A trip to Tangier offers new speculation that could harm the country’s war efforts. When the duke is killed in a tragic accident, it’s government versus crown services in the high-stakes hunt---will they combine their efforts to safely secure the communications before they fall into nefarious hands?
Author Fielden has written a fascinating story of jilted lovers, political intrigue, and mysterious interludes inspired by historical events. The story provides the reader with a unique view into the complex network of maneuvering that manages the war-time, behind-the-scenes efforts for the government and the crown. The detailed settings, engaging characters and suspense-filled events make for a cracking tale for enthusiasts of historical fiction and whodunnits with a royal flair---a highly recommended read!
The death of Anna Duckworth draws Guy into the clandestine world of Prince George, the Duke of Kent. The ladies-in-waiting are in the know, giving Guy numerous, eye-rolling insights. A trip to Tangier offers new speculation that could harm the country’s war efforts. When the duke is killed in a tragic accident, it’s government versus crown services in the high-stakes hunt---will they combine their efforts to safely secure the communications before they fall into nefarious hands?
Author Fielden has written a fascinating story of jilted lovers, political intrigue, and mysterious interludes inspired by historical events. The story provides the reader with a unique view into the complex network of maneuvering that manages the war-time, behind-the-scenes efforts for the government and the crown. The detailed settings, engaging characters and suspense-filled events make for a cracking tale for enthusiasts of historical fiction and whodunnits with a royal flair---a highly recommended read!
August 15, 2021
I really enjoyed the second novel in T.P. Fielden's Guy Harford Mystery series. Guy is still seconded to the Palace by the Foreign Office and with things in 1942 war torn Britain at the lowest ebb, is called upon to dispose of some incriminating love letters.
The letters are from Prince George, the Duke of Kent and Anna Duckworth his former lover, who has been killed when a country house she was staying at was hit by a stray bomb ejected by a German bomber. Guy decides to investigate the matter further when he hears that a gunshot was heard before the bomb fell on the house.
The powers to be however have other more urgent matters for Guy to attend to and he is sent back to Tangier to try and convince the pretender to the French Crown to support the allied cause.
I won't spoil the plot, but will say that Guy soon finds himself investigating another grisly murder and a mystery closer to the crown.
An excellent read and I look forward to further adventures of the reluctant courtier.
The letters are from Prince George, the Duke of Kent and Anna Duckworth his former lover, who has been killed when a country house she was staying at was hit by a stray bomb ejected by a German bomber. Guy decides to investigate the matter further when he hears that a gunshot was heard before the bomb fell on the house.
The powers to be however have other more urgent matters for Guy to attend to and he is sent back to Tangier to try and convince the pretender to the French Crown to support the allied cause.
I won't spoil the plot, but will say that Guy soon finds himself investigating another grisly murder and a mystery closer to the crown.
An excellent read and I look forward to further adventures of the reluctant courtier.
September 15, 2021
The country is at war and Guy Harford an able bodied man of action is frustrated by babysitting royals. Officially he works for the foreign office but he’s seconded to the royal household where he has to deal with spoiled dignitaries, boxes of contraband oranges and securing the Crown Jewels by burying them in the garden only to dig them up again. So when the chance comes to go back to his home in Morocco and talk to a royal cousin he used to work for to try an persuade him to use his influence to get the Americans into the war effort he goes for it. Back home Rodie is unofficially officially working for the spooks and has to get some explosive papers back from an important person and if she’s caught she’s on her own.
There’s a even cameo from a young Miss Dimont if all that isn’t enough. Guy remains a terrible snob when it comes to Rodie and I cheered when she poured that pint on him, he absolutely deserved it.
There’s a even cameo from a young Miss Dimont if all that isn’t enough. Guy remains a terrible snob when it comes to Rodie and I cheered when she poured that pint on him, he absolutely deserved it.
July 12, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Burying the Crown is a historical mystery and the second book in the Guy Harford series by TP Fielden. Due out 22nd July 2021 from Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 286 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I really enjoy historical mysteries, especially with a royal slant. This is a capably written, engaging, and exciting mystery set during WW2. There's a lot of wit and light humor along with some skullduggery and wartime intrigue. I found that I was drawn in by the likeable protagonist straightaway. He's a man of many talents, practical, trustworthy, and discreet and he brings with him an ensemble pair of eccentric sidekicks: Rodie (a lady burglar) and Rupert (MI6).
The author has a rare talent for sweeping the reader along. I was rooting for Guy from the first chapter and found myself surprisingly moved and annoyed in equal measure when a braggadocios gossip writer lands him in the soup and sullies his reputation by falsely claiming that he was betraying secrets about the royal family and telling tales.
The story itself is written around a framework of real historical events and people and so well entwined that it's not always apparent where reality shades over into fiction. I was fascinated by the author's note on the story at the end of the book (huge spoilers - don't read the author's note before you read the book). Despite not having read the first book in the series, I had no trouble following the plot or keeping the characters straight in my own mind. Additionally, the author has included a list of dramatis personae at the beginning of the book, so it's easy to flip back to check if there's any confusion. (One reason I really like ebooks lately is the search feature).
The language is PG: hell, bloody, damned and so forth, nothing worse. Vernacular and spelling are British English (lorry, flat, torch, etc) but shouldn't present any problems for readers outside the UK.
Four stars. This is an enjoyable read and would make a good choice for fans of light spy cozies. I fully intend to go find the first book in the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Burying the Crown is a historical mystery and the second book in the Guy Harford series by TP Fielden. Due out 22nd July 2021 from Amazon on their Thomas & Mercer imprint, it's 286 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
I really enjoy historical mysteries, especially with a royal slant. This is a capably written, engaging, and exciting mystery set during WW2. There's a lot of wit and light humor along with some skullduggery and wartime intrigue. I found that I was drawn in by the likeable protagonist straightaway. He's a man of many talents, practical, trustworthy, and discreet and he brings with him an ensemble pair of eccentric sidekicks: Rodie (a lady burglar) and Rupert (MI6).
The author has a rare talent for sweeping the reader along. I was rooting for Guy from the first chapter and found myself surprisingly moved and annoyed in equal measure when a braggadocios gossip writer lands him in the soup and sullies his reputation by falsely claiming that he was betraying secrets about the royal family and telling tales.
The story itself is written around a framework of real historical events and people and so well entwined that it's not always apparent where reality shades over into fiction. I was fascinated by the author's note on the story at the end of the book (huge spoilers - don't read the author's note before you read the book). Despite not having read the first book in the series, I had no trouble following the plot or keeping the characters straight in my own mind. Additionally, the author has included a list of dramatis personae at the beginning of the book, so it's easy to flip back to check if there's any confusion. (One reason I really like ebooks lately is the search feature).
The language is PG: hell, bloody, damned and so forth, nothing worse. Vernacular and spelling are British English (lorry, flat, torch, etc) but shouldn't present any problems for readers outside the UK.
Four stars. This is an enjoyable read and would make a good choice for fans of light spy cozies. I fully intend to go find the first book in the series.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 26, 2021
Burying the Crown is the second in TP Fielden’s historical mystery series featuring Guy Harford as a courtier at Buckingham Palace, serving King George VI and the royal family during World War II. Harford, who would rather be a painter in Tangier, where he lived before the war, is an uneasy fit at the Palace - not quite polished enough, and with a bit of undeserved taint from having been the scapegoat in an earlier British debacle in Morocco.
Still, in spite of his reservations about the Palace, and the reservations of some in the Palace about him, Harford turns out to be good at his job. So good, in fact, that he’s trusted by his friend, MI6 officer Guy Hardacre, with the quite indiscreet letters that the King’s married brother, George, Duke of Kent, sent to one of his mistresses. They were found when the mistress was killed by a German bomb that hit her country home – but what about the gunshot that was heard shortly before? Was her death really a murder, and not just another tragic bombing fatality? And what in the world is Guy to do about the letters? Just to make his life more complicated, the Foreign Office wants to send Guy to Tangier to try to mend Britain’s fences with his pre-war friend, Henri, Count of Paris. And finally, while on the subject of letters, are some members of the British royal family corresponding illegally/unwisely with their royal relatives on the other side of the conflict? Fielden, who is also a royal biographer, weaves a nice mystery, mixing real life events, such as the death of the Duke of Kent in a military airplane crash, with a bit of speculation, and with the fictional activities of Hartford, Hardacre, and Rodie Carr, a burglar now co-opted to work for the crown.
As with the first book in the series, Stealing the Crown, which I read in a couple of sittings, Burying the Crown was a quick and fun read, with a few serious moments. I especially liked the Author’s Note at the end, which filled in some of the historical background, and motivated me enough to go read a bit more about the British royals during the war. My only disappointment was that I would have liked to see more of Rodie, the possibly reformed burglar, but I still hope that may come in a future book. (Fingers crossed!) Please keep in mind that I try not to give too many five-star reviews, so that my four-star rating is a true “read-this-book” recommendation. And my thanks to the publishers, Thomas & Mercer, and to NetGalley, for the advance review copy.
Still, in spite of his reservations about the Palace, and the reservations of some in the Palace about him, Harford turns out to be good at his job. So good, in fact, that he’s trusted by his friend, MI6 officer Guy Hardacre, with the quite indiscreet letters that the King’s married brother, George, Duke of Kent, sent to one of his mistresses. They were found when the mistress was killed by a German bomb that hit her country home – but what about the gunshot that was heard shortly before? Was her death really a murder, and not just another tragic bombing fatality? And what in the world is Guy to do about the letters? Just to make his life more complicated, the Foreign Office wants to send Guy to Tangier to try to mend Britain’s fences with his pre-war friend, Henri, Count of Paris. And finally, while on the subject of letters, are some members of the British royal family corresponding illegally/unwisely with their royal relatives on the other side of the conflict? Fielden, who is also a royal biographer, weaves a nice mystery, mixing real life events, such as the death of the Duke of Kent in a military airplane crash, with a bit of speculation, and with the fictional activities of Hartford, Hardacre, and Rodie Carr, a burglar now co-opted to work for the crown.
As with the first book in the series, Stealing the Crown, which I read in a couple of sittings, Burying the Crown was a quick and fun read, with a few serious moments. I especially liked the Author’s Note at the end, which filled in some of the historical background, and motivated me enough to go read a bit more about the British royals during the war. My only disappointment was that I would have liked to see more of Rodie, the possibly reformed burglar, but I still hope that may come in a future book. (Fingers crossed!) Please keep in mind that I try not to give too many five-star reviews, so that my four-star rating is a true “read-this-book” recommendation. And my thanks to the publishers, Thomas & Mercer, and to NetGalley, for the advance review copy.
January 12, 2024
Burying the Crown by T.P. Fielden is a gripping historical mystery that seamlessly blends wartime chaos with the clandestine secrets of Buckingham Palace. Set against the backdrop of World War II in 1942, this four-star novel unravels a tale of love, betrayal, and murder that ensnares the royal court in a web of deception.
The story kicks off with the tragic death of Anna Duckworth, a former lover of Prince George, Duke of Kent, during an enemy bomb blast at her country home. As courtier Guy Harford is called upon to dispose of incriminating love letters between Anna and the Duke, it becomes evident that there's more to the narrative than meets the eye. Fielden skillfully navigates the complexities of war, introducing readers to a world where danger lurks both on the battlefield and within the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace.
The author's attention to historical detail is commendable, painting a vivid picture of wartime England and the struggles faced by its citizens. The characters, especially Guy Harford, Rodie Carr, and Rupert Hardacre, form a dynamic trio whose camaraderie adds depth to the narrative. Fielden weaves a tale that keeps readers guessing with each turn of the page, as the court begins to whisper of a mysterious gunshot heard on the day of Anna's death.
The plot gains momentum as additional deaths occur within the royal circle, prompting Guy to rejoin his old associates in a quest to unearth the dangerous secrets concealed beneath the glittering Crown. The tension intensifies not only within the Palace but also on a global scale as the Allied Forces prepare to invade North Africa. The stakes are high for Guy Harford, with his reputation hanging in the balance.
While the narrative unfolds at a steady pace, some readers may find the intricate web of relationships and secrets a bit challenging to follow. However, the payoff is worth the investment as the mystery deepens, leading to a satisfying resolution. Fielden's storytelling prowess shines through in the atmospheric portrayal of wartime England and the nuanced exploration of the characters' motives.
In conclusion, Burying the Crown is a captivating historical mystery that immerses readers in the intrigue and perils of Buckingham Palace during a tumultuous period in history. T.P. Fielden's ability to blend wartime drama with regal secrets creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the final revelation. With its rich historical setting and engaging characters, Burying the Crown earns a well-deserved four stars.
The story kicks off with the tragic death of Anna Duckworth, a former lover of Prince George, Duke of Kent, during an enemy bomb blast at her country home. As courtier Guy Harford is called upon to dispose of incriminating love letters between Anna and the Duke, it becomes evident that there's more to the narrative than meets the eye. Fielden skillfully navigates the complexities of war, introducing readers to a world where danger lurks both on the battlefield and within the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace.
The author's attention to historical detail is commendable, painting a vivid picture of wartime England and the struggles faced by its citizens. The characters, especially Guy Harford, Rodie Carr, and Rupert Hardacre, form a dynamic trio whose camaraderie adds depth to the narrative. Fielden weaves a tale that keeps readers guessing with each turn of the page, as the court begins to whisper of a mysterious gunshot heard on the day of Anna's death.
The plot gains momentum as additional deaths occur within the royal circle, prompting Guy to rejoin his old associates in a quest to unearth the dangerous secrets concealed beneath the glittering Crown. The tension intensifies not only within the Palace but also on a global scale as the Allied Forces prepare to invade North Africa. The stakes are high for Guy Harford, with his reputation hanging in the balance.
While the narrative unfolds at a steady pace, some readers may find the intricate web of relationships and secrets a bit challenging to follow. However, the payoff is worth the investment as the mystery deepens, leading to a satisfying resolution. Fielden's storytelling prowess shines through in the atmospheric portrayal of wartime England and the nuanced exploration of the characters' motives.
In conclusion, Burying the Crown is a captivating historical mystery that immerses readers in the intrigue and perils of Buckingham Palace during a tumultuous period in history. T.P. Fielden's ability to blend wartime drama with regal secrets creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the final revelation. With its rich historical setting and engaging characters, Burying the Crown earns a well-deserved four stars.
July 28, 2022
A fabulously entertaining read!
In this second book in series, we find Guy Harford still at Buckingham Palace as a courtier, doing whatever he’s directed to. As the war rages on, Anna Duckworth, a former love of Prince George, Duke of Kent, is found dead in her bombed out home; Harford is ordered to find and take charge and dispose of the love letters between the two which were in her possession. He suspects that there is more to this than he’s being told, and when whispers circulate through the royal household that Anna was dead before the bomb hit, Harford is even more determined to get to the bottom of things; when there is another body, he’s even more convinced that something is being covered up – and he would appear to be the fall guy.
Having really enjoyed the first in this series, the second has been lurking in my kindle, just waiting for an opening – and it was well worth the wait! Guy Harford is a very charismatic; a painter who wants to contribute to the war effort and has landed in his present position more by accident than design. He is nobody’s fool and is as sharp as a tack. An excellent mystery, very well written and totally enjoyable – I relished each and every word. I now have the third book in my sights. A sheer delight to read and fully earning all five glowing stars.
In this second book in series, we find Guy Harford still at Buckingham Palace as a courtier, doing whatever he’s directed to. As the war rages on, Anna Duckworth, a former love of Prince George, Duke of Kent, is found dead in her bombed out home; Harford is ordered to find and take charge and dispose of the love letters between the two which were in her possession. He suspects that there is more to this than he’s being told, and when whispers circulate through the royal household that Anna was dead before the bomb hit, Harford is even more determined to get to the bottom of things; when there is another body, he’s even more convinced that something is being covered up – and he would appear to be the fall guy.
Having really enjoyed the first in this series, the second has been lurking in my kindle, just waiting for an opening – and it was well worth the wait! Guy Harford is a very charismatic; a painter who wants to contribute to the war effort and has landed in his present position more by accident than design. He is nobody’s fool and is as sharp as a tack. An excellent mystery, very well written and totally enjoyable – I relished each and every word. I now have the third book in my sights. A sheer delight to read and fully earning all five glowing stars.
August 5, 2021
Another fun World War II mystery featuring reluctant hero Guy Hartford and his motley crew of friends and enemies as they attempt to navigate wartime London and this time, a bit of travel abroad.
This is very similar to the first book in the series and probably could have used an injection of something new for Guy as well as for Rupe, Rodie, and the rest of the cast, but it’s still an enjoyable read featuring some interesting historical incidents.
The semi-mysterious death of the Duke of Kent was an excellent choice for a storyline, and Fielden (as usual) manages to blend impeccable research with some creative flourish. You can’t convince me that the Duke of Kent wasn’t murdered and that it wasn’t an inside job (yes, yes, facts and such, but that’s way less fun to imagine than some of the wilder conspiracy theories). Fielden, of course, gets it right here, but he also gets some of the fun stuff in as well.
The actual murder that takes place in the story followed a plot that was a touch too similar to the first book for my liking, but I adore Guy and Rodie and there’s too much that’s fun about these books to worry much about such things.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is very similar to the first book in the series and probably could have used an injection of something new for Guy as well as for Rupe, Rodie, and the rest of the cast, but it’s still an enjoyable read featuring some interesting historical incidents.
The semi-mysterious death of the Duke of Kent was an excellent choice for a storyline, and Fielden (as usual) manages to blend impeccable research with some creative flourish. You can’t convince me that the Duke of Kent wasn’t murdered and that it wasn’t an inside job (yes, yes, facts and such, but that’s way less fun to imagine than some of the wilder conspiracy theories). Fielden, of course, gets it right here, but he also gets some of the fun stuff in as well.
The actual murder that takes place in the story followed a plot that was a touch too similar to the first book for my liking, but I adore Guy and Rodie and there’s too much that’s fun about these books to worry much about such things.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 14, 2021
Back again with Guy Harford, courtier, painter, budding detective :)
Guy gets involved with incriminating letters found after a lady's home is bombed (with a heard shot before the bomb!); a rake and a libertine murdered by a bayonet, again some incriminating letters; a trip to Tangiers to chat to an old (European Royal) friend; and a wasted journey up to Sutherland to check the clear-up on the plane crash which kills the Duke of Kent.
Lots of action has poor guy chasing his tail; Foxy, an old girlfriend leading him to certain ladies-in-waiting; and Rodie Carr getting co-opted by Rupert (the spy guy) to do more burglary.
Great fun; a solution which comes thick and fast; and a mystery for the ages (even though the author does hint in a Note at the end, that there is more hidden history than any of us know)!
Guy gets involved with incriminating letters found after a lady's home is bombed (with a heard shot before the bomb!); a rake and a libertine murdered by a bayonet, again some incriminating letters; a trip to Tangiers to chat to an old (European Royal) friend; and a wasted journey up to Sutherland to check the clear-up on the plane crash which kills the Duke of Kent.
Lots of action has poor guy chasing his tail; Foxy, an old girlfriend leading him to certain ladies-in-waiting; and Rodie Carr getting co-opted by Rupert (the spy guy) to do more burglary.
Great fun; a solution which comes thick and fast; and a mystery for the ages (even though the author does hint in a Note at the end, that there is more hidden history than any of us know)!
November 20, 2023
I read this on the back of the Sunderland crash that the Duke of Kent died in. My father in Oban helped load the aircraft when it took off from there to Invergordon, he also knew the pilot Flt Lt Frank Goyen, who was an Australian and various members of the crew. The aircraft did not originate in Prestwick, it was Kererra and then on to Invergordon. My faither was not a fan of the RAF as they disrupted his farm, getting their tractors stuck and having problems with boats. Apparently he spent a lot of time with the Clydesdales sorting things out and untangling sheep from barbed wire. He was aware that there was something afoot and recalled the amount of whisky that was onto the aircraft..... I thought that the way the book was written was of the the style of the 40s and it did work. He knows his way round the Royal Household......
July 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Burying the Crown, the second of Guy Harford's adventures. As a courtier to the Crown during the second World War, Guy is sent to help clean up the mess when one of the Duke of Kent's former lovers dies with love letters from the Prince in her possession. I love history and have read a number of mysteries with royal intrigue but this is the first time the death of Prince George and all of its secrets and questions has come to my attention. Guy is a fascinating character and his supporting cast of Rodie Carr and Rupert Hardacre is fantastic. I loved the historical details. I look forward to Guy's next adventure. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #BuryingtheCrown.
July 7, 2024
On paper, this should be a series I really enjoy. I love mysteries, especially with a wartime setting. Although I found the first underwhelming, I decided to give the second a try, but sadly it didn't appeal either.
Guy Harford is the central hero - an artist, courtier and sometimes spy. In this outing he is involved in love letters from members of the royal family that threaten scandal. Somewhat ironic when certain current members enjoy airing their dirty washing in public now, making a few indiscreet letters appear very tame. There is also a storyline based around the death of the Duke of Kent in an air crash.
I doubt I will read on - these are extremely bland and uninspiring as well as being formulaic.
Guy Harford is the central hero - an artist, courtier and sometimes spy. In this outing he is involved in love letters from members of the royal family that threaten scandal. Somewhat ironic when certain current members enjoy airing their dirty washing in public now, making a few indiscreet letters appear very tame. There is also a storyline based around the death of the Duke of Kent in an air crash.
I doubt I will read on - these are extremely bland and uninspiring as well as being formulaic.
July 20, 2021
I enjoyed this entertaining story where I joined Guy on his quest to sniff out a murderer.
In this second book in the series, Guy stumbles onto a murder with royal implications. Guy Harford is such a great character, you can’t help rooting for him. He is handsome and by no means perfect, but that makes him all the more lovable.
An added surprise was that this book is based on a true event, the death of the handsome Prince George, Duke of Kent. The author provides intriguing information from a source that was at the crash site.
I received a complimentary eARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
In this second book in the series, Guy stumbles onto a murder with royal implications. Guy Harford is such a great character, you can’t help rooting for him. He is handsome and by no means perfect, but that makes him all the more lovable.
An added surprise was that this book is based on a true event, the death of the handsome Prince George, Duke of Kent. The author provides intriguing information from a source that was at the crash site.
I received a complimentary eARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2021
the United Kingdom is more than england
Really irritating when the authors own prejudices influence a book, especially when they travel to Scotland and discuss Wales. Even the Stuarts get a mention to enlighten the author the Scottish crown took the English throne it then became the British Royal family! But that being said it was a journalist that has written this book and they never like facts.
Really irritating when the authors own prejudices influence a book, especially when they travel to Scotland and discuss Wales. Even the Stuarts get a mention to enlighten the author the Scottish crown took the English throne it then became the British Royal family! But that being said it was a journalist that has written this book and they never like facts.
October 6, 2022
Somehow reading these out of order but hadn’t realised the first I read was the third in the series. Still, didn’t get in the way and I did enjoy this. As with the other in the series, this was a nice easy ease but again a bit chaotic and bits that weren’t joined up. The mystery element was better and it wasn’t as easy to see who our villain was. Not an amazing book, but I do like the author as very easy to read and I would certainly read more!
September 20, 2021
This is the second book I read in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it as i like Guy.
There's humour, a vivid historical background and a cast of fleshed out characters.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's humour, a vivid historical background and a cast of fleshed out characters.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 1, 2021
This book kept my interest but I found it rather difficult to keep up with the various characters. In most world war 2 books I’ve read, I’ve been interested in what happens to the various characters.
May 1, 2022
The second in this series of disposable detective stories with a touch of wartime derring do and a sprinkling of Palace intrigue. The same central cardboard-cutout cast as the first one, with all the makings of a Sunday night drama, though the resolution was a tad rushed.
April 20, 2023
Loved this - just as I loved the first one! So different and an enjoyable mix of history and believable fiction. A great murder mystery whodunnit as well as the background story amongst the characters. Hope he writes some more books in this series.
April 10, 2024
3.75* rounded up
A very enjoyable story, mystery, romance and humour blended with just enough tongue in cheek to keep it lighthearted.
This is a step up from the first book in the series and I enjoyed the historical context.
I will definitely move on to finish the series.
A very enjoyable story, mystery, romance and humour blended with just enough tongue in cheek to keep it lighthearted.
This is a step up from the first book in the series and I enjoyed the historical context.
I will definitely move on to finish the series.
July 25, 2021
Audio - World War II, London and mysteries in the Royal palace - a great combination. The author notes at the end add to the intrigue.
July 31, 2021
If you like mysteries set during the war years in Britain, you will enjoy this book. You meet a wide selection of characters, some good, some bad and some annoying. Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway
August 1, 2021
In an attempt to make myself feel better about accidentally paying for price for Kindle Unlimited I ended up listening to this mess 🤦🏻♀️ This author isn’t skilled enough to handle this many plots.
October 29, 2021
Yes a good story only I found the ending a bit sudden, just like Poirot.
June 16, 2024
It might just be me, but I found the various plot lines and characters a bit hard to follow, especially when characters might have names and titles.
October 6, 2024
This seemed more a collection of incidents than a cohesive story. But enjoyable by the end
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