Windsorský uzel

Her Majesty the Queen Investigates #1

by S.J. Bennett

Její Veličenstvo královna Alžběta se ve svém oblíbeném Windsoru připravuje na oslavu svých devadesátých narozenin. Když přímo na hradě zemře jeden z hostů, a navíc se ukáže, že šlo o vraždu, je Alžběta odhodlaná najít vraha za každou cenu. Zatímco se věnuje královským povinnostem, za pomoci své asistentky Rozie nepozorovaně rozeběhne vlastní vyšetřování. Její intuice, důvtip a bystré oko jí totiž napovídají, že tuhle záhadu dokáže rozluštit jedině ona.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Cozy Mystery, British Literature, Mystery Thriller

376 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2020

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

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well crumble my crumpets, that was cute and cozy!

Author S.J. Bennett has taken your standard, garden-variety, death-by-autoerotique-asphyxiation mystery and cranked it up a notch by having none other than Queen Elizabeth II play Nancy Drew to solve it. And what readers get are delightful exchanges like this one between Her Majesty and her hubs, Prince Philip:

“Lilibet, did you hear the man was nude?”
“Yes, actually, I did.”
“Strung up like a Tory MP. There’s a word for it. What is it? Auto-sex something?”
“Autoerotic asphyxiation,” the Queen said grimly. She had Googled it on her iPad.
“That’s the bugger.”

I mean, COME ON! If that doesn’t reel you in, how about this banter between them:

“Last thing you want is to be discovered in a royal palace with your goolies out.”
“Philip!”
“No, I mean it. No wonder everyone’s keeping it hush-hush. That, and protecting your fragile nerves.”
The Queen threw him a look. “They forget. I’ve lived through a world war, that Ferguson girl, and you in the navy.”

Zing!

Scroll on by if you're not at least chuckling at this point, because this is not the book for you then. It probably goes without saying that it helps if you're either a fan of the British Royal Family or cozy mysteries. (Or maybe it doesn’t because I just said it anyway???) As for me, I’m all-in on QEII and her clan, though I wouldn’t consider myself a whodunit mystery reader on the whole. Lilibet was the thread I needed to pull me through The Windsor Knot, and I sure had a heck of a lot of fun watching it unravel.

My thanks to the author and William Morrow for my gifted advance copy to read and review via NetGalley.

Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf

[Terrie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Windsor Knot" by S.J. Bennett is a delightful Cozy Murder Mystery!

The first book in the series, 'Her Majesty the Queen Investigates' features Queen Elizabeth II secretly solving crimes. She's been 'Super-sleuthing' since a teenager. That's a good, long time don't you think? Even better, she's good at it!

The morning after a 'Dine & Sleep' at Windsor Castle, a guest, Maksim Brodsky is found dead with a rope around his neck. He's the Russian Pianist who performed during the previous night's dinner party. The Metropolitan Police and MI5 are called in to investigate.

Metro Police & MI5 discover Brodsky was critical of Russian President Putin. They are confident Putin is behind this murder. Is there a sleeper agent among the royal servants? The Queen thinks not!

Now with the investigation in full swing and her 90th Birthday Celebration about to happen, The Queen continues with her normal schedule of duties. Not a small fete for anyone. Anyone that is, except for Her Majesty The Queen! Her staff doesn't call her, 'The Boss', for nothing!

I'm admittedly a Royal Watcher. My favorite royal has always been Queen Elizabeth II. What an amazing woman. In this book, I love how QEII deadpans her comments. Who doesn't love her frankness and matter-of-fact responses? Prince Philip is hilarious at the ripe-old-age of 94. Their conversations together are hysterically funny.

My favorite character, by far, in this story is QEII's Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodil, who the Queen enlists to assist her in this investigation. She's an Anglo-Nigerian woman, ex-army, savvy, discreet and resourceful. Amazingly, she performs all her duties for the Queen in extremely high-heels! I love her quiet 'kick-ass' style!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jane Copland. Her voicing was gender appropriate and voice inflections were perfect. Her British accent added to the flavor of the story. What a great listening experience. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy Cozy Murder Mystery's!

The second book in this series, A Three Dog Problem: The Queen investigates a murder at Buckingham Palace is expected to publish on 11/11/21. The good news is her trusted Assistant Private Secretary Rozie is by The Queen's side in this one, too!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This review was first posted on Mystery and Suspense. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...

After hosting a 'dine and sleep' soirée at Windsor Castle in the spring of 2016.....



.....Queen Elizabeth wakes up to the distressing news that a guest named Maksim Brodsky was found dead in his room.



Brodsky was a handsome young Russian pianist who played for the gathering, after which he danced with the ladies, including the Queen herself.



Even worse, Brodsky is found in skimpy underwear with a rope around his neck, and at first glance, his death appears to be due to autoerotic asphyxiation. It soon becomes clear, however, that Brodsky was murdered and the scene staged.

Since the pianist was killed at Windsor Castle - in the presence of the Royal Family, Russian diplomats, and other high profile guests - both the Metropolitan Police and MI5 investigate.



After learning that Brodsky had criticized Russian President Putin, the authorities conclude that members of the Queen's staff were Russian sleeper agents put in place to murder Brodsky. Two of the Queen's employees are discovered to have tenuous connections to Russia, and they're furloughed while the Met and MI5 make further inquiries.



Queen Elizabeth's Private Secretary, Sir Simon Holcroft, an old-school gentleman, tries to shield the Queen from the worst of the news.



However, Elizabeth is too shrewd to be fobbed off with half a story, and insists on knowing everything. Unknown to Holcroft, Elizabeth has been secretly solving mysteries since she was a teenager.

The Queen refuses to believe she employed sleeper agents, and decides to launch her own investigation. Since Elizabeth can't run around the country interviewing people herself, she enlists the help of her Assistant Private Secretary Rozie Oshodi - an attractive, ex-army, Anglo-Nigerian woman who's clever, discreet, and good at data-mining social media.



When the Queen unearths clues to the crime, she subtly conveys them to Ravi Singh, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.....



.....and Gavin Humphreys, Director General of MI5, who think they made the discoveries themselves.



It turns out that all manner of chicanery occurred at Windsor Castle on the night of the gala, including sexual liaisons and people having secret meetings. As it happens, Brodsky's death is connected to the murder of two other people in England, and the Queen has to put all the pieces together to solve the crime.



In addition to sleuthing, Queen Elizabeth performs her royal duties. She celebrates the anniversary of the postal service; gives out awards; hosts the Obamas;



welcomes the Japanese prime minister and his wife; attends public festivities for her 90th birthday; etc.



Elizabeth also has a rich private life. She visits with her children and their families; spends time with her husband Prince Philip;



walks her dogs; rides her horses; attends The Royal Windsor Horse Show Pageant;



has a birthday celebration with her loved ones; and so on.

Additional characters include a jealous businessman and his gorgeous ballerina wife; an Englishwoman with a doctorate in Russian studies; a celebrated female architect; Brodsky's international roommates; Rozie's relatives in England and Nigeria; staff who serve the Royal Family; and more.



Queen Elizabeth is a lovely warm woman who's concerned for others and determined to uphold the dignity of the monarchy; Prince Philip is a witty quipster who's fun to be around; and Rozie is a tough lady who can defend herself when necessary. I look forward to seeing more of them in future books in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley, S.J. Bennett, and William Morrow Publishers for a copy of the book.

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

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

SJ Bennet makes the implausible premise, that a kind and compassionate Queen Elizabeth II has an extraordinary history of solving mysteries below the radar, work with her terrific characterisations, with a narrative infused throughout with often laugh out loud comic humour. I listened to the audio, 8 hours and 20 minutes long, narrated with a pitch perfect tone by the wonderful Samantha Bond. This is the first of a series, after a dinner party in Windsor Castle, the Queen receives the shocking news that one of the guests, the Russian pianist Maksim Brodsky, has been found dead, and an issue over a knot soon makes it clear it is a case of murder. MI5 and the Police Commissioner, Ravi Singh, are certain that this a Putin ordered murder with the agenda of demonstrating that there is nowhere they cannot go, and that there is a sleeper agent at large.

The Queen with her long years of experience is just as convinced they are wrong, and is determined to find the truth. She is aided by a number of people, but centre stage is her ex-military assistant private secretary, the discreet and able Anglo-Nigerian Rozie Oshodi. Rozie takes to her new duties like a duck to water, even if she is initially flummoxed by this side of 'The Boss', and how she is going to follow the Queen's instructions whilst keeping everything secret from everyone, even the experienced Sir Simon Holcroft. As the Queen pieces together the parts of a twisty puzzle that includes 3 murders in total, it is Gavin Humphreys and MI5 that take the credit, above all else, it must never get out that the real sleuth is the Queen. This is a hugely fun and entertaining listen that I can recommend to other readers, and I particularly recommend the audio.

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zunächst hat mich natürlich die Idee hinter dem Buch sehr angesprochen: die Queen persönlich ermittelt in einem Mordfall! Das klingt spannend und schräg.
Der Beginn ist dann auch sehr vielversprechend. Ein wirklich interessanter Mord, bei dem absolut unklar ist, warum das Opfer hat sterben müssen - und warum auf diese Art und Weise!?
Die Queen ist hier im Buch wirklich bezaubernd; sie erscheint sehr authentisch.
Trotzdem hat die Geschichte mich zwischendurch immer mal wieder "verloren". Ich fand es schade, dass die Queen nicht ein wenig mehr ermittelt hat, was in ihrer Position natürlich auch schwierig ist, aber dennoch... Ich hätte die Queen gerne mehr im Fokus gehabt.
Es treten zahlreiche andere Figuren auf, und irgendwann wurde das Ganze auch ein bisschen wirr für mich; der Mordfall war gefühlt bald auch fast nur noch Nebensache.
Trotz der Kritikpunkte hat mir das Buch aber gut gefallen; es war nur etwas anders als erwartet.

[Bandita · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I was actually very excited to read this book based on what the synopsis said. I love a good cozy mystery thriller. But unfortunately this book fell flat for me. Though I enjoyed some parts of the book, the majority of the book made me feel underwhelmed and lukewarm. I liked the royal setting of this story though. It was fascinating to see the Queen herself and the happenings in her castle.

My issues with this book:
• This book is very political, which I guess makes sense since the story revolves around the Queen of England. But I personally don’t like anything political and I was brought out of the story every time there were some political discussions and there were a lot of them.
• We don’t get to know the characters well and as a result I didn’t get attached to any character or even liked any of them. The story and the characters are all so hyper-focused on the murder itself that there is no background story about the characters. If I don’t get to know them then how am I supposed to get attached to them?
• The Queen virtually doesn’t do anything to solve the crime. She plays a passive role in the solving of this crime while the main investigation is done by the police and her secretary. This makes me kind of furious because this book is marketed as “The Queen investigates and solves a crime” and there wasn’t much of this in the book. I get it that the Queen is more of a secretive sleuth and doesn’t take credits but even so, there was no part where she actively took part in the investigation. She appears much more of a bystander.
• My biggest issue was that the mystery left me so unsatisfied. There were no plot twists, not even a mild one. It felt as if there were many loose ends and things were not clearly explained.

Overall, I liked the grandeur of the royalty in this story but I did not enjoy my time reading this book. I was bored and this made me feel me underwhelmed and unsatisfied. I had high expectations from this book but this book didn’t stand up to my expectations. Even so, I’d recommend this book to beginners of the mystery genre.

[Magdalena Miękińska (getbooky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Debbie W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I chose to listen to this audiobook:
1. I like learning about the British Royal Family, and although this story is fictional, the premise lured me in over a year ago;
2. since Queen Elizabeth II has recently passed away on September 8, 2022, I pushed this story up on my WTR list, and,
3. October 2022 is my self-appointed "Mysterious Month".

Praises:
1. I loved the idea that Queen Elizabeth, along with a close staff member and confidante, is trying to get to the bottom of a mysterious death at her beloved home, Windsor Castle. Since Her Majesty is an intelligent, well-read woman, it was quite satisfying to hear about her frustrations with one particular patronizing character;
2. author S.J. Bennett has really done her homework! The Queen's actions, reactions and overall mannerisms and speech patterns felt truly authentic! I got warm, fuzzy feelings at the many familiar references to her life: her pony, Emma, several of her corgis, her private chapel at Windsor Castle, the family photos taken by Annie Leibovitz, even to marmalade! These all felt bittersweet, because this particular story was published in 2016 (six years before her death) and occurs around the time of her 90th birthday;
3. I looked forward to the comedic relief provided by Prince Phillip and his cheeky, off-the-cuff remarks that he was famously known for. Although I was formerly aware of his pet names for his wife, hearing him call her "Lilibet" and "Cabbage" was so endearing; and,
4. narrator, Jane Copland, does an excellent job with the voices and makes a most believable Queen Elizabeth!

Tiny Niggle:
Although the audiobook worked for me on so many levels, I couldn't keep track of some of the red herrings! My poor little fishy brain! 🐟

Overall Thoughts:
I find it difficult to call this story a "cozy mystery" since a murder is involved, but I do love that Queen Elizabeth is a modern-day Nancy Drew! I wouldn't be surprised if Her Majesty was aware of this particular book! The woman knew everything!

Recommendation?
Definitely for fans of Queen Elizabeth II and/or Nancy Drew! 😊

[Melissa ~ Bantering Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

SJ Bennett sure knows how to spin a smart idea into an even smarter story.

The Windsor Knot, the first book in her cozy mystery series, Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, puts a fun twist on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II by reimagining her as a behind-the-scenes sleuth within the walls of Windsor Castle. And when there is a mystery to solve, you can bet the Queen will not rest until the case is closed.

It’s 2016, and the Queen’s 90th birthday is drawing near. The Castle is abuzz with party planning while Her Majesty is quite busy with her queenly duties. Until, that is, a guest pianist at one of the Queen’s dine and sleeps is found dead in his room. And just like that, in two shakes of a corgi’s tail, the Queen is on the case, discreetly working to solve the mystery of the man's demise.

What makes The Windsor Knot so entertaining is that not only do we spend time with the Queen, but we are also treated to a guest appearance by Prince Philip. The two lovebirds are delightful together, and their verbal exchanges are so very amusing. Clever nods are also given to other members of the royal family, even Fergie, and it all makes for a rollicking good time.

The mystery itself is, I suppose, entertaining enough, but it's your basic, standard mystery fare. My attention often wandered, particularly when the Queen was MIA from the page and the focus of the narrative would switch to a secondary character. This is because Bennett has written her with such warmth and kindness, such charm and intelligence, that I wanted to spend every single word with her and forget everyone else. (Except Prince Philip, of course.)

Overall, The Windsor Knot is a satisfying start to what I think will be a great cozy mystery series. All the Queen’s Men is the second book, and I can’t wait to see what puzzle the Queen will solve next.


My sincerest appreciation to SJ Bennett, William Morrow, and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions included herein are my own.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett was the first of, I hope many, in a series of extremely creative and clever books in which Queen Elizabeth II delighted in solving crimes that had occurred under her watch. The concept for this series of books was so original and imaginative. I listened to the audiobook and was delighted by Jane Copeland’s performance as she narrated this book. It was just the type of book I needed to read right now. It was light, funny and yet well researched. I was craving a good mystery, but when I discovered Queen Elizabeth II was the one trying to solve the mystery, it became even grander!

The Queen was at Windsor Castle, her all time favorite place of all her residences. It was 2016 and Queen Elizabeth II was getting ready to celebrate her 90th birthday. She was looking forward to all the festivities. That evening she was hosting a dine and sleep to kick off the celebrations. It was arranged as a favor to Charles “ to curry favor with some rich Russians for one of his pet projects that needed a cash injection.” Charles had requested that Yuri Peyrovski and his wife and a hedge fund manager, Jay Hax, that specialized in Russian markets be invited. The Queen also invited Sir David Attenborough, her racing manager, a novelist and her husband that was a screenwriter, the British ambassador to Moscow, an Oscar-winning actress of Russian descent, a female British architect who was building a museum in Russia, a professor of Russian literature and the Archbishop of Canterbury. In addition to her guests, the Queen secured some ballet dancers and a Russian piano player to entertain her guests. After a splendid dinner, the guests and Queen Elizabeth retired to the Crimson Drawing Room where the young pianist magnificently entertained her and her guests. The pianist’s name was Maksim Brodsky. He was quite attractive and in his early twenties. After the ballerinas performed, Brodsky began to play dance tunes from the thirties and before the Queen knew it the furniture was being moved aside and her guests were dancing. The Queen even danced with Brodsky and then excused herself and found her way to her own quarters to retire for the evening. It was quite a successful evening.

The next morning, the Queen woke to the unpleasant news that the young Russian pianist was found dead in his bedroom. It was thought that the pianist had strangled himself but upon further investigation by MI5 and the Metropolitan Police it was surmised that he had been murdered. The members of the investigating team suspected that President Vladimir Putin might have ordered this murder to be carried out. The Queen had been used to solving crimes. In the Queen’s youth, she dabbled in trying to solve crimes. Over the years, she got very good at it. It was hard for the Queen to stay out of this crime especially when she suspected that those in charge were not headed in the right direction. She discreetly began her own investigation with the help of her very own capable and clever private secretary, Rozie.

This ingenious first book, that was the catalyst for a new crime series, captured Queen Elizabeth’s essence in all aspects. I loved how S. J. Bennett made this book so real, yet delightful and even funny. If I did not know better, I would have thought that Queen Elizabeth II was really talking and performing her royal duties throughout this book. The essence of the Queen was portrayed in every aspect. I loved The Windsor Knot and wait anxiously for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Katie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I'll admit I squealed with delight when I first read the synopsis for this book. I didn't know how much I needed a story featuring Queen Elizabeth II solving mysteries until that very moment. And for the most part, this book was everything I hoped it would be, a light and fun, easy read.

The year is 2016 and the queen is staying at Windsor Castle when a guest is found dead in one of the bedrooms. It appears the Russian pianist strangled himself as part of a um, certain bedroom fetish activity. (I got the giggles when the queen googled the actual term in the story) However, MI5 is convinced foul play was involved. When it appears the case is headed in the wrong direction, the queen enlists the help of her assistant private secretary, Rozie Oshodi, to go seek out the truth about the man's death.

So I do like the setup with the queen being the person who has a curiosity about the case but has a trusted employee actually do the detective like grunt work. It wouldn't have worked if the queen was all Jessica Fletcher like and running around the country asking questions. In general, I recommend just rolling with the story instead of investing a lot of time analyzing whether or not aspects are realistic.

The mystery elements of the plot held my interest for awhile but eventually petered out. The story mostly alternates between the queen and Rozie and while Rozie is a fine character, I wasn't super invested in her. I much preferred the scenes involving the queen whether she was pondering the case or doing ordinary type stuff like talking with her husband.

A decent start to a series although I do hope the mystery is stronger in the next one.

Thank you to William Morrow for sending me an advance copy as part of #WMTastemakers. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I adored the idea of a mystery starring Queen Elizabeth as the “person behind the curtain” solving court intrigues and righting the wrongs happening within her palaces.

Unfortunately, despite finishing this book during Her Majesty’s Jubilee celebration— I was disappointed.

The book is strongest when she is on the case, rather than when she relies on a coterie of trusted staff to do all of the legwork.

And as an American, some of the government and political machinations, while generally understood, don’t necessarily translate well — I occasionally found myself skimming the politics to get back to the crime solving.

My apologies to Madam, but I regretfully won’t be returning to this series. I remain in awe of Elizabeth—but I’ll stick to reading authentic accounts instead of this fantastical version.

(Reviewed 6/7/22)

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 cozy Windsor stars

This one was quite delightful with Queen Elizabeth solving crimes like a British Nancy Drew! The dialog was spot-on, name dropping galore, and it felt fun to feel like I was spying on the monarchy. The year is 2016 when HRM celebrates her 90th birthday and there’s a suicide at Windsor Castle. Or is it murder?

The handsome Russian pianist is found in a compromising position the morning after a “dine and sleep” event at the castle with a whole host of guests. This makes for quite the list of suspects to work through.

I loved the insider peek into the world of the monarchy and all the administration that surrounds the Queen. Her new Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, is a fun character to get to know with her trademark high heels. Soon the Queen is sending her to chase down clues to “help” solve the crime. I’m excited that this one is billed as #1 in a series and I can’t wait to see what the new crime is for book #2!

Thank you to Scene of the Crime Early Reads/William Morrow and Custom House for the copy of this one to read and review.

[Libros Prestados · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tengo una tolerancia amplia para que me guste un "murder mystery", sobre todo uno tan ligero y "British" como este, pero la verdad es que el peloteo a la reina ha sido demasiado incluso para mí. Porque si en vez de Isabel II el personaje que lo mueve todo en las sombras fuera cualquier ancianita anónima o inventada, pues la novela me hubiera gustado mucho más. Pero todo el "All Hail the Queen" y el "Rule, Britannia!" se me ha atragantado un poquitín.

Digamos que la novela tiene poca autocrítica en cuanto a la política exterior británica. Mucho meterse con Putin y China, pero luego no nombra otros países por el nombre, no sea que se enfaden.

Es muy fácil de leer y tiene partes muy divertidas, siendo perfecta para leer como simple pasatiempo, pero el lamebotismo a veces me superaba.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....

I love some good cozy mystery. They're such a great option when I'm in the mood for murder (and I'm always up for a dead body), but not a grisly gory one. I've read cozy mysteries with crimes being investigated by retired detectives, old nosy ladies, writers, bakers, flower shop girls, shoe designers, librarians, cooks, hotel owners...but never the Queen of England herself. So, with such an original starting point, I knew this one would not disappoint.

When one of her guests is found dead after a dinner party at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth must put her brain to work to solve the case as she's convinced MI5 is not looking in the right place.

We soon learn that the Queen a.k.a. The Boss has a knack for solving crimes since she was a little girl, but as her position doesn't allow her to do the legwork, she must enlist the help of her trusted personal secretary, Rozie (they made such a great duo!).

I liked how the Queen was the brain in the shadows, leading the murder investigation even to the unsuspecting eyes of MI5, moving her pawns to find all the clues needed to solve the case. I've read some reviews complaining of the book giving a sweetened image of the monarchy and the figure of the Queen. Really? It's a cozy mystery, what were you expecting? I liked how she was presented as a bit distant but yet caring for those in her service. I also found quite endearing her talks with the Duke of Edinburgh and they made me giggle more than once. Yes, she might not be exactly like that irl, but guess what, she doesn't solve crimes either (allegedly). It works nicely in the novel so who cares?

Besides the mystery, there are appearances by some political figures and members of the Royal Family that add to the feel of the story.

The mystery itself was resolved in a quite satisfying way. I just loved how even though she was the one cracking the case, she didn't have any interest in getting any recognition at all. Not even the Queen herself was spared some mansplaining, but we know best!

If you're totally obsessed with The Crown (I even visualized the characters with their fictional faces instead of the real ones) and are in the mood for some sleuthing, this book is the one for you.

[Alex.andthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

To było… ciekawe doświadczenie. Myślę, że osobom, które intryguje brytyjska monarchia i klimaty politycznych potyczek, na pewno odnajdą przyjemność w przeczytaniu tej książki. Ja niezwykle doceniam autorkę za klimat, który przywodzi na myśl pannę Marple, rezolutną starszą detektywkę-amatorkę z powieści Agathy Christie.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish to thank NetGalley and Harper Audio for this clever and charming book by SJ Bennett. If one gets past the premise of Queen Elizabeth using her sharp intelligence and keen observation skills to solve crimes, they will find this to be a creative and cozy mystery with a complex solution. Apparently, Queen Elizabeth has secretly attempted to solve crimes since she was a girl and stealthfully steers the police in the right direction. This was an 8-hour audiobook with superb narration by Jane Copeland.

The Queen is approaching her 90th birthday. She hosts a 'Dine and Sleep' party at Windsor Palace as a favour to Prince Charles. He hopes to obtain funds from some Russians for one of his pet projects. Included in the party are some leading British celebrities and thinkers, Russian financiers, and Russian musicians and dancers. The young, talented Russian piano player in his 20s is handsome and flirtatious. He dances with and charms the ladies, even the Queen.

He is found dead in his room, a rope around his neck. It seems he either committed suicide or was a participant in a sordid sex game during the night. It is soon determined that he was murdered. When the Metropolitan Police and M15 report to the Queen, they regard her as a naive, sheltered and doddering old woman and are hesitant to shock her with the details. They have decided that the pianist's death resulted from a Putin directed assassination with the help of a member of the Palace staff.

The Queen thinks otherwise and has her trusted secretary, Rozie Oshodi, conduct an undercover investigation at her direction and secretly steer the police in the correct direction. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is carrying out her public duties, engaging with her family, directing the palace's activities, and greeting President Obama while still finding time for her horses and corgis. Her conversations with Philip and her inner thoughts add humour to the story.

Queen Elizabeth and Rozie make a likeable and formidable pair. I hope to read future books featuring this investigative team.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder has taken place at Windsor Castle. Queen Elizabeth II has been enjoying her Easter holidays there when a young Russian pianist, Maxsim Brodsky, is found dead in his room after a Dine and Sleep. Her staff and the authorities jump immediately into action. From her conference with the powers that be, QE II is concerned that they are going down the wrong path entirely. It is time for the queen to enlist the new assistant secretary, Rozie Oshodi, into assisting her in redirection. It should really not be a surprise that a woman who has remained on the throne since 1953 would have the detective and diplomacy skills to unravel this mystery. Miss Marple could not have done a better job. This new series is so engaging and I love the hints of past mysteries solved as well as the promise of future successes for the Elizabeth/Rozie team. I am intrigued by the possibilities of going both back in time and forward from 2016. Narrator Jane Copeland strikes the perfect notes with her narration of the audiobook. I found the conversations between Queen Elizabeth and husband Philip were such a brilliant vehicle for showing us her most authentic version of herself.

Thank you to Harper Collins, Random House Audio, and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was posting a review about another book about the royals, someone had mentioned this series, so I was curious and ordered this book and her next book in the series, “All the Kings Men” at my local library.

What is particularly enjoyable is to read how the author incorporates actual people, living or dead into a story. And, having this one take place in 2016, we are treated to the time when the Queen was still with us along with the time that the Obamas were still in the White House.

This series is “her Majesty the Queen investigates.” And, in this particular story, even as she is busy with her own royal duties, the Queen works closely with a series of aides and servants and officials whom she presses into service, to solve the death of a guest pianist.

The question becomes, was it accidental, suicide or murder?

For anyone who is a fan of Queen Elizabeth, this might be a fun cozy in imagining her as an armchair sleuth at 89 years old around Windsor Castle!

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

2016, the year of her ninetieth birthday, Queen Elizabeth II is hosting a dine and sleep at Windsor Castle. Amongst the celebrity guests including David Attenborough, is a Russian pianist, Maksim Brodsky. The pianist is quite the ladies’ man and very flirtatious. Even the Queen herself has a dance with him.

In the morning Maksim is found dead in his room with a rope around his neck. Suicide or sex game gone wrong is the initial thoughts of the police but later it is declared that Maksim was murdered.

MI5 and the Metropolitan Police who are investigating believe that one of the Queens members of staff have ties to Russia and have killed Maksim on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Queen, however, doesn’t believe they are looking in the right direction, she would know as she has been investigating situations like this since she was a young girl with the help of her Private Secretary, new girl Rozie. The two begin their own private investigations into who killed Maksim and why.

What a glorious book ‘The Windsor Knot’ is. From the very first page to the last I was hooked. It is not only filled with a mystery waiting to be solved but the characters, including members of the Royal, the Queen’s staff, her pets, and even political figures such as Obama make an appearance and add to the atmospheric feel of the book.

The idea that Queen Elizabeth II is a super sleuth and loves a good puzzle of the criminal kind is quite out there and yet it works perfectly. MI5 and the police seem to think that the Queen is just an elderly woman who doesn’t know much, but they are very mistaken. The Queen sees and hears most things and knows far more than she ever lets on.

For a murder-mystery, the book is quite humorous and did give me a good giggle in places, who would have thought the Queen had a sense of humour? Though Prince Philip was on form with his quips too. The writing style made it perfectly easy to visualise the Queen investigating in that it is quite formal. It also reads a little like a diary of her life as she still had to attend Royal engagements, meet people, talked about her family and horses, etc.

The Windsor Knot is imaginative, richly researched, and oh so British. I simply adored it. It is a little light relief in a trying time. It has a feel of Murder She Wrote to it if Jessica Fletcher stayed at home investigating whilst she got her assistant to run around doing the outside work for her. I’m now looking forward to the other books in the series.

[give me books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Po prostu nie mój typ literatury

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, just truly terrible. It’s basically HRH fan fiction, and it’s just absolute drivel. The entire thing is trite, from trying to make the death salacious enough people didn’t want to upset HRH’s sensibilities to the impending Obama visit. Just so bad, I honestly don’t have anything good to say about it.

Value your time and give this one a pass - every page is agony.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett was the first of, I hope many, in a series of extremely creative and clever books in which Queen Elizabeth II delighted in solving crimes that had occurred under her watch. The concept for this series of books was so original and imaginative. I listened to the audiobook and was delighted by Jane Copeland’s performance as she narrated this book. It was just the type of book I needed to read right now. It was light, funny and yet well researched. I was craving a good mystery, but when I discovered Queen Elizabeth II was the one trying to solve the mystery, it became even grander!

The Queen was at Windsor Castle, her all time favorite place of all her residences. It was 2016 and Queen Elizabeth II was getting ready to celebrate her 90th birthday. She was looking forward to all the festivities. That evening she was hosting a dine and sleep to kick off the celebrations. It was arranged as a favor to Charles “ to curry favor with some rich Russians for one of his pet projects that needed a cash injection.” Charles had requested that Yuri Peyrovski and his wife and a hedge fund manager, Jay Hax, that specialized in Russian markets be invited. The Queen also invited Sir David Attenborough, her racing manager, a novelist and her husband that was a screenwriter, the British ambassador to Moscow, an Oscar-winning actress of Russian descent, a female British architect who was building a museum in Russia, a professor of Russian literature and the Archbishop of Canterbury. In addition to her guests, the Queen secured some ballet dancers and a Russian piano player to entertain her guests. After a splendid dinner, the guests and Queen Elizabeth retired to the Crimson Drawing Room where the young pianist magnificently entertained her and her guests. The pianist’s name was Maksim Brodsky. He was quite attractive and in his early twenties. After the ballerinas performed, Brodsky began to play dance tunes from the thirties and before the Queen knew it the furniture was being moved aside and her guests were dancing. The Queen even danced with Brodsky and then excused herself and found her way to her own quarters to retire for the evening. It was quite a successful evening.

The next morning, the Queen woke to the unpleasant news that the young Russian pianist was found dead in his bedroom. It was thought that the pianist had strangled himself but upon further investigation by MI5 and the Metropolitan Police it was surmised that he had been murdered. The members of the investigating team suspected that President Vladimir Putin might have ordered this murder to be carried out. The Queen had been used to solving crimes. In the Queen’s youth, she dabbled in trying to solve crimes. Over the years, she got very good at it. It was hard for the Queen to stay out of this crime especially when she suspected that those in charge were not headed in the right direction. She discreetly began her own investigation with the help of her very own capable and clever private secretary, Rozie.

This ingenious first book, that was the catalyst for a new crime series, captured Queen Elizabeth’s essence in all aspects. I loved how S. J. Bennett made this book so real, yet delightful and even funny. If I did not know better, I would have thought that Queen Elizabeth II was really talking and performing her royal duties throughout this book. The essence of the Queen was portrayed in every aspect. I loved The Windsor Knot and wait anxiously for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book. The Windsor Knot is set to be published in March 2021.

Thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I also won a copy of this book in a goodreads give away. Thank you again to William Morrow and S. J. Bennett for the opportunity to read The Windsor Knot.

[Juan Naranjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al leer la sinopsis de «El nudo Windsor» parece que te dispones a adentrarte en una historieta de investigación entretenida y mona en la que Isabel II, como una especie de Jessica Fletcher de sangre azul, pondrá el palacio patas arriba tratando de resolver un crimen con la ayuda de un fiel mayordomo estirado y una lupa de grandes dimensiones que guarda en su bolso de mano. Pero poco de esto tiene, en mi humilde opinión, este libro. «El nudo Windsor» es una novela sobre la investigación de un asesinato con la habitual solemnidad y seriedad que posee este subgénero literario, con la única salvedad de que la acción transcurre entre palacios, salones de baile y casas de campo. El personaje de la reina es complejo y perfectamente reconocible y -lejos de esconder un revólver bajo el sombrero- tiene un papel organizativo en una investigación de la que es el sutil cerebro más que el brazo armado.

En esta novela, lejos de la superficialidad o el encanto que sugiere la temática, se tratan temas complejos habitualmente presentes en la novela negra: las peliagudas relaciones diplomáticas con terceros países, la amenaza de espías y agentes dobles, el papel de la seguridad nacional en las decisiones estatales… Y, aunque si bien es cierto que se hace siempre desde un enfoque ligero y dándole mucho peso a la fascinación que muchísimos lectores sentimos por la familia real británica, al final es, ni más ni menos, que una buena novela de espías, investigación y asesinatos.

Haberla ambientado en un año concreto (con sus eventos reconocibles y sus personajes reales) supone un acierto absoluto y permite convertir esta novela en un auténtico fenómeno con innumerables posibles secuelas. Me gustaría, eso sí, que en el futuro los personajes secundarios estuvieran tan bien definidos como el dúo de protagonistas, y que no se pierdan tanto entre los preparativos, las sospechas y las investigaciones. En definitiva: esta me ha parecido una novela interesante, bien escrita y sorprendente en sus planteamientos, en su tono y en su capacidad para mezclar lo literario con, ejem, lo real.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly a unique premise for a new cozy mystery series. I liked the idea of the Queen of England being the brains behind the mystery solving but her being so stealth as to having to the rather useless official investigators thinking they had achieved it all. (Although that annoyed me since they acted as though the queen couldn’t think at all let alone handle their male greatness and intelligence). I also liked that the story gave some humanizing to the Queen and showed her as both a person and a figure. I do hope there will be more, but I hope that the mystery can be a little more in future volumes. Maybe it was the third party investigating but this mystery seemed a little flat and small although at it’s first introduction it was a bit scandalous. It was certainly creative to have a piano player die at Windsor castle in a dressing gown appearing to have taken part in kinky sex games that left him dead.

[DeB · Rating 5 out of 5]

A royal blast! Filled with scads of trivia and detail (most of which was quite lost on me, but thickly atmospheric), HRH is represented as a "glowing" monarch with a penchant for snooping and intrigue which has gone on for decades prior to the messy murder case of this novel. It is all a bit like a game of Clue, except the erstwhile MI5 has veered off course and Lilbet is not pleased with their direction. Her dogs and horses are represented, along with Philip, as important partners and the inner workings of the palace given strong place. Watching "one" at sleuthing cleverly while being considered a doddery old lady by the hotshots in the spy division is very comical, and how she leads them merrily in the right direction to solve the many legged case is adeptly handled by author SJ Bennett.

A cozy mystery with a bit of snap and hugely entertaining! 4.5 stars bumped up to a full crown.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun reading this cozy mystery featuring Her Maj, Elizabeth II. I'm predisposed to enjoy this premise, having an aunt who was an unabashed royalty fan and a mother who took my sisters and me to the resigning of Treaty 7 here in Alberta, attended by Prince Charles. We were all very excited, even when overwhelmed by an unexpected dust storm. I guess what I'm saying is that my family is interested in royalty but not staunch monarchists.

I thought the author used known details of the Queen's life very effectively, corgis, horses, Prince Philip, and all. Bennett provides a plausible murder inside Windsor Castle after one of many social occasions held there. The victim is a young Russian man, involving MI6 in case of Russian government machinations. When the head of the investigation gets too focused on the members of the Queen's household, trying to find a Russian connection, Her Maj takes matters in hand to make sure justice is served.

Of course the Queen cannot do her own investigating, so she enlists her Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, a young British Nigerian woman. Rozie soon discovers that QEII has a habit of drafting her APS in this role, as they will listen to her and actually hear what she's saying. As an earlier secretary tells Rozie, “The Queen solves mysteries. She solved the first one when she was twelve or thirteen, so the story goes. On her own. She sees things other people don't see--often because they're all looking at her. She knows so much about so many things. She's got an eagle eye, a nose for bullshit, and a fabulous memory. Her staff should trust her more."

Obviously Elizabeth cannot take credit for solving the crime either, so she must manipulate the men in charge, carefully stage managing things to make sure they all think the ideas are theirs. I loved the obvious fondness for Queen Elizabeth, the intelligent and attractive Rozie, and the conspiracy of female secretaries to aid and abet their sovereign. Just my cuppa tea!

[Laura y sus libros · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuando empecé este libro la verdad es que no tenía ninguna expectativa ni buena ni mala. El argumento parecía interesante, ¡La reina Isabel II de Inglaterra convertida en detective! Me vino a la cabeza esa reina menudita siempre vestida de forma impecable con sus sombreros y sus trajes coloridos a juego. Me vino a la mente la serie de The Crown y sus actores y también las costumbres inglesas, Su Windsor, Balmoral, Buckingham , su historia… vamos que la idea en general me atrajo.

Tras todo esto deciros que la verdad es que si no hubiera estado en una LC creo que posiblemente lo hubiera abandonado. Está bien escrito y el personaje de la reina es genial, pero es tan lento…. Ya me ha pasado con alguna otra obra inglesa de este género “negro”. Bueno sobre el género deciros que aunque parece que es novela negra y tiene sus cosas de novela negra es más lo que se llama un “mistery cozy”. Es decir no hay escenas fuera de tono ni cruentas y el entorno es como muy adorable para haberse cometido un asesinato.

Como puntos positivos destacar, como ya adelantaba, el personaje de la reina a la que humaniza totalmente y te hace quererla. No penséis que va a ser una Jessica Fletcher o una Miss Marple. La reina es como la cabeza pensante en la trama, la que actúa en la sombra para que todo fluya y no quiere llevarse galones. Ella no se mete en fregados sino que todo lo hace desde la diplomacia y el saber estar “real” junto a su asistente Rozie.

Lo cierto es que si lo pensáis tiene sentido ¿no? ¿U os imagináis a la reina a su edad, disfrazándose para no ser reconocida para investigar? Sin duda el libro trasmite el cariño que destila la autora hacia este personaje y las intrigas de esta ahora polémica familia real.

Además de ella, hay otro personaje que me ha encantado y es el rey consorte Felipe. La relación entre ellos es divertidísima, al estilo matrimoniadas a la inglesa. No se como sería en realidad pero es genial aterrizar a la realeza en la cotidianeidad.

La historia se desarrolla en 2016 y se van introduciendo datos reales como la visita de los Obama o la actuación de Kylie Minogue en el cumpleaños de la reina. Estas dosis de realidad te hacen pensar que realmente todo eso podía haber pasado y nunca habría salido a la luz.

Como buena historia Cozy tiene también dosis de humor a la inglesa que más que carcajadas sacan buenas sonrisas.

Os la recomiendo si os gusta lo Cozy, lo british o si tenéis curiosidad.

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIO VERSION of The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett - Narration by Jane Copeland. YES!! This was absolutely lovely to listen to! So much fun!

The 1st in a new cozy series: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, the book starts out with a death right at that the beginning, taking place right under the roof of Queen Elizabeth, at Windsor Castle.

With Queen Elizabeth II, being a primary character, she is flanked by Asst Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, who proves to be quite capable in her owns rights. Brilliant chemistry of mutual respect between all the characters, dominated by an intelligent, witty, often humorous, sometimes cheeky dialogue. I LOVED the few personal conversations between Philip and the Queen. (Phillip’s pet name for the Queen is “Cabbage”.)

This was a wonderful portrait of some the Queen’s responsibilities, her family, staff, the public she has to deal with, and her beloved home, Windsor Castle. Coordinating all those things, she is using her wisdom and keen eye to guide the proper authorities to unmask the truth about the death of one of her guests, a Russian piano player. But questions abound - Suicide? Murder? Accident? A killer? Who?

The narrator, Jane Copeland, is fantastic! Pitch, pace, power, accent(s), enthusiasm, and fluency were spot on. The narrator did this story justice, and brought life and authentic realism, making the listening experience even more enjoyable.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 3 out of 5]

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The team at Tandem Collective were kind enough to send me a free audiobook copy of The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett. I have been listening to audiobooks more often this year and I enjoyed this one too.

My Thoughts:

The Windsor Knot is the first installment of a cozy mystery series set in England, called Her Majesty the Queen Investigates. As the title suggests, Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II is the detective, solving a crime that happens in her castle.

I feel like the idea behind it is good, but it didn’t deliver in the way I wanted it too. The writing was good, and the author has done amazing research on the monarchy. For instance, the circumstances of the murder was quite intriguing. However, the mystery aspect was way too cozy for me, and didn’t excite me, therefore my rating.

I loved the fact that the Queen herself had an assistant that was out in the field, gathering clues and talking to people. I think any other alternative would have been far too unrealistic. But the story still felt a bit flat, with a mediocre ending. I expected more plot twists and thriller elements, more uncertainty and higher stakes. But this book felt more like a story where we get to find out more of what the Queen’s daily life looks like, and in this version, she just happens to like solving mysteries as a hobby.

Even though it wasn’t my cup of tea, I am certain that people who love cozy reads will truly enjoy this one. It’s a very relaxing story, and it’s quite interesting to dive in the Queen’s world, even just for a moment. There were some amazing facts about the monarchy as well, and I was surprised that I knew some of them, as I live near Windsor and Ascot.

In conclusion, if you are looking for an interesting story, The Windsor Knot will please you. But if you like more hardcore mysteries, I suggest you find another book. I am not sure I will be picking up the next book in the series, but I will definitely be looking out for S.J. Bennett’s next books, as I loved the writing.