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A Guy Harford Mystery #3
Betraying the Crown
Intrigue and scandal threaten to rock the monarchy in wartime Britain…
Windsor, 1943. Britain is in the grip of war and treachery is afoot. The body of controversial former courtier Lord Blackwater is found in the abandoned Fort Belvedere, once the country bolthole of the King’s wayward brother. And all signs point to murder.
Royal confidant Guy Harford is called in to solve the mystery quickly and quietly, before any hint of scandal reaches the public. Investigating with the help of Rodie, his roguish burglar girlfriend, his enquiries lead him into the world of the Royal Ballet, where on-stage glamour hides an undercurrent of off-stage deceit. And when the ballet company’s newest recruit turns up dead, it’s clear there’s more to this murder than meets the eye.
Meanwhile, news reaches the Palace that the King’s brother—already under strict orders to stay out of trouble—is threatening to undermine both Crown and country by taking US citizenship.
Harford must do his royal duty. It’s up to him to catch the killer and save the monarchy from crisis in wartime. Before any more heads roll…
Windsor, 1943. Britain is in the grip of war and treachery is afoot. The body of controversial former courtier Lord Blackwater is found in the abandoned Fort Belvedere, once the country bolthole of the King’s wayward brother. And all signs point to murder.
Royal confidant Guy Harford is called in to solve the mystery quickly and quietly, before any hint of scandal reaches the public. Investigating with the help of Rodie, his roguish burglar girlfriend, his enquiries lead him into the world of the Royal Ballet, where on-stage glamour hides an undercurrent of off-stage deceit. And when the ballet company’s newest recruit turns up dead, it’s clear there’s more to this murder than meets the eye.
Meanwhile, news reaches the Palace that the King’s brother—already under strict orders to stay out of trouble—is threatening to undermine both Crown and country by taking US citizenship.
Harford must do his royal duty. It’s up to him to catch the killer and save the monarchy from crisis in wartime. Before any more heads roll…
- GenresFictionMysteryHistorical
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2022
92 people are currently reading
1569 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 28, 2022
Once again I have come across a new to me series by accidentally jumping in part way through. Now I have to go back and find books 1 and 2. It will not be a hardship as I really enjoyed this one.
Betraying the Crown is set in London in 1943 and it opens with a list of characters. This is essential reading because there are lots of them and many of them have a couple of names and a title to be identified by. The main character is Palace courtier Guy Hartford, who is fully aware that one's standing with the Royals is only as good as today's success. It is very easy to fall out of favour.
There is a murder, a lot of spying by different parties, huge amounts of palace gossip, and some delightful historical facts. I was most impressed with the description of the flight from England to Nassau by seaplane. It was apparently luxurious but must have been pretty scary in the middle of a war. There were many facts too about the Royal Ballet with names dropped such as Margot Fonteyn.
It was all very interesting and I will certainly be continuing with the series. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Betraying the Crown is set in London in 1943 and it opens with a list of characters. This is essential reading because there are lots of them and many of them have a couple of names and a title to be identified by. The main character is Palace courtier Guy Hartford, who is fully aware that one's standing with the Royals is only as good as today's success. It is very easy to fall out of favour.
There is a murder, a lot of spying by different parties, huge amounts of palace gossip, and some delightful historical facts. I was most impressed with the description of the flight from England to Nassau by seaplane. It was apparently luxurious but must have been pretty scary in the middle of a war. There were many facts too about the Royal Ballet with names dropped such as Margot Fonteyn.
It was all very interesting and I will certainly be continuing with the series. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 18, 2022
When the debonair, royal confident, Guy Harford and his burglary savvy girlfriend, Rodie go out for a late-night jaunt, they stumble upon an unexpected find--the body of ex-courtier, Lord Blackwater. His controversial past and allegiance with the exiled Duke and Duchess of Windsor made him a royal non grata. Was his death by natural causes, or was he murdered?
The palace wants the former courtier's death to quietly disappear from the news, but his estranged wife pleads for Guy to investigate. As he and Rodie dig through his past, they find many secrets and scandals. As the clues are sorted, a fiendish tie to the Royal Ballet keeps Rodie on her toes as she uncovers nefarious schemes and deadly deeds. The palace sends Guy to the Bahamas to investigate the former king now duke, and his devious, duchess wife's whispered maneuverings. Are they about to disgrace the crown once again?
Author Fielden weaves a stellar, royal whodunnit that will keep you turning those pages. The ties to the events of WWII and the royal's history gives readers a unique, fictional perspective on 'what might have happened' and getting the 'story behind the story'. I am a devoted fan of this series--perfect additions for your summer reading #TBR list. I highly recommend this latest tale for cozy mystery/hist fic book lovers!
The palace wants the former courtier's death to quietly disappear from the news, but his estranged wife pleads for Guy to investigate. As he and Rodie dig through his past, they find many secrets and scandals. As the clues are sorted, a fiendish tie to the Royal Ballet keeps Rodie on her toes as she uncovers nefarious schemes and deadly deeds. The palace sends Guy to the Bahamas to investigate the former king now duke, and his devious, duchess wife's whispered maneuverings. Are they about to disgrace the crown once again?
Author Fielden weaves a stellar, royal whodunnit that will keep you turning those pages. The ties to the events of WWII and the royal's history gives readers a unique, fictional perspective on 'what might have happened' and getting the 'story behind the story'. I am a devoted fan of this series--perfect additions for your summer reading #TBR list. I highly recommend this latest tale for cozy mystery/hist fic book lovers!
August 17, 2022
The usual romp as expected with a touch of historically correct reality thrown in makes for a good light holiday read.
June 21, 2022
Pre-Review Alert! Thanks Goodreads for this Giveaway Copy--June begins tomorrow and I plan to finish at least four of my five giveaway books before the month is over!
Update--Just finished. I enjoyed this book, and I want to go back and read the two books that can before this one in the series. I say that despite the fact that I felt the storytelling relied overmuch on "telling" versus showing--but I think that's because the writer himself has crafted a writing career from interviews and conversation, so his strength is not in action sequences, but in the parlor and drawing rooms and cocktail parties. When talk is what you know, write the talk.
Update--Just finished. I enjoyed this book, and I want to go back and read the two books that can before this one in the series. I say that despite the fact that I felt the storytelling relied overmuch on "telling" versus showing--but I think that's because the writer himself has crafted a writing career from interviews and conversation, so his strength is not in action sequences, but in the parlor and drawing rooms and cocktail parties. When talk is what you know, write the talk.
May 21, 2022
In the midst of WWII in England, Guy Harford, artist, is now working as a Palace Courtier and Rodie Carr, one time burglar, now a government civil servant, find the body of the Earl of Blackwater in the now closed Fort Belvedere, the former home of the Duke of Windsor. From this point on, the Palace, MI6 and a journalist all want to either hush up the murder or expose it. It is now up to Guy to navigate the thorny path: find out who killed the Earl and also find out why a courtesan is keeping company with the ousted king of Albania. In the meantime Rodie is tasked to snoop around a ballet troupe that travels about the country with refugee artists who might be part of a spy network.
An intricate and thrilling story with the Palace working to keep the monarchy from scandal, MI6 spying on all to keep the country safe and neither group telling the other what they are doing.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-galley of "Betraying the Crown".
An intricate and thrilling story with the Palace working to keep the monarchy from scandal, MI6 spying on all to keep the country safe and neither group telling the other what they are doing.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-galley of "Betraying the Crown".
November 17, 2022
Betraying the Crown is the third Guy Hartford book and it’s all getting a bit complicated. It starts with Guy and Rodie having an idilic date where they break into an abandoned country bolt hole that used to belong to the Kings brother and they stumble on the dead body of a well known controversial courtier. They shouldn’t be there, he defiantly shouldn’t be there Guy must sort it out. This was probably my least favourite, there were so many different threads and Fielded seemed to get caught up on the politics that the plot suffered, I kept forgetting that we were looking for a murderer. My main bug bear though is Rodie and Guys relationship I have no idea why she puts up with his, he’s awful to her and swivels between being ashamed of her and tolerating her at best when in actuality Rodie is far too good for him. Sighs. It was ever thus. Also they all seem totally untouched the actual war that is going on.
September 4, 2022
I really enjoyed the story at most parts, but found this a little chaotic, not very joined up, fairly obvious and a very quick ending that seemed to just happen without any build up. The writing was good but just felt a little disappointed.
March 11, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Betraying the Crown is the third Guy Harford historical cozy by T.P. Fielden. Released 31st May 2022, it's 302 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (indeed, the whole series) 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 engaged in the story and the ensemble cast from the first chapter. The plot, denouement and resolution are self contained in this volume and so it works perfectly well as a standalone read; but all three books in the series are quite good and worth a look.
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). Even if read out of order, readers will have no trouble following the plot or keeping the characters straight. 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 (chips, flat, torch, etc) but shouldn't present any problems in context for readers outside the UK.
Four stars. This is an enjoyable read and would make a good choice for fans of light spy cozies. It would also make a nice candidate for a buddy or binge read. Fans of Nicola Upson, Kate Kingsbury, and Rhys Bowen will find a lot to enjoy here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Betraying the Crown is the third Guy Harford historical cozy by T.P. Fielden. Released 31st May 2022, it's 302 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (indeed, the whole series) 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 engaged in the story and the ensemble cast from the first chapter. The plot, denouement and resolution are self contained in this volume and so it works perfectly well as a standalone read; but all three books in the series are quite good and worth a look.
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). Even if read out of order, readers will have no trouble following the plot or keeping the characters straight. 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 (chips, flat, torch, etc) but shouldn't present any problems in context for readers outside the UK.
Four stars. This is an enjoyable read and would make a good choice for fans of light spy cozies. It would also make a nice candidate for a buddy or binge read. Fans of Nicola Upson, Kate Kingsbury, and Rhys Bowen will find a lot to enjoy here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 31, 2022
It starts with the death of Lord Blackwater. The discovery of his body leads courtier Guy Harford on a quest to save the monarchy from further embarrassment as they still recover from the king’s abdication. Blackwater was a supporter of the Duke of Windsor and helped arrange his marriage to Wallis Simpson. He kept a detailed diary, which is now missing. Rosie Carr was a burglar who now works with MI6. She is also living with Guy, which often presents a problem. While Guy is secretive with regards to his work at Buckingham Palace, Rodie is also unable to share the details of her assignments with Guy. They are both looking into Blackwater’s death, but Rodie’s path leads to the Vic-Wells Ballet and a connection to a spy ring. Working undercover with the group, one of the dancers is murdered and Rosie is in danger of being discovered.
While Guy works for Buck House, his first love is painting. He has already had an exhibition of his work and is becoming a well-known artist. His greatest hope is that the war will end and he can return to a life of painting at his home in Tangier with Rosie. He is a problem solver and is acquainted with a number of peers. Rosie is plain spoken and a skilled burglar. She had even broken into the palace at one time. They are an oddly matched couple, but work well together. Their lives are complicated by a persistent reporter and Rodie’s boss, who is one of Guy’s friends.
T.P. Fielden’s Betraying the Crown provides an interesting look at life behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace. It was initially confusing as a number of characters are quickly introduced. Once you become familiar with the characters and their roles, it becomes a delightful mystery. This is the third book in the Guy Harford Mysteries and it will leave you looking forward to Guy and Rodie’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing this book for my review.
While Guy works for Buck House, his first love is painting. He has already had an exhibition of his work and is becoming a well-known artist. His greatest hope is that the war will end and he can return to a life of painting at his home in Tangier with Rosie. He is a problem solver and is acquainted with a number of peers. Rosie is plain spoken and a skilled burglar. She had even broken into the palace at one time. They are an oddly matched couple, but work well together. Their lives are complicated by a persistent reporter and Rodie’s boss, who is one of Guy’s friends.
T.P. Fielden’s Betraying the Crown provides an interesting look at life behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace. It was initially confusing as a number of characters are quickly introduced. Once you become familiar with the characters and their roles, it becomes a delightful mystery. This is the third book in the Guy Harford Mysteries and it will leave you looking forward to Guy and Rodie’s return. I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing this book for my review.
May 4, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Betraying the Crown, the third novel to feature palace courtier Guy Harford, set in 1943.
When Lord Archy Blackwater is found dead, possibly murdered, in Fort Belvedere, the former home of former King Edward VIII alarm bells ring, because he was a close associate of Edward prior to his abdication. Guy is is asked to investigate discreetly and enlists the help of his girlfriend, former burglar turned civil servant, Rodie.
I enjoyed Betraying the Crown, which is an interesting read on the period, although it is more interested political manoeuvring than crime investigation. The fact that the former king wanted to take American citizenship would have been a tremendous PR blow to the monarchy, especially in wartime, so it’s time for dirty tricks and these people fight seriously dirty. I wonder if current events made the author think of this true life event?
With Guy involved in this firefighting effort, the murder investigation is left to Rodie in her role as a “civil servant” at the “Post Office”. She and her boss find a link to a ballet company where she goes undercover. I was disappointed that this plot is secondary to royal politics as she is the stand out character in the novels. She’s bold, smart and working class in a very upper middle class at a minimum environment and steals the show.
The novel has its moments of humour, not least in its depictions of the upper classes and the farce surrounding the former king and his intentions. It’s so petty in many ways that it’s comical. What’s even more dismaying is that it’s rooted in fact.
Betraying the Crown is a good read that I can recommend.
When Lord Archy Blackwater is found dead, possibly murdered, in Fort Belvedere, the former home of former King Edward VIII alarm bells ring, because he was a close associate of Edward prior to his abdication. Guy is is asked to investigate discreetly and enlists the help of his girlfriend, former burglar turned civil servant, Rodie.
I enjoyed Betraying the Crown, which is an interesting read on the period, although it is more interested political manoeuvring than crime investigation. The fact that the former king wanted to take American citizenship would have been a tremendous PR blow to the monarchy, especially in wartime, so it’s time for dirty tricks and these people fight seriously dirty. I wonder if current events made the author think of this true life event?
With Guy involved in this firefighting effort, the murder investigation is left to Rodie in her role as a “civil servant” at the “Post Office”. She and her boss find a link to a ballet company where she goes undercover. I was disappointed that this plot is secondary to royal politics as she is the stand out character in the novels. She’s bold, smart and working class in a very upper middle class at a minimum environment and steals the show.
The novel has its moments of humour, not least in its depictions of the upper classes and the farce surrounding the former king and his intentions. It’s so petty in many ways that it’s comical. What’s even more dismaying is that it’s rooted in fact.
Betraying the Crown is a good read that I can recommend.
June 6, 2022
I enjoyed this entertaining historical mystery where we join Guy Harford as he works to solve another murder with royal implications.
Guy Harford is such a sympathetic character, I just can’t help rooting for him. Guy is handsome, artistic, and by no means perfect…but that makes him all the more lovable.
In this third book in the series, Guy stumbles onto a murder with connections to the King’s brother. The Duke of Windsor is in the Bahamas with ‘that Simpson woman’ and under strict orders to stay out of trouble!
As with the other books in the series, the book is based on true events. The author provides excellent historic details in the Author’s Note at the end of the book.
Overall this was an enjoyable mystery with an interesting main character. I think there is much more room to grow with this series, including Guy’s relationship with other characters in the series like Rhodie and Rupert.. I recommend this book to historical mystery fans as well as people who enjoy books about the royal family.
Thank you to the publisher for a complementary eARC of the book.
Guy Harford is such a sympathetic character, I just can’t help rooting for him. Guy is handsome, artistic, and by no means perfect…but that makes him all the more lovable.
In this third book in the series, Guy stumbles onto a murder with connections to the King’s brother. The Duke of Windsor is in the Bahamas with ‘that Simpson woman’ and under strict orders to stay out of trouble!
As with the other books in the series, the book is based on true events. The author provides excellent historic details in the Author’s Note at the end of the book.
Overall this was an enjoyable mystery with an interesting main character. I think there is much more room to grow with this series, including Guy’s relationship with other characters in the series like Rhodie and Rupert.. I recommend this book to historical mystery fans as well as people who enjoy books about the royal family.
Thank you to the publisher for a complementary eARC of the book.
July 13, 2022
This is a fun and exciting historical mystery set in 1943 England and involving lots of Royal Court intrigue.
Courtier and painter Guy Harford is tasked by the Crown with investigating the death of Lord Blackwater, another confidant of the Royal Fanily who is hiding an abundance of secrets that the Crown prefers not to get out. His burglar turned civil servant girlfriend, Rodie, is his partner in the investigation. She goes undercover at a ballet company housing lots of Russian and European refugees, while he investigates a possible connection between the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Nazi Party in Germany.
It is a fun ride and Guy and Rodie are good company. I enjoyed the intrigue and how the plot unfolded, but I was disappointed at the resolution of this case. It lacked the inventiveness of the rest of the book.
As always, I listened on audio. Joel Froomkin gave each of the many characters here a distinct voice, and paced the story well. His narration enhanced the experience of this novel.
Courtier and painter Guy Harford is tasked by the Crown with investigating the death of Lord Blackwater, another confidant of the Royal Fanily who is hiding an abundance of secrets that the Crown prefers not to get out. His burglar turned civil servant girlfriend, Rodie, is his partner in the investigation. She goes undercover at a ballet company housing lots of Russian and European refugees, while he investigates a possible connection between the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Nazi Party in Germany.
It is a fun ride and Guy and Rodie are good company. I enjoyed the intrigue and how the plot unfolded, but I was disappointed at the resolution of this case. It lacked the inventiveness of the rest of the book.
As always, I listened on audio. Joel Froomkin gave each of the many characters here a distinct voice, and paced the story well. His narration enhanced the experience of this novel.
September 24, 2022
Windsor, 1943. Britain is in the grip of war and treachery is afoot. The body of controversial former courtier Lord Blackwater is found in the abandoned Fort Belvedere, once the country bolthole of the King’s wayward brother. And all signs point to murder.
Royal confidant Guy Harford is called in to solve the mystery quickly and quietly, before any hint of scandal reaches the public. Investigating with the help of Rodie, his roguish burglar girlfriend, his enquiries lead him into the world of the Royal Ballet, where on-stage glamour hides an undercurrent of off-stage deceit. And when the ballet company’s newest recruit turns up dead, it’s clear there’s more to this murder than meets the eye.
Meanwhile, news reaches the Palace that the King’s brother—already under strict orders to stay out of trouble—is threatening to undermine both Crown and country by taking US citizenship.
Harford must do his royal duty. It’s up to him to catch the killer and save the monarchy from crisis in wartime. Before any more heads roll…
Royal confidant Guy Harford is called in to solve the mystery quickly and quietly, before any hint of scandal reaches the public. Investigating with the help of Rodie, his roguish burglar girlfriend, his enquiries lead him into the world of the Royal Ballet, where on-stage glamour hides an undercurrent of off-stage deceit. And when the ballet company’s newest recruit turns up dead, it’s clear there’s more to this murder than meets the eye.
Meanwhile, news reaches the Palace that the King’s brother—already under strict orders to stay out of trouble—is threatening to undermine both Crown and country by taking US citizenship.
Harford must do his royal duty. It’s up to him to catch the killer and save the monarchy from crisis in wartime. Before any more heads roll…
December 3, 2022
My first encounter with the handsome Guy Harford and his smart burglar girlfriend Rodie and what a terrific encounter! (I actually ran to purchase the two previous titles in the series)
It's 1943, the war is at its zenith and some strange shenanigans wi are ruffling more than one feather within the entourage of King George VI.
On the menu: murder near Windsor and the usual idiotic behavior of the detested Windsors currently living in the Bahamas....
A delicious murder mystery with lots of twists and turns stretching from London to Washington and the Caribbean, lots of sparkling dialogues, and a brilliant cast of exquisitely drawn characters some real some fictional. It really was a very entertaining whodunit and I'm really looking forward to more titles in the series...
A delicious Royal addiction that deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for this terrific ARC
It's 1943, the war is at its zenith and some strange shenanigans wi are ruffling more than one feather within the entourage of King George VI.
On the menu: murder near Windsor and the usual idiotic behavior of the detested Windsors currently living in the Bahamas....
A delicious murder mystery with lots of twists and turns stretching from London to Washington and the Caribbean, lots of sparkling dialogues, and a brilliant cast of exquisitely drawn characters some real some fictional. It really was a very entertaining whodunit and I'm really looking forward to more titles in the series...
A delicious Royal addiction that deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for this terrific ARC
October 20, 2023
This was an entertaining read, and an enjoyable mystery. I really enjoyed the historical setting. The characters are interesting and feel quite real, as they are neither wholly good or bad.
At times I found this book confusing, trying to keep up with all the characters and their individual agendas. I did not realise that this book was part of a series, and it is likely that reading the previous books would have helped me to follow the plot of Betraying the Crown. Nonetheless, the book works as a standalone and was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for sending me this arc. I will be posting this review on my Goodreads and Storygraph accounts, and on Waterstones and Amazon upon publication.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...’
At times I found this book confusing, trying to keep up with all the characters and their individual agendas. I did not realise that this book was part of a series, and it is likely that reading the previous books would have helped me to follow the plot of Betraying the Crown. Nonetheless, the book works as a standalone and was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for sending me this arc. I will be posting this review on my Goodreads and Storygraph accounts, and on Waterstones and Amazon upon publication.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...’
June 28, 2023
Paying an unsanctioned visit to Fort Belvedere, Guy Harford & Rodie find the body of Lord Blackwater who had been murdered by a blow to the throat breaking his trachea. Unfortunately, the Palace wants to keep this hidden. To get him far from the mystery, Guy is sent to the Bahamas to confront the Windsors to try & keep them from making too many (obvious) assertions of their preferences for Germany.
With Rupert's help (he must be MI6 or something!) Rodie joins a ballet troupe & follows Guy; & between the 3 of them they root out various pieces of intricate & convoluted information between the islands, Buckingham Palace & the Foreign Office.
Guy is essentially in the middle of a cluster-fuck, but with Rodie's & Rupert's help, he survives yet another case.
With Rupert's help (he must be MI6 or something!) Rodie joins a ballet troupe & follows Guy; & between the 3 of them they root out various pieces of intricate & convoluted information between the islands, Buckingham Palace & the Foreign Office.
Guy is essentially in the middle of a cluster-fuck, but with Rodie's & Rupert's help, he survives yet another case.
June 20, 2024
Third in the series, this one has a dead body in the first few pages, when Guy and Rodie stumble over a corpse while exploring Fort Belvedere. It has more of the same characters and style as the previous books, so if you’ve enjoyed those then you’re in for a treat.
I was finding Rodie’s speech a little grating, having read two of these books back to back - the author drops every vowel going, so it’s all “Well ‘oo’s ‘e talking to, ‘allowed ‘arry?” kind of thing. It felt a bit forced and overdone to really hammer home that Rodie is a former thief from Elephant and Castle.
2.5 stars rounded up.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the delay in providing this.
I was finding Rodie’s speech a little grating, having read two of these books back to back - the author drops every vowel going, so it’s all “Well ‘oo’s ‘e talking to, ‘allowed ‘arry?” kind of thing. It felt a bit forced and overdone to really hammer home that Rodie is a former thief from Elephant and Castle.
2.5 stars rounded up.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the delay in providing this.
June 2, 2022
A most unusual novel, based on untold events during WW2 of the House of Windsor. I found this confusing at times with so many characters, each with their own agenda and secrets. Essentially a work of fiction, based on real characters working in their own world , albeit as servants of the Crown or for one of the Government’s undercover departments. We get to learn about the push and pull of Palace workers, where their loyalties lie and editorial fabrication.
The only thing that kept me reading was to find answers to the big question, who killed Archy Blackwater and why?
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy.
The only thing that kept me reading was to find answers to the big question, who killed Archy Blackwater and why?
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy.
June 13, 2022
Windsor, 1943. Britain is in the grip of war and treachery is afoot. The body of controversial former courtier Lord Blackwater is found in the abandoned Fort Belvedere, once the country bolthole of the King’s wayward brother. And all signs point to murder. This is the third in the Guy Hartford series and one of the best. This is a fun mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously but gives you a great ride. Lots of suspects and characters….maybe too many and it does get hard to keep track of everyone but everything is tied up perfectly in the end and you be looking forward to the next in the series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.
October 12, 2022
Another rattling good read of wartime intrigue. Touching on the areas of espionage, diplomacy, the Palace, newspapers and the theatre, in all of which gossip is currency, there are clear parallels being drawn between the treatment of two sets of royal brothers set at odds by the involvement of one with a glamorous and ambitious American woman. Is the exiled brother being unfaithful to the crown, or is he being treated unfairly? Is his wife the villainess? The plot is filled with unlikely coincidences and some of the characters are straight off the stereotype shelf, although strangely, at least one of the most unbelievable actually existed.
June 3, 2022
Betraying the Crown is the third book in the Guy Harford mystery series. This is a fun story with supporters of the Duke If Windsor trying to restore him to the throne. The story starts with the death of Lord Blackwater. The body is discovered in Fort Belvedere, the former home of the Duke. Guy Harford is now on a mission to solve the mystery of Blackwater's death and save the monarchy from further embarrassment. Blackwater kept a detailed diary, which is now missing. Guy will have his hands full trying to find the truth.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
June 14, 2022
enjoyed the historical aspect
Now, this was my first Guy Harford mystery but is really the third in the series. That would probably explain why I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters very well. I really enjoyed the historical setting and the story around the abdication, but the story itself got a bit convoluted. I’ll give book 1 a try and see if that helps, but it might just be that the author got a little lost in this third book of the series.
I did receive this book for free on my kindle from a giveaway.
Now, this was my first Guy Harford mystery but is really the third in the series. That would probably explain why I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters very well. I really enjoyed the historical setting and the story around the abdication, but the story itself got a bit convoluted. I’ll give book 1 a try and see if that helps, but it might just be that the author got a little lost in this third book of the series.
I did receive this book for free on my kindle from a giveaway.
June 10, 2022
This is the third book in the series about Palace courtier Guy Hartford. When Lord Blackwater is found dead in the former home of the Duke of Windsor Guy is called in to solve the mystery discreetly to prevent a scandal.
This book was really interesting, with a lot of historical facts. It may have been a bit slow, but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
This book was really interesting, with a lot of historical facts. It may have been a bit slow, but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
June 22, 2022
This book is in the "couldn't finish it" category. Although I had hopes of it being interesting to learn about the historical aspect, there were too many characters to keep track of. Add to that the gossipy nature, and I just could not make myself pick it up any more after a few chapters in. I tried to push through just to find out who killed Lord Blackwater and why, but, alas...too many other good books to read!
June 5, 2022
Another compelling and entertaining instalment in this good historical mystery series.
I was glad to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
The historical background is vivid, I liked the humour and the style of writing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I was glad to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
The historical background is vivid, I liked the humour and the style of writing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 13, 2022
Enjoyable incompetence
Believable bureaucratic balls ups from the palace and the government turned into a light hearted murder mystery series. It can seem like a conspiracy when really it's all just a machine with too many moving parts, most of which are fallible humans.
Believable bureaucratic balls ups from the palace and the government turned into a light hearted murder mystery series. It can seem like a conspiracy when really it's all just a machine with too many moving parts, most of which are fallible humans.
June 21, 2022
Interesting story
I love WWII stories but this one was a bit slow and there were way too many characters from the beginning, very confusing. I liked Rodie the most.
I haven't decided yet if I will read another Guy Harford book.
I love WWII stories but this one was a bit slow and there were way too many characters from the beginning, very confusing. I liked Rodie the most.
I haven't decided yet if I will read another Guy Harford book.
June 22, 2022
Part spy, part cozy with plenty of period details and the Royals tossed into the mix. If you like a puzzle with drama and plenty of interesting characters, this will be your cup of tea. Thank you to the publisher for this giveaway. This is the first of the series I’ve read, but plan to continue.
July 22, 2022
I liked the first book in this series much better, and I'm hard pressed to figure out why. Perhaps because I'd already learned about the setting, and the characters were no longer strong enough to keep me reading.
February 14, 2023
Enjoyable
Enjoyable read. As with the other two Guy Harford books fiction peppered with facts. Would like to think that further books with these characters are to follow, the war still has another 18 months to go.
Enjoyable read. As with the other two Guy Harford books fiction peppered with facts. Would like to think that further books with these characters are to follow, the war still has another 18 months to go.
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