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Cena con delitto al castello di Balmoral
Le tradizioni sono dure a morire. E così, anche quest'anno, nonostante il peggior maltempo che si sia mai visto, la Royal Family è riunita al castello scozzese di Balmoral.
Mentre fuori infuria una terribile tempesta di neve, che ha isolato completamente il castello, il vecchio re Eric ospita alla sua lunghissima tavola sette membri del clan dei Windsor. Insieme a loro ci sono solo lo chef Jonathan Alleyne e l'immancabile capo della security Tony Speck: nessun altro, neanche un domestico, è ammesso ai festeggiamenti. Forse perché sono festeggiamenti un po' speciali: il re Eric ha deciso, infatti, che è giunto il momento di designare il suo successore. Darà l'annuncio a pranzo finito, durante il tradizionale brindisi... Peccato che, al primo sorso di quello che doveva essere un whisky ben invecchiato, il re stramazzi a terra. Morto sul colpo.
Qualcuno ha deciso di farlo fuori, e quel qualcuno non può che essere lì, bloccato dalla neve a Balmoral. Addio atmosfera di Natale: nonostante gli stomaci pieni, al castello comincia un'indagine serrata di tutti contro tutti, capeggiata dallo chef, in cui nessuno è esente dal sospetto...
Un brillante, irresistibile, scoppiettante giallo natalizio che vi terrà incollati alle pagine, mentre i membri di una famiglia reale alternativa, ma non per questo meno reale, ognuno con i suoi segreti e le sue stranezze, si accusano a vicenda di un omicidio che ha un solo colpevole. Un colpevole intrappolato a Balmoral insieme a tutti loro.
Mentre fuori infuria una terribile tempesta di neve, che ha isolato completamente il castello, il vecchio re Eric ospita alla sua lunghissima tavola sette membri del clan dei Windsor. Insieme a loro ci sono solo lo chef Jonathan Alleyne e l'immancabile capo della security Tony Speck: nessun altro, neanche un domestico, è ammesso ai festeggiamenti. Forse perché sono festeggiamenti un po' speciali: il re Eric ha deciso, infatti, che è giunto il momento di designare il suo successore. Darà l'annuncio a pranzo finito, durante il tradizionale brindisi... Peccato che, al primo sorso di quello che doveva essere un whisky ben invecchiato, il re stramazzi a terra. Morto sul colpo.
Qualcuno ha deciso di farlo fuori, e quel qualcuno non può che essere lì, bloccato dalla neve a Balmoral. Addio atmosfera di Natale: nonostante gli stomaci pieni, al castello comincia un'indagine serrata di tutti contro tutti, capeggiata dallo chef, in cui nessuno è esente dal sospetto...
Un brillante, irresistibile, scoppiettante giallo natalizio che vi terrà incollati alle pagine, mentre i membri di una famiglia reale alternativa, ma non per questo meno reale, ognuno con i suoi segreti e le sue stranezze, si accusano a vicenda di un omicidio che ha un solo colpevole. Un colpevole intrappolato a Balmoral insieme a tutti loro.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
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3385 people want to read
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October 15, 2023
What might have happened if Edward VIII had not abdicated the throne in 1936? In this alternative history a locked-room type mystery occurs when King Eric reigns in the United Kingdom. The royal family has gathered at Balmoral Castle in Scotland for a traditional Christmas. However, King Eric has given nearly all of the staff Christmas Day off. The only ones remaining are head chef Jonathan “Jon” Alleyne and the head of security, Tony Speck.
A blizzard isolates the castle as Jon works tirelessly to provide a delicious meal for the family. During the preparations, King Eric meets individually with each member of the royal family. As he prepares to make a toast and an announcement after dinner, he dies. Jon believes he was poisoned and is placed in the role of an amateur sleuth. He feels out of his depth, but wants to do what is right by his friend of 33 years. Why would one of the king’s own family members kill him?
There is a helpful character list at the beginning of the novel followed by a short chapter from the unknown killer’s point of view. Much of the story is from Jon’s point of view and starts 10 hours earlier when Jon takes the king’s breakfast to him on Christmas morning. The characters had depth and Jonathan’s character went through a transformation as he responded to events. While floundering, overwhelmed by the task, and unsure of himself, he steps up and experiences growth during his investigation.
The descriptive narrative transported me to Scotland where intrigue and secrets abound in this storyline. There are suspenseful moments as well as moments that seemed to drag. The pacing is uneven; especially in the first two-thirds of the novel. Despite this, the plot is twisty and kept me interested and there are multiple mysteries to be solved as the story unfolds. However, it is never explained how King Eric is descended from King Edward VIII and I kept thinking about this question throughout the book. The conclusion hints at what might happen to the characters, but is very open-ended. I wanted a more definitive conclusion to the book. One of the most interesting aspects was the information around lines of succession as imagined in this alternative history timeline. It was certainly thought-provoking.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel. Other themes explored in the novel were relationships with and between servants, trust, honesty, deception, power, greed, love, family, lies, secrets, and suspicion.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.03 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
A blizzard isolates the castle as Jon works tirelessly to provide a delicious meal for the family. During the preparations, King Eric meets individually with each member of the royal family. As he prepares to make a toast and an announcement after dinner, he dies. Jon believes he was poisoned and is placed in the role of an amateur sleuth. He feels out of his depth, but wants to do what is right by his friend of 33 years. Why would one of the king’s own family members kill him?
There is a helpful character list at the beginning of the novel followed by a short chapter from the unknown killer’s point of view. Much of the story is from Jon’s point of view and starts 10 hours earlier when Jon takes the king’s breakfast to him on Christmas morning. The characters had depth and Jonathan’s character went through a transformation as he responded to events. While floundering, overwhelmed by the task, and unsure of himself, he steps up and experiences growth during his investigation.
The descriptive narrative transported me to Scotland where intrigue and secrets abound in this storyline. There are suspenseful moments as well as moments that seemed to drag. The pacing is uneven; especially in the first two-thirds of the novel. Despite this, the plot is twisty and kept me interested and there are multiple mysteries to be solved as the story unfolds. However, it is never explained how King Eric is descended from King Edward VIII and I kept thinking about this question throughout the book. The conclusion hints at what might happen to the characters, but is very open-ended. I wanted a more definitive conclusion to the book. One of the most interesting aspects was the information around lines of succession as imagined in this alternative history timeline. It was certainly thought-provoking.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel. Other themes explored in the novel were relationships with and between servants, trust, honesty, deception, power, greed, love, family, lies, secrets, and suspicion.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------
My 3.03 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
October 25, 2022
3.5 rounded up - enjoyed this "alternate historical locked-room mystery" with an unlikely detective trying to figure out the killer of English King Eric. A few quibbles, but overall fun.
December 29, 2025
Confermo l'impressione iniziale: un libro pessimo, inutile e inconcludente. La famiglia reale inglese (che non è quella di Elisabetta, grazie all'escamotage fantastorico di non aver fatto abdicare EdoardoVIII) si ritrova per festeggiare il Natale al Castello di Balmoral, con la sola compagnia del capo della sicurezza – peraltro praticamente assente dalla scena per buona parte del libro – e dello chef incaricato della preparazione del pranzo. E già la premessa fa capire quanto sia inverosimile il racconto. Al termine del pranzo, un membro della famiglia reale muore avvelenato: nell'impossiblità di chiamare i soccorsi esterni (sic!) le indagini vengono affidate al più improbabile dei detective, il cuoco, che – in effetti – non è in grado di indagare alcunchè ma si trascina per tutta la giornata in giro per le stanze, "interrogando" gli altri ponenedo domande ridicole e non venendo a capo di nulla. I personaggi sono poco più di pupazzi utilizzati come riempimento per pagine e pagine di vuoto cosmico, non hanno personalità, solo pochi tratti caratteristici per distinguerli l'uno dall'altro (l'unico, tra questi, che venga tratteggiato un pò pi§ approfonditamente è il cuoco, ma nelle sue descrizioni c'è tanta incongruenza che forse sarebbe stato meglio lasciarlo un pò meno descritto!). Alla soluzione del mistero non ci arriva nessuno, non ci sono intuizioni improvvise, non c'è un ragionamento logico che sommi indizi (non) trovati durante le indagini: semplicemente, ad un certo punto (morto), il colpevole decide di confessare, visto che il cuoco/detective "ha rovinato tutto", avvicinandodi troppo alla verità (ma scherziamo?!?). Il capitolo finale, quello ambientato un anno dopo gli eventi, è del tutto inutile e non in linea con il resto del racconto. Neppure il titolo del libro e la copertina sono azzeccati, non rispecchiano affatto la storia e risultano inadatti alla stessa.
***
I have to confirm my first impression: a bad book, useless and inconclusive. The English royal family (which is not that one of Elizabeth, thanks to the fantastic-historical ploy of not having made Edward VIII abdicate) meets to celebrate Christmas at Balmoral Castle, with only the company of the head of security - moreover practically absent from the scene – and of the chef in charge of preparing lunch. And the premise already makes it clear how far-fetched the story is. At the end of lunch, a member of the royal family dies poisoned: in the impossibility of calling for external assistance (sic!), the investigations are entrusted to the most unlikely of detectives, the cook (but, why?!?), who - in fact - is unable to investigate anything but he drags himself around the rooms all day long, "interrogating" the others with ridiculous questions and coming up with nothing. The characters are little more than puppets used to fill pages and pages of cosmic emptiness: they have no personality, only a few characteristic traits to distinguish them from one another (the only one, among these, that is outlined a little more thoroughly he is the cook himself, but there is so much inconsistency in his descriptions that perhaps it would have been better to leave him a little less described!). No one gets to the solution of the mystery, there are no sudden intuitions, there is no logical reasoning that sums up clues (not) found during the investigation: simply, at a certain (dead) point, the culprit decides to confess, having seen that the cook/detective "ruined everything", getting too close to the truth (are we kidding, aren't we?!?). The final chapter, the one set one year after the events, is completely useless and not in line with the rest of the story. Not even the title of the book and the cover are spot on, they don't reflect the story at all and are unsuitable for it.
Prime impressioni...
...mmm...un inizio non proprio entusiasmante per questo giallo, sono già all'11% del libro e ancora devo trovare una pagina che tenga viva l'attenzione...soporifero per adesso, vedremo come vanno i prossimi capitoli.
***
... mmm ... not exactly an exciting start the one of this thriller, I've already read 11% of the novel and I still haven't found a page that keeps my attention alive...quite soporific for now, we'll see how the next chapters go.
***
I have to confirm my first impression: a bad book, useless and inconclusive. The English royal family (which is not that one of Elizabeth, thanks to the fantastic-historical ploy of not having made Edward VIII abdicate) meets to celebrate Christmas at Balmoral Castle, with only the company of the head of security - moreover practically absent from the scene – and of the chef in charge of preparing lunch. And the premise already makes it clear how far-fetched the story is. At the end of lunch, a member of the royal family dies poisoned: in the impossibility of calling for external assistance (sic!), the investigations are entrusted to the most unlikely of detectives, the cook (but, why?!?), who - in fact - is unable to investigate anything but he drags himself around the rooms all day long, "interrogating" the others with ridiculous questions and coming up with nothing. The characters are little more than puppets used to fill pages and pages of cosmic emptiness: they have no personality, only a few characteristic traits to distinguish them from one another (the only one, among these, that is outlined a little more thoroughly he is the cook himself, but there is so much inconsistency in his descriptions that perhaps it would have been better to leave him a little less described!). No one gets to the solution of the mystery, there are no sudden intuitions, there is no logical reasoning that sums up clues (not) found during the investigation: simply, at a certain (dead) point, the culprit decides to confess, having seen that the cook/detective "ruined everything", getting too close to the truth (are we kidding, aren't we?!?). The final chapter, the one set one year after the events, is completely useless and not in line with the rest of the story. Not even the title of the book and the cover are spot on, they don't reflect the story at all and are unsuitable for it.
Prime impressioni...
...mmm...un inizio non proprio entusiasmante per questo giallo, sono già all'11% del libro e ancora devo trovare una pagina che tenga viva l'attenzione...soporifero per adesso, vedremo come vanno i prossimi capitoli.
***
... mmm ... not exactly an exciting start the one of this thriller, I've already read 11% of the novel and I still haven't found a page that keeps my attention alive...quite soporific for now, we'll see how the next chapters go.
October 12, 2022
3.5⭐ rounded up to a 4
Like a lot of people I enjoy reading about the royal family. Even a fictional royal family, as long as the setting is fairly real or close enough that I can geek out on the descriptions of places and castles. The opening of this novel tells us that it's set in a fictional world where Edward VIII did not abdicate and married someone deemed 'worthy'. Our current fictional monarch, King Eric has called his family together, and strictly only his family, to celebrate Christmas 2022 at the very real Balmoral Castle. The rumor is that the King will be announcing his heir and successor to the crown.
Our narrator is the King's personal chef who is also a friend to his King. Jon, having grown up in Barbados, doesn't have family in England and genuinely loves and respects King Eric like family. That's why, when the King falls over dead as he begins his speech to his family, Jon is distraught. Against his protest the Windsors decide that Jon is the most objective person present to investigate what everyone has agreed is the murder, right in front of their eyes, of the late King. Multiple people in attendance are hiding secrets from the others. Some secrets are new and some are decades in the making. Add a raging blizzard that gets so bad the power goes out, they hope it's the blizzard anyways, and you have a great setting for a murder mystery.
I really enjoyed this novel. I was able to guess the murderer but not the details around why. There are also all the secrets that the family are keeping, the reveals were like mini twists that were also so fun. I enjoyed that this author made the scenes rich and was descriptive enough that I felt I was watching the book instead of reading it.
I can totally see why this was compared to Clue, but I can't agree with the AC association. I admit, AC is on my top 3 list of all time favorite authors, if not my number 1 so it's nothing against the author, and it's more about some huge shoes to fill.
I won't say much more because I don't want to spoil everything but I would definitely recommend this to my mystery and royal loving friends!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Initial thoughts:
I was able to guess parts of the ending but didn't figure out the reason and details until the reveal. I actually would have liked it to be longer as I would love to know what happens after the ending.
A much longer review to follow in the next few days.
Look for A Murder at Balmoral, it will be released October 25th, 2022. A huge thanks to the author Chris McGeorge, publisher GP Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC for my review purposes. This did not influence my review in any way.
Like a lot of people I enjoy reading about the royal family. Even a fictional royal family, as long as the setting is fairly real or close enough that I can geek out on the descriptions of places and castles. The opening of this novel tells us that it's set in a fictional world where Edward VIII did not abdicate and married someone deemed 'worthy'. Our current fictional monarch, King Eric has called his family together, and strictly only his family, to celebrate Christmas 2022 at the very real Balmoral Castle. The rumor is that the King will be announcing his heir and successor to the crown.
Our narrator is the King's personal chef who is also a friend to his King. Jon, having grown up in Barbados, doesn't have family in England and genuinely loves and respects King Eric like family. That's why, when the King falls over dead as he begins his speech to his family, Jon is distraught. Against his protest the Windsors decide that Jon is the most objective person present to investigate what everyone has agreed is the murder, right in front of their eyes, of the late King. Multiple people in attendance are hiding secrets from the others. Some secrets are new and some are decades in the making. Add a raging blizzard that gets so bad the power goes out, they hope it's the blizzard anyways, and you have a great setting for a murder mystery.
I really enjoyed this novel. I was able to guess the murderer but not the details around why. There are also all the secrets that the family are keeping, the reveals were like mini twists that were also so fun. I enjoyed that this author made the scenes rich and was descriptive enough that I felt I was watching the book instead of reading it.
I can totally see why this was compared to Clue, but I can't agree with the AC association. I admit, AC is on my top 3 list of all time favorite authors, if not my number 1 so it's nothing against the author, and it's more about some huge shoes to fill.
I won't say much more because I don't want to spoil everything but I would definitely recommend this to my mystery and royal loving friends!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Initial thoughts:
I was able to guess parts of the ending but didn't figure out the reason and details until the reveal. I actually would have liked it to be longer as I would love to know what happens after the ending.
A much longer review to follow in the next few days.
Look for A Murder at Balmoral, it will be released October 25th, 2022. A huge thanks to the author Chris McGeorge, publisher GP Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC for my review purposes. This did not influence my review in any way.
December 26, 2022
Such potential in this closed door murder mystery that takes place at Balmoral castle over Christmas and has amateur detective/chef trying to figure out which family member poisoned the king. I was excited for this one but honestly felt it dragggggggged so much and I lost interest. Thanks to @prhaudio for the complimentary ALC otherwise this probably would have been a DNF for me. Recommended for fans of other British royal cozy mysteries like S. J. Bennett's Windsor knot/A murder most royal.
October 19, 2022
I read a free advance digital review copy provided by the publisher, via Netgalley.
I wonder how many murder mysteries I’ve read where the suspects are all holed up together in a big castle/country house/mountain lodge/hotel, cut off from everyone by a blizzard. I don’t know the number off the top of my head, but it’s a lot, and it’s an irresistible sub-genre for me, especially when you add an element of alternative history.
It’s just a small element of alternative history. In this book, it’s imagined that King Edward VII married appropriately rather than abdicated for the love of Wallis Simpson. It’s never explained how that leads to a present-day 85-year-old King Eric Windsor. I suppose he must be the eldest son of Edward VII, though it’s hard to see anyone naming an heir apparent Eric. It doesn’t really matter, though, because all of this is clearly just a device to set a British royal family murder mystery at Balmoral without using any of the actual British royal family.
The story is told from the point of view of Jon Alleyne, the King’s personal chef. Jon has been with the King for many years, having been hired straight out of his sub-chef job in a London Caribbean restaurant after a fateful encounter with the royal family. Jon is the son of a Bahamian mother and a white father he never knew. He has devoted his life to someone else’s family.
King Eric’s up to something this Christmas. He’s going to make a big announcement at Christmas dinner, and he’s given each member of the a private audience beforehand—one which, by appearances, few enjoyed..
Our characters in this novelistic game of Royal Clue are the King, his estranged and alcoholic wife Marjorie, his black-sheep and also alcoholic brother David, his elder daughter Emmeline, her younger-by-10-minutes sister Maud and her husband Thomas Crockley and two sons Matthew and Martin, the onsite security man Tony Speck, and Jon. All the other staff have been given the day off, with Jon expected to prepare and serve the sumptuous dinner for eight. Cue the blizzard, which arrives while Jon spends the morning cooking. He serves the dinner bang on 12:30, the family eats, the King gets up to give his speech, takes a drink of his traditional single-malt Scotch, and down he goes, stone dead.
With the house completely cut off by the blizzard, and all electronic devices having been taken away from the now-disappeared security man Speck, the family members vote (with some dissent) to put it up to Jon to figure out whodunnit. This is a bit of a slog, as the amateur detective interviews each member of the family, ferreting out their dirty little secrets to see what motives he might scare up. In the process, he also reminded unpleasantly over and over of his place in the royal household.
I see by looking at other reviews that opinions are sharply divided about the resolution. I liked it, because it seemed fitting to me in light of
I wonder how many murder mysteries I’ve read where the suspects are all holed up together in a big castle/country house/mountain lodge/hotel, cut off from everyone by a blizzard. I don’t know the number off the top of my head, but it’s a lot, and it’s an irresistible sub-genre for me, especially when you add an element of alternative history.
It’s just a small element of alternative history. In this book, it’s imagined that King Edward VII married appropriately rather than abdicated for the love of Wallis Simpson. It’s never explained how that leads to a present-day 85-year-old King Eric Windsor. I suppose he must be the eldest son of Edward VII, though it’s hard to see anyone naming an heir apparent Eric. It doesn’t really matter, though, because all of this is clearly just a device to set a British royal family murder mystery at Balmoral without using any of the actual British royal family.
The story is told from the point of view of Jon Alleyne, the King’s personal chef. Jon has been with the King for many years, having been hired straight out of his sub-chef job in a London Caribbean restaurant after a fateful encounter with the royal family. Jon is the son of a Bahamian mother and a white father he never knew. He has devoted his life to someone else’s family.
King Eric’s up to something this Christmas. He’s going to make a big announcement at Christmas dinner, and he’s given each member of the a private audience beforehand—one which, by appearances, few enjoyed..
Our characters in this novelistic game of Royal Clue are the King, his estranged and alcoholic wife Marjorie, his black-sheep and also alcoholic brother David, his elder daughter Emmeline, her younger-by-10-minutes sister Maud and her husband Thomas Crockley and two sons Matthew and Martin, the onsite security man Tony Speck, and Jon. All the other staff have been given the day off, with Jon expected to prepare and serve the sumptuous dinner for eight. Cue the blizzard, which arrives while Jon spends the morning cooking. He serves the dinner bang on 12:30, the family eats, the King gets up to give his speech, takes a drink of his traditional single-malt Scotch, and down he goes, stone dead.
With the house completely cut off by the blizzard, and all electronic devices having been taken away from the now-disappeared security man Speck, the family members vote (with some dissent) to put it up to Jon to figure out whodunnit. This is a bit of a slog, as the amateur detective interviews each member of the family, ferreting out their dirty little secrets to see what motives he might scare up. In the process, he also reminded unpleasantly over and over of his place in the royal household.
I see by looking at other reviews that opinions are sharply divided about the resolution. I liked it, because it seemed fitting to me in light of
February 10, 2025
4 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Christmas time
Don’t let the overall rating scare you away from this one.
I don’t really understand why this has such a low average.
Usually a rating under 3.50 stars gives me pause when I am considering reading a book. I’m glad I gave this one a shot though.
From what I gather it had a poorly timed release. If this is the main reason for its downfall I hope that its ratings continue to rise as more people read it.
While the ending was a tad disappointing for me I think overall it was very enjoyable. It had a solid cast of characters, some likeable and some villainous. The mystery itself was well crafted and very creative. The novel had numerous twists to keep readers interested.
I think this could’ve been a 4.5 star but for the ending. I will admit that I think despite its conclusion I think how the author chose to end this novel plays well into the overall theme and message of the story. I may personally not enjoy it much but it fits well.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Christmas time
Don’t let the overall rating scare you away from this one.
I don’t really understand why this has such a low average.
Usually a rating under 3.50 stars gives me pause when I am considering reading a book. I’m glad I gave this one a shot though.
From what I gather it had a poorly timed release. If this is the main reason for its downfall I hope that its ratings continue to rise as more people read it.
While the ending was a tad disappointing for me I think overall it was very enjoyable. It had a solid cast of characters, some likeable and some villainous. The mystery itself was well crafted and very creative. The novel had numerous twists to keep readers interested.
I think this could’ve been a 4.5 star but for the ending. I will admit that I think despite its conclusion I think how the author chose to end this novel plays well into the overall theme and message of the story. I may personally not enjoy it much but it fits well.
August 10, 2022
Great, Original Fast moving modern royal thriller! The (Fictional) British Royal family is celebrating Christmas at the Balmoral Castle at the King's request. King Eric has request few staff members and as a blizzard begins, the family is truly cut off and stuck with only one another as well as the chef and head of securities.
King Eric has met with all of his family individually and has delivered hard to swallow news. He is about to name his successor. Before he get to do so, before the meal ends, he is dead. The very dysfunctional family is up and arms and suspecting one another. It's up to King Eric's only real friend, his Chef to determine what has actually happened. If you love who done its, locked room mysteries, Clue and of course Knives Out, this book is for you!
#penguingroup #putnam #AMurderatBalmoral #ChrisMcGeorge #Netgalley
King Eric has met with all of his family individually and has delivered hard to swallow news. He is about to name his successor. Before he get to do so, before the meal ends, he is dead. The very dysfunctional family is up and arms and suspecting one another. It's up to King Eric's only real friend, his Chef to determine what has actually happened. If you love who done its, locked room mysteries, Clue and of course Knives Out, this book is for you!
#penguingroup #putnam #AMurderatBalmoral #ChrisMcGeorge #Netgalley
September 21, 2022
A Murder at Balmoral
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 10/25/22
Author: Chris McGeorge
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pages: 384
GR: 3.49
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: The royal family has gathered at their Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, for a traditional Christmas. As a blizzard gathers outside and a delicious dinner is prepared, the family circles up for a holiday toast. King Eric has something is about to name his successor. But as he raises a glass of his favorite whiskey, he drops dead. The king has been poisoned, someone in the family must have done it, and each one of them had opportunity and motive. Eric's beloved head chef, Jonathan, must now play detective. Why would one of the king's own family members want to kill him, and how did they do it?
My Thoughts: As with any family, this one is not without complete dysfunction. The one person who does not have a grudge against the King, Chef Jonathan, has to investigate as to who could have done this. The pacing was good on this whodunit murder mystery. While I love a good murder mystery, I struggled a little with this one. I think maybe I had a hard time because I could not connect with any of the characters and while the pacing was good, the flow was different as some things was deep dived and other things breezed over. I was a little disappointed for the ending, I was hoping for more. This was not a bad book, I just wanted more. I know this will be a great book for some readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 10/25/22
Author: Chris McGeorge
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Pages: 384
GR: 3.49
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: The royal family has gathered at their Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle, for a traditional Christmas. As a blizzard gathers outside and a delicious dinner is prepared, the family circles up for a holiday toast. King Eric has something is about to name his successor. But as he raises a glass of his favorite whiskey, he drops dead. The king has been poisoned, someone in the family must have done it, and each one of them had opportunity and motive. Eric's beloved head chef, Jonathan, must now play detective. Why would one of the king's own family members want to kill him, and how did they do it?
My Thoughts: As with any family, this one is not without complete dysfunction. The one person who does not have a grudge against the King, Chef Jonathan, has to investigate as to who could have done this. The pacing was good on this whodunit murder mystery. While I love a good murder mystery, I struggled a little with this one. I think maybe I had a hard time because I could not connect with any of the characters and while the pacing was good, the flow was different as some things was deep dived and other things breezed over. I was a little disappointed for the ending, I was hoping for more. This was not a bad book, I just wanted more. I know this will be a great book for some readers.
December 29, 2022
This was a really fun book! If you love the Royals then the setting of this book is perfect. It really reminded me of the movies Clue or Knives Out.
January 4, 2024
2,5 Sterne
Viele gute Ideen, spannende Momente und ein unvorhersehbares Ende. Nur leider fand ich es streckenweise sehr langatmig und ermüdend.
Viele gute Ideen, spannende Momente und ein unvorhersehbares Ende. Nur leider fand ich es streckenweise sehr langatmig und ermüdend.
November 18, 2022
3/5 🔎 mystery
In an alternative universe, a different set of Windsors celebrate Christmas at Balmoral. Then King Eric is poisoned to death and the family picks John the chef to play detective. Basically a closed house mystery. With a blizzard of course.
In an alternative universe, a different set of Windsors celebrate Christmas at Balmoral. Then King Eric is poisoned to death and the family picks John the chef to play detective. Basically a closed house mystery. With a blizzard of course.
October 27, 2022
I’m not usually a mystery reader but this royal Christmas whodunnit really captured my attention!
To begin, the novel take place in an alternate timeline where King Edward VIII did not abdicate and his heirs are in power. King Eric and his family has settled into Balmoral for Christmas and he has ordered almost all the staff dismissed for the holiday. Only his family, one security personnel and his head chef are in attendance. The King spends the day having private meetings with his family and then, right as he is to give his 3pm speech to his loved ones, he drops dead. The family is shocked. The King has been poisoned. And in their disarray the family turns to the chef, Jon, as their prime investigator.
I think I’ve read a grand total of like 3 mysteries in my life? It’s not usually my cup of tea but man oh man am I glad I gave this book a shot! The plot is intricate, full of little snippets and details that all play a role in figuring out what happened. The book is told through the perspective of Jon and I appreciated that we weren’t hopping and bopping between narrators. Jon is hardworking, loyal and eager to get to the bottom of the mystery. The royal family is at times interesting, at times spineless and at times just downright infuriating.
The pace of the book felt fine to me. It clocks in at about 365 pages and takes place over the course of about 24 hours. There were a few lags in the story, but not enough to put me off and I definitely always felt like I was building towards the finale. The writing style was enjoyable as well. It was not a difficult read yet still retained that air of mystery throughout. There were several twists throughout the book and definitely at the ending! It was wild!
If I had to find a comparison I’d say it kinda reminded me of the movie Knives Out. It had the same kind of feeling with a family embroiled in a mystery and a staff member investigating. If you liked that movie I think you’d like the book as well!
All in all this was an enjoyable foray into the world of mystery novels! If you like Christmas, royalty and murder then this book is definitely for you!
To begin, the novel take place in an alternate timeline where King Edward VIII did not abdicate and his heirs are in power. King Eric and his family has settled into Balmoral for Christmas and he has ordered almost all the staff dismissed for the holiday. Only his family, one security personnel and his head chef are in attendance. The King spends the day having private meetings with his family and then, right as he is to give his 3pm speech to his loved ones, he drops dead. The family is shocked. The King has been poisoned. And in their disarray the family turns to the chef, Jon, as their prime investigator.
I think I’ve read a grand total of like 3 mysteries in my life? It’s not usually my cup of tea but man oh man am I glad I gave this book a shot! The plot is intricate, full of little snippets and details that all play a role in figuring out what happened. The book is told through the perspective of Jon and I appreciated that we weren’t hopping and bopping between narrators. Jon is hardworking, loyal and eager to get to the bottom of the mystery. The royal family is at times interesting, at times spineless and at times just downright infuriating.
The pace of the book felt fine to me. It clocks in at about 365 pages and takes place over the course of about 24 hours. There were a few lags in the story, but not enough to put me off and I definitely always felt like I was building towards the finale. The writing style was enjoyable as well. It was not a difficult read yet still retained that air of mystery throughout. There were several twists throughout the book and definitely at the ending! It was wild!
If I had to find a comparison I’d say it kinda reminded me of the movie Knives Out. It had the same kind of feeling with a family embroiled in a mystery and a staff member investigating. If you liked that movie I think you’d like the book as well!
All in all this was an enjoyable foray into the world of mystery novels! If you like Christmas, royalty and murder then this book is definitely for you!
October 27, 2022
A Murder at Balmoral is Chris McGeorge's new 'locked room' mystery. I absolutely adore this format!
The setting is of course, the Royal Castle at Balmoral. McGeorge's Royal Family is fiction, based on Edward VIII not abdicating the throne. One of his progeny - Eric - is the current King. Although, there are a few sly similarities to some current Royals. (But no disrespect in regards to the recent passing of the Queen)
It's Christmas and the King has directed that his immediate family come to Balmoral for the holidays. The staff are sent home - excepting the head of security and Jon, the chef. And what else is needed for that locked room mystery? A blizzard of course, which completely cuts off anyone coming in or going out.
From the publisher's description: "The king is dead. The killer is in the family. Solving this murder will be a royal pain."
The book is told through Jon's eyes, ears and actions. He is to act as the de facto investigator as directed by the other family members. Here's where the Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot feel kicks in. He begins with individual interviews. But he really doesn't know what to ask. Jon has his work cut out, trying to still wear his chef's hat, remember his station - oft reminded by some of the Royals - and enduring some blatant racism. Where things go next is influenced by many unexpected twists and turns. Some of them are a bit unbelievable, but just go with it - those somewhat over the top moments make the book a lot of fun to read.
The culprit is indeed known by the end chapters. But the whodunit and epilogue surprised me with a situation that there's no way to predict. And the prologue now made sense to me.
I enjoyed A Murder at Balmoral. McGeorge is a new to me author and I'll happily pick up his next title.
The setting is of course, the Royal Castle at Balmoral. McGeorge's Royal Family is fiction, based on Edward VIII not abdicating the throne. One of his progeny - Eric - is the current King. Although, there are a few sly similarities to some current Royals. (But no disrespect in regards to the recent passing of the Queen)
It's Christmas and the King has directed that his immediate family come to Balmoral for the holidays. The staff are sent home - excepting the head of security and Jon, the chef. And what else is needed for that locked room mystery? A blizzard of course, which completely cuts off anyone coming in or going out.
From the publisher's description: "The king is dead. The killer is in the family. Solving this murder will be a royal pain."
The book is told through Jon's eyes, ears and actions. He is to act as the de facto investigator as directed by the other family members. Here's where the Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot feel kicks in. He begins with individual interviews. But he really doesn't know what to ask. Jon has his work cut out, trying to still wear his chef's hat, remember his station - oft reminded by some of the Royals - and enduring some blatant racism. Where things go next is influenced by many unexpected twists and turns. Some of them are a bit unbelievable, but just go with it - those somewhat over the top moments make the book a lot of fun to read.
The culprit is indeed known by the end chapters. But the whodunit and epilogue surprised me with a situation that there's no way to predict. And the prologue now made sense to me.
I enjoyed A Murder at Balmoral. McGeorge is a new to me author and I'll happily pick up his next title.
February 26, 2023
La famiglia reale inglese (non quella della realtà, ma quella che avrebbe potuto essere) riunita nel castello di Balmoral per un annuncio dell'anziano re per Natale e soprattutto per un annuncio importantissimo.
La premessa sarebbe anche carina ma il libro ben presto, anzi prestissimo, diventa subito noioso, mal scritto, con troppi personaggi dimenticabili e soprattutto con una trama talmente improbabile e finta che fa passare subito la voglia di continuare a leggere, la curiosità per scoprire l'assassino e le sue motivazioni assolutamente azzerata. Lasciate perdere!
La premessa sarebbe anche carina ma il libro ben presto, anzi prestissimo, diventa subito noioso, mal scritto, con troppi personaggi dimenticabili e soprattutto con una trama talmente improbabile e finta che fa passare subito la voglia di continuare a leggere, la curiosità per scoprire l'assassino e le sue motivazioni assolutamente azzerata. Lasciate perdere!
January 20, 2023
Questo libro è stato presentato un po’ male, secondo me.
Prima cosa: perché si intitola “Cena con delitto al castello di Balmoral”, quando l’omicidio avviene poco dopo il pranzo di Natale?
E poi la descrizione: “un brillante, irresistibile, scoppiettante giallo natalizio”, che ti porta a pensare a un romanzo pieno d’umorismo e leggerezza, di quelli che ti fanno ridacchiare nel corso dell’indagine.
E no, invece. Non c’è umorismo né leggerezza, ma ripicche, rancori, segreti covati tanto a lungo da avvelenare tutta una vita. Ci sono rimpianti, dolore, malattia, riflessioni sul proprio posto nel mondo e senso d’impotenza. Non è una commediola natalizia tinta di giallo, ma una tragedia, per ogni singola persona coinvolta.
Quindi: giorno di Natale 2022.
Ci troviamo in una linea temporale in cui Edoardo VIII non abdicò e non sposò Wallis Simpson, dando origine a una famiglia Windsor del tutto diversa da quella che conosciamo.
Abbiamo il brillante re Eric, 85 anni, che ha voluto riunire intorno a sé i familiari per festeggiare il Natale, congedando per l’occasione tutta la servitù, tranne lo chef e il capo della sicurezza. Poi ci sono l’alcolizzata principessa consorte Marjorie, le gemelle reali Emeline e Maud, il marito e i due figli di Maud, e David, fratello del re dalla pessima reputazione e dai molti scandali.
Dopo aver pranzato e aperto i regali, Eric si appresta a fare un discorso alla famiglia riunita, in cui nominerà il proprio successore; ma prima di cominciare sorseggia un po’ di whisky e manco un minuto dopo tossisce, sputacchia e crolla per terra, con la schiuma alla bocca, morto avvelenato.
I familiari sono nel panico, il capo della sicurezza non si trova, fuori infuria una terribile bufera che isola il castello dal resto del mondo, non c’è modo di comunicare con l’esterno, e lo chef, Jonathan, si trova incaricato di scoprire il colpevole.
Jon non si ritiene la persona adatta, ma accetta, solo per l’affetto profondo e la lealtà che prova verso re Eric: da più di trent’anni era al suo servizio, e i due condividevano una strana e salda amicizia.
Con il procedere delle indagini vengono a galla tutti i rancori e le recriminazioni che la famiglia aveva sempre cercato di tenere celati; tanti segreti, così tanti che alla fine praticamente ogni reale aveva un movente per uccidere sua maestà. L’amore per il re, il lutto di tutti, è dunque mescolato all’amarezza.
Tranne che per Jonathan, il cui dolore è puro, totale e profondo, proprio come l’affetto per quel re che molti anni prima lo aveva portato via dal ristorante in cui veniva sfruttato e maltrattato.
Questo sarà “solo” un giallo, ma i sentimenti e le reazioni dei protagonisti sono così ben mostrati e tangibili che porta a fare riflessioni sul proprio rapporto con la morte e la perdita, il lutto, su quanto sono complicati i sentimenti che ci legano gli uni agli altri; riflessioni che toccano corde profonde… almeno nel mio caso lo hanno fatto. Tutto questo è il contrario di scoppiettante, direi.
E c’è anche discorso sulla regalità, sul classismo, sulla libertà, sull’essere sempre sotto ai riflettori, privi del potere più importante: quello di decidere per se stessi.
Chi mai potrebbe desiderare di essere re?
Prima cosa: perché si intitola “Cena con delitto al castello di Balmoral”, quando l’omicidio avviene poco dopo il pranzo di Natale?
E poi la descrizione: “un brillante, irresistibile, scoppiettante giallo natalizio”, che ti porta a pensare a un romanzo pieno d’umorismo e leggerezza, di quelli che ti fanno ridacchiare nel corso dell’indagine.
E no, invece. Non c’è umorismo né leggerezza, ma ripicche, rancori, segreti covati tanto a lungo da avvelenare tutta una vita. Ci sono rimpianti, dolore, malattia, riflessioni sul proprio posto nel mondo e senso d’impotenza. Non è una commediola natalizia tinta di giallo, ma una tragedia, per ogni singola persona coinvolta.
Quindi: giorno di Natale 2022.
Ci troviamo in una linea temporale in cui Edoardo VIII non abdicò e non sposò Wallis Simpson, dando origine a una famiglia Windsor del tutto diversa da quella che conosciamo.
Abbiamo il brillante re Eric, 85 anni, che ha voluto riunire intorno a sé i familiari per festeggiare il Natale, congedando per l’occasione tutta la servitù, tranne lo chef e il capo della sicurezza. Poi ci sono l’alcolizzata principessa consorte Marjorie, le gemelle reali Emeline e Maud, il marito e i due figli di Maud, e David, fratello del re dalla pessima reputazione e dai molti scandali.
Dopo aver pranzato e aperto i regali, Eric si appresta a fare un discorso alla famiglia riunita, in cui nominerà il proprio successore; ma prima di cominciare sorseggia un po’ di whisky e manco un minuto dopo tossisce, sputacchia e crolla per terra, con la schiuma alla bocca, morto avvelenato.
I familiari sono nel panico, il capo della sicurezza non si trova, fuori infuria una terribile bufera che isola il castello dal resto del mondo, non c’è modo di comunicare con l’esterno, e lo chef, Jonathan, si trova incaricato di scoprire il colpevole.
Jon non si ritiene la persona adatta, ma accetta, solo per l’affetto profondo e la lealtà che prova verso re Eric: da più di trent’anni era al suo servizio, e i due condividevano una strana e salda amicizia.
Con il procedere delle indagini vengono a galla tutti i rancori e le recriminazioni che la famiglia aveva sempre cercato di tenere celati; tanti segreti, così tanti che alla fine praticamente ogni reale aveva un movente per uccidere sua maestà. L’amore per il re, il lutto di tutti, è dunque mescolato all’amarezza.
Tranne che per Jonathan, il cui dolore è puro, totale e profondo, proprio come l’affetto per quel re che molti anni prima lo aveva portato via dal ristorante in cui veniva sfruttato e maltrattato.
Questo sarà “solo” un giallo, ma i sentimenti e le reazioni dei protagonisti sono così ben mostrati e tangibili che porta a fare riflessioni sul proprio rapporto con la morte e la perdita, il lutto, su quanto sono complicati i sentimenti che ci legano gli uni agli altri; riflessioni che toccano corde profonde… almeno nel mio caso lo hanno fatto. Tutto questo è il contrario di scoppiettante, direi.
E c’è anche discorso sulla regalità, sul classismo, sulla libertà, sull’essere sempre sotto ai riflettori, privi del potere più importante: quello di decidere per se stessi.
Chi mai potrebbe desiderare di essere re?
October 30, 2022
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a good locked-door mystery set in an alternative universe England where King Edward VIII did not abdicate and marry an American divorcee. In this story, his lineage sits on the throne. As the story begins, King Eric has required his immediate family attend Christmas as Balmarol and he's sent all of the staff away, except his chef Jonathon and his head security officer. During an after dinner speech, King Eric begins to speak, begins choking, and falls to the ground. Moments later, he's dead. Each member of the family has motive and opportunity, is keeping secrets, and they've elected the chef to investigate the murder.
Jonathon is overwhelmed by the responsibility of the investigation, not to mention trying to question the royal family. I could feel his discomfort as he attempts to do right by the King and discover who poisoned him, all while keeping his own painful secret. As things become progressively worse, and Jonathon begins to worry he'll never solve the mystery, tragedy strikes again.
This was a fun, quick read. The story was fairly well-paced, and Jonathon made a good sleuth, despite his reservations. The royal family were interesting, although they were depicted as more stereotypical archetypes than fully fleshed out characters. The twists and turns were fun, although I have to admit, I wasn't a big fan of the way the mystery turned out. However, the ending was satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a good locked-door mystery set in an alternative universe England where King Edward VIII did not abdicate and marry an American divorcee. In this story, his lineage sits on the throne. As the story begins, King Eric has required his immediate family attend Christmas as Balmarol and he's sent all of the staff away, except his chef Jonathon and his head security officer. During an after dinner speech, King Eric begins to speak, begins choking, and falls to the ground. Moments later, he's dead. Each member of the family has motive and opportunity, is keeping secrets, and they've elected the chef to investigate the murder.
Jonathon is overwhelmed by the responsibility of the investigation, not to mention trying to question the royal family. I could feel his discomfort as he attempts to do right by the King and discover who poisoned him, all while keeping his own painful secret. As things become progressively worse, and Jonathon begins to worry he'll never solve the mystery, tragedy strikes again.
This was a fun, quick read. The story was fairly well-paced, and Jonathon made a good sleuth, despite his reservations. The royal family were interesting, although they were depicted as more stereotypical archetypes than fully fleshed out characters. The twists and turns were fun, although I have to admit, I wasn't a big fan of the way the mystery turned out. However, the ending was satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
My first thought when I started reading this was the timing wasn’t too good for its release (since as of the date of writing this review, the Queen just passed away last week.) But it’s made clear up front that although this deals with a murder of a member of the British Royal Family, the family is fictional and, interestingly enough, is created on the assumption that Edward VIII never abdicated his throne. That’s about as far as the factual Royal Family is concerned as near as I can tell (not being British and not being very knowledgeable on that particular subject).
Now that I’ve gotten my lack of British Royal lineage out of the way, let’s move on to the story.
On Christmas Day, King Eric calls his family together at Balmoral. They include his wife, Majorie, who has never been made Queen; his fresh-out-of-exile younger brother David, whom no one likes; his eldest daughter Emmeline, who is upset her fiance was not invited; his youngest daughter Maud, her commoner husband Thomas, and her two sons Matthew and Martin. All of the servants have been sent away from the castle, save head chef Jon and head of security, Tony.
The family anticipates that King Eric will name his successor during his Christmas speech. But after the first sip of whiskey, the king falls dead. Who killed him? Every member of the family had a motive, except perhaps for 18-year-old Matthew, the favorite to be named the next king. As a blizzard rages outside and Tony is inexplicably missing, the family turns to Jon to investigate Eric’s death. Aside from being in way over his head with no skills transferable from Chef to Detective, Jon finds his loyalty to the Family and the Crown severely tested as he tries to tease apart what went horribly wrong during this Christmas celebration.
Quite an intriguing premise. A (fictional) royal family in a locked room mystery. Should be easy with only about nine people in the castle, but the comings and goings were well placed so that any of them could have poisoned the king. At first I was a little surprised that the chef was the only point of view character, but then gave myself a mental palm-to-the-forehead. Of course, he was the only one not a suspect. The only problem with that is that the reader never really gets to know any of the other characters. And this is important because their motives rest on their feelings toward the king and being a member of the royal family in general.
For about the first three-fourths of the book, things hummed along well. There were a few frustrating bits when obvious clues were never picked up on because Jon either ignored them or forgot about them almost immediately. I suppose it made sense for the character (considering the stress) but my brain was screaming, “But what about…?” Only for that clue to become super important later, yet also still unexplained.
Overall, the plot was good, but I never quite connected with any of the characters. If you love a unique mystery and aren’t too concerned about it being character-driven, this one is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley Penguin Group Putnam for providing the ARC. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
Now that I’ve gotten my lack of British Royal lineage out of the way, let’s move on to the story.
On Christmas Day, King Eric calls his family together at Balmoral. They include his wife, Majorie, who has never been made Queen; his fresh-out-of-exile younger brother David, whom no one likes; his eldest daughter Emmeline, who is upset her fiance was not invited; his youngest daughter Maud, her commoner husband Thomas, and her two sons Matthew and Martin. All of the servants have been sent away from the castle, save head chef Jon and head of security, Tony.
The family anticipates that King Eric will name his successor during his Christmas speech. But after the first sip of whiskey, the king falls dead. Who killed him? Every member of the family had a motive, except perhaps for 18-year-old Matthew, the favorite to be named the next king. As a blizzard rages outside and Tony is inexplicably missing, the family turns to Jon to investigate Eric’s death. Aside from being in way over his head with no skills transferable from Chef to Detective, Jon finds his loyalty to the Family and the Crown severely tested as he tries to tease apart what went horribly wrong during this Christmas celebration.
Quite an intriguing premise. A (fictional) royal family in a locked room mystery. Should be easy with only about nine people in the castle, but the comings and goings were well placed so that any of them could have poisoned the king. At first I was a little surprised that the chef was the only point of view character, but then gave myself a mental palm-to-the-forehead. Of course, he was the only one not a suspect. The only problem with that is that the reader never really gets to know any of the other characters. And this is important because their motives rest on their feelings toward the king and being a member of the royal family in general.
For about the first three-fourths of the book, things hummed along well. There were a few frustrating bits when obvious clues were never picked up on because Jon either ignored them or forgot about them almost immediately. I suppose it made sense for the character (considering the stress) but my brain was screaming, “But what about…?” Only for that clue to become super important later, yet also still unexplained.
Overall, the plot was good, but I never quite connected with any of the characters. If you love a unique mystery and aren’t too concerned about it being character-driven, this one is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley Penguin Group Putnam for providing the ARC. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
December 11, 2022
I should have known better than to read a book written by a British author who doesn’t even know how the title of Princess Royal works.
February 3, 2023
Ammazza, che coacervo di robe implausibili e mal raccontate. E, se non bastasse, prevedibile.
April 3, 2023
DNF @ 18%
⭐| 1 star
April 24, 2023
Boring and ridiculous
June 20, 2022
A Murder at Balmoral by Chris McGeorge is a great murder/mystery set in the infamous Balmoral castle.
This is a great murder/mystery set up in the classic who-dunnit style. It is Christmas, and a blizzard has stranded and isolated the Royal family (an alternative royal family with a few notes of similarity in family structure only) and King Eric has requested the family and personal chef, Jon, be the only remaining inhabitants. The King is enigmatic on why he has requested this arrangement, but before all secrets can be revealed, the King dies in a mysterious death. Now going back over the day in reflection, Jon is tasked with solving the murder, revealing the culprit, and getting out alive.
Moderate pacing, a few surprises, and a very intriguing ending. Very enjoyable read that I recommend.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/25/22.
This is a great murder/mystery set up in the classic who-dunnit style. It is Christmas, and a blizzard has stranded and isolated the Royal family (an alternative royal family with a few notes of similarity in family structure only) and King Eric has requested the family and personal chef, Jon, be the only remaining inhabitants. The King is enigmatic on why he has requested this arrangement, but before all secrets can be revealed, the King dies in a mysterious death. Now going back over the day in reflection, Jon is tasked with solving the murder, revealing the culprit, and getting out alive.
Moderate pacing, a few surprises, and a very intriguing ending. Very enjoyable read that I recommend.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/25/22.
July 6, 2022
A Royal murder mystery. This book is set in an alternate timeline where Edward did not abdicate the throne for Wallace Simpson. The current king, Eric, and his family are at Balmoral for the Christmas holidays. However, things turn deadly when the king dies. The king’s chef, Jon, is determined to find out who killed the king, especially since it appears to be another member of the royal family.
I liked this book at first but then it became slow for me. I also didn’t like the ending at all - it felt very deus ex machina for this type of mystery.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book at first but then it became slow for me. I also didn’t like the ending at all - it felt very deus ex machina for this type of mystery.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2022
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for this free ARC.
What a fun, fast paced read! If you are into the royal family, you will love all the easter-eggs found throughout this book. I stayed up all night reading it because I just had to know who killed the beloved King Eric and why. There were some twist and turns at the end that left me feeling overall satisfied. Agatha Christie would have been proud of this locked room mystery.
What a fun, fast paced read! If you are into the royal family, you will love all the easter-eggs found throughout this book. I stayed up all night reading it because I just had to know who killed the beloved King Eric and why. There were some twist and turns at the end that left me feeling overall satisfied. Agatha Christie would have been proud of this locked room mystery.
December 29, 2022
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
3.5 stelline
Come da tradizione, re Eric Windsor è pronto per trascorrere il giorno di Natale assieme a tutta la famiglia reale tra le mura del castello di Balmoral. Quest’anno, però, c’è una novità: il sovrano ha chiesto che tutti i domestici non siano presenti, fatta eccezione per lo chef Jonathan Alleyne e il capo della sicurezza Tony Speck. Mentre nell’aria si respira odore di abdicazione e tutti sono curiosi di scoprire chi sarà il successore del sovrano, un evento inaspettato si compie al termine del pranzo proprio quando il re sta per pronunciare il discorso tanto atteso: dopo aver bevuto un sorso di whisky, il sovrano stramazza al suolo. Si tratta di una morte naturale? Oppure qualcuno ha assassinato re Eric? Una tormenta di neve rende inaccessibile la dimora, tutti sono intrappolati, compreso l’ipotetico assassino. A cercare di far luce su quanto è accaduto sarà allora proprio Jon, il quale, improvvisatosi investigatore, avrà l’ardito compito di riportare in vita segreti di famiglia che tutti credevano essere ormai ben sepolti.
“È il giorno di Natale, la tavola è imbandita e la famiglia reale britannica si appresta a festeggiare…”
Nonostante il cognome sia lo stesso, la famiglia reale protagonista di questo romanzo non ha nulla in comune con i personaggi che tutti conosciamo. L’autore, infatti, immagina che Edoardo VIII non abbia mai abdicato e che abbia sposato una donna ritenuta giusta per lui.
Sicuramente suggestiva è l’ambientazione con i corridoi decorati a festa, il salone col grande albero di Natale e l’armonia che tale atmosfera dovrebbe creare. Purtroppo non è così.
Tra le pagine emergono tutti i malumori dei presenti, riuniti più per consuetudini che per effettivo piacere personale. Ognuno di loro sarebbe un ipotetico assassino, poiché ognuno ha qualche sassolino nella scarpa, qualche scheletro nell’armadio e delle vecchie ruggini che offuscano l’immagine che il popolo è abituato a vedere.
Dalla morte del re in poi, quando il ritmo narrativo si fa sempre più incalzante, ciascun lettore si mette nei panni dello chef Jon, un personaggio davvero ben caratterizzato, determinato a portare a termine il suo compito, sinceramente devoto al sovrano che ha creduto in lui.
L’indagine è ben descritta nella sua artigianalità, dopotutto Jon non è un poliziotto, prova a destreggiarsi tra pseudo confessione, accuse reciproche, tranelli disseminati qui e là. Indubbiamente riesce a catalizzare l’attenzione, a divenire ben presto il fulcro della narrazione e non si può non strizzare l’occhio nei confronti dello chef e del suo grande impegno.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e accattivante con alcuni momenti intrisi del tipico humour inglese che non guastano. Personalmente qualcosa ero riuscita a intuirla sin da metà romanzo, ma molto altro si è rivelato una vera sorpresa.
Un giallo natalizio per certi aspetti sconvolgente. Una lettura dove nessuno è come sembra.
3.5 stelline
Come da tradizione, re Eric Windsor è pronto per trascorrere il giorno di Natale assieme a tutta la famiglia reale tra le mura del castello di Balmoral. Quest’anno, però, c’è una novità: il sovrano ha chiesto che tutti i domestici non siano presenti, fatta eccezione per lo chef Jonathan Alleyne e il capo della sicurezza Tony Speck. Mentre nell’aria si respira odore di abdicazione e tutti sono curiosi di scoprire chi sarà il successore del sovrano, un evento inaspettato si compie al termine del pranzo proprio quando il re sta per pronunciare il discorso tanto atteso: dopo aver bevuto un sorso di whisky, il sovrano stramazza al suolo. Si tratta di una morte naturale? Oppure qualcuno ha assassinato re Eric? Una tormenta di neve rende inaccessibile la dimora, tutti sono intrappolati, compreso l’ipotetico assassino. A cercare di far luce su quanto è accaduto sarà allora proprio Jon, il quale, improvvisatosi investigatore, avrà l’ardito compito di riportare in vita segreti di famiglia che tutti credevano essere ormai ben sepolti.
“È il giorno di Natale, la tavola è imbandita e la famiglia reale britannica si appresta a festeggiare…”
Nonostante il cognome sia lo stesso, la famiglia reale protagonista di questo romanzo non ha nulla in comune con i personaggi che tutti conosciamo. L’autore, infatti, immagina che Edoardo VIII non abbia mai abdicato e che abbia sposato una donna ritenuta giusta per lui.
Sicuramente suggestiva è l’ambientazione con i corridoi decorati a festa, il salone col grande albero di Natale e l’armonia che tale atmosfera dovrebbe creare. Purtroppo non è così.
Tra le pagine emergono tutti i malumori dei presenti, riuniti più per consuetudini che per effettivo piacere personale. Ognuno di loro sarebbe un ipotetico assassino, poiché ognuno ha qualche sassolino nella scarpa, qualche scheletro nell’armadio e delle vecchie ruggini che offuscano l’immagine che il popolo è abituato a vedere.
Dalla morte del re in poi, quando il ritmo narrativo si fa sempre più incalzante, ciascun lettore si mette nei panni dello chef Jon, un personaggio davvero ben caratterizzato, determinato a portare a termine il suo compito, sinceramente devoto al sovrano che ha creduto in lui.
L’indagine è ben descritta nella sua artigianalità, dopotutto Jon non è un poliziotto, prova a destreggiarsi tra pseudo confessione, accuse reciproche, tranelli disseminati qui e là. Indubbiamente riesce a catalizzare l’attenzione, a divenire ben presto il fulcro della narrazione e non si può non strizzare l’occhio nei confronti dello chef e del suo grande impegno.
Lo stile della prosa è semplice e accattivante con alcuni momenti intrisi del tipico humour inglese che non guastano. Personalmente qualcosa ero riuscita a intuirla sin da metà romanzo, ma molto altro si è rivelato una vera sorpresa.
Un giallo natalizio per certi aspetti sconvolgente. Una lettura dove nessuno è come sembra.
January 5, 2025
Tre stelline stiracchiate, facendo la media tra una prima parte un pò noiosetta ma in fondo ben costruita e una seconda parte totalmente inverosimile e per me quasi irritante.
Il libro viene presentato come un giallo di natale leggero e divertente ma io di divertente ci ho trovato ben poco, il richiamo alla famiglia reale inglese è uno specchietto per le allodole, siamo infatti in una linea temporale diversa dove Edoardo VIII non ha mai abdicato e sul trono della Gran Bretagna siede re Eric e non la famiglia reale che tutti conosciamo, se fosse stato ambientato in una nazione inventata sarebbe stato lo stesso.
La famiglia reale si trova riunita al castello di Balmoral per festeggiare il Natale e, su precisa richiesta del re, sono presenti solo il cuoco e il capo della sicurezza. Tutti sanno che il re sta per fare un annuncio importante ma muore improvvisamente prima di riuscirci, probabilmente avvelenato. Isolati a causa di una tempesta di neve e nell'impossibilità di chiedere aiuto all'esterno il cuoco Jon Allyne viene incaricato di trovare il colpevole. Il cuoco non si sente all'altezza del compito ma accetta comunque ma è proprio a questo punto che iniziano i problemi e la trama si fa sempre più confusionaria e inverosimile fino all'epilogo o meglio al non epilogo finale
Non ho proprio capito il senso dell'epilogo ambientato un anno dopo.
Il libro viene presentato come un giallo di natale leggero e divertente ma io di divertente ci ho trovato ben poco, il richiamo alla famiglia reale inglese è uno specchietto per le allodole, siamo infatti in una linea temporale diversa dove Edoardo VIII non ha mai abdicato e sul trono della Gran Bretagna siede re Eric e non la famiglia reale che tutti conosciamo, se fosse stato ambientato in una nazione inventata sarebbe stato lo stesso.
La famiglia reale si trova riunita al castello di Balmoral per festeggiare il Natale e, su precisa richiesta del re, sono presenti solo il cuoco e il capo della sicurezza. Tutti sanno che il re sta per fare un annuncio importante ma muore improvvisamente prima di riuscirci, probabilmente avvelenato. Isolati a causa di una tempesta di neve e nell'impossibilità di chiedere aiuto all'esterno il cuoco Jon Allyne viene incaricato di trovare il colpevole. Il cuoco non si sente all'altezza del compito ma accetta comunque ma è proprio a questo punto che iniziano i problemi e la trama si fa sempre più confusionaria e inverosimile fino all'epilogo o meglio al non epilogo finale
Non ho proprio capito il senso dell'epilogo ambientato un anno dopo.
November 6, 2022
This closed door cozy mystery has several twists and left me guessing throughout. As an American I’ve been obsessed with the Royals as long as I can remember so I was so excited to read this one.
Chris McGeorge has written an alternate history whereby Edward VII didn’t abdicate and there are a totally new set of royals who are celebrating Christmas at Balmoral. A blizzard moves in and they’re stranded there.
~King Eric, beloved and respected and intending to announce his successor in his annual Christmas speech. As he is making his toast he dies after taking a sip of his whiskey.
~Marjorie, Princess Royal- never named Queen and a bit of a lush
~Emmeline, older by a few minutes and engaged but her fiancé Anton was not invited to celebrate at Balmoral
~Maud, the younger twin- married to a commoner and mother to two boys
~Thomas, who the family believes is leaking info to the tv show “Monarch” (think The Crown)
~Matthew, the likely successor
~Martin, the little helper
King Eric has sent everyone else away from Balmoral for the weekend except for
~Tony, the security guard, and
~Jon, the personal chef who is devoted to the royal family and is our narrator. The family elects Jon to be the investigator in the death of King Eric.
The beginning moved a bit slowly for me but then picked up and the pace was great. Each chapter begins to delve into each character as Jon interviews them and in the last half I didn’t want to stop reading. Amazing twists and so timely! It’s The Crown meets Clue meets Agatha Christie.
Thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam for the early review copy!
Chris McGeorge has written an alternate history whereby Edward VII didn’t abdicate and there are a totally new set of royals who are celebrating Christmas at Balmoral. A blizzard moves in and they’re stranded there.
~King Eric, beloved and respected and intending to announce his successor in his annual Christmas speech. As he is making his toast he dies after taking a sip of his whiskey.
~Marjorie, Princess Royal- never named Queen and a bit of a lush
~Emmeline, older by a few minutes and engaged but her fiancé Anton was not invited to celebrate at Balmoral
~Maud, the younger twin- married to a commoner and mother to two boys
~Thomas, who the family believes is leaking info to the tv show “Monarch” (think The Crown)
~Matthew, the likely successor
~Martin, the little helper
King Eric has sent everyone else away from Balmoral for the weekend except for
~Tony, the security guard, and
~Jon, the personal chef who is devoted to the royal family and is our narrator. The family elects Jon to be the investigator in the death of King Eric.
The beginning moved a bit slowly for me but then picked up and the pace was great. Each chapter begins to delve into each character as Jon interviews them and in the last half I didn’t want to stop reading. Amazing twists and so timely! It’s The Crown meets Clue meets Agatha Christie.
Thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam for the early review copy!
October 16, 2022
What happens when a fictional King Eric of England decides to have a traditional family Christmas with only family (and the chef) at Balmoral during a blizzard? In the best of British traditions, someone kills him and it is up to Chef Jonathan as the outsider in the group (and frankly the only one with any degree of common sense or brains)to try to find out which of the Royal Family killed the king.
I'm still not sure if I liked this book or not, but the more I think about it, the more I lean towards "not". It had its moments. This was the classic Midsomer Murders aristocratic family where none of them can stand the others, the matriarch is a horrible, completely drunken woman, the uncle is somehow worse, everyone has secrets, everyone has motive, and part of the surprise is that they haven't killed each other before this. Is the King the kindly friend Jonathan has always seen him to be or is he someone completely different? Jonathan is in no way capable as a detective but at least he knows it. He's also the only one we get any level of character development on (such as it was), making it impossible to really get attached to or like any of the characters. Some of the surprises you absolutely see coming, others I was surprised by. The ending was definitely a surprise, but not one that left me happy in any way. It was more of a dark ending than I like, but it might be the kind of twist that appeals to some people. Overall not a book I'm sure I would generally recommend- and definitely one I imagine there are conversations over pushing back the release date on.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I'm still not sure if I liked this book or not, but the more I think about it, the more I lean towards "not". It had its moments. This was the classic Midsomer Murders aristocratic family where none of them can stand the others, the matriarch is a horrible, completely drunken woman, the uncle is somehow worse, everyone has secrets, everyone has motive, and part of the surprise is that they haven't killed each other before this. Is the King the kindly friend Jonathan has always seen him to be or is he someone completely different? Jonathan is in no way capable as a detective but at least he knows it. He's also the only one we get any level of character development on (such as it was), making it impossible to really get attached to or like any of the characters. Some of the surprises you absolutely see coming, others I was surprised by. The ending was definitely a surprise, but not one that left me happy in any way. It was more of a dark ending than I like, but it might be the kind of twist that appeals to some people. Overall not a book I'm sure I would generally recommend- and definitely one I imagine there are conversations over pushing back the release date on.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
January 8, 2023
Un simpatico giallo natalizio senza troppe pretese se non quella di intrattenere in modo leggero gli amanti dei british mysteries. Da leggere senza aspettarsi grande letteratura quindi, ma un bel minestrone con tutti gli ingredienti principali: atmosfere Natalizie, un morto, un castello, una bufera di neve ecc. Insomma, una lettura leggera carina per le feste!
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