Reading the Detectives discussion

Welcome to the first book in our January 24 Challenge, Revisiting the Golden Age, Stealing the Crown The first book in the Guy Harford Mystery series was written by T.P. Fielden and was published in 2020.

Britain is at war—but the greatest threat to the Crown might be within the Palace walls.

London, 1941: Major Edgar Brampton is found shot dead in his office in Buckingham Palace. All signs point towards a self-inflicted tragedy, but when Palace authorities hurry his body away and order staff to stay silent, fellow courtier Guy Harford’s suspicions are raised.

While the outside world faces the onslaught of war, within the Palace walls a curious mystery unfolds. Rumours swirl about Brampton’s relationship with the Queen, and there’s talk of other plots involving those closest to the King.

To get to the bottom of what really happened, Guy joins forces with some unlikely allies—Rodie Carr, a beautiful East End burglar, and Rupert Hardacre, a postman with a past—but time may be running out…for him, for the King, and for Britain. Someone has their eye on the crown, and they’ll do anything to get it.

Can Guy solve the case before more blood is spilled on the royal carpets? Or will he be the next victim?

Please do not post spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

I’m starting now! As we’re reading the first and second one this year the completionist in me fears that the third one needs to follow too 😅

Jessica-sim wrote: "I’m starting now! As we’re reading the first and second one this year the completionist in me fears that the third one needs to follow too 😅"

Agree! At least as long as there is only three.

We can do it as a buddy if there is enough interest - well, at least 2-3 of us wanting to read it....

Good point, there are only three, so doable as a Buddy if there is interest! I could definitely see possibilities in the premise and setting, but can’t really be sure - this was definitely a first book, establishing setting and characters. I’d like to see how book 2 goes!

I've started this and am enjoying it so far - not very far in as yet. I think Guy is an interesting character, and I'm quite intrigued to know how much of the royal background etc is true, such as the then Duke of Gloucester having his eye on the throne - hopefully there will be some discussion at the end.

Ah… Nassau in the Bahamas! I’m glad I looked that up I kept placing the duke in Nassau Germany during these times, which would have been ridiculous, and was afraid my history knowledge was completely off 😅

Judy wrote: "I've started this and am enjoying it so far - not very far in as yet. I think Guy is an interesting character, and I'm quite intrigued to know how much of the royal background etc is true, such as ..."

I also only just started, and agree with your thoughts so far.

I don't think anyone wanted the (very stupid) ex-king or his Nazi sympathising wife anywhere near Germany! Nassau was somewhere where they couldn't really do any damage, know anything or get up to any nonsense and they knew it.

Susan wrote: "I don't think anyone wanted the (very stupid) ex-king or his Nazi sympathising wife anywhere near Germany! Nassau was somewhere where they couldn't really do any damage, know anything or get up to ..."

I personally would not complain were I to be “banished” to a beautiful tropical paradise, but that’s me…

I found the camio of “my own” Queen from Oranje Nassau hiding in London instead hilarious and the very short appearance of her ridiculous husband also was spot on 😅

They complained because they knew they were banished. Apparently Wallis hated it, but not sure why. I don't like heat, so it wouldn't suit me, palm trees or not!