Looking back at my reviews for the previous three books in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series, I can see that on each occasion I said the book I was reviewing was my favourite of them all. I'm about to say exactly the same thing about book four, A Death in Diamonds, which I thought was an absolutely brilliant read. It's possible that what I loved most of all is the fact that this book took me back to 1957 and the beginning of The Queen's (fictional) crime-solving with her Assistant Private Secretary, who in this case is Joan McGraw. I enjoyed the historical elements, the younger Queen and her 'men with moustaches', the stuffy courtiers that Prince Philip disliked so much. The Queen enlists Joan's help to find out who murdered a man and a woman in a mews house in Chelsea, a crime in which the Queen has a vested interest in solving. The story combines large chunks of fact with smaller chunks of fiction, weaving them together to make for a really charming read that was a true joy to pick up and delve back into. The murder mystery itself is very well-plotted and investigated by DI Fred Darbishire which enables us to see it from a more conventional viewpoint. He has no idea how much his strings are being pulled by the monarch! It was wonderful to read S.J. Bennett's meticulously researched version of the young Queen and her family, and to follow her on trips to France and the USA. This series has a Miss Marple feel to it but the royal element makes it not only stand out from the rest but also particularly up my street. I know the author has a rich supply of possible further storylines from the Queen's long reign, and I hope that it's not the last we've seen of the younger monarch. I'm excited for more in this captivating series - long may it continue. (read less)

Looking back at my reviews for the previous three books in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series, I can see that on each occasion I said the book I was reviewing was my favourite of them all. I'm about to say exactly the same thing about book four, A Death in Diamonds, which I thought was an absolutely brilliant read. It's possible that what I loved most of all is the fact that (read more)

I have read all the books in this series, and this is by far my favorite. It takes place in 1957, with a young Queen Elizabeth II sleuthing with the help of Joan McGraw, a former WWII codebreaker who works in her office. I love the historical aspect of this novel, as well as the dynamic between the Queen and Joan. I hope the author continues with this new setting, as I will definitely continue with the series! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (read less)

I have read all the books in this series, and this is by far my favorite. It takes place in 1957, with a young Queen Elizabeth II sleuthing with the help of Joan McGraw, a former WWII codebreaker who works in her office. I love the historical aspect of this novel, as well as the dynamic between the Queen and Joan. I hope the author continues with this new setting, as I will definitely (read more)