Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review! This book is out 3/1/22.
If you read my post last month about the top 10 books I’m looking forward to in 2022 (click here if you want to check it out), you’ll know that this one was one the list!
Last year, I was lucky enough to get an ARC of S.J. Bennett’s first book about Queen Elizabeth II solving mysteries, titled The Windsor Knot. It doesn’t happen often, but thanks to Book Club Girl, I got early access to the sequel!
I LOVE this series. All The Queen’s Men (UK Version is called A Three Dog Problem) was such a strong follow-up to The Windsor Knot. I think Bennett is just so clever in how she weaves what we know of the Queen’s life with this idea of her solving crimes VERY under the radar. I was riveted from start to finish and the mysteries were all so layered. It all started with a missing painting and ended in murder and intrigue. I definitely didn’t guess the whodunnit!
While it is lovely and entertaining to have Queen Elizabeth II as a sleuth character, I also love Rozie, the Queen’s Assistant Private Secretary. Rozie is such a BADASS and the definition of cool. I do think this story brings a little more depth into her character and I’m looking forward to seeing how her character grows moving forward. Her relationship with the Queen is so fascinating because there is strong trust there…but it is understated because no one but Rozie can know how much the Queen involves herself in these mysteries. There is also a mention of Prince Harry’s “new girlfriend” in this novel, and I’m interested in seeing how that is portrayed in the series going forward considering current status of the Duke and Duchess and everything that led to that.
Even if you aren’t a follower of the royal family, I still recommend this novel if you enjoy clever mysteries! I’m so excited to see what more Bennett comes up with.
The Bookish Bird 