Two murders in Chelsea plague amateur detective Queen Elizabeth II in the fourth book in the charming series, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Jacqueline Winspear.

1957, England. Young Queen Elizabeth II is finding her way in postwar Europe, trying to repair friendships with foreign governments. Advised by her father's old courtiers, the Queen suspects that they may not have her best interests at heart. One of them is trying to sabotage her public appearances: that much she is sure of.

When two bodies turn up in Chelsea, the Queen finds herself unwillingly used as the alibi for somebody very close to her. With the reputation of the monarchy at stake, Elizabeth knows she can't face these challenges alone. She needs support from someone she can trust. Therefore, she enlists the help of an ex-code breaker, Joan McGraw, to uncover the truth. 

But as Elizabeth and Joan are uncovering secrets from the past, the clock is ticking, and they are in more danger than they know. - (Random House, Inc.)

Booklist Reviews

It's 1957 when a man and woman are found brutally murdered upstairs in a Chelsea mews house. Adding to the mystery, the female victim is laid out on the bed with flowers and a diamond tiara. In the fourth installment of Bennett's Her Majesty the Queen Investigates mysteries, the Queen takes a special interest in the Chelsea murders and secretly investigates as she also tries to uncover who in her inner circle is attempting to sabotage her and the Crown. Not knowing who to trust, she enlists the help of Joan McGraw, typist-turned-assistant private secretary, to help seek out the perpetrators of both crimes. With gripping intrigue from the very first page, this could easily be read as a stand alone. Written from multiple points of view, the book's mysteries unfold quickly from many angles, and the regal setting allows for a dramatic backdrop for Bennett's witty characters to solve both cases. With well-researched events and an emphasis on the female perspective, this immersive historical mystery will entice Queen Elizabeth II fans and royal watchers. Copyright 2025 Booklist Reviews.

Library Journal Reviews

Bennett's series fourth (after Murder Most Royal) cleverly combines the queen's investigations with a police procedural. In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II goes to Paris, where several troubling incidents convince her that one of her advisors is not to be trusted. When a man and a woman are murdered, and the crime scene seems to be staged and involves a stolen tiara, the queen takes an interest. In order to investigate both situations, she needs to recruit someone to be her legs. Recalling that typist Joan McGraw has a photographic memory, Elizabeth enlists her. While the queen applies her knowledge of history and the current political situation to her analysis of the situations, Joan's investigation crosses paths with MI5. The queen's network helps Joan to find answers when the Metropolitan Police seem stymied, but the legwork also puts Joan in danger. The scenes involving Elizabeth's family—Philip, the queen mother, and Princess Margaret—add even more personality. VERDICT This installment is the most polished in Bennett's intriguing series featuring Queen Elizabeth, her network of women assistants, historical figures, and actual events. Anglophiles and fans of historical mysteries will enjoy.—Lesa Holstine