Murder Most Royal | S. J. Bennett


This latest book in S.J. Bennett’s Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series, Murder Most Royal, is an absolute treat.

It’s perfect for that Twixtmas period when a reader can relax and luxuriate in smashing storytelling, great characters and a wonderful setting. This is comfort reading of the very best kind, just right for traditional Agatha Christie fans who also want a modern narrative.

Given that Murder Most Royal opens with a somewhat gruesome discovery and the whole story revolves around murder, it’s packed with humour, tongue-in-cheek moments, scandal and an absolutely brilliant picture of just what life might have been like for the Queen at Sandringham over Christmas. It feels as if the author must have been a fly on the wall to create such engaging realism.

A filmic quality conveying beautiful settings

Sandringham House in particular, and Norfolk in general, are conveyed wonderfully. S.J. Bennett writes beautifully in defining the landscapes and the interior of Sandringham House so that there is a filmic quality to her writing. The vividness makes the reader feel as if this story simply couldn’t have been set anywhere else.

The enticing plot is filled with twists and turns and I loved the balance between world political events and the prosaic depiction of gossipy life in a Norfolk village.

As there are real people and events woven so effortlessly into the story, at times it’s difficult to remember that this is fiction and that The Queen hasn’t been investigating murders during her Christmas stays in Sandringham – at least, as far as we know!

A tender tribute as well as a fun story

I thought S.J. Bennett’s dialogue was so effective because the Queen’s speech is pared down and unassuming, yet orchestrates action so completely. The Queen is as much a steadying, guiding presence in Murder Most Royal as she ever was in her real life so that the book feels like a tender tribute to her as well as a fun and compelling story.

Indeed, I loved the way all the royal family are realistically and often humorously presented. But for any readers who might have concerns, rest assured that Murder Most Royal is respectful of, and warm about, the royal family too. Prince Philip in particular speaks exactly as I would imagine, and his words add humour and lightness.

Murder Most Royal is a smashing story of family tradition, identity, murder and intrigue that is enormous fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Murder Most Royal by S. J. Bennett is published by Zaffre, from £9.29 HB.

Pick up this week’s fabulous bumper issue of My Weekly to enjoy fabulous seasonal short stories by SIX big-name authors – including A Christmas Party by S J Bennett! Plus our lovely confessional serial Tell It To Stella by Louise Jensen, and countless other feelgood features. Available in newsagents and supermarkets.