A Death in Diamonds

by S.J. Bennett

Paperback

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a FUN series! Let's face it: who would've imagined Queen Elizabeth II as solving murders while in the middle of international tours, raising children, having tea (or something stronger) with the Queen Mother, and dealing with her staff? Thankfully, S.J.Bennett imagined it, and we have this remarkable set of murder mysteries as a result!

In this fifth book, the author actually takes us back to nearly the beginning of QEII's reign... to 1957, in fact. The Queen is still finding her way and finding her own voice. There are too many courtiers who all have an opinion as to how she ought to act, not to mention politicians telling her what's at stake in light of various political realities. She is barely 31 years old, the Empire has lost a great deal of its power and steam, and yet the Monarchy is in her hands. Into this mix comes a murder that involves a well-known tiara. Elizabeth begins to ask some questions, and with her newly installed Assistant Private Secretary Joan (the first of many APS's), the two begin to carefully make inquiries outside of normal police circles.

All of the above makes for a delightful read. If you are looking for a new series, I commend this one to you. Other than some foul language (minimal), this is just delightful!

HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[tomasz ☝️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical fiction that tickled something of my old craving for royal murder mysteries. Fascinatingly well-researched and led me to place reservations for Miss Dior and Mission France - I'm excited to hear more about the real women of WW2.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable book with Queen Elizabeth II solving a murder. Although this time she has the help of Joan, her assistant private secretary.
The novel contains newsy tidbits of real and imagined events and of course a beautiful tiara.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Death in Diamonds is a good vacation read. Enjoy Joan McGraw, the Queen's assistant and Prince Philip. While its enjoyable to read something set in the 1950's, prefer the storylines set in more current times. Still a fun series to recommend.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book and found it to be an easy, fun distraction from the current political noise. A lighthearted “who done it” that kept me entertained—just the kind of escape I needed.

[Marie-José · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me quite some time to get into this story but then I got caught and finished it rather soon. An intricate woven story around historical events. Nicely done! Ready for the next story😊

[Valarie Sawka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A jolly good ‘ol read. Fast paced and full of mystery. Loved seeing the Queen in this detective role.