FICTION
Agatha Christie meets The Crown in ‘Murder Most Royal’, the much-anticipated third book in the ‘Her Majesty The Queen Investigates’ mystery series by SJ Bennett – for fans of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin.
Inspired by the greats of the Golden Age of crime, such as Dorothy L Sayers and Agatha Christie, SJ Bennett presents the Queen in a new, yet entirely believable light. ‘Her Majesty the Queen Investigates’ novels – each readable as standalone novels or part of the series – are clever and classy, told with warmth and real affection for the Queen.
In ‘Murder Most Royal’ the Queen is visiting Sandringham for the Christmas break when a severed hand is found on a nearby Norfolk beach. Recognising the distinctive signet ring, HRH herself identifies its owner, someone rather close to home.
Always in the public eye, yet often underestimated, her Majesty has an unerring sense of people and a sharp eye for details, so once again begins to puzzle out the case aided by her brilliant and resourceful APS (Assistant Private Secretary) Rozi.
Touching on conservation of the land and rewilding, pigeon racing, hunting and primogeniture – the aristocratic custom of the who can inherit land and titles – this is another fascinating and brilliantly plotted case for those who like their detective fiction told with humour, strong characters and problems quietly solved. We can’t wait for book 4!
‘HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN INVESTIGATES’ SERIES: ‘A witty whodunit starring our very own HM The Queen as an amateur sleuth’ – GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
‘A pitch-perfect murder mystery’ – Ruth Ware’
NON-FICTION
‘Christmas brings the indestructibility of hope in times of the greatest hopelessness. As long as we celebrate this holiday, we can neither be defeated nor destroyed. This is the message that Ukraine is trying to convey to the world. And this is what our book is about.’
From Christmas music to gifts and food, as well as a look back through the country’s rich and troubled history through the perspective of the festive season, this beautifully illustrated and powerful book introduces readers to Ukraine’s unique Christmas traditions.
In a country where East and West meet, this is a fascinating and unmissable guide to capturing the spirit of one of the most important times of year and a powerful reminder of the strength of holding on to your culture and beliefs, even as others try to take everything from you.
Originally published in Ukraine in December 2020 by Portal Books. This English-language edition features the work of Ukrainian writers and translators, who prepared the book amid explosions and tragedy.