Delightful third edition to the series (which is helpful to read in order, but not necessary). Queen Elizabeth II and her assistant private secretary Rozie investigate a mysterious death/disappearance after a hand (just a hand, no body) washes ashore. Charming and witty read as the queen gently manipulates everyone around her so subtly they don't even realize it, all with Rozie's sharp wits helping get to the bottom of possibly related mysteries. Also a fascinating look at some of the eccentricities of the British aristocracy, and a sympathetic portrayal of the British royal family. Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC.

Another great one from this series! This one will appeal to both cozy and traditional fans, as well as those that love anything royal family and Christmas time related, bookwise. I will be suggesting it for our book club. And eagerly awaiting the next one!

Another charming mystery in this series! This time Queen Elizabeth and her assistant private secretary, Rozie, solve the murder of an aristocrat known to the Queen and her family. Set in 2016, the Queen must navigate Brexit and its fallout, politics in general, her family at the Christmas holidays, and press interest in the murder, all while maintaining the fiction that she is an "interested observer" rather than a solver of crimes.

The Queen is once again portrayed with affection as a charming, witty, smart, people-centric woman who is interested in many things -- and she uses that broad knowledge in gently nudging the police in the solving of the central murder mystery,

A gentle read, with a few gritty passages, that's well worth the time. I'm glad to know that the author will continue the series and am already looking forward to the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

God bless SJ Bennett! I just love her mystery series that features Queen Elizabeth II and am thrilled to know the stories will continue despite the passing of the monarch. Besides being a great mystery, the behind-the-scenes look at the Royals is a tribute to the author’s research. Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderMostRoyal for advanced digital copy.

Murder Most Royal is the third highly entertaining entry in one of my favorite historical mystery series, Her Majesty Investigates. Set after Brexit has become a reality for Great Britain, the royal family has gone to their Sandringham Estate in late 2016 for what they hope will be a relaxing Christmas holiday with family and friends. But it's not long before a local teenager finds a plastic bag washed up on the shore with a human hand inside. The victim is easily identified by a distinctive signet ring as a member of the St. Cyr family who has spent a lot of time with the royals as a child. But the body is nowhere to be found, so discovering the killer is, to say the least, problematic. And 90-year-old Queen Elizabeth is dismayed when the press starts sensationalizing the murder and giving her family some publicity that is most unwelcome. So with the aid of her assistant private secretary, the able ex-military Rozie, the monarch launches her own quiet investigation, making it clear as always that she is an "interested observer" rather than a solver of crimes.

It is evident that the author is fond of the Queen, treating her character with affection and respect. And in addition to the mystery itself, she regales us with fascinating information about pigeon breeding and racing, money laundering, wild swimming, the laws of primogeniture (and the fact that the Queen has abolished the practice within the royal family), the rewilding movement to return the land to its raw state that has sparked interest among some of the British aristocracy, and what it means to be the Queen. A lover of animals--especially dogs and horses--a ruler trying to do her best for her country, and a complex, somehow relatable character, she manages to help the police with her inside knowledge without (mostly) putting herself in danger.

The author's writing style is easily accessible, and the mystery is not without its intriguing twists. Best of all, Bennett reveals that although the real Queen Elizabeth has passed on, there will be more books in the series, some perhaps going back in time. That's great news for anyone who appreciates historical mysteries with unforgettable characters.

My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Murder Most Royal is the latest entry in SJ Bennett's mystery series revolving around Queen Elizabeth and her personal assistant Rozie and their discreet murder investigations. The murders are intriguing. The machinations needed to investigate without even hinting that her majesty is personally involved add another layer. I swear I can hear the Queen's voice in these pages. I hope this series will continue for a long time.

These mysteries are so fun! I am glad to see Rozie, the Queen's assistant, get more time in this one. I can always want more of her!

I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, turns, and aristocracy nonsense in this one. The queen solving mysteries while never wanting anyone to know she's doing it is a delight and I look forward to the next installment!