I loved this excerpt, and I would love to be able to read the rest of this “cosy mystery”! The whole idea is original and fun, and it captured my interest from the word go.
It is lovely to see the Queen in some rather more informal moments than is usually the case, and the little asides (about “poor Charles” and the like) are priceless. I think the author has captured the Queen’s “private” personality beautifully - obviously I have no idea what the Queen is really like, but this portrayal seems “right” to me - and she seems to have an insider’s understanding of Prince Philip, also. His plain speaking, his gaffes and his sense of humour all ring true to me.
I also liked the mixing in of real with fictional characters - it enables the reader to feel that they can get to know icons like David Attenborough a little better, as well, of course, as the Queen herself.
The plot line thus far is intriguing - I most certainly need to discover why poor Mr Brodsky was found hanging in his wardrobe, and who was responsible.
I love the fact that the Queen is definitely not the vulnerable “old lady in a hat” that her staff think, and most definitely does not need - or want - the protection from unpleasantness that they are so keen to afford her, but is instead a remarkably resilient woman with a keen intellect and a twinkle in her eye!
All in all, I think this is a fabulous start to what could become a beloved series for me - gentle, intriguing and well written, with beloved characters, it cannot fail!
It is lovely to see the Queen in some rather more informal moments than is usually the case, and the little asides (about “poor Charles” and the like) are priceless. I think the author has captured the Queen’s “private” personality beautifully - obviously I have no idea what the Queen is really like, but this portrayal seems “right” to me - and she seems to have an insider’s understanding of Prince Philip, also. His plain speaking, his gaffes and his sense of humour all ring true to me.
I also liked the mixing in of real with fictional characters - it enables the reader to feel that they can get to know icons like David Attenborough a little better, as well, of course, as the Queen herself.
The plot line thus far is intriguing - I most certainly need to discover why poor Mr Brodsky was found hanging in his wardrobe, and who was responsible.
I love the fact that the Queen is definitely not the vulnerable “old lady in a hat” that her staff think, and most definitely does not need - or want - the protection from unpleasantness that they are so keen to afford her, but is instead a remarkably resilient woman with a keen intellect and a twinkle in her eye!
All in all, I think this is a fabulous start to what could become a beloved series for me - gentle, intriguing and well written, with beloved characters, it cannot fail!