The Windsor Knot cover art

The Windsor Knot

Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, Book 1

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The Windsor Knot

By: S.J. Bennett
Narrated by: Samantha Bond
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About this listen

The first book in a highly original and delightfully clever crime series in which Queen Elizabeth II secretly solves crimes while carrying out her royal duties.

Narrated by Samantha Bond (Golden Eye, Downton Abbey, Home Fires)

The morning after a dinner party at Windsor Castle, 89-year-old Queen Elizabeth is shocked to discover that one of her guests has been found murdered in his room, with a rope around his neck.

When the police begin to suspect her loyal servants, Her Majesty knows they are looking in the wrong place.

For the queen has been living an extraordinary double life ever since her coronation. Away from the public eye, she has a brilliant knack for solving crimes.

With her household's happiness on the line, her secret must not get out. Can the queen and her trusted secretary, Rozie, catch the killer without getting caught themselves?

©2020 S. J. Bennett (P)2020 Bonnier Books UK Amateur Sleuths Cosy Mystery Royalty Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction Detective Crime

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Critic reviews

"Hilarious, affectionate and so well observed.... I loved it." (Joanne Harris, best-selling author of Chocolat)

"Bracingly fresh yet endearingly familiar, The Windsor Knot gallops along at a cracking pace, is laugh-out-loud funny and completely convincing, peppered with delicious royal detail and in-jokes. Priceless and charming - a jewel in the crown." (Veronica Henry, Sunday Times best-selling author)
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This is a tremendously splendid romp. Utterly faithful and charming in the extreme. But what raises it beyond even such humble praise is the narration by Samantha Bond.
I think it may be a first that the narrated book rises, thanks to her ability to bring the characters to life, to shine as brightly as the sun.
Delightful. Well Done !!

Fabulous

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The idea of Her Majesty the Queen secretly investigating crime with the help of a few trusty aides is positively wonderful! Gentle ribbing in the vein of the comedy film King Ralph, this story takes us inside Windsor Castle where a terrible crime has been committed and takes us along while the Queen herself solves the situation with equal parts flare, intelligence and compassion. Adding to the charm is the lovely narration done by actress Samantha Bond, quite possibly the only person who could have done it.

Absolutely charming

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I honestly didn't know what to expect. What I got was a genuinely great whodunnit, and a peep into life in the Royal Household. and I loved every moment.

Really good narrator too, very easy to listen to. Can't wait to listen to the next one.

Such fun

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Perfect book! Hardly any drama whilst still providing plenty of murder, nestled in a very cosy environment. Very low stress and strong female characters - a wining combination for me!

Low-drama.murder mystery

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a clever insight into the Royal household.
Well read - looking forward to hearing the next story

entertaining

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A really enjoyable listen, while narrated with a good plot. The descriptions of the interactions between the Queen and MI5/the met were very amusing.

Loved it, great fun

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This, of course, is a totally unique take on the ‘Whodunnit’ murder/mystery genre.

It takes awhile to get into it and I can understand why some people may not make it to chapter 3 because of it! However, it’s worth persevering, even more so if you’re curious about the British Monarchy and Queen Elizabeth ll especially. (God rest her soul).

It’s a serious story, with a highly plausible premise and storyline. An agreeable surprise. HRH is not (was not) a “dumb blonde” and this tale brings that out very credibly.

Very Intricate Whodunnit. Fantastic Royal Behind the Scenes

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This is 50% love letter to the Queen and monarchy, and 50% well-paced, modern, cosy crime. I absolutely loved it, it unfolded beautifully and poked fun at establishment stereotypes at the same time as appearing well-researched. As a crime novel, it was a satisfying read, with an enjoyably-balanced denouement that played to the resolution of both practical and emotional plot points. It absolutely set me up to enjoy the next one!

Cosy and cleverly-written

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Samantha Bond is the perfect narrator for this. Absolutely wonderful.

As for the book... It's ok. It's a bit like a Marple story, in that other characters bring details to the Queen, who puts it together. However, the ending is very disappointing. The Queen doesn't solve the mystery herself, it's MI5 that does it, without any input from the Queen.

That said, I did enjoy the book. It's well written and the behind-the-scenes at the palace stuff does seem credible. Of course, it's utter nonsense, but enjoyable.

Excellent narrator, slightly disappointing story

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At the end of the day, the Queen is a human being and seeing her portrayed in this light is heartwarming.

Delightful premise

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