When a visitor to Windsor Castle is found dead, first indications are he committed suicide. Upon closer investigation it's discovered he was murdered. The Queen, supported by some of her trusted employees, decides to investigate the murder.
The Windsor Knot is a welcome addition to the modern "cosy crime" genre. It is well plotted and has a host of engaging characters, however don't let the notion of "cosy" crime mislead you, there are some near the knuckle instances such as auto-erotic asphyxiation and a knife attack on the tube.
The author, S. J. Bennett, admits to being a royal watcher and this is evident in both the vivid descriptions of Windsor Castle and the character of the Queen. The writer describes the Queen just as we would expect her to be - straightforward, down to earth and doesn't like to be patronised. Wherever possible she likes to keep things low key, apart from the usual pomp and ceremony that she knows is part of her duty. Since the Queen's life is so well documented the artistic license taken by the author makes everything seem very credible.
The thought that the Queen has always loved solving mysteries does bring a smile as you read, along with her methods of manipulating those in high office (Director General of MI5 and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner) who think they are in charge of the investigation.
There is lots of name dropping throughout the story and this makes the reader feel as if they are one of the Queen's confidants.
Hopefully The Windsor Knot is the first in a long series of "Her Majesty The Queen Investigates" books, I'm already looking forward to the sequel A Three Dog Problem.
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