A Three Dog Problem by S. J. Bennett

 

When a housemaid is found dead at Buckingham Palace early indications are that it was a dreadful accident. When it is discovered that the victim had been receiving poison pen letters a closer inspection of the accident takes place and it is decided that the housemaid was murdered. Why would someone want to murder a housemaid and how would they gain access to Buckingham Palace to do so? The housemaid wasn't the only person in receipt of poison pen letters either. Alongside this a painting belonging to The Queen seems to have disappeared. Her Majesty decides to investigate.

This is the second book in the Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series by S. J. Bennett. The first book in the series, The Windsor Knot, introduced us to the fact that The Queen has been solving mysteries for years but it's all handled very quietly. She has been ably assisted over the years by a small group of staff and her current assistant is Rozie Oshodi, her Assistant Private Secretary.

The book opens with an air of mystery and danger as a body is discovered near the swimming pool at Buckingham Palace. The danger is quickly dismissed as it appears a tragic accident has befallen the victim. Other events, with less perceived danger, seem to abound; a missing painting, poison pen letters and a possible stalker. 

Once again the author has written the character of The Queen with real warmth and wit, finely weaving the traits we know The Queen possesses with a fictionalized persona. Alongside The Queen we also have fictional accounts of the behaviour of other famous people such as Prince Phillip, David Cameron and Theresa May.

We are given an opportunity to see what life is like at Buckingham Palace from different perspectives. As well as the numerous events, meetings and visits The Queen is involved in we get to hear about the "downstairs" element of running such a huge household. Throughout the story we also gain fascinating snippets of history, including some that make you realise that fiction isn't far from the truth.

I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, Murder Most Royal, which is due in November 2022