During a dine and sleep at Windsor Castle, a Russian pianist, Maksim Brodsky, is found hanged in his wardrobe in a compromising manner. Due to his nationality, the police and M15 immediately suspect the involvement of Russian state-sanctioned spies, and/or the Queen's servants. But Her Majesty has other ideas. A secret sleuth from a young age, she enlists the help of her new secretary, Rosie Oshodi, to solve this mystery... but how can the monarch become involved in the investigation without being discovered?

This was the ideal time to read this book due to the upcoming Platinum Jubilee. It's a classic "cosy crime" novel, with a royal flavour - Miss Marple with a crown, if you will - and with political sprinkles throughout, too. The concept of the Queen as hidden detective is amusing, and yet, not completely unbelievable. S.J. Bennett's portrayal of Her Majesty is respectful but realistic, and her fictional self, along with Rozie, are very likeable protagonists. I was reminded somewhat of another royal portrayal by a different Bennett, in "The Uncommon Reader".

I always struggle to piece together "whodunnits" (I can never solve them!), but the ending brings everything together perfectly and cleverly, as the genre demands. It's a relatively quick and light read with moments of tension, but which never completely crosses the line into "thriller" territory.

Happy reading!