A THREE DOG PROBLEM by S.J. Bennett

Hilariously joyful piece of reading. The Queen must be one of the world's favourite people, always honourable, overflowing with integrity and goodness, and now she is solving murders. Go Queen! Not just  a pretty face in gorgeous clothes and fabulous hats. Although with her busy schedule micromanaged to the n-th degree, how she finds time to solve a murder without actually letting on that she has done so, that she that the credit has to go to the police/detectives/palace security - the professionals is quite entertaining in itself. Such a diplomat. Perfect for the job. All that training from birth has made her the most discrete, observant and deliberately charming person you could hope to meet. 

The story opens in Buck Pal, with the discovery of the body of a long time Palace employee  lying  beside the indoor swimming pool. A murder in the Palace! The Queen has a terrific secretary called Rosie,  a young woman with a defence background, smart, resourceful and, best of all, trusted by the Queen. Together these two work around the rules and very tight Palace protocols, careful not to tread on all those toes planting themselves in their way, to find out what is really going on below stairs at the Palace. 

At the same time the Queen notices, quite by chance, that a favourite painting of the royal yacht Britannia is no longer hanging outside her bedroom. Where has it gone? 

This is a clever story, witty dialogue, lots of intrigues, gossip, rumour, distrust and paranoia lurking everywhere. And all that protocol and etiquette to have to deal with! It is clear the author adores the Queen and everything she stands for, and how refreshing to see the royal family portrayed in a glowing, personable and delightful way. This is a delight to read, I loved it, lots of fun. Looking forward to number 3 in the series!