Editorial Content for Revenge, Served Royal
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
In this delightful new addition to Celeste Connally’s historical mystery series, Lady Petra Inquires, the not-so-proper Lady Petra Forsyth must solve the murder of Sir Rufus Pomeroy, who had served as chef to the royal household and, years earlier, to Petra's father's house.
Readers met Lady Petra in ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD, and the plucky daughter of an earl has almost scandalous freedom. When her fiancé is killed, she decides never to marry. But she has fallen in love with Duncan Shawcross, the bastard grandson of a duke. They socialize in the same circles and grow up as friends. Now their relationship is whispered about behind closed doors by scandalized members of high society.
"For mystery lovers who enjoy history, this series is a surefire winner. The plots are carefully created and meticulously written."
Queen Charlotte and King George are celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary. The Queen has devised a week of extravagant activities, including a special event to determine the best cook in England. Think "The Great British Bake Off" as it might have appeared over 200 years ago. When Petra arrives at Windsor Castle to be a judge, she's almost immediately plunged into a mystery when she encounters Sir Rufus’ dead body.
It turns out that Sir Rufus had some nefarious dealings. While his valet, Oliver Beecham, was arrested for the murder, Petra knows he didn't do it. But Sir Rufus was seen arguing with six other people just before his death. Who were they, and which of them had a motive to kill him?
You might want to take notes, especially if you haven't read the previous two novels, because there are a number of characters and suspects. Red herrings abound, and it seems that there are many who might have wanted to cause Sir Rufus harm, including a relative of Lady Petra's. It's up to her to determine which one did the dirty deed before she herself comes to harm.
The mystery is well done, but what makes these books a pleasure to read are the descriptions of life during this time in history. It's “Bridgerton” in a mystery format --- Queen Charlotte in all her splendor and the Prince Regent as unctuous and unpleasant as reputed. When Connally describes the grounds of Windsor Castle, and the rooms and secret passages, it's fascinating. We can picture the courtyards, the brightly colored shawls that her aunt favors, the staid formality of the furnishings, and the excitement that the baking contest brings.
This competition is definitely modeled on the popular British show, although it’s slightly altered. Ten bakers begin, and two are eliminated each day. The descriptions of the bakes are fabulous. If only recipes had been included! When Petra is poisoned during one of the days judging, she knows that someone is afraid she is getting too close to solving the murder.
For mystery lovers who enjoy history, this series is a surefire winner. The plots are carefully created and meticulously written. Petra herself is an admirable and unlikely detective as she pursues truth while still attempting to protect those she cares for. The sheer novelty of the extravaganza, the free-spirited daughter of nobility-turned-detective, and the touch of romance make these books equally thoughtful and enjoyable.
Teaser
Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte’s inaugural patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England’s finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra’s own cook one of the contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges. Yet upon arrival, Petra encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty’s guests --- and to the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What’s more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham, the ne’er-do-well brother of Petra’s own lady’s maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his innocence. When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it’s clear that the real killer is still walking the castle’s halls.
Promo
Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte’s inaugural patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England’s finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra’s own cook one of the contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges. Yet upon arrival, Petra encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty’s guests --- and to the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What’s more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham, the ne’er-do-well brother of Petra’s own lady’s maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his innocence. When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it’s clear that the real killer is still walking the castle’s halls.
About the Book
"Bridgerton" meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling third instalment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series.
September 1815. Autumn is in the air as Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte’s inaugural patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England’s finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra’s own cook one of the contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges.
Petra’s happiness at tasting delicious cakes and biscuits only increases at finding her beloved Aunt Ophelia in attendance at Windsor, as well as Sir Rufus Pomeroy. As England’s most famous former royal chef-turned-cookbook author, Sir Rufus is slated to present his best recipes to the Queen during the festivities, with Petra being granted an early viewing in the royal library.
Yet upon arrival, Petra instead encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty’s guests --- and to the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What’s more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham, the ne’er-do-well brother of Petra’s own lady’s maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his innocence, claiming the late guest argued with several aristocrats, including the Prince Regent and Petra’s Aunt Ophelia and boasted about hiding a potentially scandalous document within the vastness of Windsor Castle.
When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it’s clear that the real killer is still walking the castle’s halls. Indeed, in order to prove the innocence of Annie’s brother and find the incriminating document, Petra will need to act like a lady, eat like a chef, and think like one of Her Majesty’s best spies before a murderer can turn the celebrations from sweet to royally deadly.
Audiobook available, read by Eilidh Beaton
