I haven't read all that many 'cosy' murder mysteries (other than the original and best Richard Osman books) so I don't have an awful lot to compare it to. I am also not a massive fan of the monarchy. I'm not anti-monarchist, I just don't care all that much other than a feeling that on balance they are probably better for the country than not. Having said that, I liked this book and all the characters. I have also purchased the second book in this series so I will read at least one more. I liked the premise that the Queen was solving mysteries and had done for a long time. I also enjoyed the fact that the Private secretary was not white and didn't come from aristocracy. I thought the book was well set up but kind of faded a little in the middle and then pulled it together at the end. I did not guess who the murderer was until it was explained which is quite rare for me so I enjoyed that. I just felt like it was a solid beginning and I look forward to reading more.