The Recommended Reading Order
S.J. Bennett’s charming cozy mystery series, Her Majesty the Queen Investigates, reimagines Queen Elizabeth II as a brilliant, low-profile amateur sleuth. While each mystery is fully self-contained and can be read as a standalone, the series features two distinct eras: a modern-day timeline set in 2016 and a historical prequel timeline set in the mid-20th century. For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order. Starting with the first published novel allows you to establish the Queen’s modern sleuthing dynamic before stepping back in time to explore her younger years as a crime-solver.
Publication Order of the Novels
Following the books in the order they were written is the simplest way to appreciate the character development and the evolving partnership between the Queen and her Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi. Note that the second book has different titles depending on your region.
- Book 1: The Windsor Knot (2020) – Set in the spring of 2016 as the Queen prepares for her 90th birthday party at Windsor Castle, only for a guest to turn up dead under highly suspicious circumstances.
- Book 2: A Three Dog Problem (2021) – Published in the United States and Canada under the title All the Queen’s Men. Set in the autumn of 2016, this installment takes place at Buckingham Palace following the Brexit referendum.
- Book 3: Murder Most Royal (2022) – Set in December 2016 at the Queen's winter estate, Sandringham, where a severed hand leads to a dark mystery involving old family friends.
- Book 4: A Death in Diamonds (2024) – The first full-length prequel, jumping back to London and Paris in 1957. A younger Queen Elizabeth II investigates a delicate case involving her personal circle shortly after her coronation.
- Book 5: The Queen Who Came In From The Cold (2025) – A Cold War prequel set in 1961, where the Queen is caught up in espionage and palace intrigue.
- Book 6: Death on the Royal Yacht (Forthcoming 2026) – Set in 1966, this prequel follows the Queen aboard the HMY Britannia as she untangles a high-seas mystery.
The Chronological Reading Order
If you prefer to follow Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign sequentially, you can read the books chronologically. This path allows you to witness her growth from a young monarch dealing with post-war tensions to a seasoned sovereign managing modern-day scandals. The chronological path is as follows:
- “The Most Dangerous Woman in Europe” (Short story, set in May 1938)
- A Death in Diamonds (Book 4, set in 1957)
- The Queen Who Came In From The Cold (Book 5, set in 1961)
- Death on the Royal Yacht (Book 6, set in 1966)
- “The Mystery of the Fabergé Egg” (Short story, set in 1982)
- The Windsor Knot (Book 1, set in Spring 2016)
- A Three Dog Problem / All the Queen’s Men (Book 2, set in Autumn 2016)
- Murder Most Royal (Book 3, set in December 2016)
Short Stories and Prequels
In addition to the main novels, S.J. Bennett has penned several short stories that expand the series’ universe. These are excellent quick reads for fans looking for extra royal mystery:
- “The Mystery of the Fabergé Egg” (Book 0.5 / #0.5) – Set in 1982, this short story was originally published in My Weekly magazine in 2020. It serves as a great bridge between the classic eras and is often distributed directly through the author's newsletter.
- “The Great Diamond Deception” – Published in Candis Magazine in August 2022, this historical story centers on the journey and history of the famous Cullinan diamond from 1907/1908.
- “The Glorious Twelfth” – A short story featured in the 2024 anthology Midsummer Mysteries, which was later shortlisted for the CWA Short Story Dagger in 2025.
- “The Most Dangerous Woman in Europe” – Set in May 1938 inside the Reich Chancellery in Berlin, centering on the Queen Mother during a period of rising global tensions.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, there are a few practical elements to keep in mind. First, the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II is highly respectful, focusing on her legendary diplomatic skills, sharp observation, and quiet wit. Unlike typical fictional detectives, the Queen does not run around chasing suspects or investigating crime scenes directly. Instead, she directs the investigations behind the scenes, relying heavily on her Assistant Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi, to do the physical legwork. This dynamic keeps the tone light, smart, and delightfully cozy, making it a perfect recommendation for fans of The Crown and Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.