Filled with eccentric characters, a clever plot and biting wit, The Pigeon Pie Mystery by Julia Stuart is a delightfully fun read.
The Princess Alexandrina, affectionately nicknamed Mink by her father the Maharaja, is destitute following the scandalous death of her father. Queen Victoria invites her to live in the Hampton Court Palace. Filled with fabulously eccentric characters, Mink and her maid Pooki set about making themselves at home in the supposedly haunted surroundings. After Hampton Court resident Major-General Bagshot dies after eating the pigeon pie Pooki brought to the picnic, Mink must become a detective to clear her beloved maid's name.
Julia Stuart's writing is full of charm and humor. The plot is full of comical twists and turns and includes an awkward but endearing romance. The answer to the mystery (while not wanting to give it away) was darker than I expected from such a fanciful and quaint story. The characters are droll and curious but none are particularly memorable. In fact, thankfully Stuart includes a list of characters at the beginning of the book because I was constantly getting Lady Bebb, Lady Beatrice and The Countess of Bessington confused.
Overall, I really enjoyed the refreshing lightness of The Pigeon Pie Mystery. It is a great, quirky summer read.
** I received a complimentary copy of The Pigeon Pie Mystery in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. **
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