Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Mysteries and thrillers will always be popular for readers everywhere, but recently, there has been an uptick in these kinds of stories written about the royal family! If you like royal mysteries and thrillers, then you will adore these books.
I have read tons of these stories over the years because they combine my love for the royal family with my love of solving a crime! Some of these stories are royal historical fiction, while others take place in a contemporary setting. Make sure you note the time period of the book in question if you have a preference!
The Best Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Royal Historical Mysteries
The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato- Jump to Section
The Best Royal Mystery
The Windsor Knot by S.J. Bennett- Jump to Section
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Royal Historical Mysteries
The Botticelli Secret
Author: Marina Fiorato
Year: 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This gritty story is about a prostitute during the Italian Renaissance who needs to flee for her life after learning a secret while sitting for famed artist Botticelli. She turns to a novice, Brother Guido, for help after her friends start dying.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Content, Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s sort of like a Da Vinci code set in the 15th century and it all revolves around Botticelli’s Primavera painting. It’s a fun, quick read and one of the first books set in Italy that I ever read.
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Plot
Blaise Hill is the only female who works at Sydney’s The Clarion newspaper. When she’s sent on assignment to London, she encounters the swinging 60s, sexism in the workplace, and then accidentally witnesses the murder of a mob boss.
This novel had mystery, romance, and fierce female leads set against the backdrop of the 60s. The royal in the title is a little misleading as the royals come up as only minor characters. Instead, readers get to learn about the newspaper industry and just how hard it was for women to be accepted in journalism at the time.
Why Kirsten likes it
I found this story about an Australian journalist’s rise in an all-male industry to be quite informative. I love historical fiction novels that look at groundbreaking women.
Find this book in: Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
The Royal Secret
Author: Lucinda Riley
Year:2000
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A young journalist is given a mystery to uncover after an old actor passes away, but her investigation quickly turns deadly.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction
Why Kirsten loves it
I felt all the feelings on this one. There were a couple of times when I was truly angry at the author, but in the end, I really enjoyed this mystery book about royalty! Part romance, part mystery, this book has something for everyone and is an amazing beach read.
Find this book in: Books With Secret in the Title / Mystery Books 2024 / Thriller Books / Long Books / Royal Reads / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Princess Elizabeth’s Spy
Author: Susan Elia MacNeal
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Maggie Hope #2
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this story, which takes place in Windsor Castle during the war when Queen Elizabeth II, then a princess, was a young girl. Maggie has been sent by MI-5 to tutor the young princess and simultaneously uncover a plot against the royal family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the look at her as a young princess navigating WWII. MacNeal did a great job of exploring life for the royal family during the war, which is something I have never thought about before. This is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Find this book in: Books About QEII / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
The Windsor Knot
Author: S. J. Bennett
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This cozy murder mystery was an absolute treat. I loved
Together they figure out who was behind the murder at Windsor Castle during one of the Queen’s Dine-and-Stays. This pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II is perfect for fans of Maggie Hope, Maise Dobbs, and the Royal Family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the idea that Queen Elizabeth would have been an investigator as well. It made me smile and the plot was a delight.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Books About Queen Elizabeth II / British Mysteries / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best British Mystery Books / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Plot
This story is based on the premise that a different lineage has been atop the British throne. When the king drops dead from poisoning at Balmoral castle on Christmas day, the only people in the house are The King’s immediate family, the head of security, and the King’s personal chef.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a fun and quick murder mystery set at Christmas time. This who-dun-it is a fast, fun read that is perfect for the Christmas season.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Mystery Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
Plot
This royal novel is more of a thriller than a romance. In the lead-up to her wedding to England’s Prince Hugh, American singer Jennie Jensen is having trouble fitting into the royal family. When she starts to receive death threats, she starts to see the parallels between her life and the life of the late Princess Penelope.
Why Kirsten loves it
The female lead is a mash-up of Meghan and Kate, but it’s the thriller/mystery element that makes this story stand apart from most royal reads. #gifted by Blackstone Publishing.
Expert Tip
Looking for a royal thriller or mystery that you will love? Here are some tips
- Jackie and I have read all the books on this list. Take a look at the descriptions of each book and why we liked it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mystery or thriller featuring a royal?
The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato is my favorite royal mystery book. But I love the other books on this list.
Related Content
- Books about the Royal Family
- Royal Fantasy Books
- Royal Historical Fiction
- Royal Nonfiction Books
Epilogue
What royal mysteries and thrillers do you love? Is your favorite on this list? Let me know if there is a book I need to add!
