All of the fun clever if somewhat unrealisticly feminist leaning heroine solves mystery and saves the day stuff, but with the fun setting of a reality cooking (baking) competition that somehow doesn't come off as corny d3spite being in a castle full of Regency era aristocracy. Weird, right? I dig it.

Lady Petra and the entourage are attending a week-long party at Windsor Castle. The event is for Queen Charlotte’s baking contest. Lady Petra’s cook is invited as well as Petra serving as a judge.

Excited by all of the yummy bakes, her excitement is increased seeing her Aunt Ophelia and Rufus Pomeroy. He’s pretty famous and gives Petra an early peek.

Her plans are upset when Annie’s brother is found over a dead guest. Now she has to put on her detective hat and figure out who the real killer is before he strikes again.


Always a fun read.


NetGalley/ St. Martin’s Press November 11, 2025

Two iconic British elements, royalty and the Great British Baking Show, converge in Lady Petra's third mystery. The competition and the murder take place at Windsor Castle where the most elite of society are gathered for a week of festivities, giving Petra a closed circle of suspects and keeping her glancing over her shoulder. This is an entertaining mystery with some sharp twists!

Lady Petra Forsyth is back investigating a death, flirting with the handsome Duncan, and trying to avoid scandal and/or getting killed in her latest adventure. This time, she has been asked to be a judge in a 1815 version of The Great British Bake-Off, held at Windsor Castle under the direction of Queen Charlotte. Petra is happy to be one of five tasting judges chosen, as her own cook, Mrs. Bing, is one of the contestants. She's also happy to find another judge is Sir Rufus Pomeroy, who used to work at her father's estate. Sir Rufus later worked for the king but then branched out as a cookbook author. Before the first baking competition has even begun, there's a murder and Petra's maid Annie is distraught to find her ne'er-do-well brother is suspected of the crime. It seems something that could potentially damage the royal family has been hidden somewhere in Windsor Castle, and it's up to Petra to find the missing item, prove Annie's brother is innocent, and not miss any of the baking events. A sleuthing aristocrat's life is certainly complicated.

I enjoyed the book and the elements of real royal figures, historic castles, and a contemporary baking competition all coming together to make an interesting mystery. This is the third book in the series and while I have read at least some of the previous ones, there were some elements I didn't remember and that weren't explained (why Petra is determined not to marry, for instance). Overall, the story was enjoyable and it would make a very fun TV series!

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Lady Petra and other notables of the ton to Wndsor Castle for a week long festivities of judging delicious pastries with Queen Charlotte. Not only is she is a judge but one her cooks works is a contestant. But on arrival she is greeted by a servant over a dead body. Lady Petra will have her to figure out a killer before they strike again as the queen miht be the next victim. It is a royal whodunit that you do not want to miss.