In this delightful historical fiction mystery series, the not-so-proper Lady Petra Forsyth must solve the mystery of the murdered chef. This was no ordinary chef, but one who had served as chef to the royal household and also, years earlier, to Petra’s father’s house. Who would have murdered Sir Rufus Pomeroy?

Readers first met Lady Petra in “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord,” and the plucky daughter of an Earl has almost scandalous freedom. When her fiancé is killed, she decides to never marry. But she has fallen in love with Duncan, who is the bastard grandson of a Duke. The socialize in the same circles and grew up as friends. Now their relationship is whispered about behind closed doors.

Queen Charlotte and King George are celebrating their fifty-fourth wedding anniversary, and the Queen has devised a week of extravagant activities, including a special event to determine the best cook in England. When Petra arrives at Windsor Castle to be a judge in a Queen Charlotte devised royal bake-off, she’s almost immediately thrown off when she encounters the dead body of Sir Rufus. It turns out that Sir Rufus had some nefarious dealings, and while Oliver, a valet, was arrested for the murder, Petra knows that Oliver did not commit the crime. But Sir Rufus was seen arguing with six other people just before his death, so who were those people and which one had the motive to kill the chef?

You might want to take notes, especially if you haven’t read the previous novels, because there are a lot of characters and many suspects. Red herrings abound, and it seems that there are many who might have had the desire to cause Sir Rufus harm, including a relative of Lady Petra’s.

The mystery is well done, but what makes these books a delight to read are the descriptions of life at this time in history. It’s Bridgerton in mystery format. Queen Charlotte in all her splendor and the Prince Regent as unctuous and unpleasant as reputed. When Connally describes the grounds of Windsor Castle, and the rooms and secret passages, it’s fascinating. We can picture the courtyards, the brightly colored shawls that her aunt favors, the staid formality of the furnishings, and the excitement that the baking contest brings.

Because the baking contest is definitely modeled on the British show, although slightly altered. Ten bakers begin and two are eliminated each day. The descriptions of the bakes is fabulous; if only recipes had been included! And when Petra is poisoned during one of the days judging, she knows that someone is afraid that she is getting too close to solving the murder.

For mystery lovers who enjoy history, this series is a sure-fire winner. The plots are carefully created and meticulously written. Petra herself is an admirable and unlikely detective as she pursues truth while still attempting to protect those she cares for. The sheer novelty of the extravaganza, the daughter of nobility-turned-detective, and the touch of romance make this series equally thoughtful and enjoyable.

This review was first posted on Bookreporter.com.