Where Grace Solves a Locked Room Mystery

Keys by Grace Cavendish
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 11--just as good as books 1-10.

Set in Queen Elizabeth's reign, among her ladies in waiting, this story, like the others, has a young woman named Grace solving a mystery without letting on that she's doing so. That's a bit of a trick, though she has a couple friends who can help her sneak around at night or gather rumors. This one was a locked room murder mystery with a clever solution, and I feel like it worked well. The authors behind the "Lady Grace" pen name do a good job with characterization and dialogue and pacing, but I think they are especially good with setting; they make excellent good use of London and the various residences of the queen's in the 16th Century, and the historical elements that go into the stories, including this one, I find not only accurate but instructive.

These are intended for a MG audience, and I think both in terms of interest and quality they should continued to do well with that group--if they find them. The last book was published more than a decade ago, and the later ones in the series, like this one, are kinda rare. Maybe a new edition?

Recommended for young readers as well as older readers who enjoy mysteries with a cozier tone.

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