Celeste Connally's third Lady Petra Inquires mystery, Revenge, Served Royal, takes its charming protagonist and a gaggle of friends to a royal celebration that includes a patisserie contest--and soon mixes in a little murder.
Lady Petra Forsyth is pleased to be at Windsor Castle to judge Queen Charlotte's inaugural competition to determine the best baker in England. The contestants include Petra's excellent cook, Mrs. Bing. But before the contest can begin, Sir Rufus Pomeroy--longtime chef to the royals and the aristocracy, including Petra's own family--is found dead in the castle. It's clear he was murdered, and Petra must join forces with her friends and stalwart maid, Annie, to unmask the killer without upsetting the other guests.
Connally (All's Fair in Love and Treachery; Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord) brings back the series' engaging ensemble cast, including Petra's trio of spirited female friends; her dashing lover, Duncan; and her elegant Aunt Ophelia. Verbal jousting and culinary feats abound as Petra searches the castle for a mysterious memoir manuscript left behind by Rufus. Complicating matters is the possible involvement of the Prince Regent, as well as the explosive society secrets supposedly contained in Sir Rufus's manuscript, which may implicate Petra's beloved aunt. Connally concocts a satisfying mystery alongside the contest's progression, which includes mouthwatering descriptions of British classics like Shrewsbury cake and ambitious French bakes such as fanchonette and vol-au-vent. As she tries to balance her judging duties with her clandestine investigation, Petra must divine the killer's motive before they dish up another helping of murder. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams