I believe the phrase 'and now for something completely different' came from a Monty Python movie, but it would fit well here, too. How about a mystery where the Queen (yes, that Queen) solves it? Author S.J. Bennett admits that she and her family have been fans of the Royals for decades and her book The Windsor Knot is a loving tribute to them. A murder has taken place at Windsor Castle. The police are sure it's the Russians (what until you learn the 'reasoning' behind that (!)), but the Queen is not of the same opinion. Of course, she cannot openly do any investigating, but there is a wonderful staff to help with that! Charming and witty this was an absolutely delightful read. It looks to be the first in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates.

In addition to being one of the Grand Old Masters of science fiction, Isaac Asimov also wrote wonderful mysteries, including a series about the Black Widowers, a group that met monthly for dinner and a mystery or puzzle of some sort. I recently came across a collection of these: Puzzles of the Black Widowers and, while they are somewhat dated, found myself enjoying them anyway. Asimov loved word play, puns, and clues hidden in plain site all of which make for some fun stories.

Reading Hermit With Dog