Death at Buckingham Palace: Her Majesty Investigates

When Jane Bee ends up at her aunt's in London, having exhausted her money while traveling through Europe, she's not sure what she'll do next. She hadn't thought it would be as housemaid in the Royal Palace. Polishing the china and sweeping the floors-however royal-isn't much fun, but Jane likes the people and even talks to the Queen, who enlists her help when a footman apparently commits suicide in the Royal Apartments. Of course, it's not quite so simple. Devoted fans of Buckingham Palace may find this amusing, but as a mystery, it's a disappointment. Jane is a rather obvious sleuth, and the Royal revelations she uncovers aren't as scandalous as the real thing. And Jane, as the first-person narrator, becomes annoying, with cutesy comments like ""Mother, of course, that is to say, the Queen, is still doing the queen thing: signing legislation, opening Parliament, entertaining Heads of State."" (Apr.)