A MURDER AT BALMORAL

David George complements this poetically written alternative history set in contemporary Scotland's Balmoral Castle. Listeners spend Christmas with King Eric, his family, and longtime chef Jon Alleyane during a raging blizzard. Fears arise when the King dies after ingesting his favorite whiskey. George's spirited descriptions of food, the castle, and the winter storm are captivating. Each character is splendidly developed: Alleyane, with his gorgeous Barbados accent; the drunken queen; and the decadent brother are all striking. As murder seems likely, the lines are drawn, and most of the royals enlist open-minded Alleyane to investigate until the storm abates. One obstacle after another, ceaseless surprises, and shifting allegiances confront Alleyane, who prevails at last. Fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the royals and the gripping conclusion guarantee a wonderful listen. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]