Benjamin Dean (1)

This was a solid, if a bit simple mystery.
A few notes here and there, some cameras that are suspiciously turned off and a list of possible subjects couldn't turn this into a true suspenseful book, but it was enjoyable to read.
The romance was allright, though it was a bit of a stretch how James considered Jonathan a traitor that easily. James gets some cute scenes with both the love interests for me to believe he likes them. I liked the little gestures and conversations in their interactions, but I didn't love either of his crushes.

What turned this book from average to good was the way James's world was written. People of colour and especially black people are held to such impossible standards, it creeps into their comfort zone. (Obligatory red white and blue comparison: we're told a lot of times Alex and June are mixed latinx, but this book had a lot of showing the grim reality of a public profile, instead of just telling.)
James is confronted with racist people at every turn, following his every step. The walls of Buckingham palace don't protect him from leaks or a terrible aunt, yet they are the only thing shielding him from what is outside, which is worse.
The atmosphere of this book felt constricting in a way I think every person of colour can recognise. The fear of impending judgement, anger and pressure to be good enough were written very well. That alone is worthy of a suspense novel on its own.… (mehr)