Coming soon Feb 11th, 2025!

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

An all-female group of famous authors turned detective sleuths? Sign me up! This was a fun one to read. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the culprit was in this locked-room mystery.

Synopsis: London, 1930. The five greatest women crime writers have banded together to form a secret society with a single goal: to show they are no longer willing to be treated as second class citizens by their male counterparts in the legendary Detection Club. Led by the formidable Dorothy L. Sayers, the group includes Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. They call themselves the Queens of Crime. Their plan? Solve an actual murder, that of a young woman found strangled in a park in France who may have connections leading to the highest levels of the British establishment.

Inspired by a true story in Sayers’ own life, New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict brings to life the lengths to which five talented women writers will go to be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of letters as they unpuzzle a mystery torn from the pages of their own novels.

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Thank you @StMartinsPress and @NetGalley for sending an Advance Reader’s Copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Queens of Crime is about ladies of the Detection Club, in 1930 London. Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy long to be treated as equals by their male counterparts in the Detection Club, and so under the leadership of Dorothy, they decide to investigate a true crime that recently hit the headlines. May Daniels disappeared from a train station lavatory in France, while on a day trip with a good friend. Months later, her dead body is found discarded near a monument park in the same French town. Together the woman channel their mystery know how and work to solve the mystery of May's disappearance and death.
Dorothy is the narrator of the story, with the book told 100% from her perspective. For anyone familiar with the works of Sayers, or Christie, this book follows a similar formula, with the women working together to investigate the crime in a manner that their characters would in their novels. This book is enjoyable and intriguing from start to finish, but there were a few spots in the novel that felt a bit choppy in their execution, however these moments did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. The conclusion of their investigation was logical, and satisfying, with the clues throughout leading them to the May's killer.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

I received an electronic ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.
Benedict offers a different style novel that still stays in the historical fiction genre. Readers meet five women who were detective/mystery story writers in the early part of the 20th century. Dorothy L. Sayers invites the following women to be part of a Detective Club - Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. She asks their help to solve a real murder. A young English nurse disappeared and has been found murdered in France. The five embark on a real life journey to solve this murder and bring the killer(s) to justice. Though some liberties are taken with historical accuracy, the story captures the era. I appreciate the way these women stand up to their fellow male writers, the authorities, and the men who committed this crime and others. Benedict weaves the women's investigative work together with sensitivity to their real lives. A thoughtful read that lets readers join the writers to search for clues and find answers as well.

I enjoyed learning about the host of female detective writers in the 1930s. The mystery that they solve together further exemplified the inequities that women suffer in all aspects of life. Although I have read Agatha Christie novels, I did not know much about her personal life.

The legendary female mystery writers from the Golden Age of detective fiction come together to solve a real crime, in part to be taken seriously by their male contemporaries. It was so incredibly frustrating to read the blatant sexism and chauvinistic behavior of their fellow male writers. (Especially when they were more successful than a lot of the men.) I found the mystery and the unfolding of the plot to be enjoyable. The era was well researched all the way down to the clothing details which made it a great read.

Thank you to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I started reading this book full of anticipation. As a lover of the works of the main characters, I truly expected to enjoy this book, but I found it sluggish and difficult to get into. While I appreciate the message, I grew tired of the repeated, heavy handed theme about women and how they are mistreated and overlooked. Too much!! After setting the book aside for a couple of weeks,I tried again and still couldn’t get into it. I did not finish after reading 32%.

Benedict uses actual female writers as her protagonists and they solve the crime. Not only do they have to sneak around to avoid the police, but husbands as well. Set in the 1930s, the characters are well written and the story moves at a good pace. I enjoyed the book. It was a good mystery and kept me guessing.

Enjoyable, albeit a bit predictable, mystery romp with bygone well-known female mystery writers. Nicely paced.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie are recognized by fellow mystery writers, mostly men, in 1931. In an effort to raise awareness of these men to other female authors, Baroness Emma Orczy, Ngaio Marsh and Margery Allingham, Dorothy forms a “Queens of Crime.” To advance the group’s reputation, she finds an unsolved murder of a young woman to solve on their own. Using individual skills found in the characters they have created, they are not all in agreement at times, but their loyalty to one another is evident. Marie Benedict showcases the idiosyncrasies of each of the Queens. Told through the eyes of Dorothy, we learn her secrets as she ponders those of her allies. Each character is unique and their teamwork drives the storyline. Another enjoyable experience from Marie Benedict.

An enjoyable story based on the five famous female mystery writers including Agatha Christie. This novel features Dorothy Sayers as lead character, pulling the together these female writers to storm the male dominated field of writing. Can women write mysteries as good as men? Can women solve mysteries better than those men paid to solve it? Can these ladies who are competing against one another in the literary world be friends? As I enjoy all of Marie Benedict's novels, I enjoyed this one too! I'm looking forward to the release of book club materials on her website.

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Queens of Crime
Author: Marie Benedict
Mystery?

Thank you so much Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC! I really enjoyed it! This book takes us back to 1930 London, featuring Agatha Christie and her four other female writer friends that band together to create “The Queens of Crime”. A young woman was found strangled in a park; and they take it upon themselves to solve the case! I really enjoyed it and all of the characters. It was twisty, and keeps you on your toes. I loved the setting of 1930 London. Historical fiction isn’t usually for me, but I guess when it’s in thriller / mystery form I love it! If you want something unique, please check out this book! It releases 2/11/2025! 🕵🏻‍♀️🔎

The Queens of Crime was inspired by the life of Dorothy Sayers, a well known detective fiction writer and a founding member of the Detection Club (along with Agatha Christie and Anthony Berkeley).
The year is 1931. Sayers and Christie, and three other women members of the Detection Club (the Queens of Crime), investigate the ‘locked door’ murder mystery of May Daniels. The women develop a time line, talk to witnesses and follow clues just like the characters in their own detective novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the lives of these strong, intelligent, witty ‘Queens’ and how they came together to solve a highly publicized murder. Benedict also gives the reader a peek into their personal lives.
Any historical fiction and/or mystery lover will enjoy this novel! Releases February 11th, 2025.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Marie Benedict’s The Queens of Crime is a captivating historical fiction novel that brings together some of the most iconic female mystery writers of the early 20th century in a thrilling and imaginative narrative. Set in 1930s London, the story revolves around a secret society formed by five legendary women crime writers: Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. Their mission? To solve a real-life murder and prove their mettle in a male-dominated literary world.

The novel begins with the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of May Daniels, a young English nurse whose body is discovered in a park in France. The crime scene is perplexing, with elements reminiscent of a classic locked-room mystery. Determined to solve the case, the Queens of Crime embark on their own investigation, uncovering clues that lead them into the highest echelons of British society.

Benedict’s portrayal of these historical figures is both respectful and richly detailed. Dorothy L. Sayers, the de facto leader of the group, is depicted with a blend of intellectual rigor and personal vulnerability. Agatha Christie, with her keen observational skills, provides sharp insights that propel the investigation forward. Each character is given a distinct voice and personality, making their interactions both believable and engaging.

The narrative is expertly paced, with Benedict weaving historical facts seamlessly into the fictional plot. The tension builds as the Queens of Crime get closer to the truth, only to find themselves targeted by the killer. The stakes are raised when Dorothy Sayers’ own dark secret is threatened to be exposed, adding a personal dimension to the unfolding drama.

This novel explores the challenges faced by women writers during this era. Benedict highlights the camaraderie and resilience of these women as they navigate the prejudices and obstacles of their time. This novel is not only a gripping mystery but also a tribute to the pioneering spirit of these literary giants.

The Queens of Crime is a delightful and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and classic mysteries alike. Marie Benedict has crafted a story that is entertaining and enlightening, celebrating the legacy of some of the greatest women writers in the genre. This novel is a testament to the power of friendship, determination, and the enduring appeal of a well-told mystery.

If you love the classic mysteries, the book was written for you! Marie Benedict has used real facts within this novel to keep the story so interesting. Take 5 female mystery authors and place them in the middle of a "real life" mystery and watch them use their skills to make sure it gets solved correctly, and that the young woman's life is not dragged down through false accusations. Reading a Marie Benedict novel results in more research by me to find out more about her protagonist (s). Continued learning for life.

3.75 stars

A bit of a new premise: five classic female mystery authors, irked by the casual sexism of their male peers, decide to solve an actual crime to prove their credibility. The author clearly researched Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Emma Orczy and includes many details from their lives and books.

What we know of their personalities is well reflected in the narrative, and the interaction among the five is nicely done. The women are looking into the disappearance of a young nurse, whose body is later discovered. This takes them to two countries and into the world of the theater. The authors differ in age and social class and they use their differences to help solve the case when interviewing suspects, police and witnesses.

The mystery is well-plotted but their collaboration in detection and logical processes is what's really interesting. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Marie Benedict gives us another meticulously researched historical fiction. This time, the focus is on five of my favorite female mystery authors! If only I could join their Detection Club and be a Queen with them.

The personalities of each author shines through, as does their lens by which they try to solve a missing person's case. The clues are uncovered slowly, building a case, with skillful misdirection and red herrings.

I felt like I was in a Golden Age mystery!

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict is just the kind of book that you want to finish to see what happens but don't want the story to end.
It's 1931, London, England and five real life female mystery writers: Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Baroness Emma Orczy, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham (The Queens of Crime), form an organization called the Detection Club and support one another in a male-dominated profession of writers. They nicknamed themselves The Queens of Crime.
The Queens realize they can really further their cause by collecting evidence to solve a real life murder of
May Daniels, an English, nurse murdered in Boulogne-sur-Mer while on a French shopping daytrip with a female friend.
I found myself trying to stay a step ahead of them only to be thrown off track. I really enjoyed this book.
The author's character development is incredible and her historical research
impeccable. I loved the characters and the mystery in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

THE QUEENS OF CRIME by Marie Benedict

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC eGalley — pub. date February 11, 2025

A historical fiction book that is well written and researched of a group of strong women, by Marie Benedict. Five great women crime authors come together to form a secret society to show their male counterparts of the legendary Detection Club that they will not be treated as second class citizens. Writer, Dorothy L. Sayers is the leader of this club with writers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. They call themselves the Queens of Crime. They decide to solve a murder of a young woman that was strangled in France and bring the culprit or culprits to justice.

I had never heard of this Detection Club, formed by a group of British mystery writers in 1930. This club still exists today. I thought the author skillfully wove the personalities and working relationships the crime writers had into this story. I appreciate how Marie Benedict writes about strong women and matters concerning them; usually something I’m not familiar with. I did think this was unlike some of her other books I’ve read. Written more like a cozy mystery read. A perfect read for a February 11th pub date, with a cup of tea and snuggled up in a blanket by the fire.

My copy of The Queens of Crime is a digital advanced copy, and doesn’t come with notes from Benedict on how much of this book is based on real life events, and I sorely wish it did. The book is about five female mystery writers in the early thirties partnering up to solve a murder, and prove they should be just as respected as their male colleagues. The story is narrated by Dorothy Sayers, and also features the very well known Agatha Christie and lesser known Emma Orczy, Ngaio Marsh and Margery Allingham. The women find their gender to both their benefit and their disadvantage as they try to find justice for May Daniels, a young nurse that disappeared in Bourgogne, France and whose body was later found. The book periodically strays off course from the main plot, likely to provide historical details and show the relationships of women with each other when they’re used to living in a world of men. Some of these moments work better than others. The mystery itself tends to unfold in a slower, more plodding way without the cleverness of a real Christie novel, but still works. I like how it shows how women struggled to be taken seriously, but I wish that the story itself felt more complex than it does. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The quintessential Queens of Crime authors, Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Baroness Emma Orczy, Margery Allingham and Ngaio Marsh, jump from the pages of their mystery novels to solving a crime in real life in London, 1931. This story, inspired by events in Dorothy's life, was compelling and page turning. At one of the meetings of the Detection club, Dorothy and Agatha selected the cleverest women mystery writers to form a club within the club and they became fast friends as they were drawn to solving the death of nurse May Daniels. The novel shares how the women used their problem solving skills and writing processes to gather evidence, eliminate 'red herrings,' draw out the possible suspects, and come to a satisfying end of the story.
As a huge Marie Benedict fan, this latest novel did not disappoint. I found the characters engaging, the mystery intriguing, and the writing entertaining. If you are looking for a charming mystery, I highly recommend this new book!

#TheQueensofCrime #NetGalley #historicalfiction
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.