Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosanne Limoncelli for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Four Queens of Crime coming out March 11, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’m obsessed with Agatha Christie novels, so I was really excited to check out this book. I don’t know the other three authors as well, but it was cool that the book featured them. The DCIs were good, but I think I would’ve just preferred the four women solving the case with generic police involvement. I thought it was a fast paced novel though. I loved it! I would read more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys classic whodunits!

This book had a nice twist, instead of writing imaginary murders, they get together to solve a real one. Each of the authors had quite a distinct voice and opinions and this kept it fresh and interesting.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
4 out of 5
Should appeal to fans of classic crime fiction like Christie and Sayers, and fans of historical cozies.
I'm sometimes not a fan of fiction using 'real' people as main characters, but I really enjoyed this book. The author not only puts Christie, Sayers, Marsh and Allingham right into a murder mystery, but adds DCI Wyles, another important woman in crime solving to the mix.
The actual murder and the family drama are pretty stock for a 'country house mystery' type of crime, but the perspective is fresh, and the compressed timeline (à la '24') moved the story along.
I liked that the narrative was driven by multiple POVs, as I felt it added realism, rather than just picking one 'narrator' and distancing the reader from the story.
I don't think anyone will be surprised by the ending, but I loved spending time with the characters, and the author wrote in a style that complemented the era and the setting.
I'd certainly recommend this for a book club looking at women crime writers.

will post online closer to publication date

///// English /////

*Disclaimer: I had received a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 7,5/10 – 3,75 stars out of 5
Genre: thriller, crime

A mystery involving four of today's most important female crime writers. Will they be as good detectives as their own protagonists?

In this book, we find a charity meeting in which the four most famous writers of the moment (Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh and Margery Allingham) decide to take part. But death follows them, in their books... and now in their lives. They will have to face a murder alongside our protagonist, Lilian Wyles.

The main character has a lot of potential for a saga as she is the perfect detective with her own point of view. She has strength, instinct and knows what to do to get results.

I loved the inclusion of the authors as characters, giving them their own personalities and even including references to their books and their personal lives, tastes and lifestyles.

It's very dynamic and there's always something happening. I guessed who the killer was, but I had my doubts about another character in particular because certain absences are not fully explained.

I liked it a lot, although I feel that it was left a bit hanging, that it lacked some details to develop it further. But I also think that the maxim 'less is more' worked wonderfully for it.





///// Español /////

*Aviso: Recibí un eARC gratuito a cambio de una revisión honesta.

Calificación: 7,5 / 10 – 3,75 estrellas de 5
Género: policíaco, crimen

Una muerte junto a las cuatro escritoras de misterios policíacos más relevantes del momento. ¿Serán tan buenas detectives como sus propios protagonistas?

En este libro nos encontramos con una reunión benéfica en la que las cuatro escritoras más conocidas del momento (Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh y Margery Allingham) deciden participar. Sin embargo, la muerte les sigue, en sus libros… y ahora en su vida. Se tendrán que enfrentar a un asesinato junto a nuestra protagonista, Lilian Wyles.

El personaje principal tiene mucho potencial para una saga, pues es la perfecta detective con su propio punto de vista. Tiene poder, instinto y sabe qué tiene que hacer para lograr resultados.

Me ha encantado el hecho de incluir a las autoras como personajes, dándoles su propia personalidad a cada una e, incluso, incluyendo referencias a sus libros y a sus vidas privadas, a sus preferencias y a sus formas de vida.

Es muy dinámico y siempre están pasando cosas. Sí adiviné quién era el personaje asesino, pero me quedaron dudas con respecto a otro en concreto porque no terminan de explicarse ciertas ausencias.

Me ha gustado mucho, si bien siento que se quedó un poco en el aire, que le faltó algún detalle para desarrollarlo más. Pero también creo que la máxima “menos es más” le ha sentado maravillosamente.

This was an enjoyable historical cozy mystery featuring 4 female mystery writers who were actively writing during this time period. Their interactions and work to solve the murder were entertaining. I really enjoyed this book!

A highly enjoyable locked room mystery! I really enjoyed meeting these "queens of crime"! As well as the distinct writing style, the characters are rendered with real personality – clearly the author is an absolute expert in the area of murder mystery writing. I'll be recommending this to friends ad family, as well as throughout my social channels. Thoroughly enjoyable, very classic.

A classic murder with our four queens of mystery Christie, Sayers, Allingham and Marsh. We are set right before the beginning of World War II, placed within the British aristocracy.
All the things we love in a golden age murder mystery are present in this. We are in an English Manor house, we have red herrings along with unexpected twists and turns to keep us guessing up until the final dinner. It felt at times like it was a bit dense in places where I found myself wanting more to happen. But overall it was a fun time.

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

It seems like the Queens of Crime are a popular subject lately, but I was pleasantly surprised by this debut! It felt fresh and not derivative at all. I really enjoyed the shifting perspectives juxtaposed against the classic "locked room" setup. I also really enjoyed the detectives as characters; and it was refreshing to see a detective that's actually interested in the amateurs' sleuthing. I hope to read more about DCI Wyles and hope she has continued adventures.

Debut author Rosanne Limoncelli writes a classic-style mystery featuring the four real-life "Queens of Crime" from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction--Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham. In 1938 London, all four have agreed to host a high-society benefit at the estate of Sr. Henry Heathcote to attract donors to an organization that aims to help Britain prepare for an inevitable war with Germany. And when, on the morning after the big event, Sir Henry is found murdered in mysterious circumstances, they can't help trying to work together to identify the murderer. That's fine with DCI Lillian Wyles, but her partner in the investigation, Scotland Yard's Richard Davidson, is reluctant to involve anyone outside of law enforcement.

I enjoyed the opportunity to "get to know" the Queens of Crime better, as they have some lively discussions about each one's style and how their writing differs. Their individual personalities are also distinctly imagined. As for the mystery, has Sr. Henry done something to bring about his untimely death? The suspects, of course, are plentiful, including quite a few from the extended Heathcote family and others who attended the gala.

Classic mystery tropes such as an English country house murder, hints of unexpected romance, lots of red herrings, and a final "reveal" over dinner are in evidence. It's a fun read.

My thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

I enjoyed the premise of this book, gathering the four most influential female mystery writers from the Golden Age of Crime Fiction, and once a murder is committed, bringing in Lilian Wyles, one of the first women chief inspectors in the police force. However, I didn't feel like it quite lived up to its premise. I wish Limoncelli had settled into the viewpoint of one of the characters instead of jumping around. Also, I would have liked to see Dorothy Sayers' faith playing some sort of role in her response to the murder. She actually felt like the least well-developed of the four writers. In spite of these complaints, I still did enjoy the mystery.

I was so surprised when I found this title. (Because I'm a huge fan of Agatha Christie and this is an historical mystery that I hope she would be proud to be part of) I'm not so familiarize with the lives of Dorothy, Ngaoi and Margery but it was a blast the beginning. I had the time of my life reading this queens gossiping. And the is the mistery in a big country house just like this authors happens to write.

I was a fan of seeing this personalities interact with a female detective.

This is a book that has a slow pace but it's so comfy to read that I loved it. It has a classic mistery signature on it and I like that mixing of facts and fiction.

Thanks netgalley for the arc

The year is 1938 in London. The four queens of British crime fiction, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, are hosting a gala to raise money for the Women's Voluntary Service to help Britain prepare for war. The event took place at the Hursley house, which was the property of the family of the baronet Sir Henry Heathcote. It was a huge success and ended uneventfully, with minor inconveniences here and there but nothing serious. Until the next morning, when the dead body of Sir Henry was found in the library.
Detective Chief Inspector Lilian Wyles and Richard Davidson are leading the investigation. Everyone is a possible perpetrator. The four Queens are helping the investigation with their brilliant minds and watchfulness. Was this a crime of revenge, freedom from oppression, a crime of passion, for money or property? Will they manage to find the murderer responsible for this homicide?
I loved the author's style of writing, which reminded me of old criminal books (the style of The Four Queens). Moreover, I loved the idea of the author incorporating four well-known authors into the story, which makes it authentic as it really happened. The story reminds us of historical events and how people followed the strongest of the day. In my opinion, the book deserves to be read.

In 1938, the four "Queens of Crime", Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, agree to host a gala to raise money for the Women's Voluntary Service, knowing the money raised will help Britain prepare for war. Baronet Sir Henry Heathcote offers his home, Hursley House, for the event, and the monied and influential people of London attend. Although the authors notice a few problems, most situations involving Sir Henry, the event is a success. However, the next morning, a maid finds Sir Henry murdered in his library. DCI Lilian Wyles, the first woman Detective Chief Inspector in the CID, is sent to Hursley House, along with DCI Richard Davidson. While Davidson is deferential to those of high status, Wyles wants to involve the mystery authors, knowing they are keen witnesses. When Margery Allingham loses valuable papers after someone hits her over the head in the library, Wyles and the authors know they're on the right track.

The inclusion of real people (the authors, DCI Wyles), adds to the enjoyment of this debut traditional mystery. Agatha Christie and Rhys Bowen fans will appreciate the details of the gala and the pre-war intrigue.

Awkward pacing and an overstuffed cast take away some of the novelty of this first novel but there's still enough charm and loving warmth to make it a notable series debut, and a love letter to the Queens of Crime themselves.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Four Queens of Crime: A Mystery by Rosanne Limoncelli is a captivating debut that seamlessly blends historical fiction with classic whodunit elements. Set in 1938 London, the novel introduces us to DCI Lilian Wyles, the first woman detective chief inspector in the CID, who is tasked with solving the murder of Sir Henry Heathcote during a high-profile gala.

What makes this book particularly intriguing is the involvement of the “four queens of crime”—Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham. These legendary authors are not just background figures; they actively assist DCI Wyles in unraveling the mystery. This clever narrative device adds a layer of meta-fictional charm, as readers get to see these iconic writers in a new light, contributing their unique perspectives and skills to the investigation.

Limoncelli’s portrayal of the era is rich and immersive, capturing the pre-war tension and the societal dynamics of the time. The setting of Hursley House, with its grandeur and hidden secrets, provides the perfect backdrop for a classic murder mystery. The author’s attention to detail in describing the gala, the guests, and the subsequent investigation creates a vivid and engaging atmosphere.

The character development is another strong point of the novel. DCI Lilian Wyles is a compelling protagonist, balancing her groundbreaking role in a male-dominated field with her sharp intellect and determination. The supporting cast, including the four queens of crime and the various suspects, are well-drawn and add depth to the story.

The plot is intricately woven, with plenty of red herrings and twists to keep readers guessing. Limoncelli skillfully manages the multiple narrative threads, ensuring that each character’s involvement feels organic and essential to the resolution of the mystery.

The Four Queens of Crime is a delightful read for fans of historical mysteries and classic detective fiction. Rosanne Limoncelli has crafted a novel that pays homage to the greats of the genre while offering a fresh and engaging story. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of historical flair.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for this ARC. An ok read, longer than expected, wasn't a twist at the end, which i had expected with the four queens of crime as the main characters.

3.5 ⭐️ A funny and cozy mystery, something that I usually wouldn’t go for but really enjoyed. Very well written with brilliant characters (fictional and non fictional).
A truly brilliant book

okay this was so much fun!! i haven't read anything by this author before and I certainly would continue with next reads from them. i really loved the writing and story plot. it was an overall quick and fun read with not too much meaning. just a really fun time!

writers, family-drama, family-dynamics, famous-author, famous-persons, historical-figures, historical-mystery, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, poisons, local-law-enforcement, detective, Scotland-yard, locked-room-mystery, unpleasant-victims, England*****

The Grande Dames of mystery fiction are brought together for a fundraiser at the home of a business mogul/baronet shortly before England's entry into the war with Hitler. Then came the murder with poison in a locked room followed by investigations by both law enforcement and the celebrated mystery writers. The pace reminded me of Slow TV in Norway, but there were so many suspects and sneaky details that it was warranted. And that twist near the end was EPIC!
I appreciated the extra info regarding the very real historical Home Secretary and the women in law enforcement and the Foreign Office. Saved me the usual verification process.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
Avail Mar 11 2025

This was a fun cozy mystery taking place in the 1930’s leading up to WWII. It is set in the quaint English countryside where a member of the aristocracy is murdered, and everyone seems to have a motive for wanting him gone. On the scene are the four queens of crime, the most well-known mystery writers of the day. With their help, Scotland Yard, featuring an early female detective, must solve the murder.

This was definitely what I would consider a slow read, it took me a long time to get into and didn’t really pick up until the last third of the book. Despite featuring the four queens of crime, they didn’t seem to play a large role in the case. However, I did enjoy that the author kept it about the main female detective Wyles and allowed her to remain in the spotlight. We get a lot of different perspectives and I did enjoy getting the different characters’ views, but there were so many characters involved that it can be overwhelming at times, especially when a lot of the names start with the same letters.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a character driven novel, cozy mysteries, or loves reading about the four queens of crime!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Publishing for this early copy! #NetGalley