Marie Benedict’s The Queens of Crime brings together five legendary female mystery writers—Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy—as they set out to solve a real-life murder. Set in 1930s London and France, the novel follows this fictionalized version of the Detection Club as they investigate the death of May Daniels, a young nurse whose body turns up months after she vanished. What begins as an effort to prove themselves equal to their male counterparts turns into a dangerous pursuit when Sayers herself becomes a target.
The historical setting is richly drawn, and Benedict’s research shines through, especially in her portrayal of these literary icons. The premise—famous crime novelists solving a mystery—had great potential, but the execution fell a bit flat. The pace was slower than expected, and despite the impressive lineup of detectives, the investigation felt like a solo effort by Sayers rather than a true group endeavor. The character development was weak, making it hard to fully connect with these brilliant women.
That said, the book does a great job evoking the feel of classic detective fiction, and fans of Golden Age mysteries will appreciate the nods to Sayers, Christie, and their peers. The novel reminded me of Maisie Dobbs, with a similar historical mystery feel. Though not as gripping as it could have been, The Queens of Crime is still an enjoyable jaunt into the past.
4 stars
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for comps of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.