I absolutely love Marie Benedict’s books. Her Hidden Genius that book was heart wrenching and phenomenal. I swear this author could write an encyclopedia and I would read it!!! The Queens of Crime is another great addition to Marie Benedict’s esteemed words.

Women are still fighting for recognition in the early 1930s. The goal of these five amazing crime writers is to be seen as equals to their male counterparts. In order to prove themselves to the men, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham, Baroness Emma Orczy, and Ngaio Marsh establish their own club and resolve to solve a real-life crime. The body of May Daniels, a young nurse, was found after she vanished in France many months ago. They collaborate to solve this case by applying all of their studies and understanding of crime fiction. The Queens of Crime possessed great strength. Nothing prevented them from obtaining justice and the truth for this unfortunate woman. It was occasionally humorous, occasionally depressing. I lost myself in the narrative. Now I have to borrow books from the other women.

Review will be posted on 2/11/25

Dorothy Sayers, a crime writer, has banded together with other phenomenal mystery writers of her time: Agatha Christie, Baroness Emma Orczy, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham. They want to prove to their male counterparts that they have what it takes, which was a difficult feat in the 1930s when women were treated much differently than they are today. What better way to gain some respect than solving a real-life crime? May Daniels, a nurse, disappeared after a day drip and her body was found by a local farmer; she appears to have been attacked and strangled. The French police did a shoddy job of investigating and even implied she wasn't worth their time as she was a drug addict. So, the ladies leave London for France and they are determined to solve this case. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy The Queens of Crime, an immersive who-done-it from Marie Benedict.

I have read several books about Agatha Christie, so I was excited to dive into The Queens of Crime. This novel is presented from Dorothy Sayers's perspective, which was a refreshing approach, especially since Christie has been the focus of numerous recent novels, including Benedict's previous work, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie. I really enjoyed how Benedict incorporated the sleuthing aspect into the story, and I appreciated the novel's feminist twist. It’s worth mentioning that this novel is based on a true event, which definitely enhanced my enjoyment.

As the ladies figure out who killed May, it looks like all the clues point to a particular person in May's life, but if you have ever read a Christie novel, things are never what they initially appear. I think Benedict did a good job bringing characteristics of a classic mystery novels to the forefront in The Queens of Crime. Who doesn't love a bunch of strong women really showing the patriarchy what they are capable of? I recommend this one to fans of historical mysteries and Benedict's previous novels.

Have you read The Queens of Crime? Is it on your TBR list? Are you a fan of Marie Benedict? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Posted to Goodreads: 2/10/2025

This book was a great read. Although the book has some comedic and lighthearted parts, it also portrays the struggles of women and the cruelties that were commonplace in the 1930s. The story follows five famous crime novelists, who have decided that they are going to solve a real mystery over the disappearance and death of a young nurse to secure more accepted roles in the Detection Club as women. Since all the women are writers, you see them use their skills for mystery, but also grow as writers, realizing that very real emotions are attached to finding the truth. Overall, I thought this was a very powerful book, that was both entertaining and eye-opening. I was given the opportunity to review this book through NetGalley, and hope it finds other readers that will enjoy it as much as I did.

Writing wasn’t tight and the plot failed to hold my interest several chapters in. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, DNF.

Blending fact and fiction, in The Queens of Crime, Marie Benedict imagines a collaboration between five of the greatest women mystery writers of the Golden Age—Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. Frustrated by the exclusion of several female writers from the male-dominated Detection Club, the so-called Queens of Crime form a secret society with one goal: solving a real murder. When a young Englishwoman is found strangled in a French park under puzzling circumstances, Sayers encourages the other women to investigate the case, only to find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of secrets. As they close in on the truth, the killer threatens to expose a secret from Sayers’ past—one she would do anything to keep hidden.

While the novel is an excellent period piece that examines the plight of the "surplus women" of the inter-war period, I did not find that the book especially deepened my understanding of Sayers as a woman or writer. Perhaps as an artifact of her previous novel, I honestly felt I had a better sense of Agatha and her relationship with her sister Madge than I did of Dorothy. She was a complex and interesting woman, and I think that Benedict missed an opportunity to plumb some of her depths.

In short, The Queens of Crime was a fun Golden Age mystery novel that imagined five female writers getting to play the role of actual sleuths. The crime discussed in the book was a real case that Sayers examined, but Benedict provides a conclusion that history has not. While I enjoyed the setting and the sleuthing, I found Sayers lacking as a main character due to missed opportunities to examine her inner life.

"Queens" gathers together my favorite vintage authors to establish their place in the newly established Detection Club. In the process they will strengthen their friendships and solve a actual murder.

Marie Benedict brings each of the individual authors to vivid life. For me, the murder mystery was secondary to the details of their lives.

This was a delightful historical novel.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Marie Benedict, famous for her recreations of historical characters and her fictionalizing of their lives, narrates The Queens of Crime in the voice of Dorothy Sayers. As the cliché goes, she “had me at hello.” I've loved Sayers since I was a young woman (and that was a while ago) and have reread her novels and stories more than once. But everyone who comes to the “crime club” that Sayers creates with Agatha Christie is someone dear to my heart.

Though I came to this novel late, I found myself almost wanting to slow down my reading so I could live among these women a little bit longer. I find myself with a sudden urge to reread everything ever written by Sayers, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh and Agatha Christie.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of evidence that the five really formed a club within the Detection Club, or that they ever attempted to solve a real murder. In fact, there were other women in the Club from its earliest days (though none so famous)and the Club was considered quite inclusive for its time. But Benedict has skillfully crafted her offering in such a way that you want to believe that these five went out on a adventure together.

Marie Benedict already has a substantial following from her earlier novelized histories. But I have no doubt that The Queens of Crime will bring her a new spate of fans who love mysteries and historical speculation. I will be one.

The Queens of Crime are Dorothy Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey), Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot), Ngiao Marsh (Roderick Allyn), Baroness Emma Orczy (Scarlet Pimpernel) and Margery Allingham (Albert Campion). Dorothy Sayers takes the lead as the main character in London 1930 where these five authors will band together to solve a crime and get recognition by the mostly men’s authors Detection Club for mystery writers. There is much tea drinking, theories, author banter, red herrings, and a depiction of the attitudes towards women who dare to write and solve crimes in this era. No doubt fans of these real authors and this period will enjoy their progress. But the book bordered on a cozy-like Masterpiece Theater production (which may be a good idea for it). Looking forward to that since the book was not for me. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict is a great historical fiction. Well written and rich in details, this is perfect for book lovers and historical lovers alike.
An interesting murder mystery.

Marie Benedict’s The Queens of Crime brings together five legendary female crime writers of the 1930s, including Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, in a clever historical mystery. The novel follows these literary icons as they team up to solve a real-life crime, using their deductive skills not only to seek justice but also to challenge the male-dominated literary world that often overlooked their contributions. Benedict blends fact and fiction well, offering an engaging story line that highlights the brilliance of these women while shedding light on the gender inequalities they faced.

While the story line is intriguing, The Queens of Crime doesn’t quite reach the depth and richness of Benedict’s previous works like The Personal Librarian and Lady Clementine. The novel is , however, entertaining and provides fascinating historical insights. Still, for fans of classic crime/historical fiction, definitely worth the read.

The Queen of Crimes, Marie Benedict's latest book, combines her love of historical fiction with a locked room mystery. I loved reading about crime writing in the 30"s with some of the most famous women mystery writers of that time, especially Agatha Christie. The other writers are Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. They are part of a Detection Club, but are not appreciated by the men members of the club so they decide to solve the crime of a murder of a young English nurse in France.

I loved reading about these five women solving a crime like their detectives in the their books and build a friendship. It was so interesting to read about the crime writing in the 30's from a woman's point of view.

This book was a quick read with relatively short chapters. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this ARC and give an honest review.

A cozy murder mystery based on real events!

Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie and other renowned female crime writers band together to solve the murder of a young woman in hopes to gain the respect of their male counterparts.

Set in the 1930s in London and southern France, the story weaves a colorful tapestry of historical events and rich character development.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Will post review on or close to the publication date.

Every time I pick up a new Marie Benedict novel, I know that I’m going to be taking a meticulously researched, expertly crafted historical adventure, and Queens of Crime is the latest. All I can really say is…wow. I loved spending time with the queens of mystery, including learning more about those that I haven’t had as much exposure to, like Baroness Emma Orczy, Margery Allingham, and Ngaio Marsh. This is a must-read for all mystery lovers!

Benedict, whose previous books have brought the lesser known stories of remarkably accomplished women to the fore (e.g., Belle de Costa Greene, Hedy Lamarr’s scientific accomplishments), here convenes five prominent mystery novelists from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction—Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Marjorie Allingham, Ngaio Marsh, and Emma Orczy. She dubs them the Queens of Crime (though that band more typically comprises Christie, Sayers, Allingham and Josephine Tey) and sets them in motion through a slight from the male members of the Detection Club formed by Sayers, Christie, Orczy, and G.K. Chesterton among others. Bristling at the male members’ attempt to limit the number of women members, Sayers hatches a scheme to prove their worth: bringing the five women together to solve a locked room mystery related to the disappearance and murder of a young English nurse in France.

Biographical details of the authors appear throughout the book, giving a good sense of who they were as individuals. I learned some things I did not know about Sayers, and I had known nothing about Orczy, of Scarlet Pimpernel fame. And I learned what a Ner-a-Car was. The plot requires some suspension of disbelief, including at the start, when Sayers concocts a mini locked-room murder scene (in which she plays the role of the corpse) to see whether the women can be sufficiently collaborative to take on the real thing. The book could also have used another round of editing; there is much repetition (like reintroducing Christie’s Hercule Poirot about 10 times, as if the reader didn’t already know who he was or had forgotten since he was mentioned several pages back) and wordy and earnest dialogue that seems stilted and unlikely. I don't recall Benedict's other books having this issue. In the end, the women, of course, get their man (or men, as it turns out) and their place in the club. Queens of Crime is, at its heart, about avenging underestimated, mistreated, and ignored women—and as “revenge of the surplus woman” in particular. It is inventive, engaging, occasionally edifying, and ultimately, gratifying.

The Queens of Crime is just marvelous! Marie Benedict has written a brilliant combination of historical fiction, centered on the Golden age of detective fiction and the five most prominate female writers of that time, and an intricate and puzzling locked room murder mystery. The book is narrated by Dorothy L. Sayers, who was a founder of the Detection Club whose members consisted of the most famous mystery writers of that time. The 5 female members of the club, however, felt that they were not taken seriously, despite bestselling crime novels. They decide to solve the locked room mystery of the disappearance and murder of a young nurse. Dorothy, along with Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy embark on a quest that becomes fraught with danger for them all. As their investigation proceeds, they all realize they must find justice for the young nurse, May Daniels. Throughout the book, the personalities and histories of the 5 writers also take prominence in the story and combine to highlight the difficulties women faced at that time. Working women were frowned upon. Those with the misfortune of bearing children out of wedlock were ostracized, if found out, along with their children. Learning about the lives of the 5 authors (I have read many of the books they have written) was completely fascinating for me. Above all, though, this is an absolutely exciting mystery with plot twists throughout, as well as a well-researched, fascinating historical fiction. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

In London in 1930, five great women mystery writers come together to join the male dominated Detection Club Society. In order to be taken seriously, they decide to try and solve an actual murder case. Months before, a young nurse had gone missing and her body has just been discovered, and the police are quick to assume it’s a drug deal gone wrong. The leader of the “Queens” - Dorothy Sayers, gathers her other queens and sets about solving the murder. At first it’s just to prove their worth as mystery writers to the snooty males in the Society, but it quickly turns in to seeking justice for the murdered girl.

This book is very different from the usual ones this author writes, but I enjoyed it. It helps that it’s told from the POV from Dorothy, but the author does a great job of “getting in the heads”of the other writers in the group - I especially enjoyed the banter and friendship between Dorothy and Agatha Christie. Pub date 2/11/25 - highly recommend! Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and St Martin’s Press for a digital ARC of this book to read and review.

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict is a gripping historical fiction novel that blends a real-life mystery with the power of female solidarity. Set in 1930 London, the story revolves around five iconic crime writers—Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy—who form a secret society, determined to prove themselves in the male-dominated world of detective fiction. When a young woman is found murdered in France under mysterious circumstances, the Queens of Crime take it upon themselves to solve the case, even as the killer begins to target them.

Benedict skillfully intertwines the personal struggles of these women, particularly Sayers, with the murder investigation, creating a rich, compelling narrative. The detailed exploration of the relationships between these literary giants and their quest to be taken seriously was a highlight of the story. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of twists to keep readers on the edge of their seat. However, the pacing can feel a bit slow at times, especially in the middle of the book.

Overall, The Queens of Crime is a fantastic tribute to these pioneering women, filled with intrigue, suspense, and a deep look at the power of friendship and collaboration in the face of adversity. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction, mysteries, and strong female protagonists!

The Queens of Crime combines Benedict's trademark, top-notch historical/biographical fiction with a strong "locked room" mystery.
After being snubbed by the men of legendary The Detection Club, the Queens of Crime (Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy) set out to prove their prowess by solving a real-life murder. Dorothy uses her journalist husband's connections to get them whatever information the French police have gathered after the body of May Daniels, a young English nurse, is found in a park in Boulogne in the spring of 1931, six months after she disappeared from the ladies room at the local train station. As the women begin their own investigation, they make discoveries the police have either missed or discounted, being disinclined to put weight on information provided by women, especially if it contradicts their own preconceived notions. The attitude of the Queens of Crime evolves during the course of their investigation: what starts as an academic exercise to show the men how smart and capable they are becomes a more personal crusade as they learn more about May. The story is told from the perspective of Dorothy Sayers, providing insights into her life as well as May's and generally how women were regarded in this era. The characters were well developed and I thought the pacing of the story was good. The mystery was complex enough that I figured out some, but not all, of the solution before all was revealed which is, in my opinion, the perfect balance.

A good mystery suspense with the mystery writers like Agatha Christie and others try to solve a missing person case or is it murder.
Voluntarily reviewed

Marie Benedict delivers again, and this may just be my favorite novel of hers to date! Intrigue, female empowerment, and justice mix with remarkable character development to create Benedict's latest historical fiction, "The Queens of Crime."

The novel is centered around author Dorothy L Sayers, who bands together with four other famous female crime writers to solve a real-life mystery. A young woman was found strangled in a local park, and the police seem quick to dismiss the case. The five detectives, nicknamed The Queens of Crime, decide that getting to the bottom of the murder will help build their credibility among male mystery authors. While Benedict embellished many fictional details (including the culprit of the crime), the story is based on a true event.

Bessie Carter did exceptionally well on narration. She moves seamlessly between accents, and the combination of her narration skills and Benedict's writing style convincingly immersed me in another era. Fans of historical fiction and classic mysteries are likely to enjoy this book, especially if they have read works by the five authors and would love to see their more "real-life" side.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Marie Benedict for an advance copy for honest review.