The Queens of Crime – Marie Benedict

The Queens of Crime introduces readers to 1930s London, where five legendary female mystery writers—Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy—form a secret alliance. Tired of being sidelined by their male peers in the Detection Club, they set out to prove their prowess by solving a real-life murder. When a young nurse vanishes during a trip to France and is later found strangled, the case becomes a labyrinth of clues: a bloodstained crime scene, a cryptic love letter, and a body that seemingly disappeared from a crowded train station.

The novel weaves their collaborative investigation with rich historical detail, drawing inspiration from Dorothy L. Sayers’ own life. As the women unravel the mystery, they confront societal biases and personal secrets, including a threat to Sayers herself that could expose her hidden past. Marie Benedict masterfully balances the thrill of a locked-room puzzle with themes of female solidarity and resilience.

Readers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the Golden Age of Mystery, where the authors’ real-life personalities and literary styles shape their detective work. The story celebrates their ingenuity while shedding light on the challenges women faced in a male-dominated literary world. With twists reminiscent of the authors’ own novels, the book culminates in a satisfying resolution that underscores the power of collaboration.