Marie Benedict’s latest historical thriller, “The Queens of Crime,” weaves an intricate tapestry of mystery, feminism, and friendship against the backdrop of 1930s London. This compelling narrative brings together five legendary women mystery writers in a quest to solve a real-life murder, while confronting their own personal demons and societal constraints.
The Plot: A Murder Mystery Worthy of Its Protagonists
In 1931 London, Dorothy L. Sayers leads a formidable group of women crime writers – Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy – who band together to investigate the mysterious death of May Daniels, a young English nurse found strangled near Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. The case bears striking similarities to the locked-room mysteries these authors are famous for writing: May seemingly vanished from a train station washroom, only to be discovered months later in a wooded area, with peculiar evidence suggesting both manual strangulation and significant blood loss.
Character Development: Five Queens, One Mission
Benedict masterfully brings these literary legends to life, each with distinct personalities that both align with and transcend their historical personas:
Dorothy L. Sayers emerges as the natural leader, carrying her own devastating secret while championing justice for May
Agatha Christie, still recovering from her own infamous disappearance, brings quiet insight and methodical thinking
Ngaio Marsh offers bold, modern perspectives with her characteristic New Zealand frankness
Margery Allingham contributes youthful enthusiasm and keen observation
Baroness Emma Orczy provides aristocratic connections and surprising street smarts
Writing Style and Structure
Benedict adopts a sophisticated narrative approach that mirrors the classic mystery novels of the era while maintaining contemporary pacing. The story unfolds through Dorothy’s perspective, allowing readers intimate access to her thoughts and fears while maintaining the period’s proper decorum.
Strengths:
Meticulous historical research shines through in every detail
Authentic portrayal of 1930s London society and culture
Complex mystery plot with multiple layers and red herrings
Strong character development and group dynamics
Thoughtful exploration of women’s rights and societal expectations
Areas for Improvement:
Some plot threads could be more tightly woven
Certain secondary characters remain underdeveloped
The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections
A few modern sensibilities occasionally seep into the historical setting
Historical Context and Relevance
Benedict excels at highlighting the challenges faced by women in the 1930s, particularly:
The “surplus women” phenomenon post-WWI
Professional barriers in male-dominated fields
Social stigmas surrounding unwed mothers
The power dynamics in publishing and literary circles
Literary Merit and Social Commentary
The novel works on multiple levels – as a compelling mystery, historical fiction, and commentary on women’s rights and professional recognition. Benedict skillfully incorporates themes of:
Female friendship and solidarity
The cost of keeping secrets
Professional rivalry versus sisterhood
Justice versus revenge
Comparison to Other Works
This novel stands apart from Benedict’s previous works like “The Mystery of Mrs. Christie” and “Lady Clementine” in its ensemble cast approach. While it shares her trademark attention to historical detail and strong female protagonists, “The Queens of Crime” offers a unique blend of fact and fiction that will appeal to fans of both historical mysteries and literary fiction.
Technical Elements
Plot Construction:
The mystery unfolds methodically, with well-placed clues and satisfying revelations. Benedict maintains tension through:
Multiple timelines
Parallel investigations
Personal and professional conflicts
Escalating stakes
Setting:
The author creates a vivid sense of time and place through:
Rich period details
Authentic dialogue
Accurate historical references
Atmospheric descriptions
Final Verdict
“The Queens of Crime” is a sophisticated blend of historical fiction and mystery that largely succeeds in its ambitious goals. While some elements could be more polished, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its minor flaws.
Who Should Read This Book:
Historical fiction enthusiasts
Mystery lovers
Fans of feminist literature
Readers interested in literary history
Those who enjoy ensemble cast narratives
Impact and Significance
Benedict has created more than just another historical mystery; she’s crafted a thoughtful exploration of female friendship, professional recognition, and justice. The novel serves as both entertainment and commentary on issues that remain relevant today.
Similar Books to Consider:
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles
“The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn
Conclusion
“The Queens of Crime” represents Marie Benedict at her most ambitious, successfully bringing together historical figures, mystery elements, and social commentary. While not perfect, it’s a compelling addition to the historical fiction genre that will leave readers contemplating its themes long after the final page.
Despite some minor pacing issues and occasional modern sensibilities creeping into the historical setting, the novel’s strengths—particularly its character development, historical accuracy, and complex mystery plot—make it a worthwhile read for fans of both historical fiction and classic mysteries.
The book serves as a fitting tribute to these pioneering women writers while delivering an engaging mystery that would make its protagonists proud. Benedict has created a work that entertains while illuminating an important chapter in literary history and women’s rights.