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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
slow-paced
This is a cozy mystery from a historical fiction perspective. The Queens of Crime actually refers to four real life female English novelists from the 1930s, which was considered to be the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction". The women, after feeling unappreciated and undervalued, decide to take on a real case to try to solve to prove their detective prowess. The novel highlights their efforts to solve the crime of a murder of a young girl where police have no leads, while they forge a strong sisterhood between them.
The Queens of Crime is cozy and a cute but a little dull. Overall, I enjoyed it but don't think it will be very memorable.
The Queens of Crime is cozy and a cute but a little dull. Overall, I enjoyed it but don't think it will be very memorable.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery/female friendship story set in 1930 in London. 5 of the greatest female crime writers of the time, Dorothy Sayers, her primary rival, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Marjorie Alligham and Baroness Emma Orczy, work together to solve an actual murder in order to show their worth to the men in the famous Detective Club. The women travel to France to find the truth behind the death of a young English nurse, who police have treated as expendable. They become increasingly entrenched in the murder mystery and eventually put themselves at risk. The mystery is the heart of the story, but considerable time is spent on the developing friendships between the 5 women. The author details the prejudices women faced during this time, especially the disregard of middle aged women.
I listened to the audio version of this novel and found the actor’s voice perfectly suited for the story. Overall it’s an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of cozy mysteries like Agatha Christie’s. 4/5⭐️
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced audio version of this novel. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date: 2/11/25
I listened to the audio version of this novel and found the actor’s voice perfectly suited for the story. Overall it’s an enjoyable read that I would recommend to fans of cozy mysteries like Agatha Christie’s. 4/5⭐️
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced audio version of this novel. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date: 2/11/25
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Very good "who done it?" Mystery the author did a good job weaving themes together. I would definitely read again
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage, Abortion
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book had a lot of potential. I liked the concept and the subtext, but I was bored by the execution. I'm sure many others would like this book, but I generally struggle with historical fiction as it is. So it's 3 stars for effort on its own.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Enjoyed seeing Dorothy Sayers created as a character. What a delight to have five female writers depicted as working together to solve a mystery of a young nurse’s murder.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Murder
Minor: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Classism
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
I love historical fiction and true crime, so having a them paired together made for a compelling read! All of the queens, Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Baroness Emma Orczy, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham were fierce and dedicated to solving the murder of May Daniels, which made them so easy to root for. I loved picking apart the mystery as they uncovered clues often utilizing their own writing to direct where to look next or how they would write this kind of "locked door mystery." It was a bit of a slow burn as they grew closer to the truth with plenty of dangers lurking in the shadows. It will keep you on your toes!
🎧The audiobook version is spectacular. Bessie Carter does an incredible job at bringing life to these literary icons. She brings a unique dialect and voice to not only the Queens but every character. I highly recommend listening to this one!
Read if you love:
📚 Historical Fiction
🔎 Mysteries
💪🏻 Strong FMCs
🖋️ Crime Writers (especially if you love Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers)
🎧The audiobook version is spectacular. Bessie Carter does an incredible job at bringing life to these literary icons. She brings a unique dialect and voice to not only the Queens but every character. I highly recommend listening to this one!
Read if you love:
📚 Historical Fiction
🔎 Mysteries
💪🏻 Strong FMCs
🖋️ Crime Writers (especially if you love Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers)
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No