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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
The Queens of Crime is a smart mystery with a satisfying payoff. The concept is intriguing from the get-go: five renowned female mystery writers band together to solve the real-life mystery of young May Daniels' death. The idea starts as a way to gain acceptance from the male members of Dorothy's Detection Club, but they soon grow frustrated with the press and the police for writing May off as a drug addict, and their investigation takes on a deeper meaning. The story highlights the inequalities women faced in the early 1930s and how awful men can be towards women. On a lighter note, the joys and strengths of female friendship also play a large role. The bonds between the women steadily grow as they work together. Ultimately, it's this teamwork and respect that drives them towards the conclusion of the book. A few things fell into place a little too neatly (the Pinkerton agent for example), but it wrapped up dramatically and satisfyingly.
I did have a few qualms about the book, most glaringly Dorothy's relationship with her husband Mac. There is some conflict there that never gets resolved and doesn't seem to serve much purpose. I also never felt entirely connected to Dorothy herself. I don't feel like I got to know her that deeply as a person rather than just a mystery writer doing some amateur detective work. These are minor quibbles though and I enjoyed this very much overall.
I did have a few qualms about the book, most glaringly Dorothy's relationship with her husband Mac. There is some conflict there that never gets resolved and doesn't seem to serve much purpose. I also never felt entirely connected to Dorothy herself. I don't feel like I got to know her that deeply as a person rather than just a mystery writer doing some amateur detective work. These are minor quibbles though and I enjoyed this very much overall.
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
Perfect blend of mystery and historical fiction!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is an enchanting tale about older English women who enjoy sleuthing.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my review!
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in the 1930's with all of the great mystery writers that we have come to know and love. Led by Dorothy Sayers the "Queens of Crime" as they dub themselves also includes the authors Agatha Christy, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and the Baroness Emma Orczy.
I thought that it was really fascinating to take these real life authors who pioneered detective and crime novels in the 1930's and give them a sort of origin story. While these authors have already been writing at the start of the novel the group came together out of necessity to prove to themselves and their colleagues that they were as good as they claimed to be by solving the case of a missing woman. Part historical fiction and part cozy mystery this was a great look at what life would have been like for these women in the 1930's in a time where men still held most of the power. This novel is centered around feminism, both in the relationships and support between the five women, but also in the way that they all come together to help May, the nurse who has disappeared and the other girls that they meet along the way.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in the 1930's with all of the great mystery writers that we have come to know and love. Led by Dorothy Sayers the "Queens of Crime" as they dub themselves also includes the authors Agatha Christy, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and the Baroness Emma Orczy.
I thought that it was really fascinating to take these real life authors who pioneered detective and crime novels in the 1930's and give them a sort of origin story. While these authors have already been writing at the start of the novel the group came together out of necessity to prove to themselves and their colleagues that they were as good as they claimed to be by solving the case of a missing woman. Part historical fiction and part cozy mystery this was a great look at what life would have been like for these women in the 1930's in a time where men still held most of the power. This novel is centered around feminism, both in the relationships and support between the five women, but also in the way that they all come together to help May, the nurse who has disappeared and the other girls that they meet along the way.