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abookwormwithwine 's review for:
The Queens of Crime
by Marie Benedict
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
My first time reading Marie Benedict was her 2020 release The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, and I can’t believe I waited until her 2025 release to read her again! The Queens of Crime was absolute perfection and I loved the little nod to Agatha Christie’s famed disappearance in 1926. Even though I haven’t read Christie (gasp!) I can tell that Benedict is heavily influenced by her as well as other greats, and that’s not simply because she put them together in this book. The premise of the secret society of women crime writers putting their skills together to solve a murder hooked me immediately and I loved the backdrop of 1930s London.
The audiobook is just as fantastic as the book itself and the amazing actress Bessie Carter is unbelievably talented. She seamlessly transitioned through multiple accents, and I especially loved the way she voiced Ngaio. She gave each of the 5 ladies a distinct voice and made every single character feel alive. I really hope she dives further into the audiobook narration world as I would love to listen to her again. (Good time to note she is also the narrator for Reputation by Lex Croucher).
The mystery itself was thrilling and filled with red herrings and plenty of twists, and I didn’t figure out who the killer was before it was revealed. Dorothy Sayers was a formidable leading lady in the group, and she was definitely the most fully formed of the 5 FMCs. I loved this world that Benedict created, and I never wanted to leave it. I had so much fun following along with their investigation and was happy to have a few ah-ha moments along the way. Also, do make sure to catch the author’s note which is also in the audiobook!
Read this if you are looking for historical fiction focused on real female writers, cunning investigation, and a brilliant intricately woven plot.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is just as fantastic as the book itself and the amazing actress Bessie Carter is unbelievably talented. She seamlessly transitioned through multiple accents, and I especially loved the way she voiced Ngaio. She gave each of the 5 ladies a distinct voice and made every single character feel alive. I really hope she dives further into the audiobook narration world as I would love to listen to her again. (Good time to note she is also the narrator for Reputation by Lex Croucher).
The mystery itself was thrilling and filled with red herrings and plenty of twists, and I didn’t figure out who the killer was before it was revealed. Dorothy Sayers was a formidable leading lady in the group, and she was definitely the most fully formed of the 5 FMCs. I loved this world that Benedict created, and I never wanted to leave it. I had so much fun following along with their investigation and was happy to have a few ah-ha moments along the way. Also, do make sure to catch the author’s note which is also in the audiobook!
Read this if you are looking for historical fiction focused on real female writers, cunning investigation, and a brilliant intricately woven plot.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.