Take a photo of a barcode or cover
kristineisreading 's review for:
The Queens of Crime
by Marie Benedict
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.