Shantha (ShanthasBookEra)'s Reviews > The Queens of Crime

The Queens of Crime is a nod to the five greatest female Golden Age mystery novelists: Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. They are members of the newly formed Detection Club, which still exists today. Treated poorly by the club's men due to sexism, the Queens use their mystery writing skills to solve a real case: the strangulation of an English nurse found in a park in France. This locked-room style mystery is well-suited to their skills and a great way to gain respect from their male counterparts. As they investigate the crime further, Dorothy becomes targeted by the killer. It's hard to know who to trust as the Queens suspect this could go up high in the British government.

Benedict does a splendid job of illustrating the bias against female victims. There are parallels to women in today's workplace. How far is one willing to go to get the recognition one deserves? As a woman, do you ever feel marginalized by not being taken seriously? I also loved the strong, historic female characters that Benedict carefully crafted and the fierce friendships among group members. For lovers of historical fiction and mystery, this book is a must-read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Marie Benedict for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.