The Queens of Crime: A Novel

The Queens of Crime: A Novel

INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER AND INDIE BESTSELLER! From the New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie ―a thrilling story of the five greatest women writers of the Golden Age of Mystery and their bid to solve a real-life murder. London, 1930. The five greatest women crime writers have banded together to form a secret society with a single goal: to show they are no longer willing to be treated as second class citizens by their male counterparts in the legendary Detection Club. Led by the formidable Dorothy L. Sayers, the group includes Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. They call themselves the Queens of Crime. Their plan? Solve an actual murder, that of a young woman found strangled in a park in France who may have connections leading to the highest levels of the British establishment. May Daniels, a young English nurse on an excursion to France with her friend, seemed to vanish into thin air as they prepared to board a ferry home. Months later, her body is found in the nearby woods. The murder has all the hallmarks of a locked room mystery for which these authors are famous: how did her killer manage to sneak her body out of a crowded train station without anyone noticing? If, as the police believe, the cause of death is manual strangulation, why is there is an extraordinary amount of blood at the crime scene? What is the meaning of a heartbreaking secret letter seeming to implicate an unnamed paramour? Determined to solve the highly publicized murder, the Queens of Crime embark on their own investigation, discovering they’re stronger together. But soon the killer targets Dorothy Sayers herself, threatening to expose a dark secret in her past that she would do anything to keep hidden. Inspired by a true story in Sayers’ own life, New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict brings to life the lengths to which five talented women writers will go to be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of letters as they unpuzzle a mystery torn from the pages of their own novels. Praise for The Queens of Crime : USA Today Bestseller Indie Bestseller One of Library Journal's Best Books of 2025 “A delightful blend of historical fiction and suspense.” ― People magazine “Benedict presents an irresistible premise for fans of classic detective fiction.” ― The Washington Post “Catnip to fans of golden-age mysteries … Benedict lets her characters’ distinct personalities bloom as their literary skills translate into a genuine investigation.” ― Air Mail "Benedict balances the dangers in her book with colorful settings, deft characterizations and plenty of charm." ― The Wall Street Journal “Danger and intrigue come alive in this tale set in 1930s London and inspired by a true story.” ― Woman’s World “Clever and engaging … The Queens of Crime demands readers rediscover these masters’ works, which continue to inspire new generations of writers. It is a meticulously researched novel based on historical fact and featuring real people.” ― South Florida Sun Sentinel “An ingenious idea goes a long way in The Queens of Crime ... Benedict has something special with her quintet.” ― The Minnesota Star-Tribune “Absolute tour de force.” ― Hank Phillipi Ryan for BookTrib “Spellbinding, a surefire hit ... Equal parts historical fiction and compelling whodunit, The Queens of Crime is Marie Benedict at her best, a lively takedown of the patriarchy backed by real-world examples and true grit.” ― Bookreporter.com “Mystery fans may know the classic novels by the real queens of crime; now, thanks to historical-fiction star Benedict’s cleverly realized portraits of women committed to friendship and feminism, readers will know the wise, empathetic, and resourceful people who wrote them.” ― Booklist , starred review “In this excellent novel, Benedict vividly brings to life real Golden Age mystery novelists ... Fans of Benedict’s previous novels and those who enjoy historical whodunits will find this hard to put down.” ― Library Journal , starred review “Benedict continues to display her skill at bringing historic figures fully to life … with vivid period details and lively conversations … Riveting.” ― Shelf Awareness “A shrewd, speculative whodunit … Benedict easily brings each of her five distinct writer/sleuths to life, and honors their literary legacies by providing plenty of ingenious, fair-play clues to help careful readers follow along and solve the central mystery. This is a treat for fans of golden age whodunits.” ― Publishers Weekly “In this marvelous locked-room puzzle, we’re treated to a masterclass in solving mysteries from the grand dames of the form … A delight from beginning to end.” ― firstCLUE reviews “I was riveted by this quintet of mystery writers... Smart, biting, and a tribute to female friendship and loyalty. An absolute delight!” ―Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectac